Abstract
Background and aimsNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic disease that can progress to end‐stage liver disease (ESLD). A large proportion of early‐stage NASH patients remain undiagnosed compared to those with advanced fibrosis, who are more likely to receive disease management interventions. This study estimated the disease burden and economic impact of diagnosed NASH in the adult population of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom in 2018.MethodsThe socioeconomic burden of diagnosed NASH was estimated using cost‐of‐illness methodology applying a prevalence approach to estimate the number of adults with NASH and the attributable economic and wellbeing costs. Given undiagnosed patients do not incur costs in the study, the probability of diagnosis is central to cost estimation. The analysis was based on a literature review, databases and consultation with clinical experts, economists and patient groups.ResultsThe proportion of adult NASH patients with a diagnosis ranged from 11.9% to 12.7% across countries, which increased to 38.8%‐39.1% for advanced fibrosis (F3‐F4 compensated cirrhosis). Total economic costs were €8548‐19 546M. Of these, health system costs were €619‐1292M. Total wellbeing costs were €41 536‐90 379M. The majority of the undiagnosed population (87.3%‐88.2% of total prevalence) was found to have early‐stage NASH, which, left untreated, may progress to more resource consuming ESLD over time.ConclusionsThis study found that the majority of economic and wellbeing costs of NASH are experienced in late disease stages. Earlier diagnosis and care of NASH patients could reduce future healthcare costs.
Highlights
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterised by excessive fat deposition in the liver in the absence of competing liver disease aetiologies, such as alcohol-related liver disease or chronic viral hepatitis [1,2]
The proportion of adult Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients with a diagnosis ranged from 11.9% to 12.7% across countries, which increased to 38.8% to 39.1% for advanced fibrosis (F3 to F4 compensated cirrhosis)
This study found the majority of economic and wellbeing costs of NASH are experienced in late disease stages
Summary
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterised by excessive fat deposition in the liver in the absence of competing liver disease aetiologies, such as alcohol-related liver disease or chronic viral hepatitis [1,2]. Patients with advanced fibrosis from NASH are at greater risk of progressing to ESLD and, this population potentially exhibits the greatest disease burden and economic costs [2]. Administrative inefficiencies are associated with raising taxation revenue (which would otherwise be collected from NASH patients, their carers and employers) in order to fund government expenditures including health care and welfare benefits. These inefficiencies may be monetised and are referred to as deadweight losses. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic disease that can progress to end-stage liver disease (ESLD). This study estimated the disease burden and economic impact of diagnosed NASH in the adult population of France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom (UK) in 2018
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
