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Assoumou SA, Nolen S, Hagan L, Wang J, Eftekhari Yazdi G, Thompson WW, Mayer KH, Puro J, Zhu L, Salomon JA, Linas BP. Hepatitis C Management at Federally Qualified Health Centers during the Opioid Epidemic: A Cost-Effectiveness Study. Am J Med 2020; 133:e641-e658. [PMID: 32603791 PMCID: PMC8041089 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic has been associated with an increase in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) have a high burden of hepatitis C disease and could serve as venues to enhance testing and treatment. METHODS We estimated clinical outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C testing and treatment at US FQHCs using individual-based simulation modeling. We used individual-level data from 57 FQHCs to model 9 strategies, including permutations of HCV antibody testing modality, person initiating testing, and testing approach. Outcomes included life expectancy, quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), hepatitis C cases identified, treated and cured; and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. RESULTS Compared with current practice (risk-based with laboratory-based testing), routine rapid point-of-care testing initiated and performed by a counselor identified 68% more cases after (nonreflex) RNA testing in the first month of the intervention and led to a 17% reduction in cirrhosis cases and a 22% reduction in liver deaths among those with cirrhosis over a lifetime. Routine rapid testing initiated by a counselor or a clinician provided better outcomes at either lower total cost or at lower cost per QALY gained, when compared with all other strategies. Findings were most influenced by the proportion of patients informed of their anti-HCV test results. CONCLUSIONS Routine anti-HCV testing followed by prompt RNA testing for positives is recommended at FQHCs to identify infections. If using dedicated staff or point-of-care testing is not feasible, then measures to improve immediate patient knowledge of antibody status should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina A Assoumou
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, MA; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, MA.
| | - Shayla Nolen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, MA
| | - Liesl Hagan
- Prevention Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Jianing Wang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, MA
| | | | - William W Thompson
- Prevention Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga
| | - Kenneth H Mayer
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA; Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | | | - Benjamin P Linas
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, MA; Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, MA; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, MA
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Sims OT, Wang K, Chandler R, Melton PA, Truong DN. A descriptive analysis of concurrent alcohol and substance use among patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection. SOCIAL WORK IN HEALTH CARE 2020; 59:525-541. [PMID: 32873213 PMCID: PMC9494867 DOI: 10.1080/00981389.2020.1814938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of concurrent alcohol and substance use among patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection and to compare demographic and clinical characteristics of those with concurrent alcohol and substance to those with alcohol or substance use, and to those who were abstinent. We conducted an analysis of patient reported outcomes data of patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection (n = 327) who transitioned from primary care to sub-specialty care for evaluation of candidacy for HCV treatment at a university-affiliated HIV Clinic. The prevalence of self-reported concurrent alcohol and substance use was 33%. A higher proportion of those with concurrent alcohol and substance use were currently smoking tobacco, and those who were abstinent had higher ratings of health-related quality of life compared to those with alcohol or substance use. To reduce patients' risk for progression to advanced stages of HIV, HCV, and liver-related disease due to continued alcohol and substance and tobacco use, social workers and other health care professionals are encouraged to develop and implement intervention strategies to assist patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection in efforts to achieve behavioral change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar T Sims
- Department of Social Work, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
- Integrative Center for Healthy Aging, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco , San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kaiying Wang
- Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rasheeta Chandler
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Division of Prevention Science, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco , San Francisco, CA, USA
- School of Nursing, Emory University , Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pamela A Melton
- School of Social Work, Tulane University , New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Duong N Truong
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
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3
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Assoumou SA, Tasillo A, Leff JA, Schackman BR, Drainoni ML, Horsburgh CR, Barry MA, Regis C, Kim AY, Marshall A, Saxena S, Smith PC, Linas BP. Cost-Effectiveness of One-Time Hepatitis C Screening Strategies Among Adolescents and Young Adults in Primary Care Settings. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 66:376-384. [PMID: 29020317 PMCID: PMC5848253 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High hepatitis C virus (HCV) rates have been reported in young people who inject drugs (PWID). We evaluated the clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of testing among youth seen in communities with a high overall number of reported HCV cases. Methods We developed a decision analytic model to project quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), costs (2016 US$), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of 9 strategies for 1-time testing among 15- to 30-year-olds seen at urban community health centers. Strategies differed in 3 ways: targeted vs routine testing, rapid finger stick vs standard venipuncture, and ordered by physician vs by counselor/tester using standing orders. We performed deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) to evaluate uncertainty. Results Compared to targeted risk-based testing (current standard of care), routine testing increased the lifetime medical cost by $80 and discounted QALYs by 0.0013 per person. Across all strategies, rapid testing provided higher QALYs at a lower cost per QALY gained and was always preferred. Counselor-initiated routine rapid testing was associated with an ICER of $71000/QALY gained. Results were sensitive to offer and result receipt rates. Counselor-initiated routine rapid testing was cost-effective (ICER <$100000/QALY) unless the prevalence of PWID was <0.59%, HCV prevalence among PWID was <16%, reinfection rate was >26 cases per 100 person-years, or reflex confirmatory testing followed all reactive venipuncture diagnostics. In PSA, routine rapid testing was the optimal strategy in 90% of simulations. Conclusions Routine rapid HCV testing among 15- to 30-year-olds may be cost-effective when the prevalence of PWID is >0.59%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina A Assoumou
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
| | - Abriana Tasillo
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts
| | - Jared A Leff
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
| | - Bruce R Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
- Department of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford
| | - C Robert Horsburgh
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health
| | - M Anita Barry
- Infectious Disease Bureau, Boston Public Health Commission
| | - Craig Regis
- Infectious Disease Bureau, Boston Public Health Commission
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Alison Marshall
- Boston College Connell School of Nursing
- STD/HIV Prevention Center of New England, Jamaica Plain
- South Boston Community Health Center
| | | | - Peter C Smith
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin P Linas
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health
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Campa A, Martinez SS, Sherman KE, Greer JP, Li Y, Garcia S, Stewart T, Ibrahimou B, Williams OD, Baum MK. Cocaine Use and Liver Disease are Associated with All-Cause Mortality in the Miami Adult Studies in HIV (MASH) Cohort. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 2. [PMID: 28540368 PMCID: PMC5439351 DOI: 10.21767/2471-853x.100036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liver disease is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV infection. We examined the relationship of cocaine use, liver disease progression and mortality in an HIV-infected cohort. METHODS Consent was obtained from 487 HIV+ participants, a subset of the Miami Adult Studies on HIV (MASH) cohort. Participants were eligible if they were followed for at least two years, completed questionnaires on demographics and illicit drug use and had complete metabolic panels, CD4 cell counts and HIV-viral loads. FIB-4 was calculated and cut-off points were used for staging liver fibrosis. Death certificates were obtained. RESULTS Participants were 65% men, 69% Black and 81% were on ART at recruitment. Cocaine was used by 32% of participants and 29% were HIV/HCV co-infected. Mean age was 46.9 ± 7.7 years, mean CD4 cell count was 501.9 ± 346.7 cells/μL and mean viral load was 2.75 ± 1.3 log10 copies/mL at baseline. During the follow-up, 27 patients died, with a mortality rate of 28.2/1000 person-year. Cocaine was used by 48% of those who died (specific mortality rate was 13/1000 person-year). Those who died were more likely to use cocaine (HR=3.8, P=0.006) and have more advanced liver fibrosis (HR=1.34, P<0.0001), adjusting for age, gender, CD4 cell count and HIV-viral load at baseline and over time. Among the HIV mono-infected participants, cocaine users were 5 times more likely to die (OR=5.09, P=0.006) than participants who did not use cocaine. CONCLUSION Cocaine use and liver fibrosis are strong and independent predictors of mortality in HIV infected and HIV/HCV co-infected adults. Effective interventions to reduce cocaine use among people living with HIV (PHLW) are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Campa
- Florida International University, R Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Sabrina Sales Martinez
- Florida International University, R Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kenneth E Sherman
- University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Joe Pedro Greer
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yinghui Li
- Florida International University, R Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Stephanie Garcia
- Florida International University, R Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Tiffanie Stewart
- Florida International University, R Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Boubakari Ibrahimou
- Florida International University, R Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
| | - O Dale Williams
- Florida International University, R Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marianna K Baum
- Florida International University, R Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Miami, FL, USA
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Elliott JC, Hasin DS, Stohl M, Des Jarlais DC. HIV, Hepatitis C, and Abstinence from Alcohol Among Injection and Non-injection Drug Users. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:548-54. [PMID: 26080690 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1113-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Individuals using illicit drugs are at risk for heavy drinking and infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Despite medical consequences of drinking with HIV and/or HCV, whether drug users with these infections are less likely to drink is unclear. Using samples of drug users in treatment with lifetime injection use (n = 1309) and non-injection use (n = 1996) participating in a large, serial, cross-sectional study, we investigated the associations between HIV and HCV with abstinence from alcohol. About half of injection drug users (52.8 %) and 26.6 % of non-injection drug users abstained from alcohol. Among non-injection drug users, those with HIV were less likely to abstain [odds ratio (OR) 0.55; adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.58] while those with HCV were more likely to abstain (OR 1.46; AOR 1.34). In contrast, among injection drug users, neither HIV nor HCV was associated with drinking. However, exploratory analyses suggested that younger injection drug users with HIV or HCV were more likely to drink, whereas older injection drug users with HIV or HCV were more likely to abstain. In summary, individuals using drugs, especially non-injection users and those with HIV, are likely to drink. Age may modify the risk of drinking among injection drug users with HIV and HCV, a finding requiring replication. Alcohol intervention for HIV and HCV infected drug users is needed to prevent further harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Elliott
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deborah S Hasin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Division of Clinical Phenomenology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
- Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Box 123, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Malka Stohl
- Division of Clinical Phenomenology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Don C Des Jarlais
- Baron Edmond de Rothschild Chemical Dependency Institute, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, NY, USA
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Schackman BR, Leff JA, Barter DM, DiLorenzo MA, Feaster DJ, Metsch LR, Freedberg KA, Linas BP. Cost-effectiveness of rapid hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and simultaneous rapid HCV and HIV testing in substance abuse treatment programs. Addiction 2015; 110:129-43. [PMID: 25291977 PMCID: PMC4270906 DOI: 10.1111/add.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 07/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of rapid hepatitis C virus (HCV) and simultaneous HCV/HIV antibody testing in substance abuse treatment programs. DESIGN We used a decision analytic model to compare the cost-effectiveness of no HCV testing referral or offer, off-site HCV testing referral, on-site rapid HCV testing offer and on-site rapid HCV and HIV testing offer. Base case inputs included 11% undetected chronic HCV, 0.4% undetected HIV, 35% HCV co-infection among HIV-infected, 53% linked to HCV care after testing antibody-positive and 67% linked to HIV care. Disease outcomes were estimated from established computer simulation models of HCV [Hepatitis C Cost-Effectiveness (HEP-CE)] and HIV [Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications (CEPAC)]. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Data on test acceptance and costs were from a national randomized trial of HIV testing strategies conducted at 12 substance abuse treatment programs in the United States. MEASUREMENTS Lifetime costs (2011 US$) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) discounted at 3% annually; incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). FINDINGS On-site rapid HCV testing had an ICER of $18,300/QALY compared with no testing, and was more efficient than (dominated) off-site HCV testing referral. On-site rapid HCV and HIV testing had an ICER of $64,500/QALY compared with on-site rapid HCV testing alone. In one- and two-way sensitivity analyses, the ICER of on-site rapid HCV and HIV testing remained <$100,000/QALY, except when undetected HIV prevalence was <0.1% or when we assumed frequent HIV testing elsewhere. The ICER remained <$100,000/QALY in 91% of probabilistic sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS On-site rapid hepatitis C virus and HIV testing in substance abuse treatment programs is cost-effective at a <$100,000/quality-adjusted life year threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce R. Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jared A. Leff
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Devra M. Barter
- HIV Epidemiology and Outcomes Research Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madeline A. DiLorenzo
- Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel J. Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Lisa R. Metsch
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth A. Freedberg
- Division of General Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin P. Linas
- HIV Epidemiology and Outcomes Research Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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7
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Linas BP, Barter DM, Leff JA, Assoumou SA, Salomon JA, Weinstein MC, Kim AY, Schackman BR. The hepatitis C cascade of care: identifying priorities to improve clinical outcomes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97317. [PMID: 24842841 PMCID: PMC4026319 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapies emerge, data are needed to inform the development of interventions to improve HCV treatment rates. We used simulation modeling to estimate the impact of loss to follow-up on HCV treatment outcomes and to identify intervention strategies likely to provide good value for the resources invested in them. METHODS We used a Monte Carlo state-transition model to simulate a hypothetical cohort of chronically HCV-infected individuals recently screened positive for serum HCV antibody. We simulated four hypothetical intervention strategies (linkage to care; treatment initiation; integrated case management; peer navigator) to improve HCV treatment rates, varying efficacies and costs, and identified strategies that would most likely result in the best value for the resources required for implementation. MAIN MEASURES Sustained virologic responses (SVRs), life expectancy, quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE), costs from health system and program implementation perspectives, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). RESULTS We estimate that imperfect follow-up reduces the real-world effectiveness of HCV therapies by approximately 75%. In the base case, a modestly effective hypothetical peer navigator program maximized the number of SVRs and QALE, with an ICER compared to the next best intervention of $48,700/quality-adjusted life year. Hypothetical interventions that simultaneously addressed multiple points along the cascade provided better outcomes and more value for money than less costly interventions targeting single steps. The 5-year program cost of the hypothetical peer navigator intervention was $14.5 million per 10,000 newly diagnosed individuals. CONCLUSIONS We estimate that imperfect follow-up during the HCV cascade of care greatly reduces the real-world effectiveness of HCV therapy. Our mathematical model shows that modestly effective interventions to improve follow-up would likely be cost-effective. Priority should be given to developing and evaluating interventions addressing multiple points along the cascade rather than options focusing solely on single points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P. Linas
- HIV Epidemiology and Outcomes Research Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Devra M. Barter
- HIV Epidemiology and Outcomes Research Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jared A. Leff
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sabrina A. Assoumou
- HIV Epidemiology and Outcomes Research Unit, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joshua A. Salomon
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Milton C. Weinstein
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Arthur Y. Kim
- Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bruce R. Schackman
- Department of Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, United States of America
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Watson RR, Preedy VR, Zibadi S. Alcohol, HIV/AIDS, and Liver Disease. ALCOHOL, NUTRITION, AND HEALTH CONSEQUENCES 2013. [PMCID: PMC7122083 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-047-2_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Globally, there are over 33 million persons living with HIV/AIDS resulting in 1.8 million deaths annually. While the rate of HIV transmission is slowing, it is estimated that 2.6 million new infections occur yearly [1]. In the United States, there are approximately 1.2 million living with HIV/AIDS, with 50,000 new HIV infections and 17,000 deaths from the disease annually [2]. For those who can obtain effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV/AIDS has become a chronic disease with life expectancies over 30 years [3]. Research in the last 10 years has revealed the importance of alcohol in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Alcohol use, in moderate or hazardous amounts, has been associated with increased acquisition of HIV infection, progression of HIV infection, deleterious effects on HIV treatment, and acceleration in the comorbidities of HIV infection [4–9]. Yet alcohol remains the “forgotten drug” of the HIV/AIDS epidemic [10].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Ross Watson
- Arizona Health Science Center, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public, University of Arizona, 1501 N. Campbell Ave. ROOM 4335, TUCSON, 85724-5155 Arizona USA
| | - Victor R. Preedy
- Dept. Nutrition & Dietetics, King's College, Stamford St. 150, London, SE1 9NH United Kingdom
| | - Sherma Zibadi
- Division of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman, University of Arizona, 1295 N. Martin Avenue, Tucson, 85724 Arizona USA
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9
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Kresina TF, Sylvestre D, Seeff L, Litwin AH, Hoffman K, Lubran R, Clark HW. Hepatitis infection in the treatment of opioid dependence and abuse. Subst Abuse 2008; 1:15-61. [PMID: 25977607 PMCID: PMC4395041 DOI: 10.4137/sart.s580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many new and existing cases of viral hepatitis infections are related to injection drug use. Transmission of these infections can result directly from the use of injection equipment that is contaminated with blood containing the hepatitis B or C virus or through sexual contact with an infected individual. In the latter case, drug use can indirectly contribute to hepatitis transmission through the dis-inhibited at-risk behavior, that is, unprotected sex with an infected partner. Individuals who inject drugs are at-risk for infection from different hepatitis viruses, hepatitis A, B, or C. Those with chronic hepatitis B virus infection also face additional risk should they become co-infected with hepatitis D virus. Protection from the transmission of hepatitis viruses A and B is best achieved by vaccination. For those with a history of or who currently inject drugs, the medical management of viral hepatitis infection comprising screening, testing, counseling and providing care and treatment is evolving. Components of the medical management of hepatitis infection, for persons considering, initiating, or receiving pharmacologic therapy for opioid addiction include: testing for hepatitis B and C infections; education and counseling regarding at-risk behavior and hepatitis transmission, acute and chronic hepatitis infection, liver disease and its care and treatment; vaccination against hepatitis A and B infection; and integrative primary care as part of the comprehensive treatment approach for recovery from opioid abuse and dependence. In addition, participation in a peer support group as part of integrated medical care enhances treatment outcomes. Liver disease is highly prevalent in patient populations seeking recovery from opioid addiction or who are currently receiving pharmacotherapy for opioid addiction. Pharmacotherapy for opioid addiction is not a contraindication to evaluation, care, or treatment of liver disease due to hepatitis virus infection. Successful pharmacotherapy for opioid addiction stabilizes patients and improves patient compliance to care and treatment regimens as well as promotes good patient outcomes. Implementation and integration of effective hepatitis prevention programs, care programs, and treatment regimens in concert with the pharmacological therapy of opioid addiction can reduce the public health burdens of hepatitis and injection drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Kresina
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD
| | - Diana Sylvestre
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco and Organization to Achieve Solutions In Substance Abuse (O.A.S.I.S.) Oakland, CA
| | - Leonard Seeff
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, National Institute on Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Division of Substance Abuse, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center Bronx, NY
| | - Kenneth Hoffman
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD
| | - Robert Lubran
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD
| | - H Westley Clark
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD
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10
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Beginning February 28, 2002, the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was introduced to better allocate donor livers. Racial differences in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) outcomes prior to this time have been attributed to late listing of some racial groups. Racial differences in post-transplant survival in the MELD era have not been previously examined. METHODS We performed a retrospective observational cohort study using the United Network for Organ Sharing database for adult liver transplants performed between 2002 and 2006. We examined patient and graft survival at 2 yr and compared disease-specific survival rates among the different races. RESULTS A total of 10,409 whites, 1,133 blacks, 1,548 Hispanics, and 765 transplant recipients belonging to other races were included in the study. On multivariate analysis, blacks had lower overall (hazard ratio for death [HR] 1.29, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.10-1.52) and graft (HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.20-1.58) survival at 2 yr compared to whites, while Hispanics had better overall (HR 0.78) and graft (HR 0.82) survival. Compared to whites, blacks transplanted for hepatitis C or HCC had lower survival at 2 yr. CONCLUSION In the MELD era, black patients have significantly lower overall and graft survival at 2 yr compared to whites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin N Ananthakrishnan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA
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11
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Hallinan R, Byrne A, Dore GJ. Harm reduction, hepatitis C and opioid pharmacotherapy: an opportunity for integrated hepatitis C virus-specific harm reduction. Drug Alcohol Rev 2007; 26:437-43. [PMID: 17564882 DOI: 10.1080/09595230701373933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
While harm reduction advocates, policy makers and practitioners have a right to be proud of the impact of interventions such as needle and syringe programmes on HIV risk, we can be less sanguine about the ongoing high levels of HCV transmission among injecting drug users (IDUs) and the expanding burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease. In this Harm Reduction Digest Drs Byrne and Hallinan from the Redfern Clinic and Dr Dore from the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research offer a model of integrated HCV prevention and treatment services within the setting of opioid pharmacotherapy. In their experience, this common-sense approach provides an opportunity to reduce the burden of HCV and improve overall patient management. They believe that the key elements of a HCV-specific harm reduction model include: regular HCV testing; clinical assessment and determination of need for HCV treatment referral; use of broader HCV treatment inclusion criteria; and flexibility in opioid pharmacotherapy dosing. In an environment when our macro harm reduction interventions seem to have, at best, modest impact on HCV transmission, good clinical practice may be our most effective strategy against the HCV epidemic. This paper provides some practical suggestions as to how this can be done.
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Buffington J, Murray PJ, Schlanger K, Shih L, Badsgard T, Hennessy RR, Wood R, Weisfuse IB, Gunn RA. Low prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody in men who have sex with men who do not inject drugs. Public Health Rep 2007; 122 Suppl 2:63-7. [PMID: 17542456 PMCID: PMC1831798 DOI: 10.1177/00333549071220s212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is well documented that injection drug users (IDUs) have a high prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Sexual transmission of HCV can occur, but studies have shown that men who have sex with men (MSM) without a history of injection drug use are not at increased risk for infection. Still, some health-care providers believe that all MSM should be routinely tested for HCV infection. To better understand the potential role of MSM in risk for HCV infection, we compared the prevalence of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) in non-IDU MSM with that among other non-IDU men at sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing sites in three cities. METHODS During 1999-2003, public health STD clinics or HIV testing programs in Seattle, San Diego, and New York City offered counseling and testing for anti-HCV for varying periods to all clients. Sera were tested using enzyme immunoassays, and final results reported using either the signal-to-cutoff ratio or recombinant immunoblot assay results. Age, sex, and risk information were collected. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS Anti-HCV prevalence among IDUs (men and women) was between 47% and 57% at each site, with an overall prevalence of 51% (451/887). Of 1,699 non-IDU MSM, 26 (1.5%) tested anti-HCV positive, compared with 126 (3.6%) of 3,455 other non-IDU men (prevalence ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.28, 0.64). CONCLUSION The low prevalence of anti-HCV among non-IDU MSM in urban public health clinics does not support routine HCV testing of all MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Buffington
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Buffington J, Jones TS. Integrating viral hepatitis prevention into public health programs serving people at high risk for infection: good public health. Public Health Rep 2007; 122 Suppl 2:1-5. [PMID: 17542445 PMCID: PMC1831807 DOI: 10.1177/00333549071220s201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Buffington
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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