CHICAGO – More and more elderly people are getting infected with Clostridium difficile, and many get readmitted to the hospital after initial treatment for this potentially deadly diarrheal illness. Why?
A large analysis of Medicare data identified risk factors for readmission due to C. difficile in the elderly, Dr. Courtney Collins of the University of Massachusetts, Worcester, and her associates reported at the annual Digestive Disease Week.
The first month after discharge from a C. difficile hospitalization appears to be a crucial time to think about preventing reinfection. Dr. Collins spoke with us about her findings, and how they will change her clinical practice and, perhaps, yours.
Dr. Collins reported having no disclosures.
On Twitter @sherryboschert