Impact of disease severity on healthcare costs in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) virus infection

Comparing the cost of cirrhosis to other common chronic diseases: A longitudinal study in a large national insurance database

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cirrhosis prevalence is increasing, yet costs associated with its chronic, complex care are poorly understood. The aim was to characterize the costs of care for patients with cirrhosis and compare them to other chronic diseases such as heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), for which the public health burden is better recognized.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans from a large national insurer between 2011 and 2020 with cirrhosis, HF, and COPD were identified by ICD-9/-10 codes. Costs (USD) of care were calculated per patient-month and included inpatient medical, emergency medical, pharmacy, and other costs. In all, 93,308 patients with cirrhosis, 355,520 patients with HF, and 318,949 patients with COPD were analyzed. Patients with cirrhosis, HF, and COPD had a mean (SD) age of 69.6 (9.5), 75.9 (9.7), and 72.9 (9.8) years, respectively. The most frequent etiologies were metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (37.7%) and alcohol-associated cirrhosis (22.1%). The total monthly cost of care for patients with cirrhosis, HF, and COPD was $3032.00, $2491.60, and $1955.60 respectively. The cost for patients with cirrhosis exceeded that for HF by $540.40 (21.7% higher) and COPD by $1076.30 (55.0% higher). The monthly cost of care for decompensated cirrhosis was $3969.30, which was 59.3% ($1477.70) higher than for HF and 103.0% ($1,955.60) higher than for COPD.

CONCLUSIONS

The cost of care for cirrhosis is high, significantly higher than HF and COPD. Interventions directed at optimizing care to prevent progression to cirrhosis and decompensation are likely to alleviate this public health burden.

Cost-effectiveness of a precision hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance strategy in patients with cirrhosis

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is currently performed using a one-size-fits-all strategy with ultrasound plus AFP (US + AFP). There is increasing interest in risk-stratified and precision surveillance strategies incorporating individual risk and variance in surveillance test performance; however, the cost-effectiveness of these approaches has not been evaluated.

Methods

We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate four surveillance strategies (no surveillance, universal US + AFP surveillance, risk-stratified surveillance, and precision surveillance) in a simulated cohort of 50-year-old patients with compensated cirrhosis. The most cost-effective strategy was that with the highest incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and below the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $150,000/QALY gained. Model inputs were based on literature review, and costs were derived from the Medicare fee schedule.

Findings

The precision surveillance strategy demonstrated variation in recommended surveillance test based on HCC risk category and patient factors. US + AFP, risk-stratified, and precision surveillance detected more HCC cases per 100,000 population than no surveillance, with a higher proportion of early-stage cases for precision surveillance (67.6%) than risk-stratified (63.8%), universal ultrasound (63.2%), and no surveillance (38.0%). Compared to no surveillance, precision surveillance was most cost-effective, with an ICER of $104,614/QALY gained, whereas US + AFP and risk-stratified surveillance were both dominated. Compared to US + AFP, risk-stratified surveillance was cost saving and dominated US + AFP, whereas precision surveillance was cost-effective, with an ICER of $98,103/QALY gained. Results were sensitive to survival with early-stage HCC, cost of early-stage HCC treatment, and surveillance utilization. Precision surveillance remained the most cost-effective when WTP thresholds exceeded $110,000/QALY gained.

Interpretation

A precision surveillance strategy is the most cost-effective method for HCC surveillance. This approach could maximize surveillance benefits in high-risk patients, while minimizing surveillance harms in low-risk individuals.

Funding

National Cancer Institute (U01 CA230694, R01 CA222900, R01 CA212008, and U24ca086368) and Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) (RP200554).

Cost effectiveness of hepatitis C direct acting agents

INTRODUCTION

Introduction of direct acting antivirals (DAA) has transformed treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and made the elimination of HCV an achievable goal set forward by World Health Organization by 2030. Multiple barriers need to be overcome for successful eradication of HCV. Availability of pan-genotypic HCV regimens has decreased the need for genotype testing but maintained high efficacy associated with DAAs.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we will assess the cost-effectiveness of DAA treatment in patients with chronic HCV disease, with emphasis on general, cirrhosis, and vulnerable populations.

EXPERT OPINION

Multiple barriers exist limiting eradication of HCV, including cost to treatment, access, simplified testing, and implementing policy to foster treatment for all groups of HCV patients. Clinically, DAAs have drastically changed the landscape of HCV, but focused targeting of vulnerable groups is needed. Public policy will continue to play a strong role in eliminating HCV. While we will focus on the cost-effectiveness of DAA, several other factors regarding HCV require on going attention, such as increasing public awareness and decreasing social stigma associated with HCV, offering universal screening followed by linkage to treatment and improving preventive interventions to decrease spread of HCV.

Real-world economic burden of hepatitis C and impact of direct-acting antivirals in France: A nationwide claims data analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The economic impact of managing patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the economic burden of chronic HCV infection from a national health insurance perspective and the impact of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) using nationwide real-world data.

METHODS

Patients with chronic HCV infection were identified from the French Health Insurance Claims Databases (SNDS) and matched for age and sex to the general population. Health resource utilization and reimbursements were summarized according to healthcare expenditure items from 2012 to 2021. The economic burden attributable to chronic HCV infection was evaluated over a 10-year period. Finally, the impact of DAAs was estimated using economic data derived from the SNDS.

RESULTS

A total of 145 187 patients with chronic HCV infection were identified. Among the patients eligible for DAA therapy, 81.5% had received DAA by the end of 2021. Over a 10-year period, managing patients with chronic HCV infection resulted in an additional cost of €9.71 billion (95% confidence interval [CI]: €9.66-€9.78 billion) or €9191 (95% CI: €9134-€9252) per patient per year compared to the general population. After DAA therapy, patients with chronic HCV infection had a higher economic burden than the general population, with an additional cost of €5781 (95% CI: €5540-€6028) per patient at the fifth-year post-DAA therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant economic burden persists among patients with HCV infection after DAA treatment. The high proportion of patients not treated with DAA therapy supports reinforcing policies for universal access.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Hospital-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Background

People living with hepatitis C infection (HCV) have a significant impact on the global healthcare system, with high rates of inpatient service use. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have the potential to alleviate this burden; however, the evidence on the impact of HCV infection and hospital outcomes is undetermined. This systematic review aims to assess this research gap, including how DAAs may modify the relationship between HCV infection and hospital-related outcomes.

Methods

We searched five databases up to August 2022 to identify relevant studies evaluating the impact of HCV infection on hospital-related outcomes. We created an electronic database of potentially eligible articles, removed duplicates, and then independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles.

Results

A total of 57 studies were included. Analysis of the included studies found an association between HCV infection and increased number of hospitalizations, length of stay, and readmissions. There was less consistent evidence of a relationship between HCV and in-hospital mortality. Only four studies examined the impact of DAAs, which showed that DAAs were associated with a reduction in hospitalizations and mortality. In the 14 studies available among people living with HIV, HCV coinfection similarly increased hospitalization, but there was less evidence for the other hospital-related outcomes.

Conclusions

There is good to high-quality evidence that HCV negatively impacts hospital-related outcomes, primarily through increased hospitalizations, length of stay, and readmissions. Given the paucity of studies on the effect of DAAs on hospital outcomes, future research is needed to understand their impact on hospital-related outcomes.

The nationwide trends in hospital admissions, deaths, and costs related to hepatitis C stratified by psychiatric disorders and substance use: an analysis of US hospitals between 2016 and 2019

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a prominent liver disease that often presents with mental illness. We stratify the HCV population and review its healthcare burden on the US hospital system.

METHODS

The US National Inpatient Sample was used to select admissions related to HCV between 2016 and 2019. Weights were assigned to discharges, and trend analyses were performed. Strata were formed across demographics, comorbidities, psychiatric and substance use conditions, and other variables. Outcomes of interest included hospitalization incidences, mortality rates, total costs, and mean per-hospitalization costs.

RESULTS

From 2016 to 2019, there were improvements in mortality and hospitalization incidence for HCV, as well as a decline in aggregate costs across the majority of strata. Exceptions that showed cost growth included admissions with multiple psychiatric, stimulant use, or poly-substance use disorders, and a history of homelessness. Admissions with no psychiatric comorbidities, admissions with no substance use comorbidities, and admissions with housing and without HIV comorbidity showed decreasing total costs. Along with per-capita mean costs, admissions with comorbid opioid use, bipolar, or anxiety disorder showed significant increases. No significant trends in per-capita costs were found in admissions without mental illness diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Most strata demonstrated decreases in hospitalization incidences and total costs surrounding HCV; however, HCV cases with mental illness diagnoses saw expenditure growth. Cost-saving mechanisms for these subgroups are warranted.

Late hepatitis C virus diagnosis among patients with newly diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma: a case–control study

Background

New direct-acting antiviral therapies have revolutionized hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection therapy. Nonetheless, once liver cirrhosis is established, the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still exists despite virus eradication. Late HCV diagnosis hinders timely access to HCV treatment. Thus, we determined trends and risk factors associated with late HCV among patients with a diagnosis of HCC in Taiwan.

Methods

We conducted a population-based unmatched case–control study. 2008–2018 Claims data were derived from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Individuals with an initial occurrence of liver cancer between 2012 and 2018 were included. The late HCV group were referred as individuals who were diagnosed with HCC within 3 years after HCV diagnosis. The control group were referred as individuals who were diagnosed more than 3 years after the index date. We used multivariable logistic models to explore individual- and provider-level risk factors associated with a late HCV diagnosis.

Results

A decreasing trend was observed in the prevalence of late HCV-related HCC diagnosis between 2012 and 2018 in Taiwan. On an individual level, male, elderly patients, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and patients with alcohol-related disease had significantly higher risks of late HCV-related HCC diagnosis. On a provider level, patients who were mainly cared for by male physicians, internists and family medicine physicians had a significantly lower risk of late diagnosis.

Conclusions

Elderly and patients who have DM and alcohol related disease should receive early HCV screening. In addition to comorbidities, physician factors also matter. HCV screening strategies shall take these higher risk patients and physician factors into consideration to avoid missing opportunities for early intervention.

Systematic review: development of a consensus code set to identify cirrhosis in electronic health records

BACKGROUND

Electronic health records (EHRs) collate longitudinal data that can be used to facilitate large-scale research in patients with cirrhosis. However, there is no consensus code set to define the presence of cirrhosis in EHR. This systematic review aims to evaluate the validity of diagnostic coding in cirrhosis and to synthesise a comprehensive set of ICD-10 codes for future EHR research.

METHOD

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies that used EHR to identify cirrhosis and cirrhosis-related complications. Validated code sets were summarised, and the performance characteristics were extracted. Citation analysis was done to inform development of a consensus code set. This was then validated in a cohort of patients.

RESULTS

One thousand six hundred twenty-six records were screened, and 18 studies were identified. The positive predictive value (PPV) was the most frequently reported statistical estimate and was ≥80% in 17/18 studies. Citation analyses showed continued variation in those used in contemporary research practice. Nine codes were identified as those most frequently used in the literature and these formed the consensus code set. This was validated in diverse patient populations from Europe and North America and showed high PPV (83%-89%) and greater sensitivity for the identification of cirrhosis than the most often used code set in the recent literature.

CONCLUSION

There is variation in code sets used to identify cirrhosis in contemporary research practice. A consensus set has been developed and validated, showing improved performance, and is proposed to align EHR study designs in cirrhosis to facilitate international collaboration and comparisons.

Health care burden and mortality of acute on chronic liver failure in Thailand: a nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Accurate population-based data are required concerning the rate, economic impact, and long-term outcome from acute on chronic liver failures (ACLF) in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to discover time trends for the epidemiology, economic burden, and mortality of ACLF in Thailand.

METHODS

We conducted a nationwide, population-based, cohort study which involved all hospitalized patients with cirrhosis in Thailand during the period between 2009 and 2013, with data from the National Health Security Office. ACLF was defined by two or more extrahepatic organ failures in patients with cirrhosis. Primary outcomes were trends in hospitalizations, hospital costs, together with inpatient mortality.

RESULTS

The number of ACLF hospitalizations in Thailand doubled between 3185 in 2009 and 7666 in 2013. The average cost of each ACLF hospitalization was 3.5-fold higher than for cirrhosis ($ 1893 versus $ 519). The hospital is paid using a diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment system that is only 15% of the average treatment costs ($ 286 from $ 1893). The in-hospital fatality rate was 51% for ACLF while the additional fatality rate was 85% up to 1 year. The ACLF organ failure trends indicated sepsis with septic shock and renal failure as the majority proportion. Age, the number and types of organ failure and male sex were predictors of ACLF death.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Cirrhosis and ACLF both represent substantial and increasing health and economic burdens for Thailand. These data can assist national health care policy stakeholders to target high-risk patients with cirrhosis for care.

Economic impact of applying the AASLD-IDSA simplified treatment algorithm on the real-world management of hepatitis C

BACKGROUND: The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommended in May 2019 that patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) could be assessed for treatment initiation with a simplified treatment algorithm. This approach uses standard blood and fibrosis tests, rather than genotype testing, to guide the initiation of pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) treatment. OBJECTIVE: To compare health care resource utilization (HCRU) and costs for patients who initiated treatment via the simplified vs nonsimplified algorithm (genotype testing). METHODS: We identified adults with commercial and Medicare Advantage coverage who were diagnosed with HCV who initiated SOF/VEL or GLE/PIB from July 1, 2016, through August 31, 2019, in a nationally representative US administrative claims database. The index date was defined as the first pharmacy SOF/VEL or GLE/PIB fill date. Continuous enrollment 12 months before and ≥6 months after index date was required. Patients with claims for hepatitis B, HIV, decompensated liver, or prior DAAs were excluded. Patients were propensity score-matched (1:1) and grouped as "simplified" or "nonsimplified." HCV-related HCRU and costs were compared for the post-matched groups. RESULTS: 3,539 HCV patients were included, and 16.6% initiated SOF/VEL or GLE/PIB via the simplified algorithm. Pre-matched treatments were SOF/VEL (52.8%) and GLE/PIB (47.2%). More than half (55.7%) of SOF/VEL and 44.3% of GLE/PIB patients started treatment via the simplified algorithm. HCV patients initiating via the simplified algorithm were more likely to be male (65.1% vs 60.6%; P = 0.041), commercially insured (53.3% vs 46.5%; P = 0.003), and in the Midwest (25.7% vs 19.3%; P < 0.001) vs nonsimplified patients. The nonsimplified group had more liver disease (52.1% vs 46.9%; P = 0.019), metabolic disorders (45.8% vs 39.2%; P = 0.003), and dyslipidemia (39.9% vs 35.4%; P = 0.041) vs the simplified group. Of the index prescriptions, 58.9% were written by gastroenterology or infectious disease specialists, and 68.1% (simplified) vs 75.4% (nonsimplified) had a specialist visit within 90 days prior to index DAA fill (P < 0.001). Matching resulted in 584 well-matched patients in each group. At post-match baseline, the simplified treatment group had significantly lower median (interquartile range [IQR]) HCV-related medical health care costs vs the matched nonsimplified group: $373 ($201-$684) vs $727 ($456-$1,185; P < 0.001). Median noninpatient/emergency department health plan-paid costs were also significantly lower in the simplified cohort ($257 vs $504; P < 0.001). During follow-up, medical HCV-related health care costs were similar across the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study compared economic outcomes of HCV treatment initiation via the simplified and nonsimplified algorithms. The simplified approach resulted in lower use of health care resources, greater cost savings, and greater ability of patients to access care from both specialist and nonspecialist providers. While additional studies are needed, these early findings suggest a feasible path for simplified HCV treatment in real-world managed care settings. DISCLOSURES: Funding support for this study was provided by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Majethia, Lee, Mozaffari, Wolf, and Hsiao are employees of Gilead Sciences, Inc. Bunner and Chastek are employees of Optum Life Sciences, which received funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. to conduct this study. Bunner owns stock in UnitedHealth group, parent company of Optum. A poster based on selected data from this study was presented at the AMCP 2021 Virtual Meeting, April 12-16, 2021.

Occupational Infections among Dental Health Workers in Germany-14-Year Time Trends

Dental health workers (DHW) are at increased risk of acquiring occupational infections. Due to various protective measures, it can be assumed that infections have decreased over the past 14 years. Secondary data from a German accident insurance company was analyzed in terms of reported and confirmed occupational diseases (OD) in DHW from 2006 to 2019. A total of 271 claims were reported, of which 112 were confirmed as OD, representing an average of eight per year. However, the number of claims and confirmed ODs has decreased by 65.6% and 85.7%, respectively. The decrease was most evident for hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections, while tuberculosis (TB) infections were stable. A total of 44 HCV, 33 HBV, 6 TB and 24 latent TB infections were confirmed as ODs. For DHW, 0.05, and for hospital workers, 0.48 claims per 1000 full-time equivalents (FTE) were registered in 2019. In a separate documentation system, between March 2020 and February 2021, 155 COVID-19 claims were registered, and 47 cases were confirmed as ODs. For DHW, 0.7, and for hospital workers, 47.3 COVID-19 claims per 1000 FTE were registered since 2020. Occupational infectious diseases rarely occur among DHW. Nevertheless, new infectious diseases such as COVID-19 pose a major challenge for DHW. Continued attention should be paid to infectious disease prevention.

Use of healthcare resources and drug expenditure before and after treatment of chronic hepatitis C with direct antiviral agents

The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with direct-acting agents (DAA) on the use of healthcare resources. We included all patients treated with DAA for CHC from January 2015 to December 2017 in Catalonia whose medical records from 12 months before to 24 months after treatment were available. Data were obtained from the Catalan Health Surveillance System. A total of 12,199 patients in Catalonia were treated with DAA for CHC. Of these, 11.3% had no-minimal fibrosis (F0-F1), 24.0% had moderate fibrosis (F2), 50.3% had significant fibrosis or cirrhosis (F3-F4), and 14.4% had decompensated cirrhosis. Use of healthcare resources decreased from the pre-treatment period to the post-treatment period for the following: hospital admissions due to complications of cirrhosis, from 0.19 to 0.12 per month per 100 patients (RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.47-0.68); length of hospital stay, from 12.9 to 12.2 days (RR 0.93; 95% CI 0.91-0.94); outpatient visits, from 65.0 to 49.2 (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.74-0.75); and number of medication containers per patient per month, from 13.9 to 12.5 (RR 0.837; 95% CI 0.835-0.838). However, the number of invoices for antineoplastic treatment increased after DAA treatment, especially for patients with high morbidity or advanced fibrosis stage. In conclusion, a decrease in health resource use was seen in CHC patients treated with DAA, as measured by length of hospital stay, number of admissions due to cirrhosis complications, outpatient visits and overall drug invoicing. However, use of antineoplastic drugs increased significantly, especially in patients with cirrhosis and high morbidity.

Establishing an Epidemiologic Profile of Hepatitis C Virus Infection at the Los Angeles County Jail

OBJECTIVE

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States. Although 2% to 3% of the global population is estimated to be infected with HCV, an estimated 18% of the US prison population may be infected. The objective of this study was to establish an epidemiologic profile of HCV infection in the largest urban jail system in the United States.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 20 years of data on demographic characteristics, risk factors, and HCV positivity among 80 681 individuals incarcerated at the Los Angeles County Jail who were tested for HCV infection from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2019. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine predictors of HCV positivity.

RESULTS

Of the 80 681 individuals tested, 27 881 (34.6%) had positive test results for HCV infection. In the multivariate analysis, HCV positivity was most strongly associated with injection drug use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 34.9; 95% CI, 24.6-49.5) and being born during 1946-1955 (aOR = 13.0; 95% CI, 11.9-14.2). Men were more likely than women to have HCV infection (aOR = 1.4; 95% CI, 1.3-1.5), and Hispanic (aOR = 4.2; 95% CI, 3.9-4.4) and non-Hispanic White (aOR = 3.8; 95% CI, 3.5-4.0) individuals were more likely than non-Hispanic African American individuals to have HCV infection. Noninjection drug use, homelessness, and mental health issues were also significantly associated with HCV positivity.

CONCLUSION

Even in the absence of resources for universal screening for HCV infection, the creation of a risk profile and its implementation into a screening program may be a beneficial first step toward improving HCV surveillance and establishing an accurate estimate of HCV infection in the incarcerated population.

Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance: An Assessment of Benefits and Harms

INTRODUCTION

The value of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance is defined by the balance of benefits, i.e., early tumor detection, and potential harms, related to false positive and indeterminate results. Although physical harms can be observed in 15%-20% of patients with cirrhosis undergoing HCC surveillance, previous cost-effectiveness analyses have not incorporated costs of harms. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of HCC surveillance including both benefits and harms.

DESIGN

We constructed a Markov model to compare surveillance strategies of ultrasound (US) alone, US and alpha fetoprotein (AFP), and no surveillance in 1 million simulated patients with compensated cirrhosis. Harms included imaging and biopsy in patients undergoing surveillance for HCC. Model inputs were based on literature review, and costs were derived from the Medicare fee schedule, with all costs inflated to 2018 dollars. The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per incremental quality-adjusted life-year.

RESULTS

In the base case analysis, US with AFP was the dominant strategy over both US alone and no surveillance. In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, US with AFP was the most cost-effective strategy in 80.1% of simulations at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. In our threshold analyses, an HCC incidence >0.4% per year and surveillance adherence >19.5% biannually were necessary for US with AFP to be cost-effective compared with no surveillance.

DISCUSSION

Accounting for both surveillance-related benefits and harms, US and AFP is more cost-effective for HCC surveillance than US alone or no surveillance in patients with compensated cirrhosis.

Sick leave and disability pension in patients with chronic hepatitis C compared with a matched general population: a nationwide register study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate sick leave and disability pension in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as compared with a matched general population cohort.

DESIGN

Retrospective register study.

SETTING

Nationwide in Sweden.

PARTICIPANTS

This register-based study used the Swedish National Patient Register to identify working-age patients with HCV in 2012 (n=32 021) who were diagnosed between 1999 and 2007 (n=19 362). Sick leave and disability pension data were retrieved from Statistics Sweden (1994-2012), with up to five matched individuals from the general population.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was workdays lost due to sick leave episodes (>14 days) and disability pension overall. The secondary outcome was workdays lost per subgroup of patients with chronic HCV.

RESULTS

In 2012, 14% of the HCV patients had ≥1 registered sick leave episode compared with 10% in the matched comparator cohort. For disability pension benefits, results were 30% versus 8%, respectively. Overall, in 2012, 57% of patients with HCV did not have any registered workdays lost, whereas 30% were absent ≥360 days compared with 83% and 9% in the matched cohort, respectively. The mean total number of annual workdays lost in 2012 was 126 days in the HCV patient cohort compared with 40 days in the matched general population comparator cohort. Annual days lost increased from a mean of 86 days 5 years before diagnosis to 136 days during the year of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that Swedish HCV patients used more sick days and have a higher frequency of disability pension compared with a comparator cohort from the general Swedish population. Whether earlier diagnosis of HCV and treatment might impact work absence in Sweden warrants further investigation.

Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonists in Patients with Chronic Liver Disease

Thrombocytopenia is one of the most common hematologic complications in cirrhosis. Despite limited data linking platelet count and bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis, the use of platelets transfusions for invasive procedures has been a common practice. Recently, thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists have been approved for use in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) undergoing invasive procedures. The aim of this study was to review current literature on bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis and the use of platelet transfusions and TPO receptor agonists in the context of invasive procedures. PubMed search was conducted to find articles relating to cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, and new novel treatments for this condition. Search terms included CLD, cirrhosis, thrombocytopenia, bleeding, thrombosis, coagulopathy, hemostasis, and TPO receptor agonists. Romiplostim, eltrombopag, avatrombopag, and lusutrombopag are approved TPO receptor agonists, with avatrombopag and lusutrombopag specifically approved for use in patients with CLD undergoing invasive procedures. In patients with platelet counts < 50,000/mm³, avatrombopag and lusutrombopag increased the platelet counts above this threshold in the majority of treated patients and reduced the frequency of platelet transfusions. At the approved doses, incidence of thrombosis was not increased and therapies were well tolerated. Studies were not powered to assess whether risk of bleeding complications was reduced and the fundamental question of whether correction of thrombocytopenia is warranted in patients undergoing invasive procedures remains unanswered. The use of TPO receptor agonists has resulted in less requirement for platelet transfusions. In patients with cirrhosis undergoing invasive procedures for whom platelet transfusion is planned, TPO receptor agonists are an alternative and avoid the risks associated with transfusions. However, there is need for a thoughtful approach to manage bleeding risk in patients with cirrhosis undergoing procedures, with the consideration of a comprehensive hemostatic profile, the severity of portal hypertension, and the complexity of the invasive procedure to guide decisions regarding transfusions or use of TPO receptor agonists.

Different Hepatitis C Virus Infection Statuses Show a Significant Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Network Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection statuses in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been completely understood.

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence of T2DM in patients with different HCV infection statuses.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic study on T2DM risk in five types of individuals with different HCV infection statuses: non-HCV controls, HCV-cleared patients, chronic HCV patients without cirrhosis, patients with HCV cirrhosis and patients with decompensated HCV cirrhosis. Studies published from 2010 to 2019 were selected. Both pairwise and network meta-analyses were employed to compare the T2DM risk among patients with different HCV infection statuses.

RESULTS

The pairwise meta-analysis showed that non-HCV (OR = 0.60, 95% CI [0.47-0.78]) had a lower risk of T2DM compared with CHC, while cirrhosis had a significant higher risk (OR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.60-2.26]). Network meta-analysis further demonstrated patients with HCV infection were at a significantly higher risk of T2DM than those without HCV infection or with HCV clearance, while decompensated cirrhosis had a significant higher T2DM risk than non-HCV (OR = 3.84, 95% CI [2.01-7.34]), patients with HCV clearance (OR = 3.17, 95% CI [1.49-6.73]), and CHC patients (OR = 2.21, 95% CI [1.24-3.94]).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV infection is a significant risk factor for developing T2DM. CHC, cirrhosis, and decompensated cirrhosis contribute to an increasingly greater risk of T2DM, but HCV clearance spontaneously or through clinical treatment may immediately reduce the risk of the onset and development of T2DM.

Rising Trends in Emergency Department Visits Associated With Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States, 2006-2014

OBJECTIVE

Emergency departments (EDs) are critical settings for hepatitis C care in the United States. We assessed trends and characteristics of hepatitis C-associated ED visits during 2006-2014.

METHODS

We used data from the 2006-2014 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to estimate numbers, rates, and costs of hepatitis C-associated ED visits, defined by either first-listed diagnosis of hepatitis C or all-listed diagnosis of hepatitis C. We assessed trends by demographic characteristics, liver disease severity, and patients' disposition by using joinpoint analysis, and we calculated the average annual percentage change (AAPC) from 2006 to 2014.

RESULTS

During 2006-2014, the rate per 100 000 visits of first-listed and all-listed hepatitis C-associated ED visits increased significantly from 10.1 to 25.4 (AAPC = 13.0%; P < .001) and from 484.4 to 631.6 (AAPC = 3.4%; P < .001), respectively. Approximately 70% of these visits were made by persons born during 1945-1965 (baby boomers); 30% of visits were made by Medicare beneficiaries and 40% by Medicaid beneficiaries. Significant rate increases were among visits by baby boomers (first-listed: AAPC = 13.8%; all-listed: AAPC = 2.6%), persons born after 1965 (first-listed: AAPC = 14.3%; all-listed: AAPC = 9.2%), Medicare beneficiaries (first-listed: AAPC = 18.0%; all-listed: AAPC = 3.9%), and persons hospitalized after ED visits (first-listed: AAPC = 20.0%; all-listed: AAPC = 2.3%; all P < .001). Increasing proportions of compensated cirrhosis were among visits by baby boomers (first-listed: AAPC = 11.5%; all-listed: AAPC = 6.3%). Annual hepatitis C-associated total ED costs increased by 400.0% (first-listed) and 192.0% (all-listed) during 2006-2014.

CONCLUSION

Public health efforts are needed to address the growing burden of hepatitis C care in the ED.

Health Care Utilization and Costs for Patients With End-Stage Liver Disease Are Significantly Higher at the End of Life Compared to Those of Other Decedents

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) have progressively complex medical needs. However, little is known about their end-of-life health care utilization or associated costs. We performed a population-based study to evaluate the end-of-life direct utilization and costs for patients with ESLD among health care sectors in the province of Ontario.

METHODS

We used linked Ontario health administrative databases to conduct a population-based retrospective cohort study of all decedents from April 1, 2010, through March 31, 2013. Patients with ESLD were compared with patients without ESLD with regard to total health care utilization and costs in the last year and last 90 days of life.

RESULTS

The median age at death was significantly lower for ESLD decedents (65 y; interquartile range, 56-75 y) than for individuals without ESLD (80 y; interquartile range, 68-88 y). The median cost in the last year of life was significantly greater for patients with ESLD ($51,235 vs $44,456 without ESLD) (P < .001). Median ESLD end-of-life care costs also significantly exceeded those associated with 4 of the 5 most resource-intensive chronic conditions ($69,040 for ESLD vs $59,088 for non-ESLD) (P < .001). Cost differences were most pronounced in the final 90 days of life. During this period, patients with ESLD spent 4.7 more days in the hospital (95% CI, 4.3-5.1 d) than patients without ESLD (P < .0001), had significantly higher odds of dying in an institutional setting (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.7-1.9) (P < .0001), and incurred an additional $4201 in costs (95% CI, $3384-$5019; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a population-based study in Canada, we found that patients with ESLD incur significantly higher end-of-life care costs than decedents without ESLD, predominantly owing to increased time in the hospital during the final 90 days of life.

Cost-effectiveness of pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral regimens for treatment of chronic Hepatitis C in the United States

OBJECTIVES

Given the goal of hepatitis C virus elimination by 2030, World Health Organization guidelines recommend treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) with pan-genotypic direct-acting antivirals, such as sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL), SOF/VEL/voxilaprevir (VOX) or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB). The study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of pan-genotypic regimens in initial (SOF/VEL or GLE/PIB) and re-treatment (SOF/VEL/VOX or GLE/PIB+SOF+ribavirin (RBV)) of CHC.

METHODS

A Markov state-transition model projected lifetime CHC health and economic outcomes from the US payer perspective. Model inputs were sourced from clinical trials or published literature and validated by hepatologists. Model outcomes included numbers of advanced liver disease events, life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained, and total lifetime costs. One-way sensitivity analyses were performed on model results.

RESULTS

SOF/VEL followed by SOF/VEL/VOX resulted in comparable cure rates to the GLE/PIB treatment pathway (99.94% vs. 99.93%, respectively). SOF-based regimens provided similar QALYs at a lower lifetime cost versus a GLE/PIB treatment pathway ($30,749 vs. $36,255), resulting in cost savings of $5,506 per patient. Results were robust in sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

SOF/VEL followed by SOF/VEL/VOX leads to comparable cure rates in the overall CHC population relative to the GLE/PIB treatment pathway. Based on wholesale acquisition prices, the SOF/VEL treatment pathway led to lower lifetime costs.

Management of Hepatitis C in Delaware Prisons: : Approaching Microenvironmental Eradication

The management of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been transformed due to the arrival of HCV-specific Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs), which are safer, more effective, and better tolerated than the interferon-based therapies that preceded them. Compared with community healthcare systems, many prison healthcare systems have been slower to adopt the routine use of HCV DAAs despite the fact that HCV infection disproportionately affects individuals in correctional institutions. In 2015, the Delaware Department of Correction (DDOC) launched a treatment program that prioritized treatment for patients who were at greatest risk of disease complications. To date, 327/345 (95%) of eligible current HCV patients have initiated DAA therapy. A total of 196/199 (98.4%) patients who have initiated treatment and who have post-treatment data available have achieved sustained virologic response, defined as undetectable HCV viral load 12 weeks after treatment. Applying a concept of microenvironmental eradication, it can reasonably be concluded that that DDOC is approaching this benchmark with regard to chronic HCV infection and will soon enter a “maintenance phase,” during which it will be feasible to treat new cases of HCV in real time. Correctional systems with significant numbers of untreated hepatitis C patients may want to consider implementing HCV treatment programs that focus on cost-effectiveness and prioritize treatment for patients who are at greatest risk of disease complications.

Impact of All-Oral Direct-Acting Antivirals on Clinical and Economic Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C in the United States

Approved treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) with all-oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) therapy is now entering into its fourth year; however, little has been reported on the real-world clinical (decompensated cirrhosis [DCC] and hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) and economic outcomes. A retrospective cohort analysis of the Truven Health MarketScan Database (2012-2016) was conducted. In a cohort of 26,105 patients with newly diagnosed HCV, 30% received all-oral DAA therapy (DAA group) and 70% were not treated (untreated group). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare the risk of developing HCC and DCC, stratified by cirrhosis status. Among patients with cirrhosis (n = 2157), DAA therapy was associated with a 72% and a 62% lower incidence of HCC (hazard ratio [HR], 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-0.52) and DCC (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.26-0.56). Similarly, DAA therapy was associated with a 57% and a 58% lower incidence of HCC (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.26-0.71) and DCC (HR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.30-0.58) in patients with noncirrhotic HCV (n = 23,948). A propensity score-matched cohort of 8064 HCV-infected patients who had at least a 12-month follow-up after HCV treatment was included for economic analysis. For patients with cirrhosis in the DAA group, the mean adjusted liver-related costs ($1749 vs. $4575; P < 0.001) and all-cause medical costs ($19,300 vs. $33,039; P < 0.001) were significantly lower compared with those in the untreated group. The mean adjusted costs were not statistically different between the two groups among patients without cirrhosis. Conclusion: In the short term, all-oral DAA treatment for HCV infection was associated with a decreased risk of developing HCC and DCC, resulting in decreased health care costs, especially in patients with cirrhosis. A longitudinal study is necessary to confirm our findings.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Bariatric Surgery for Patients With Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Cirrhosis

IMPORTANCE

Obesity is the most common risk factor for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Weight loss can be an effective treatment for obesity and may slow the progression of advanced liver disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery in patients with NASH and compensated cirrhosis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This economic evaluation study used a Markov-based state-transition model to simulate the benefits and risks of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG), laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GB), and intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) compared with usual care in patients with NASH and compensated cirrhosis and varying baseline weight (overweight, mild obesity, moderate obesity, and severe obesity). Patients faced varied risks of perioperative mortality and complications depending on the type of surgery they underwent. Data were collected on March 22, 2017.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs (in 2017 $US), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Demographic characteristics of the patient population were based on a previously published prospective study (n = 161). Patients in the model were 41.0% female, and the base case age was 54 years. Compared with usual care, SG was associated with an increase in QALYs of 0.263 to 1.180 (bounds of ranges represent overweight to severe obesity); GB, 0.263 to 1.207; and ILI, 0.004 to 0.216. Sleeve gastrectomy was also associated with an increase in life-years of 0.693 to 1.930; GB, 0.694 to 1.947; and ILI, 0.012 to 0.114. With usual care, expected life-years in overweight, mild obesity, moderate obesity, and severe obesity were 12.939, 11.949, 10.976, and 10.095, respectively. With usual care, QALY in overweight was 6.418; mild obesity, 5.790; moderate obesity, 5.186; and severe obesity, 4.577. Sleeve gastrectomy was the most cost-effective option for patients across all weight classes assessed: ICER for SG in patients with overweight was $66 119 per QALY; mild obesity, $18 716 per QALY; moderate obesity, $10 274 per QALY; and severe obesity, $6563 per QALY. A threshold analysis on the procedure cost of GB found that for GB to be cost-effective, the cost of the surgery must be decreased from its baseline value of $28 734 by $4889 for mild obesity, by $3189 for moderate obesity, and by $2289 for severe obesity. In overweight patients, GB involved fewer QALYs than SG, and thus decreasing the cost of surgery would not result in cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Bariatric surgery could be highly cost-effective in patients with NASH compensated cirrhosis and obesity or overweight. The findings from this analysis suggest that it can inform clinical trials evaluating the effect of bariatric procedures in patients with NASH cirrhosis, including those with a lower body mass index.

Association between cryoglobulinemia and liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The prevalence of mixed cryoglobulinemia is 15-50% in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, and these patients are in an increased risk of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, but it is controversial. This study aimed to reveal the prevalence of mixed cryoglobulinemia in Asian population and to determine the relationship between presence of serum cryoglobulinemia and liver fibrosis in CHC patients with or without liver biopsy.

METHODS

In total, 2255 treatment-naïve patients retrospectively enrolled in our study. Serum cryoglobulinemia precipitation, liver biopsy, and four indexes of fibrosis (FIB4) were assessed to detect the associated factors.

RESULTS

Three hundred sixty-four (32%) out of 1135 liver biopsy patients and 341 (30.4%) out of 1120 non-biopsy patients were positive for serum cryoglobulinemia. Multivariate analysis revealed that male gender, hepatitis C virus RNA, platelet and advanced fibrosis (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.87, P = 0.021) were significantly associated with the presence of cryoglobulinemia in the liver biopsy proven patients. The presence of serum cryoglobulinemia (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.04-1.96, P = 0.026) was associated with advanced liver fibrosis (F3 and F4) by multivariate logistic regression analysis. In patients without liver biopsy, FIB4 (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.30-2.27, P = 0.0001) was associated with the presence of serum cryoglobulinemia, and also cryoglobulinemia (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.32-2.30, P = 0.0001) was associated with high FIB4 (≥ 3.25) patients.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of the presence of serum cryoglobulinemia is 30.4-32% in CHC patients and associated with advanced fibrosis in liver biopsy proven patients and high-FIB4 (≥ 3.25) patients without liver biopsy.

Treatment of hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals significantly reduces liver-related hospitalizations in patients with cirrhosis

BACKGROUND

The availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for the treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) has resulted in the ability to safely and effectively treat patients with cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. However, information is limited with regard to the impact of DAA treatment on inpatient health-related resource utilization in patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis. We aimed to ascertain the impact of DAA treatment on the frequency of liver-related hospitalizations and associated costs in patients with cirrhosis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective cohort analysis carried out at a single US reference center that compared patients with HCV cirrhosis according to treatment status: the untreated group (January 2011 to December 2013) and the DAA-treated group (January 2014 to March 2017). The primary outcome was the difference in the incidence rate of liver-related hospitalizations. Secondary outcomes included differences in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplant, and all-cause mortality. We calculated the projected savings per-patient treated per-year on the basis of calculated hospitalization rate stratified by Child-Turquotte-Pugh (CTP) score.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between the untreated (n=182) and DAA-treated (n=196) cohorts. Mean follow-up time in the untreated and treated cohort was 20.4 and 17.7 months, respectively. The incidence rates of liver-related hospitalizations were 29.1/100 and 10.4/100 person-years of follow-up (P≤0.0001) in the untreated and treated cohorts, respectively. This was accounted for by a decreased incidence of hospitalizations in patients with CTP-A (75.8%) and CTP-B (64.5%), but not CTP-C.

CONCLUSION

Successful DAA treatment reduces hospitalization rate and resource utilization costs in patients with CTP-A and CTP-B, but not in those with CTP-C.

The high burden of alcoholic cirrhosis in privately insured persons in the United States

Alcoholic cirrhosis (AC) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in the United States. Rising rates of alcohol use disorders in the United States will likely result in more alcoholic liver disease. Our aim was to determine the prevalence, health care use, and costs of AC among privately insured persons in the United States. We collected data from persons aged 18-64 with AC (identified by codes from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revisions) enrolled in the Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database (2009-2015). We determined yearly prevalence, weighted to the national employer-sponsored, privately insured population. Using competing risk analysis, we estimated event rates for portal hypertensive complications and estimated the association between AC and costs as well as admissions and readmissions. In 2015, 294,215 people had cirrhosis and 105,871 (36%) had AC. Mean age at AC diagnosis was 53.5 years, and 32% were women. Over the 7 years queried, estimated national cirrhosis prevalence rose from 0.19% to 0.27% (P < 0.001) and for AC from 0.07% to 0.10% (P < 0.001). Compared to non-AC, AC enrollees were significantly more likely to have portal hypertensive complications at diagnosis and higher yearly cirrhosis and alcohol-related admissions (25 excess cirrhosis admissions and 6.3 excess alcohol-related admissions per 100 enrollees) as well as all-cause readmissions. Per-person costs in the first year after diagnosis nearly doubled for AC versus non-AC persons (US$ 44,835 versus 23,319).

CONCLUSION

In a nationally representative cohort of privately insured persons, AC enrollees were disproportionately sicker at presentation, were admitted and readmitted more often, and incurred nearly double the per-person health care costs compared to those with non-AC. (Hepatology 2018).

Hepatitis C virus infection and hospital-related outcomes: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

People living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are disproportionately over-represented in the healthcare system due to various individual and contextual circumstances, including comorbidities and socioeconomic marginalisation. With growing trends in morbidity and mortality related to HCV infection, HCV is becoming a significant health and financial burden on the healthcare system, particularly in acute hospital settings. It is noteworthy that with the advent of direct-acting antiviral therapy the increasing number of patients who are cured of HCV could potentially result in different patterns of hospital-related outcomes over time.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a systematic review of published literature to retrieve quantitative research articles pertaining to hospital outcomes among patients living with HCV. Primary outcomes include hospitalisation rates, length of stay, leaving against medical advice, readmission and in-hospital mortality. In total, five databases will be searched (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science). Titles, abstracts and full texts will be independently reviewed by two investigators in three separate stages. The methodological quality of included quantitative research studies will be assessed using a validated tool. Data from included articles will be extracted using a standardised form and synthesised in a narrative account.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Results of this systematic review could provide a better understanding on how to optimise health systems and services to improve patient outcomes and care. The results of this study may provide future research with a foundation to guide decision-making and for designing and implementing systems-level interventions to improve treatment and care delivery for people living with HCV. Ethical approval for this study was received by the University of British Columbia/Providence Health Care Research Ethics Board. Findings from this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, reports and community forums PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42017081082; Pre-results.

Assessing coding practices for gastrointestinal surgery over time in the United States

BACKGROUND

Variations in hospital billing practices may reflect differences in patient risk or may represent the "upcoding" of patients in response to payer incentives/policies. The current study sought to assess whether coding practices for gastrointestinal surgery have changed over time and to evaluate the association between upcoding and in-hospital costs.

METHODS

A total of 1,344,152 patients aged >18 years undergoing a gastrointestinal operation between 2001 and 2011 were identified using the National Inpatient Sample. Coding practices were compared by hospital and patient characteristics. Multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the association between coding practices and in-hospital costs.

RESULTS

The mean and median number of codes per admission were 8.8 (standard deviation = 4.58) and 9 (interquartile range: 5-11), respectively. Over time, the proportion of admissions being upcoded (>9 codes/admission) increased from 14.1% to 32.9% (∆ = +133.3%, P < .001). This trend was observed for each gastrointestinal operation and was greatest for hepatectomy (∆ = +73.3%). Although admissions that were upcoded were more likely to be for patients with greater comorbidity and Medicare enrollees, an increase in the proportion of patients upcoded was also observed regardless of the primary payer, among patients presenting without comorbidity, and among patients undergoing an elective operation (all P < .001). On adjusted analysis, admissions that were upcoded were independently associated with a $13,754 (95% confidence interval: $13,638-$13,870) greater in-hospital cost.

CONCLUSION

The number of "upcoded" patients was observed to increase with time. Greater education, regulation, and scrutiny are required of coding practices.

Changing trends in complications of chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related complications have increased over the past decade.

METHODS

We used join-point regression modelling to investigate trends in these complications from 2006 to 2015, and the impact of demographics on these trends. Using data from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS), we identified points at which the trend significantly changed, and estimated the annual percent change (APC) in rates of cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis and all-cause mortality, adjusted by race, sex and age.

RESULTS

Among 11,167 adults with chronic HCV infection, prevalence of cirrhosis increased from 20.8% to 27.6% from 2006 to 2015, with adjusted annual percentage change (aAPC) of 1.2 (p <. 01). Although incidence of all-cause mortality increased from 1.8% in 2006 to 2.9% in 2015, a join-point was identified at 2010, with aAPCs of 9.6 before (2006 < 2010; p < .01) and -5.2 after (2010 ≤ 2015; p < .01), indicating a decrease in mortality from 2010 and onward. Likewise, overall prevalence of decompensated cirrhosis increased from 9.3% in 2006 to 10.4% in 2015, but this increase was confined to patients 60 or older (aAPC = 1.5; p = .023). Asian American and Black/African American patients demonstrated significantly higher rates of cirrhosis than White patients, while older patients and men demonstrated higher rates of cirrhosis and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although cirrhosis and mortality among HCV-infected patients in the US have increased over the past decade, all-cause mortality has decreased in recent years.

Non-healthcare costs of hepatitis C: a systematic review

There is an increasing interest in the indirect (or non-healthcare) costs of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Areas covered: Systematic review of original studies on the non-healthcare costs of HCV published in English or Spanish between January 2000 and March 2017. 19 studies addressing non-healthcare cost of HCV were included in the analysis. All studies but one contain treatments with monotherapy or dual therapy prior to the recent introduction of innovative and highly effective direct acting antivirals (DAAs). Five studies estimate the incremental non-healthcare cost of HCV with a control group, which is regarded as high-quality methodology. The incremental annual non-healthcare costs of HCV in untreated patients compared with non-HCV patients are €4,209 in the US, and taking data from 5 European countries costs range from €280 in the UK to €659 in France. Expert commentary: Available studies may be underestimating the true burden of non-healthcare costs for HCV as they are all partial studies, mainly including absenteeism and premature mortality estimates. Moreover, there is a need for studies addressing non-healthcare costs of HCV in settings where new treatments with DAAs have been implemented, as they are probably changing the current and future burden of the disease.

Factors Influencing the Total Inpatient Pharmacy Cost at a Tertiary Hospital in Malaysia: A Retrospective Study

The steady growth of pharmaceutical expenditures is a major concern for health policy makers and health care managers in Malaysia. Our study examined the factors affecting the total inpatient pharmacy cost (TINPC) at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). In this retrospective study, we used 2011 administration electronic prescriptions records and casemix databases at UKMMC to examine the impact of sociodemographic, diagnostic, and drug variables on the TINPC. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of the factors associated with TINPC were conducted. The mean inpatient pharmacy cost per patient was USD 102.07 (SD = 24.76). In the multivariate analysis, length of stay (LOS; B = 0.349, P < .0005) and severity level III (B = 0.253, P < .0005) were the primary factors affecting the TINPC. For each day increase in the LOS and each increase of a case of severity level III, there was an increase of approximately USD 11.97 and USD 171.53 in the TINPC per year, respectively. Moreover, the number of prescribed items of drugs and supplies was positively associated with the TINPC (B = 0.081, P < .0005). Gender appears to have affected the TINPC; male patients seem to be associated with a higher TINPC than females (mean = 139.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 112.97-166.13, P < .001). Surgical procedures were associated with higher cost than medical cases (mean = 87.93, 95% CI: 61.00-114.85, P < .001). Malay (MYR 242.02, SD = 65.37) and Chinese (MYR 214.66, SD = 27.99) ethnicities contributed to a lower TINPC compared with Indian (MYR 613.93, SD = 98.41) and other ethnicities (MYR 578.47, SD = 144.51). A longer hospitalization period accompanied by major complications and comorbidities had the greatest influence on the TINPC.

Hepatitis C disease transmission and treatment uptake: impact on the cost-effectiveness of new direct-acting antiviral therapies

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment can reduce the incidence of future infections through removing opportunities for onward transmission. This benefit is not captured in conventional cost-effectiveness evaluations of treatment and is particularly relevant in patient groups with a high risk of transmission, such as those people who inject drugs (PWID), where the treatment rates have been historically low. This study aimed to quantify how reduced HCV transmission changes the cost-effectiveness of new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens as a function of treatment uptake rates.

METHODS

An established model of HCV disease transmission and progression was used to quantify the impact of treatment uptake (10-100%), within the PWID population, on the cost-effectiveness of a DAA regimen versus pre-DAA standard of care, conducted using daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir in the UK setting as an illustrative example.

RESULTS

The consequences of reduced disease transmission due to treatment were associated with additional net monetary benefit of £24,304-£90,559 per patient treated at £20,000/QALY, when 10-100% of eligible patients receive treatment with 100% efficacy. Dependent on patient genotype, the cost-effectiveness of HCV treatment using daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir improved by 36-79% versus conventional analysis, at 10-100% treatment uptake in the PWID population.

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated cost-effectiveness of HCV treatment was shown to improve as more patients are treated, suggesting that the value of DAA regimens to the NHS could be enhanced by improved treatment uptake rates among PWID. However, the challenge for the future will lie in achieving increased rates of treatment uptake, particularly in the PWID population.

Chronic Hepatitis C-Related Cirrhosis Hospitalization Cost Analysis in Bulgaria

OBJECTIVE

HCV infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease with long-term complications-extensive fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The objective of this study is to perform cost analysis of therapy of patients with chronic HCV-related cirrhosis hospitalized in the University Hospital "Queen Joanna-ISUL" for 3-year period (2012-2014).

METHODS

It is a prospective, real life observational study of 297 patients with chronic HCV infection and cirrhosis monitored in the University Hospital "Queen Joanna-ISUL" for 3-year period. Data on demographic, clinical characteristics, and health-care resources utilization (hospitalizations, highly specialized interventions, and pharmacotherapy) were collected. Micro-costing approach was applied to evaluate the total direct medical costs. The points of view are that of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), hospital and the patients. Collected cost data are from the NHIF and hospitals tariffs, patients, and from the positive dug list for medicines prices. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, Kruskal-Wallis, and Friedman tests were used for statistical processing.

RESULTS

76% of patients were male. 93% were diagnosed in grade Child-Pugh A and B. 97% reported complications, and almost all developed esophageal varices. During the 3 years observational period, patients did not change the critical clinical values for Child-Pugh status and therefore the group was considered as homogenous. 847 hospitalizations were recorded for 3 years period with average length of stay 17 days. The mortality rate of 6.90% was extremely high. The total direct medical costs for the observed cohort of patients for 3-year period accounted for 1,290,533 BGN (€659,839) with an average cost per patient 4,577 BGN (€2,340). Statistically significant correlation was observed between the total cost per patient from the different payers' perspective and the Child-Pugh cirrhosis score.

CONCLUSION

HCV-related cirrhosis is resource demanding and sets high direct medical costs as it is related with increased hospitalizations and complications acquiring additional treatment.

Higher MELD score increases the overall cost on the waiting list for liver transplantation: a micro-costing analysis based study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The pre-transplant period is complex and includes lots of procedures. The severity of liver disease predisposes to a high number of hospitalizations and high costs procedures. Economic evaluation studies are important tools to handle costs on the waiting list for liver transplantation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the total cost of the patient on the waiting list for liver transplantation and the main resources related to higher costs. METHODS: A cost study in a cohort of 482 patients registered on waiting list for liver transplantation was carried out. In 24 months follow-up, we evaluated all costs of materials, medicines, consultations, procedures, hospital admissions, laboratorial tests and image exams, hemocomponents replacements, and nutrition. The total amount of each resource or component used was aggregated and multiplied by the unitary cost, and thus individual cost for each patient was obtained. RESULTS: The total expenditure of the 482 patients was US$ 6,064,986.51. Outpatient and impatient costs correspond to 32.4% of total cost (US$ 1,965,045.52) and 67.6% (US$ 4,099,940.99) respectively. Main cost drivers in outpatient were: medicines (44.31%), laboratorial tests and image exams (31.68%). Main cost drivers regarding hospitalizations were: medicines (35.20%), bed use in ward and ICU (26.38%) and laboratorial tests (13.72%). Patients with MELD score between 25-30 were the most expensive on the waiting list (US$ 16,686.74 ± 16,105.02) and the less expensive were those with MELD below 17 (US$ 5,703.22 ± 9,318.68). CONCLUSION: Total costs on the waiting list for liver transplantation increased according to the patient’s severity. Individually, hospitalizations, hemocomponents reposition and hepatocellular carcinoma treatment were the main cost drivers to the patient on the waiting list. The longer the waiting time, the higher the total cost on list, causing greater impact on health systems.

Validity of an automated algorithm using diagnosis and procedure codes to identify decompensated cirrhosis using electronic health records

Viral hepatitis-induced cirrhosis can progress to decompensated cirrhosis. Clinical decompensation represents a milestone event for the patient with cirrhosis, yet there remains uncertainty regarding precisely how to define this important phenomenon. With the development of broader treatment options for cirrhotic hepatitis patients, efficient identification of liver status before evolving to decompensated cirrhosis could be life-saving, but research on the topic has been limited by inconsistencies across studies, populations, and case-confirmation methods. We sought to determine whether diagnosis/procedure codes drawn from electronic health records (EHRs) could be used to identify patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In our first step, chart review was used to determine liver status (compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, non-cirrhotic) in patients from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study. Next, a hybrid approach between Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression and Classification Regression Trees models was used to optimize EHR-based identification of decompensated cirrhosis, based on 41 diagnosis and procedure codes. These models were validated using tenfold cross-validation; method accuracy was evaluated by positive predictive values (PPVs) and area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves. Among 296 patients (23 with hepatitis B, 268 with hepatitis C, and 5 co-infected) with a 2:1 ratio of biopsy-confirmed cirrhosis to noncirrhosis, chart review identified 127 cases of decompensated cirrhosis (Kappa=0.88). The algorithm of five liver-related conditions—liver transplant, hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal varices complications/procedures, ascites, and cirrhosis—yielded a PPV of 85% and an AUROC of 92%. A hierarchical subset of three conditions (hepatocellular carcinoma, ascites, and esophageal varices) demonstrated a PPV of 81% and an AUROC of 86%. Given the excellent predictive ability of our model, this EHR-based automated algorithm may be used to successfully identify patients with decompensated cirrhosis. This algorithm may contribute to timely identification and treatment of viral hepatitis patients who have progressed to decompensated cirrhosis.

Treatment Discontinuation, Adherence, and Real-World Effectiveness Among Patients Treated with Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in the United States

Introduction

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment provides an oral interferon-free treatment regimen with high rates of sustained virologic response (SVR). This study assessed treatment discontinuation, factors associated with treatment completion, and real-world effectiveness.

Methods

Patients with HCV treated with LDV/SOF between October 2014 and June 2015 and enrolled in a large US health plan were identified. Expected treatment duration was calculated based on IDSA/AASLD treatment guidelines and US labels using data for genotype, initial treatment regimen, baseline cirrhosis, and prior treatments. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with treatment completion, controlling for patient characteristics.

Results

The study included 1483 LDV/SOF patients. Mean age was 59.7 years, most were male (63.9%), had commercial insurance (51.9%), and were treatment-naïve (85.6%). Cirrhosis or end stage liver disease was present in 46.1%. Among patients with an expected 8-week treatment regimen, 49.4% were treated for longer. Most patients (99.8%) with expected 12-week treatment durations were adherent to the expected treatment duration. Treatment-experienced patients [odds ratio (OR) 0.124, p < 0.001] and those on Medicare (OR 0.382, p = 0.039) had lower odds of completing the expected treatment regimen, while males were more likely to complete treatment than females (OR 3.235, p = 0.003). SVR12 in patients treated with LDV/SOF was 89.4% (n = 76/85).

Conclusion

Half of patients eligible for an 8-week treatment regimen with LDV/SOF were treated longer, while most patients with a 12-week regimen were adherent to the expected treatment duration. Prior HCV treatment, female gender, and Medicare Advantage insurance were associated with lower odds of treatment completion. Overall SVR12 was 89.4%.

Funding

Merck & Co. Inc.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40121-017-0163-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prioritization for interferon-free regimens and potential drug interactions of current direct-acting anti-hepatitis C agents in routine clinical practice

BACKGROUND

We determined the proportions of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in association with possible prioritized indications for interferon-free regimens and the use of co-medications with potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs).

METHODS

Five hundred consecutive mono-infected CHC patients seen in 2015 at 5 Greek centers were included. Priorities for interferon-free regimens were based on liver disease severity, contraindication(s) for interferon and prior interferon-treatment failure. All co-medications were classified into those with no DDIs/no clear data for DDIs, potential DDIs, and contraindication due to DDI for each agent, according to the HEP Drug Interaction Checker.

RESULTS

Of the 500 patients, 1% had undergone liver transplantation, whereas 6.6% had decompensated cirrhosis, 21.8% F4, 17.1% F3, 10.4% F2, and 34.8% F0-1 fibrosis. Contraindications for interferon were present in 38.5% of non-transplant patients with compensated liver disease. The probability of contraindications/potential DDIs was greater for boceprevir/telaprevir and ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir±dasabuvir, compared to all other agents (P<0.001), and least for sofosbuvir (P<0.05). Contraindications/potential DDIs were more frequently present in patients ≥50 than <50 years old (P≤0.034), and more common in F3-4 than F0-2, and F4 than F0-3 fibrosis (P≤0.019) for all direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

CONCLUSIONS

The expansion of the criteria for prioritization of interferon-free regimens from cirrhosis to F3 and perhaps F2 fibrosis will increase the proportion of patients with DAA access by only 10-15% and 10%, respectively. A potential for DDIs is frequently present with protease inhibitors, but also exists with other DAAs. The probability of DDIs is higher in patients with priority for DAAs, including those who have advanced liver disease and are usually of older age.

Direct and Indirect Economic Burden of Chronic Liver Disease in the United States

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Chronic liver (CLD) is a major public health concern. We assessed its effects on quality of life and work productivity, as well as its economic burden in the United States.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS; 2004-2013). We extracted participants' sociodemographic parameters and medical histories. Subjects with CLD were identified based on Clinical Classification Software codes. MEPS participants were compared between those with and without CLD, and then between employed and unemployed patients with CLD. Outcomes were quality-of-life scores, employment, and health care use.

RESULTS

We collected data from 230,406 adult participants (age, ≥18 y) in the MEPS; 1846 had current CLD (36.7% with viral hepatitis and 5.3% with liver cancer). Individuals with CLD were less likely to be employed (44.7% vs 69.6% patients without CLD), were not working owing to illness/disability (30.5% vs 6.6% without CLD), lost more work because of disability (10.2 vs 3.4 d without CLD), and had more health care use, producing greater health care expenses ($19,390 vs $5567/y without CLD) (all P < .0001). Patients with CLD also had more comorbidities and worse self-reported general and mental health status, and reported more health-related limitations in their daily activities than individuals without CLD (all P < .0001). They also indicated more psychologic distress and depressive symptoms and had a lower quality of life and health utility scores (P < .0001). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities, the presence of CLD was an important predictor of unemployment (odds ratio, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.70), annual health care expenditure (β = $9503 ± $2028), and impairment in all aspects of health-related quality of life (all P < .0001). In patients with CLD, the presence of liver cancer had the most profound impact on health care expenditures (β = $17,278 ± $5726/y) and physical health (β = -7.2 ± 1.7 for SF-12 physical component) (all P < .005).

CONCLUSIONS

In a cross-sectional analysis of MEPS participants, we associated CLD with large economic and quality-of-life burdens.

Clinical characteristics, healthcare costs, and resource utilization in hepatitis C vary by genotype

BACKGROUND

In the United States, approximately 3 million people are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Genotypes of HCV variably affect disease progression and treatment response. However, the relationships between HCV genotypes and liver disease progression, healthcare resource utilization, and healthcare costs have not been fully explored.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this retrospective study of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), healthcare claims from a large US health plan were used to collect data on patient demographic and clinical characteristics.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Main outcome measures include healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and healthcare costs. Linked laboratory data provided genotype and select measures to determine liver disease severity.

RESULTS

The sample (mean age 50.6 years, 63.5% male) included 10,331 patients, of whom 79.1% had genotype (GT)1, 12.8% had GT2, and 8.1% had GT3. Descriptive analyses demonstrated variation by HCV genotype in liver and non-liver related comorbidities, liver disease severity, and healthcare costs. The highest percentage of patients with liver-related comorbidities and advanced liver disease was found among those with GT3. Meanwhile, patients with GT2 had lower HCRU and the lowest costs, and patients with GT1 had the highest total all-cause costs. These differences may reflect differing rates of non-liver-related comorbidities and all-cause care. Multivariable analyses showed that genotype was a significant predictor of costs and liver disease severity: compared with patients having GT1, those with GT3 were significantly more likely to have advanced liver disease. Patients with GT2 were significantly less likely to have advanced disease and more likely to have lower all-cause costs.

LIMITATIONS

Results may not be generalizable to patients outside the represented commercial insurance plans, and analysis of a prevalent population may underestimate HCRU and costs relative to a sample of treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that liver disease progression varies by genotype and that CHC patients with GT3 appear to have more severe liver disease. These findings highlight the importance of effective HCV treatment for all patients and support guidelines for treatment of high-risk patients, including those with GT3.

Age-related Morbidity and Mortality After Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunts

AIM

To compare age-related morbidity and mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent TIPS at the University of California Los Angeles Medical Center between 2008 to 2014. Elderly patients (65 y and older) were matched with nonelderly patients (controls, below 65 y) by model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (±3), indication for TIPS (refractory ascites vs. variceal bleeding), serum sodium level (±5), in a ratio of 1:1. Endpoints measures were hospital stay post-TIPS, rifaximin, or lactulose use, TIPS failure at 30 days, readmission at 90 days, MELD at 90 days, and mortality at 90 days.

RESULTS

A total of 30 patient matches were included in this study: 30 control and 30 elderly patients. The median [interquartile (IQR)] MELD scores for controls and elderly were 11 (9, 13.8) for the controls and 11.5 (9, 14.8) for elderly patients (P=0.139). There were no significant differences in serum sodium and indication for TIPS. Thirty and 90-day follow-up laboratory test results were also similar between elderly and control patients. Event-free survival at 90 days was similar between controls and elderly patients [odds ratio (OR), 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.3-2.5; P>0.05]. There was a trend toward greater hospitalization (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 0.52-5.95; P=0.546) and mortality (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 0.3-14.01; P=0.182).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest event-free survival is similar between nonelderly and elderly patients. Although statistically significant, there is a tendency toward greater mortality and hospitalization in the elderly.

Value of Sustained Virologic Response in Patients with Hepatitis C as a Function of Time to Progression of End-Stage Liver Disease

BACKGROUND

Targeted intervention in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) closest to end-stage liver disease (ESLD) progression may offer an approach to treatment prioritisation whilst delivering benefits for patients and the healthcare system. In contrast to previous HCV economic analyses, this study aimed to estimate the health economic value of sustained virologic response (SVR) stratified by the patient's propensity to progress to ESLD.

METHODS

An HCV natural history model was adapted to estimate the value of avoiding ESLD complications following SVR, assessed as cost offsets and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gains, as a function of time to ESLD at treatment initiation. These outcomes were used to estimate the financial value of achieving SVR, defined as the maximum investment that could be allocated without exceeding a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20,000/QALY.

RESULTS

Regardless of time to ESLD onset, achieving SVR was beneficial, resulting in cost offsets and QALY gains, due to avoidance of ESLD complications. The value of achieving SVR was greatest in patients closest to ESLD onset, resulting in increased cost offsets and QALY gains (up to £50,901 and 9.56 QALYs). In patients closest to ESLD onset, the financial value of achieving SVR was £242,051, compared with £127,116 in patients furthest from onset.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard cost-effectiveness evaluations may underestimate the value of treatment in HCV patients closest to ESLD development. Targeted intervention would promote efficient allocation of limited healthcare resources and reconcile concerns surrounding the affordability of new direct-acting antivirals, by minimising the number-needed-to-treat to maximise health benefit, whilst minimising healthcare expenditure.

Hepatitis C among healthcare personnel: secondary data analyses of costs and trends for hepatitis C infections with occupational causes

Background

Hepatitis C infection is a global public health issue. Chronic hepatitis C infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to describe the costs for occupationally-cased hepatitis C infections based on data from an accident insurance carrier.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis based on the Database of a German Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance. The analysis is based on a sample of insured parties whose hepatitis C infections were recorded as occupational diseases between 1996 and 2013. The analysis is based on recognised hepatitis C cases and incorporates records registered between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2014.

Results

Within the study period, the number of reported and recognised hepatitis C cases declined by 73 and 86% respectively. The majority of recognised hepatitis C cases (n = 1.121) were female, older than 40 years and were active in a medical nursing profession. In the study period, the costs came to a total of € 87.9 million, of which 60% was attributable to pension payments (€ 51,570,830) and around 15% was attributable to pharmaceutical and medicinal products (€ 12,978,318). Expenses for drugs exhibited heavy increases in 2012 (from around € 500,000–800,000 to € 1.7 million) and 2014 (to € 2.5 million) in particular. Pension payments came to € 1.6 million in 2000 and rose continuously to over € 4 million in 2014. Expenses for occupational rehabilitation accounted for less than 1%.

Conclusions

For hepatitis C infections as an occupational disease, a considerable increase in costs has been observed in recent years, while the number of reports has declined heavily. This rise in costs is explained by the increase in pension payments and, since 2012, by a rise in the costs for drugs. The high costs of anti-viral therapies is offset by the potential for considerable treatment benefits. Healing the infection is expected to generate long-term cost savings for statutory accident insurance carriers, and also for social security systems.

Disease progression and health care resource consumption in patients affected by hepatitis C virus in real practice setting

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents serious health problems worldwide and is a major contributor to end-stage liver disease including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In Italy, ~2% of subjects are infected with HCV. The objective of this study was to describe treatment patterns, disease progression, and resource use in HCV.

METHODS

An observational retrospective cohort analysis based on four Local Health Units administrative and laboratory databases was conducted. HCV-positive patients between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 were included and followed-up for 1 year. To explore which covariates were associated to disease progression (cirrhosis, HCC, death for any cause), Cox proportional hazards models were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 9,514 patients were analyzed of which 55.6% were male, aged 58.1±16.1, and prevalence 0.4%; 5.8% were positive to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, 3.0% to hepatitis B virus (HBV), and 1.6% to HCV+HBV+HIV; 26.1% had cirrhosis and 4.3% HCC. The majority of patients (76%) did not receive an antiviral treatment; the main factors affecting this decision were age, 44.1% of untreated patients being aged >65 years; 31% were affected by cirrhosis, 6.6% had ongoing substance or alcohol abuse, and 5.5% were affected by HCC. Disease progression in the observed timeframe was less frequent among treated patients (incidence rate per 100 patients/year: cirrhosis 2.1±0.7 vs 13.0±1.0, HCC 0.5±0.3 vs 3.6±0.5, death 0.5±0.3 vs 6.4±0.7). The annual expenditure for HCV management (drugs, hospitalizations, outpatient services) was €4,700 per patient.

CONCLUSION

This observational, real-life study shows that only a small proportion of patients received antiviral therapy in the territorial services investigated; among patients who were not treated, this is reflected in a disease progression and cost of management higher than treated patients. These results suggest the importance of better defining the categories of patients who can really postpone treatment, and those who require immediate antiviral therapy.

Assessment of cost of innovation versus the value of health gains associated with treatment of chronic hepatitis C in the United States: The quality-adjusted cost of care

BACKGROUND

New direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy has dramatically increased cure rates for patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), but has also substantially raised treatment costs.

AIM

The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the therapeutic benefit and net costs (i.e. efficiency frontier) and the quality-adjusted cost of care associated with the evolution of treatment regimens for patients with HCV genotype 1 in the United States.

DESIGN

A decision-analytic Markov model.

DATA SOURCE

Published literature and clinical trial data.

TIME HORIZON

Life Time.

PERSPECTIVE

Third-party payer.

INTERVENTION

This study compared four approved regimens in treatment-naïve genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C patients, including pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PR), first generation triple therapy (boceprevir + PR and telaprevir + PR), second generation triple therapy (sofosbuvir + PR and simeprevir + PR) and all-oral DAA regimens (ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and ombitasvir + paritaprevir/ritonavir + dasabuvir ± ribavirin).

OUTCOME MEASURE

Quality-adjusted cost of care (QACC). QACC was defined as the increase in treatment cost minus the increase in the patient's quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) when valued at $50,000 per QALY.

RESULTS

All-oral therapy improved the average sustained virologic response (SVR) rate to 96%, thereby offsetting the high drug acquisition cost of $85,714, which resulted in the highest benefit based on the efficiency frontier. Furthermore, while oral therapies increased HCV drug costs by $48,350, associated QALY gains decreased quality-adjusted cost of care by $14,120 compared to dual therapy. When the value of a QALY was varied from $100,000 to $300,000, the quality adjusted cost of care compared to dual therapy ranged from - $21,234 to - $107,861, - $89,007 to - $293,130, - $176,280 to - $500,599 for first generation triple, second generation triple, and all-oral therapies, respectively. Primary efficacy and safety measurements for drug regimens were sourced from clinical trials data rather than a real-world setting. Factors such as individual demographic characteristics, comorbidities and alcohol consumption of the individual patients treated may alter disease progression but were not captured in this analysis.

CONCLUSION

New DAA treatments provide short-term and long-term clinical and economic value to society.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Health Economic Evaluations of Sofosbuvir for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C: a Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The approval of sofosbuvir offers new therapeutic options for patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C. In phase III trials, it has demonstrated significantly greater efficacy and safety in comparison with the old standard of care. In addition, it provides the first interferon-free regimen allowing treatment of patients without previous therapeutic options. A current debate regarding pricing and affordability can be attributed to high treatment costs. The objective of this review was to compare health economic evaluations of sofosbuvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in terms of models, patient populations, interventions and results.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using the data sources Medline (1946-09/2015), Embase (1974-09/2015), the Health Technology Assessment Database (September 2015) and the UK National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (September 2015). We included health economic evaluations that measured the cost-effectiveness of sofosbuvir-based regimens compared with regimens without sofosbuvir for the treatment of adult patients infected with chronic hepatitis C. The articles were then critically appraised regarding the effectiveness data, cost data and models utilised.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were included, which analysed the cost-effectiveness of sofosbuvir in seven different countries. Differences in study characteristics were found regarding study populations, modelling and willingness-to-pay thresholds. The study results demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of the treatment combination of sofosbuvir with pegylated interferon and ribavirin in comparison with the old standard of care. Dual therapy with sofosbuvir and ribavirin was considered cost effective only in comparison with no therapy.

CONCLUSION

Despite high costs, the included studies indicate that sofosbuvir-based regimens are cost effective in most patients. While the results are unequivocal with regard to sofosbuvir-based triple therapy, the cost-effectiveness of sofosbuvir-based dual therapy heavily depends on country-specific willingness to pay. Although interferon-containing triple therapy has now been replaced by newly approved direct-acting antivirals in most middle- and high-income countries, the availability of these oral treatment combinations is poor in low-income countries. Therefore, the findings of our review are still of relevance.

Determinant Factors of the Direct Medical Costs Associated with Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Infection in Treatment-Experienced Patients

Objective

Limited evidence is available on predictors of medical resource utilization (MRU) and related direct costs, especially in treatment-experienced patients infected with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study aimed at investigating patient and treatment characteristics that predict MRU and related non-drug costs in treatment-experienced patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with simeprevir (SMV) or telapravir (TVR) in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PegIFN/R).

Patients and Methods

A total of 709 patients who completed the 72-week ATTAIN trial were included in the study. Cost data were analysed from the UK NHS perspective. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to determine patterns and predictors of total MRU-related costs associated with SMV/PegIFN/R and TVR/PegIFN/R.

Results

Independent predictors for total MRU-related costs were age, region and the following interaction terms: (1) gender × F3–F4 METAVIR score × baseline viral load (BLVL), (2) body mass index (BMI) × F3–F4 METAVIR score × prior response to PegIFN/R and (3) gender × achievement of SVR at 12 weeks (SVR12) × BLVL. A F3–F4 METAVIR score was a stronger predictor of total MRU-related costs than SVR12. Predictors of adverse events included older age, female gender, low BMI, TVR/PegIFN/R and SVR12. Wilcoxon rank sum test revealed comparable total MRU-related costs between SMV/PegIFN/R and TVR/PegIFN/R.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the relationship between commonly admitted predictors of MRU-related costs and their joint effect on total MRU-related costs in treatment-experienced patients with CHC. The identified predictors of MRU-related costs suggest that significant treatment costs can be avoided by starting treatment early before the disease progresses. Furthermore, adverse events seem to be the most important factor to take into consideration for the choice of treatment, especially when therapeutic options are associated with similar levels of medical resource utilization and associated costs.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40268-015-0109-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.