A new study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine,
evaluated treatment regimens for hepatitis C infections in incarcerated
populations. In particular, the researchers looked at therapies
involving Sofosbuvir. They found that there was a large improvement in
health status, particularly with respect to decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
According to the study, for each additional life year (adjusted for
quality of life), the cost was up to $28,800. The annual cost went down
for longer sentences. The authors argue that this makes the treatment
regimens cost-effective, but question whether it is affordable. Also,
the study lacks information about the cost savings from avoiding
treating complications, reinfection, and infections spread to others.
Read more.... Labels: Sovaldi, treatment in prisons, treatment recommendations