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Dilokthornsakul P, Sawangjit R, Tangkijvanich P, Chayanupatkul M, Permsuwan U. Simplified Chronic Hepatitis B Antiviral Initiation Criteria in Thailand: An Economic Evaluation. Value Health Reg Issues 2024; 43:101011. [PMID: 38848612 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2024.101011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Criteria for antiviral treatment initiation in Thailand were complex and difficult to implement. This study determined the cost-effectiveness of 2 simplified antiviral treatment initiation criteria among patients with chronic hepatitis B in Thailand. METHODS A hybrid model of the decision tree and Markov model was developed. Two simplified antiviral treatment initiation criteria were the expanded criteria, treating patients with hepatitis B surface antigen positive and viral load (hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid) >2000 IU/mL or cirrhosis by tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), and the test-and-treat criteria, treating patients with hepatitis B surface antigen positive and viral load >10 IU/mL or cirrhosis by TAF. PubMed was searched from its inception to July 2023 to identify input parameters. Best supportive care was chosen for patients who were ineligible for TAF. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) was calculated. RESULTS The expanded criteria and the test-and-treat could reduce the occurrence of patients progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma. In particular, both criteria could reduce 4846 new cases of hepatocellular carcinoma per 100 000 patients. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for the expanded criteria and the test-and-treat criteria were 24 838 Thai baht (THB)/QALY and 163 060 THB/QALY, respectively. CONCLUSIONS At the current willingness to pay of 160 000 THB/QALY, the expanded criteria were cost-effective, but the test-and-treat criteria were not cost-effective to be the simplified antiviral treatment initiation criteria for patients with chronic hepatitis B in Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyameth Dilokthornsakul
- Center for Medical and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | - Ratree Sawangjit
- Clinical Trial and Evidence-Based Synthesis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Maneerat Chayanupatkul
- Center of Excellence in Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Unchalee Permsuwan
- Center for Medical and Health Technology Assessment, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Gattini D, Belza C, Kraus R, Avitzur Y, Ungar WJ, Wales PW. Cost-utility analysis of teduglutide compared to standard care in weaning parenteral nutrition support in children with short bowel syndrome. Clin Nutr 2023; 42:2363-2371. [PMID: 37862822 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS A growing proportion of children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) remain dependent on long-term parenteral nutrition (PN). Teduglutide offers the potential for more children to decrease PN support and achieve enteral autonomy (EA), but at a significant expense. This study aims to assess the incremental costs of teduglutide plus standard of care compared to standard of care alone in weaning PN support per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained in children with SBS. METHODS This is a cost-utility analysis comparing teduglutide with standard of care alone in children with SBS. A microsimulation model of children with SBS on PN aged 1-17 years was constructed over a time horizon of six years, with a cycle length of one month. The study adopted the healthcare system and societal payer perspectives in Ontario, Canada. The health outcome measure was QALYs, with results expressed in terms of incremental costs and QALYs. Scenario analyses were performed to examine the effects of different time horizons, timing of teduglutide initiation, and modeling cost of teduglutide based on pediatric weight-dosing. RESULTS Incremental healthcare system costs for teduglutide compared to standard of care were CAD$441,314 (95% CI, 414,006 to 441,314) and incremental QALYs were 1.80 (95% CI, 1.70 to 1.89) resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of CAD$285,334 (95% CI, 178,209 to 392,459) per QALY gained. Incremental societal costs were CAD$418,504 (95% CI, 409,487 to 427,522) and incremental societal QALYs were 1.91 (95% CI, 1.85 to 1.98) resulting in an ICER of CAD$261,880 (95% CI, 136,887 to 386,874) per QALY gained. Scenario analysis showed that teduglutide was cost-effective when it was started two years after intestinal resection (ICER CAD$48,741, 95% CI, 17,317 to 80,165) and when its monthly cost was adjusted using weight-based dosing, avoiding wastage of the remaining 5 mg dose vial (Teduglutide dominated over SOC as the less costly and most effective strategy). CONCLUSIONS Although teduglutide was not cost-effective in weaning PN support in children with SBS, starting teduglutide once natural intestinal adaptation is reduced and adjusting its monthly cost to reflect cost by volume as dictated by weight-based dosing rendered the intervention cost-effective relative to standard of care. These results indicate the potential for clinicians to re-assess optimal time for initiation of teduglutide after intestinal resection, drug manufacturers to consider the use of multi-dose or paediatric-dose vials, and the opportunity for decision-makers to re-evaluate teduglutide funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gattini
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Group for Improvement of Intestinal Function and Treatment (GIFT), Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina Belza
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Group for Improvement of Intestinal Function and Treatment (GIFT), Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raphael Kraus
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Pediatric Rheumatologist, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yaron Avitzur
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Group for Improvement of Intestinal Function and Treatment (GIFT), Transplant and Regenerative Medicine Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul W Wales
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of General and Thoracic Surgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Cincinnati Center of Excellence for Intestinal Rehabilitation (CinCEIR), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
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Bell DSH, Jerkins T. In praise of pioglitazone: An economically efficacious therapy for type 2 diabetes and other manifestations of the metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Obes Metab 2023; 25:3093-3102. [PMID: 37534526 DOI: 10.1111/dom.15222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Pioglitazone improves glycaemic control, not only by lowering insulin resistance, but also by improving beta cell function. Because of the improved beta cell function the glycaemic control that occurs with pioglitazone is prolonged. Pioglitazone has positive effects not only on cardiac risk factors and surrogate measures of cardiovascular disease, it also lowers the incidence of cardiac events in patients with diabetes. The recurrence of transient ischaemic attack and ischaemic stroke is also reduced in non-diabetic, insulin-resistant subjects. Utilized at preclinical stages (but not later) of heart failure, pioglitazone improves diastolic function and avoids progression to heart failure. Pioglitazone, through suppression of atrial remodelling, also decreases the incidence of atrial fibrillation. The manifestations of diseases associated with insulin resistance (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and polycystic ovary disease) are also improved with pioglitazone. Pioglitazone may possibly improve psoriasis and other dermopathies. Pioglitazone is therefore an inexpensive and efficacious drug for the insulin-resistant subject with diabetes that is underutilized because of biases that have evolved from the toxicities of other thiazolidinediones.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S H Bell
- Department of Endocrinology, Southside Endocrinology, Irondale, Alabama, USA
| | - Terri Jerkins
- Department of Endocrinology, Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Dilokthornsakul P, Sawangjit R, Tangkijvanich P, Chayanupatkul M, Sriuttha P, Permsuwan U. Risk prediction algorithms in guiding antiviral therapy initiation among patients with chronic hepatitis B in Thailand: an economic evaluation and budget impact analysis. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2023; 23:951-958. [PMID: 37381798 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2023.2231636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several risk prediction algorithms have been developed to guide antiviral therapy initiation among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study assessed the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of three risk prediction algorithms among patients with CHB in Thailand. METHODS A decision tree with a Markov model was constructed. Three risk prediction algorithms were compared with current practices including HePAA, TREAT-B and REACH-B. PubMed was searched from its inception to December 2022 to identify inputs. Tenofovir alafenamide and best supportive care were selected for antiviral-eligible patients, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) were calculated. RESULTS Our base case analysis showed that HePAA and REACH-B could provide better QALY (0.098 for HePAA and 0.921 for REACH-B) with decreased total healthcare costs (-10909 THB for HePAA and -8,637 THB for REACH-B). TREAT-B provided worse QALY (-0.144) with increased total healthcare costs (10,435 THB). The budget impacts for HePAA and REACH-B were 387 million THB and 3,653 million THB, respectively. CONCLUSION HePAA and REACH-B algorithms are cost-effective in guiding antiviral therapy initiation. REACH-B is the most cost-effective option, but has a high budget impact. Policymakers should consider both cost-effectiveness and budget impact findings when deciding which algorithm should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyameth Dilokthornsakul
- Center of Medical and Health Technology Assessment (CM-HTA), Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Ratree Sawangjit
- Clinical Trial and Evidence-Based Synthesis Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Maneerat Chayanupatkul
- Center of Excellence in Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pajaree Sriuttha
- Center of Medical and Health Technology Assessment (CM-HTA), Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Unchalee Permsuwan
- Center of Medical and Health Technology Assessment (CM-HTA), Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Ong J, Alswat K, Hamid S, El-Kassas M. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Asia, Africa, and Middle East Region. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:287-299. [PMID: 37024208 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. The global prevalence of the disease varies according to the geographical region. Despite having distinct models for the western patterns of NAFLD, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East regions exhibited varying prevalence rates of NAFLD. The disease burden is anticipated to significantly increase in these areas. Furthermore, with an increase in NAFLD risk factors in these regions, the disease burden is expected to rise even more. Policies at the regional and international levels are required to address such growing burden of NAFLD consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janus Ong
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Khalid Alswat
- Department of Medicine, Liver Disease Research Centre, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Hamid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed El-Kassas
- Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo 11795, Egypt.
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Gruneau L, Ekstedt M, Kechagias S, Henriksson M. Disease Progression Modeling for Economic Evaluation in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-A Systematic Review. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:283-298. [PMID: 34757199 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.10.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Globally, 25% of people have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and, currently, there are no approved pharmacologic treatments for NAFLD. With a slow disease progression, long-term impact of pharmacologic treatments can be assessed only by complementing emerging clinical trial evidence with data from other sources in disease progression modeling. Although this modeling is crucial for economic evaluation studies assessing the clinical and economic consequences of new treatments, the approach to modeling the natural history of NAFLD differs in contemporary research. This systematic literature review investigated modeling of the natural history of NAFLD. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted searching PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database to identify articles focusing on modeling of the natural history of NAFLD. Model structure and transition probabilities were extracted from included studies. RESULTS Of the 28 articles identified, differences were seen in model structure and data input. Clear definitions of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and NAFLD often were lacking; differences in the granularity of modeling fibrosis progression, the approach to disease regression, and modeling of advanced liver disease varied across studies. Observed transition probabilities for F0 to F1, F1 to F2, F2 to F3, and F3 to compensated cirrhosis varied between 0.059 to 0.095, 0.023 to 0.140, 0.018 to 0.070, and 0.040 to 0.118, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The difference in disease progression modeling for seemingly similar models warrants further inquiry regarding how to model the natural course of NAFLD. Such differences may have a large impact when assessing the value of emerging pharmacologic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Gruneau
- Center for Medical Technology Assessment, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Mattias Ekstedt
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Stergios Kechagias
- Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Katoch S, Sharma V, Patial V. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma: Experimental and clinical scenarios. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:3535-3554. [PMID: 36161051 PMCID: PMC9372809 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i28.3535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer worldwide. Viral hepatitis is a significant risk factor for HCC, although metabolic syndrome and diabetes are more frequently associated with the HCC. With increasing prevalence, there is expected to be > 1 million cases annually by 2025. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish potential therapeutic targets to cure this disease. Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the patho-physiology of HCC. Many synthetic agonists of PPARγ suppress HCC in experimental studies and clinical trials. These synthetic agonists have shown promising results by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HCC cells and preventing the invasion and metastasis of HCC. However, some synthetic agonists also pose severe side effects in addition to their therapeutic efficacy. Thus natural PPARγ agonists can be an alternative to exploit this potential target for HCC treatment. In this review, the regulatory role of PPARγ in the pathogenesis of HCC is elucidated. Furthermore, the experimental and clinical scenario of both synthetic and natural PPARγ agonists against HCC is discussed. Most of the available literature advocates PPARγ as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Katoch
- Division of Dietetics and Nutrition Technology, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, UP, India
| | - Vinesh Sharma
- Division of Dietetics and Nutrition Technology, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, UP, India
| | - Vikram Patial
- Division of Dietetics and Nutrition Technology, Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad 201002, UP, India
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Dilokthornsakul P, Sawangjit R, Tangkijvanich P, Chayanupatkul M, Tanwandee T, Sukeepaisarnjaroen W, Sriuttha P, Permsuwan U. Economic Evaluation of Oral Nucleos(t)ide Analogues for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B in Thailand. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2022; 20:587-596. [PMID: 35141850 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-022-00719-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are the main drug category used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). There is a need to update the economic evaluation of CHB treatment. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the cost effectiveness of NAs for CHB in Thailand. METHOD We used a lifetime Markov model undertaken from a societal perspective. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF), entecavir (ETV) with TDF or TAF as rescue medications, and lamivudine (LAM) with TDF or TAF rescue medications were compared with best supportive care (BSC). We performed a network meta-analysis to estimate the treatment effects of each NA on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss in an Asian population and performed an additional literature review to identify inputs. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and performed sensitivity analyses. RESULTS Compared with BSC, all NAs could improve patients' QALYs, with results ranging from 4.04 to 4.25 QALYs gained. TAF, TDF, LAM/TAF, and LAM/TDF yielded lower total lifetime costs than BSC, ranging from - $US1387 to - 814, whereas ETV/TAF and ETV/TDF yielded higher total lifetime costs than BSC, ranging from $US4965 to 4971. The ICER was $US1230/QALY for ETV/TDF and $US1228/QALY for ETV/TAF. Full incremental analysis showed that the ICER for LAM/TAF was $US1720/QALY compared with TAF. CONCLUSION At current prices, TAF, TDF, LAM/TAF, and LAM/TDF are dominant options, and ETV/TAF or ETV/TDF are cost-effective options. LAM/TAF is the most cost-effective option, followed by TAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyameth Dilokthornsakul
- Center of Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Naresuan University, Mueang Phitsanulok, Thailand.
| | - Ratree Sawangjit
- Clinical Trial and Evidence-Based Synthesis Research Cluster , Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Maneerat Chayanupatkul
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Pajaree Sriuttha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Unchalee Permsuwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Rustgi VK, Duff SB, Elsaid MI. Cost-effectiveness and potential value of pharmaceutical treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. J Med Econ 2022; 25:347-355. [PMID: 35034553 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2022.2026702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and economic burden. With currently no approved treatment, an effective pharmaceutical intervention for this disease must be both clinically- and cost-effective. METHODS A Markov model was constructed to estimate the clinical outcomes, costs, and quality of life impact of a hypothetical pharmaceutical intervention. Lifetime clinical outcomes, life-years, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs (2020 $US), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and economically justifiable prices (EJPs) were quantified. Only patients with fibrosis stage F2-F4 were assumed eligible to initiate pharmaceutical treatment. RESULTS Over a mean life expectancy of approximately 21 years in the simulated cohort, drug treatment reduced liver-related mortality by 6.0% (2.7% absolute reduction). Assuming an annual drug cost of $36,000, total discounted medical costs were $574,238 and $120,312 for drug and usual care, respectively, with discounted QALYs estimated to be 9.452 and 9.272 for the two comparators. This yielded an ICER of $2,517,676/QALY gained. The EJP of the drug at an ICER threshold of $150,000/QALY gained was $2,633, a 93% reduction from a base case. Sensitivity analyses suggest that, without a substantial decrease in the drug price, ICERs would exceed $500,000/QALY gained even with the most favorable efficacy assumptions. CONCLUSIONS For a pharmaceutical intervention to be considered cost-effective in the NAFLD fibrosis population, the substantial clinical benefit will need to be coupled with a modest annual price. Annual drug costs exceeding $12,000 likely will not provide reasonable value, even with favorable efficacy. More work is needed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of lifestyle modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod K Rustgi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Center for Liver Diseases and Masses, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Steve B Duff
- Veritas Health Economics Consulting, Inc, Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Mohamed I Elsaid
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Licata A, Zerbo M, Como S, Cammilleri M, Soresi M, Montalto G, Giannitrapani L. The Role of Vitamin Deficiency in Liver Disease: To Supplement or Not Supplement? Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13114014. [PMID: 34836267 PMCID: PMC8620546 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, growing interest has been shown for the impact of dietary requirements and nutritional factors on chronic diseases. As a result, nutritional programs have been reinforced by public health policies. The precise role of micronutrients in chronic liver disease is currently receiving particular attention since abnormalities in vitamin levels are often detected. At present, treatment programs are focused on correcting vitamin deficiencies, which are frequently correlated to higher rates of comorbidities with poor outcomes. The literature reviewed here indicates that liver diseases are often related to vitamin disorders, due to both liver impairment and abnormal intake. More specific knowledge about the role of vitamins in liver disease is currently emerging from various results and recent evidence. The most significant benefits in this area may be observed when improved vitamin intake is combined with a pharmacological treatment that may also affect the progression of the liver disease, especially in the case of liver tumors. However, further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Licata
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-655-2280; Fax: +39-091-655-2156
| | - Maddalena Zerbo
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Silvia Como
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Marcella Cammilleri
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Maurizio Soresi
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Lydia Giannitrapani
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
- Institute for Biochemical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
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Saokaew S, Kanchanasurakit S, Kositamongkol C, Chaiyo K, Jirapisut T, Aomsin N, Leewongsakorn P, Chaiyakunapruk N, Phisalprapa P. Effects of Telemedicine on Obese Patients With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:723790. [PMID: 34490309 PMCID: PMC8417362 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.723790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Little is known of the efficacy of telemedicine on the clinical outcomes of the high-risk group of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients, such as those with obesity. This study aimed to determine the effects of telemedicine vs. usual care for the management of obese patients with NAFLD. Methods: Literature searches were performed from inception to 1st June 2021 in the following databases: Cochrane CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus. Prospective trials assessed the effects of telemedicine on obese patients with NAFLD were included. The outcomes of interest were alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and body mass index, which were reported as weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Four studies were examined in the systematic review, one was excluded from the meta-analysis due to an inappropriate group-comparison. In all, 285 obese patients with NAFLD were included in the meta-analysis (70% of those received telemedicine intervention). The mean ages of the patients in the telemedicine and usual-care groups were 51.78 ± 5.91 and 47.30 ± 8.14 years, respectively. Telemedicine significantly decreased ALT levels compared with usual care (WMD = -18.93 U/L [95%CI: -25.97, -11.90]; I 2 = 53.8%), and it significantly decreased AST levels (WMD = -10.24 U/L [95%CI: -13.43, -7.05]; I 2 = 0.0%). However, telemedicine did not show significant benefits for the remaining outcomes. Conclusion: Compared with usual care, telemedicine significantly reduced the AST and ALT levels of obese patients with NAFLD. Further long-term studies with clinical endpoints are needed to determine the best characteristics of telemedicine and to confirm the benefits. Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO [CRD42020207451].
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Affiliation(s)
- Surasak Saokaew
- Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.,Unit of Excellence on Clinical Outcomes Research and IntegratioN (UNICORN), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.,Unit of Excellence on Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.,Division of Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.,Biofunctional Molecule Exploratory Research Group, Biomedicine Research Advancement Centre, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group, Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sukrit Kanchanasurakit
- Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.,Unit of Excellence on Clinical Outcomes Research and IntegratioN (UNICORN), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.,Unit of Excellence on Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand.,Division of Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Chayanis Kositamongkol
- Division of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanyanat Chaiyo
- Division of Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Thirada Jirapisut
- Division of Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Narakorn Aomsin
- Division of Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Pit Leewongsakorn
- Division of Pharmacy Practice, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao, Thailand
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Pochamana Phisalprapa
- Division of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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12
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Phisalprapa P, Prasitwarachot R, Kositamongkol C, Hengswat P, Srivanichakorn W, Washirasaksiri C, Treeprasertsuk S, Charatcharoenwitthaya P, Chaiyakunapruk N. Economic burden of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with significant fibrosis in Thailand. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:135. [PMID: 33765931 PMCID: PMC7992785 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01720-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been recognised as a significant form of chronic liver disease and a common cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, resulting in a considerable financial burden on healthcare resources. Currently, there is no information regarding the economic burden of NASH in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim of this study was to estimate the economic burden of NASH in Thailand as a lesson learned for LMICs. Methods To estimate the healthcare costs and prevalence of NASH with significant fibrosis (fibrosis stage ≥ 2) in the general Thai population, an eleven-state lifetime horizon Markov model with 1-year cycle length was performed. The model comprised Thai population aged 18 years and older. The cohort size was based on Thailand Official Statistic Registration Systems. The incidence of NASH, transitional probabilities, and costs-of-illness were based on previously published literature, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The age-specific prevalence of NASH was based on Thai NASH registry data. Costs were expressed in 2019 US Dollars ($). As we undertook analysis from the payer perspective, only direct medical costs were included. All future costs were discounted at an annual rate of 3%. A series of sensitivity analyses were performed. Results The estimated total number of patients with significant NASH was 2.9 million cases in 2019, based on a NASH prevalence of 5.74%. The total lifetime cost of significant NASH was $15.2 billion ($5,147 per case), representing approximately 3% of the 2019 GDP of Thailand. The probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the lifetime costs of significant NASH varied from $11.4 billion to $18.2 billion. Conclusions The economic burden associated with NASH is substantial in Thailand. This prompts clinicians and policy makers to consider strategies for NASH prevention and management. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-021-01720-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pochamana Phisalprapa
- Division of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ratthanon Prasitwarachot
- Department of Pharmacy Technicians, Sirindhorn College of Public Health Suphanburi, Suphanburi, Thailand
| | - Chayanis Kositamongkol
- Division of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pranaidej Hengswat
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Weerachai Srivanichakorn
- Division of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chaiwat Washirasaksiri
- Division of Ambulatory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sombat Treeprasertsuk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phunchai Charatcharoenwitthaya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
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da Rocha GHO, de Paula-Silva M, Broering MF, Scharf PRDS, Matsuyama LSAS, Maria-Engler SS, Farsky SHP. Pioglitazone-Mediated Attenuation of Experimental Colitis Relies on Cleaving of Annexin A1 Released by Macrophages. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:591561. [PMID: 33519451 PMCID: PMC7845455 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.591561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) which burden health systems worldwide; available pharmacological therapies are limited and cost-intensive. Use of peroxisome proliferator activated-receptor γ (PPARγ) ligands for IBD treatment, while promising, lacks solid evidences to ensure its efficacy. Annexin A1 (AnxA1), a glucocorticoid-modulated anti-inflammatory protein, plays a key role on IBD control and is a potential biomarker of IBD progression. We here investigated whether effects of pioglitazone, a PPARγ ligand, rely on AnxA1 actions to modulate IBD inflammation. Experimental colitis was evoked by 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in AnxA1 knockout (AnxA1-/-) or wild type (WT) C57BL/6 mice. Clinical and histological parameters were more severe for AnxA-/- than WT mice, and 10 mg/kg pioglitazone treatment attenuated disease parameters in WT mice only. AnxA1 expression was increased in tissue sections of diseased WT mice, correlating positively with presence of CD68+ macrophages. Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and inactive 33 kDa AnxA1 levels were increased in the colon of diseased WT mice, which were reduced by pioglitazone treatment. Cytokine secretion, reactive oxygen species generation and MMP-9 expression caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment in AnxA1-expressing RAW 264.7 macrophages were reduced by pioglitazone treatment, effects not detected in AnxA1 knockdown macrophages. LPS-mediated increase of AnxA1 cleaving in RAW 264.7 macrophages was also attenuated by pioglitazone treatment. Finally, pioglitazone treatment increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in AnxA1-expressing RAW 264.7 macrophages, but not in AnxA1-knockdown macrophages. Thus, our data highlight AnxA1 as a crucial factor for the therapeutic actions of pioglitazone on IBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina de Paula-Silva
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Milena Fronza Broering
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pablo Rhasan Dos Santos Scharf
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Silvya Stuchi Maria-Engler
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Helena Poliselli Farsky
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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14
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Johansen P, Howard D, Bishop R, Moreno SI, Buchholtz K. Systematic Literature Review and Critical Appraisal of Health Economic Models Used in Cost-Effectiveness Analyses in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Potential for Improvements. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2020; 38:485-497. [PMID: 31919793 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-019-00881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe, typically progressive form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The global prevalence of NASH is increasing, driven partly by the global increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), such that NASH is now a leading cause of cirrhosis. There is currently an unmet clinical need for efficacious and cost-effective treatments for NASH; no pharmacologic agents have an approved indication for NASH. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to summarise and critically appraise published health economic models of NASH, to evaluate their quality and suitability for use in the assessment of novel treatments for NASH, and to identify knowledge gaps, challenges and opportunities for future modelling. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed using the MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library and EconLit databases to identify published health economic analyses in patients with NAFLD or NASH. Supplementary hand searches of grey literature were also performed. Articles published up to November 2019 were included in the review. Quality assessment of identified studies was also performed. RESULTS A total of 19 articles comprising 16 unique models including either NAFLD as a whole or NASH alone were included in the review. Structurally, most models had a state-transition component; in terms of health states, two different approaches to early disease states were used, modelling either progression through fibrosis stages or NAFLD/NASH-specific health states. Conditions that frequently co-exist with NASH, such as obesity, T2DM and cardiovascular disease were not captured in models identified here. Late-stage complications such as cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma were consistently included, but input data (e.g. costs, utilities and transition probabilities) for late-stage complications were frequently sourced from other liver disease areas. The quality of included studies was heterogenous, and only a small proportion of studies reported internal and external validation processes. CONCLUSION The health economic models identified in this review are associated with limitations primarily driven by a lack of NASH-specific data. Identified models also largely overlooked the intricate association between NASH and other conditions, including obesity and T2DM, and did not capture the increased risk of cardiovascular events associated with NASH. High-quality, transparent, validated health economic models of NASH will be required to evaluate the cost effectiveness of treatments currently in development, particularly compounds that may target other non-hepatic outcomes.
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15
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Lonardo A, Suzuki A. Sexual Dimorphism of NAFLD in Adults. Focus on Clinical Aspects and Implications for Practice and Translational Research. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051278. [PMID: 32354182 PMCID: PMC7288212 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) embraces the clinico-pathological consequences of hepatic lipotoxicity and is a major public health problem globally. Sexual dimorphism is a definite feature of most human diseases but, under this aspect, NAFLD lags behind other medical fields. Here, we aim at summarizing and critically discussing the most prominent sex differences and gaps in NAFLD in humans, with emphasis on those aspects which are relevant for clinical practice and translational research. Sexual dimorphism of NAFLD is covered with references to the following areas: disease prevalence and risk factors, pathophysiology, comorbidities, natural course and complications. Finally, we also discuss selected gender differences and whether sex-specific lifestyle changes should be adopted to contrast NAFLD in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Lonardo
- Operating Unit Metabolic Syndrome, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, Ospedale Civile di Baggiovara, 41126 Baggiovara MO, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Ayako Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Durham VA Medical Center and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA;
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Treatment options for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:613-617. [PMID: 30920975 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease worldwide and is becoming the most frequent indication of liver transplantation. Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in these patients. There is no Food and Drug Association-approved medication for NAFLD patients. We aimed to provide more robust evidence on the use of medications that are inexpensive and available, namely, metformin, silymarin, pioglitazone, and vitamin E, for treating NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial on 150 consecutive patients with NAFLD who were assigned to five groups: lifestyle plus placebo, metformin 500 mg/day, silymarin 140 mg/day, pioglithasone 15 mg/day, and vitamin E 400 IU/day, all for 3 months. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were measured at baseline and 3 months later. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 47.0±9.1 (range: 18-65) years and the sex distribution was 73 (48.7%) women and 77 (51.3%) men. Patients in all groups showed a significant improvement in anthropometric parameters such as waist circumference and BMI. There was no statistically significant difference in alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in the control group after treatment (P=0.51, 0.18, respectively); however, both liver enzymes decreased significantly in the other groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial suggested a significant benefit of silymarin, pioglitazone, and vitamin E in improving liver aminotransferases in patients with NAFLD after only 3 months, without exerting any specific side effects.
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