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Mendizabal M, Thompson M, Gonzalez-Ballerga E, Anders M, Castro-Narro GE, Pessoa MG, Cheinquer H, Mezzano G, Palazzo A, Ridruejo E, Descalzi V, Velarde-Ruiz Velasco JA, Marciano S, Muñoz L, Schinoni MI, Poniachik J, Perazzo R, Cerda E, Fuster F, Varon A, Ruiz García S, Soza A, Cabrera C, Gomez-Aldana AJ, Beltrán FDM, Gerona S, Cocozzella D, Bessone F, Hernández N, Alonso C, Ferreiro M, Antinucci F, Torre A, Moutinho BD, Coelho Borges S, Gomez F, Murga MD, Piñero F, Sotera GF, Ocampo JA, Cortés Mollinedo VA, Simian D, Silva MO. Implementation of a re-linkage to care strategy in patients with chronic hepatitis C who were lost to follow-up in Latin America. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:56-63. [PMID: 36197907 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13758] [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] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
To achieve WHO's goal of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV), innovative strategies must be designed to diagnose and treat more patients. Therefore, we aimed to describe an implementation strategy to identify patients with HCV who were lost to follow-up (LTFU) and offer them re-linkage to HCV care. We conducted an implementation study utilizing a strategy to contact patients with HCV who were not under regular follow-up in 13 countries from Latin America. Patients with HCV were identified by the international classification of diseases (ICD-9/10) or equivalent. Medical records were then reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of chronic HCV infection defined by anti-HCV+ and detectable HCV-RNA. Identified patients who were not under follow-up by a liver specialist were contacted by telephone or email, and offered a medical reevaluation. A total of 10,364 patients were classified to have HCV. After reviewing their medical charts, 1349 (13%) had undetectable HCV-RNA or were wrongly coded. Overall, 9015 (86.9%) individuals were identified with chronic HCV infection. A total of 5096 (56.5%) patients were under routine HCV care and 3919 (43.5%) had been LTFU. We were able to contact 1617 (41.3%) of the 3919 patients who were LTFU at the primary medical institution, of which 427 (26.4%) were cured at a different institutions or were dead. Of the remaining patients, 906 (76.1%) were candidates for retrieval. In our cohort, about one out of four patients with chronic HCV who were LTFU were candidates to receive treatment. This strategy has the potential to be effective, accessible and significantly impacts on the HCV care cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mendizabal
- Unidad de Hígado y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Marcos Thompson
- Unidad de Hígado y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Esteban Gonzalez-Ballerga
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Margarita Anders
- Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela E Castro-Narro
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Mario G Pessoa
- Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Cheinquer
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Universidad Federal do Rio Grande do Sul e do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Mezzano
- Sección de Gastroenterología, Hospital El Salvador, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ana Palazzo
- Servicio de Gastroenterología, Sección de Hepatología, Hospital Padilla, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Sección Hepatología, Departamento de Medicina, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas Norberto Quirno "CEMIC", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Descalzi
- Unidad de Hígado y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario Fundación Favaloro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Sebastian Marciano
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Linda Muñoz
- Hospital Universitario "Dr. José E. González", Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Maria I Schinoni
- Núcleo de Hepatología, Hospital Universitario Prof. Edgard Santos, Universidad Federal de Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Jaime Poniachik
- Sección de Gastroenterología, Departamento de Medicina, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rosalía Perazzo
- Unidad de Gastroenterología, Hospital Miguel Perez Carreño, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Eira Cerda
- Hospital Central Militar, Escuela Militar de Graduados de Sanidad, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Francisco Fuster
- Unidad de Hepatología, Hospital Gustavo Fricke, Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Adriana Varon
- Fundación Cardioinfantil, Instituto de Cardiología, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Alejandro Soza
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cecilia Cabrera
- Unidad de Gastroenterología, Hospital Nacional Daniel A. Carrión, Callao, Peru
| | - Andres J Gomez-Aldana
- Unidad de Gastroenterología y Trasplante Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Solange Gerona
- Unidad de Hígado, Hospital de Fuerzas Armadas, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | | | - Fernando Bessone
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital Provincial del Centenario, University of Rosario School of Medicine, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Nelia Hernández
- Clínica de Gastroenterología, Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cristina Alonso
- Unidad de Hígado y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Melina Ferreiro
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia Antinucci
- Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aldo Torre
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Bruna D Moutinho
- Divisão de Gastroenterologia e Hepatologia, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Gomez
- Sección de Gastroenterología, Hospital El Salvador, Santiago, Chile
| | - Maria Dolores Murga
- Servicio de Gastroenterología, Sección de Hepatología, Hospital Padilla, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Federico Piñero
- Unidad de Hígado y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Gisela F Sotera
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jhonier A Ocampo
- Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria A Cortés Mollinedo
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición "Salvador Zubirán", Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Daniela Simian
- Sección de Gastroenterología, Departamento de Medicina, Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcelo O Silva
- Unidad de Hígado y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
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Yamauchi K, Sato M, Osawa L, Matsuda S, Komiyama Y, Nakakuki N, Takada H, Katoh R, Muraoka M, Suzuki Y, Tatsumi A, Miura M, Takano S, Amemiya F, Fukasawa M, Nakayama Y, Yamaguchi T, Inoue T, Maekawa S, Enomoto N. Analysis of direct-acting antiviral-resistant hepatitis C virus haplotype diversity by single-molecule and long-read sequencing. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1634-1651. [PMID: 35357088 PMCID: PMC9234623 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The method of analyzing individual resistant hepatitis C virus (HCV) by a combination of haplotyping and resistance-associated substitution (RAS) has not been fully elucidated because conventional sequencing has only yielded short and fragmented viral genomes. We performed haplotype analysis of HCV mutations in 12 asunaprevir/daclatasvir treatment-failure cases using the Oxford Nanopore sequencer. This enabled single-molecule long-read sequencing using rolling circle amplification (RCA) for correction of the sequencing error. RCA of the circularized reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction products successfully produced DNA longer than 30 kilobase pairs (kb) containing multiple tandem repeats of a target 3 kb HCV genome. The long-read sequencing of these RCA products could determine the original sequence of the target single molecule as the consensus nucleotide sequence of the tandem repeats and revealed the presence of multiple viral haplotypes with the combination of various mutations in each host. In addition to already known signature RASs, such as NS3-D168 and NS5A-L31/Y93, there were various RASs specific to a different haplotype after treatment failure. The distribution of viral haplotype changed over time; some haplotypes disappeared without acquiring resistant mutations, and other haplotypes, which were not observed before treatment, appeared after treatment. Conclusion: The combination of various mutations other than the known signature RAS was suggested to influence the kinetics of individual HCV quasispecies in the direct-acting antiviral treatment. HCV haplotype dynamic analysis will provide novel information on the role of HCV diversity within the host, which will be useful for elucidating the pathological mechanism of HCV-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kozue Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFaculty of MedicineUniversity of YamanashiYamanashiJapan
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Romagnoli D. Elimination of hepatitis C virus infection in Europe: targeting the obstacles. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2022.00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dante Romagnoli
- Gastroenterology Unit, Polyclinic, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
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Chan HK, Hassali MA, Mohammed NS, Azlan A, Hassan MRA. Barriers to scaling up hepatitis C treatment in Malaysia: a qualitative study with key stakeholders. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:371. [PMID: 35189876 PMCID: PMC8860373 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12786-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While the availability of generic direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) opens the door for large-scale treatment, the care for people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Malaysia is shifting toward a tripartite partnership between the public health system, correctional settings and civil society organizations (CSOs). This study aimed to explore the barriers to scaling up HCV treatment in Malaysia from the perspective of key stakeholders. Methods Eighteen focus-group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 180 individuals, who actively engaged in coordinating, executing or supporting the implementation of the national strategic plan for HCV. An analytical framework was adapted to guide the data collection and thematic analysis. It covered four key aspects of HCV treatment: geographical accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability. Results Movement restrictions in times of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks and being marginalized translated into barriers to treatment access in people living with HCV. Barriers to treatment initiation in health and correctional settings included limited staffing and capacity; disruption in material supply; silos mentality and unintegrated systems; logistical challenges for laboratory tests; and insufficient knowledge of care providers. Although no-cost health services were in place, concerns over transportation costs and productivity loss also continued to suppress the treatment uptake. Limited disease awareness, along with the disease-related stigma, further lowered the treatment acceptability. Conclusions This study disclosed a series of supply- and demand-side barriers to expanding the treatment coverage among people living with HCV in Malaysia. The findings call for strengthening inter-organizational collaborations to overcome the barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Keat Chan
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia. .,Clinical Research Center, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, 05460, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia.
| | - Mohamed Azmi Hassali
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Noor Syahireen Mohammed
- Clinical Research Center, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, 05460, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Azlina Azlan
- Public Health Division, State Health Department, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan
- Clinical Research Center, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, 05460, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia.,Medical Department, Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia
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O'Keefe D, Gunn J, Ryan K, Djordjevic F, Kerr P, Gold J, Elsum I, Layton C, Chan K, Dietze P, Higgs P, Doyle J, Stoové MA, Hellard M, Pedrana AE. Exploring hepatitis C virus testing and treatment engagement over time in Melbourne, Australia: a study protocol for a longitudinal cohort study (EC-Experience Cohort study). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057618. [PMID: 34983773 PMCID: PMC8728403 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The advent of direct acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) means the elimination of HCV is possible but requires sustained effort to achieve. Between 2016 and 2019, 44% of those living with HCV were treated in Australia. However, treatment uptake has declined significantly. In Australia, people who inject drugs (PWID) are the population most at risk of HCV acquisition. Eliminating HCV in Australia will require nuanced understanding of the barriers to HCV treatment experienced by PWID and tailored interventions to address these barriers. The EC-Experience Cohort study aims to explore the barriers and enablers reported by PWID to engagement in HCV care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The EC-Experience Cohort study is a prospective cohort of PWID, established in Melbourne, Australia in 2018. Participants are assigned into three study groups: (1) those not currently engaged in HCV testing; (2) those diagnosed with HCV but not currently engaged in treatment and (3) those completed treatment. Participants complete a total of four interviews every 6 months across an 18-month study period. Predictors of experience of key outcome events along the HCV care cascade will be explored over time. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for the EC-Experience Cohort study was obtained by the Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee in Melbourne, Australia (Project Number: HREC/16/Alfred/164). All eligible participants are assessed for capacity to consent and partake in a thorough informed consent process. Results from the EC-Experience Cohort study will be disseminated via national and international scientific and public health conferences and peer-reviewed journal publications. Data from the EC-Experience Cohort study will improve the current understanding of the barriers to HCV care for PWID and guide the tailoring of service provision for specific subgroups. Understanding the barriers and how to increase engagement in care of PWID is critical to achieve HCV elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel O'Keefe
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Gunn
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kathleen Ryan
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Filip Djordjevic
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phoebe Kerr
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Judy Gold
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Imogen Elsum
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chloe Layton
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kico Chan
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark A Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A E Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Braude M, Phan T, Con D, Woolley I, Sundram S, Clarke D, Dev A, Sievert W. Hepatitis C virus in people with serious mental illness: An analysis of the care cascade at a tertiary health service with a pilot 'identify and treat' strategy. Intern Med J 2021; 53:700-708. [PMID: 34719839 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with serious mental illness (SMI) are underserved from a hepatitis C Virus (HCV) screening and treatment perspective. AIMS To examine the HCV care cascade in people with SMI and to pilot a supported HCV treatment integration program. METHODS HCV prevalence was retrospectively analysed from 4,492 consecutive individuals admitted to a tertiary hospital mental health service between January 2017 and December 2018. Sub-cohort analysis of screening patterns and predictors of seropositive infection was performed. Referral pathways and community care integration were analysed for HCV positive individuals, and a prospective community-based 'identify and treat' HCV program was assessed. RESULTS Screening for HCV had been performed in 18.6% (835/4,492) of the cohort. Seroprevalence was 4.6% (207/4,492). HCV seropositivity was associated with age > 40-years (OR = 9.30, CI 3.69-23.45, p <0.01), injecting drug use (IDU) (OR = 24.26, CI 8.99-65.43, p <0.01), and previous incarceration (OR = 12.26, 4.51-33.31, p <0.01). In a cohort of treatment-eligible individuals, 43.3% (90/208) had neither been referred to specialist services or general practitioners for HCV management. Amongst those referred to specialist services, 64.7% (57/88) did not attend scheduled follow-up, and 48.3% (15/31) of attendees were lost to follow-up. Through an intensified community access program, 10 people were successfully treated for HCV, though 22 could not be engaged. CONCLUSION People with SMI are underserved by traditional models of HCV healthcare. Intensified community-based support can partially bolster the treatment cascade, though investment in innovative screening and management strategies are required to achieve healthcare parity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Braude
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Timothy Phan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danny Con
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ian Woolley
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Department of Mental Health, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Clarke
- Department of Mental Health, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.,Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anouk Dev
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - William Sievert
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Lee JS, Choi HJ, Lee HW, Kim BK, Park JY, Kim DY, Ahn SH, Kim SU. Screening, confirmation, and treatment rates of hepatitis C virus infection in a tertiary academic medical center in South Korea. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:2479-2485. [PMID: 33788314 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15514] [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] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Several barriers prevent the proper screening, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We aimed to evaluate the status of HCV screening, confirmation, and treatment rates in a tertiary academic medical center in Korea. METHODS Patients who visited Severance Hospital between 2015 and 2019 were eligible in this retrospective study. The testing and positivity rates for anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA were sequentially analyzed. RESULTS Between 2015 and 2019, 252 057 patients (117 131 men, 46.5%) who underwent anti-HCV antibody testing were retrospectively reviewed. The median age of the study population was 51.0 years. Patients with positive anti-HCV antibody test results (n = 2623, 1.0%) showed a higher proportion of liver cirrhosis (17.6% vs 2.0%) and unfavorable laboratory test results (all P < 0.05). The positivity rates were 1.3% and 0.8% in the medical and surgical departments, respectively. HCV RNA was tested in 1628 (62.1%) patients, with a 57.4% (n = 928) positivity rate. The medical department had a higher HCV RNA testing rate than the surgical department (75.4% vs 40.8%). Among the 928 patients who showed positivity for HCV RNA, 847 (90.7%) underwent genotype testing (mostly 1 and 2 [95.4%]). The treatment rate was 66.9% (n = 567); it was higher in the gastroenterology department (70.8%) than in the non-gastroenterology departments (62.3%). CONCLUSIONS A considerable proportion of patients testing positive for anti-HCV antibodies were not referred for proper management. Systematic and automated screening and referral systems, which may help identify patients requiring treatment for HCV infection, are necessary even in tertiary academic medical centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Seung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hong Jun Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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8
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Walker S, Wallace J, Latham N, Saich F, Pedrana A, Hellard M, Treloar C, Marukutira T, Higgs P, Doyle J, Stoové M. "It's time!": A qualitative exploration of the acceptability of hepatitis C notification systems to help eliminate hepatitis C. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 97:103280. [PMID: 34058670 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Australia, the unrestricted and subsidised availability of direct-acting antivirals for people living with hepatitis C has made the elimination of hepatitis C possible. Recent declining treatment uptake, however, may jeopardise the attainment of this goal. Notification data already exist in many jurisdictions but are presently under-utilised. Despite growing interest in the potential use of data to link people diagnosed with hepatitis C to treatment services, little evidence exists on the acceptability and feasibility of this approach. Our study aimed to address this gap and guide future strategies to enhance treatment uptake. METHODS Twenty-seven people with lived experience of injecting drug use and/or hepatitis C participated in two focus groups exploring views on implementing a system of hepatitis C notification follow-up in Australia, that would direct people to treatment and care. Additionally, qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 key informants to examine the ethical, logistical, and regulatory implications of implementation. Data were thematically analysed using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability - which has been used to assess the acceptability of interventions from the perspectives of intervention deliverers and recipients. RESULTS While there were clear reservations, there was consensus that the potential benefits of using notification data to contact people with hepatitis C, outweigh harms. The method of contact (including by whom and how), whether follow-up should include recent versus historical diagnoses, and if record linkage should be used to enhance follow-up were important considerations. Ethical and logistical concerns were raised about the risk that such an approach could exacerbate stigma and discrimination. CONCLUSION Findings highlight potentially significant benefits of using notifications data to increase access to hepatitis C treatment, a novel approach that can contribute to hepatitis C elimination efforts and prevent hepatitis C-related morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley Walker
- Burnet Institute, Behaviours and Health Risks Program, 85 Commercial Road, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
| | - Jack Wallace
- Burnet Institute, Behaviours and Health Risks Program, 85 Commercial Road, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Ned Latham
- Burnet Institute, Behaviours and Health Risks Program, 85 Commercial Road, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Freya Saich
- Burnet Institute, Behaviours and Health Risks Program, 85 Commercial Road, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Burnet Institute, Behaviours and Health Risks Program, 85 Commercial Road, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Behaviours and Health Risks Program, 85 Commercial Road, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Level 2, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia; Doherty Institute and School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St, Carlton, Victoria, 3053, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, John Goodsell Building, University of New South Wales (NSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Tafireyi Marukutira
- Burnet Institute, Behaviours and Health Risks Program, 85 Commercial Road, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Burnet Institute, Behaviours and Health Risks Program, 85 Commercial Road, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia; Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Plenty Rd and Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Joseph Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Behaviours and Health Risks Program, 85 Commercial Road, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Level 2, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Behaviours and Health Risks Program, 85 Commercial Road, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
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Mendizabal M, Piñero F, Ridruejo E. Reply. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:623-624. [PMID: 33248093 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mendizabal
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Liver Section, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Gitto S, Cursaro C, Bartoli A, Margotti M, Andreone P. Hepatitis C: clinical management and debated issues. Minerva Med 2020; 112:228-237. [PMID: 33319975 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.20.07208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus represents an important global health issue with 71 million of infected people in the word. Direct-acting antivirals are quite new molecules that hit specific Hepatitis C virus proteins useful for viral replication and assembly. Notably, Direct-acting antivirals bring to high sustained virological response rates showing also a great safety profile. This treatment revolution had an impact on transplantation world, in fact the number of liver transplants due to Hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma is quickly decreasing. Even if this therapy has achieved excellent results in terms of morbility and mortality rates' reduction, there are some debated issues to consider. In the present review the main clinical challenges in every-day management of Hepatitis C virus patients treated with Direct-acting antivirals and the debated effects of viral clearance (metabolic, cardiovascular, immunologic and neoplastic) are discussed. The detection of barriers that can preclude the delivery of Hepatitis C virus care, is the most complex challenge for the scientific community. To obtain the Hepatitis C virus global eradication by 2030, as the World Health Organization has set, will be complex and laborious and will need a further multilevel effort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gitto
- Unit of Internal Medicine and Liver, University Hospital Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Carmela Cursaro
- Unit of Internal and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bartoli
- Unit of Internal and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marzia Margotti
- Unit of Internal and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Unit of Internal and Metabolic Medicine, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy -
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11
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Ridruejo E, Piñero F, Mendizabal M, Cheinquer H, Wolff FH, Anders M, Reggiardo V, Ameigeiras B, Palazzo A, Alonso C, Schinoni MI, Zuain MGV, Tanno F, Figueroa S, Santos L, Peralta M, Soza A, Vistarini C, Adrover R, Fernández N, Perez D, Hernández N, Estepo C, Bruno A, Descalzi V, Sixto M, Borzi S, Cocozzella D, Zerega A, de Araujo A, Varón A, Silva M. Decompensated cirrhosis and liver transplantation negatively impact in DAA treatment response: Real-world experience from HCV-LALREAN cohort. J Med Virol 2020; 92:3545-3555. [PMID: 32749710 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the effectiveness of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been reported in real-world settings, predictive factors of treatment failure are lacking. Therefore, we sought to explore the baseline predictors of treatment response to DAAs. METHODS This was a prospective multicenter cohort study from the Latin American Liver Research Educational and Awareness Network (LALREAN) including patients who received DAA treatment from May 2016 to April 2019. A multivariate logistic regression model was conducted to identify variables associated with unachieved sustained virological response (SVR), defined as treatment failure (odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]). RESULTS From 2167 patients (55.2% with cirrhosis) who initiated DAA therapy, 89.4% completed a full-course treatment (n = 1938). Median treatment duration was 12 weeks, and 50% received ribavirin. Definitive suspension due to intolerance or other causes was observed in only 1.0% cases (n = 20). Overall non-SVR12 was 4.5% (95% CI, 3.5-5.7). There were no significant differences in treatment failure according to HCV genotypes and the degree of fibrosis. Independently associated variables with DAA failure were liver function impairment according to the Child-Pugh score B OR, 2.09 (P = .06), Child-Pugh C OR, 11.7 (P < .0001); and liver transplant (LT) recipient OR, 3.75 (P = .01). CONCLUSION In this real-life setting, higher DAA treatment failure rates were observed in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and in LT recipients. These predictive baseline factors should be addressed to individualize the appropriate time-point of DAA treatment (NCT03775798; www. CLINICALTRIALS gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
- Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Manuel Mendizabal
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Hugo Cheinquer
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Universidad de Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernando Herz Wolff
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Universidad de Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Margarita Anders
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Alemán, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Virginia Reggiardo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Provincial del Centenario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Beatriz Ameigeiras
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Palazzo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Padilla, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Cristina Alonso
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - María Isabel Schinoni
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Universidade Federal do Bahia, Salvador do Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Federico Tanno
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Provincial del Centenario, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Figueroa
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Arturo Oñativia, Salta, Argentina
| | - Luisa Santos
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Fundación Cardioinfantil, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Mirta Peralta
- Liver Unit, Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Soza
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cecilia Vistarini
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Ramos Mejía, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Raúl Adrover
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital San Roque, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Nora Fernández
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Británico, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Perez
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Padilla, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Nelia Hernández
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital de Clínicas, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Claudio Estepo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Cosme Argerich, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andres Bruno
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Cosme Argerich, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Descalzi
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Fundación Favaloro, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcela Sixto
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital José María Cullen, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Silvia Borzi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital Rossi, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Daniel Cocozzella
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital San Roque, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Alina Zerega
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Sanatorio Allende, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Alexandre de Araujo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, de Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Adriana Varón
- Liver Unit, Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
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12
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Ethical Considerations of Treating Patients Infected with Hepatitis C Virus. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.108341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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13
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Mendizabal M, Piñero F, Ridruejo E, Herz Wolff F, Anders M, Reggiardo V, Ameigeiras B, Palazzo A, Alonso C, Schinoni MI, Videla Zuain MG, Tanno F, Figueroa S, Santos L, Peralta M, Soza A, Vistarini C, Adrover R, Fernández N, Perez D, Hernández N, Estepo C, Bruno A, Descalzi V, Sixto M, Borzi S, Cocozzella D, Zerega A, de Araujo A, Varón A, Rubinstein F, Cheinquer H, Silva M. Disease Progression in Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection Treated With Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:2554-2563.e3. [PMID: 32113892 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Little is known about how a sustained virologic response (SVR) to treatment of hepatitis C virus infection with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) affects patient mortality and development of new liver-related events. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of disease progression in patients treated with DAAs. METHODS We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study of 1760 patients who received DAA treatment at 23 hospitals in Latin America, from May 1, 2016, through November 21, 2019. We excluded patients with a history of liver decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or solid-organ transplantation. Disease progression after initiation of DAA therapy included any of the following new events: liver decompensation, HCC, liver transplantation, or death. Evaluation of variables associated with the primary outcome was conducted using a time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS During a median follow-up period of 26.2 months (interquartile range, 15.3-37.5 mo), the overall cumulative incidence of disease progression was 4.1% (95% CI, 3.2%-5.1%), and after SVR assessment was 3.6% (95% CI, 2.7%-4.7%). Baseline variables associated with disease progression were advanced liver fibrosis (hazard ratio [HR], 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2-9.6), clinically significant portal hypertension (HR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2-3.8), and level of albumin less than 3.5 mg/dL (HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.3-7.6), adjusted for SVR achievement as a time covariable. Attaining an SVR reduced the risk of liver decompensation (HR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.8; P = .016) and de novo HCC (HR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1%-0.8%; P = .02) in the overall cohort. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection with DAAs significantly reduces the risk of new liver-related complications and should be offered to all patients, regardless of disease stage. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03775798.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mendizabal
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina.
| | - Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina; Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas, CEMIC, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cristina Alonso
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mirta Peralta
- Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Soza
- Hospital Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Claudio Estepo
- Hospital Cosme Argerich, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andres Bruno
- Hospital Cosme Argerich, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adriana Varón
- Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Hugo Cheinquer
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
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14
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Huang CF, Yu ML. Unmet needs of chronic hepatitis C in the era of direct-acting antiviral therapy. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 26:251-260. [PMID: 32188235 PMCID: PMC7364348 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2020.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has been revolutionized in an era of all-oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) since 2014. Satisfactory treatment efficacy and tolerability can be provided by novel DAAs. Nevertheless, there are still some unmet needs and emerging issues in the treatment of CHC in the DAA era. Certain hard-to-cure populations are prone to have inferior treatment responses, including patients with severe liver decompensation, active hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3 (HCV-3) infection and those who experience multiple DAA treatment failures. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during and after DAA treatment has raised concern regarding the use of prophylactic antivirals against HBV throughout DAA treatment. However, the standard strategy for the use of prophylactic antivirals is not uniform across regional guidelines. In the post-sustained virological response (SVR) period, HCC still occurs in a substantial proportion of patients. Due to the relatively short follow-up period, the net benefit of the achievement of an SVR by DAAs in the reduction of extrahepatic manifestations has not yet been determined. Attention must also be paid to HCV reinfection, particularly in high-risk populations. The most critical and unmet need for HCV elimination is the large gap in the HCV care cascade at the population level. To accomplish the World Health Organization (WHO)'s goal for HCV elimination by 2030, the expansion of access to HCV care requires a continuous effort to overcome practical and political challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Liquid Biopsy and Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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15
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Yu ML, Chen PJ, Dai CY, Hu TH, Huang CF, Huang YH, Hung CH, Lin CY, Liu CH, Liu CJ, Peng CY, Lin HC, Kao JH, Chuang WL. 2020 Taiwan consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C: Part (II) special populations. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 119:1135-1157. [PMID: 32354689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a silent killer that leads to rapid progression of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High prevalence of HCV infection has been reported in Taiwan, especially in high-risk populations including people who inject drugs (PWID) and patients requiring dialysis. Besides, certain populations merit special considerations due to suboptimal outcome, potential drug-drug interaction, or possible side effect. Therefore, in the second part of this 2-part consensus, the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) proposes the treatment recommendations for the special population in order to serve as guidance to optimizing the outcome in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. Special populations include patients with acute or recent HCV infection, previous DAA failure, chronic kidney disease, decompensated cirrhosis, HCC, liver and other solid organ transplantations, receiving an HCV viremic organ, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV dual infection, HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, active tuberculosis infection, PWID, bleeding disorders and hemoglobinopathies, children and adolescents, and pregnancy. Moreover, future perspectives regarding the management of hepatitis C are also discussed and summarized in this consensus statement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hui Hu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Hung Hung
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Yen Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hua Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Center for Digestive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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16
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Wu PS, Chang TS, Lu SN, Su HJ, Chang SZ, Hsu CW, Chen MY. An Investigation of the Side Effects, Patient Feedback, and Physiological Changes Associated with Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16244981. [PMID: 31817863 PMCID: PMC6950306 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma globally. The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with high cure rates provides an opportunity to reduce the rising HCV disease burden. However, few studies have explored the side effects and physiological benefits of DAA therapy in rural areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the subjective reports of discomfort, patient feedback about the course of treatment, and physiological changes after DAA treatment in HCV patients. Methods: A descriptive, prospective, comparative cohort study was conducted from January to August 2019 in western coastal Yunlin County, Taiwan. Data regarding demographic characteristics, subjective discomfort levels, and physiological responses were collected through face to face interviews and from medical records by a cooperating hospital. Results: Six-hundred-and-twenty-three participants with an active HCV infection were identified; 555 (89.1%) had completed treatment, and sustained virologic response was achieved in 99.6% (n = 553). The mean age was 64.9 (standard deviation = 13.1) years, and 35% of patients experienced discomfort during DAA treatment, including fatigue, itching, and dizziness. After three months of treatment, physiological markers, including body weight (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.05), blood pressure (p < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (p < 0.001), and aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.001), had significantly improved. Almost all participants provided positive feedback about the treatment experience and reported manageable side effects. Conclusions: The findings showed that, in an endemic rural area, DAA treatment had a high cure rate and improved physiological markers with few discomforts. These results can be used to reduce the barriers HCV patients face in adopting new medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Sheng Wu
- Formosa Plastics Group Health Care, Yunlin 638, Taiwan; (P.-S.W.); (S.-Z.C.)
| | - Te-Sheng Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 613, Taiwan; (T.-S.C.); (S.-N.L.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 613, Taiwan; (T.-S.C.); (S.-N.L.)
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Jou Su
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi 613, Taiwan;
| | - Shu-Zhi Chang
- Formosa Plastics Group Health Care, Yunlin 638, Taiwan; (P.-S.W.); (S.-Z.C.)
| | - Chia-Wen Hsu
- Formosa Plastics Group, Safety Health & Environment Center, Taipei 508, Taiwan;
| | - Mei-Yen Chen
- College of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chiayi 613, Taiwan
- Department of Cardiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 613, Taiwan
- School of Nursing, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-(5)-3628800 (ext. 2301); Fax: +886-(5)-3628866
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17
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Kimberly RP. Translational Research-For the Individual and the Community. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2019; 30:79-85. [PMID: 31735721 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2019.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The potential for translational research to improve human health is unprecedented, as the integration of genetic health risks with other data influencing health provides substantial opportunities for improvement. However, how integrating these data sources in a fair, unbiased and appropriate way without reinforcing pre-existing assumptions requires thoughtful implementation. Furthermore, integration of new technologies requires assessment of needs and benefits for the individual balanced with community needs and goals. Thus, examination of values, goals and implicit assumptions through transparent, authentic engagement of individuals and communities is essential.
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Mendizabal M, Ridruejo E, Ceballos S, Sixto M, Billordo A, Gadea C, Mengarelli S, Alonso C, Palazzo A, De María L, Bruno A, Perez D, Piñero F, Deltrozzo V, Mendoza C, Figueroa S, Manero E, Villa M, Barreyro F, Moreno V, Vilar J, Murga D, Fernandez M, O Flaherty M, Arora S, Silva M. The ECHO model proved to be a useful tool to increase clinicians' self-effectiveness for care of patients with Hepatitis C in Argentina. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1284-1292. [PMID: 31273860 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The ECHO model was developed to expand access to medical care for populations with HCV infection in underserved areas. We aimed to compare HCV treatment outcomes in community-based clinics with the Austral University Hospital (AUH) and to assess improvement in physician knowledge and skills. In October 2015, we established an HCV ECHO clinic at the AUH in Buenos Aires. To evaluate the impact of this programme, we conducted a prospective cohort study comparing treatment for HCV infection at the AUH with healthcare providers from different Argentinean provinces. A survey evaluating skills and competence in HCV care was administered, and results were compared. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response (SVR) and under direct-acting antivirals. Since the implementation of ECHO clinics, a total of 25 physicians participated in at least one session (median 10.0; IQR 3.0-18.0). SVR rates (n = 437 patients) were 94.2% (95% CI 90.4-96.8) in patients treated at AUH clinic (n = 227/242) and 96.4% (95% CI 92.7-98.5) in those treated at ECHO sites (n = 188/195), with a nonsignificant difference between sites, 2.2% SVR difference (95% CI -0.24-0.06; P = 0.4). We also found a significant improvement in all the evaluated skills and abilities. Replicating the ECHO model helped to improve participants' skills in the management of HCV achieving similar SVR rates. ECHO model was demonstrated to be an effective intervention able to multiply and expand HCV treatment, a critical barrier to access to care that needs to be solved if we are committed with WHO goals to eliminate HCV by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Mendizabal
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Ezequiel Ridruejo
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina.,Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas (CEMIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Claudia Gadea
- Sanatorio Pasquini, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | - Cristina Alonso
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | - Ana Palazzo
- Hospital Padilla, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Federico Piñero
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Estela Manero
- Hospital Pablo Soria, San Salvador de Jujuy, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - José Vilar
- Asociación Argentina para el Estudio de las Enfermedades del Hígado, Corrientes, Argentina
| | | | | | - Martin O Flaherty
- Department of Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sanjeev Arora
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Pilar, Argentina
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