Review article: a pharmacoeconomic analysis of thrombocytopenia in chronic liver disease

Background Patients with chronic liver disease commonly experience thrombocytopenia resulting from disease or treatment. Such patients often require multiple platelet transfusions, and consequently can experience associated complications including systemic infection, iron overload, and platelet refractoriness. Aim To discuss the limited data available on the impact of thrombocytopenia on the medical procedures and their associated costs. Results Thrombocytopenia and its treatment can have a negative impact on outcomes and cost of therapy; costs associated with platelet transfusion can constitute a significant portion of the hospital budget. Inability to initiate or complete antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection due to low platelet counts can lead to dose reduction or discontinuation, lower efficacy, increased risks, and increased overall costs. Routine medical procedures can be complicated, prolonged, or precluded as a result of severe thrombocytopenia. Conclusion Novel therapies can safely and effectively prevent or treat thrombocytopenia in this patient population with chronic liver disease resulting in improved quality of care and significant cost savings in addition to improving treatment outcomes and quality of life (QOL) measures.