Does Fecal Microbiota Transplant Have a Role in Treating Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection in Rural...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Health Economics

Background:

• Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) presents a substantial economic burden, particularly in inpatient and rural healthcare settings.
• Fecal Microbiota Transplant (FMT) is an effective treatment for recurrent CDI, but its application faces limitations due to guidelines and resource availability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively evaluate the financial benefits of utilizing FMT after the first recurrence of CDI.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness of FMT in managing recurrent CDI within a rural hospital context.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of patients treated with FMT for recurrent CDI.
• Analysis of financial data to determine cost savings associated with FMT intervention.

Main Results:

• Despite restricted use, FMT demonstrated an average cost saving of $11,603.49 per patient.
• The study identified significant economic advantages in employing FMT for recurrent CDI cases.

Conclusions:

• Fecal Microbiota Transplant is a potentially cost-effective strategy for treating recurrent CDI, especially in rural hospital environments.
• Implementing FMT can lead to considerable financial benefits, mitigating the economic impact of recurrent CDI.