Risk factors for the development of fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis.

Background: The development of fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis (FCDC) requires prompt operative intervention and is associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to use a case-control design to define the clinical and laboratory parameters that predict which patients with Clostridium difficile infection are most likely to progress to FCDC.

Methods: Cases from 1994 to 2006 with documented in-hospital progression of Clostridium difficile infection to FCDC were matched retrospectively at the start of medical therapy by age, sex, and intensive care unit (ICU) status to controls with Clostridium difficile infection who did not develop FCDC.