A test from four easily measurable clinical variables can accurately predict risk of death in patients infected with C. diff, according to a paper published in BMC Infectious Diseases.
English research teams examined hospital records and post-discharge data from more than 200 patients transferred to a specialized C. diff ward between 2007 and 2009. The four component measures they identified were serum albumin levels, respiratory rate, C-reactive protein and white cell count.
The final death-risk prediction is based on combined threshold levels for each of the four tests.
Researchers think that the simplicity of the new prediction may allow better treatment of C. diff and better management of severe C. diff cases from all levels of healthcare professionals.
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