Population-level impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct-acting antiviral therapies on extrahepatic manifestations

Hepatitis C virus is an important public health concern in Canada; however, there is limited information concerning the impact of new direct-acting antiviral therapies on manifestations outside the liver (extrahepatic manifestations, or EHMs), including chronic diseases, cancers, and health-care resource utilization in Canada.

This knowledge is important, as new HCV treatments are generally restricted to those with advanced liver disease and there are no estimates of the reductions in EHMs that can be achieved with expansion of therapy.

Using data from an administrative-linked population-based cohort in BC, Dr. Rossi will assess the impact that HCV treatments have on EHMs and associated health-care utilization.

Results from this study could lead to improved clinical and population health practices in BC by:

1. Helping to inform targeted treatment strategies by identifying patients at the greatest risk of developing EHMs associated with HCV.
2. Identifying areas where additional allocation of resources will be necessary to manage chronic comorbidities associated with aging.

This study will also provide a better understanding of the challenges and limitations associated with using administrative data for population health research.