Economic burden of liver disease in Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Liver diseases have a significant impact on global morbidity and mortality rates, primarily attributed to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the true extent of their impact on patients, healthcare systems, and countries is often underestimated. Materials and methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the economic burden associated with premature deaths caused by cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. The economic assessment was conducted by analyzing potentially productive years of life lost (PPYLL) due to liver diseases in Colombia between 2009 and 2016. Results and conclusions: The total burden of liver disease accounted for 687,861 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Men experienced a higher number of years of life lost from mortality (YLL), while women had a greater number of years lived with a disability (YLD). The economic burden of deaths caused by cirrhosis and primary liver cancer exceeded USD 8.6 million, highlighting the urgency to enhance intervention strategies ranging from promotion and prevention to timely diagnosis and treatment.