Treatment for hepatitis C virus and cannabis use in illicit drug user patients: implications and questions

Overreporting of adherence to hepatitis C direct-acting antiviral therapy and sustained virologic response among people who inject drugs in the HERO study

BACKGROUND

Self-reported adherence to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) among persons who inject drugs (PWID) is often an overreport of objectively measured adherence. The association of such overreporting with sustained virologic response (SVR) is understudied. This study among PWID aimed to determine a threshold of overreporting adherence that optimally predicts lower SVR rates, and to explore correlates of the optimal overreporting threshold.

METHODS

This study analyzed per-protocol data of participants with adherence data (N = 493) from the HERO (Hepatitis C Real Options) study. Self-reported and objective adherence to a 12-week DAA regimen were measured using visual analogue scales and electronic blister packs, respectively. The difference (Δ) between self-reported and objectively measured adherence was calculated. We used the Youden index based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to identify an optimal threshold of overreporting for predicting lower SVR rates. Factors associated with the optimal threshold of overreporting were identified by comparing baseline characteristics between participants at/above versus those below the threshold.

RESULTS

The self-reported, objective, and Δ adherence averages were 95.1% (SD = 8.9), 75.9% (SD = 16.3), and 19.2% (SD = 15.2), respectively. The ≥ 25% overreporting threshold was determined to be optimal. The SVR rate was lower for ≥ 25% vs. < 25% overreporting (86.7% vs. 95.8%, p <.001). The factors associated with ≥ 25% Δ adherence were unemployment; higher number of days and times/day of injecting drugs; higher proportion of positive urine drug screening for amphetamine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and negative urine screening for THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)/cannabis.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported DAA adherence was significantly greater than objectively measured adherence among PWID by 19.2%. Having ≥ 25% overreported adherence was associated with optimal prediction of lower SVR rates. PWID with risk factors for high overreporting may need to be more intensively managed to promote actual adherence.

HCV Cure and Cannabis Abstinence Facilitate Tobacco Smoking Quit Attempts in HIV-HCV Co-Infected Patients (ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH Cohort Study)

In Western countries, tobacco smoking is highly prevalent among patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In the era of antiretrovirals and HCV cure, smoking-related health damages contribute greatly to morbidity and mortality in HIV-HCV co-infected patients. We used longitudinal data from the ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort to identify the correlates of tobacco smoking quit attempts (TSQA) in HIV-HCV co-infected patients. TSQA were modelled using a multivariable discrete-time Cox proportional hazards model in 695 HIV-HCV co-infected tobacco smokers. HCV cure was associated with a 76% higher chance of TSQA (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.76 [1.06-2.93], p = 0.029), and cannabis use with a 37% lower chance (0.63 [0.40-1.00], p = 0.049), independently of the mode of HIV transmission, other psychoactive substance use, and body mass index. Patients should be screened for tobacco and cannabis use at HCV treatment initiation and during follow-up. They should also be provided with comprehensive counselling and referral to addiction services. Non-smoking routes of cannabis administration should be promoted for cannabis users who wish to quit smoking tobacco.

Problematic Cannabis Use and Risk of Complications in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Objectives To evaluate the risk of complication in hospitalized chronic hepatitis C (CHC), patients with cannabis use disorder (CUD). Methods We conducted a retrospective study using the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS), and included 31,623 patients (age 15-54) with a primary international classification of diseases, ninth revision (ICD-9) diagnosis for CHC and grouped by co-diagnosis of CUD (1101, 3.5%). Logistic regression model adjusted for confounders was used to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) of CUD and complications during CHC hospitalization. Results Comorbid CUD was prevalent in males (73.2%), Caucasians (59.9%), and from low-income families (65.7%). The most prevalent complications in patients with CUD were ascites (44.9%), alcoholic cirrhosis (42.8%) and non-alcoholic cirrhosis (41.1%). The odds of association for hepatic encephalopathy was 2.2 times higher (95% CI 1.477-3.350) in 2.8% CHC inpatients with CUD compared to 1.2% non-CUD inpatients. Hepatic encephalopathy had higher odds of association with a male by 1.4 times (95% CI 1.094-1.760), and African American by 1.7 times (95% CI 1.293-2.259). Conclusion CUD is significantly associated with 122% increased likelihood for hepatic encephalopathy that may worsen overall hospitalization outcomes in CHC patients. Hence, we need to consider the complex relationship between CUD and CHC and manage them optimally to improve the health-related quality of life.

Health effects of using cannabis for therapeutic purposes: a gender analysis of users' perspectives

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe how individuals who self-report therapeutic use of cannabis perceive its health effects. Data from 23 individual interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Understandings of gendered roles and identities were used to explore the data and interpret differences in perceptions. Descriptions of the health benefits of cannabis for therapeutic purposes included cannabis as life preserving, a disease therapy, a medicine for the mind, a means for self-management, and a way to manage addiction. Self-management of risks focused on the potential effects of excessive use, smoking-related risks, and purchasing precautions. Although the reports of women and men were similar in many respects, there were important differences in patterns and practices of use that reflected gender influences. Insights from the study provide direction for developing gender-specific information to support decision making and usage for therapeutic users.

Controlling illegal stimulants: a regulated market model

Prohibition of illegal drugs is a failed social policy and new models of regulation of these substances are needed. This paper explores a proposal for a post-prohibition, public health based model for the regulation of the most problematic drugs, the smokable and injectable stimulants. The literature on stimulant maintenance is explored. Seven foundational principles are suggested that could support this regulatory model of drug control that would reduce both health and social problems related to illegal stimulants. Some details of this model are examined and the paper concludes that drug policies need to be subject to research and based on evidence.