Finding into death of Mr C

56y · Male·Complications of clostridium difficile and malnutrition in the setting of cerebral palsy

Mr C was a 56-year-old man with cerebral palsy and acquired brain injury who died from complications of Clostridioides difficile infection and malnutrition. He was admitted to hospital on 21 January 2022 with diarrhoea, elevated inflammatory markers, and abdominal distension following a previous C. difficile infection treated in December 2021. On 23 January, clinicians determined he was not suitable for escalation of care or nasogastric feeding despite refusing oral intake. Palliative care was commenced on 26 January when no improvement occurred. Key clinical lessons include: early recognition that patients with dysphagia and recurrent C. difficile may require proactive nutritional support via nasogastric feeding; consideration of escalation pathways even in complex cases with disability; and ensuring adequate fluid and nutritional intake during acute illness to prevent further deterioration and malnutrition.