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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22263/2312-4156.2026.4.78

I.А. Rutskaya1, S.I. Pimanov2
Evidence base for evaluating the cost-eff ectiveness of implementing colon ultrasound monitoring to prevent clostridial infection recurrence
1LLC «Vitphalia-PromtechServis», Vitebsk, Republic of Belarus
2Vitebsk State Order of Peoples' Friendship Medical University, Vitebsk, Republic of Belarus

Vestnik VGMU. 2026;25(4):78-86.

Abstract.
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remains one of the most common causes of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and hospital-acquired infections. The costs of treating сlostridial infection and its recurrences, including hospital stays, have significant economic implications for the healthcare system. Early detection of recurrence signs using ultrasound (US) allows for the initiation of preventive treatment for CDI, thereby avoiding disease progression and hospitalization. ЛУЧЕВАЯ ДИАГНОСТИКА, ЛУЧЕВАЯ ТЕРАПИЯ 79 Objectives. To determine the evidence base for assessing the cost-effectiveness of colon ultrasound imaging during follow-up of patients after a first episode of CDI, for reducing the recurrence rate and treatment costs. Material and methods. A cost-effectiveness modeling study of US was conducted in a target population of 100 patients with a first episode of CDI completing a standard 10-day course of etiotropic therapy. The decision tree analysis model included two strategies: “Without US” and “With US.” A cost-effectiveness approach was used. Previously established ultrasound characteristics of the colon were used as a criterion for predicting the CDI recurrence. Calculations were performed according to the guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health for the Belarusian healthcare system. Results. The cost of preventing one CDI recurrence, according to the resulting «cost-effectiveness analysis», was 291.4 BYN. The «return on investment» was 2205%, meaning that every BYN invested in ultrasound and recurrence prevention results in 22 BYN in savings. Conclusions. Implementing colon ultrasound as part of the monitoring protocol for patients after their first episode of CDI is not only clinically justified but also economically beneficial.

Keywords: ultrasonography, enterocolitis, Clostridioides difficile, recurrence, prevention, cost-effectiveness.

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Submitted 22.04.2026
Accepted 27.08.2026

Information about authors:

Irina А. Rutskaya – doctor of ultrasound diagnostics, LLC «Vitphalia-PromtechServis», e-mail: Этот адрес электронной почты защищён от спам-ботов. У вас должен быть включен JavaScript для просмотра.;
S.I. Pimanov – Doctor of Medical Sciences, professor, head of the Chair of Internal Diseases & Ultrasound Diagnostics of the Faculty for Advanced Training & Retraining, Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University.

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