Thrombin generation is increased in patients with Clostridium difficile colitis - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: There is only limited data in the literature on the thrombotic risk of patients with Clostridium difficile colitis, although this disease is widespread throughout the world.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore thrombin generation in these patients - the best way to evaluate their coagulation.

METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted during 15 months on hospitalized patients with Clostridium difficile colitis. Thrombin generation was performed in platelet-poor plasma using a Ceveron® alpha analyzer and was compared with a group of volunteer control subjects.

RESULTS: Thirty-three patients and 51 control subjects were enrolled in the study. Two biomarkers - mean velocity index and peak thrombin - were significantly higher in patient group, compared to the control subjects (p = 0.010, respectively p = 0.0395). This pattern of thrombin generation suggests that patients with Clostridium difficile colitis without septic shock have a potential thrombotic risk. The mean velocity index significantly correlated with the estimated related risk of death according to Charlson age-comorbidity index.

CONCLUSIONS: The higher values of thrombin generation suggest that Clostridium difficile colitis increases the thromboembolic risk. The pattern of thrombin generation could identify patients with particularly higher thromboembolic risk. They are potential candidates for thromboprophylaxis strategies and monitorization.