Factors associated with CDI included low albumin (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-2.34) and length of hospital stay before stool collection >18 days (aOR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.09-2.75).
Underlying dialysis, fever >38.3 °C, low median serum albumin levels and concomitant use of antibiotics were independent predictors of treatment failure in patients with CDI receiving metronidazole therapy.
Assessment of albumin levels should be part of the evaluation at presentation and considered when choosing treatment, rather than standard severity indexes for CDI.
High total leucocyte count and low albumin were significantly associated with mortality, as was the absence of a GI-invasive procedure in the 12 weeks preceding CDI diagnosis, probably due to patients being unfit for the procedure.