Cost-effectiveness analysis of oral probiotics for the prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea in children and adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) in hospitalized children and adolescents has been increasing year-on-year. Paediatric CDAD places a significant economic burden on healthcare systems. Probiotics are live organisms thought to improve the microbial balance of the host, counteract disturbances in intestinal flora, and reduce the risk of colonization by pathogenic bacteria.

AIM: A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to assess the economy of probiotics for the prevention of CDAD in children and adolescents receiving antibiotics.

METHODS: A decision tree model combining clinical effectiveness, utility and cost data was used. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine the robustness of the model outcomes.

FINDING: The 'oral probiotics' strategy and 'no probiotics' strategy offered patients 0.05876 and 0.056 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) at a cost of $16,668.70 and $20,355.28, respectively. The oral probiotics strategy exhibited higher QALY and lower cost, and represents the cost-saving strategy. The results were robust for sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION: From the perspective of the medical system, oral probiotics as a preventive strategy for CDAD in hospitalized children and adolescents receiving a therapeutic course of antibiotics reduced the risk of CDAD and represents a cost-saving strategy.