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Updated: Aug 1, 2025
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A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
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Characteristics of Hospitalized Adults 55 and Older With Clostridioides difficile Infection
Anna W Boone1,2,3,4,5, Thomas P McCoy1,2,3,4,5, Laurie Kennedy-Malone1,2,3,4,5
1Anna W. Boone, PhD, ANP-BC, is Adult Nurse Practitioner, Rockingham Gastroenterology Associates, Cone Health, Reidsville, North Carolina.
Summary
Recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is common in older adults, particularly those with chronic conditions like hypertension. Electronic health records can help identify at-risk patients for targeted care.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) poses significant risks for older adults, including severe illness and treatment challenges.
- Limited research exists on the specific characteristics of hospitalized older adults experiencing recurrent CDI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of hospitalized older adults (≥55 years) with initial CDI and subsequent recurrences.
- To identify factors associated with recurrent CDI in this demographic using electronic health record data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing routinely documented electronic health record data.
- Analysis of 1,199 admissions across 871 patients diagnosed with initial CDI.
- Examination of patient demographics, discharge dispositions, and comorbidities.
Main Results:
- A CDI recurrence rate of 23.9% was observed among the studied older adult population.
- Recurrence was more frequent in patients aged 55-64, those discharged to skilled nursing facilities, or receiving home health services.
- Hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease were significantly more prevalent in patients with recurrent CDI.
Conclusions:
- Routinely captured electronic health record data can effectively identify older adults at higher risk for recurrent CDI.
- Targeted interventions during acute hospitalizations are crucial for reducing morbidity, mortality, and recurrence rates in this vulnerable population.
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