Clostridium difficile-related hospitalizations and risk factors for in-hospital mortality in Spain between 2001 and 2015

Predictive value of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin levels for negative outcomes in Clostridioides difficile infection

PURPOSE

We investigated the role of fecal calprotectin (FC) and lactoferrin (FL) as predictive biomarkers in Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI).

METHODS

We assembled a prospective cohort including all patients with a laboratory-confirmed CDI diagnosis between January and December 2017. FL and FC levels were measured at diagnosis by commercial ELISA and EIA kits. We investigated the diagnostic accuracy of FC and FL to predict CDI recurrence and severity (study outcomes) and explored optimal cut-off values in addition to those proposed by the manufacturers (200 µg/g and 7.2 µg/mL, respectively).

RESULTS

We included 170 CDI cases (152 first episodes and 18 recurrences). The rates of recurrence (first episodes only) and severity (entire cohort) were 9.2% (14/152) and 46.5% (79/170). Both FL and FC levels were significantly higher in patients who developed study outcomes. Optimal cut-off values for FC and FL to predict CDI recurrence were 1052 µg/g and 6.0 µg/mL. The optimal cut-off value for FC yielded higher specificity (60.9%) and positive predictive value (PPV) (16.9%) than that proposed by the manufacturer. Regarding CDI severity, the optimal cut-off value for FC (439 µg/g) also provided higher specificity (43.9%) and PPV (54.1%) than that of the manufacturer, whereas the optimal cut-off value for FL (4.6 µg/mL) resulted in an improvement of PPV (57.5%).

CONCLUSION

By modifying the thresholds for assay positivity, the measurement of FC and FL at diagnosis is useful to predict recurrence and severity in CDI. Adding these biomarkers to current clinical scores may help to individualize CDI management.

Clostridioides difficile Infection in an Italian Tertiary Care University Hospital: A Retrospective Analysis

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, mostly in frail patients. Notification is not mandatory in Italy, and data on incidence, risk of death, and recurrence are lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine CDI incidence and risk factors for mortality and recurrence. The "ICD-9 00845" code in hospital-standardized discharged forms (H-SDF) and microbiology datasets were used to retrieve CDI cases at Policlinico Hospital, Palermo between 2013 and 2022. Incidence, ward distribution, recurrence rate, mortality, and coding rate were considered. The risk of death and recurrence was predicted through multivariable analysis. There were 275 CDIs, 75% hospital-acquired, the median time between admission and diagnosis was 13 days, and the median stay was 21 days. Incidence increased from 0.3 to 5.6% (an 18.7-fold increase) throughout the decade. Only 48.1% of cases were coded in H-SDF. The rate of severe/severe-complicated cases increased 1.9 times. Fidaxomicin was used in 17.1% and 24.7% of cases overall and since 2019. Overall and attributable mortalities were 11.3% and 4.7%, respectively. Median time between diagnosis and death was 11 days, and recurrence rate was 4%. Bezlotoxumab was administered in 64% of recurrences. Multivariable analysis revealed that only hemodialysis was associated with mortality. No statistically significant association in predicting recurrence risk emerged. We advocate for CDI notification to become mandatory and recommend coding CDI diagnosis in H-SDF to aid in infection rate monitoring. Maximum attention should be paid to preventing people on hemodialysis from getting CDI.

The need for evolution in the management of febrile neutropenia in pediatric cancer: TRIIO KIDS update

New treatments have increased the life expectancy of pediatric patients diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases, often at the cost of protracting their immunocompromised state in the form of prolonged neutropenia. This neutropenic state favors the development of bacterial and fungal infections. Moreover, recent years have seen a series of changes in the epidemiology of fungal and Clostridium infections. These changes necessitate adaptations to the management of pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia, who are at risk of further increases in already high rates of morbidity and mortality. This article discusses the current bases for the management of febrile neutropenia and associated emerging fungal infections, as well as the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Clostridioides difficile in pediatric patients diagnosed with malignant hematological diseases.

Underrepresentation of women in randomized controlled trials: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Although regulatory changes towards correcting the underrepresentation of women in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) occurred (National Institutes of Health 1994), concerns exist about whether an improvement is taking place. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the inclusion rates of women in recent RCTs and to explore the potential barriers for the enrollment of women.

METHODS

RCTs published in 2017 examining any type of intervention in adults were searched in PubMed and Cochrane Library. The following predefined medical fields were included: cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, endocrine system diseases, respiratory tract diseases, bacterial and fungal infections, viral diseases, digestive system diseases, and immune system diseases. Studies were screened independently by two reviewers, and an equal number of studies was randomly selected per calendric month. The primary outcome was the enrollment rate of women, calculated as the number of randomized women patients divided by the total number of randomized patients. Rates were weighted by their inverse variance; statistical significance was tested using general linear models (GLM).

RESULTS

Out of 398 RCTs assessed for eligibility, 300 RCTs were included. The enrollment rate of women in all the examined fields was lower than 50%, except for immune system diseases [median enrollment rate of 68% (IQR 46 to 81)]. The overall median enrollment rate of women was 41% (IQR 27 to 54). The median enrollment rate of women decreased with older age of the trials' participants [mean age of trials' participants ≤ 45 years: 47% (IQR 30-64), 46-55 years: 46% (IQR 33-58), 56-62 years: 38% (IQR 27-50), ≥ 63 years: 33% (IQR 20-46), p < 0.001]. Methodological quality characteristics showed no significant association with the enrollment rates of women. Out of the 300 included RCTs, eleven did not report on the number of included women. There was no significant difference between these studies and the studies included in the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Women are being inadequately represented, in the selected medical fields analyzed in our study, in recent RCTs. Older age is a potential barrier for the enrollment of women in clinical trials. Low inclusion rates of elderly women might create a lack of crucial knowledge in the adverse effects and the benefit/risk profile of any given treatment. Factors that might hinder the participation of women should be sought and addressed in the design of the study.

Epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection in hospitalized patients in Spain: An eight-year review (2012-2019)

BACKGROUND

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a disease that is potentially preventable by vaccination. A good knowledge of its epidemiology, which can change over time, is warranted for prevention purposes and to help decision-making on the use of vaccines in public health programs. The objective of the research was to determine the epidemiology of healthcare-associated CDI (HA-CDI) and community-associated CDI (CA-CDI) in hospitalized patients in Spain using point prevalence data.

METHODS

Point prevalence survey data on infections of hospitalized patients for years 2012-2019 were analyzed. HA-CDI and CA-CDI prevalence rates were calculated. Both HA-CDI and CA-CDI, as well as age group prevalence rates, were examined for trends. Patient comorbidities were tested for association to CDI.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CDI in Spanish hospitals has grown exponentially from 14.1% in 2012 to 35.9% in 2019 (cases/10.000 hospitalized patients). Almost two thirds of the cases are of nosocomial onset. This increase was observed for HA-CDI and CA-CDI at an annual rate of 1.11% (CI 95% 1.08-1.15) and 1.09% (CI 95% 1.04-1.13), respectively. Patients 50 years old or older represent 87% of the total number of cases. Patients suffering from neoplasm (OR 1.39), immunodeficiency (OR 3.26), neutropenia (OR 3.70), cirrhosis (OR 1.92) and chronic renal failure (OR 1.91) have a significant increased risk of developing CDI, after adjusting for age.

CONCLUSION

In Spain, the prevalence rate of both HA-CDI and CA-CDI have been increasing. Burden of CDI as well as clinical and epidemiological characteristics of CDI patients will help to support public health decision-making.

Association of body mass index with Clostridioides difficile infection among older patients with pneumonia in Japan

AIM

Obesity is reported to be a risk factor for Clostridioides difficile infection. However, obesity rarely occurs in older Asian patients, and the effects of obesity on health and disease are different in Asian and Western countries. This study aimed to assess the association between body mass index and C. difficile infection risk among older patients with pneumonia in Japan.

METHODS

This retrospective observational cohort study used data from the nationwide database of acute hospital inpatients' data in Japan between July 2014 and March 2016. All patients aged ≥65 years admitted with a primary diagnosis of pneumonia were enrolled. Risk factors for C. difficile infection were determined by logistic regression analysis, including known risks as covariates.

RESULTS

Among 221 242 pneumonia patients, 611 developed C. difficile infection. Underweight patients (body mass index <18.5 kg/m² ) showed higher odds for C. difficile infection (odds ratio 1.38, 95% confidence interval 1.17-1.62, P < 0.001) than normal weight patients (body mass index 18.5-24.9 kg/m² ), whereas overweight patients (body mass index ≥25 kg/m² ) showed lower odds (odds ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.89, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Body mass index was associated with C. difficile infection in older pneumonia patients in Japan. Underweight was a risk factor, whereas overweight was a protective factor for C. difficile infection. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; ••: ••-••.

Epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection in hospitalized patients in Spain: An eight-year review (2012-2019)

BACKGROUND

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a disease that is potentially preventable by vaccination. A good knowledge of its epidemiology, which can change over time, is warranted for prevention purposes and to help decision-making on the use of vaccines in public health programs. The objective of the research was to determine the epidemiology of healthcare-associated CDI (HA-CDI) and community-associated CDI (CA-CDI) in hospitalized patients in Spain using point prevalence data.

METHODS

Point prevalence survey data on infections of hospitalized patients for years 2012-2019 were analyzed. HA-CDI and CA-CDI prevalence rates were calculated. Both HA-CDI and CA-CDI, as well as age group prevalence rates, were examined for trends. Patient comorbidities were tested for association to CDI.

RESULTS

The prevalence of CDI in Spanish hospitals has grown exponentially from 14.1% in 2012 to 35.9% in 2019 (cases/10.000 hospitalized patients). Almost two thirds of the cases are of nosocomial onset. This increase was observed for HA-CDI and CA-CDI at an annual rate of 1.11% (CI 95% 1.08-1.15) and 1.09% (CI 95% 1.04-1.13), respectively. Patients 50 years old or older represent 87% of the total number of cases. Patients suffering from neoplasm (OR 1.39), immunodeficiency (OR 3.26), neutropenia (OR 3.70), cirrhosis (OR 1.92) and chronic renal failure (OR 1.91) have a significant increased risk of developing CDI, after adjusting for age.

CONCLUSION

In Spain, the prevalence rate of both HA-CDI and CA-CDI have been increasing. Burden of CDI as well as clinical and epidemiological characteristics of CDI patients will help to support public health decision-making.

Economic burden of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection in adults admitted to Spanish hospitals. A multicentre retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is associated with increased hospital stays and mortality and a high likelihood of rehospitalization, leading to increased health resource use and costs. The objective was to estimate the economic burden of recurrent CDI (rCDI).

METHODS

Observational, retrospective study carried out in six hospitals. Adults aged ≥18 years with ≥1 confirmed diagnosis (primary or secondary) of rCDI between January 2010 and May 2018 were included. rCDI-related resource use included days of hospital stay (emergency room, ward, isolation and ICU), tests and treatments. For patients with primary diagnosis of rCDI, the complete hospital stay was attributed to rCDI. When diagnosis of rCDI was secondary, hospital stay attributed to rCDI was estimated using 1:1 propensity score matching as the difference in hospital stay compared to controls. Controls were hospitalizations without CDI recorded in the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database. The cost was calculated by multiplying the natural resource units by the unit cost. Costs (euros) were updated to 2019.

RESULTS

We included 282 rCDI episodes (188 as primary diagnosis): 66.31% of patients were aged ≥65 years and 57.80% were female. The mean hospital stay (SD) was 17.18 (23.27) days: 86.17% of rCDI episodes were isolated for a mean (SD) of 10.30 (9.97) days. The total mean cost (95%-CI) per episode was €10,877 (9,499-12,777), of which the hospital stay accounted for 92.56.

CONCLUSIONS

There is high cost and resource use associated with rCDI, highlighting the importance of preventing rCDI to the Spanish National Health System.

Risk of complications and mortality following recurrent and non-recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection: a retrospective observational database study in England

BACKGROUND

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) increases the risk of complications and mortality. We assessed the magnitude of these outcomes in a large cohort of English patients with initial and recurrent CDI.

AIM

To compare the risk of complications and all-cause mortality, within 12 months, among hospitalized patients ≥18 years old with hospital-associated- (HA-) CDI and recurrent CDI.

METHODS

Patients with HA-CDI during 2002-2013 were identified using inpatient hospital data linked to primary care and death data. Each HA-CDI case was frequency matched to two hospitalized patients without CDI on age group, sex, calendar year of admission, admission method and number of hospital care episodes. A second CDI episode starting on days 13-56 was defined as recurrence. Risks of mortality and complications at 12 months were analysed using Cox proportional hazard models.

FINDINGS

We included 6862 patients with HA-CDI and 13,724 without CDI. Median age was 81.0 years (IQR 71.0-87.0). Patients with HA-CDI had more comorbidities than those without CDI, and significantly higher risks of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.77 (1.67-1.87)) and complications (1.66 (1.46-1.88)) within 12 months from hospital admission. Of those with HA-CDI, 1140 (16.6%) experienced CDI recurrence. Patients with recurrent versus non-recurrent CDI also had significantly increased risk of mortality (1.32 (1.20-1.45)) and complications (1.37 (1.01-1.84)) in the 12 months from the initial CDI.

CONCLUSIONS

HA-CDI (versus no CDI) and recurrent CDI are both associated with significantly higher risks of complications or death within 12 months of the initial CDI episode.

Heart Failure Is a Risk Factor for Suffering and Dying of Clostridium difficile Infection. Results of a 15-Year Nationwide Study in Spain

Background: We aimed to (1) analyze time trends in the incidence and in-hospital outcomes of heart failure (HF) patients suffering Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI); (2) compare clinical characteristics of CDI patients between those with HF and matched non-HF patients; and (3) identify predictors of in-hospital mortality (IHM) among HF patients suffering CDI. Methods: Retrospective study using the Spanish National Hospital Discharge Database from 2001 to 2015. Patients of age ≥40 years with CDI were included. For each HF patient, we selected a year, age, sex, and readmission status-matched non-HF patient. Results: We found 44,695 patients hospitalized with CDI (15.46% with HF). HF patients had a higher incidence of CDI (202.05 vs. 145.09 per 100,000 hospitalizations) than patients without HF (adjusted IRR 1.35; 95% CI 1.31–1.40). IHM was significantly higher in patients with HF when CDI was coded as primary (18.39% vs. 7.63%; p < 0.001) and secondary diagnosis (21.12% vs. 14.76%; p < 0.001). Among HF patient’s predictor of IHM were older age (OR 8.80; 95% CI 2.55–20.33 for ≥85 years old), those with more comorbidities (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.12–2.53 for those with Charlson Comorbidity index ≥2), and in those with severe CDI (OR 6.19; 95% CI 3.80–10.02). Conclusions: This research showed that incidence of CDI was higher in HF than non-HF patients. HF is a risk factor for IHM after suffering CDI.