Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in Young Children Reduces Adverse Outcomes: Study

Medical care costs were obtained from linked population level laboratory and administrative data (Ontario, Canada). Outcomes were expressed in expected quality-adjusted life-years and costs (CAD$). Analysis included a base-case to estimate the expected value and one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of uncertainty of the model inputs.

The following key findings were observed-

a. After 20 years, treating 10 000 children early would prevent 330 cases of cirrhosis, 18 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, and 48 liver-related deaths.

b. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of early treatment compared to delayed treatment was approximately $12 690/quality-adjusted life-years gained and considered cost-effective.

c. Model results were robust to variation in fibrosis progression rates, disease state-based costs, treatment costs, and utilities.

Therefore, the authors concluded that "Delaying treatment until age 18 years results in an increased lifetime risk of late-stage liver complications. Early treatment in children is cost effective. Our work supports clinical and health policies that broaden HCV treatment access to young children."