Risk Factors for Mortality Following Emergency Colectomy for Fulminant Clostridium difficile Infection

Abstract

Incidence of Clostridium difficile infection-related emergency colectomies increased 20-fold during the epidemic. Postoperative mortality can be predicted by simple laboratory parameters. Three-fourths of patients with leukocytosis greater or equal to 50.0 x10(9)/L or lactate greater or equal to 5.0 mmol/L died. When possible, emergency colectomy should be performed earlier.