[Rethinking the reimbursement policy of direct acting antivirals against chronic hepatitis C]. / Repenser la politique de remboursement des agents antiviraux directs contre l'hépatite C chronique.

New direct-acting antivirals (DAA) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) have led to a therapeutic revolution in HCV management and virological cure rates approaching 100% while potentially avoiding significant complications of HCV (first cause of liver transplantation). We estimated the price of sustained virological response (SVR) depending on treatment strategy and patient profile. Costs of treatment with recent DAAs being so high, the accessibility to those drugs for the majority of subjects is hitherto limited to advanced stages of hepatitis C. This current situation increases the inequity and strengthens the dominant position of insurers and pharmaceutical companies with a rationing of care. We suggest herein global approaches from a population-level and health-care perspective aiming to reduce the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality related to HCV.

[Adverse effects of proton pump inhibitors: should we worry about long-term exposure?]. / Effets indésirables des inhibiteurs de la pompe à proton : faut-il craindre de les prescrire au long cours ?

Long-term treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) is becoming more prevalent. Although they are well tolerated in the short term, serious concerns about long-term use have arisen. Recent data suggest that the latter is associated with an increased risk for osteoporotic fracture (especially vertebral), Clostridium difficile infection and rebound acid hypersecretion after treatment discontinuation. Acute interstitial nephritis is rare but may progress to chronic renal failure. An increased risk of community-acquired pneumonia has not been established in the general population and seems limited to the most vulnerable patients. Consistent data are still missing to correctly assess the risk of iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency or hypomagnesaemia and the risk of digestive malignant diseases, despite the pathophysiological basis that exists concerning gastric malignancy. Many drug interactions can occur on long-term treatment, including some that imply the cytochrome P450 enzymes. Finally, the risk-benefit balance for a chronic PPI use in children seems unfavorable in most cases.