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Walter LA, Prados M, Lloyd A, Sontheimer S, Heimann M, Rodgers JB, Hand DT, Franco R. Birth cohort-specific consideration in an Emergency Department Hepatitis C Testing Programme: A description of age-related characteristics and outcomes. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:233-239. [PMID: 38366787 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The emergency department (ED) has increasingly become an important public health partner in non-targeted hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and referral to care efforts. HCV has traditionally been an infection associated with the Baby Boomer generation; however, recent exacerbation of the opioid epidemic has resulted in a growing number of younger cohorts, namely Millennials, also impacted by HCV. Examination of this age-related demographic shift, including subsequent linkage success and linkage barriers, from the perspective of an ED-based testing and linkage programme may have implications for future population and health systems interventions. A retrospective descriptive chart review was performed, inclusive of data from August 2015 through December 2020. We compared the quantity of positive HCV screening antibody (Ab) and confirmatory (RNA) tests and further considered linkage rates and correlative demographics (e.g. gender, race). Patient barriers to HCV care linkage (e.g. substance misuse, lack of health insurance, homelessness) were also evaluated. The data set was disaggregated by birth cohort to include Silent Generation (SG) (1928-45), Baby Boomer (BB) (1946-64), Generation X (Gen X) (1965-80), Millennial (1981-96) and Generation Z (1997-2012). Descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis were performed. Overall, 83,817 patients were tested for HCV (50.6% of eligible); 6187 (7.4%) were HCV Ab positive, and 2665 were HCV RNA positive (3.2%). RNA-positive individuals were more likely to be white (70.4%) and male (67.7%); generational distribution was similar (BB 33.3%, Gen X 32.0% and Millennials 32.7%). Amongst Ab-positive patients, white (45.5%), male (47.2%) and Millennial (49.7%) individuals were most likely to be RNA-positive. Overall, 28.1% of the RNA-positive cohort successfully linked to care; linkage to care rates were significantly higher in older generations (38.1% in BB vs. 17.8% in Millennials) (p < .00001). Over 90% were identified as having at least one linkage to care barrier. Younger generations (Gen X and Millennials) were disproportionately impacted by linkage barriers, including incarceration, lack of health insurance, history of mental health and substance use disorders, as well as history of or active injection drug use (IDU) (p < .00001). Older generations (SG and BB) were more likely to be impacted by competing medical comorbidities (p < .00001). The ED population represents a particularly vulnerable, at-risk cohort with a high prevalence of HCV and linkage to care barriers. While past HCV-specific recommendations and interventions have focused on Baby Boomers, this data suggests that younger generations, including Gen X and Millennials, are increasingly affected by HCV and face disparate social risk and social need factors which impede definitive care linkage and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Walter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Myles Prados
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Audrey Lloyd
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Sylvie Sontheimer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew Heimann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Joel B Rodgers
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Delissa T Hand
- O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Ricardo Franco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Marshall AD, Willing AR, Kairouz A, Cunningham EB, Wheeler A, O'Brien N, Perera V, Ward JW, Hiebert L, Degenhardt L, Hajarizadeh B, Colledge S, Hickman M, Jawad D, Lazarus JV, Matthews GV, Scheibe A, Vickerman P, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Direct-acting antiviral therapies for hepatitis C infection: global registration, reimbursement, and restrictions. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:366-382. [PMID: 38367631 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have delivered high response rates (>95%) and simplified the management of HCV treatment, permitting non-specialists to manage patients without advanced liver disease. We collected and reviewed global data on the registration and reimbursement (government subsidised) of HCV therapies, including restrictions on reimbursement. Primary data collection occurred between Nov 15, 2021, and July 24, 2023, through the assistance of a global network of 166 HCV experts. We retrieved data for 160 (77%) of 209 countries and juristrictions. By mid-2023, 145 (91%) countries had registered at least one of the following DAA therapies: sofosbuvir-velpatasvir, sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir, glecaprevir-pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir-daclatasvir, or sofosbuvir. 109 (68%) countries reimbursed at least one DAA therapy. Among 102 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), 89 (87%) had registered at least one HCV DAA therapy and 53 (52%) reimbursed at least one DAA therapy. Among all countries with DAA therapy reimbursement (n=109), 66 (61%) required specialist prescribing, eight (7%) had retreatment restrictions, seven (6%) had an illicit drug use restriction, five (5%) had an alcohol use restriction, and three (3%) had liver disease restrictions. Global access to DAA reimbursement remains uneven, with LMICs having comparatively low reimbursement compared with high-income countries. To meet WHO goals for HCV elimination, efforts should be made to assist countries, particularly LMICs, to increase access to DAA reimbursement and remove reimbursement restrictions-especially prescriber-type restrictions-to ensure universal access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison D Marshall
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Alex R Willing
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abe Kairouz
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Evan B Cunningham
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alice Wheeler
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Lindsey Hiebert
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Behzad Hajarizadeh
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha Colledge
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Danielle Jawad
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (IS Global), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Therapeutic and Vaccine Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Scheibe
- TB HIV Care, Cape Town, South Africa; Community Orientated, Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gregory J Dore
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Tabll AA, Sohrab SS, Ali AA, Petrovic A, Steiner Srdarevic S, Siber S, Glasnovic M, Smolic R, Smolic M. Future Prospects, Approaches, and the Government's Role in the Development of a Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine. Pathogens 2023; 13:38. [PMID: 38251345 PMCID: PMC10820710 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing a safe and effective vaccine against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a top priority for global health. Despite recent advances in antiviral therapies, the high cost and limited accessibility of these treatments impede their widespread application, particularly in resource-limited settings. Therefore, the development of the HCV vaccine remains a necessity. This review article analyzes the current technologies, future prospects, strategies, HCV genomic targets, and the governmental role in HCV vaccine development. We discuss the current epidemiological landscape of HCV infection and the potential of HCV structural and non-structural protein antigens as vaccine targets. In addition, the involvement of government agencies and policymakers in supporting and facilitating the development of HCV vaccines is emphasized. We explore how vaccine development regulatory channels and frameworks affect research goals, funding, and public health policy. The significance of international and public-private partnerships in accelerating the development of an HCV vaccine is examined. Finally, the future directions for developing an HCV vaccine are discussed. In conclusion, the review highlights the urgent need for a preventive vaccine to fight the global HCV disease and the significance of collaborative efforts between scientists, politicians, and public health organizations to reach this important public health goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf A. Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt
- Egypt Centre for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo 11517, Egypt
| | - Sayed S. Sohrab
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A. Ali
- Molecular Biology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo 12622, Egypt;
| | - Ana Petrovic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Sabina Steiner Srdarevic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Stjepan Siber
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Marija Glasnovic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Robert Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
| | - Martina Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (A.P.); (S.S.S.); (S.S.); (M.G.); (R.S.)
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Hassan MRA, Chan HK, Nordin M, Yahya R, Sulaiman WRW, Merican SAA, Lah D, Sem X, Shilton S. Assessing feasibility of a modified same-day test-and-treat model for hepatitis C among rural people who inject drugs. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:48. [PMID: 37046294 PMCID: PMC10091347 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00780-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advancements in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, low uptake among hard-to-reach populations remains a global issue. The current study aimed to assess the feasibility of a modified same-day test-and-treat model in improving HCV care for people who inject drugs (PWID) living in resource-constrained rural areas. METHODS A pilot study was conducted in four primary healthcare (PHC) centers in Malaysia. The model's key features included on-site HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) testing using a shared GeneXpert® system; noninvasive biomarkers for cirrhosis diagnosis; and extended care to PWID referred from nearby PHC centers and outreach programs. The feasibility assessment focused on three aspects of the model: demand (i.e., uptake of HCV RNA testing and treatment), implementation (i.e., achievement of each step in the HCV care cascade), and practicality (i.e., ability to identify PWID with HCV and expedite treatment initiation despite resource constraints). RESULTS A total of 199 anti-HCV-positive PWID were recruited. They demonstrated high demand for HCV care, with a 100% uptake of HCV RNA testing and 97.4% uptake of direct-acting antiviral treatment. The rates of HCV RNA positivity (78.4%) and sustained virologic response (92.2%) were comparable to standard practice, indicating the successful implementation of the model. The model was also practical, as it covered non-opioid-substitution-therapy-receiving individuals and enabled same-day treatment in 71.1% of the participants. CONCLUSIONS The modified same-day test-and-treat model is feasible in improving HCV care for rural PWID. The study finding suggests its potential for wider adoption in HCV care for hard-to-reach populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Huan-Keat Chan
- Clinical Research Center, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, 05460, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia.
| | - Mahani Nordin
- Public Health Division, State Health Department, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
| | | | | | | | - Darisah Lah
- Bukit Tunggal Health Clinic, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Wedemeyer H, Tergast TL, Lazarus JV, Razavi H, Bakoyannis K, Baptista-Leite R, Bartoli M, Bruggmann P, Buşoi CS, Buti M, Carballo M, Castera L, Colombo M, Coutinho RS, Dadon Y, Esmat G, Esteban R, Farran JC, Gillyon-Powell M, Goldberg D, Hutchinson S, Janssen HLA, Kalamitsis G, Kondili LA, Lambert JS, Marinho RT, Maticic M, Patricello A, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Pol S, Poljak M, Pop C, Sokol T, Sypsa V, Tözün N, Younossi Z, Aghemo A, Papatheodoridis GV, Hatzakis A. Securing wider EU commitment to the elimination of hepatitis C virus. Liver Int 2023; 43:276-291. [PMID: 36196744 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, the Hepatitis B and C Public Policy Association (HepBCPPA), gathered all the main stakeholders in the field of hepatitis C virus (HCV) to launch the now landmark HCV Elimination Manifesto, calling for the elimination of HCV in the EU by 2030. Since then, many European countries have made progress towards HCV elimination. Multiple programmes-from the municipality level to the EU level-were launched, resulting in an overall decrease in viremic HCV infections and liver-related mortality. However, as of 2021, most countries are not on track to reach the 2030 HCV elimination targets set by the WHO. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a decrease in HCV diagnoses and fewer direct-acting antiviral treatment initiations in 2020. Diagnostic and therapeutic tools to easily diagnose and treat chronic HCV infection are now well established. Treating all patients with chronic HCV infection is more cost-saving than treating and caring for patients with liver-related complications, decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. It is more important than ever to reinforce and scale-up action towards HCV elimination. Yet, efforts urgently need the dedicated commitment of policymakers at all governmental and policy levels. Therefore, the third EU Policy Summit, held in March 2021, featured EU parliamentarians and other key decision makers to promote dialogue and take strides towards securing wider EU commitment to advance and achieve HCV elimination by 2030. We have summarized the key action points and reported the 'Call-to-Action' statement supported by all the major relevant European associations in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tammo L Tergast
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Homie Razavi
- Center for Disease Analysis Foundation, Lafayette, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Ricardo Baptista-Leite
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Institute of Health Sciences, Católica University of Portugal, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Maria Buti
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron and CIBERHED del Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Carballo
- International Centre for Migration, Health and Development, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Castera
- Department of Hepatology, Hôpital Beaujon AP-HP-University of Paris-VII, Clichy, France
| | | | | | | | - Gamal Esmat
- Endemic Medicine and Department of HepatoGastroenterology Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rafael Esteban
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron and CIBERHED del Instituto Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Sharon Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - John S Lambert
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, and UCD School of Medicine, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rui Tato Marinho
- Serviço de Gastrenterologia e Hepatologia, Hospital Santa Maria, Centro Hospitalar Universitário Lisboa Norte EPE, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mojca Maticic
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Illnesses, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Markus Peck-Radosavljevic
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology (IMuG) Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Nephrology with Centralized Emergency Department (ZAE), Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Stanislas Pol
- Department of Hepatology, Université de Paris, APHP, Hopital Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Mario Poljak
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Cora Pop
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Vana Sypsa
- Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Nurdan Tözün
- Department of Gastroenterology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zobair Younossi
- Department of Medicine, Inova Health Fairfax Medical Campus, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Clinical and Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - George V Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Tergast TL, Protzer U, Zeuzem S, Heitmann L, Sarrazin C, Lehmann M, Ingiliz P, Cornberg M, Zimmermann R, Gerlich MG, Buggisch P, Wiebner B, Wedemeyer H. [Strategietreffen: Virushepatitis in Deutschland eliminieren]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2023; 61:198-201. [PMID: 36736343 PMCID: PMC9897951 DOI: 10.1055/a-1978-9021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- T L Tergast
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover
| | - U Protzer
- Institut für Virologie, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, München
| | - S Zeuzem
- Medizinische Klinik I Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Pneumologie, Endokrinologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Deutschland
| | - L Heitmann
- Mitglied des deutschen Bundestages, Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin
| | - C Sarrazin
- Medizinische Klinik II, Innere Medizin, St. Josefs-Hospital Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - M Lehmann
- Justizvollzugskrankenhaus JVA Plötzensee, Saatwinkler Damm 1A, 13627 Berlin, Germany
| | - P Ingiliz
- Hôpitaux Universitaires Henri Mondor
| | - M Cornberg
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover
- Deutsche Leberstiftung, Hannover, Germany
| | - R Zimmermann
- Abteilung für Infektionsepidemiologie, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin, Germany
| | - M G Gerlich
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung, Köln
| | - P Buggisch
- ifi-Institut für interdisziplinäre Medizin, Hamburg
| | - B Wiebner
- Deutsche Leberstiftung, Hannover, Germany
| | - H Wedemeyer
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover
- Deutsche Leberstiftung, Hannover, Germany
- Hepatitis B and C Public Policy Association (HepBCPPA)
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The Hidden Epidemic: The Prevalence and Impact of Concurrent Liver Diseases in Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation in Australia and New Zealand. Transplant Direct 2022; 8:e1345. [PMID: 37077731 PMCID: PMC10109460 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of concurrent liver diseases among liver transplant recipients and impact on posttransplant outcomes are unknown. Methods This retrospective study included adult liver transplants between January 1' 1985' and December 31' 2019' from the Australian and New Zealand Liver and Intestinal Transplant Registry. Up to 4 liver disease causes were recorded for each transplant; concurrent liver diseases were defined as >1 liver disease indication for transplantation, excluding hepatocellular carcinoma. Impact on posttransplant survival was determined using Cox regression. Results A total of 840 (15%) of 5101 adult liver transplant recipients had concurrent liver diseases. Recipients with concurrent liver diseases were more likely male (78% versus 64%) and older (mean age 52 versus 50 y). A higher proportion of liver transplants for hepatitis B (12% versus 6%), hepatitis C (33% versus 20%), alcohol liver disease (23% versus 13%), and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (11% versus 8%, all P < 0.001) were identified when all indications were included than with primary diagnosis only. The number and proportion of liver transplants performed for concurrent liver diseases have increased from 8 (6%) during Era 1 (1985-1989) to 302 (20%) during Era 7 (2015-2019; P < 0.001). Concurrent liver diseases were not associated with increased posttransplant mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.98, 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.14). Conclusions Concurrent liver diseases are increasing among adult liver transplant recipients in Australia and New Zealand; however, they do not appear to impact posttransplant survival. Reporting all liver disease causes in the transplant registry reports provides more accurate estimates of liver disease burden.
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Kondili LA, Buti M, Riveiro-Barciela M, Maticic M, Negro F, Berg T, Craxì A. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hepatitis B and C elimination: an EASL survey. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100531. [PMID: 35967191 PMCID: PMC9364666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims The World Health Organization (WHO) HBV and HCV elimination targets, set in 2016 and based on projections to 2030, were unable to consider the impact of intervening factors. To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on viral hepatitis elimination programs, the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) conducted a survey in liver centers worldwide in 2021. Methods A web-based questionnaire was distributed (May-July 2021) to all EASL members representing clinical units providing HBV and HCV hepatitis care. Results are expressed as absolute numbers and reduction rates for each care activity. Results Data were collected from 32 European and 12 non-European clinical centers. Between January 2019 (pre-pandemic) and December 2020 (during the pandemic), chronic HBV consultations decreased by 32% and 26%, new referrals by 38% and 39%, HBV testing rates by 39% and 21% (for HBsAg detection) and 30% and 22% (for HBV DNA detection), and new HBV treatments by 20% and 44% (p = 0.328) in European and non-European centers, respectively. With regard to HCV during the same time frame, the overall reductions were 39% and 50% for consultations, 49% and 49% for new referrals, 11% and 38% for HCV RNA detection, and 51% and 54% for new HCV antiviral treatments for European and non-European Centers, respectively (p = 0.071). Conclusions All steps in the viral hepatitis care cascade have been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a comparable impact across different centers. These data reaffirm the pandemic’s major effect on global viral hepatitis elimination programs and suggest that actions to achieve the WHO 2030 targets should be reconsidered and revised to account for each country's progress relative to pre-pandemic values. Lay summary The EASL multinational survey conclusively shows that viral hepatitis elimination programs, expected to provide control of hepatitis B and hepatitis C worldwide by 2030, have been held back by the COVID-19 pandemic in clinical centers from several European and non-European countries, with a comparable impact across centers. Limitations in the cascade of care for both HBV and HCV were linked to limited access to screening, consultations, specific testing, and actual treatment. As restrictions for COVID-19 begin to lift, efforts to diagnose and provide treatment for viral hepatitis should remain high on the list of priorities for public health officials to maintain the WHO elimination efforts. Measures that have been put in place to control the COVID-19 pandemic could be transferred to increasing the diagnosis and linkage to care of people with hepatitis. Viral hepatitis elimination programs have been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. A survey performed in several clinical centers shows the impact of COVID-19 on all steps of the viral hepatitis care cascade. Measures used to control COVID-19 could be used to increase the diagnosis and linkage to care of people living with hepatitis B and C.
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Milestones to reach Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) elimination in Italy: From free-of-charge screening to regional roadmaps for an HCV-free nation. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:237-242. [PMID: 33926816 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although Italy has been on track for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) elimination since 2019, it fell off track due to the decrease in the number of treated patients. HCV elimination in Italy will be possible if immediate action is taken. A health policy was implemented beginning in 2021, consisting of screening among key populations and birth cohorts (1969-1989), estimated to have a high prevalence of undiagnosed individuals. The active screening requires regional governance that manages the processes' complexity integrating a well-organized network between territory assistance and hospital to achieve an effective HCV care cascade. This document aims to support the regional decision-making process by defining paths for screening and linkage-to-care. Implementing active screening strategies beyond a risk-based approach is required as a General Practitioners' task. Simplified paths must be drawn for the key populations screening. The infrastructure built for COVID-19 vaccination could be used also for HCV screening. According to a multidisciplinary care delivery, screening should be supplemented with rapid linkage-to-care and treatment of newly diagnosed patients. The realization of the proactive screening during the first two years is vital because it will define the tracks for the whole HCV cost-effective screening of 1948-1988 birth cohorts in Italy.
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Kouroumalis E, Voumvouraki A. Hepatitis C virus: A critical approach to who really needs treatment. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1-44. [PMID: 35126838 PMCID: PMC8790391 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction of effective drugs in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has prompted the World Health Organization to declare a global eradication target by 2030. Propositions have been made to screen the general population and treat all HCV carriers irrespective of the disease status. A year ago the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus appeared causing a worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 disease. Huge financial resources were redirected, and the pandemic became the first priority in every country. In this review, we examined the feasibility of the World Health Organization elimination program and the actual natural course of HCV infection. We also identified and analyzed certain comorbidity factors that may aggravate the progress of HCV and some marginalized subpopulations with characteristics favoring HCV dissemination. Alcohol consumption, HIV coinfection and the presence of components of metabolic syndrome including obesity, hyperuricemia and overt diabetes were comorbidities mostly responsible for increased liver-related morbidity and mortality of HCV. We also examined the significance of special subpopulations like people who inject drugs and males having sex with males. Finally, we proposed a different micro-elimination screening and treatment program that can be implemented in all countries irrespective of income. We suggest that screening and treatment of HCV carriers should be limited only in these particular groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kouroumalis
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion 71500, Crete, Greece
| | - Argyro Voumvouraki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki 54621, Greece
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11
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Pisano MB, Giadans CG, Flichman DM, Ré VE, Preciado MV, Valva P. Viral hepatitis update: Progress and perspectives. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4018-4044. [PMID: 34326611 PMCID: PMC8311538 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i26.4018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis, secondary to infection with hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E viruses, are a major public health problem and an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite the huge medical advances achieved in recent years, there are still points of conflict concerning the pathogenesis, immune response, development of new and more effective vaccines, therapies, and treatment. This review focuses on the most important research topics that deal with issues that are currently being solved, those that remain to be solved, and future research directions. For hepatitis A virus we will address epidemiology, molecular surveillance, new susceptible populations as well as environmental and food detections. In the case of hepatitis B virus, we will discuss host factors related to disease, diagnosis, therapy, and vaccine improvement. On hepatitis C virus, we will focus on pathogenesis, immune response, direct action antivirals treatment in the context of solid organ transplantation, issues related to hepatocellular carcinoma development, direct action antivirals resistance due to selection of resistance-associated variants, and vaccination. Regarding hepatitis D virus, we describe diagnostic methodology, pathogenesis, and therapy. Finally, for hepatitis E virus, we will address epidemiology (including new emerging species), diagnosis, clinical aspects, treatment, the development of a vaccine, and environmental surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Pisano
- Virology Institute, CONICET, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Cordoba X5016, Argentina
| | - Cecilia G Giadans
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP) CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, CABA C1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego M Flichman
- Institute of Biomedical Investigations in Retrovirus and AIDS (INBIRS), School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, CONICET, CABA C1121ABG, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Viviana E Ré
- Virology Institute, CONICET, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Cordoba X5016, Argentina
| | - María V Preciado
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP) CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, CABA C1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pamela Valva
- Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP) CONICET-GCBA, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Pathology Division, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children’s Hospital, CABA C1425, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Strategy for the Micro-Elimination of Hepatitis C among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus-A Hospital-Based Experience. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10112509. [PMID: 34204064 PMCID: PMC8200977 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can induce insulin resistance, and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a higher prevalence of HCV infection. Patient outcomes improve after HCV eradication in DM patients. However, HCV micro-elimination targeting this population has not been approached. Little is known about using electronic alert systems for HCV screening among patients with DM in a hospital-based setting. We implemented an electronic reminder system for HCV antibody screening and RNA testing in outpatient departments among patients with DM. The screening rates and treatment rates at different departments before and after system implementation were compared. The results indicated that the total HCV screening rate increased from 49.3% (9505/19,272) to 78.2% (15,073/19,272), and the HCV-RNA testing rate increased from 73.4% to 94.2%. The anti-HCV antibody seropositive rate was 5.7%, and the HCV viremia rate was 62.7% in our patient population. The rate of positive anti-HCV antibodies and HCV viremia increased with patient age. This study demonstrates the feasibility and usefulness of an electronic alert system for HCV screening and treatment among DM patients in a hospital-based setting.
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Yen HH, Su PY, Liu ILI, Zeng YH, Huang SP, Hsu YC, Hsu PK, Chen YY. Retrieval of lost patients in the system for hepatitis C microelimination: a single-center retrospective study. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:209. [PMID: 33964873 PMCID: PMC8105932 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01792-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the major causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Most of the infected people have no clinical symptoms. The current strategy for HCV elimination includes test and treatment. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the campaign for retrieving patients who were lost to follow-up, for subsequent re-evaluation. Methods From January 2020 to October 2020, patients who had prior tests for positive anti-HCV antibody in 2010–2018 in our hospital were enrolled for our patient callback campaign. Patients who had unknown HCV RNA status or no documented successful antiviral therapy history were selected for anti-HCV therapy re-evaluation. To facilitate patient referral in the hospital, we developed an electronic reminding system and called the candidate patients via telephone during the study period. Results Through the hospital electronic system, 3783 patients with positive anti-HCV antibody documentation were identified. Among them, 1446 (38.22%) had tested negative for HCV RNA or had anti-HCV therapy, thereby excluded. Of the 2337 eligible patients, 1472 (62.99%) were successfully contacted and called back during the study period for subsequent HCV RNA testing and therapy. We found that 42.19% of the patients had positive HCV RNA and 88% received subsequent anti-HCV therapy. Conclusions A significant number of patients with positive HCV serology were lost for HCV confirmatory test or therapy in the hospital. Therefore, this targeted HCV callback approach in the hospital is feasible and effective in achieving microelimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsu-Heng Yen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua, Taiwan. .,General Education Center, Chienkuo Technology University, Changhua, Taiwan. .,Department of Electrical Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Yuan Su
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - I-L Ing Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Huei Zeng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Siou-Ping Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ke Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Yuan Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135 Nanhsiao Street, Changhua, Taiwan. .,Department of Hospitality Management, MingDao University, Changhua, Taiwan.
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Roudot-Thoraval F. Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021; 45:101596. [PMID: 33610022 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2020.101596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a global health problem, with an estimated 71·1 million individuals chronically infected worldwide, accounting for 1% (95% uncertainty interval: 0.8-1.1) of the population. HCV transmission is most commonly associated with direct exposure to blood, via blood transfusions, unsafe health-care-related injections and intravenous drug use. The global incidence of HCV was 23·7 cases per 100 000 population (95% uncertainty interval 21·3-28·7) in 2015, with an estimated 1·75 million new HCV infections diagnosed in 2015. An estimated 2.3 millions of people living with HIV have serological markers of past or current HCV infection. Globally, the most common infections are with HCV genotypes 1 (44% of cases), 3 (25% of cases), and 4 (15% of cases). Approximately 10-20% of individuals who are chronically infected with HCV develop complications, such as cirrhosis, end stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma over a period of 20-30 years. Direct-acting antiviral therapy is curative, dramatically reducing the mortality related to HCV and the need for liver transplantation, but it is estimated that only 20% of individuals with hepatitis C know their diagnosis, and only 15% of those with known hepatitis C have been treated. Increased diagnosis and linkage to care through universal access to affordable point-of-care diagnostics and pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral therapy is essential to achieve the WHO 2030 elimination targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Roudot-Thoraval
- Département d'Hépatologie, APHP, Hôpital Henri Mondor, 51 avenue de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France.
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Abbas Z, Abbas M. Challenges in Formulation and Implementation of Hepatitis B Elimination Programs. Cureus 2021; 13:e14657. [PMID: 33907651 PMCID: PMC8065944 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.14657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly 257 million individuals have contracted hepatitis B infection around the world. However, only 10% of them know about their illness. Mother to child transmission, nosocomial spread, and sexual transmission are the major etiological factors. Finding the missing millions is a global issue. Hepatitis B care is more difficult compared to hepatitis C as not all patients require treatment and the selection of patients is not straightforward. To eliminate hepatitis B infection, the program should screen pregnant women and start antiviral therapy from the 28th week of pregnancy if hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA≥ 200,000 IU/mL or hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) reactive. Prevention of perinatal infection, birth dose and neonatal vaccination, post-vaccination monitoring of high-risk groups, catch-up vaccination, and registration of the carriers should be an integral part of the program. Continuum of care is important when planning the elimination program from addressing the risk factors, testing, and referral for treatment. The program should integrate test and treat hepatitis services with existing local health care services. There is a need to create the right environment, raise awareness, remove stigma, and increase screening of those at risk and manage those who require treatment. A national policy should be prepared for capacity building, fund allocation, and implementation strategies. Micro-elimination strategies should boost national elimination effects. Guidelines to diagnose and treat patients with hepatitis B should be simplified. Surveillance should be done to monitor progress, and determine the impact of the elimination program on incidence and mortality, and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaigham Abbas
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr. Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | - Minaam Abbas
- Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, GBR
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Ribeiro IG, Coelho-Dos-Reis JGA, Fradico JRB, Costa-Rocha IAD, Silva LD, Fonseca LADS, Stancioli RCS, Teixeira-Carvalho A, Martins-Filho OA, Teixeira R. Remodeling of immunological biomarkers in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with direct-acting antiviral therapy. Antiviral Res 2021; 190:105073. [PMID: 33887350 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The HCV treatment with DAAs has offered a unique opportunity to analyze the changes in the immune system caused by the rapid inhibition of viral replication. We sought to analyze the kinetics profiles of serum biomarkers (LuminexTM) in fifty patients with chronic hepatitis C enrolled in a longitudinal investigation carried out before (baseline), during (W2-4 and W8-12 weeks) and post-treatment (W12-24 weeks) with sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir or simeprevir. The results demonstrated a clear biomarker overproduction in HCV patients at baseline. The kinetics timeline of baseline fold changes upon DAAs treatment revealed an early decline of CXCL8, CCL4, IL-6, IL-15, IL-17, IL-9, GM-CSF and IL-7 at W8-12 and a late shift towards lower levels of CCL3, CCL2, CCL5, IL1β, TNF-α, IL-12, IFN-γ, IL1-Ra, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, PDGF, VEGF, G-CSF at W12-24. Our data demonstrated that HCV treatment with DAAs resulted in a clear change of the serum biomarker overproduction, hallmark of untreated HCV patients. High ALT (>69U/L), low platelet (≤150,000/mm3) and cirrhosis status at baseline were factors related to delayed immune response shift, as well as, in the kinetics of baseline fold changes in serum biomarkers. These findings added novel evidences for the immunological restoration process triggered by DAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Gomes Ribeiro
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas da Saúde do Adulto, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Ambulatório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Das Clínicas / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Grupo Integrado de Pesquisa em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ-Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jordana Grazziela Alves Coelho-Dos-Reis
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisa em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ-Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Laboratório de Virologia Básica e Aplicada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Jordana Rodrigues Barbosa Fradico
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisa em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ-Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ismael Artur da Costa-Rocha
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisa em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ-Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Luciana Diniz Silva
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas da Saúde do Adulto, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Ambulatório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Das Clínicas / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lucy Ana Dos Santos Fonseca
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas da Saúde do Adulto, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Ambulatório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Das Clínicas / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rhaissa Carvalho Said Stancioli
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas da Saúde do Adulto, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Ambulatório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Das Clínicas / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andréa Teixeira-Carvalho
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisa em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ-Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Olindo Assis Martins-Filho
- Grupo Integrado de Pesquisa em Biomarcadores, Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - FIOCRUZ-Minas, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Rosângela Teixeira
- Pós-graduação em Ciências Aplicadas da Saúde do Adulto, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Ambulatório de Hepatites Virais, Instituto Alfa de Gastroenterologia, Hospital Das Clínicas / Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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Kondili LA, Craxì A, Aghemo A. Absolute targets for HCV elimination and national health policy paradigms: Foreseeing future requirements. Liver Int 2021; 41:649-655. [PMID: 33486885 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) targets for eliminating HCV by 2030 may be overambitious for many high-income countries. Recent analyses (ie, data from 2017 to 2019) show that only 11 countries are on track for meeting WHO's elimination targets. For a country to be truly on track, it is important that the majority of infected individuals be identified and treated. There is still a need for country and population-specific evaluations within the different HCV screening and treatment strategies available, in order to assess their cost-effectiveness and sustainability and support an evidence-based policy for HCV elimination. Any health policy model is affected by the diversity and quality of the available data and by gaps in data. Given the differences among countries, comparing progress based on fixed global targets will not necessarily be suitable in the same measure for each country. In a recent document, the European Collaborators of Polaris Observatory provide insight into the limitations of the current WHO targets. The absolute targets identified by each country in accordance with the measures set by WHO would be essential in reaching the HCV elimination. All analytic models to assess the progress towards HCV elimination are based on projections to 2030 not including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hepatitis-related services. With specific regard to the achievement of WHO hepatitis elimination goals, all measures that will be put in place during and after COVID-19 pandemic could be transferred in increasing diagnosis and linkage to care of people with hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loreta A Kondili
- Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Craxì
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "PROMISE", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Humanitas University and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
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Han R, Liang S, François C, Aballea S, Clay E, Toumi M. Allocating treatment resources for hepatitis C in the UK: a constrained optimization modelling approach. JOURNAL OF MARKET ACCESS & HEALTH POLICY 2021; 9:1887664. [PMID: 33828822 PMCID: PMC8008927 DOI: 10.1080/20016689.2021.1887664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Background and objective: Although the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has significantly evolved with the introduction of direct-acting antivirals, the treatment uptake rates have been low especially among marginalized groups in the UK, such as people who inject drug (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM). Cutting health inequality is a major focus of healthcare agencies. This study aims to identify the optimal allocation of treatment budget for chronic hepatitis CHC among populations and treatments in the UK so that liver-related mortality in patients with CHC is minimized, given the constraint of treatment budget and equity issue. Methods: A constrained optimization modelling of resource allocation for the treatment of CHC was developed in Excel from the perspective of the UK National Health System over a lifetime horizon. The model was designated with the objective function of minimizing liver-related deaths by varying the decision variables, representing the number of patients receiving each treatment (elbasvir-grazoprevir, ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir, sofosbuvir-ledipasvir, and pegylated interferon-ribavirin) in each population (the general population, PWID, and MSM). Two main constraints were formulated including treatment budget and the issue of equity. The model was populated with UK local data applying linear programming and underwent internal and external validation. Scenario analyses were performed to assess the robustness of model results. Results: Within the constraints of no additional funding over original spending in status quo and the consideration of the issue of equity among populations, the optimal allocation from the constrained optimization modelling (treating 13,122 PWID, 160 MSM, and 904 general patients with ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir-dasabuvir) was found to treat 2,430 more patients (relative change: 20.7%) and avert 78 liver-related deaths (relative change: 0.3%) compared with the current allocation. The number of patients receiving treatment increased 4,928 (relative change: 60.1%) among PWID and 42 (relative change: 35.8%) among MSM. Conclusion: The current allocation of treatment budget for CHC is not optimal in the UK. More patients would be treated, and more liver-related deaths would be avoided using a new allocation from a constrained optimization modelling without incurring additional spending and considering the issue of equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Han
- Public Health Department - Research Unit, University of Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
- HEOR, Creativ-Ceutical, Paris, France
- CONTACT Ru Han HEOR, University of Aix-Marseille, 215, Rue De Faubourg St-Honoré, 75008, Paris
| | - Shuyao Liang
- Public Health Department - Research Unit, University of Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
- HEOR, Creativ-Ceutical, Paris, France
| | - Clément François
- Public Health Department - Research Unit, University of Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
- HEOR, Creativ-Ceutical, Paris, France
| | - Samuel Aballea
- Public Health Department - Research Unit, University of Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
- Creativ-Ceutical, HEOR, Rotterdam, Netherland
| | - Emilie Clay
- Public Health Department - Research Unit, University of Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
- HEOR, Creativ-Ceutical, Paris, France
| | - Mondher Toumi
- Public Health Department - Research Unit, University of Aix-Marseille, Marseille, France
- HEOR, Creativ-Ceutical, Paris, France
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Physician awareness of hepatitis C virus among different departments. Clin Exp Hepatol 2021; 6:354-358. [PMID: 33511284 PMCID: PMC7816635 DOI: 10.5114/ceh.2020.102155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study To determine the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) positivity in our region and to evaluate physician awareness of HCV among different inpatient and outpatient departments in a tertiary reference center in Turkey. Material and methods This retrospective study was conducted between January 2017 and January 2020. The patients tested for anti-HCV for any reason were enrolled from the data of all patients admitted to our hospital, which is the reference center of the region. Results A total of 121,492 anti-HCV assays were screened from the computerized database. Total number of patients with a positive anti-HCV result was 891 (0.81%). HCV RNA was positive in 147 (16.5%) of 891 patients and negative in 389 (43.7%) patients. Unfortunately HCV RNA was not tested in 355 (39.8%) patients. The percentages of the untested patients regarding the departments were 65.38% (n = 85/130) in medical inpatient clinics, 61.02% (n = 72/118) in surgical clinics, 16.67% (n = 88/528) medical outpatient departments, 96.8% (n = 91/94) in surgical outpatient departments, and 90.5% (n = 19/21) in the emergency department. Conclusions The prevalence of anti-HCV positivity was found to be 0.81% and was stable in Turkey. However, the level of physician awareness for HCV was unsatisfactory, and differed between departments. Because HCV is commonly asymptomatic, positive patients should not be overlooked and adequate treatment should be administered. Awareness of physicians should be increased to prevent delays in the diagnosis of hepatitis C and to reduce the number of untreated patients.
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Ziogas DC, Kostantinou F, Cholongitas E, Anastasopoulou A, Diamantopoulos P, Haanen J, Gogas H. Reconsidering the management of patients with cancer with viral hepatitis in the era of immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-000943. [PMID: 33067316 PMCID: PMC7570225 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the evolving immune-oncology landscape, numerous patients with cancer are constantly treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) but among them, only sporadic cases with pre-existing hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are recorded. Despite the global dissemination of HBV and HCV infections, viral hepatitis-infected patients with cancer were traditionally excluded from ICPIs containing trials and current evidence is particularly limited in case reports, retrospective cohort studies and in few clinical trials on advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, many concerns still remain about the overall oncological management of this special subpopulation, including questions about the efficacy, toxicity and reactivation risks induced by ICPIs. Here, we examine the natural course of both HBV and HCV in cancer environment, review the latest antiviral guidelines for patients undergoing systematic cancer therapies, estimating treatment-related immunosuppression and relocate immunotherapy in this therapeutic panel. Among the ICPIs-treated cases with prior viral hepatitis, we focus further on those experienced HBV or HCV reactivation and discuss their host, tumor and serological risk factors, their antiviral and immunological management as well as their hepatitis and tumor outcome. Based on a low level of evidence, immunotherapy in these specific cancer cases seems to be associated with no inferior efficacy and with a relevantly low reactivation rate. However, hepatitis reactivation and subsequent irreversible complications appeared to have poor response to deferred antiviral treatment. While, the prophylactic use of modern antiviral drugs could eliminate or diminish up front the viral load in most cases, leading to cure or long-term hepatitis control. Taking together the clinical significance of preventive therapy, the low but existing reactivation risk and the potential immune-related hepatotoxicity, a comprehensive baseline assessment of liver status, including viral hepatitis screening, before the onset of immunotherapy should be suggested as a reasonable and maybe cost-effective strategy but the decision to administer ICPIs and the necessity of prophylaxis should always be weighed at a multidisciplinary level and be individualized in each case, up to be established by future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios C Ziogas
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Frosso Kostantinou
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia Anastasopoulou
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Diamantopoulos
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - John Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helen Gogas
- First Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Squires JE, Balistreri WF. Treatment of Hepatitis C: A New Paradigm toward Viral Eradication. J Pediatr 2020; 221:12-22.e1. [PMID: 32446469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.02.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James E Squires
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA.
| | - William F Balistreri
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH
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Hepatitis C Virus Entry: An Intriguingly Complex and Highly Regulated Process. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062091. [PMID: 32197477 PMCID: PMC7140000 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and liver disease worldwide. Its tissue and species tropism are largely defined by the viral entry process that is required for subsequent productive viral infection and establishment of chronic infection. This review provides an overview of the viral and host factors involved in HCV entry into hepatocytes, summarizes our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing this process and highlights the therapeutic potential of host-targeting entry inhibitors.
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Abstract
The global burden of viral hepatitis is substantial; in terms of mortality, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections are on a par with HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, among the top four global infectious diseases. In 2016, the 194 Member States of the World Health Organization committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, with a particular focus on hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection. With only 10 years to go until the 2030 deadline is reached, and although much progress has been made towards elimination, there are still some important gaps in terms of policy and progress. In this Viewpoint, we asked a selection of scientists and clinicians working in the viral hepatitis field for their opinions on whether elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 is feasible, what the key areas of progress are and what the focus for the next 10 years and beyond should be for viral hepatitis elimination.
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