Published Feb 17, 2013

Ann Arbor, MI, USA - Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) are increasingly responsible for alarming levels of patient illness and death. Because of the recurring nature of the disease, it's not uncommon for patients to relapse and require costly re-hospitalization or long-term care. The antibiotic fidaxomicin is a newer treatment that can lower recurrence of infection. Hospitals have been slow to incorporate fidaxomicin as a first-line therapy for CDI, however, because of its high cost. In a recent study “Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Evaluating Fidaxomicin versus Oral Vancomycin for the Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection in the United States,” published in Value in Health, a research team at the University of Michigan aimed to provide insight into the cost-benefit discussion surrounding this new antibiotic. The researchers developed a model to determine the cost-effectiveness of treating CDI with fidaxomicin compared to other available medications. Their findings showed that in most scenarios tested, despite fidaxomicin's higher up-front cost, it may be a cost-effective option for the treatment of CDI. In today's financially conscious environment, this study provides valuable information that will help guide health policy regarding treatment of patients with CDI.

---