Increased Hospitalizations and Deaths from Diarrhea Linked to Clostridium difficile
Author Information
Author(s): Floyd Frost, Gunther F. Craun, Rebecca L. Calderon
Primary Institution: Southwest Center for Managed Care Research
Hypothesis
Has the incidence of hospitalizations or deaths due to infectious diarrhea changed during the past decade, and if so, which specific pathogens are responsible for these changes?
Conclusion
The study found that hospitalization and death rates due to bacterial causes of diarrhea have increased, particularly due to Clostridium difficile infections.
Supporting Evidence
- Hospitalization rates for bacterial causes increased more than fourfold from 1985 to 1994.
- Age-adjusted death rates for bacterial causes increased from 0.060 per 100,000 in 1980 to 0.104 per 100,000 in 1994.
- 73% of hospitalizations due to uncoded enteric pathogens were attributed to Clostridium difficile infection.
- 88% of Washington State death certificates coded to unspecified enteric pathogen infections listed C. difficile infection.
Takeaway
Doctors looked at how many people got sick or died from diarrhea over the years and found that more people are getting sick from a germ called Clostridium difficile.
Methodology
The study analyzed national hospitalization and death data from 1980 to 1996, focusing on enteric pathogens and using ICD9 coding.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to improved coding practices and diagnostic accuracy over time.
Limitations
The study is based on data from one hospital system and one state, which may not represent national trends.
Participant Demographics
The study included data on various age groups, particularly focusing on children and the elderly.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.00001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.00001
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