Usual Opioid Dosing Does Not Adversely Affect the Course of Healthcare-Associated Clostridioides Difficile Infection

Abstract

Aim: We sought to determine if opioid exposure may have a detrimental effect on the course of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Materials & methods: We compared opioid exposure in patients with well-defined severe CDI and non-severe CDI. Results: Following exclusions, 403 records were reviewed. Of this group, 128/403 (31.7%) were determined to have severe CDI by strict criteria, and 275/403 (68.3%) were found to have non-severe CDI. Full multivariate regression and reduced model of potential predictors for severe CDI showed no association with opioids prescribed. Conclusion: Opioid exposure (predominantly in modest range) does not appear to be a risk factor for severe healthcare-associated CDI.

Keywords::

• Clostridium difficile infection
• healthcare-associated infections
• nosocomial infections
• opioids
• pain management
• severe Clostridioides difficile infection

Author contributions

Each author has fulfilled all qualifications for authorship and have agreed upon the contents of the manuscript.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledged M Broce, for additional input on statistical analysis, and S Chillag, for general review and analysis.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

This study received full approval from the Investigational Review Board (West Virginia University HSC, Charleston/Charleston Area Medical Center) which complies with international standards.