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The impact of hepatitis C burden: an evidence-based approach

Z M Younossi1, F Kanwal, S Saab

  • 1Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA; Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Disease, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA, USA.

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|January 28, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection significantly impacts health and finances in the US. Eradicating HCV improves patient outcomes and quality of life.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of mortality, morbidity, and healthcare resource utilization in the US.
  • HCV is the primary driver of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) in the United States.
  • Recent advancements in HCV diagnostics, screening recommendations (CDC), and highly effective, shorter, interferon-free treatment regimens have revitalized clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively evaluate the multifaceted impact of HCV burden.
  • Assess clinical outcomes, economic consequences, and patient-reported experiences associated with HCV.
  • Synthesize current evidence on the full spectrum of HCV's effects.

Main Methods:

  • An expert panel convened to assess HCV burden using an evidence-based approach.
  • Utilized the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.
  • Literature was summarized, graded, and presented in a workshop format to review evidence on HCV-related outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Strong evidence links HCV to cirrhosis, HCC, liver-related mortality, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and rheumatological diseases.
  • Significant impairments in quality of life are associated with HCV infection.
  • Sustained viral eradication of HCV demonstrates strong evidence for improving key outcomes, including mortality and quality of life.

Conclusions:

  • HCV infection imposes a substantial clinical burden.
  • The economic impact of HCV is significant.
  • HCV infection profoundly affects patients' quality of life, but eradication offers substantial benefits.
Abstract

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