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Optimum timing of blood tests for monitoring patients with Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea.
J Investig Med. 2010 Apr;58(4):621-4
Authors: Bhangu A, Czapran A, Bhangu S, Pillay D
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.
PMID: 20224434 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]