Cost-effectiveness of chronic hepatitis C screening and treatment

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the second most common cause of chronic liver disease in South Korea, with a prevalence ranging from 0.6% to 0.8%, and HCV infection incidence increases with age. The anti-HCV antibody test, which is cheaper than the HCV RNA assay, is widely used to screen for HCV infections; however, the underdiagnosis of HCV is a major barrier to the elimination of HCV infections. Although several risk factors have been associated with HCV infections, including intravenous drug use, blood transfusions, and hemodialysis, most patients with HCV infections present with no identifiable risk factors. Universal screening for HCV in adults has been suggested to improve the detection of HCV infections. We reviewed the cost-effectiveness of HCV screening and the methodologies used to perform screening. Recent studies have suggested that universal HCV screening and treatment using direct-acting antivirals represent cost-effective approaches to the prevention and treatment of HCV infection. However, the optimal timing and frequency of HCV screening remain unclear, and further studies are necessary to determine the best approaches for the elimination of HCV infections.

Chronic viral hepatitis C micro‐elimination program using telemedicine in Guigang city

“…As a result, there is a need for a re‐evaluation of the global prevalence of HCV, as well as the staging and treatment of hepatitis in these populations. Previous studies have also emphasized the strong association between incarceration and injection drug use, which poses a significant risk for HCV transmission in correctional settings 12–14 . In our city, Guigang, from 2016 to 2021, a total of 6834 cases of hepatitis C have been reported in different districts, but only a small proportion of patients have received treatment.…”

“…A study in the United Kingdom showed that outreach services to homeless populations increased detection rates and recommended an immediate hepatitis C testing treatment strategy to increase treatment rates. To address inequalities in healthcare resources, a study in the United Kingdom [13] [15] showed that HCV clinic services in New York City were forced to be streamlined by the epidemic and that a combination of telemedicine and outpatient clinics is emerging as a new model for hepatitis C management. The results of another study [16] showed that telemedicine is an effective way to manage HCV drug-using populations.…”

“…Previous studies have also emphasized the strong association between incarceration and injection drug use, which poses a significant risk for HCV transmission in correctional settings. [12][13][14] In our city, Guigang, from 2016 to 2021, a total of 6834 cases of hepatitis C have been reported in different districts, but only a small proportion of patients have received treatment. Over the past 5 years, Guigang People's Hospital has reported 1748 cases of hepatitis C, but the actual number of treated patients is considerably lower than the reported figures.…”

Burden of liver cancer due to hepatitis C from 1990 to 2019 at the global, regional, and national levels

“…The progression from HCV infection to the development of liver cancer is characterized by a gradual, protracted process that spans over 20–40 years in affected patients ( 9 ). Globally, in 2021, it was estimated that approximately 58 million people were living with chronic HCV infections ( 10 ). In the United States, the number of hepatocellular carcinoma cases due to HCV increased by 130% during 1990–1999 and 2000–2009 ( 11 ).…”

Real-life experience of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for HCV infected Korean patients: a multicenter cohort study

“…HCV infection is a major chronic liver disease, with an estimated prevalence rate of 0.5% between 2012 and 2016 in Korea. Based on the genotype (GT) distribution, GT1 (52.7% of all infections) and GT2 (45.3%) were dominant in Korea [ 3 , 9 – 11 ]. More than 90% of the patients infected with HCV were over 40 years of age, and approximately 70% of the patients had chronic hepatitis, followed by 20% with LC [ 12 ].…”