<i>Clostridium difficile</i> infection after total joint arthroplasty:: Who is at risk?

Kurd M. F., Pulido L., Joshi A., Purtill J. J., Parvizi J.

JOURNAL OF ARTHROPLASTY, vol.23, no.6, pp.839-842, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.arth.2007.10.033
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF ARTHROPLASTY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.839-842
  • Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea is a recognized postoperative complication. However, the exact risk factors for this condition after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remain unknown. This case-controlled study intended to identify the predisposing factors for this condition. There were 16 cases of C difficile infections after 9880 TJA (0.16% incidence) between January 2001 and May 2006 at our institution. The cases were matched with 32 controls for month/year of surgery and surgeon. This study suggests that patients with deteriorated physical status or those who receive greater than one antibiotic after surgery are at a higher risk for developing C diffcile-associated diarrhea after TJA.