Trends in Clostridioides difficile infection prevalence among pediatric cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Muluneh Assefa, Sirak Biset, Azanaw Amare, Wesam Taher Almagharbeh, Getu Girmay and Mitkie Tigabie

PLOS ONE, 2025, vol. 20, issue 10, 1-17

Abstract: Introduction: Pediatric cancer patients are highly susceptible to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) due to immunosuppression, prolonged hospitalization, and antibiotic exposure. This study determined the global pooled prevalence of CDI among pediatric cancer patients. Methods: According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, 20 available articles published between 1985 and 2024 were included in this study. The extracted data from the relevant articles were analyzed using STATA version 17.0. The effect size estimate was computed using a random-effects model, considering a 95% confidence interval. The I2 statistic and Galbraith plot were used to confirm heterogeneity. Univariate meta-regression, sensitivity, and subgroup analyses were conducted to identify the source of heterogeneity. Egger’s test and a funnel plot were used to check for publication bias. Results: The pooled prevalence of CDI was 15.41% (95% CI: 10.57–20.24%), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99.90%) and statistical significance (p

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0333962

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0333962

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