Risk Factors Associated with Clostridium difficile Infection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background and aim: Clostridium difficile infection [CDI] is a significant concern in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Risk factors and consequences associated with CDI in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients are important to characterize. The aim of this research was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on risk factors and outcomes associated with CDI in IBD patients.

Methods: Multiple databases were searched for studies investigating risk factors, colectomy and mortality risk in IBD patients with and without CDI. This was stratified by short [<3 months] and long-term [>1 year] outcomes. Summary estimates were calculated using a random-effects model. Quality assessment used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results: Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria. Antibiotics use within 30 days of diagnosis was associated with CDIs (odds ratio [OR]: 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.36, 2.52). Colonic involvement in Crohn's disease patients was associated with significantly higher CDI rates [OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.75, 4.35]. There was a significant association between biologic medication use and CDI [OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.18, 2.30], with minimal heterogeneity [I2 = 4.0%]. The long-term colectomy risk was significantly higher for IBD patients with CDI compared with that for IBD patients without CDI [OR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.17, 4.18]. Significantly higher mortality was found for CDI in IBD patients both short-term [OR: 3.84, 95% CI: 2.62, 5.61] and long-term [OR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.58, 8.44]. Substantial heterogeneity existed. Most studies were of moderate quality.

Conclusion: Colonic involvement, and biologic and antibiotic use appear to be risk factors associated with CDI among IBD patients. CDI is associated with increased short- and long-term mortality.