Clostridioides difficile Infections among Pediatric Patients Hospitalized at an Oncology Department of a Tertiary Hospital in Poland

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Gastrointestinal tract infections caused by Clostridioides difficile bacteria are diagnosed in pediatric patients with increasing frequency. Children treated at pediatric units are a group of patients at high risk of this infection; therefore, appropriate differential diagnostics and an individual approach to every case are of particular importance. The goal of the study was to assess the clinical parameters of patients with a confirmed CD infection and colonization. Materials and Methods: Every positive case was subjected to a retrospective analysis based on medical history and an infection notification note. Results: Positive results were obtained for 30 patients, among whom the results of 18 patients were considered to justify the diagnosis of an infection. In the remaining patients, treatment was not initiated in only three cases. Cases were detected where treatment was initiated despite the lack of sufficient clinical evidence. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there are many factors that result in a high risk of the occurrence of CDI in oncology patients, such as antibiotic therapy, multiple hospitalizations, and myelosuppression.