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Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery

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01-09-2008 | original article

Clostridium difficile Infection: A Surgical Disease in Evolution

Authors: Joshua L. Hermsen, Cosmin Dobrescu, Kenneth A. Kudsk

Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery | Issue 9/2008

Abstract

Introduction

Several recent publications suggest an increase in the incidence of Clostridium difficile colitis. However, such studies commonly lack denominators over which to index this rise. There is also concern in the literature that disease virulence is increasing.

Methods

Billing, admission, operative, and infection databases at a single tertiary care center identified patients admitted from 1990 to 2006 with a diagnosis of C. difficile infection. Grouped by era, case numbers were indexed against overall hospital, operative, and laboratory volumes. C. difficile colectomy cases were individually examined and analyzed.

Results

The number of hospitalized patients diagnosed with C. difficile colitis increased in a linear fashion during the study period (1990, 14 cases; 2006, 927 cases). The colectomy per C. difficile case ratio did not change over the study period (era 1, 0.17%; era 2, 0.20%; era 3, 0.16%). Thirteen patients underwent colectomy with 54% surviving. The increase in patients admitted with a diagnosis of C. difficile was significantly associated with hospital volume (p = 0.04), operative volume (p < 0.001), and lab testing volume (p = 0.008).

Conclusion

The number of C. difficile patients admitted to our hospital is rising at an alarming rate. This reflects national trends and urgent action seems warranted to prevent a C. difficile epidemic.

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Title: Clostridium difficile Infection: A Surgical Disease in Evolution
Authors: Joshua L. Hermsen
Cosmin Dobrescu
Kenneth A. Kudsk
Publication date: 01-09-2008
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery / Issue 9/2008
Print ISSN: 1091-255X
Electronic ISSN: 1873-4626
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-008-0569-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Clostridium difficile Infection: A Surgical Disease in Evolution

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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