# A retrospective chart review assessing antibiotic treatment of hospitalized patients with discordant Clostridioides difficile assays in an urban hospitalized setting

## TL;DR

This study examines how age affects antibiotic treatment decisions in patients with conflicting C. difficile test results in a hospital setting.

## Contribution

The study identifies age as a significant factor in antibiotic prescription decisions following discordant CDI testing.

## Key findings

- Patients aged 65+ years were more likely to receive antibiotics after discordant testing.
- Discordant testing results influenced treatment decisions in hospitalized patients.
- Two-step testing helps avoid over-treatment by improving diagnostic specificity.

## Abstract

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) threatens vulnerable populations in health care. Two-step testing improves specificity, avoiding over-treatment. This study analyzed inpatient records to estimate diagnostic outcomes and identify characteristics associated with treatment after discordant testing. Among discordant patients, those aged 65+ years were significantly more likely to be prescribed antibiotics (67% vs 39%).