Optimum timing of blood tests for monitoring patients with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.

Bhangu, Aneel, Czapran, Adam, Bhangu, Sonia and Pillay, Devadas (2010) Optimum timing of blood tests for monitoring patients with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea. Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research, 58 (4). pp. 621-4. ISSN 1708-8267.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify optimum timing of blood tests and suitable cutoff values when managing patients with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), in relation to early mortality.

METHODS

Review of 204 patients treated as inpatients for a first episode of CDAD from January to December 2008. Differences in values during the first 7 days of CDAD for white cell count (WCC), albumin, C-reactive protein, and creatinine between those who died and survivors to 30 days were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests. Cutoff values were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS

Overall 30-day mortality was 27% (n = 56/204). White cell counts were significantly higher in those who died on the first 3 days (P < 0.001, P = 0.015, and P = 0.001, respectively). Median WCC in those who died was 20 x 10(9)/L or greater on both days 1 and 2. Albumin was significantly different on day 1 only (P = 0.003); C-reactive protein, and creatinine did not differ significantly on any day. The highest WCC in the first 3 days produced an area under the curve of 0.718 (P < 0.001). A WCC cutoff at 20 x 10(9)/L or greater when compared with 15 x 10(9) or greater had a higher positive predictive value (0.46 vs 0.34) and specificity (0.82 vs 0.60) but a lower sensitivity (0.49 vs 0.65). Mortality rates in the 2 groups were 46% and 34%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

White cell count in the first 3 days is the strongest serum predictor of mortality and should be routinely monitored. A WCC of 20 x 10(9)/L or greater may be the best cutoff value to objectively identify cases at higher risk of death.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	WC Communicabable diseases
Divisions:	Planned IP Care > General Surgery Clinical Support > Pathology
Related URLs:	Publisher
Depositing User:	Preeti Puligari
Date Deposited:	24 Jun 2014 15:00
Last Modified:	24 Jun 2014 15:00
URI:	http://www.repository.uhblibrary.co.uk/id/eprint/228

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