title: Univariate and multivariate analysis of risk factors for severe Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea: importance of co-morbidity and serum C-reactive protein.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate risk factors for severe clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD) in hospitalised patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analysed risk factors for severe CDAD (associated with systemic signs of hypovolemia) in 124 hospitalised patients by retrospective chart review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Severe CDAD was present in 27 patients (22%). Statistical analysis showed a significant association with a higher 30-d mortality (33% vs 4%, P < 0.001) and a higher proportion of longer hospital stay exceeding 14 d (74% vs 52%, P = 0.048). Charlson co-morbidity score (OR 1.29 for 1 point increment, P < 0.05) and serum C-reactive protein at diagnosis (OR 1.15 for 10 mg/L increment, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of severe CDAD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients with a severe level of co-morbidity and high serum C-reactive protein levels at the time of diagnosis should receive particular attention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Bonn, Bonner Talweg 4-6, Bonn D-53113, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hardt
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Berns
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Treder
authors.forename: Franz-Ludwig
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Dumoulin
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016360:Clostridioides difficile / Q000378:metabolism*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000401:mortality*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020896:Hypovolemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D002097:C-Reactive Protein