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Sulkowski MS, Martinez A, Tyson GL, Scholz K, Franco RA, Kohli A, Julius SF, Deming P, Fink SA, Lynch K, Roytman M, Stainbrook TR, Turner MD, Viera-Briggs M, Ramers CB. Leveraging opportunities for treatment/user simplicity (LOTUS): Navigating the current treatment landscape for achieving hepatitis C virus elimination among persons who inject drugs. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:342-356. [PMID: 38433561 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
All-oral, direct-acting antivirals can cure hepatitis C virus (HCV) in almost all infected individuals; yet, many individuals with chronic HCV are not treated, and the incidence of acute HCV is increasing in some countries, including the United States. Strains on healthcare resources during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the progress toward the World Health Organization goal to eliminate HCV by 2030, especially among persons who inject drugs (PWID). Here, we present a holistic conceptual framework termed LOTUS (Leveraging Opportunities for Treatment/User Simplicity), designed to integrate the current HCV practice landscape and invigorate HCV treatment programs in the setting of endemic COVID-19: (A) treatment as prevention (especially among PWID), (B) recognition that HCV cure may be achieved with variable adherence with evidence supporting some forgiveness for missed doses, (C) treatment of all persons with active HCV infection (viremic), regardless of acuity, (D) minimal monitoring (MinMon) during treatment, and (E) rapid test and treat (TnT). The objective of this article is to review the current literature supporting each LOTUS petal; identify remaining gaps in knowledge or data; define the remaining barriers facing healthcare providers; and review evidence-based strategies for overcoming key barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Sulkowski
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Kathleen Scholz
- Central Outreach Wellness Centers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ricardo A Franco
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Anita Kohli
- Arizona Liver Health, Chandler, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Paulina Deming
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Keisa Lynch
- University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Marina Roytman
- University of California San Francisco, Fresno, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Christian B Ramers
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Family Health Centers of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- San Diego State University School of Public Health
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2
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Gahrton C, Navér G, Warnqvist A, Dalgard O, Aleman S, Kåberg M. Changes in hepatitis C virus prevalence and incidence among people who inject drugs in the direct acting antiviral era. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 128:104433. [PMID: 38703622 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 2030, including a 90% reduction of HCV incidence. With the introduction of a needle syringe program (NSP) in Stockholm, Sweden, and unrestricted availability of direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment, we investigate the change of prevalence and incidence of HCV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) over time. METHODS All persons attending the Stockholm NSP 2013-2021 (n=4,138) were included. The prevalence of viremic HCV infection was investigated yearly. For incidence analysis, PWID at risk with at least one follow-up test were included. Participants were divided into naive defined as anti-HCV negative (n=791), and exposed, defined as anti-HCV positive with a negative HCV RNA (n=1,030). Risk factors for HCV infection were analyzed using parametric exponential proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS The prevalence of viremic HCV infection decreased from 62% to 30% year 2013-2021 while the prevalence of cured after treatment increased from 0 to 22%, corresponding to 42% cured after treatment out of eligible in 2021. The overall incidence rate in naive was 16.9 (95% CI 15.0-19.0) and in exposed 12.8 (95% CI 11.6-14.2) per 100 person years (PY) and was not significantly reduced years 2013-2015 to 2020-2021 in either group. Risk factors for incident HCV infection in multivariable analysis were sharing needles/syringes, younger age, custody/prison past year, and homelessness, whereas opioid agonist treatment was protective. CONCLUSION The prevalence of HCV was halved in PWID as unrestricted DAA treatment became available and NSP was established in Stockholm. However, overall incidence was not reduced. To meet the WHO incidence goal, targeting PWID with high injection risk behaviors for testing and treatment is essential, along with engagement in harm reduction services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gahrton
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine Huddinge, Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Georg Navér
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Warnqvist
- Division of Biostatistics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olav Dalgard
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway; Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Norway
| | - Soo Aleman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medicine Huddinge, Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Kåberg
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm Needle Exchange, Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Farooq A, Valerio H, Wheeler A, Martinello M, Henderson C, Silk D, Degenhardt L, Read P, Dore GJ, Grebely J, Cunningham EB. Needle and syringe sharing among people who have recently injected drugs in Australia: The ETHOS Engage Study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024. [PMID: 38630939 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding needle/syringe sharing is crucial for reducing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and reinfection. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with needle/syringe sharing among people who inject drugs in Australia, including those previously receiving HCV treatment. METHODS The ETHOS Engage study was an observational cohort study which collected self-reported survey data on demographic and drug use information from people who inject drugs attending drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs over two waves between May 2018 and June 2021. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with needle/syringe sharing. RESULTS Overall, 1555/2395 people enrolled in ETHOS Engage (65%) injected drugs in the past month. Among these, 432 (28%) reported needle/syringe sharing in the past month and 276 (18%) reported receptive sharing. Factors associated with receptive sharing included younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-2.30), recent incarceration (aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.40-2.94), more frequent injecting (≥daily vs. less than weekly; aOR 2.59; 95% CI 1.75-3.84) and unstable housing (aOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.26-2.52). Among 560 participants with prior HCV treatment, 87 (16%) reported receptive sharing with younger age (aOR 2.42; 95% CI 1.45-4.05) and daily or greater injection frequency (aOR 2.51; 95% CI 1.31-4.83) associated with receptive sharing. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Needle/syringe sharing was common among this population accessing harm reduction services. This study identifies high-risk populations with needle/syringe sharing. Research is needed to optimise HCV treatment to ensure people with ongoing risk behaviours receive adequate harm reduction following treatment to prevent reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Phillip Read
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, Australia
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Marshall AD, Willing AR, Kairouz A, Cunningham EB, Wheeler A, O'Brien N, Perera V, Ward JW, Hiebert L, Degenhardt L, Hajarizadeh B, Colledge S, Hickman M, Jawad D, Lazarus JV, Matthews GV, Scheibe A, Vickerman P, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Direct-acting antiviral therapies for hepatitis C infection: global registration, reimbursement, and restrictions. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:366-382. [PMID: 38367631 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have delivered high response rates (>95%) and simplified the management of HCV treatment, permitting non-specialists to manage patients without advanced liver disease. We collected and reviewed global data on the registration and reimbursement (government subsidised) of HCV therapies, including restrictions on reimbursement. Primary data collection occurred between Nov 15, 2021, and July 24, 2023, through the assistance of a global network of 166 HCV experts. We retrieved data for 160 (77%) of 209 countries and juristrictions. By mid-2023, 145 (91%) countries had registered at least one of the following DAA therapies: sofosbuvir-velpatasvir, sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir, glecaprevir-pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir-daclatasvir, or sofosbuvir. 109 (68%) countries reimbursed at least one DAA therapy. Among 102 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), 89 (87%) had registered at least one HCV DAA therapy and 53 (52%) reimbursed at least one DAA therapy. Among all countries with DAA therapy reimbursement (n=109), 66 (61%) required specialist prescribing, eight (7%) had retreatment restrictions, seven (6%) had an illicit drug use restriction, five (5%) had an alcohol use restriction, and three (3%) had liver disease restrictions. Global access to DAA reimbursement remains uneven, with LMICs having comparatively low reimbursement compared with high-income countries. To meet WHO goals for HCV elimination, efforts should be made to assist countries, particularly LMICs, to increase access to DAA reimbursement and remove reimbursement restrictions-especially prescriber-type restrictions-to ensure universal access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison D Marshall
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Alex R Willing
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abe Kairouz
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Evan B Cunningham
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alice Wheeler
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Lindsey Hiebert
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Behzad Hajarizadeh
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha Colledge
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Danielle Jawad
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (IS Global), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Therapeutic and Vaccine Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Scheibe
- TB HIV Care, Cape Town, South Africa; Community Orientated, Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gregory J Dore
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Conway B, Yi S, Yung R, Sharma S. GRAND PLAN: Safety and Efficacy of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among People Initially Disengaged From Health Care Who Use Drugs-A Systematic Multidisciplinary Approach. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofad638. [PMID: 38444819 PMCID: PMC10914366 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background GRAND PLAN is a prospective, open-label, phase 4 study. Based at a single center and with a single arm, GRAND PLAN evaluated the safety and efficacy of an 8-week course of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) among active drug users with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a population enriched for factors that may reduce treatment uptake and success, such as disengagement from health care and unstable housing. Methods Participants were ≥19 years old and actively using drugs and were confirmed viremic, noncirrhotic, and HCV treatment naive. All participants provided informed consent before any study procedures. They received G/P for 8 weeks within a multidisciplinary model of care, with daily, weekly, or monthly dispensing of medications to optimize adherence. Results We identified 117 eligible patients with a median age of 46 years (range, 22-75): 27% were female, 21.4% were Indigenous, 48.7% were unstably housed, and 95.7% were active drug users (94.9% fentanyl). One patient did not start treatment, and 4 underwent <1 week of treatment, leaving 112 completed treatments with 94.6% picking up medications weekly. HCV RNA was undetectable at the end of treatment in all 112 patients. One died of unknown causes shortly after treatment. A cure was demonstrated in 108 of 111 (97.3%) cases at the SVR12 time point (sustained virologic response at ≥12 weeks); the other 3 experienced virologic relapse. Considering the entire cohort, the intent-to-treat success rate was 92.3% (108/117). HCV reinfection was documented at SVR24 in 5 cases, 2 of which were successfully retreated. Conclusions GRAND PLAN demonstrates that administration of an 8-week course of G/P to inner-city residents with HCV infection leads to a cure >95%. With a short course of treatment, G/P is an attractive option for this population in helping us achieve the World Health Organization's HCV objectives by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shana Yi
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rossitta Yung
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shawn Sharma
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Rance J, Grebely J, Treloar C. The time of cure: hepatitis C treatment and the matter of reinfection among people who inject drugs. HEALTH SOCIOLOGY REVIEW : THE JOURNAL OF THE HEALTH SECTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2024; 33:104-118. [PMID: 38373415 DOI: 10.1080/14461242.2024.2315031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Australia has made considerable progress towards the public-health 'elimination' of the hepatitis C virus. Nonetheless, reinfection remains a key challenge, with little understanding regarding the lived complexities of post-cure life among people who inject drugs. Our analysis examines reinfection through the lens of 'time', a largely overlooked and under-utilised analytical concept within the field of hepatitis C. Drawing on qualitative data from a study examining treatment outcomes and reinfection, our analysis concentrates on three participant accounts or 'cases'. Working within a new materialist framework, we combine recent social science scholarship which, firstly, posits cure as a socio-material 'gathering', and secondly, proposes a 'futurology' of hepatitis C and its treatment. We found participant accounts troubled the neat binary of pre- and post-treatment life, instead detailing the challenges of remaining virologically safe while navigating complex, local life-worlds. Rather than a singular, post-treatment future instantiated by cure, participants described the fluid, emergent nature of what we might describe as 'lived' or 'embodied' time, including multiplicities of becoming in a perpetual present. We conclude that our understanding of reinfection needs to move beyond its current, narrow biomedical conception and organising temporal logic to honour and incorporate complexity in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rance
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - J Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - C Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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7
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Tai CM, Yu ML. Hepatitis C virus micro-elimination in people who inject drugs: Challenges and chance in Taiwan and worldwide. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2024; 40:112-118. [PMID: 38010851 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With the introduction of direct-acting antivirals, elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is becoming possible. People who inject drugs (PWID) represent a population with a high risk for HCV infection, which has been reported as high as 90% in Taiwanese PWID. To reach the goal of HCV elimination, PWID is a key population deserving special attention. Barriers in HCV care cascade still exist in PWID, and interventions to promote access to HCV diagnosis, link-to-care, treatment, and prevention for PWID are warranted. Although HCV micro-elimination can be achieved in some prisons and opioid substitution therapy (OST) centers by a multidisciplinary team and integrated care in Taiwan, there are still several unmet needs for HCV elimination in PWID. Continuous efforts, such as the participation of OST specialists and the continuum of care for HCV among PWID, are needed to achieve HCV elimination in Taiwan. In addition, the combination of harm reduction services, treatment as prevention and regular posttreatment HCV surveillance is critical to substantially reduce HCV transmission and prevalence in PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ming Tai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- School of Medicine and Doctoral Program of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medicine and Center of Excellence for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Hajarizadeh B, Carson JM, Byrne M, Grebely J, Cunningham E, Amin J, Vickerman P, Martin NK, Treloar C, Martinello M, Lloyd AR, Dore GJ. Incidence of hepatitis C virus infection in the prison setting: The SToP-C study. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:21-34. [PMID: 37936544 PMCID: PMC10952254 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
People in prison are at high risk of HCV given high injecting drug use prevalence. This study evaluated HCV incidence and associated injecting drug use characteristics in prison. The SToP-C study enrolled people incarcerated in four Australian prisons. Participants were tested for HCV at enrolment and then every 3-6 months (October-2014 to November-2019). Participants eligible for this analysis included those at-risk of HCV primary infection (anti-HCV negative) or re-infection (anti-HCV positive, HCV RNA negative) with follow-up assessment. A total of 1643 eligible participants were included in analyses (82% male; median age 33 years; 30% injected drugs in prison; 1818 person-years of follow-up). Overall HCV incidence was 6.11/100 person-years (95%CI: 5.07-7.35), with higher rate of re-infection (9.34/100 person-years; 95%CI: 7.15-12.19) than primary infection (4.60/100 person-years; 95%CI: 3.56-5.96). In total population (n = 1643), HCV risk was significantly higher among participants injecting drugs in prison [vs. no injecting; adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 10.55, 95%CI: 5.88-18.92), and those who were released and re-incarcerated during follow-up (vs. remained incarcerated; aHR: 1.60, 95%CI: 1.03-2.49). Among participants who injected recently (during past month, n = 321), HCV risk was reduced among those receiving high-dosage opioid agonist therapy (OAT), i.e. methadone ≥60 mg/day or buprenorphine ≥16 mg/day, (vs. no OAT, aHR: 0.11, 95%CI: 0.02-0.80) and increased among those sharing needles/syringes without consistent use of disinfectant to clean injecting equipment (vs. no sharing, HR: 4.60, 95%CI: 1.35-15.66). This study demonstrated high HCV transmission risk in prison, particularly among people injecting drugs. High-dosage OAT was protective, but improved OAT coverage and needle/syringe programmes to reduce sharing injecting equipment are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New Soth Wales (UNSW)SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Joanne M. Carson
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New Soth Wales (UNSW)SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marianne Byrne
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New Soth Wales (UNSW)SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New Soth Wales (UNSW)SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Evan Cunningham
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New Soth Wales (UNSW)SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Janaki Amin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesMacquarie UniversitySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Natasha K. Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public HealthUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in HealthUniversity of New Soth Wales (UNSW)SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marianne Martinello
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New Soth Wales (UNSW)SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Andrew R. Lloyd
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New Soth Wales (UNSW)SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Gregory J. Dore
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New Soth Wales (UNSW)SydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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9
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Kagaya A, Nagaoki Y, Shimura S, Kawana K, Chayama K. A single site study to investigate the current prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibody among substance use disorder patients in Hiroshima-Insufficient testing and diagnosis. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2023; 43:521-531. [PMID: 37193604 PMCID: PMC10739169 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among drug users presents an important public health problem; however, little recognition and few approaches to address this issue in Japan. This study was conducted to investigate the current disease status by assessing anti-HCV antibody (Ab) seroprevalence among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) and people who use drugs (PWUDs) in Hiroshima, Japan. METHODS This study was a psychiatric single-site chart review in patients with drug abuse problems in the Hiroshima region. The primary outcome was anti-HCV Ab prevalence among PWIDs who underwent anti-HCV Ab testing. The secondary outcomes included the prevalence of anti-HCV Ab among PWUDs who underwent anti-HCV Ab testing and the proportion of patients who underwent anti-HCV Ab examination. RESULTS A total of 222 PWUD patients were enrolled. Among these, 16 patients (7.2%) had records of injection drug use (PWIDs). Eleven (68.8%) of the 16 PWIDs received anti-HCV Ab tests, and 4 (36.4%, 4/11) were anti-HCV Ab-positive. Among 222 PWUDs, 126 (56.8%) patients received anti-HCV Ab tests, and 57 of these patients (45.2%, 57/126) were anti-HCV Ab-positive. CONCLUSION The prevalence of anti-HCV Ab among PWIDs and PWUDs who visited the study site was higher than the general population, which was 2.2% among hospitalized patients between May 2018 and November 2019. Considering the World Health Organization's (WHO) elimination goal and recent advances in HCV treatment, patients with drug abuse experience should be encouraged to take HCV tests and consult hepatologists for further investigations and treatment if they are positive for anti-HCV Ab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariyuki Kagaya
- KONUMA Memorial Institute of Addiction and Mental HealthHiroshimaJapan
| | - Yuko Nagaoki
- Department of GastroenterologyMazda Hospital, Mazda Motor CorporationHiroshimaJapan
| | | | | | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Collaborative Research Laboratory of Medical Innovation, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
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10
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Hajarizadeh B, Kairouz A, Ottaviano S, Ireland J, Willing A, Cunningham E, Webb P, Colledge-Frisby S, Wheeler A, Leung J, Tran LT, Price O, Vickerman P, Farrell M, Hickman M, Dore GJ, Bergenström A, Degenhardt L, Grebely J. Global, regional, and country-level coverage of testing and treatment for HIV and hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs: a systematic review. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1885-e1898. [PMID: 37973339 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00461-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs are disproportionately affected by HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, while there is little global data on HIV and HCV testing and treatment coverage of this population. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate country-level, regional, and global coverage of HIV and HCV testing and treatment among people who inject drugs. METHODS We did a systematic review, and searched bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO) and grey literature for studies published between Jan 1, 2017, and April 30, 2022, that evaluated the proportion of people who inject drugs who received testing or treatment for HIV or HCV. For each country, we estimated the proportion of people who inject drugs tested for HIV antibodies in the past 12 months (recent), people who inject drugs ever tested for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA, people who inject drugs with HIV currently receiving antiretroviral therapy, and people who inject drugs with HCV ever receiving HCV antiviral treatment. Regional and global estimates, weighted by the population size of people who inject drugs, were generated where sufficient data were available. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020173974). FINDINGS 512 documents reported data eligible for analyses, including 337 peer-reviewed articles, 27 conference abstracts or presentations, and 148 documents from grey literature or supplementary searches. Data of recent HIV antibody testing were available for 67 countries and ever having had HCV antibody testing were available for 49 countries. Globally, an estimated 48·8% of people who inject drugs were recently tested for HIV antibodies (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 43·3-54·2%; range 0·9-86·0%), and 47·1% had ever been tested for HCV antibodies (95% UI 43·4-51·0%; range 0·0-93·3%). HCV RNA testing data were available from three countries. Coverage of HIV antibody testing was high (>75%) in four countries and for HCV antibody testing in 15 countries. The estimated uptake of current HIV treatment (18 countries) ranged from 2·6% to 81·9%, and the estimated uptake of ever having HCV treatment (23 countries) ranged from 1·8% to 88·6% across countries. Uptake of HIV treatment was high in two countries, and of HCV treatment in one country. INTERPRETATION HIV and HCV testing and treatment uptake among people who inject drugs was highly variable, and suboptimal in most countries. Strategies to improve access to HIV and HCV care among people who inject drugs and the availability of public health surveillance are urgently required. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and UK National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Abe Kairouz
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophie Ottaviano
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeremy Ireland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex Willing
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Evan Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paige Webb
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha Colledge-Frisby
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alice Wheeler
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janni Leung
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; National Centre For Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Lucy T Tran
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Bergenström
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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11
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Munari SC, Traeger MW, Menon V, Latham NH, Manoharan L, Luhmann N, Baggaley R, MacDonald V, Verster A, Siegfried N, Conway B, Klein M, Bruneau J, Stoové MA, Hellard ME, Doyle JS. Determining reinfection rates by hepatitis C testing interval among key populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Int 2023; 43:2625-2644. [PMID: 37817387 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection among key populations helps prevent ongoing transmission. This systematic review aims to determine the association between different testing intervals during post-SVR follow-up on the detection of HCV reinfection among highest risk populations. METHODS We searched electronic databases between January 2014 and February 2023 for studies that tested individuals at risk for HCV reinfection at discrete testing intervals and reported HCV reinfection incidence among key populations. Pooled estimates of reinfection incidence were calculated by population and testing frequency using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Forty-one single-armed observational studies (9453 individuals) were included. Thirty-eight studies (8931 individuals) reported HCV reinfection incidence rate and were included in meta-analyses. The overall pooled estimate of HCV reinfection incidence rate was 4.13 per 100 per person-years (py) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.45-4.81). The pooled incidence estimate among people who inject drugs (PWID) was 2.84 per 100 py (95% CI: 2.19-3.50), among men who have sex with men (MSM) 7.37 per 100 py (95% CI: 5.09-9.65) and among people in custodial settings 7.23 per 100 py (95% CI: 2.13-16.59). The pooled incidence estimate for studies reporting a testing interval of ≤6 months (4.26 per 100 py; 95% CI: 2.86-5.65) was higher than studies reporting testing intervals >6 months (5.19 per 100 py; 95% CI: 3.92-6.46). CONCLUSIONS HCV reinfection incidence was highest in studies of MSM and did not appear to change with retesting interval. Shorter testing intervals are likely to identify more reinfections, help prevent onward transmission where treatment is available and enable progress towards global HCV elimination, but additional comparative studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael W Traeger
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vinay Menon
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ned H Latham
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Niklas Luhmann
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Baggaley
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginia MacDonald
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Annette Verster
- World Health Organization, Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nandi Siegfried
- Independent Clinical Epidemiologist, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre & Simon Fraser University Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marina Klein
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mark A Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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12
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Martinello M, Carson JM, Van Der Valk M, Rockstroh JK, Ingiliz P, Hellard M, Nelson M, Lutz T, Bhagani S, Kim AY, Hull M, Cordes C, Moon J, Feld JJ, Gane E, Rauch A, Bruneau J, Tu E, Applegate T, Grebely J, Dore GJ, Matthews GV. Reinfection incidence and risk among people treated for recent hepatitis C virus infection. AIDS 2023; 37:1883-1890. [PMID: 37467042 PMCID: PMC10529102 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Reinfection poses a challenge to hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination. This analysis assessed incidence of, and factors associated with reinfection among people treated for recent HCV (duration of infection <12 months). METHODS Participants treated for recent HCV (primary infection or reinfection) in an international randomized trial were followed at 3-monthly intervals for up to 2 years to assess for reinfection. Reinfection incidence was calculated using person-time of observation. Factors associated with HCV reinfection were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. RESULTS Of 222 participants treated for recent HCV, 196 (62% primary infection, 38% reinfection) were included in the cohort at risk for reinfection, of whom 87% identified as gay or bisexual men, 71% had HIV and 20% injected drugs in the month prior to enrolment. During 198 person-years of follow-up, 28 cases of HCV reinfection were identified among 27 participants, for an incidence of 14.2 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.8-20.5]. Reinfection was associated with prior HCV reinfection [adjusted hazards ratio (aHR) 2.42; 95% CI 1.08-5.38], injection drug use posttreatment (aHR 2.53; 95% CI 1.14-5.59), condomless anal intercourse with casual male partners (aHR 3.32; 95% CI 1.14-9.65) and geographic region (United Kingdom, aHR 0.21; 95% CI 0.06-0.75). Among gay and bisexual men (GBM), reinfection was also associated with sexualized drug use involving injecting posttreatment (aHR 2.97; 95% CI 1.10-8.02). CONCLUSION High reinfection incidence following treatment for recent HCV among people with ongoing sexual and drug use risk behaviour highlights the need for posttreatment surveillance, rapid retreatment of reinfection and targeted harm reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marc Van Der Valk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam
- Stichting HIV Monitoring, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick Ingiliz
- Zentrum für Infektiologie Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Mark Nelson
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Thomas Lutz
- Infektiologikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Arthur Y Kim
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark Hull
- St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Juhi Moon
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Diseases, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ed Gane
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Elise Tu
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Gregory J Dore
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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13
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Tsai WC, Chiang HC, Chiu YC, Chien SC, Cheng PN, Chiu HC. Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection: An Ongoing Challenge in Screening and Treatment. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1964. [PMID: 37895346 PMCID: PMC10608250 DOI: 10.3390/life13101964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advent of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) in the recent few years, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has become a curable infectious disease. Successful clearance of HCV could lead to improvement of both hepatic and extrahepatic outcomes, such as complications of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, cardiovascular diseases, and incident diabetes. However, challenges persist in reaching the HCV elimination goals of the World Health Organization by 2030. Among these challenges are identifying those already infected or undiagnosed subjects, re-linking to the care of known but untreated HCV-infected subjects, and developing strategies to enhance treatment rates and compliance in specific or high-risk populations. In addition, issues of post-DAA viral clearance, including avoiding or preventing reinfection in high-risk populations and surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma, are important to consolidate the treatment's short- and long-term efficacies. In the current DAA era, treatment is the most effective prevention strategy not only in its excellent efficacy and safety but also in preventing HCV spread. All of the surveillance or measures should center on DAA treatment in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Pin-Nan Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan; (W.-C.T.); (H.-C.C.); (Y.-C.C.); (S.-C.C.)
| | - Hung-Chih Chiu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan; (W.-C.T.); (H.-C.C.); (Y.-C.C.); (S.-C.C.)
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14
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Saludes V, Bordoy AE, Yela E, Turú E, Not A, López-Corbeto E, Egea-Cortés L, González-Candelas F, Casabona J, Marco A, Martró E. Incidence and molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus reinfection in prisons in Catalonia, Spain (Re-HCV study). Sci Rep 2023; 13:16012. [PMID: 37749145 PMCID: PMC10520040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42701-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection may hamper HCV elimination in prisons. We aimed to (i) determine the reinfection rate in people treated for HCV in Catalan prisons, (ii) measure reinfection in people entering prisons, and (iii) characterize the molecular epidemiology of HCV in prisons and people who inject drugs (PWID) in the community. Re-HCV was a prospective study in eight prisons (2019-2020) including two groups: (1) people cured with treatment in prison and followed-up every 6 months, and (2) people testing HCV-RNA positive at incarceration. Bio-behavioral data were collected. HCV isolates were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed with those of PWID in the community. Reinfection follow-up after treatment was achieved in 97 individuals (103.05 person-years). Two reinfections were detected, resulting in an incidence ≤ 10/100 person-years. Among people entering prison, 2% (359/17,732) were viremic, of which 334 (93.0%) were included, and 44 (13.5%) presented with reinfection (84.7% being PWID). Frequently, HCV isolates in prisons and PWID in the community were phylogenetically related. Although HCV reinfection is low after treatment, it is common in people entering Catalan prisons. To maintain a low HCV prevalence in prisons, harm-reduction services and test-and-treat programs for PWID should be strengthened both inside and outside prisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Saludes
- Microbiology Department, Northern Metropolitan Clinical Laboratory, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute and Hospital (IGTP), Crta. del Canyet S/N, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni E Bordoy
- Microbiology Department, Northern Metropolitan Clinical Laboratory, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute and Hospital (IGTP), Crta. del Canyet S/N, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Yela
- Brians-1 Prison Health Services, Sant Esteve Ses Rovires, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Turú
- Prison Health Programme, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Not
- Microbiology Department, Northern Metropolitan Clinical Laboratory, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute and Hospital (IGTP), Crta. del Canyet S/N, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Evelin López-Corbeto
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies On Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Public Health Agency of Catalonia (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain
| | - Laia Egea-Cortés
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies On Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Public Health Agency of Catalonia (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain
| | - Fernando González-Candelas
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Joint Research Unit Infection and Public Health FISABIO-University of Valencia I2SysBio, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies On Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Public Health Agency of Catalonia (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain
| | - Andrés Marco
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Prison Health Programme, Catalan Institute of Health (ICS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Martró
- Microbiology Department, Northern Metropolitan Clinical Laboratory, Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute and Hospital (IGTP), Crta. del Canyet S/N, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Martinello M, Solomon SS, Terrault NA, Dore GJ. Hepatitis C. Lancet 2023; 402:1085-1096. [PMID: 37741678 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01320-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic RNA virus that can cause acute and chronic hepatitis, with progressive liver damage resulting in cirrhosis, decompensated liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In 2016, WHO called for the elimination of HCV infection as a public health threat by 2030. Despite some progress, an estimated 57 million people were living with HCV infection in 2020, and 300 000 HCV-related deaths occur per year. The development of direct-acting antiviral therapy has revolutionised clinical care and generated impetus for elimination, but simplified and broadened HCV screening, enhanced linkage to care, and higher coverage of treatment and primary prevention strategies are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Martinello
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sunil S Solomon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gregory J Dore
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Huang CF, Chen GJ, Hung CC, Yu ML. HCV Microelimination for High-risk Special Populations. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S168-S179. [PMID: 37703340 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has set tremendous goals to eliminate viral hepatitis by 2030. However, most countries are currently off the track for achieving these goals. Microelimination is a more effective and practical approach that breaks down national elimination targets into goals for smaller and more manageable key populations. These key populations share the characteristics of being highly prevalent for and vulnerable to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Microelimination allows for identifying HCV-infected people and linking them to care more cost-effectively and efficiently. In this review, we discuss the current obstacles to and progress in HCV microelimination in special populations, including uremic patients undergoing hemodialysis, people who inject drugs, incarcerated people, people living in hyperendemic areas, men who have sex with men with or without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, transgender and gender-diverse populations, and sex workers. Scaling up testing and treatment uptake to achieve HCV microelimination may facilitate global HCV elimination by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, and Center for Cohort Study, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Guan-Jhou Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Min-Sheng General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine and Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Center of Excellence for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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17
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Carson JM, Barbieri S, Cunningham E, Mao E, van der Valk M, Rockstroh JK, Hellard M, Kim A, Bhagani S, Feld JJ, Gane E, Thurnheer MC, Bruneau J, Tu E, Dore GJ, Matthews GV, Martinello M. Sexual and drug use risk behaviour trajectories among people treated for recent HCV infection: the REACT study. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26168. [PMID: 37675828 PMCID: PMC10483502 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exploration of sexual and drug use behaviours following treatment for recent hepatitis C virus (HCV) is limited. This analysis modelled behavioural trajectories following treatment for recent HCV and assessed reinfection. METHODS Participants treated for recent HCV in an international trial (enrolled 2017-2019) were followed at 3-monthly intervals for up to 2 years to assess longitudinal behaviours. Population-averaged changes were assessed using generalized estimating equations. Distinct behavioural trajectories were identified using group-based trajectory modelling. HCV reinfection incidence was calculated using person-years (PY) of observation. RESULTS During the follow-up of 212 participants (84% gay and bisexual men [GBM]; 69% HIV; 26% current injecting drug use [IDU]), behavioural trajectories for IDU and stimulant use (past month) did not change. However, population-averaged decreases in the likelihood of daily IDU (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.83; 95% CI 0.72, 0.95) and opioid use (AOR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75, 0.93) were observed. Among GBM, behavioural trajectories for chemsex did not change. Population-averaged decreases in condomless anal intercourse with casual male partners (CAI-CMP) (AOR 0.95; 95% CI 0.90, 0.99) and group-sex (AOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.80, 0.93) were observed, but masked distinct trajectories. While a proportion had a decreased probability of CAI-CMP (23%) and group-sex (59%) post-treatment, a substantial proportion retained a high probability of these behaviours. High HCV reinfection incidence was observed for the sustained high probability IDU (33.0/100 PY; 95% CI 17.7, 61.3) and chemsex (23.3/100 PY; 95% CI 14.5, 37.5) trajectories. CONCLUSIONS Limited sexual and drug use behavioural change was observed following treatment for recent HCV, supporting access to surveillance and (re)treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sebastiano Barbieri
- The Centre for Big Data Research in HealthUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Eric Mao
- Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Marc van der Valk
- Division of Infectious DiseasesAmsterdam Infection and Immunity InstituteUniversity Medical CentersUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Stichting HIV MonitoringAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- The Alfred HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Arthur Kim
- Massachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | | | - Jordan J. Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver DiseasesToronto General HospitalTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Ed Gane
- Auckland City HospitalAucklandNew Zealand
| | | | - Julie Bruneau
- Research CenterCentre Hospitalier de l'Université de MontréalMontréalQuebecCanada
| | - Elise Tu
- Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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18
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Druckrey-Fiskaaen KT, Furulund E, Madebo T, Carlsen SEL, Fadnes LT, Lid TG. A qualitative study on people with opioid use disorders' perspectives on smoking and smoking cessation interventions. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1185338. [PMID: 37636821 PMCID: PMC10447904 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1185338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Smoking-related diseases are major contributors to disability and shorter life expectancy among opioid-dependent patients. Smoking prevalence is considerably higher for opioid-dependent persons than among the general population, and only a minority quit smoking in treatment settings. Studies show that pharmacological smoking cessation interventions have modest success rates. This study aimed to investigate patients' receiving opioid agonist therapy perspectives on factors affecting behavior and decisions related to smoking cessation, and their experiences with smoking cessation. Methods This is a qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews. The participants were asked, among others, to elaborate on the participants' thoughts about smoking, previous attempts to quit tobacco use, and what could prompt a smoking cessation attempt. We analyzed the transcripts with systematic text condensation. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines were followed. Opioid-dependent patients receiving opioid agonist therapy in outpatient clinics were invited to participate using a purposive sampling method. In total, fourteen individuals participated in this study. Results We identified six themes which were: (1) reflections on how smoking affected decisions, (2) smoking and its impact on physical and mental health, (3) the economy as a motivator to stop smoking, (4) emotions, desires, and habits related to smoking, (5) knowledge of smoking, smoking cessation, and quit attempts, and (6) social factors influencing the participants' choices and activities. The participants were well informed about the consequences of smoking and had some knowledge and experience in quitting. The participants' pulmonary health was an important motivational factor for change. Withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and fear of using other substances discouraged several from attempting to quit smoking. In contrast, social support from partners and access to meaningful activities were considered important factors for success. Few reported being offered help from health professionals to make a smoking cessation attempt. Discussion Experiencing social support, being encouraged to quit smoking, and patients' concerns for their physical health were important reasons for wanting to quit smoking. Smoking cessation interventions based on patient preferences and on the behavior change wheel may enable a higher success rate among patients receiving opioid agonist therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Trygve Druckrey-Fiskaaen
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Einar Furulund
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Tesfaye Madebo
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Siv-Elin Leirvåg Carlsen
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars T. Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Torgeir Gilje Lid
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
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Hibbert M, Simmons R, Harris H, Desai M, Sabin CA, Mandal S. Investigating rates and risk factors for hepatitis C virus reinfection in people receiving antiviral treatment in England. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:646-655. [PMID: 36929670 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
England has committed to the World Health Organization target to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public threat by the year 2030. Given successful treatments for HCV in recent years, it is unclear whether HCV reinfection will impact England's ability to achieve HCV elimination. We aimed to estimate the HCV reinfection rate among a cohort of patients receiving antiviral treatment using available surveillance data. Linkage between a treatment dataset from 2015 to 2019 and an HCV RNA testing dataset were used to identify people who experienced reinfection using three criteria. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine risk factors associated with HCV reinfection among a cohort who received treatment and had follow-up HCV RNA testing. The reinfection rate among those receiving HCV treatment was 7.91 per 100 person-years (PYs, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.37-8.49) and highest among current injecting drug users (22.55 per 100 PYs, 95% CI 19.98-25.46) and people who had been in prison (20.42 per 100 PYs, 95% CI 17.21-24.24). In the adjusted model, women had a significantly reduced risk of reinfection. Being of younger age, current injecting drug users, and receipt of first treatment in prison were each significantly associated with increased risk of reinfection. Two-fifths of those with reinfection (43%, n = 329/767) were linked to treatment after reinfection, and of those starting treatment, three quarters (75%, n = 222/296) achieved a sustained virologic response. Guidance for testing groups at risk of reinfection and harm reduction strategies to minimize transmission should be implemented if England is to achieve HCV elimination targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hibbert
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UKHSA, London, UK
| | - Ruth Simmons
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UKHSA, London, UK
| | - Helen Harris
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
| | - Monica Desai
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UKHSA, London, UK
| | - Caroline A Sabin
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UKHSA, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sema Mandal
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UKHSA, London, UK
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20
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Nagot N, Binh NT, Hong TT, Vinh VH, Quillet C, Vallo R, Huong DT, Hai Oanh KT, Thanh NTT, Rapoud D, Quynh BTN, Nguyen DQ, Feelemyer J, Michel L, Vickerman P, Fraser H, Weiss L, Lemoine M, Lacombe K, Des Jarlais D, Khue PM, Moles JP, Laureillard D. A community-based strategy to eliminate hepatitis C among people who inject drugs in Vietnam. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 37:100801. [PMID: 37693880 PMCID: PMC10485672 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Towards hepatitis C elimination among people who inject drugs (PWID), we assessed the effectiveness of a strategy consisting of a community-based respondent-driven sampling (RDS) as wide screening, a simplified and integrated hospital-based care, and prevention of reinfection supported by community-based organisations (CBO), in Hai Phong, Vietnam. Methods Adults who injected heroin were enrolled in a RDS survey implemented in two CBO premises. Rapid HIV and HCV tests were done on site, and blood was taken for HCV RNA testing. Those with detectable HCV RNA were referred with CBO support to three public hospitals for 12-week sofosbuvir/daclatasvir, plus ribavirin for patients with cirrhosis. Participants were followed-up 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) and 48 weeks after enrolment. The primary endpoint was the rate of undetectable HCV RNA participants at 48 weeks. Findings Among the 1444 RDS survey participants, 875 had hepatitis C. Their median age was 41 years (IQR 36-47), 96% were males, 36% were HIV-coinfected. Overall, 686 (78.4%) started sofosbuvir/daclatasvirs, and 629 of the 647 (97.2%) patients tested at SVR12 were cured. At week 48 (581/608) 95.6% had undetectable HCV RNA, representing 66.4% of all PWID identified with hepatitis C. The reinfection rate after SVR12 was 4/100 person-years (95% CI: 2-7). Interpretation Our strategy, involving CBO and addressing all steps from wide HCV screening to prevention of reinfection, stands as a promising approach to eliminate HCV among PWID in low and middle-income countries. Funding France ANRS|MIE (#ANRS12380). The RDS survey was implemented with grants from the NIDA (#R01DA041978) and ANRS|MIE (#ANRS12353).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Université de Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Nguyen Thanh Binh
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Tran Thi Hong
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Vu Hai Vinh
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Viet Tiep Hospital, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Catherine Quillet
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Université de Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Roselyne Vallo
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Université de Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Duong Thi Huong
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Delphine Rapoud
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Université de Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Bach Thi Nhu Quynh
- Department of Molecular Biology, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Duc Quang Nguyen
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | | | - Laurent Michel
- CESP Inserm UMRS 1018, Paris Saclay University, Pierre Nicole Center, French Red Cross, Paris, France
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Laurence Weiss
- Université de Paris Cité, Department of Clinical Immunology, Hôpital Hôtel Dieu AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Maud Lemoine
- Liver Unit, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université Inserm IPLESP, Hôpital St Antoine AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Don Des Jarlais
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Pham Minh Khue
- Faculty of Public Health, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
| | - Jean Pierre Moles
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Université de Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
| | - Didier Laureillard
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Université de Montpellier, Inserm, Etablissement Français du Sang, Montpellier, France
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department, Caremeau University Hospital, Nîmes, France
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21
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Lindqvist K, Thorin Z, Kåberg M. Real-world hepatitis C treatment outcomes and reinfections among people who inject drugs at a needle and syringe program in Stockholm, Sweden. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:72. [PMID: 37308951 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) represent a population with an increased prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) infections. HCV treatment among PWID is essential to reach the WHO goal of eliminating HCV as a major public health threat by 2030. Despite better understanding of PWID subgroups and changes in risk behaviors over time, more knowledge about HCV treatment outcomes in different HCV prevalence populations and settings is warranted to enhance the continuum of care. METHODS All Stockholm Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) participants who initiated HCV treatment between October 2017 and June 2020 were HCV RNA tested at end of treatment and twelve weeks thereafter to confirm cure with a sustained virological response (SVR). All cured participants were prospectively followed from SVR to the last negative HCV RNA test or a subsequent reinfection, until October 31, 2021. RESULTS Overall, 409 NSP participants initiated HCV treatment, 162 at the NSP and 247 in another treatment setting. There were a total of 6.4% treatment dropouts (n = 26), 11.7% among participants treated at the NSP and 2.8% among those treated elsewhere (p < 0.001). Stimulant use (p < 0.05) and not being in an opioid agonist treatment program (p < 0.05) was associated with dropout. More participants treated outside the NSP were lost to follow-up between end of treatment and SVR (p < 0.05). During follow-up post-SVR, 43 reinfections occurred, corresponding to a reinfection rate of 9.3/100 PY (95% CI 7.0, 12.3). Factors associated with reinfection were younger age (p < 0.001), treatment while in prison (p < 0.01) and homelessness (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION In this high HCV prevalence NSP setting, with a majority of stimulant users, treatment success was high and the level of reinfections manageable. To reach HCV elimination, there is a need to target specific PWID subgroups for HCV treatment, in both harm reduction and adjacent healthcare settings frequented by PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Lindqvist
- Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Needle Syringe Program, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Z Thorin
- Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Needle Syringe Program, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Kåberg
- Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Needle Syringe Program, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sprututbytet, S:t Görans Sjukhus, Akutvägen 29, 112 81, Stockholm, Sweden.
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22
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Lafferty L, Sheehan Y, Cochrane A, Grebely J, Lloyd AR, Treloar C. Reducing barriers to the hepatitis C care cascade in prison via point-of-care RNA testing: a qualitative exploration of men in prison using an integrated framework. Addiction 2023; 118:1153-1160. [PMID: 36683132 PMCID: PMC10952703 DOI: 10.1111/add.16137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly prevalent within the prison setting. Although HCV testing and treatment are available within prisons, system barriers can impede progress along the HCV care cascade for those who are incarcerated. The PIVOT intervention used a 'one-stop-shop' model (i.e. point-of-care HCV RNA testing, Fibroscan-based liver disease assessment and treatment) at a reception prison in New South Wales, Australia. This analysis sought to understand the role of point-of-care HCV RNA testing at intake in reducing barriers to the HCV care cascade within the male prison setting. DESIGN AND SETTING Qualitative analysis using semi-structured interviews in a reception prison in Australia. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four men enrolled in the PIVOT study; all participants had undergone HCV point-of-care testing in the intervention arm. MEASUREMENTS Høj's Integrated Framework informed this analysis. FINDINGS Participants widely expressed the view that point-of-care HCV RNA testing on entry was beneficial for care engagement. Point-of-care testing was perceived as timely (compared with standard pathology) and reduced opportunities for adjudication by correctional officers due to fewer clinic visits for testing and results. Adoption of routine opt-out testing at prison intake was regarded as an important strategy for normalising HCV testing (and likely to increase pathways to treatment uptake) and fostered patient candidacy (i.e. self-perceived eligibility to access care). CONCLUSION Twenty-four men in prison in New South Wales, Australia, who underwent opt-out point-of-care HCV RNA testing on entry into prison, widely supported the programme as a means of overcoming barriers to HCV testing and treatment in the prison setting, as well as providing public health benefits through early detection of HCV infection among people entering into custody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lafferty
- Centre for Social Research in HealthUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yumi Sheehan
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Amanda Cochrane
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health NetworkNSW HealthMatravilleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Andrew R. Lloyd
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in HealthUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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23
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Geist ML, Radick AC, Tsui JI, Blalock KL, Adwell A, Tamru E, Connolly NC, James JR. Timing of hepatitis C treatment initiation and retention in office-based opioid treatment with buprenorphine: a retrospective cohort study. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:33. [PMID: 37231486 PMCID: PMC10210339 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-023-00389-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined associations between receipt of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment and retention in office-based opioid treatment (OBOT) care. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of HCV-infected patients who initiated OBOT treatment between December 2015 and March 2021 to characterize HCV treatment and assess associations with OBOT retention. HCV treatment was characterized as no treatment, early treatment (< 100 days since OBOT initiation) or late treatment (≥ 100 days). We evaluated associations between HCV treatment and cumulative days in OBOT. A secondary analysis using Cox Proportional Hazards regression was done to determine the rate of discharge over time when comparing those who did versus did not receive HCV treatment as a time-varying covariate. We also analyzed a subset of patients retained at least 100 days in OBOT care and evaluated whether HCV treatment during that period was associated with OBOT retention beyond 100 days. RESULTS Of 191 HCV-infected OBOT patients, 30% initiated HCV treatment, of whom 31% received early treatment and 69% received late treatment. Median cumulative duration in OBOT was greater among those who received HCV treatment (any: 398 days, early: 284 days and late: 430 days) when compared to those who did not receive treatment (90 days). Compared to no HCV treatment, there were 83% (95% CI: 33-152%, P < 0.001), 95% (95% CI: 28%-197%, p = 0.002 and 77% (95% CI: 25-153%, p = 0.002) more cumulative days in OBOT for any, early and late HCV treatment, respectively. HCV treatment was associated with a lower relative hazard for discharge/drop-out, although results did not meet statistical significance (aHR = 0.59;95% CI: 0.34-1.00; p = 0.052). Among the subset of 84 patients retained in OBOT at least 100 days, 18 received HCV treatment during that period. Compared to those who did not receive treatment within the first 100 days, those who received treatment had 57% (95% CI: -3%-152%, p = 0.065) more subsequent days in OBOT. CONCLUSIONS A minority of HCV-infected patients received HCV treatment after initiating OBOT treatment, but those who did had better retention. Further efforts are needed to facilitate rapid HCV treatment and evaluate whether early HCV treatment improves OBOT engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Geist
- University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific St, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Andrea C Radick
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Avenue, P. O. Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Avenue, P. O. Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Kendra L Blalock
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Avenue, P. O. Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Addy Adwell
- Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, P.O. Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Elsabeth Tamru
- Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Avenue, P.O. Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Nancy C Connolly
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Avenue, P. O. Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Jocelyn R James
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Avenue, P. O. Box 359780, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
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Bhattacharya D, Aronsohn A, Price J, Lo Re V. Hepatitis C Guidance 2023 Update: AASLD-IDSA Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Clin Infect Dis 2023:ciad319. [PMID: 37229695 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases have collaboratively developed evidence-based guidance regarding the diagnosis, management, and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection since 2013. A panel of clinicians and investigators with extensive infectious diseases or hepatology expertise specific to HCV infection periodically review evidence from the field and update existing recommendations or introduce new recommendations as evidence warrants. This update focuses on changes to the guidance since the previous 2020 published update, including ongoing emphasis on recommended universal screening; management recommendations for incomplete treatment adherence; expanded eligibility for simplified chronic HCV infection treatment in adults with minimal monitoring; updated treatment and retreatment recommendations for children as young as 3 years old; management and treatment recommendations in the transplantation setting; and screening, treatment, and management recommendations for unique and key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debika Bhattacharya
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
| | - Andrew Aronsohn
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Chicago
| | - Jennifer Price
- Division of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Vincent Lo Re
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
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25
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Lanièce Delaunay C, Klein MB, Godin A, Cox J, Kronfli N, Lebouché B, Doyle C, Maheu-Giroux M. Public health interventions, priority populations, and the impact of COVID-19 disruptions on hepatitis C elimination among people who have injected drugs in Montreal (Canada): A modeling study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 116:104026. [PMID: 37075626 PMCID: PMC10080278 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Montreal (Canada), high hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroincidence (21 per 100 person-years in 2017) persists among people who have injected drugs (PWID) despite relatively high testing rates and coverage of needle and syringe programs (NSP) and opioid agonist therapy (OAT). We assessed the potential of interventions to achieve HCV elimination (80% incidence reduction and 65% reduction in HCV-related mortality between 2015 and 2030) in the context of COVID-19 disruptions among all PWID and PWID living with HIV. METHODS Using a dynamic model of HCV-HIV co-transmission, we simulated increases in NSP (from 82% to 95%) and OAT (from 33% to 40%) coverage, HCV testing (every 6 months), or treatment rate (100 per 100 person-years) starting in 2022 among all PWID and PWID living with HIV. We also modeled treatment scale-up among active PWID only (i.e., people who report injecting in the past six months). We reduced intervention levels in 2020-2021 due to COVID-19-related disruptions. Outcomes included HCV incidence, prevalence, and mortality, and proportions of averted chronic HCV infections and deaths. RESULTS COVID-19-related disruptions could have caused temporary rebounds in HCV transmission. Further increasing NSP/OAT or HCV testing had little impact on incidence. Scaling-up treatment among all PWID achieved incidence and mortality targets among all PWID and PWID living with HIV. Focusing treatment on active PWID could achieve elimination, yet fewer projected deaths were averted (36% versus 48%). CONCLUSIONS HCV treatment scale-up among all PWID will be required to eliminate HCV in high-incidence and prevalence settings. Achieving elimination by 2030 will entail concerted efforts to restore and enhance pre-pandemic levels of HCV prevention and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lanièce Delaunay
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Arnaud Godin
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nadine Kronfli
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Carla Doyle
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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26
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Young J, Wang S, Lanièce Delaunay C, Cooper CL, Cox J, Gill MJ, Hull M, Walmsley S, Wong A, Klein MB. The rate of hepatitis C reinfection in Canadians coinfected with HIV and its implications for national elimination. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 114:103981. [PMID: 36893502 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set targets for the rate of new infections as a way to measure progress towards the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public health threat. As more people are successfully treated for HCV, a higher proportion of new infections will be reinfections. We consider whether the reinfection rate has changed since the interferon era and what we can infer about national elimination efforts from the current reinfection rate. METHODS The Canadian Coinfection Cohort is representative of HIV HCV coinfected people in clinical care. We selected cohort participants successfully treated for a primary HCV infection either in the interferon era or in the era of direct acting antivirals (DAAs). Selected participants were followed from 12 weeks after completing a successful treatment until the end of 2019 or until their last measured HCV RNA. We estimated the reinfection rate in each treatment era, overall and in participant subgroups, using proportional hazard models appropriate for interval censored data. RESULTS Among 814 successfully treated participants with additional HCV RNA measurements, there were 62 reinfections. The overall reinfection rate was 2.6 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.2-4.1) /100 person years (PY) in the interferon era and 3.4 (95% CI 2.5-4.4) /100 PY in the DAA era. The rate in those reporting injection drug use (IDU) was much higher: 4.7 (95% CI 1.4-7.9) /100 PY and 7.6 (95% CI 5.3-10) /100 PY in the interferon and DAA eras respectively. CONCLUSION The overall reinfection rate in our cohort is now above the WHO target set for new infections in people who inject drugs. The reinfection rate in those reporting IDU has increased since the interferon era. This suggests Canada is not on track to achieve HCV elimination by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Young
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H4A3S5, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Suite 1200, Montreal, Quebec H3A1G1, Canada.
| | - Shouao Wang
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H4A3S5, Canada
| | - Charlotte Lanièce Delaunay
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H4A3S5, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Suite 1200, Montreal, Quebec H3A1G1, Canada
| | - Curtis L Cooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 725 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa K1Y4E9, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Suite 1200, Montreal, Quebec H3A1G1, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, Quebec H4A3J1, Canada
| | - M John Gill
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, Alberta T2N1N4, Canada
| | - Mark Hull
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Colombia V6Z1Y6, Canada
| | - Sharon Walmsley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 6 Queen's Park Crescent West, Toronto. Ontario M5S3H2, Canada
| | - Alexander Wong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5E5, Canada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H4A3S5, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Suite 1200, Montreal, Quebec H3A1G1, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, Quebec H4A3J1, Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z1Y6, Canada
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Karasz A, Merchant K, Singh R, Thomas A, Borsuk C, McKee D, Duryea P, Kim AY, Mehta S, Norton BL, Page K, Pericot-Valverde I, Sedillo S, Stein ES, Taylor LE, Tsui J, Litwin A. The experience of re-infection among people who inject drugs successfully treated for hepatitis C. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 146:208937. [PMID: 36880897 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2022.208937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents have changed the landscape of hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) treatment and have become more available to people who inject drugs (PWID) over the past several years. Although many achieve a sustained virologic response (SVR), a small proportion will become re-infected. This study examined experiences of re-infection among participants in Project HERO, a large multi-site treatment trial designed to test alternative treatment delivery models for DAAs. METHODS Study staff conducted qualitative interviews with twenty-three HERO participants who experienced reinfection following successful treatment for HCV. Interviews focused on life circumstances and experiences with treatment/re-infection. We conducted a thematic analysis, followed by a narrative analysis. RESULTS Participants described challenging life circumstances. The initial experience of cure was joyful, leading participants to feel that they had escaped a defiled, stigmatized identity. Re-infection was very painful. Feelings of shame were common. Participants with fully developed narratives of re-infection described both a strong emotional response as well as a plan for avoiding re-infection during retreatment. Participants who lack such stories showed signs of hopelessness and apathy. CONCLUSION Though the promise of personal transformation through SVR may be motivating for patients, clinicians should be cautious about how they describe the "cure" when educating patients about HCV treatment. Patients should be encouraged to avoid stigmatizing, dichotomizing language of the self, including terms such as "dirty" and "clean." In acknowledging the benefits of HCV cure, clinicians should emphasize that re-infection does not mean failed treatment; and that current treatment guidelines support retreatment of re-infected PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Krupa Merchant
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, 607 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC 29605, United States of America
| | - Reena Singh
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, United States of America
| | - Aurielle Thomas
- University of Rhode Island, 80 Washington Street, Rm. 525, Providence, RI 02903, United States of America
| | - Courtney Borsuk
- Johns Hopkins, 615 N. Wolfe St., E6536, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Diane McKee
- University of Massachusetts School of Medicine 55 Lake Ave. North Worcester, MA 01655
| | - Patrick Duryea
- University of Rhode Island, Burnett Hall 1220 T St., Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street Cox 5, Boston, MA 02130, United States of America
| | - Shruti Mehta
- Johns Hopkins, 615 N. Wolfe St., E6546, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Brianna L Norton
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 3330 Kossuth Ave., Bronx, NY 10467, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Page
- University of New Mexico, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Preventive Medicine, MSC10 5550 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Irene Pericot-Valverde
- Clemson University, College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences, 605 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC 29605, United States of America
| | - Sandra Sedillo
- University of New Mexico, MSC10 5550 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States of America
| | - Ellen S Stein
- University of California, San Francisco, Mission Hall, 550-16th St., Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States of America
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- University of Rhode Island, CODAC Behavioral Health, 80 Washington Street, Rm. 525, Providence, RI 02903, United States of America
| | - Judith Tsui
- University of Washington, Box 359780, 325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, United States of America
| | - Alain Litwin
- Prisma Health/Clemson University, Department of Medicine, Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital Medical Support Tower, 5th Floor 701 Grove Rd., Greenville, SC 29695, United States of America
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Schwarz M, Schwarz C, Schütz A, Schwanke C, Krabb E, Schubert R, Liebich ST, Bauer D, Burghart L, Brinkmann L, Gutic E, Reiberger T, Haltmayer H, Gschwantler M. Combining treatment for chronic hepatitis C with opioid agonist therapy is an effective microelimination strategy for people who inject drugs with high risk of non-adherence to antiviral therapy. J Virus Erad 2023; 9:100319. [PMID: 36970063 PMCID: PMC10036924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jve.2023.100319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & aims Despite effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) and non-adherence to therapy remains a major obstacle towards HCV elimination in this subpopulation. To overcome this issue, we have combined ongoing opioid agonist therapy (OAT) with DAAs in a directly-observed therapy (DOT) setting. Method From September 2014 until January 2021 PWIDs at high risk of non-adherence to DAA therapy, who were also on OAT, were included into this microelimination project. Individuals received their OAT and DAAs under supervision of healthcare workers as DOT in a pharmacy or low-threshold facility. Results In total, 504 HCV RNA-positive PWIDs on OAT (387 men, 76.8%; median age: 38 years [IQR 33-45], HIV: 4.6%; hepatitis B: 1.4%) were included into this study. Two thirds reported ongoing intravenous drug use (IDU) and half of them had no permanent housing. Only 41 (8.1%) were lost to follow-up and two (0.4%) died of reasons unrelated to DAA toxicity. Overall, 90.7% of PWIDs achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) (95% CI: 88.1-93.2%). By excluding those lost to follow-up and hose who had died of causes unrelated to DAAs, the SVR12 rate was 99.1% (95% CI: 98.3-100.0%; modified intention-to-treat analysis). Four PWIDs (0.9%) experienced treatment failure. Over a median follow-up of 24 weeks (IQR 12-39), 27 reinfections (5.9%) were observed in individuals with the highest IDU rates (81.2%). Importantly, even though some were lost to follow-up, all completed their DAA treatment. By using DOT, adherence to DAAs was excellent with only a total of 86 missed doses (0.3% of 25,224 doses). Conclusions In this difficult-to-treat population of PWIDs with high rates of IDU , coupling DAA treatment to OAT in a DOT setting resulted in high SVR12 rates equivalent to conventional treatment settings in non-PWID populations.
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Not A, Saludes V, Gálvez M, Miralpeix A, Bordoy AE, González N, González-Gómez S, Muntané L, Reyes-Urueña J, Majó X, Colom J, Forns X, Lens S, Martró E. Usefulness of dried blood spot samples for monitoring hepatitis C treatment outcome and reinfection among people who inject drugs in a test-and-treat program. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28544. [PMID: 36727653 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Dried blood spots (DBS) are a reliable tool to diagnose viremic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We evaluated the clinical performance of a DBS-based molecular assay for the assessment of cure and reinfection after on-site treatment at a harm reduction center (HRC). Genotyping from DBS samples was also assessed to discriminate reinfection from treatment failure. People who inject drugs (PWID) from an ongoing test-and-treat pilot at the largest HRC in Barcelona were included in the study. HCV-RNA detection from DBS collected after treatment (with follow-up at 12, 36, and 60 weeks) was compared with a molecular point-of-care test using finger-stick blood (GeneXpert). Baseline and follow-up DBS samples were genotyped by NS5B sequencing or commercial real-time PCR. Among treated patients, 193 follow-up DBS samples were tested. The DBS-based assay showed 100% specificity (129/129), and sensitivity ranged from 84.4% to 96.1% according to different viral load cut-offs (from detectable to 3000 IU/mL). Sensitivity as test of cure (follow-up 12) ranged from 85.1% to 97.4%. Among the 64 patients with recurrent viremia, 10.9% had low viral loads (≤1000 IU/mL); HCV genotyping allowed us to classify 73.5% of viremic cases either as reinfection or as treatment failure. DBS samples are useful to assess cure and differentiate reinfection from relapse after HCV antiviral treatment in the real world, facilitating decentralization of treatment and posttreatment follow-up in PWID. However, a fraction of patients presented with low viral loads, limiting viremia detection and genotyping in DBS and, therefore, repeat testing is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Not
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Verónica Saludes
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mont Gálvez
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Miralpeix
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antoni E Bordoy
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Sara González-Gómez
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Laura Muntané
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Juliana Reyes-Urueña
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Epidemiological Studies on HIV/AIDS and STIs of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), ASPCAT, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Majó
- Program for the Prevention, Control and Care of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Viral Hepatitis, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (ASPCAT), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Program for the Prevention, Control and Care of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Viral Hepatitis, Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya (ASPCAT), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Forns
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabela Lens
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Martró
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Bregenzer A, Krismer C, Wendel S, Roser P, Fux CA. HCV elimination in a Swiss opioid agonist therapy programme - a cohort study. Swiss Med Wkly 2022; 152:40009. [PMID: 36509421 DOI: 10.57187/smw.2022.40009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In opioid agonist therapy (OAT) programmes, chronic hepatitis C is highly prevalent and directly observed therapy guarantees optimal adherence. Since 2017, all patients with chronic hepatitis C in Switzerland can be treated with pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals irrespective of liver fibrosis stage. Until the end of 2021, however, prescription was restricted to infectious disease specialists, gastroenterologists and certain addiction specialists. Difficult venous access after long-term intravenous drug use and, in the case of referral to a specialist, difficulties keeping appointments are barriers to HCV diagnosis and treatment. AIMS To assess whether minimally invasive point-of-care tests and a "test-and-treat / vaccinate on-site" approach can improve human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) / hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening, HCV treatment uptake and immunity against hepatitis A/B. METHODS Since September 2018, an infectious disease specialist and a study nurse performed 4-weekly visits in the OAT programme "HAG" (heroin dispensation of the canton Aargau), offering HIV/HCV antibody rapid testing (20 min) and HCV RNA quantification (GeneXpert®, 60 min) from capillary blood, noninvasive liver fibrosis assessment (Fibroscan®, 5-10 min) and HCV treatment prescription on-site. Recommended venous blood draws for HAV/HBV serology and HAV/HBV vaccinations were performed by the staff of the "HAG". Project performance was assessed by annual cross-sectional chart review. RESULTS Of the 128 patients registered in April 2018, 79 (62%) were still present in May 2021. With 72 newly registered, a total of 200 patients could be assessed, of whom 129 (65%) were still present in May 2021. Between April 2018 and May 2021, the proportion ever tested for HIV antibodies increased from 79% (101/128) to 91% (117/129), the proportion ever tested for HCV antibodies from 83% (106/128) to 93% (120/129) and the proportion of those HCV antibody positive ever tested for HCV RNA tested from 89% (47/53) to 98% (56/57). The proportion with adequate HCV management (last HCV antibody test ≤1 year ago, if HCV antibody negative or last HCV RNA test ≤1 year ago, if HCV antibody-positive and RNA-negative) improved from 23% ([15 + 15]/128) to 80% ([55 + 48]/129). Overall, HCV treatment uptake increased from 60% (21/35) to 92% (55/60) and HCV RNA prevalence among the HCV antibody positives decreased from 38% (18/47) to 7% (6/84). Between 2018 and 2021, 19 non-cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C patients were successfully treated on-site (18 sustained virological responses [SVR] 12, 1 SVR4), with excellent adherence (≥93%) and, so far, no reinfection. The proportion with known HAV/HBV serostatus increased from 38%/51% to 64%/76%. Immunity against HAV/HBV improved from 19%/23% to 50%/57%. CONCLUSION Capillary blood point-of-care tests and a "test-and-treat / vaccinate on-site" approach remove crucial barriers to diagnosis and treatment, making hepatitis elimination in OAT programmes achievable. A high fluctuation rate requires HIV/HCV/HAV/HBV testing at admission, but also allows more patients to be screened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bregenzer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Krismer
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Wendel
- Outpatient Centre for Opioid Agonist Therapy (HAG), Department of Addictive Disorders, Psychiatric Services Aargau, Brugg, Switzerland
| | - Patrik Roser
- Outpatient Centre for Opioid Agonist Therapy (HAG), Department of Addictive Disorders, Psychiatric Services Aargau, Brugg, Switzerland.,LVR-Hospital Essen, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph A Fux
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Switzerland
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Carty PG, Teljeur C, De Gascun CF, Gillespie P, Harrington P, McCormick A, O'Neill M, Smith SM, Ryan M. Another Step Toward Hepatitis C Elimination: An Economic Evaluation of an Irish National Birth Cohort Testing Program. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2022; 25:1947-1957. [PMID: 35778325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of offering once-off birth cohort testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) to people in Ireland born between 1965 and 1985, the cohort with the highest reported prevalence of undiagnosed chronic HCV infection. METHODS Systematic and opportunistic HCV birth cohort testing programs, implemented over a 4-year timeframe, were compared with the current practice of population risk-based testing only in a closed-cohort decision tree and Markov model hybrid over a lifetime time horizon. Outcomes were expressed in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Costs were presented from the health system's perspective in 2020 euro (€). Uncertainty was assessed via deterministic, probabilistic, scenario, and threshold analyses. RESULTS In the base case, systematic testing yielded the largest cost and health benefits, followed by opportunistic testing and risk-based testing. Compared with risk-based testing, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for opportunistic testing was €14 586 (95% confidence interval €4185-€33 527) per QALY gained. Compared with opportunistic testing, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for systematic testing was €16 827 (95% confidence interval €5106-€38 843) per QALY gained. These findings were robust across a range of sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS Both systematic and opportunistic birth cohort testing would be considered an efficient use of resources, but systematic testing was the optimal strategy at willingness-to-pay threshold values typically used in Ireland. Although cost-effective, any decision to introduce birth cohort testing for HCV (in Ireland or elsewhere) must be balanced with considerations regarding the feasibility and budget impact of implementing a national testing program given high initial costs and resource use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Carty
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Conor Teljeur
- Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cillian F De Gascun
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paddy Gillespie
- Health Economics & Policy Analysis Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland; CÚRAM, The SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (12/RC/2073_2), National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Susan M Smith
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mairin Ryan
- Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Health Sciences, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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Sælør KT, Carlsen SEL, Fadnes LT, Lorås L. Experiences of Hope after Treatment of Hepatitis C Infection-A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15732. [PMID: 36497807 PMCID: PMC9738947 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of hope people had after undergoing treatment for a hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). Between October 2019 and May 2020, 19 one-on-one interviews were conducted with people who inject drugs and had undergone HCV treatment. All participants had completed treatment and were documented as being virus-free. Data were audio recorded and then transcribed verbatim and analysed; a method inspired by reflexive thematic analysis. Those interviewed conveyed rich and nuanced descriptions of experiences of a life with HCV. Through the course of the analysis we developed four themes. The themes were formulated as metaphors aimed at capturing commonalities about how the participants seemed to "turn their gaze" after receiving HCV treatment: (1) turning their gaze backward; (2) turning their gaze inwards; (3) turning their gaze toward others and (4) turning their gaze forward. Participants' descriptions of their experiences relating to HCV were somewhat gloomy, and HCV treatment seemed to inspire hope and a brighter outlook on several areas of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Tore Sælør
- Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3007 Drammen, Norway
| | | | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Lennart Lorås
- Department of Welfare and Participation, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5063 Bergen, Norway
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Colombe S, Axelsson M, Aleman S, Duberg AS, Lundberg Ederth J, Dahl V. Monitoring the progress towards the elimination of hepatitis B and C in Sweden: estimation of core indicators for 2015 and 2018. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:885. [PMCID: PMC9700967 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07886-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction To monitor Sweden’s progress towards the WHO goal of eliminating viral hepatitis, we estimated the prevalence, notification rate, and liver-related morbidity and mortality for diagnosed hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in 2015 and 2018. Methods We identified cases of hepatitis B and C within the National System for Notifiable Diseases and obtained data on treatment and whether the case was deceased or not. We calculated prevalence, notification rates per 100,000, and proportion of newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis with liver disease at the time of diagnosis, and proportion of all deceased cases who died from liver disease. We calculated Poisson 95% confidence intervals (CIs) around the notification rates and Wilson 95% CIs around prevalence and mortality estimates. Results In 2015 and 2018, the prevalence of diagnosed HBV infections was 0.20% [95% CI: 0.19–0.20] and 0.21% [0.20–0.21]. Notification rates per 100,000 for HBV infections were 13.02 [12.32–13.76] and 7.71 [7.18–8.27]. HBV liver-related morbidity was 2.65% [1.90–3.68] and 2.16% [1.35–3.43]. HBV liver-related mortality was 20.00% [14.81–26.44] and 17.95% [13.20–23.94]. In 2015 and 2018, the prevalence of diagnosed HCV-infections was 0.24% [0.24–0.25] and 0.18% [0.18–0.19]. Notification rates per 100,000 for HCV infections were 15.92 [15.14–16.73] and 13.05 [12.36–13.77]. HCV liver–related morbidity was 8.14% [6.89–9.60] and 3.90% [2.99–5.08]. HCV liver–related mortality was 27.08% [24.54–29.77] and 26.90% [24.12–29.88]. Conclusions All indicators decreased or remained stable between 2015 and 2018, indicating progress in the elimination of viral hepatitis, especially for HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Colombe
- grid.419734.c0000 0000 9580 3113Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden ,grid.418914.10000 0004 1791 8889European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden ,grid.11505.300000 0001 2153 5088Outbreak Research Team, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Maria Axelsson
- grid.419734.c0000 0000 9580 3113Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
| | - Soo Aleman
- grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital/Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofi Duberg
- grid.15895.300000 0001 0738 8966Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Viktor Dahl
- grid.419734.c0000 0000 9580 3113Public Health Agency of Sweden, Solna, Sweden
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Interventions to prevent HIV and Hepatitis C among people who inject drugs: Latest evidence of effectiveness from a systematic review (2011 to 2020). THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 109:103872. [PMID: 36202039 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV remain prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWID) and transmission is usually associated with injecting risk behaviour (IRB). We update a 2011 review of reviews (RoR) to assess the latest evidence on the effectiveness of harm reduction interventions - drug treatment (including opioid agonist therapy [OAT]), needle and syringe programmes (NSP) and other interventions - in the prevention of HCV and HIV transmission, and related measures of infection risk (IRB and injecting frequency [IF]), among PWID. METHODS We undertook an initial search for systematic reviews (i.e. an Overview of Reviews [OoR]) and subsequent systematic searches for primary studies where required. Where there was sufficient evidence based on synthesis of multiple robust studies for an intervention effect in the 2011 RoR, new evidence was not sought. Medline, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched (2011-2020). Two reviewers screened papers, extracted data, and graded reviews/studies. We classified evidence as 'sufficient', 'tentative', 'insufficient', or 'no evidence'. RESULTS We screened 8513 reviews and 7133 studies, with 27 and 61 identified as relevant, respectively. The level of evidence increased since the 2011 RoR and is now 'sufficient' for OAT (regarding all outcomes), NSP (for reducing HIV transmission and IRB), and combination OAT/NSP (for reducing HCV transmission). There is also now sufficient evidence for in-prison OAT, psychosocial interventions, pharmacy-based NSP and provision of sterile drug preparation equipment for reducing IRB. CONCLUSION There is now a strong body of empirical evidence for the effectiveness of OAT and NSP, alone and in combination, in reducing IRB, and HCV and HIV transmission. However, there is still a relative lack of evidence for other interventions, including heroin-assisted treatment, pharmacological treatment for stimulant dependence, contingency management, technology-based interventions, low dead space syringes and drug consumption rooms on HCV or HIV risk.
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Grebely J, Dore GJ, Altice FL, Conway B, Litwin AH, Norton BL, Dalgard O, Gane EJ, Shibolet O, Nahass R, Luetkemeyer AF, Peng CY, Iser D, Gendrano IN, Kelly MM, Hwang P, Asante-Appiah E, Haber BA, Barr E, Robertson MN, Platt H. Reinfection and Risk Behaviors After Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Persons Receiving Opioid Agonist Therapy : A Cohort Study. Ann Intern Med 2022; 175:1221-1229. [PMID: 35939812 DOI: 10.7326/m21-4119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection after successful treatment may reduce the benefits of cure among people who inject drugs. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the rate of HCV reinfection for 3 years after successful treatment among people receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT). DESIGN A 3-year, long-term, extension study of persons enrolled in the CO-STAR (Hepatitis C Patients on Opioid Substitution Therapy Antiviral Response) study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02105688). SETTING 55 clinical trial sites in 13 countries. PATIENTS Aged 18 years and older with chronic HCV infection with genotypes 1, 4, or 6 receiving stable OAT. INTERVENTION No treatments were administered. MEASUREMENTS Serum samples were assessed for HCV reinfection. Urine drug screening was performed. RESULTS Among 296 participants who received treatment, 286 were evaluable for reinfection and 199 were enrolled in the long-term extension study. The rate of HCV reinfection was 1.7 [95% CI, 0.8 to 3.0] per 100 person-years; 604 person-years of follow-up). A higher rate of reinfection was seen among people with recent injecting drug use (1.9 [95% CI, 0.5 to 4.8] per 100 person-years; 212 person-years). Ongoing drug use and injecting drug use were reported by 59% and 21% of participants, respectively, at the 6-month follow-up visit and remained stable during 3 years of follow-up. LIMITATIONS Participants were required to be 80% adherent to OAT at baseline and may represent a population with higher stability and lower risk for HCV reinfection. Rate of reinfection may be underestimated because all participants did not continue in the long-term extension study; whether participants who discontinued were at higher risk for reinfection is unknown. CONCLUSION Reinfection with HCV was low but was highest in the first 24 weeks after treatment completion and among people with ongoing injecting drug use and needle-syringe sharing. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (J.G., G.J.D.)
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (J.G., G.J.D.)
| | | | - Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (B.C.)
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Prisma Health/University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, and Clemson University, Greenville, South Carolina (A.H.L., B.L.N.)
| | - Brianna L Norton
- Prisma Health/University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, and Clemson University, Greenville, South Carolina (A.H.L., B.L.N.)
| | - Olav Dalgard
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Akershus University, Oslo, Norway (O.D.)
| | - Edward J Gane
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand (E.J.G.)
| | - Oren Shibolet
- Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Medical Center and Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (O.S.)
| | | | - Anne F Luetkemeyer
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California (A.F.L.)
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan (C.Y.P.)
| | - David Iser
- The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (D.I.)
| | - Isaias Noel Gendrano
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey (I.N.G., M.M.K., P.H., E.A.A., B.A.H., E.B., M.N.R., H.P.)
| | - Michelle M Kelly
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey (I.N.G., M.M.K., P.H., E.A.A., B.A.H., E.B., M.N.R., H.P.)
| | - Peggy Hwang
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey (I.N.G., M.M.K., P.H., E.A.A., B.A.H., E.B., M.N.R., H.P.)
| | - Ernest Asante-Appiah
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey (I.N.G., M.M.K., P.H., E.A.A., B.A.H., E.B., M.N.R., H.P.)
| | - Barbara A Haber
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey (I.N.G., M.M.K., P.H., E.A.A., B.A.H., E.B., M.N.R., H.P.)
| | - Eliav Barr
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey (I.N.G., M.M.K., P.H., E.A.A., B.A.H., E.B., M.N.R., H.P.)
| | - Michael N Robertson
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey (I.N.G., M.M.K., P.H., E.A.A., B.A.H., E.B., M.N.R., H.P.)
| | - Heather Platt
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey (I.N.G., M.M.K., P.H., E.A.A., B.A.H., E.B., M.N.R., H.P.)
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Selfridge M, Barnett T, Lundgren K, Guarasci K, Milne R, Drost A, Fraser C. Treating people where they are: Nurse-led micro-elimination of hepatitis C in supported housing sites for networks of people who inject drugs in Victoria, Canada. Public Health Nurs 2022; 39:1009-1016. [PMID: 35537120 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To achieve the World Health Organization's goal of eliminating hepatitis C (HCV) by 2030 requires enhanced HCV testing and treatment among people who use drugs (PWUD). Micro-elimination of HCV is a strategy to target HCV testing and treatment efforts to specific segments of the population. From February to December 2018 nurses initiated a "seek & treat" micro-elimination approach, increasing outreach and removing barriers to accessing HCV treatment in a clinic setting by testing and treating individuals, including PWUD, where they live. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of clients with HCV antibodies and HCV RNA and the response to direct acting agent (DAA therapy) among people who live at or have social connections to local supportive housing sites through this nurse-led micro-elimination project in Victoria, Canada. A chart review of electronic medical records and case management documentation was used to collect relevant data of participants treated with DAA therapy, identified through specific housing site testing and outreach interventions. In total, 180 people were tested for HCV antibodies, 72 (40%) were antibody positive: 51 (28%) were RNA positive, 13 (7%) had spontaneously cleared and 8 (4%) had been previously treated. Of the 51 that were currently living with HCV, 43 people were started on treatment, 39 have achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). By providing treatment to clients in their homes and with their friends, clinicians have been able to treat clients, including those with limited contact with the health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Selfridge
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, Canada.,University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Anne Drost
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, Canada
| | - Chris Fraser
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, Canada.,University of British Columbia, Victoria, Canada
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37
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Wan Z, Sun P, Dzakah EE, Huang L, Shuai P, Liu Y. Reinfection rate of hepatitis C in HIV-1 positive men who have sex with men: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2022; 10:855989. [PMID: 35968434 PMCID: PMC9372531 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.855989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose A reduction of 80% in new Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is expected by 2030. However, high HCV reinfection rates have been reported among the high-risk population. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the HCV reinfection rate after successful treatment of HIV-1 coinfected MSM populations. Methods Bibliographic databases were searched and a random-effect model was utilized to calculate the pooled HCV reinfection rate. Sub-group and meta-regression were used to explore heterogeneity among selected studies. A funnel plot and Egger's regression test were performed to estimate the publication bias. Results Sixteen studies with 9,017.2 person-years (PY) follow-up were included. The overall HCV reinfection rate following successful treatment among HIV-1-infected MSM was 5.27/100 PY (95% CI, 3.98, 6.96). Lower reinfection rates were observed in developed parts of Europe (5.28/100 PY; 95% CI, 3.73, 6.84) and North America (3.92/100 PY; 95% CI, 1.67, 6.17). Reinfection rates among people with HCV test intervals of fewer than 6 months (7.59/100 PY; 95% CI: 5.15, 10.03) were significantly higher than those with more than 6 months test interval (2.88/100 PY; 95% CI: 2.26, 3.50), with an adjusted RR of 1.86 (95% CI, 1.06, 3.13). The adjusted study factors explained 91.03% the of studies' heterogeneity. Conclusion HCV reinfection rate was high in successfully treated MSM who were coinfected with HIV-1. A shorter HCV test interval may help to explore more HCV reinfections. HCV reinfection rate studies from HIV-1 coinfected MSM in underdeveloped countries are urgently needed. Meta registration PROSPERO: CRD42021285206, URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Wan
- Department of Health Management Center and Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Sun
- Department of Health Management Center and Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Emmanuel Enoch Dzakah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Liping Huang
- Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Shuai
- Department of Health Management Center and Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Shuai
| | - Yuping Liu
- Department of Health Management Center and Institute of Health Management, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Yuping Liu
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Haque LY, Fiellin DA. Bridging the Gap: Dual Fellowship Training in Addiction Medicine and Digestive Diseases. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:2721-2726. [PMID: 35430700 PMCID: PMC9013212 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lamia Y Haque
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, US.
- Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, US.
| | - David A Fiellin
- Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, US
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, US
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, US
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, US
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Declining prevalence of current HCV infection and increased treatment uptake among people who inject drugs: The ETHOS Engage study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 105:103706. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Sun HY, Liu WD, Wang CW, Wei YJ, Lin KY, Huang YS, Su LH, Chen YT, Liu WC, Su YC, Chen YW, Chuang YC, Lu PL, Hung CC, Yu ML. Performance of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Core Antigen Assay in the Diagnosis of Recently Acquired HCV Infection among High-Risk Populations. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0034522. [PMID: 35579445 PMCID: PMC9241744 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00345-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
How the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen (HCVcAg) assay performs in detecting recently acquired HCV infection among people living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) is rarely assessed in the Asia-Pacific region. High-risk participants, including PLWH with sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HCV clearance by antivirals or spontaneously, or elevated aminotransferases, HIV-negative MSM with STIs or on HIV preexposure prophylaxis, and low-risk PLWH were enrolled. Blood samples were subjected to 3-stage pooled-plasma HCV RNA testing every 3 to 6 months until detection of HCV viremia or completion of the 1-year follow-up. The samples at enrollment and all of the archived samples preceding the detection of HCV RNA during follow-up were tested for HCVcAg. During June 2019 and February 2021, 1,639 blood samples from 744 high-risk and 727 low-risk PLWH and 86 HIV-negative participants were tested for both HCV RNA and HCVcAg. Of 62 samples positive for HCV RNA, 54 (87.1%) were positive for HCVcAg. Of 1,577 samples negative for HCV RNA, 1,568 (99.4%) were negative for HCVcAg. The mean HCV RNA load of the 8 individual samples positive for HCV RNA but negative for HCVcAg was 3.2 (range, 2.5 to 3.9) log10 IU/mL, and that of the remaining 54 samples with concordant results was 6.2 (range, 1.3 to 8.5) log10 IU/mL. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of HCVcAg were 85.7% and 99.5%, respectively. In at-risk populations, HCVcAg has a high specificity and NPV but lower sensitivity and PPV, particularly in individuals with low HCV RNA loads. IMPORTANCE The HCV core antigen assay has a high specificity of 99.4% and negative predictive value of 99.5% but a lower sensitivity of 87.1% and positive predictive value of 85.7% in the diagnosis of recently acquired HCV infection in high-risk populations. Our findings are informative for many countries confronted with limited resources to timely identify acute HCV infections and provide effective direct-acting antivirals to halt onward transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Da Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Wang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Wei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Yin Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yea-Wen Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospitalgrid.412094.a and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Stratton ML, Ansara ED, Ifeachor AP, Houck KK, Liangpunsakul S, Binger KJ. Assessment of hepatitis C monitoring adherence after viral eradication in veterans with substance use to improve care and surveil reinfection. Ment Health Clin 2022; 12:181-186. [PMID: 35801159 PMCID: PMC9190266 DOI: 10.9740/mhc.2022.06.181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence rates are rising for patients with substance use and/or SUDs. Guidelines provide monitoring recommendations to ensure remission after successful treatment. The study's objective was to identify gaps in follow-up for patients with documented substance use and/or SUD through assessment of adherence to guideline-recommended HCV RNA lab 12 months post-treatment. Methods Patients treated for HCV through the Veteran Health Indiana Hepatitis C Pharmacy Clinic were retrospectively evaluated. Subjects were categorized based on the provider assigned for follow-up care after 12-week sustained virologic response (SVR12) labs (primary care provider [PCP] or HCV provider). The primary outcome was HCV RNA obtained 11 to 13 months post-treatment. Secondary outcomes were HCV RNA detected post-treatment, substance use, engagement in substance use treatment, and engagement with social work. Results Two hundred forty-one patients were included in the HCV provider cohort and 139 in the PCP cohort. Forty-one patients did not have a specified clinic for follow-up treatment, and 20 patients did not achieve SVR12. Sixty-one patients (28%) in the HCV provider cohort completed a 12-month HCV RNA within 11 to 13 months post-treatment vs 15 patients (11%) in the PCP cohort (P ≤ .01). One patient had HCV RNA detected post-treatment. Discussion This study reveals inadequate HCV post-treatment follow-up for patients with substance use and/or SUD. SUD is a chronic disease that requires continued monitoring to prevent complications. Further studies are needed to identify reinfection rates and improvements of care in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elayne D. Ansara
- 2 Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner – Mental Health, Veteran Health Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Amanda P. Ifeachor
- 3 Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner – Ambulatory Care (Gastrointestinal/Hepatitis C Virus Clinics), Veteran Health Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Kelly K. Houck
- 4 Facility Pain Management, Opioid Safety, and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PMOP) Coordinator, Veteran Health Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- 5 Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana and Associate Chief of Staff for Research service and Hepatologist, Gastroenterology Section, Medicine Service, Veteran Health Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Katie J. Binger
- 6 Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner – Mental Health, Veteran Health Indiana, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Sepúlveda-Crespo D, Yélamos MB, Díez C, Gómez J, Hontañón V, Torresano-Felipe F, Berenguer J, González-García J, Ibañez-Samaniego L, Llop E, Olveira A, Martínez J, Resino S, Martínez I. Negative impact of HIV infection on broad-spectrum anti-HCV neutralizing antibody titers in HCV-infected patients with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:113024. [PMID: 35483197 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to assess the impact of HIV on the production of anti-HCV antibodies in HCV-infected individuals with advanced HCV-related cirrhosis before and 36 weeks after the sustained virological response (SVR) induced by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy. METHODS Prospective study on 62 patients (50 HIV/HCV-coinfected and 12 HCV-monoinfected). Plasma anti-E2 and HCV-nAbs were determined respectively by ELISA and microneutralization assays. RESULTS At baseline, the HCV-group had higher anti-E2 levels against Gt1a (p = 0.012), Gt1b (p = 0.023), and Gt4a (p = 0.005) than the HIV/HCV-group. After SVR, anti-E2 titers against Gt1a (p < 0.001), Gt1b (p = 0.001), and Gt4a (p = 0.042) were also higher in the HCV-group than HIV/HCV-group. At 36 weeks post-SVR, plasma anti-E2 titers decreased between 1.3 and 1.9-fold in the HIV/HCV-group (p < 0.001) and between 1.5 and 1.8-fold in the HCV-group (p ≤ 0.001). At baseline, the HCV-group had higher titers of HCV-nAbs against Gt1a (p = 0.022), Gt1b (p = 0.002), Gt2a (p < 0.001), and Gt4a (p < 0.001) than the HIV/HCV-group. After SVR, HCV-nAbs titers against Gt1a (p = 0.014), Gt1b (p < 0.001), Gt2a (p = 0.002), and Gt4a (p = 0.004) were also higher in the HCV-group. At 36 weeks post-SVR, HCV-nAbs decreased between 2.6 and 4.1-fold in the HIV/HCV-group (p < 0.001) and between 1.9 and 4.0-fold in the HCV-group (p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS HIV/HCV-coinfected patients produced lower levels of broad-spectrum anti-HCV antibodies than HCV-monoinfected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepúlveda-Crespo
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Belén Yélamos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Díez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH; Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julián Gómez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Hontañón
- Unidad de VIH; Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Torresano-Felipe
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Berenguer
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas/VIH; Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan González-García
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Unidad de VIH; Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Ibañez-Samaniego
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elva Llop
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Olveira
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Martínez
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isidoro Martínez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Hosseini-Hooshyar S, Hajarizadeh B, Bajis S, Law M, Janjua NZ, Fierer DS, Chromy D, Rockstroh JK, Martin TCS, Ingiliz P, Hung CC, Dore GJ, Martinello M, Matthews GV. Risk of hepatitis C reinfection following successful therapy among people living with HIV: a global systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. THE LANCET HIV 2022; 9:e414-e427. [DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(22)00077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Viera A, Grau LE, Fisher JD, Farnum SO, Tetrault JM, Scott G, Heimer R. Development and pilot-testing of a hepatitis C reinfection prevention intervention for patients in treatment for hepatitis C infection. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2022; 3:100038. [PMID: 36845980 PMCID: PMC9948939 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
•We developed a two-session behavioral intervention to prevent HCV reinfection.•The intervention was piloted at an OTP and integrated into HCV treatment.•Baseline data showed limited knowledge & application of safer injection practices.•Implementation barriers included logistics and the lack of financial incentive.•Adaptations addressed barriers, yielding a more feasible and acceptable intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Viera
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Lauretta E. Grau
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Fisher
- Department of Psychological Sciences and the Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP), University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT USA
| | | | - Jeanette M. Tetrault
- Department of Internal Medicine and the Yale Addiction Medicine Program, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Greg Scott
- Department of Sociology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Robert Heimer
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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45
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Innovations in education: A prospective study of storytelling narratives to enhance hepatitis C virus knowledge among substance users. World J Hepatol 2022. [DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i5.973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Talal AH, Ding YX, Markatou M. Innovations in education: A prospective study of storytelling narratives to enhance hepatitis C virus knowledge among substance users. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:972-983. [PMID: 35721284 PMCID: PMC9157714 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i5.972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even though substance users have the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden, many lack knowledge about the infection. Lack of knowledge is an important obstacle to pursuing HCV care. Although printed materials are conventionally utilized to disseminate HCV-related knowledge, narrative story-telling videos may be an alternative. Data are extremely limited, however, in the ability of storytelling videos to increase HCV knowledge among substance users. In this study, we hypothesized that a story-telling narrative video would increase substance user’s immediate and 1-month HCV-related knowledge compared to a printed format.
AIM To assess immediate and 1-month HCV-related knowledge retention among substance users comparing education delivered via a storytelling narrative video compared to a printed format.
METHODS We conducted a prospective matched, case-control study among substance users actively prescribed buprenorphine enrolled from two sites. The intervention site received the video and the control site, the brochure. Participants (n = 176) were matched on age, gender, and race. We obtained extensive patient and stakeholder input on the video’s design, validated the video’s content, and developed a recruitment plan to guide participant enrollment. Knowledge was assessed by administration of a 25-item instrument immediately before, immediately after, or one month after the intervention. Data were analyzed using nonparametric and generalized linear mixed-effects models.
RESULTS We recruited a total of 176 substance users, 90 and 86 individuals, from each site, respectively. One-month follow up occurred in 92% and 94% of enrollees in the control and intervention groups, respectively. In comparison with the pre-intervention scores, immediate knowledge recall increased significantly for both the intervention (P < 0.0001) and control (P < 0.0001) groups. Multivariate modeling revealed a significant improvement in HCV-related knowledge and retention (P = 0.033) among participants who viewed the storytelling video.
CONCLUSION Storytelling narratives emphasizing HCV education appear to be an effective method to increase HCV-related knowledge among substance users. They should become an educational cornerstone to promote HCV management among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Talal
- Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14203, United States
| | - Yu-Xin Ding
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
| | - Marianthi Markatou
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
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47
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Eckhardt B, Mateu-Gelabert P, Aponte-Melendez Y, Fong C, Kapadia S, Smith M, Edlin BR, Marks KM. Accessible Hepatitis C Care for People Who Inject Drugs: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2022; 182:494-502. [PMID: 35285851 PMCID: PMC8922207 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance To achieve hepatitis C elimination, treatment programs need to engage, treat, and cure people who inject drugs. Objective To compare a low-threshold, nonstigmatizing hepatitis C treatment program that was colocated at a syringe service program (accessible care) with facilitated referral to local clinicians through a patient navigation program (usual care). Design, Setting, and Participants This single-site randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Lower East Side Harm Reduction Center, a syringe service program in New York, New York, and included 167 participants who were hepatitis C virus RNA-positive and had injected drugs during the prior 90 days. Participants enrolled between July 2017 and March 2020. Data were analyzed after all patients completed 1 year of follow-up (after March 2021). Interventions Participants were randomized 1:1 to the accessible care or usual care arm. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was achieving sustained virologic response within 12 months of enrollment. Results Among the 572 participants screened, 167 (mean [SD] age, 42.0 [10.6] years; 128 (77.6%) male, 36 (21.8%) female, and 1 (0.6) transgender individuals; 8 (4.8%) Black, 97 (58.5%) Hispanic, and 53 (32.1%) White individuals) met eligibility criteria and were enrolled, with 2 excluded postrandomization (n = 165). Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 arms. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 55 of 82 participants (67.1%) in the accessible care arm and 19 of 83 participants (22.9%) in the usual care arm achieved a sustained virologic response (P < .001). Loss to follow-up (12.2% [accessible care] and 16.9% [usual care]; P = .51) was similar in the 2 arms. Of the participants who received therapy, 55 of 64 (85.9%) and 19 of 22 (86.3%) achieved a sustained virologic response in the accessible care and usual care arms, respectively (P = .96). Significantly more participants in the accessible care arm achieved all steps in the care cascade, with the greatest attrition in the usual care arm seen in referral to hepatitis C virus clinician and attending clinical visit. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, among people who inject drugs with hepatitis C infection, significantly higher rates of cure were achieved using the accessible care model that focused on low-threshold, colocated, destigmatized, and flexible hepatitis C care compared with facilitated referral. To achieve hepatitis C elimination, expansion of treatment programs that are specifically geared toward engaging people who inject drugs is paramount. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03214679.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York
| | | | - Chunki Fong
- City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York
| | | | | | - Brian R. Edlin
- National Development and Research Institute, New York, New York
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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48
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Johannesson JM, Fridriksdottir RH, Löve TJ, Runarsdottir V, Hansdóttir I, Löve A, Thordardottir M, Hernandez UB, Olafsson S, Gottfredsson M. HIGH RATE OF HCV REINFECTION AMONG RECENTLY INJECTING DRUG USERS: RESULTS FROM THE TRAP HEP C PROGRAM - A PROSPECTIVE NATIONWIDE, POPULATION-BASED STUDY. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1732-1739. [PMID: 35438144 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Treatment as Prevention for Hepatitis C program started in 2016 in Iceland, offering treatment with direct-acting antivirals to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected individuals. Reinfections through injection drug use (IDU) can hamper elimination efforts. We determined reinfection rates (RIR) of HCV among patients in the program. METHODS Clinical data were gathered prospectively. The study cohort consisted of HCV-cured patients with an estimated sustained virologic response between February 1st 2016 and November 20th 2018, with follow-up until November 20th 2019. The observation period and time until reinfection was estimated using a single random point imputation method coupled with Monte Carlo simulation. The RIR was expressed as reinfections/100 person-years (PYs). RESULTS 640 treatments of 614 patients (417 males, mean age 44.3 years) resulted in cure, with 52 reinfections subsequently confirmed in 50 patients (37 males). Follow-up was 672.1 PYs with median time to reinfection of 231.7 days. History of IDU was reported by 523 patients (84.8%) and recent IDU with 220 (34.4%) treatments. Stimulants were the preferred injected drug in 85.5% of patients with history of IDU. The RIR was 7.7/100 PYs. Using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models for interval-censored data, age (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99) and recent IDU (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.48-5.76) were significantly associated with reinfection risk. CONCLUSIONS The RIR is high in a setting of widespread stimulant use, particularly in young people with recent IDU. Regular follow up is important among high-risk populations to diagnose reinfections early and reduce transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon M Johannesson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ragnheidur H Fridriksdottir
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Thorvardur J Löve
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Science, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | - Arthur Löve
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Marianna Thordardottir
- Center for Health Security and Communicable Disease Control, Directorate of Health, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ubaldo B Hernandez
- Department of Science, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sigurdur Olafsson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Magnus Gottfredsson
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Science, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
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Carson JM, Dore GJ, Lloyd AR, Grebely J, Byrne M, Cunningham E, Amin J, Vickerman P, Martin NK, Treloar C, Martinello M, Matthews GV, Hajarizadeh B. Hepatitis C virus reinfection following direct acting antiviral treatment in the prison setting: the SToP-C study. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1809-1819. [PMID: 35362522 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use (IDU) following treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) may lead to reinfection, particularly if access to harm reduction services is suboptimal. This study assessed HCV reinfection risk following direct-acting antiviral therapy within Australian prisons that had opioid agonist therapy (OAT) programs but did not have needle and syringe programs (NSP). METHODS The Surveillance and Treatment of Prisoners with hepatitis C (SToP-C) study enrolled people incarcerated in four prisons between 2014-2019. Participants treated for HCV were followed every 3-6 months to identify reinfection (confirmed by sequencing). Reinfection incidence and associated factors were evaluated. FINDINGS Among 388 participants receiving treatment, 161 had available post-treatment follow-up and were included in analysis (92% male; median age 33 years; 67% IDU in prison; median follow-up 9 months). Among those with recent (in the past month) IDU (n=71), 90% had receptive needle/syringe sharing. During 145 person-years (PY) of follow-up, 18 cases of reinfection were identified. Reinfection incidence was 12.5/100 PY (95%CI: 7.9-19.8) overall, increasing to 28.7/100 PY; (95%CI 16.3-50.6) among those with recent IDU and needle/syringe sharing. In adjusted analysis, recent IDU with needle/syringe sharing was associated with increased reinfection risk (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 14.62; 95%CI 1.84-116.28; p=0.011) and longer HCV testing interval with decreased risk (i.e., chance of detection; AHR 0.41 per each month increase; 95%CI 0.26-0.64; p<0.001). CONCLUSION A high rate of HCV reinfection was observed within prison. Post-treatment surveillance and retreatment are essential to limit the impact of reinfection. High-coverage OAT and NSP should be considered within prisons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Janaki Amin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Natasha K Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Sun HY, Cheng CY, Lin CY, Yang CJ, Lee NY, Liou BH, Tang HJ, Liu YM, Lee CY, Chen TC, Huang YC, Lee YT, Tsai MJ, Lu PL, Tsai HC, Wang NC, Hung TC, Cheng SH, Hung CC. Real-world effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals in people living with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus genotype 6 infections. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:1172-1183. [PMID: 35431505 PMCID: PMC8985481 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i11.1172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 6 (HCV-6) infection is prevalent predominantly in Southeast Asia, and the data on the virologic response of HCV-6 to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are sparse in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH).
AIM To assess the virologic response of HCV-6 to DAAs in PLWH.
METHODS From September 2016 to July 2019, PLWH coinfected with HCV-6 initiating DAAs were included. Laboratory investigations were performed at baseline, the end of treatment, and 12 wk off-therapy.
RESULTS Of the 349 PLWH included (mean age 48.9 years, 82.5% men), 80.5% comprised people who inject drugs, 18.1% men who have sex with men, and 1.4% heterosexuals. Coexistent hepatitis B virus infection was present in 12.3% of the included PLWH, liver cirrhosis 10.9%, hepatocellular carcinoma 0.9%, and previous HCV treatment experience 10.9%. The mean baseline plasma HCV RNA was 6.2 log10 IU/mL. Treatment with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir was initiated in 51.9%, sofosbuvir/ledipasvir 41.5%, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir 6.3%, and sofosbuvir/daclatasvir 0.3%. At DAA initiation, antiretroviral therapy containing tenofovir alafenamide was given in 26.4%, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 34.4%, non-tenofovir alafenamide/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 39.3%, non-nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors 30.4%, protease inhibitors 4.0%, and integrase strand transfer inhibitors 66.8%; 94.8% of the included patients had CD4 counts ≥ 200 cells/mm3 and 96.0% had plasma HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL. Overall, 96.8% achieved undetectable plasma HCV RNA (< 30 IU/mL) at end of treatment; and 92.3% achieved sustained virologic response 12 wk off-therapy in the intention-to-treat analysis (93.5% in patients receiving sofosbuvir-based DAAs and 91.2% in those receiving glecaprevir/pibrentasvir).
CONCLUSION Similar to the observation made in HIV-negative patients, sustained virologic response 12 wk off-therapy with DAAs is high in PLWH coinfected with HCV-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan 330215, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ying Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin County 640203, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City 220216, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Yao Lee
- Department of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704302, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Huang Liou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hsinchu MacKay Memorial Hospital, Hsin-Chu 300044, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Jen Tang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 710402, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Sciences, Tainan 717301, Taiwan
| | - Yuang-Meng Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua 500209, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yuan Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
| | - Tun-Chieh Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807378, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung 801735, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chia Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Biomedical Park Branch, Hsin-Chu 302058, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ti Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 402306, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402306, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jui Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yun-Lin County 640203, Taiwan
| | - Po-Liang Lu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital and College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807377, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chin Tsai
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813414, Taiwan
| | - Ning-Chi Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114202, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Che Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi 600566, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsing Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan 330215, Taiwan
- School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404332, Taiwan
- China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
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