Clostridioides difficile infection in a long-term convalescence hospital: A real tale of pitfalls and outdated therapy

Objective. The aim of the study was to know the char-acteristics and risk factors of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in a long-term hospital is key to improve its manage-ment. Material and methods. Retrospective study with 37 pa-tients, along 43 months. We describe demographic variables, clinical data, time to diagnosis, treatment, and evolution. Results. Analysis of 46 episodes (37 patients, mean age=82.2 years). 77.8% were absolutely dependent, 41.7% had chronic kidney disease, 64.9% had received antibiotics in the previous three months, 40.5% received antibiotics at diagnosis. It was the first episode in 78.4%, and first recurrence in 21.6%. Therapy was started in the first 24 hours after diagnosis in 89.2%, mostly metronidazole. 83.3% recovered, 3 patients died from CDI, diagnosis was registered in the discharge report in 91.1%. Conclusions. Previous antibiotic therapy, high grade of dependency and renal failure were the main risk factors. There is room for improvement in CDI management at our hospital. Objective. The aim of the study was to know the characteristics and risk factors of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in a long-term hospital is key to improve its management. Material and methods. Retrospective study with 37 patients, along 43 months. We describe demographic variables, clinical data, time to diagnosis, treatment, and evolution. Results. Analysis of 46 episodes (37 patients, mean age=82.2 years). 77.8% were absolutely dependent, 41.7% had chronic kidney disease, 64.9% had received antibiotics in the previous three months, 40.5% received antibiotics at diagnosis. It was the first episode in 78.4%, and first recurrence in 21.6%. Therapy was started in the first 24 hours after diagnosis in 89.2%, mostly metronidazole. 83.3% recovered, 3 patients died from CDI, diagnosis was registered in the discharge report in 91.1%. Conclusions. Previous antibiotic therapy, high grade of dependency and renal failure were the main risk factors. There is room for improvement in CDI management at our hospital