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Cost of treating hepatitis C in Germany: a retrospective multicenter analysis

Jona T Stahmeyer1, Siegbert Rossol, Florian Bert

  • 1aInstitute of Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research bDepartment of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School cGerman Liver Foundation, Hannover dDepartment of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Nordwest eInstitute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Frankfurt a.M., Frankfurt fDepartment of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Mannheim, Mannheim gCenter for Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne hCentre for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kiel iPractice for Gastroenterology, Herne, Germany.

European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|August 22, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Germany incurs significant costs, primarily due to antiviral therapy duration. Viral eradication is key to preventing costly advanced liver disease.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Public Health
  • Health Economics

Background:

  • Viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV), poses a significant global public health challenge.
  • An estimated 400,000-500,000 individuals in Germany are chronically infected with HCV.
  • Chronic HCV infection can lead to severe liver conditions like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the economic burden associated with treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients in Germany.
  • To analyze healthcare utilization and associated costs across different patient health states.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, multicenter observational study was conducted with ethics committee approval and informed patient consent.
  • Data from 315 chronic HCV patients across six German medical centers were analyzed.
  • Patients were categorized into four distinct health states, and healthcare utilization data were extracted from medical records.

Main Results:

  • The average total treatment cost per patient was €19,147, with pharmaceuticals constituting the largest expense (€14,875).
  • Costs were similar for patients with mild, moderate, or compensated cirrhotic HCV, primarily driven by antiviral treatment.
  • Decompensated cirrhosis significantly increased costs, with inpatient care becoming the dominant cost factor.

Conclusions:

  • The treatment of chronic HCV patients is associated with substantial costs, largely dependent on the duration of antiviral therapy.
  • Achieving viral eradication is crucial for preventing the progression to severe liver disease stages, thereby mitigating high treatment expenses.
  • Adherence to current treatment guidelines and close patient monitoring are essential for optimizing care and minimizing unnecessary healthcare expenditures.
Abstract

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