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Comorbidities and Prescribed Medications in Korean Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Nationwide, Population-Based

Jung Wha Chung1, Hwa Young Choi2, Moran Ki2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea.

Gut and Liver
|July 4, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Most chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients have comorbidities and take multiple medications, increasing drug-drug interaction (DDI) risks with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. These factors are crucial for effective CHC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Extrahepatic comorbidities and comedication are critical considerations in treating chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).
  • These factors pose risks for drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and influence clinical outcomes.
  • Understanding comorbidity and comedication profiles in specific patient populations, like Koreans, is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the detailed profiles of comorbidities and comedication among Korean CHC patients.
  • To assess the prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) relevant to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of the National Health Insurance claims database for adult CHC patients diagnosed in 2013.
  • Collection of all recorded ICD-10 diagnostic codes and prescribed medications for each patient.
  • Identification of comorbidities and medication types, including those with DDI risks.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of comorbidities (84.8%) and polypharmacy (96.8%) was observed in 47,104 Korean CHC patients.
  • Hypertension, esophagitis, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and peptic ulcer were the most common comorbidities.
  • A significant DDI risk was identified in 97% of patients, with contraindicated or dose-reduction medications frequently prescribed.

Conclusions:

  • The majority of Korean CHC patients exhibit significant comorbidities and polypharmacy.
  • A substantial proportion of CHC patients are exposed to medications with potential DDIs.
  • Comorbidity and comedication profiles must be carefully evaluated to ensure safe and effective DAA therapy.
Abstract

Keywords:
ComorbidityDrug interactionsDrug therapyHepatitis CLiver cirrhosischronic

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