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Dahl V, Majeed A, Wikman A, Norda R, Edgren G. Transmission of viral hepatitis through blood transfusion in Sweden, 1968 to 2012. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 25. [PMID: 32720634 PMCID: PMC7384284 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.29.1900537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Viral hepatitis remains a significant threat to transfusion safety, although largely mitigated by donor screening. Aim Our objective was to estimate the past and present burden of transfusion transmission of all types of viral hepatitis (A to E) and to find undiagnosed infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Method We performed a retrospective cohort study using a database of the entire computerised transfusion experience of Sweden from 1968 to 2012 and linking it to a nationwide database of notifiable infections. We then used two independent statistical approaches. Firstly, we tracked recipients of blood from donors with confirmed viral hepatitis. Secondly, we computed a donor-specific risk score, defined as the difference between the observed and the expected number of HCV infections among all previous recipients of all donors, where thresholds were determined using simulation. Results Among 1,146,307 transfused patients, more than 5,000 were infected with HCV. Transfusion transmission only occurred before 1992 when donor screening had been completely implemented. Overall, we found 44 donors and 1,180 recipients likely to be infected with HCV who were still alive but who remained undiagnosed. Conclusion There is still a substantial number of individuals in Sweden who have probably been infected with HCV through blood transfusion and who are still unaware of their infection. We recommend that a follow-up study should be conducted to validate the method we used by approaching these individuals and offer testing. This would also serve as an opportunity to offer treatment to those who remain infected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Dahl
- Department of Public Health Analysis and Data Management, Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ammar Majeed
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Wikman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rut Norda
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gustaf Edgren
- Department of Cardiology, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine Solna, Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Llewellyn A, Simmonds M, Irving WL, Brunton G, Sowden AJ. Antiretroviral therapy and liver disease progression in HIV and hepatitis C co-infected patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. HEPATOLOGY, MEDICINE AND POLICY 2016; 1:10. [PMID: 30288314 PMCID: PMC5918754 DOI: 10.1186/s41124-016-0015-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background HIV co-infection exacerbates hepatitis C disease, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and hepatitis C-related mortality. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is the current standard treatment for co-infected individuals, but the impact of cART and antiretroviral (ARV) monotherapy on liver disease in this population is unclear. We aimed to assess the effect of cART and ARV monotherapy on liver disease progression and liver-related mortality in individuals co-infected with HIV and chronic hepatitis C. Methods A systematic review with meta-analyses was conducted. MEDLINE and EMBASE bibliographic databases were searched up to September 2015. Study quality was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Results were synthesised narratively and by meta-analysis. Results Fourteen observational studies were included. In analyses that adjusted for potential confounders, risk of liver-related mortality was significantly lower in patients receiving cART (hazard ratio/odds ratio 0.31, 95 % CI 0.14 to 0.70). Results were similar in unadjusted analyses (relative risk 0.40, 95 % CI 0.29 to 0.55). For outcomes where meta-analysis could not be performed, results were less consistent. Some studies found cART was associated with lower incidence of, or slower progression of liver disease, fibrosis and cirrhosis, while others showed no evidence of benefit. We found no evidence of liver-related harm from cART or ARV monotherapy compared with no HIV therapy. Conclusions cART was associated with significantly lower liver-related mortality in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV. Evidence of a positive association between cART and/or ARV monotherapy and liver-disease progression was less clear, but there was no evidence to suggest that the absence of antiretroviral therapy was preferable. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s41124-016-0015-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Llewellyn
- 1Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Mark Simmonds
- 1Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Will L Irving
- 3Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ginny Brunton
- 2UCL Institute of Education, University of London, London, UK
| | - Amanda J Sowden
- 1Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
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3
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Harris M, Ward E, Gore C. Finding the undiagnosed: a qualitative exploration of hepatitis C diagnosis delay in the United Kingdom. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:479-86. [PMID: 26924296 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related morbidity and mortality will continue to rise unless HCV testing and treatment uptake increases. In the European region, an estimated nine million people live with HCV, yet only 10-40% are diagnosed. Over 100 000 undiagnosed people live with HCV in the United Kingdom (UK). For some, a late diagnosis can come too late. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the context of a diagnosis delay among people living with HCV in the UK. Participants were recruited through two London Hospitals and The Hepatitis C Trust. Eligible participants identified a recent (<3 years) HCV diagnosis and a historical HCV transmission risk period (>15 years). The primary method of data collection was in-depth interviews (12 participants) and focus groups (16 participants). Analysis was informed by grounded theory principles. The sample, 17 men and 11 women, reported an average gap of 28 years between their HCV-risk period and first HCV test. Forty per cent had cirrhosis at HCV diagnosis. Diagnosis delay was attributed to limited HCV relevance, felt wellness, stigma, compartmentalization of former injecting practices, unexplained symptoms and general practitioner inaction. Diagnosis context involved a change of health care providers or a chance medical encounter. Trust in providers was impacted by a delayed diagnosis, with implications for future engagement in care. These data indicate that risk awareness does not necessarily result in action. A multipronged approach is needed to increase HCV case finding in the UK, particularly among 'hidden populations' such as former injectors and transfusion recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Harris
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - E Ward
- The Hepatitis C Trust, London, UK
| | - C Gore
- The Hepatitis C Trust, London, UK.,The World Hepatitis Alliance, London, UK
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4
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Harris HE, Costella A, Amirthalingam G, Alexander G, Ramsay MEB, Andrews N. Improved hepatitis C treatment response in younger patients: findings from the UK HCV National Register cohort study. Epidemiol Infect 2012; 140:1830-7. [PMID: 22124380 PMCID: PMC3443967 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268811002317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In a cohort of 272 treatment-naive individuals with chronic hepatitis C infection acquired on a known date who were enrolled in the UK HCV National Register, a progressive improvement in response to treatment was found with the evolution of antiviral therapies from 20% (25/122) for interferon monotherapy to 63% (55/88) for pegylated interferon+ribavirin therapy. Multivariable analysis results showed increasing age to be associated with poorer response to therapy [odds ratio (OR) 0·84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·72-0·99, P=0·03] whereas time since infection was not associated with response (OR 0·93, 95% CI 0·44-1·98, P=0·85). Other factors significantly associated with a positive response were non-type 1 genotype (P<0·0001) and combination therapies (P<0·0001). During the first two decades of chronic HCV infection, treatment at a younger age was found to be more influential in achieving a sustained viral response than treating earlier in the course of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Harris
- Immunisation, Hepatitis and Blood Safety Department, Health Protection Services Colindale, Health Protection Agency, 61 Colindale Ave., London, UK.
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O'Brien SF, Zou S, Laperche S, Brant LJ, Seed CR, Kleinman SH. Surveillance of transfusion-transmissible infections comparison of systems in five developed countries. Transfus Med Rev 2011; 26:38-57. [PMID: 21944935 PMCID: PMC7134890 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmrv.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Most industrialized countries maintain surveillance programs for monitoring transmissible infection in blood donations, revising approaches to methodology and risk assessment as new threats emerge. A comparison of programs in the United States, Canada, France, the UK, and Australia indicates that they have similar function, although the structure of blood programs vary as does the extent and nature of formal ties with public health. The emergence of HIV in the late 1970s and early 1980s was key in recognizing that surveillance systems specific to blood transfusion were essential. Hence, most industrialized countries monitor transfusion-transmissible infections in donors and evaluate the impact of new testing and of predonation screening strategies. Emerging infections since HIV have had different transmission pathways and challenged blood programs to draw upon resources for a rapid and effective response, with recognition that the original focus on sexual/drug-related risk of HIV and hepatitis was inadequate. The focus of surveillance programs on new and emerging pathogens fulfills a key role in risk assessment and policy formulation. The precise nature of such activities varies by country because of the structure of the blood programs and surveillance systems, the strategic focus of the blood programs, and the epidemiology of disease in each country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila F O'Brien
- National Epidemiology and Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1G 4J5. sheila.o'
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Ayesh BM, Zourob SS, Abu-Jadallah SY, Shemer-Avni Y. Most common genotypes and risk factors for HCV in Gaza strip: a cross sectional study. Virol J 2009; 6:105. [PMID: 19607718 PMCID: PMC2716328 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-6-105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 07/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present work aims at determining HCV genotypes in patients with chronic HCV infection, in Gaza strip, Palestine. The most common risk factors for HCV transmission were also evaluated in conjunction with the genotyping data. RESULTS The study shows that there are only two major genotypes of HCV in Gaza Strip: Genotype 1 (subtypes 1a and 1b) collectively contribute to 28.3% of the cases, and genotype 4 (subtypes 4a and 4c/d) collectively contribute to 64.1% of the cases. Mixed infection with the two genotypes was also present among 7.6% of the cases. In this study a statistically significant relationship was established between the distribution of these genotypes and the patients' living place, traveling history, history of blood transfusion and history of surgical operations. CONCLUSION The present study is the first to link HCV genotyping in Gaza strip with its possible roots of transmission. Traveling to endemic countries, especially Egypt; blood transfusion and surgical operations are major roots of HCV infection in Gaza strip. The results indicate that iatrogenic and nosocomial procedures may be responsible for the majority of HCV infections in Gaza strip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basim M Ayesh
- Molecular Biology Lab, Central Laboratory-Ministry of Health, Gaza, Palestinian authority
- Biology Department-Islamic University of Gaza, Gaza, Palestinian authority
| | - Sofia S Zourob
- The European Gaza Hospital Laboratory, Gaza, Palestinian authority
| | | | - Yonat Shemer-Avni
- Soroka Academic Medical Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Clinical Virology Unit, Dept of Virology, Beer Sheva, Israel
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Brant LJ, Hurrelle M, Balogun MA, Klapper P, Ahmad F, Boxall E, Hale A, Hollyoak V, Ibrahim IB, Irving W, Meigh R, Mutton KJ, Patel BC, Paver WK, Pugh S, Taylor C, Turner AJ, Ramsay ME. Sentinel laboratory surveillance of hepatitis C antibody testing in England: understanding the epidemiology of HCV infection. Epidemiol Infect 2006; 135:417-26. [PMID: 16836798 PMCID: PMC2870581 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268806006832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper describes sentinel laboratory surveillance of hepatitis C antibody testing in England. Demographic and test result data were supplemented by follow-up questionnaires sent to the requesting clinician. Between October 2002 and September 2003 almost 75000 anti-HCV tests were performed in eight sentinel centres. More males were tested than females and over half of those tested were aged 25-44 years. Overall 5.7% (3333/58144, range 2.8-7.7%) individuals tested positive. Follow-up questionnaire data showed that 82% (1043/1277) of the positives had injecting drug use reported as the main risk exposure. The majority of negative individuals were undergoing routine screening as recommended for specific patient groups. Most individuals were asymptomatic. Antibody prevalence was estimated to be 34% in current injecting drug users and 42% in former injectors. Comparing positives to routine national surveillance suggests that only 53% (1782/3333) of diagnosed cases were reported. Sentinel laboratory data can provide valuable supplementary data to national surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J Brant
- Health Protection Agency, Centre for Infections, Colindale, London, UK.
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Remesar M, Gamba C, Kuperman S, Marcosa MA, Miguez G, Caldarola S, Pérez-Bianco R, Manterola A, Del Pozo A. Antibodies to hepatitis C and other viral markersin multi-transfused patients from Argentina. J Clin Virol 2006; 34 Suppl 2:S20-6. [PMID: 16461236 DOI: 10.1016/s1386-6532(05)80030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The knowledge of transfusion-transmitted viral infections in Argentina is scarce. A regional study organized by the Pan American Health Organization let us asses the current status. OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence of HCV, HBV and HIV infection in a population of multi-transfused Argentinean patients. STUDY DESIGN Multi-center, cross sectional study of 504 patients from national referral institutions in Buenos Aires, who had received more than ten units of blood products in more than two occasions. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were analyzed for a-HCV, a-HIV, HBsAg and a-HBcore. RESULTS Patients belonged to five diagnostic categories: onco-hematology (309; 61.3%); hemophilia (96; 19%); acute blood loss (54; 10.7% ); hemoglobinopathies (35; 6.9%); and hemodialysis (5; 1% ); five patients (1%) had two of the previous conditions. Overall prevalence rates of viral markers were: a-HCV 9.3% (CI(95%): 6.7-12.0); a-HBcore 4.8% (CI(95): 2.8-6.7); a-HIV 1.2% (CI(95%): 0.14-2.2) and HBsAg 0.20%(CI(95%): 0.2-0.59). The highest prevalence rates were found among patients living with hemophilia (PLH). There was a significant statistical association (p < 10(-5), OR =78.8 [29.7-209.7]) between a-HCV infection and having been transfused before 1993, when screening blood donors for a-HCV became mandatory in our country. The subpopulation of patients exposed to transfusion before 1993 was conformed mostly by PLH (70.9%) and hemoglobinopathies (18.6%). In this subpopulation, we found a significant association (p < 10(Dot;), OR -40 [5.68-281.66]) between years of exposure to transfusion and a-HCV among the patients under the median age (21.95 years old); however, there was no association for those above the median age (p=0.111). CONCLUSION a-HCV was found to be the most prevalent infection in the multi-transfused patient population under study. Most infected individuals were PLH, transfused before 1993. This study will provide support for further research aimed at improving blood safety in Argentina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirta Remesar
- Servicio de Hemoterapia, Hospital Nacional de Pediatria Prof. Dr. J.P. Garrahan, Combate de los Pozos 1881, (1245) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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9
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Brant L, Harris HE, Ramsay ME, Grieve R, Roberts J. Pathways of care and resource utilization in a national cohort of patients with transfusion-acquired hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2005; 12:618-26. [PMID: 16255763 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2005.00654.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The Hepatitis C Strategy and Action Plan for England recommend that all individuals testing positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) should be referred to a specialist centre for assessment and care. One key aim is to reduce the number of people progressing to liver disease and therefore reduce the associated costs. The aims of this paper are to describe the care pathways and evaluate resource utilization in a cohort of 826 patients with transfusion-acquired hepatitis C enrolled in the HCV national register. We reviewed data extracted from patient notes to establish pathways of care since HCV-positive diagnosis through to May 2002, and to document all treatment, liver biopsy and hospital usage for each patient. Type of care was classified into specialist-interest in HCV-related care, other-hospital care or general practitioner (GP)-led care. Over 70% of patients were referred to specialist care following HCV diagnosis. Patients who were older or who had normal liver function were less likely to be referred to specialist-care. Between first diagnosis and May 2002, no patients were referred from GP to specialist-care. Less than half of this cohort had undergone liver biopsy and only 18% had been treated. Younger patients and those with abnormal liver function were more likely to have undergone liver biopsy and to have received treatment. Analysis of care histories of patients with transfusion-acquired hepatitis C suggest that changes are needed in the care and management of patients with HCV infection, if the recommendations of the HCV strategy and action plan are to be fully implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Brant
- Health Protection Agency, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, London, UK.
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Transfusion transmission of HCV infection before anti-HCV testing of blood donations in England: results of the national HCV lookback program. Transfusion 2002; 42:1146-53. [PMID: 12430671 DOI: 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2002.00170.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An HCV lookback program started in England in 1995. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Data from all English blood centers were collated to describe the outcomes of the HCV lookback program in England and to create a retrospective cohort for study. Numbers of recipients identified, numbers that were tested, and numbers that were found to be HCV infected were summarized. The data set created was used to describe the outcomes of the lookback and the HCV infections detected. RESULTS A total of 4424 recipients of 9222 blood components made before donation testing for anti-HCV from the donations of 1286 donors found, on subsequent testing, to be anti-HCV positive or indeterminate were identified. Of these, 1351 blood recipients were reported as having been traced for testing. Fifty percent of tested recipients were found to be HCV infected. Factors positively associated with HCV infection in tested recipients were more recent year of transfusion and PCR positivity of the donor at the time of their testing. CONCLUSIONS The majority of components entering lookback did not result in a tested recipient. However, this lookback has identified a large group of HCV-infected individuals. Follow-up of this group for disease progression will inform the natural history of HCV infection.
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