Risk factors of first recurrence of Clostridioides difficile infection

Abstract

Objectives: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) often recurs. Approximately 25% of patients have recurrences after the initial treatment, and patients who have relapsed once are more likely to relapse. We aimed to identify the risk factors for initial CDI recurrence.

Methods: We performed a retrospective survey of patient backgrounds and treatment-related factors. Risk factors were analyzed using single and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Results: A total of 134 patients were included in the study. Prophylactic probiotic use and nasogastric tube feeding were independent risk factors for the initial recurrence of CDI. Patients using prophylactic probiotics had significantly higher recurrence rates than those not using prophylactic probiotics.

Conclusion: Prophylactic probiotic use and nasogastric tube placement may be risk factors for the initial recurrence of CDI. It is noteworthy that CDI that occurs during the use of prophylactic probiotics may be prone to recurrence.

Keywords: Clostridioides difficile; Nasogastric (NG) tube; Probiotics; Recurrence; Risk factor.