Patterns of Hepatitis C-Related Inpatient Mortality in the United States in the Era of Direct-Acting Antivirals

Mohammad S. Alzahrani, Mary K. Maneno, Monika N. Daftary, La’Marcus T. Wingate, Earl B. Ettienne, Charles D. Howell

Abstract


BACKGROUND & AIMS: Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have revolutionized the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Data on national inpatient mortality in this new era are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate inpatient mortality among HCV-related hospital stays in the United States (US) during the years DAA were available.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 2012 and 2016. Using discharge weights, national estimates of HCV-related hospitalizations were calculated. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with inpatient mortality.

RESULTS: A total of 67,630 hospitalizations from NIS were HCV-related, accounting for an estimated 338,150 hospitalizations during 2012 – 2016. These hospitalizations have estimated average annual total charges of $4.6 billion, adjusted to 2020 US dollars. The rate of inpatient mortality declined modestly from 5.25% in 2012 to 4.75% in 2016 (P=0.07). Over the 5-year study period, the proportion of in-hospital deaths increased for black patients, Medicaid beneficiaries, and patients with substance-related disorders. Controlling for known predictors, the odds of inpatient mortality were significantly greater among black patients compared to white patients (OR= 1.27 [95% CI=1.16 – 1.39]).

CONCLUSIONS: The burden of HCV infection is substantial given the disease is now curable. Our findings indicate that major disparities in the HCV disease burden exist in the era of DAA.

Keywords


liver cirrhosis; National Inpatient Sample; disease burden; health disparities

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