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van Boemmel-Wegmann S, Lo Re V, Park H. Early Treatment Uptake and Cost Burden of Hepatitis C Therapies Among Newly Diagnosed Hepatitis C Patients with a Particular Focus on HIV Coinfection. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:3159-3174. [PMID: 31938995 PMCID: PMC7358122 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-06037-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high efficacy and safety associated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), access to HCV treatment has been frequently restricted because of the high DAA drug costs. OBJECTIVES To (1) compare HCV treatment initiation rates between HCV monoinfected and HCV/HIV coinfected patients before (pre-DAA period) and after (post-DAA period) all-oral DAAs became available; and to (2) estimate the HCV treatment costs for payers and patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of the MarketScan® Databases (2009-2016) was conducted for newly diagnosed HCV patients. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of initiating HCV treatments during the pre-DAA and post-DAA periods. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare drug costs for dual, triple and all-oral therapies. RESULTS A total of 15,063 HCV patients [382 (2.5%) HIV coinfected] in the pre-DAA period and 14,896 [429 (2.9%) HIV coinfected] in the post-DAA period were included. HCV/HIV coinfected patients had lower odds of HCV treatment uptake compared to HCV monoinfected patients during the pre-DAA period [OR, 0.59; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.45-0.78], but no significant difference in odds of HCV treatment uptake was observed during the post-DAA period (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.87-1.33). From 2009 to 2016, average payers' treatment costs (dual, $20,820; all-oral DAAs, $99,661; p < 0.001) as well as average patients' copayments (dual, $593; all-oral DAAs $933; p < 0.001) increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS HCV treatment initiation rates increased, especially among HCV/HIV coinfected patients, from the pre-DAA to the post-DAA period. However, payers' expenditures per course of therapy saw an almost fivefold increase and patients' copayments increased by 55%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha van Boemmel-Wegmann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, HPNP Building Room 3325, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Vincent Lo Re
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Center for Pharmacoepidemiology Research and Training, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Haesuk Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of Florida College of Pharmacy, HPNP Building Room 3325, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Barnett PG, Joyce VR, Lo J, Gidwani-Marszowski R, Goldhaber-Fiebert JD, Desai M, Asch SM, Holodniy M, Owens DK. Effect of Interferon-Free Regimens on Disparities in Hepatitis C Treatment of US Veterans. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2018; 21:921-930. [PMID: 30098669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2017.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether implementation of interferon-free treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) reached groups less likely to benefit from earlier therapies, including patients with genotype 1 virus or contraindications to interferon treatment, and groups that faced treatment disparities: African Americans, patients with HIV co-infection, and those with drug use disorder. METHODS Electronic medical records of the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) were used to characterize patients with chronic HCV infection and the treatments they received. Initiation of treatment in 206,544 patients with chronic HCV characterized by viral genotype, demographic characteristics, and comorbid medical and mental illness was studied using a competing events Cox regression over 6 years. RESULTS With the advent of interferon-free regimens, the proportion treated increased from 2.4% in 2010 to 18.1% in 2015, an absolute increase of 15.7%. Patients with genotype 1 virus, poor response to previous treatment, and liver disease had the greatest increase. Large absolute increases in the proportion treated were observed in patients with HIV co-infection (18.6%), alcohol use disorder (11.9%), and drug use disorder (12.6%) and in African American (13.7%) and Hispanic (13.5%) patients, groups that were less likely to receive interferon-containing treatment. The VHA spent $962 million on interferon-free treatments in 2015, 1.5% of its operating budget. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of patients with HCV treated in VHA increased sevenfold. The VHA was successful in implementing interferon treatment in previously undertreated populations, and this may become the community standard of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Barnett
- Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA; VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, CA, USA.
| | - Vilija R Joyce
- Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Jeanie Lo
- Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Risha Gidwani-Marszowski
- Health Economics Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA; VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, CA, USA; Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy D Goldhaber-Fiebert
- Stanford Health Policy, Centers for Health Policy and Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Manisha Desai
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Steven M Asch
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, CA, USA; Division of Primary Care and Population Health, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Mark Holodniy
- Public Health Research Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Douglas K Owens
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, CA, USA; Stanford Health Policy, Centers for Health Policy and Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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Weiss JJ, Prieto S, Bräu N, Dieterich DT, Marcus SM, Stivala A, Gorman JM. Multimethod assessment of baseline depression and relationship to hepatitis C treatment discontinuation. Int J Psychiatry Med 2018; 53:256-272. [PMID: 29298535 PMCID: PMC5975203 DOI: 10.1177/0091217417749796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective The primary study objective is to determine which measures of depression are associated with early discontinuation of hepatitis C virus infection treatment and to determine which measure best characterizes the depression that develops during treatment. Methods Seventy-eight treatment-naïve subjects who initiated pegylated interferon/ribavirin treatment for hepatitis C virus infection were included. Baseline depression was assessed with the Structured Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. The latter two measures were repeated at treatment weeks 12 and 24. Results Depression scores, as measured by the three instruments, lacked adequate consistency. Baseline depression as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II, but not by the other scales, was associated with early treatment discontinuation at weeks 12 and 24. Changes in depression during treatment were restricted to somatic symptoms. Of those who completed treatment, those who were not depressed at baseline tended to demonstrate significant depression increases during treatment. Conclusion The Beck Depression Inventory-II is recommended to assess depression prior to hepatitis C virus infection treatment. Somatic symptoms of depression should be monitored during treatment. Baseline depression as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II was associated with early treatment discontinuation. The Beck Depression Inventory-II, Structured Interview for DSM-IV, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale yielded results that were not consistent with each other in this sample. Future research should focus on standardizing depression assessment in medically ill populations to identify measures that predict treatment discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Weiss
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Sarah Prieto
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Norbert Bräu
- James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Infectious Diseases Section, Bronx, USA,Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Douglas T Dieterich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Sue M Marcus
- Independent Statistical Consultant, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Alicia Stivala
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Jack M Gorman
- Franklin Behavioral Health Consultants and Critica LLC, Bronx, USA
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Chew KW, Bhattacharya D, Horwich TB, Yan P, McGinnis KA, Tseng CH, Freiberg MS, Currier JS, Butt AA. Performance of the Pooled Cohort atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score in hepatitis C virus-infected persons. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:814-822. [PMID: 28273386 PMCID: PMC5589479 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The recommended Pooled Cohort atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk equation for estimation of 10-year CVD risk has not been validated in HCV-infected populations. We examined the performance of the ASCVD risk score in HCV-infected persons, using the national Electronically Retrieved Cohort of HCV Infected Veterans to derive a cohort of HCV-infected and uninfected subjects without baseline ASCVD, hepatitis B, or HIV infection, and with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level<190 mg/dL. Performance of the ASCVD risk equation was assessed by Cox proportional hazard regression, C-statistics and Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic. The cohort included 70 490 HCV-infected and 97 766 HCV-uninfected men with mean age of 55 years, 56% White and 29% Black. Incident CVD event rates were similar between the two groups (13.2 and 13.4 events/1000 person-years), with a higher incidence of coronary heart disease events in the HCV-uninfected group and of stroke events in the HCV-infected group. Adjusting for ASCVD risk score, HCV infection was associated with higher risk for an ASCVD event in the subgroup with baseline ASCVD risk ≥7.5% (HR: 1.19, P<.0001). C-statistics were poor in both the HCV-infected and uninfected groups (0.60 and 0.61, respectively). By Hosmer-Lemeshow test, the ASCVD risk equation overestimated risk amongst lower risk patients and underestimated risk amongst higher risk patients in both the HCV-infected and uninfected groups. Further investigation is needed to determine whether a modified equation to accurately predict ASCVD risk in HCV-infected persons is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara W. Chew
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025, USA
| | - Debika Bhattacharya
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tamara B. Horwich
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peng Yan
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Chi-hong Tseng
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew S. Freiberg
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, USA
| | - Judith S. Currier
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adeel A. Butt
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, Doha, Qatar and New York, NY, USA; Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute, Doha, Qatar
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Fialho R, Pereira M, Harrison N, Rusted J, Whale R. Co-infection with HIV associated with reduced vulnerability to symptoms of depression during antiviral treatment for hepatitis C. Psychiatry Res 2017; 253:150-157. [PMID: 28365538 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In this prospective study, we examined new-onset major depressive disorder (MDD) and the differential expression of depressive symptoms in a sample of 132 HCV mono-infected and 40 HIV/HCV co-infected patients initiating pegylated interferon-based treatment, including protease inhibitor therapy. The semi-structured clinical interview (SCID-I) was used to assess MDD. Severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Of the total sample, 60 patients (34.9%) developed SCID-I defined MDD during antiviral treatment. The proportion of HCV mono- and HIV/HCV patients developing MDD during treatment was not significantly different (37.9% vs. 25%; p=0.185). In both groups, there was a significant increase in HAMD total score from baseline to week 4, and a significant decrease between week 24 and 6 months post-treatment cessation. The greatest increase was observed in the symptoms of the neurovegetative syndrome. HCV mono-infected patients reported higher scores than co-infected patients, particularly impaired activity and somatic symptoms, but the differences were only significant at week 12. The finding that co-infected patients appear less vulnerable to the development of depressive symptoms during HCV treatment than HCV mono-infected patients warrants further exploration, including a thorough analysis of the biological and psychosocial factors associated with this emergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Fialho
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom; Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom.
| | - Marco Pereira
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Neil Harrison
- Clinical Imaging Science Centre, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Rusted
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Whale
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, United Kingdom; Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Fialho R, Pereira M, Rusted J, Whale R. Depression in HIV and HCV co-infected patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2017; 22:1089-1104. [PMID: 28100073 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2017.1280177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the differences in the prevalence of depression and presence of depressive symptoms between HIV/HCV co-infection, HIV mono-infection, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infection. A systematic electronic search of bibliographic databases was performed to locate articles published from the earliest available online until December 2014. Outcomes of depression were based on clinical interviews and validated self-reported measures of depression/depressive symptoms. Of the 188 records initially screened, 29 articles were included in the descriptive systematic review and six were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analytic results indicated that, as measured by self-reported measures of depression, HIV/HCV co-infected patients were significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms than either HIV (SMD = .24, 95% CI: .03-.46, p = .02) or HCV mono-infected (SMD = .55, 95% CI: .17-.94, p = .005) patients. The variability of the results of the reviewed studies, largely dependent on the samples' characteristics and the methods of assessment of depression, suggests that a clear interpretation of how depression outcomes are affected by the presence of HIV/HCV co-infection is still needed. Failing to diagnose depression or to early screen depressive symptoms may have a significant impact on patients' overall functioning and compromise treatments' outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Fialho
- a School of Psychology , University of Sussex , Brighton , UK.,b Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , Brighton , UK
| | - Marco Pereira
- c Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences , University of Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal
| | - Jennifer Rusted
- a School of Psychology , University of Sussex , Brighton , UK
| | - Richard Whale
- b Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , Brighton , UK.,d Brighton and Sussex Medical School , Brighton , UK
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Martin-Subero M, Diez-Quevedo C. Mental disorders in HIV/HCV coinfected patients under antiviral treatment for hepatitis C. Psychiatry Res 2016; 246:173-181. [PMID: 27718466 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This paper aims to review the epidemiology and management of mental disorders in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected patients, the need for antiviral therapy in this specific population, and current treatment strategies for HIV/HCV patients with psychiatric and/or substance use disorders. This is a narrative review. Data was sourced from electronic databases and was not limited by language or date of publication. HIV infection has become a survivable chronic illness. Prevalence of HCV infection among HIV-infected patients is high ranging from 50% to 90%. Patients with psychiatric diseases have also an increased risk for HIV/HCV coinfection. The most effective strategy to decrease HCV-related morbidity and mortality in coinfection is to achieve viral eradication. Although psychiatric symptoms often appear during antiviral treatment and may be associated with the use of interferon-alpha (IFN-α), recent evidence suggests that many patients with comorbid mental and substance use disorders can be treated safely. Recent data indicate that IFNα-induced psychiatric side effects have a similar prevalence in HIV/HCV coinfected patients than in monoinfected patients and they can be managed and even prevented successfully with psychopharmacological strategies in the frame of a multidisciplinary team. New antivirals offer INF-free therapies for this specific population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Martin-Subero
- FIDMAG Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain.
| | - Crisanto Diez-Quevedo
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Spain
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Disparities in hepatitis C testing in U.S. veterans born 1945-1965. J Hepatol 2016; 65:259-65. [PMID: 27130843 PMCID: PMC4955712 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Universal one-time antibody testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been recommended by the centers for disease control (CDC) and the United States preventative services task force (USPSTF) for Americans born 1945-1965 (birth cohort). Limited data exists addressing national HCV testing practices. We studied patterns and predictors of HCV testing across the U.S. within the birth cohort utilizing data from the national corporate data warehouse of the U.S. Veterans Administration (VA) health system. METHODS Testing was defined as any HCV test including antibody, RNA or genotype performed during 2000-2013. RESULTS Of 6,669,388 birth cohort veterans, 4,221,135 (63%) received care within the VA from 2000-2013 with two or more visits. Of this group, 2,139,935 (51%) had HCV testing with 8.1% HCV antibody and 5.4% RNA positive. Significant variation in testing was observed across centers (range: 7-83%). Older, male, African-Americans, with established risk factors and receiving care from urban centers of excellence were more likely to be tested. Among veterans free of other established risk factors (HIV negative, HBV negative, ALT ⩽40U/L, FIB-4 ⩽1.45, or APRI <0.5), HCV antibody and RNA were positive in 2.8% and 0.9%, respectively, comparable to established national average. At least 2.4-4.4% of veterans had scores suggesting advanced fibrosis (APRI ⩾1.5 or FIB-4 >3.25) with >30-43% having positive HCV RNA but >16-20% yet to undergo testing for HCV. CONCLUSIONS Significant disparities are observed in HCV testing within the United States VA health system. Examination of the predictors of testing and HCV positivity may help inform national screening policies. LAY SUMMARY Analysis of United States Veterans Administration data show significant disparities in hepatitis C virus testing of veterans born 1945-1965 (birth cohort). A fifth of those not tested had evidence of advanced liver fibrosis. Our data suggests some predictors for this disparity and will potentially help inform future policy measures in the era of universal birth cohort testing for HCV.
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Oramasionwu CU, Kashuba AD, Napravnik S, Wohl DA, Mao L, Adimora AA. Non-initiation of hepatitis C virus antiviral therapy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infection. World J Hepatol 2016; 8:368-75. [PMID: 26981174 PMCID: PMC4779165 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v8.i7.368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess whether reasons for hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy non-initiation differentially affect racial and ethnic minorities with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV co-infection. METHODS Analysis included co-infected HCV treatment-naïve patients in the University of North Carolina CFAR HIV Clinical Cohort (January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2011). Medical records were abstracted to document non-modifiable medical (e.g., hepatic decompensation, advanced immunosuppression), potentially modifiable medical (e.g., substance abuse, severe depression, psychiatric illness), and non-medical (e.g., personal, social, and economic factors) reasons for non-initiation. Statistical differences in the prevalence of reasons for non-treatment between racial/ethnic groups were assessed using the two-tailed Fisher's exact test. Three separate regression models were fit for each reason category. Odds ratios and their 95%CIs (Wald's) were computed. RESULTS One hundred and seventy-one patients with HIV/HCV co-infection within the cohort met study inclusion. The study sample was racially and ethnically diverse; most patients were African-American (74%), followed by Caucasian (19%), and Hispanic/other (7%). The median age was 46 years (interquartile range = 39-50) and most patients were male (74%). Among the 171 patients, reasons for non-treatment were common among all patients, regardless of race/ethnicity (50% with ≥ 1 non-modifiable medical reason, 66% with ≥ 1 potentially modifiable medical reason, and 66% with ≥ 1 non-medical reason). There were no significant differences by race/ethnicity. Compared to Caucasians, African-Americans did not have increased odds of non-modifiable [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.47, 95%CI: 0.57-3.80], potentially modifiable (aOR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.25-2.09) or non-medical (aOR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.32-2.52) reasons for non-initiation. CONCLUSION Race/ethnicity alone is not predictive of reasons for HCV therapy non-initiation. Targeted interventions are needed to improve access to therapy for all co-infected patients, including minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine U Oramasionwu
- Christine U Oramasionwu, Angela DM Kashuba, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Angela Dm Kashuba
- Christine U Oramasionwu, Angela DM Kashuba, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Sonia Napravnik
- Christine U Oramasionwu, Angela DM Kashuba, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - David A Wohl
- Christine U Oramasionwu, Angela DM Kashuba, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Lu Mao
- Christine U Oramasionwu, Angela DM Kashuba, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Adaora A Adimora
- Christine U Oramasionwu, Angela DM Kashuba, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
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Butt AA, Yan P, Simon TG, Chung RT, Abou-Samra AB. Changes in circulating lipids level over time after acquiring HCV infection: results from ERCHIVES. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:510. [PMID: 26558512 PMCID: PMC4642733 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1268-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes in lipid levels over time after acquiring HCV infection, and how they differ from HCV-uninfected persons are unknown. METHODS We used ERCHIVES to identify those with a known HCV seroconversion window and persistently negative controls. We excluded subjects with HIV and hepatitis B and those who received lipid lowering agents. Total Cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), triglycerides (TG) and non-HDL cholesterol were retrieved at yearly intervals and plotted over time. RESULTS Among 1,270 HCV+ and 5,070 HCV- subjects, median age [IQR] was 47[37,53] for HCV+ and 52[47,57] for the HCV- group; 69% were White and 91% were males in each group. Mean BMI [SD] was 26.94[6.73] in the HCV+ and 28.15 [5.98] in the HCV- group (P < 0.001). Over a 10-year follow-up period among HCV+ persons, TC decreased by (mean (SD) mg/dL) 12.06(36.95), LDL by 9.22(31.44), TG by 13.58(87.01) and non-HDL-C by 12.55(35.14). Among HCV- persons, TC cholesterol decreased by 4.15(31.21), LDL by 4.16(26.51); TG by 4.42(82.34) and non-HDL-C by 5.78(30.17). CONCLUSIONS After HCV acquisition, TC, LDL, TG and non-HDL-C progressively decline over time independent of BMI and liver fibrosis. Consequences of lipid changes and the need and optimal timing of lipid lowering therapy in HCV+ persons require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A Butt
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 3601 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3A, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA. .,University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute, Doha, Qatar. .,Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Peng Yan
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, 3601 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3A, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Chew KW, Bhattacharya D, McGinnis KA, Horwich TB, Tseng CH, Currier JS, Butt AA. Short Communication: Coronary Heart Disease Risk by Framingham Risk Score in Hepatitis C and HIV/Hepatitis C-Coinfected Persons. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2015; 31:718-22. [PMID: 25858663 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2014.0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared the Framingham risk score (FRS) for 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in age- and race-matched hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected and HCV-uninfected persons: 114,073 HCV-infected (111,436 HCV-monoinfected and 2,637 HIV/HCV-coinfected) and 122,996 HCV-uninfected (121,380 HIV and HCV-uninfected and 1,616 HIV-monoinfected) males without cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hepatitis B. In unadjusted analyses, FRS was similar between the HCV-infected and HCV-uninfected groups [median (interquartile range, IQR) risk points 13 (10-14) vs. 13 (10-14), p=0.192]. Cholesterol levels were lower and current smoking more prevalent in the HCV groups (both HCV and HIV/HCV) compared with the uninfected groups (p<0.001 for both). Prevalence of non-FRS CHD risk factors, such as substance abuse and chronic kidney disease, in the cohort was high, and differed by HCV and HIV status. Adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, chronic kidney disease, drug and alcohol use, and HIV status, HCV infection was associated with minimally lower FRS (β=-0.095 risk points, p<0.001), suggesting a small but significant difference in 10-year CHD risk estimation in HCV-infected as compared to HCV-uninfected persons when measuring risk by FRS. Given the complex relationship between HCV, HIV, and CHD risk factors, some of which are not captured by the FRS, the FRS may underestimate CHD risk in HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected persons. HCV- and HIV/HCV-specific risk scores may be needed to optimize CHD risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara W. Chew
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | | | | | | | - Chi-hong Tseng
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Adeel A. Butt
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Hamad Healthcare Quality Institute, Doha, Qatar
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Younossi ZM, Stepanova M, Sulkowski M, Naggie S, Puoti M, Orkin C, Hunt SL. Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin for Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in Patients Coinfected With Hepatitis C Virus and HIV: The Impact on Patient-Reported Outcomes. J Infect Dis 2015; 212:367-77. [PMID: 25583164 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sofosbuvir-containing regimens have been approved for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. We assessed the effect of treatment with sofosbuvir and ribavirin on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in individuals with HIV/HCV coinfection. METHODS HIV/HCV-coinfected patients were treated for 12 or 24 weeks with sofosbuvir and ribavirin. Matched HCV-monoinfected controls were also evaluated. All subjects completed standard PRO questionnaires before, during, and after treatment. RESULTS Included were 497 participants from the PHOTON-1 and PHOTON-2 clinical trials. At baseline, more impairment in PRO scores was noted in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, compared with HCV-monoinfected patients. During treatment, moderate decrements in PRO scores (change, up to -6.8% on a 0%-100% scale; P = .0053) were experienced regardless of treatment duration and were similar to those for HCV-monoinfected patients (all P > .05). In 413 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with a virologic response sustained for 12 weeks after treatment cessation, most PRO scores improved (change, up to +7.6%; P < .0001), similar to findings for HCV-monoinfected patients. In multivariate analysis, in addition to clinico-demographic predictors, coinfection with HIV was associated with PRO impairment at baseline (beta, up to -7.6%; P < .002) but not with treatment-emergent changes in PRO scores (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS Patients with HIV/HCV coinfection tolerate interferon-free sofosbuvir-based anti-HCV regimens well and, despite the presence of some baseline impairment, have treatment-emergent changes in PRO scores that are similar to those of patients with HCV monoinfection. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT01667731 (PHOTON-1), NCT01783678 (PHOTON-2), NCT01604850 (FUSION), and NCT01682720 (VALENCE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobair M Younossi
- Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Inova Fairfax Hospital Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Maria Stepanova
- Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Inova Fairfax Hospital Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Diseases, Washington, D.C
| | | | | | - Massimo Puoti
- Division of Infectious Diseases, AO Ospedale Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Chloe Orkin
- Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon L Hunt
- Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Inova Fairfax Hospital Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia
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The treatment cascade for chronic hepatitis C virus infection in the United States: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101554. [PMID: 24988388 PMCID: PMC4079454 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 335] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identifying gaps in care for people with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is important to clinicians, public health officials, and federal agencies. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature to provide estimates of the proportion of chronic HCV-infected persons in the United States (U.S.) completing each step along a proposed HCV treatment cascade: (1) infected with chronic HCV; (2) diagnosed and aware of their infection; (3) with access to outpatient care; (4) HCV RNA confirmed; (5) liver fibrosis staged by biopsy; (6) prescribed HCV treatment; and (7) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). Methods We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for articles published between January 2003 and July 2013. Two reviewers independently identified articles addressing each step in the cascade. Studies were excluded if they focused on specific populations, did not present original data, involved only a single site, were conducted outside of the U.S., or only included data collected prior to 2000. Results 9,581 articles were identified, 117 were retrieved for full text review, and 10 were included. Overall, 3.5 million people were estimated to have chronic HCV in the U.S. Fifty percent (95% CI 43–57%) were diagnosed and aware of their infection, 43% (CI 40–47%) had access to outpatient care, 27% (CI 27–28%) had HCV RNA confirmed, 17% (CI 16–17%) underwent liver fibrosis staging, 16% (CI 15–16%) were prescribed treatment, and 9% (CI 9–10%) achieved SVR. Conclusions Continued efforts are needed to improve HCV care in the U.S. The proposed HCV treatment cascade provides a framework for evaluating the delivery of HCV care over time and within subgroups, and will be useful in monitoring the impact of new screening efforts and advances in antiviral therapy.
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Oramasionwu CU, Moore HN, Toliver JC. Barriers to hepatitis C antiviral therapy in HIV/HCV co-infected patients in the United States: a review. AIDS Patient Care STDS 2014; 28:228-39. [PMID: 24738846 PMCID: PMC4011402 DOI: 10.1089/apc.2014.0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This review synthesized the literature for barriers to HCV antiviral treatment in persons with HIV/HCV co-infection. Searches of PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were conducted to identify relevant articles. Articles were excluded based on the following criteria: study conducted outside of the United States, not original research, pediatric study population, experimental study design, non-HIV or non-HCV study population, and article published in a language other than English. Sixteen studies met criteria and varied widely in terms of study setting and design. Hepatic decompensation was the most commonly documented absolute/nonmodifiable medical barrier. Substance use was widely reported as a relative/modifiable medical barrier. Patient-level barriers included nonadherence to medical care, refusal of therapy, and social circumstances. Provider-level barriers included provider inexperience with antiviral treatment and/or reluctance of providers to refer patients for treatment. There are many ongoing challenges that are unique to managing this patient population effectively. Documenting and evaluating these obstacles are critical steps to managing and caring for these individuals in the future. In order to improve uptake of HCV therapy in persons with HIV/HCV co-infection, it is essential that barriers, both new and ongoing, are addressed, otherwise, treatment is of little benefit.
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Afdhal NH, Zeuzem S, Schooley RT, Thomas DL, Ward JW, Litwin AH, Razavi H, Castera L, Poynard T, Muir A, Mehta SH, Dee L, Graham C, Church DR, Talal AH, Sulkowski MS, Jacobson IMFTNPOHCVTMP. The new paradigm of hepatitis C therapy: integration of oral therapies into best practices. J Viral Hepat 2013; 20:745-60. [PMID: 24168254 PMCID: PMC3886291 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Emerging data indicate that all-oral antiviral treatments for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) will become a reality in the near future. In replacing interferon-based therapies, all-oral regimens are expected to be more tolerable, more effective, shorter in duration and simpler to administer. Coinciding with new treatment options are novel methodologies for disease screening and staging, which create the possibility of more timely care and treatment. Assessments of histologic damage typically are performed using liver biopsy, yet noninvasive assessments of histologic damage have become the norm in some European countries and are becoming more widespread in the United States. Also in place are new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiatives to simplify testing, improve provider and patient awareness and expand recommendations for HCV screening beyond risk-based strategies. Issued in 2012, the CDC recommendations aim to increase HCV testing among those with the greatest HCV burden in the United States by recommending one-time testing for all persons born during 1945-1965. In 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force adopted similar recommendations for risk-based and birth-cohort-based testing. Taken together, the developments in screening, diagnosis and treatment will likely increase demand for therapy and stimulate a shift in delivery of care related to chronic HCV, with increased involvement of primary care and infectious disease specialists. Yet even in this new era of therapy, barriers to curing patients of HCV will exist. Overcoming such barriers will require novel, integrative strategies and investment of resources at local, regional and national levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- N H Afdhal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical SchoolBoston, MA, USA
| | - S Zeuzem
- Department of Medicine, J.W. Goethe University HospitalFrankfurt, Germany
| | - R T Schooley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, San Diego School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLa Jolla, CA, USA
| | - D L Thomas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - J W Ward
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAtlanta, GA, USA
| | - A H Litwin
- Departments of Medicine and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of MedicineBronx, NY, USA
| | - H Razavi
- Center for Disease AnalysisLouisville, CO, USA
| | - L Castera
- Service d'Hepatologie, Hopital Beaujon, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de ParisClichy, France
| | - T Poynard
- Service d'Hepatologie, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-SalpetriereParis, France
| | - A Muir
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Group, Duke Clinical Research InstituteDurham, NC, USA
| | - S H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - L Dee
- Fair Pricing Coalition and AIDS Action BaltimoreBaltimore, MD, USA
| | - C Graham
- Division of Infectious Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBoston, MA, USA
| | - D R Church
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Bureau of Infectious DiseaseBoston, MA, USA
| | - A H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University at BuffaloBuffalo, NY, USA
| | - M S Sulkowski
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimore, MD, USA
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Rodríguez-Torres M. Challenges in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in the HIV/HCV-coinfected patient. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2013. [PMID: 23199398 DOI: 10.1586/eri.12.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV are common coinfections that convey a shortened lifespan, mostly related to liver disease. Treatment against HCV in the coinfected patient is notoriously more complex and challenging. There are no optimal treatment algorithms for HIV/HCV coinfected patients as efficacy of approved anti-HCV therapies is low with relevant side effects. The use of direct-acting antivirals for anti-HCV therapy has the potential to improve therapeutic efficacy, but also increase side effects and drug-drug interactions. In spite of all of this, the most important and significant fact is that chronic hepatitis C is potentially curable, and the eradication of the HCV infection is a crucial outcome in this population. The establishment of a productive collaboration among the regulatory agencies, the medical community and the pharmaceutical industry could lead to faster access to more effective HCV therapies for the coinfected patient and eventually stop the progression of liver disease in these patients.
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Watson RR, Preedy VR, Zibadi S. Alcohol, HIV/AIDS, and Liver Disease. ALCOHOL, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES 2013. [PMCID: PMC7122083 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-047-2_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Globally, there are over 33 million persons living with HIV/AIDS resulting in 1.8 million deaths annually. While the rate of HIV transmission is slowing, it is estimated that 2.6 million new infections occur yearly [1]. In the United States, there are approximately 1.2 million living with HIV/AIDS, with 50,000 new HIV infections and 17,000 deaths from the disease annually [2]. For those who can obtain effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV/AIDS has become a chronic disease with life expectancies over 30 years [3]. Research in the last 10 years has revealed the importance of alcohol in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Alcohol use, in moderate or hazardous amounts, has been associated with increased acquisition of HIV infection, progression of HIV infection, deleterious effects on HIV treatment, and acceleration in the comorbidities of HIV infection [4–9]. Yet alcohol remains the “forgotten drug” of the HIV/AIDS epidemic [10].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Ross Watson
- Arizona Health Science Center, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave. ROOM 4335, TUCSON, 85724-5155 Arizona USA
| | - Victor R. Preedy
- Dept. Nutrition & Dietetics, King's College, Stamford St. 150, London, SE1 9NH United Kingdom
| | - Sherma Zibadi
- Division of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, Tucson, 85724 Arizona USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The rate of treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in human immunodeficiency virus-hepatitis C virus (HIV-HCV) co-infected patients remains historically low. We undertook a retrospective study to review our treatment rate and factors that have negatively influenced this rate. In those treated, we reviewed outcomes and compared results with prior studies. METHODS A total of 233 patients infected with HIV and HCV were followed for 7 years in the infectious diseases (ID) clinic of East Carolina University. Proper follow-up evaluation was determined based on the presence of HCV polymerase chain reaction viral load and genotype testing. The number of patients treated, response to treatment, and reason for no treatment were determined by chart review. RESULTS Of 233 patients with positive HCV serology, 48 were excluded due to undetectable HCV viral load. Of the remaining 185 patients, 142 (77%) were evaluated by testing for HCV viral load and genotype, but only 112 of those who were followed up in the clinic regularly were considered eligible for therapy. Fourteen of 112 (12.5%) of patients underwent treatment and only 1 in 14 (7%) attained sustained virological response (SVR). Of the patients tested, 96% had HCV genotype 1, and 81% were African American. CONCLUSIONS The majority of our HIV-HCV co-infected patients received a proper HCV evaluation, but only 12.5% were offered therapy. Of those treated, only one patient achieved SVR. The higher proportion of genotype 1 and African American patient population are considered the main reasons for the low SVR. Low SVR rate, high rate of adverse effects, and the unique demography of our patient population have been the main reasons for the lower treatment rate.
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Effect of hepatitis C treatment on CD4+ T-cell counts and the risk of death in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients: the COHERE collaboration. Antivir Ther 2012; 17:1541-50. [PMID: 22869294 DOI: 10.3851/imp2263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The short- and long-term effects of anti-hepatitis C treatment on mortality in the HIV-HCV-coinfected population have not been evaluated in observational cohorts. Such evaluations must use methods that allow for time-varying prognostic factors that both predict treatment and are affected by prior treatment. We aimed to study immunological changes in HIV-HCV-coinfected individuals during HCV treatment and to estimate the effect of HCV-treatment on mortality. METHODS Patients were included if they were aged ≥16 years, were HIV-HCV-coinfected and were enrolled in the COHERE cohort. Data were pooled within COHERE in December 2009 in EuroCoord. Random-effects models were used to model immunological changes during HCV treatment. Marginal structural models were used to estimate the effect of HCV treatment on mortality, allowing for time-dependent confounders affected by prior treatment. RESULTS In total, 780/6,433 (12%) HIV-HCV-coinfected patients initiated HCV treatment (interferon [IFN] and ribavirin n=692, IFN alone n=88). CD4(+) T-cell counts decreased during the first 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.0001) and stabilized from week 24 onwards. The estimated mortality hazard ratio for comparing HCV-treated with -untreated individuals was 0.72 (95% CI 0.43, 1.21). The estimated hazard ratio for liver-related death was 0.57 (95% CI 0.21, 1.55). CONCLUSIONS Despite its effect in reducing CD4(+) T-cell counts, the effect of HCV treatment on mortality was in the direction of benefit and our results excluded a substantial increase in mortality. Such benefit may be related to a lower risk of liver-related death. New HCV treatment strategies might contribute to a further reduction in mortality.
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Butt AA, McGinnis K, Skanderson M, Justice AC. A comparison of treatment eligibility for hepatitis C virus in HCV-monoinfected versus HCV/HIV-coinfected persons in electronically retrieved cohort of HCV-infected veterans. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2011; 27:973-9. [PMID: 21338329 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2011.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment rates for hepatitis C virus (HCV) are low in actual clinical settings. However, the proportion of patients eligible for treatment, especially among those coinfected with HIV, is not well known. Our aim was to determine and compare the rates for HCV treatment eligibility among HCV and HCV-HIV-coinfected persons. We assembled a national cohort of HCV-infected veterans in care from 1998-2003, using the VA National Patient Care Database for demographic/clinical information, the Pharmacy Benefits Management database for pharmacy records, and the Decision Support Systems database for laboratory data. We compared the HCV-monoinfected and HCV-HIV-coinfected subjects for treatment indications and eligibility using current treatment guidelines. Of the 27,452 subjects with HCV and 1225 with HCV-HIV coinfection, 74.0% and 84.6% had indications for therapy and among these, 43.9% of HCV-monoinfected and 28.4% of HCV-HIV-coinfected subjects were eligible for treatment. Anemia, decompensated liver disease (DLD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), recent alcohol abuse, and coronary artery disease were the most common contraindications in the HCV, and anemia, DLD, renal failure, recent drug abuse, and COPD in the HCV-HIV-coinfected group. Among those eligible for treatment, only 23% of the HCV-monoinfected and 15% of the HCV-HIV-coinfected subjects received any treatment for HCV. Most veterans with HCV are not eligible for treatment according to the current guidelines. Even for those who are eligible for treatment, only a minority is prescribed treatment. Several contraindications are modifiable and aggressive management of those may improve treatment prescription rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A. Butt
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Amy C. Justice
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
- Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Cachay ER, Wyles DL, Goicoechea M, Torriani FJ, Ballard C, Colwell B, Gish RG, Mathews WC. Reliability and predictive validity of a hepatitis-related symptom inventory in HIV-infected individuals referred for Hepatitis C treatment. AIDS Res Ther 2011; 8:29. [PMID: 21831314 PMCID: PMC3163174 DOI: 10.1186/1742-6405-8-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to determine the reliability and validity of a hepatitis symptom inventory and to identify predictors of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment initiation in a cohort of HIV-infected patients. Methods Prospective clinic based study that enrolled patients referred for HCV therapy consideration. A hepatitis symptom inventory and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were administered to HIV/HCV individuals. The symptom inventory was factor analyzed and subscale reliability estimated with Cronbach's alpha. Predictive validity was evaluated using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Predictors of HCV treatment were identified using logistic regression. Results Between April 2008 to July 2010, 126 HIV/HCV co-infected patients were enrolled in the study. Factor analysis using data from 126 patients yielded a three-factor structure explaining 60% of the variance for the inventory. Factor 1 (neuropsychiatric symptoms) had 14 items, factor 2 (somatic symptoms) had eleven items, and factor 3 (sleep symptoms) had two items, explaining 28%, 22% and 11% of the variance, respectively. The three factor subscales demonstrated high intrinsic consistency reliability. GEE modeling of the 32 patients who initiated HCV therapy showed that patients developed worsening neuropsychiatric and somatic symptoms following HCV therapy with stable sleep symptoms. Bivariate analyses identified the following as predictors of HCV therapy initiation: lower HIV log10 RNA, lower scores for neuropsychiatric, somatic and sleep symptoms, lower CES-D scores and white ethnicity. In stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, low neuropsychiatric symptom score was the strongest independent predictor of HCV therapy initiation and HIV log10 RNA was inversely associated with a decision to initiate HCV treatment. Conclusions A 41-item hepatitis-related symptom inventory was found to have a clinically meaningful 3-factor structure with excellent internal consistency reliability and predictive validity. In adjusted analysis, low neuropsychiatric symptom scores and controlled HIV infection were independent predictors of HCV treatment initiation. The usefulness of the HCV symptom inventory in monitoring HCV treatment should be evaluated prospectively.
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Butt AA, Umbleja T, Andersen JW, Chung RT, Sherman KE. The incidence, predictors and management of anaemia and its association with virological response in HCV / HIV coinfected persons treated with long-term pegylated interferon alfa 2a and ribavirin. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 33:1234-44. [PMID: 21535051 PMCID: PMC3184244 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04648.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association of anaemia with outcomes in the HCV/HIV coinfected persons undergoing HCV treatment remains unclear. AIMS To study the incidence, predictors and management of anaemia, and its association with outcomes among persons treated with pegylated interferon and weight-based ribavirin. METHODS Retrospective analysis of a prospective controlled treatment trial of HCV/HIV coinfection. RESULTS Among 329 subjects enrolled, 40% developed anaemia during the first 12-18 weeks of treatment (median haemoglobin decrease at week 4: 2.2 g/dL). Among 169 subjects who achieved early virological response and received therapy for 72 weeks, 55% eventually developed anaemia. However, median haemoglobin levels stayed stable after 12-18 weeks of initial therapy. Among these 169 subjects, 45% were prescribed an erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA), with 17% receiving it prior to a drop in haemoglobin meeting protocol definition of anaemia. Only 27% completed the study without any ribavirin dose modification. Age >40 years, lower BMI, zidovudine use and lower entry haemoglobin were significant predictors of anaemia in the multi-covariate model. Among all 329, sustained virological response (SVR) rate was similar in those with or without anaemia (23% vs. 30%; P=0.17) with no evidence of association between anaemia or ESA use and treatment response. CONCLUSIONS Anaemia is common in HCV/HIV coinfected persons undergoing HCV treatment, and only a minority of them are able to maintain ribavirin dose. Persons with age >40 years, lower baseline haemoglobin and lower baseline BMI should be monitored carefully. Prescription of erythropoiesis stimulating agent is common, but anaemia or erythropoiesis stimulating agent use is not associated with SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Butt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - T. Umbleja
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - R. T. Chung
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K. E. Sherman
- Division of Digestive Diseases, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Vellozzi C, Buchacz K, Baker R, Spradling PR, Richardson J, Moorman A, Tedaldi E, Durham M, Ward J, Brooks JT. Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients coinfected with HIV in the HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS), 1999-2007. J Viral Hepat 2011; 18:316-24. [PMID: 20367803 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2010.01299.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of non-AIDS-related morbidity and mortality in patients infected with HIV. We assessed the frequency of and predictors for initiation of treatment for HCV infection among patients coinfected with HCV/HIV enrolled in the HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS) during 1999-2007. We included patients with confirmed HCV infection, at least 1 year of subsequent follow-up, and no evidence of prior HCV treatment. We assessed predictors of HCV treatment initiation using Cox proportional hazards analyses. During 1999-2007, 103 (20%) HOPS patients coinfected with HCV/HIV initiated HCV treatment during a median of 4.3 years of follow-up (interquartile range: 2.7, 6.7). In multivariable analysis, non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity (hazard ratio HR] 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.2, 0.6) was independently associated with a lower likelihood of HCV treatment. Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT; HR 3.5; 95% CI = 2.2, 5.6) and CD4+ cell count ≥500 cells/mm(3) (HR 1.8; 95% CI = 1.2, 2.8) at the start of observation were independently associated with higher likelihood of HCV treatment. For patients starting observation in 1999-2001, 2002-2004 and 2005-2007, 5%, 11% and 21% of patients initiated treatment during the first year of follow-up, respectively. Between 1999 and 2007, despite a stable low fraction of patients coinfected with HCV/HIV initiating treatment for HCV infection, an increasing proportion initiated treatment within the first year after the infection was confirmed. Treatment of HCV infection in patients coinfected with HCV/HIV should be considered a priority, given the increased risk of accelerated end-stage liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Vellozzi
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Reiberger T, Obermeier M, Payer BA, Baumgarten A, Weitner L, Moll A, Christensen S, Köppe S, Kundi M, Rieger A, Peck-Radosavljevic M. Considerable under-treatment of chronic HCV infection in HIV patients despite acceptable sustained virological response rates in a real-life setting. Antivir Ther 2011; 16:815-24. [DOI: 10.3851/imp1831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Butt AA, Wang X, Fried LF. HCV infection and the incidence of CKD. Am J Kidney Dis 2010; 57:396-402. [PMID: 21185632 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2010.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2010] [Accepted: 09/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection upon incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the presence of traditional risk factors and renal-modifying therapy is not well known. STUDY DESIGN National cohort study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS HCV-infected and -uninfected veterans in ERCHIVES (Electronically Retrieved Cohort of HCV Infected Veterans) in 2001-2006. PREDICTOR HCV infection. OUTCOMES Incident CKD stages 3-5. RESULTS We identified 18,002 patients with HCV infection and 25,137 controls with estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) at baseline. HCV-infected patients had a lower prevalence of several CKD risk factors, including diabetes (22.9% vs 26.6%), hypertension (52.4% vs 60.8%), and dyslipidemia (39.3% vs 73.9%; P < 0.001). HCV infection was associated with a higher risk of developing CKD stages 3-5 (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.23-1.37). Increasing age, hypertension, and diabetes were associated with significantly higher risks of developing CKD in HCV-infected patients and controls. Decompensated liver disease was a strong predictor of CKD in HCV-infected patients (HR, 3.37; 95% CI, 3.10-3.66) and HCV-uninfected controls (HR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.84-2.25). In Kaplan-Meier analysis, HCV-infected persons had a shorter time to CKD. LIMITATIONS Lack of proteinuria data; small number of women. CONCLUSIONS HCV infection is associated with higher risk and shorter time to CKD despite having a lower prevalence of many CKD risk factors. HCV-infected persons should have targeted monitoring for the development and progression of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A Butt
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Abstract
Severe liver disease in pregnancy is rare. Pregnancy-related liver disease is the most frequent cause of liver dysfunction in pregnancy and provides a real threat to fetal and maternal survival. A rapid diagnosis differentiating between liver disease related and unrelated to pregnancy is required in women who present with liver dysfunction during pregnancy. Research has improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of pregnancy-related liver disease, which has translated into improved maternal and fetal outcomes. Here, we provide an overview of liver diseases that occur in pregnancy, an update on the key mechanisms involved in their pathogenesis, and assessment of available treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Joshi
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment completion rates for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in clinical practice settings are unknown. METHODS We assembled a national cohort of HCV-infected veterans-in-care from 1998 to 2003, using the VA National Patient Care Database for demographical/clinical information, Pharmacy Benefits Management database for pharmacy records and the Decision Support Systems database for laboratory data. We used logistic regression to determine the factors predicting treatment non-completion for HCV. RESULTS We identified 134,934 HCV-infected veterans of whom 16,043 [11.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 11.7-12.1] were prescribed treatment for HCV. Among the 10,641 veterans with >1 year of follow-up, 2396 (22.5%; 95% CI 21.7-23.3) completed a 48-week course. Non-completers were more likely to have pre-treatment anaemia, coronary artery disease, depression, substance abuse, used standard interferon, higher comorbidity count, and been treated at a low-volume treatment site (defined as sites initiating HCV treatment for <200 individuals). In multivariable analyses, treatment completion was positively associated with pegylated interferon use [odds ratio (OR) 1.59, 95% CI 1.40-1.80] and site treatment volume (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.56-2.24 for sites initiating treatment for >200 individuals) and negatively associated with pre-treatment anaemia (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.58-0.80 for haemoglobin 10-14 g/dl) and depression (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69-0.89). Human immunodeficiency virus coinfection and minority race were not associated with failing to complete treatment. CONCLUSIONS Among veterans-in-care with known HCV, 11.9% initiate therapy of whom 22.5% (one in 56 with known HCV infection) complete a 48-week course of treatment. Higher completion rates among higher volume treatment sites suggest that some factors associated with non-completion (pre-treatment depression and anaemia), may be modifiable with experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A. Butt
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Amy C. Justice
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
,Yale University School of Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, New Haven, CT, USA
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Butt AA, Xiaoqiang W, Budoff M, Leaf D, Kuller LH, Justice AC. Hepatitis C virus infection and the risk of coronary disease. Clin Infect Dis 2009; 49:225-32. [PMID: 19508169 DOI: 10.1086/599371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and coronary artery disease (CAD) is controversial. We conducted this study to determine and quantify this association. METHODS We used an established, national, observational cohort of all HCV-infected veterans receiving care at all Veterans Affairs facilities, the Electronically Retrieved Cohort of HCV Infected Veterans, to identify HCV-infected subjects and HCV-uninfected control subjects. We used the Cox proportional-hazards model to determine the risk of CAD among HCV-infected subjects and control subjects. RESULTS We identified 82,083 HCV-infected and 89,582 HCV-uninfected subjects. HCV-infected subjects were less likely to have hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes but were more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs and to have renal failure and anemia. HCV-infected subjects had lower mean (+/- standard deviation) total plasma cholesterol (175 +/- 40.8 mg/dL vs. 198 +/- 41.0 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (102 +/- 36.8 mg/dL vs. 119 +/- 38.2 mg/dL), and triglyceride (144 +/- 119 mg/dL vs. 179 +/- 151 mg/dL) levels, compared with HCV-uninfected subjects (P < .001 for all comparisons). In multivariable analysis, HCV infection was associated with a higher risk of CAD (hazard ratio, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.30). Traditional risk factors (age, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia) were associated with a higher risk of CAD in both groups, whereas minority race and female sex were associated with a lower risk of CAD. CONCLUSIONS HCV-infected persons are younger and have lower lipid levels and a lower prevalence of hypertension. Despite a favorable risk profile, HCV infection is associated with a higher risk of CAD after adjustment for traditional risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A Butt
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Abstract
UNLABELLED The effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its treatment on survival is not well defined. We undertook this study to determine the effect of HCV and its treatment on survival in a national cohort of HCV-infected veterans and uninfected controls. We used a national sample of HCV-infected persons and HCV-uninfected controls from the Electronically Retrieved Cohort of HCV Infected Veterans (ERCHIVES) to compare survival between the two groups. We also compared the effect of treatment and treatment duration on survival in the HCV-infected group. We used matched Cox proportional hazards model to determine the predictors of mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival plots were generated to determine and compare survival among HCV-infected and HCV-uninfected persons, and among treated and untreated HCV-infected persons.We identified 34,480 matched pairs of HCV-infected subjects and controls. HCV infection was independently associated with a higher risk of mortality (hazards ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-1.47). Subjects treated for 48 weeks or longer had the lowest mortality among HCV-infected subjects (hazards ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-0.64), whereas those who received less than 48 week of treatment had intermediate mortality (hazards ratio, 0.71 and 0.60 for 0-23 weeks and 24-47 weeks of treatment, respectively) compared with untreated subjects. CONCLUSION HCV infection is associated with a substantial increase in mortality. Subjects who are initiated on treatment, and particularly those who proceed to finish a full course of treatment, have significantly reduced risk of mortality. Further studies are warranted to determine the effect of virological control on survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A Butt
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Butt AA, Khan UA, Shaikh OS, McMahon D, Dorey-Stein Z, Tsevat J, Lo Re V. Rates of HCV treatment eligibility among HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV-coinfected patients in tertiary care referral centers. HIV CLINICAL TRIALS 2009. [PMID: 19362993 DOI: 10.1310/hct1001-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment eligibility rates in patients with HCV monoinfection have not been directly compared with patients with HCV/HIV coinfection. These data are important for planning interventions to optimize HCV management. METHOD We enrolled consecutive HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV-coinfected subjects presenting to hepatology and HIV clinics at three academic medical centers. Data were obtained through structured subject and provider interviews and a review of medical records. RESULTS Of the 399 subjects enrolled, 241 (60%) were HCV monoinfected and 158 (40%) were HCV/HIV coinfected. HCV/HIV-coinfected subjects were less likely to have indications for treatment based on HCV RNA positivity (70.9% vs. 81.3%, p = .04) but were more likely to have at least one contraindication to treatment (81.6% vs. 64.9%, p < .004). Depression and ongoing alcohol and injection drug abuse were more common in the HCV/HIV-coinfected persons. HCV/HIV-coinfected persons were less likely to undergo liver biopsy or to ever get treatment for HCV. CONCLUSIONS HCV/HIV-coinfected persons are less likely to undergo a liver biopsy or be eligible for HCV therapy and are more likely to have treatment contraindications compared with HCV-monoinfected subjects. Strategies to address modifiable factors (e.g., depression, substance abuse) may enhance treatment eligibility in HCV-infected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A Butt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Butt AA, Khan UA, Shaikh OS, McMahon D, Dorey-Stein Z, Tsevat J, Lo Re V. Rates of HCV treatment eligibility among HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV-coinfected patients in tertiary care referral centers. HIV CLINICAL TRIALS 2009; 10:25-32. [PMID: 19362993 PMCID: PMC2845454 DOI: 10.1310/hct1001-025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment eligibility rates in patients with HCV monoinfection have not been directly compared with patients with HCV/HIV coinfection. These data are important for planning interventions to optimize HCV management. METHOD We enrolled consecutive HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV-coinfected subjects presenting to hepatology and HIV clinics at three academic medical centers. Data were obtained through structured subject and provider interviews and a review of medical records. RESULTS Of the 399 subjects enrolled, 241 (60%) were HCV monoinfected and 158 (40%) were HCV/HIV coinfected. HCV/HIV-coinfected subjects were less likely to have indications for treatment based on HCV RNA positivity (70.9% vs. 81.3%, p = .04) but were more likely to have at least one contraindication to treatment (81.6% vs. 64.9%, p < .004). Depression and ongoing alcohol and injection drug abuse were more common in the HCV/HIV-coinfected persons. HCV/HIV-coinfected persons were less likely to undergo liver biopsy or to ever get treatment for HCV. CONCLUSIONS HCV/HIV-coinfected persons are less likely to undergo a liver biopsy or be eligible for HCV therapy and are more likely to have treatment contraindications compared with HCV-monoinfected subjects. Strategies to address modifiable factors (e.g., depression, substance abuse) may enhance treatment eligibility in HCV-infected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A Butt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Butt AA, Tsevat J, Leonard AC, Shaikh OS, McMahon D, Khan UA, Dorey-Stein Z, Lo Re V. Effect of race and HIV co-infection upon treatment prescription for hepatitis C virus. Int J Infect Dis 2008; 13:449-55. [PMID: 18993100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2008.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2008] [Accepted: 06/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment rates for hepatitis C virus (HCV) have not been compared directly between HCV mono-infected and HCV-HIV co-infected patients in academic center settings. METHODS We prospectively enrolled consecutive mono-infected and co-infected subjects at three academic centers in the USA. Clinical and laboratory data were gathered through interviews and medical records. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with treatment prescription for HCV. RESULTS The 241 HCV mono-infected and 158 HCV-HIV co-infected subjects were similar in age, but there were more blacks (58.9% vs. 30.7%, p < 0.001) and males (81.6% vs. 58.5%, p < 0.001) in the latter group. The co-infected subjects were less likely to have a liver biopsy (43.7% vs. 71.4%, p < 0.001) or ever receive treatment for HCV (32.3% vs. 62.2%, p < 0.001). In bivariate analysis, subjects not prescribed treatment for HCV were more likely to be black, have HIV co-infection, and have ongoing alcohol abuse. In multivariate analysis, black race (odds ratio (OR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28-0.70) and HIV co-infection (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21-0.53) were independently associated with non-prescription of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Black race and HIV co-infection are associated with a lower likelihood of treatment for HCV. Addressing comorbidities in these populations may help to reduce such treatment disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeel A Butt
- Division of Infectious Diseases, 3601 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3A, Falk Medical Building, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Butt AA, Khan UA, McGinnis KA, Skanderson M, Kent Kwoh C. Co-morbid medical and psychiatric illness and substance abuse in HCV-infected and uninfected veterans. J Viral Hepat 2007; 14:890-6. [PMID: 18070293 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2007.00885.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Comorbidities may affect the decision to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We undertook this study to determine the prevalence of these conditions in the HCV-infected persons compared with HCV-uninfected controls. Demographic and comorbidity data were retrieved for HCV-infected and -uninfected subjects from the VA National Patient Care Database using ICD-9 codes. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds of comorbid conditions in the HCV-infected subjects. HCV-uninfected controls were identified matched on age, race/ethnicity and sex. We identified 126 926 HCV-infected subjects and 126 926 controls. The HCV-infected subjects had a higher prevalence of diabetes, anaemia, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/asthma, cirrhosis, hepatitis B and cancer, but had a lower prevalence of coronary artery disease and stroke. The prevalence of all psychiatric comorbidities and substance abuse was higher in the HCV-infected subjects. In the HCV-infected persons, the odds of being diagnosed with congestive heart failure, diabetes, anaemia, hypertension, COPD/asthma, cirrhosis, hepatitis B and cancer were higher, but lower for coronary artery disease and stroke. After adjusting for alcohol and drug abuse and dependence, the odds of psychiatric illness were not higher in the HCV-infected persons. The prevalence and patterns of comorbidities in HCV-infected veterans are different from those in HCV-uninfected controls. The association between HCV and psychiatric diagnoses is at least partly attributable to alcohol and drug abuse and dependence. These factors should be taken into account when evaluating patients for treatment and designing new intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Butt
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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