Abstract
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.