Abstract

SILVA, João Dinis et al. Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea: An eight-year retrospective review. J Port Gastrenterol. [online]. 2012, vol.19, n.6, pp.284-289. ISSN 0872-8178.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpg.2012.07.011.

Introduction: In developed countries, Clostridium difficile is responsible for almost all cases of hospital acquired diarrhea and its incidence, morbidity and mortality have increased substantially over the years. The main risk factors implicated are recent antibiotic usage, increasing age and prolonged hospitalization. Objectives: To characterize the occurrence of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea in our institution, in an eight-year period between 2000 and 2008, with the analysis of the potentially implicated risk factors. Material and methods:We conducted a retrospective study where we considered patients admitted to our institution between January/2000 and December/2008 with the diagnosis of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea and recorded information regarding risk factors, diagnostic procedures, treatment and complications. For the statistical analysis, t Student test and Fisher’s exact test were used. Results: We identified 37 cases of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea in the study period (mean age 76 years), 16 of which occurred in the year 2008. Penicillins, quinolones and cephalosporins were the most commonly involved classes of antibiotics. In 2008, carbapenems were used more frequently (p = 0,01), as were the proton pump inhibitors (p = 0,02) and the number of complications rose significantly (p = 0,01). Conclusions: In 2008 there was a higher incidence of Clostridium difficile associated diarrhea in our institution. We also encountered an increased use of carbapenems and proton pump inhibitors in that same time period.

Keywords : Nosocomial diahrrea; Clostridium difficile; Pseudomembranous colitis.

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