Impact of viral eradication on mortality related to hepatitis C: A modeling approach in France☆
Received 10 September 2007; received in revised form 26 March 2008; accepted 14 April 2008. published online 21 May 2008.
Background/Aims
In France, two recent studies enabled modeling of the impact of viral eradication on HCV mortality.
Methods
The French HCV population was simulated from infection to death using a computer-based model. We took into account the impact of alcohol, present screening and antiviral therapy to predict 2006–2025 HCV mortality and to assess the impact of viral eradication.
Results
In 2006, the model estimated that among HCV-RNA+, 55% were F0–F1, 18% F2, 22% F3–F4 and 6% had liver complications. The mortality ratio was 11-fold higher in alcoholic patients 40–65 years old. Current therapy will save 14,400 (95% CI, 13,900–15,000) lives compared to absence of therapy. Sensitivity analyses did not change the main results. Contrary to guidelines, if patients F<2 were treated in the same proportions as those with F⩾2, 700 (95% CI, 700–750) lives would be saved. If screening were to reach 75% in 2010, 4 years earlier than model expectation, 950 (95% CI, 900–1000) lives would be saved. If a new molecule improving eradication for genotype 1/4 by 40% were to become available in 2010, 1500 (95% CI, 1400–1600) lives would be saved.
Conclusions
Current therapy is reducing HCV mortality. Therapeutic guidelines must take into account their impact on HCV mortality.
☆ Dr. Deuffic-Burban received an unrestricted grant from Roche Laboratories, France to conduct this study. The other authors do not have anything to disclose regarding funding from industries or conflict of interest with respect to this manuscript.
ABSTRACT