[Clostridium difficile outbreak in surgical wards].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical consequences of a hospital outbreak of Clostridium difficile infections in the Netherlands.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Diakonessen Hospital Utrecht, the Netherlands.


METHODS
In the period from 1 August 1995 to 1 September 1996 C. difficile infections were recorded (gastrointestinal symptoms after use of antibiotics and findings at C. difficile toxin assay in faeces, or sigmoidoscopy). The monthly incidence of infections increased to 5 patients in December 1995; at that time strict hygienic measures were implemented and perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis was adjusted. Data on the clinical course were collected retrospectively from the records of the patients involved.


RESULTS
In 20 patients, admitted for various reasons to the surgical wards, hospital stay was complicated by a C. difficile infection. The mean age was 70 years. Eleven patients presented with diarrhoea, eight patients had nausea and vomiting as well. Diagnosis was confirmed by C. difficile toxin determination in most patients (n = 15). Despite antibiotic treatment in 19 patients, recurrences were seen in five patients (25%) and five patients died (25%). The monthly incidence declined to 0-1 per month.


CONCLUSIONS
C. difficile infections in surgical patients carry a significant morbidity and mortality. Preventive hygienic measures are important to control spread of the infection.
van Dalen
T
T
Afd. Chirurgie, Diakonessenhuis, Utrecht.
van Dijk
Y
Y
Kaan
J A
JA
Diepersloot
R J
RJ
Leguit
P
P
D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D016360:Clostridioides difficile / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004761:Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000382:microbiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013503:Surgery Department, Hospital
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents