Depression linked to C. difficile infection risk

Adults with major depression had higher CDI rates, and specific antidepressants plus living alone/widowhood also associated with infection risk.

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What CDI rates were observed by depression status?

282.9 vs 197.1 per 100,000 person-years with vs without depression.

What adjusted odds increase was reported for major depression?

36% higher odds of CDI after demographics, comorbidities, and visit frequency.

Among CDI cases, how common was prior major depression?

142 of 404 (35%) had major depression before CDI.

What complementary conclusion did authors draw?

Depression and some antidepressants associate with higher CDI likelihood.

Which social factors were also associated with CDI?

Widowhood and living alone.

What clinical caution did authors offer?

Clinicians giving antimicrobials to depressed patients should consider possible higher CDI risk.

How was depression ascertained in Study 1?

Physician ICD-9 diagnoses of major depression before CDI.

What population rates metric was used?

CDI cases per 100,000 person-years.

Why is CDI framed as important?

Leading antibiotic-associated diarrhea and major nosocomial infection.

What data linkage supported Study 1?

Health and Retirement Study linked to Medicare/CMS records.

Was ethics review obtained?

Yes—University of Michigan human subjects approval.