Retrospective Analysis of Clostridioides difficile Infection Rates and Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Unicenter Study in Reus, Spain

Identifier:  TFG:8051

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG8051

Authors:  Peralta Vázquez, Antonio

Abstract:
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) ranges from mild diarrhea to severe conditions like pseudomembranous colitis or toxic megacolon. The COVID-19 pandemic altered healthcare practices, potentially affecting CDI incidence. A retrospective study at Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan in Reus, Spain, analyzed adult CDI cases from January 2020 to December 2022. Results indicated an overall decrease in CDI and COVID-19 rates in 2022 but a notable increase in CDI among oncology patients. Factors linked to higher mortality and prolonged hospital stays included older age, cancer, chronic kidney disease, higher Charlson and McCabe indices, elevated C-reactive protein, and low albumin levels.