Clinical characteristics and risk factors analysis of Clostridioides difficile infection in ulcerative colitis patients during biologic therapy

Objective To investigate the risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) during biologic therapy. Methods Patients diagnosed with UC who received Infliximab (IFX) or Vedolizumab (VDZ) were enrolled. Their clinical characteristics and risk factors for CDI were analyzed. Results A total of 110 UC patients treated with IFX (61 cases) or VDZ (49 cases) were included. The overall positive rate of Clostridioides difficile ( C. difficile ) was 28.2%. Positive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-DNA, a modified Mayo score ≥11 points, and a history of glucocorticoids use within 2 months before admission were independent risk factors for CDI in UC patients receiving IFX/VDZ therapy. The incidence of CDI was the highest within 0–3 months after IFX/VDZ treatment. Conclusion Positive EBV-DNA, a modified Mayo score ≥11 points, and a history of glucocorticoids use within 2 months before admission were independent risk factors for CDI in UC patients during IFX/VDZ therapy.