Outcomes of Clostridium difficile infection in pediatric solid organ transplant recipients

Background: The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is increasing in the pediatric population. Pediatric recipients of solid organ transplantation (SOT) may be at a higher risk for CDI in part because of chemotherapy and prolonged hospitalization. Methods: We utilized data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database to study the incidence and outcomes related to CDI as a complicating factor in pediatric recipients of SOT. Results: Our results demonstrate that hospitalized children with SOT have increased rates of infection, with the greatest risk for younger children with additional comorbidities and severe illness. The type of transplanted organ affects the risk for CDI, with the lowest incidence observed in renal transplant patients. Conclusion: The occurrence of CDI in the pediatric SOT population contributes to a greater length of stay and higher hospital charges. However, CDI is not an independent predictor of increased in- hospital mortality in these patients.