Quantifying the Fraction of Cirrhosis Attributable to Alcohol Among Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Patients: Implications for Treatment Cost-Effectiveness

Abstract

A substantial proportion of patients with chronic HCV develop liver cirrhosis as a consequence of heavy alcohol use. This has not been adequately acknowledged by cost utility analyses (CUAs). As such, estimates of cost-effectiveness may be exaggerated. Thus, these data are important to guide forthcoming CUAs in terms of taking better account of the factors leading to cirrhosis among patients with chronic HCV.