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Gross MS, Ruth AR, Rasmussen SA. Respect women, promote health and reduce stigma: ethical arguments for universal hepatitis C screening in pregnancy. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2020; 46:674-677. [PMID: 32054774 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2019-105692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
In the USA, there are missed opportunities to diagnose hepatitis C virus (HCV) in pregnancy because screening is currently risk-stratified and thus primarily limited to individuals who disclose history of injection drug use or sexually transmitted infection risks. Over the past decade, the opioid epidemic has dramatically increased incidence of HCV and a feasible, well-tolerated cure was introduced. Considering these developments, recent evidence suggests universal HCV screening in pregnancy would be cost-effective and several professional organisations have called for updated national policy. Historically, universal screening has been financially disincentivised on the healthcare system level, particularly since new diagnoses may generate an obligation to provide expensive treatments to a population largely reliant on public health resources. Here, we provide ethical arguments supporting universal HCV screening in pregnancy grounded in obligations to respect for persons, beneficence and justice. First, universal prenatal HCV screening respects pregnant women as persons by promoting their long-term health outside of pregnancy. Additionally, universal screening would optimise health outcomes within current treatment guidelines and may support research on treatment during pregnancy. Finally, universal screening would avoid potential harms of risk-stratifying pregnant women by highly stigmatised substance use and sexual behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle S Gross
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexandra R Ruth
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sonja A Rasmussen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Watts T, Stockman L, Martin J, Guilfoyle SM, Vergeront JM, Zahner S. Estimates of Prenatal HIV, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus Testing Among Pregnant People Enrolled in Wisconsin Medicaid, 2011-2015. Matern Child Health J 2020; 24:177-185. [PMID: 31834607 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-019-02841-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic and rising rates of injection drug use are increasing the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among pregnant people. According to national clinical guidelines, pregnant people should be universally tested for HIV and HBV, and risk-based tested for HCV. The aim of this study was to determine the proportion and characteristics of prenatal HIV, HBV, and HCV testing and diagnosis among pregnant people with Wisconsin Medicaid coverage between 2011 and 2015. METHODS Wisconsin birth certificates and Medicaid enrollment data were used to identify the sample. Standard billing and diagnosis codes were used to assess study variables. Data for each pregnancy were analyzed to describe the proportion of pregnancies that had evidence of testing, diagnoses, and yearly trends. RESULTS Of the 78,917 pregnancies, prenatal testing estimates were 67% for HIV, 73% for HBV, and 6% for HCV. The estimated rate of infections during the study period was 1.82 for HIV, 2.09 for HBV, and 3.52 for HCV per 1000 pregnancies. Compared to the other race/ethnicity groups, pregnant people who were Black were most likely to be tested for HIV (78%) and HBV (80%), and pregnant people who were White were most likely to be tested for HCV (7%). CONCLUSIONS Clinical testing guidelines have not been effectively translated to practice. Additionally, compared to HIV and HBV, HCV infections during pregnancy are becoming more prevalent, yet current national HCV screening guidelines are the least comprehensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Watts
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, 701 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
| | - Lauren Stockman
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, 1 W Wilson St, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Justin Martin
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, 1 W Wilson St, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Sheila M Guilfoyle
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, 1 W Wilson St, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - James M Vergeront
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Public Health, 1 W Wilson St, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Susan Zahner
- University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing, 701 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
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Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Screening in a Cohort of Pregnant Women: Identifying Seroprevalence and Risk Factors. Obstet Gynecol 2020; 135:778-788. [PMID: 32168224 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000003754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, evaluate current risk factors associated with HCV antibody positivity, and identify novel composite risk factors for identification of groups most likely to demonstrate HCV antibody seropositivity in an obstetric population from 2012 to 2015. METHODS The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network initiated an observational study of mother-to-child transmission of HCV in 2012 that included offering HCV antibody screening to their entire obstetric population. Women presenting for prenatal care before 23 weeks of gestation without a known multifetal gestation were eligible. For each woman who was HCV antibody-positive, two women at similar gestational age who were HCV antibody-negative were identified and included for comparison. Risk factors were evaluated by patient interview and chart review. Women in the case group were identified to have a signal-to-cutoff value of at least 5 on the Abbott ARCHITECT platform. RNA status was evaluated for women in the case group. RESULTS Of 106,842 women screened for the HCV antibody, 254 had positive results. The HCV antibody seroprevalence rate was 2.4 cases per 1,000 women (95% CI 2.1-2.7). One hundred thirty-one women in the case group and 251 women in the control group were included in the case-control analysis. Factors associated with HCV antibody positivity included injection drug use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 22.9, 95% CI 8.2-64.0), blood transfusion (aOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.3-10.4), having a partner with HCV (aOR 6.3, 95% CI 1.8-22.6), more than three lifetime sexual partners (aOR 5.3, 95% CI 1.4-19.8), and smoking (aOR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.6). A composite of any of these potential risk factors provided the highest sensitivity for detecting HCV antibody (75/82 cases, 91%). CONCLUSION In this cohort, the seroprevalence of HCV antibody was low, and the current risk factors for HCV screening were not identified. These findings may be useful in defining new strategies for identifying mothers with the HCV antibody and the neonates susceptible to maternal transmission of HCV. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01959321.
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Kushner T, Chen Z, Tressler S, Kaufman H, Feinberg J, Terrault NA. Trends in Hepatitis B Infection and Immunity Among Women of Childbearing Age in the United States. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71:586-592. [PMID: 31504302 PMCID: PMC7384310 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current opioid injection drug use epidemic has been associated with an increase in hepatitis C virus infections among women of childbearing age in the United States, but changes in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections have not been studied. METHODS A retrospective analysis of HBV statuses among women of childbearing age nationally and by state was conducted, utilizing the Quest Diagnostics database. Rates of HBV in women born before and after the implementation of universal HBV vaccination recommendations were determined. RESULTS We identified 8 871 965 women tested for HBV from 2011-2017. Nationally, the annual rate of acute HBV infections was stable, but rates increased in Kentucky, Alabama, and Indiana (P < .03). The national prevalence of new, chronic HBV diagnoses decreased significantly, from 0.83% in 2011 to 0.19% in 2017 (P < .0001), but increased in Mississippi, Kentucky, and West Virginia (P ≤ .05). A declining prevalence of HBV seroprotection was evident over time, especially within the birth-dose cohort (which dropped from 48.5% to 38.5%; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS National rates of newly diagnosed acute and chronic HBV infections declined or were stable overall, but increased significantly in specific Appalachian states. The HBV vaccine is effective in decreasing infections, but seroprotection wanes over time. These trends in new infections may be related to increased injection drug use and highlight potential gaps in HBV vaccine protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Kushner
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zhen Chen
- Quest Diagnostics, Secaucus, New Jersey, USA
| | - Stacy Tressler
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | | | - Judith Feinberg
- Departments of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University, Morgantown, USA
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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King H, Bull-Otterson L, Hoover KW, Huang HYLA, Zhu W, Thompson W. Factors Associated With Testing for Hepatitis C Infections Among a Commercially Insured Population of Persons With HIV, United States 2008-2016. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa222. [PMID: 32617381 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important public health problem among people with HIV. People with HIV who are coinfected with HCV infection are at increased risk for cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatitis C-related mortality; as such, national guidelines recommend that persons with HIV be tested for HCV infection. Methods Data from the 2003-2017 IBM Watson Health MarketScan database were used for this study. We used diagnostic, procedural, and drug codes to identify patients with ≥1 inpatient or outpatient medical claim of HIV diagnosis. Patients with prior HIV or hepatitis C diagnoses were excluded. We calculated hepatitis C testing rates among newly diagnosed HIV-infected persons within 12 months of the initial HIV diagnosis date (January 1, 2008-December 31, 2016). We used Poisson regression to identify the factors associated with hepatitis C testing. Lastly, we assessed hepatitis C testing trends using the Cochran-Armitage test. Results The prevalence of testing for hepatitis C in newly identified persons with HIV (n = 46 277) was 50% within 12 months of the index HIV diagnosis. From 2008 to 2017, the testing rate increased by 13%. Significant predictors of hepatitis C testing were age, sex, and urbanicity. Women with HIV were less likely to have been tested compared with men (relative risk, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.77-0.81). Only 40% of patients between 50 and 59 years of age were tested for hepatitis C within 12 months of the index HIV diagnosis, while 56% of persons with HIV aged 20-29 years were tested for hepatitis C. Conclusions Overall, 50% of newly diagnosed HIV patients were tested for hepatitis C within 12 months of HIV diagnosis. Although there were increases in hepatitis C testing rates over the study period, there were missed opportunities to detect HCV infection among people newly diagnosed with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope King
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lara Bull-Otterson
- Office of Health Equity, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Karen W Hoover
- Division of HIV and AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Huang Ya-Lin A Huang
- Division of HIV and AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Weiming Zhu
- Division of HIV and AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - William Thompson
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the reported prevalence and trend of maternal hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the United States (2009-2017) and identify maternal characteristics and obstetric outcomes associated with HCV infection during pregnancy. METHODS We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of all live births in the United States for the period 2009 through 2017 using National Center for Health Statistics birth records. We estimated reported prevalence and trends over this time period for the United States. We also evaluated demographic factors and pregnancy outcomes associated with maternal HCV infection for a contemporary U.S. cohort (2014-2017). RESULTS During the 9-year study period, there were 94,824 reported cases of maternal HCV infection among 31,207,898 (0.30%) live births in the United States. The rate of maternal HCV infection increased from 1.8 cases per 1,000 live births to 4.7 cases per 1,000 live births (relative risk [RR] 2.7, 95% CI 2.6-2.8) in the United States. After adjusting for various confounders in the contemporary U.S. cohort (2014-2017), demographic characteristics associated with HCV infection included non-Hispanic white race (adjusted RR 2.8, 95% CI 2.7-2.8), Medicaid insurance (adjusted RR 3.3, CI 3.2-3.3), and cigarette smoking (adjusted RR 11.1, CI 10.9-11.3). Co-infection during pregnancy with hepatitis B (adjusted RR 19.2, CI 18.1-20.3), gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis were also associated with maternal HCV infection. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes associated with maternal HCV infection included cesarean delivery, preterm birth, maternal intensive care unit admission, blood transfusion, having small-for-gestational-age neonates (less than the 10th percentile) birth weight, neonatal intensive care unit admission, need for assisted neonatal ventilation, and neonatal death. CONCLUSION The reported prevalence of maternal HCV infection has increased 161% from 2009 to 2017.
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Kapila N, Muir AJ. A Big Step Forward in Hepatitis C Screening. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2020; 15:149-152. [PMID: 32395241 PMCID: PMC7206325 DOI: 10.1002/cld.922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
http://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)2046-2484/video/15-4-reading-kapila a video presentation of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Kapila
- Division of GastroenterologyDepartment of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNC
| | - Andrew J. Muir
- Division of GastroenterologyDepartment of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNC,Duke Clinical Research InstituteDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNC
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Koniares KG, Fadlallah H, Kolettis DS, Vindenes T. Hepatitis C virus screening in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2020; 2:100123. [PMID: 33345869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2020.100123] [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: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2016, the incidence of acute hepatitis C virus infection was 1.0 per 100,000 persons in the United States and 6.2 per 100,000 persons in Massachusetts. Hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in the United States increased by 89% from 2009 to 2014. The risk of a mother with hepatitis C virus infection transmitting the infection to her infant is approximately 4% to 7%. The Infectious Disease Society of America and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommend universal hepatitis C virus screening in pregnancy, whereas the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recommend risk-based screening. OBJECTIVE The objective of this quality improvement project was to assess the hepatitis C virus screening practices of obstetricians and gynecologists at a tertiary care center located in a high endemic area for hepatitis C virus infection. STUDY DESIGN An electronic 10-question survey was reviewed by the Tufts Medical Center Institutional Review Board and found to be exempt from institutional review board approval. The survey was emailed to resident and attending physicians who provide obstetrical care. RESULTS Of a total of 41 respondents, 38 (92.6%) provided responses; of these 38 respondents, 17 (44.7%) were attending physicians, 4 (10.5%) were fellows, and 17 (44.7%) were resident physicians. In addition, 16 of 37 (43.2%) respondents answered that all pregnant women should be screened for hepatitis C virus, whereas 20 of 37 (54.1%) respondents thought only pregnant women with risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection should be screened. Furthermore, only 13 of 31 (41.9%) respondents correctly identified all of the recommended risk factors that should prompt screening for hepatitis C virus. When asked about their clinical practice, 5 of 36 (13.9%) respondents indicated that they screen all pregnant patients, whereas 28 of 36 (77.8%) respondents indicated that they screen patients based on their risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection. CONCLUSION Our survey showed that risk-based screening for hepatitis C virus may be less effective than universal screening because healthcare providers are not consistent in identifying risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection. Universal screening could decrease the amount of hepatitis C virus infections that go undiagnosed in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hasan Fadlallah
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Diana S Kolettis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Tine Vindenes
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
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Schmelzer J, Dugan E, Blach S, Coleman S, Cai Z, DePaola M, Estes C, Gamkrelidze I, Jerabek K, Ma S, Montoya S, Razavi-Shearer D, Razavi-Shearer K, Robbins-Scott S, Razavi H, El Sayed MH. Global prevalence of hepatitis C virus in children in 2018: a modelling study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:374-392. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(19)30385-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Owens DK, Davidson KW, Krist AH, Barry MJ, Cabana M, Caughey AB, Donahue K, Doubeni CA, Epling JW, Kubik M, Ogedegbe G, Pbert L, Silverstein M, Simon MA, Tseng CW, Wong JB. Screening for Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Adolescents and Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA 2020; 323:970-975. [PMID: 32119076 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common chronic blood-borne pathogen in the US and a leading cause of complications from chronic liver disease. HCV is associated with more deaths than the top 60 other reportable infectious diseases combined, including HIV. Cases of acute HCV infection have increased approximately 3.8-fold over the last decade because of increasing injection drug use and improved surveillance. OBJECTIVE To update its 2013 recommendation, the USPSTF commissioned a review of the evidence on screening for HCV infection in adolescents and adults. POPULATION This recommendation applies to all asymptomatic adults aged 18 to 79 years without known liver disease. EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that screening for HCV infection in adults aged 18 to 79 years has substantial net benefit. RECOMMENDATION The USPSTF recommends screening for HCV infection in adults aged 18 to 79 years. (B recommendation).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas K Owens
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
- Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Karina W Davidson
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York
| | - Alex H Krist
- Fairfax Family Practice Residency, Fairfax, Virginia
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lori Pbert
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester
| | | | | | - Chien-Wen Tseng
- University of Hawaii, Honolulu
- Pacific Health Research and Education Institute, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - John B Wong
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla S Graham
- Viral Hepatitis Center, Division of Infectious Disease, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stacey Trooskin
- Viral Hepatitis Program, Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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Schwarz KB, Rosenthal P, Murray KF, Honegger JR, Hardikar W, Hague R, Mittal N, Massetto B, Brainard DM, Hsueh C, Shao J, Parhy B, Narkewicz MR, Rao GS, Whitworth S, Bansal S, Balistreri WF. Ledipasvir-Sofosbuvir for 12 Weeks in Children 3 to <6 Years Old With Chronic Hepatitis C. Hepatology 2020; 71:422-430. [PMID: 31220349 PMCID: PMC7028138 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
For children under 12 years of age who have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, there are currently no approved treatments with direct-acting antiviral agents. We therefore evaluated the safety and efficacy of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir in HCV-infected children aged 3 to <6 years. In an open-label study, patients 3 to <6 years old chronically infected with HCV genotype 1 (n = 33) or 4 (n = 1) received weight-based doses of combined ledipasvir-sofosbuvir as granules (33.75 mg/150 mg for weights <17 kg or 45 mg/200 mg for weights ≥17 kg) for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12). For the first 14 patients, intensive pharmacokinetic sampling was done on day 10 of treatment. All patients had been infected through perinatal transmission and were treatment naïve. No patients had known cirrhosis. Ten patients (29%) weighed <17 kg. SVR12 was achieved in 97% of patients (33 of 34); the patient who did not achieve SVR12 was 3 years old and discontinued treatment after 5 days because of an adverse event "abnormal drug taste." The most common adverse events were vomiting (24% of patients), cough (21%), and pyrexia (21%). No patients experienced a serious adverse event. Intensive pharmacokinetic analysis of 13 patients for whom data were evaluable confirmed that the doses selected were appropriate. Conclusion: Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir was well tolerated and highly effective in children 3 to <6 years old with chronic HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karen F. Murray
- University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's HospitalSeattleWA
| | | | | | - Rosie Hague
- Royal Hospital for ChildrenGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael R. Narkewicz
- Digestive Health Institute, Children's Hospital of Colorado and Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionUniversity of Colorado School of MedicineAuroraCO
| | - Girish S. Rao
- Riley Hospital for ChildrenIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIN
| | | | | | - William F. Balistreri
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOH
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Morgan TR. Hepatitis C Guidance 2019 Update: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases-Infectious Diseases Society of America Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Hepatology 2020; 71:686-721. [PMID: 31816111 PMCID: PMC9710295 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 470] [Impact Index Per Article: 117.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy R. Morgan
- Chief of Hepatology Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System Long Beach CA
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Oliver C, Black J, De Pont S, Sizemore L, Wester C. Pregnancy Status, Risk Factors, and Opportunities for Referral to Care Among Reproductive-Aged Women With Newly Reported Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Tennessee. Public Health Rep 2020; 135:90-96. [PMID: 31738858 PMCID: PMC7119256 DOI: 10.1177/0033354919887742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES From 2006 through 2012, the number of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections increased 364% among persons aged ≤30, including reproductive-aged women, in Central Appalachian states. Outreach to reproductive-aged women with newly diagnosed HCV infection affords a unique opportunity to provide counseling, further testing, and linkage to treatment. We modeled a centrally located statewide effort to reach this population and their health care providers to ascertain pregnancy status, HCV risk factors, and opportunities for linkage to additional services. METHODS Using the Tennessee Department of Health's surveillance database, we identified women aged 18-45 residing in Tennessee with newly reported chronic HCV infection from May through October 2017. We contacted health care providers and patients to request information on pregnancy status and HCV risk factors as well as to provide linkage to treatment services. RESULTS Of 1548 women included in this study, health care provider or patient contact information was available for 1316 (85.0%) women. Of the 1316 women, 806 (61.2%) women had a health care provider or patient response, of whom 242 (30.0%) were pregnant. Of 296 patients contacted, 194 (65.5%) reported intranasal drug use, 193 (65.2%) reported having been incarcerated for more than 24 hours, and 180 (60.8%) reported injection drug use. Ninety-eight (33.1%) patients were referred for confirmatory testing, and 174 (58.8%) were referred to treatment. CONCLUSION A high proportion of reproductive-aged women with newly diagnosed HCV infection were pregnant. Surveillance-informed outreach to this population was feasible and provided opportunities for counseling and linkage to confirmatory testing and treatment. Future studies should evaluate whether a similar model would enhance testing and linkage to care of HCV-exposed infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Oliver
- HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Program, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jennifer Black
- HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Program, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shannon De Pont
- HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Program, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lindsey Sizemore
- HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Program, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carolyn Wester
- HIV/STD/Viral Hepatitis Program, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, USA
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Nolen LD, O’Malley JC, Seeman SS, Bruden DJT, Apostolou A, McMahon BJ, Bruce MG. Hepatitis C in pregnant American Indian and Alaska native women; 2003-2015. Int J Circumpolar Health 2019; 78:1608139. [PMID: 31025610 PMCID: PMC6493225 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2019.1608139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent reports have found a rise in Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in reproductive age women in the USA. Surveillance data suggests one group that is at increased risk of HCV infection is the American Indian and Alaska Native population (AI/AN). Using the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) birth certificate and the Indian Health Services, Tribal, and Urban Indian (IHS) databases, we evaluated reported cases of HCV infection in pregnant women between 2003 and 2015. In the NCHS database, 38 regions consistently reported HCV infection. The percentage of mothers who were known to have HCV infection increased between 2011 and 2015 in both the AI/AN population (0.57% to 1.19%, p < 0.001) and the non-AI/AN population (0.21% to 0.36%, p < 0.001). The IHS database confirmed these results. Individuals with hepatitis B infection or intravenous drug use (IDU) had significantly higher odds of HCV infection (OR 16.4 and 17.6, respectively). In total, 62% of HCV-positive women did not have IDU recorded. This study demonstrates a significant increase in the proportion of pregnant women infected with HCV between 2003 and 2015. This increase was greater in AI/AN women than non-AI/AN women. This highlights the need for HCV screening and prevention in pregnant AI/AN women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisha D. Nolen
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - John C. O’Malley
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sara S. Seeman
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Dana J. T. Bruden
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Andria Apostolou
- Office of Public Health Support, Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Indian Health Service, Rockville, MD, USA
- SciMetrika, LLC, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Brian J. McMahon
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Michael G. Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Hézode C, Kwo P, Sperl J, Hwang P, Long J, Talwani R, Robertson MN, Haber BA. Elbasvir/grazoprevir in women with hepatitis C virus infection taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy. Int J Womens Health 2019; 11:617-628. [PMID: 31819666 PMCID: PMC6875497 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s203022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Some direct-acting antiviral regimens for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection pose safety or efficacy concerns if coadministered with drugs containing ethinyl estradiol. The present analysis was conducted to examine the impact of concomitant oral contraceptive pills (OCP) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during treatment with elbasvir (EBR)/grazoprevir (GZR) in women with HCV genotype (GT)1 or GT4 infection. Methods This is a post hoc, integrated retrospective analysis of female participants with HCV GT1 or GT4 infection who received EBR 50 mg/GZR 100 mg once daily for 12 weeks in phase 2/3 clinical trials. The primary end point was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after therapy completion (SVR12). For this analysis, participants were stratified according to whether they received OCP or HRT during the original treatment study. Results A total of 1,022 women with HCV GT1 or GT4 infection were included (receiving OCP/HRT, n=81; not receiving OCP/HRT, n=941). Most participants receiving OCP/HRT were treatment-naive (79%), noncirrhotic (91.4%), and aged >35 years (71.6%). SVR12 rates were similar in women receiving OCP/HRT and those not receiving OCP/HRT (95.1% vs 96.3%). SVR12 rates remained high across all subgroups within the population receiving OCP/HRT: SVR12 rates were 94.6%, 100%, and 100% in participants with GT1a, GT1b, and GT4 infection, and all women aged 18-35 years achieved SVR (21/21). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 40.7% (33/81) and 30.1% (283/941) of women receiving and those not receiving OCP/HRT, respectively. Conclusion The efficacy and safety of EBR/GZR administered for 12 weeks was similar in women receiving OCP/HRT and those not on OCP/HRT. These data indicate that EBR/GZR can be safely used for the treatment of HCV GT1 or GT4 infection in women receiving concomitant OCP/HRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Hézode
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, AP-HP, Université Paris-Est, INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Paul Kwo
- Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Jan Sperl
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Institut Klinické a Experimentální Medicíny (IKEM), Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peggy Hwang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Jianmin Long
- Department of Infectious Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Rohit Talwani
- Department of Infectious Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | | | - Barbara A Haber
- Department of Infectious Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
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Greenaway E, Biondi MJ, Feld JJ, Ling SC. Hepatitis C virus infection in mothers and children. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2019; 2:210-224. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2019-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Many unique challenges are associated with hepatitis C infection in mothers and children. The preconception, antenatal, and postnatal phases each offer opportunities to reduce transmission of the virus from mother to infant or to identify the need for treatment. Management of children and youth with hepatitis C is now entering the era of direct-acting antivirals. Improvements are needed in the identification of infected mothers and children and their linkage to appropriate expert care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Greenaway
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mia J Biondi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon C Ling
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the rising prevalence of maternal hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Ohio during the peak of the opioid epidemic and to identify maternal characteristics and obstetric outcomes associated with maternal HCV infection. METHODS We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of all live births in Ohio (2006-2015). Frequency of maternal HCV infection as reported on birth certificates was compared across each year of the study period. Maternal, obstetric, and neonatal characteristics were compared between women with HCV infection in pregnancy with those without HCV infection. Multivariate logistic regression estimated the relative association between HCV infection and various maternal characteristics and obstetric outcomes. RESULTS During the 10-year study period, there were 7,069 reported cases of maternal HCV infection at the time of delivery among 1,463,506 (0.5%) live births in Ohio. The rate of maternal HCV infection increased 631% between 2006 and 2015, from 1.6 to 11.7 cases per 1,000 live births (relative risk [RR] 7.6, CI 6.6-8.7, P<.001). After adjusting for various confounders, demographic characteristics associated with HCV infection included cigarette smoking (adjusted RR 8.6, CI 8.0-9.1), Medicaid insurance (adjusted RR 3.6, CI 3.3-3.8), and white, non-Hispanic race (adjusted RR 3.2, 95% CI 2.9-3.5). Coinfection during pregnancy with hepatitis B, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus infection was also associated with maternal HCV infection. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes associated with maternal HCV infection included cesarean delivery, fetal intolerance of labor, preterm birth, maternal intensive care unit admission, blood transfusion, small for gestational age (less than the 10th percentile), neonatal intensive care unit admission, need for assisted neonatal ventilation, and infant death. CONCLUSION Maternal HCV infection has increased more than sevenfold over the past decade in Ohio. Our findings highlight a dramatic rise in maternal HCV infection that parallels the opioid epidemic within Ohio and in neighboring Appalachian states.
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Karnsakul W, Schwarz KB. Management of Hepatitis C Infection in children in the era of Direct-acting Antiviral Agents. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1034-1039. [PMID: 30980688 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13113] [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: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C certainly is a global health burden in children as well as in adults. Spontaneous viral clearance can occur in early childhood but is uncommon thereafter. Although the majority of cases are asymptomatic during childhood and young adulthood, without an effective treatment, children who acquire HCV via vertical transmission can develop chronic liver disease and other complications including end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in adulthood. Efforts from worldwide health organizations, the pharmaceutical industry, and clinical and research institutions have resulted in very effective interferon-free therapy with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for HCV-infected children. In this manuscript, we will briefly review the epidemiology of HCV in children, historic treatment, current published data on DAAs in children and conclude with suggestions for management of the child with HCV in the era of DAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wikrom Karnsakul
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kathleen B Schwarz
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Prabhakar V, Kwo PY. Toward Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection: How Best to Address Gaps in the Cascade of Care? Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:1174-1176. [PMID: 31497738 PMCID: PMC6719753 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of the changing demographics of hepatitis C, screening for viral hepatitis should be done routinely in all pregnant woman. This process should include linkage to care. The best elimination strategy would incorporate universal screening for hepatitis C in all individuals over the age of 18.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Y. Kwo
- Stanford University School of MedicinePalo AltoCA
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Verna EC, Schluger A, Brown RS. Opioid epidemic and liver disease. JHEP Rep 2019; 1:240-255. [PMID: 32039374 PMCID: PMC7001546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Opioid use in the United States and in many parts of the world has reached epidemic proportions. This has led to excess mortality as well as significant changes in the epidemiology of liver disease. Herein, we review the impact of the opioid epidemic on liver disease, focusing on the multifaceted impact this epidemic has had on liver disease and liver transplantation. In particular, the opioid crisis has led to a significant shift in incident hepatitis C virus infection to younger populations and to women, leading to changes in screening recommendations. Less well characterized are the potential direct and indirect hepatotoxic effects of opioids, as well as the changes in the incidence of hepatitis B virus infection and alcohol abuse that are likely rising in this population as well. Finally, the opioid epidemic has led to a significant rise in the proportion of organ donors who died due to overdose. These donors have led to an overall increase in donor numbers, but also to new considerations about the better use of donors with perceived or actual risk of disease transmission, especially hepatitis C. Clearly, additional efforts are needed to combat the opioid epidemic. Moreover, better understanding of the epidemiology and underlying pathophysiology will help to identify and treat liver disease in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C. Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Aaron Schluger
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
| | - Robert S. Brown
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
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Dan C, Kaplowitz L. Update on Hepatitis C Screening and Management: Actions for Emergency Departments. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40138-019-00183-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Effectiveness of 8-week sofosbuvir/ledipasvir in the adolescent chronic hepatitis C-infected patients. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:1004-1009. [PMID: 30676473 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sustained virological response (SVR) rate for the 12-week sofosbuvir (SOF)/ledipasvir (LVD) treatment of adolescent genotype-4 patients is high. The aim of this study is to evaluate 8 versus 12-week treatment efficacy and safety in adolescent genotype-4 patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS In total, 157 chronic hepatitis C-infected adolescent patients (mean age 14±2 years, 62% males) were included in this study. All patients received a morning dose of SOF (400 mg)/LVD (90 mg) as a single tablet for 8 and 12 weeks. Laboratory and biochemical monitoring were performed at weeks 4 and 8, end of treatment (8/12) and 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). RESULTS In total, SVR12 was 98% [95% confidence interval (CI): 96-100] for all treated patients. For patients treated for 12 weeks, SVR12 was 97.6% (95% CI: 96-101) (82/84 patients), and 98.6% (95% CI: 93-101) (72/73) patients for those treated for 8 weeks. For both regimens, no serious adverse effects, treatment discontinuation or cases of death were detected. The main adverse effects for the 8-week patient group were fatigue (2.8%), headache (1.4%), nausea (1.4%) and epigastric tenderness (1.4%). For the 12-week-treated group, adverse events were epigastric tenderness (1.2%), nausea (1.2%), diarrhoea (2.4%) and rash (2.4%). Three patients were lost to follow-up: two were in the 12-week treatment group and one was in the 8-week group. All of them reached end of treatment but were lost before SVR12. No relapsers were observed in either group. CONCLUSION Eight weeks of treatment of SOF/LVD combination is equally effective and safe as 12 weeks in adolescent genotype-4 patients.
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Bell R, Wolfe I, Cox D, Thakarar K, Lucas L, Craig A. Hepatitis C Screening in Mothers and Infants Exposed to Opioids. Hosp Pediatr 2019; 9:639-642. [PMID: 31292149 DOI: 10.1542/hpeds.2018-0225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common blood-borne pathogen in the United States. In the context of the opioid epidemic, there has been a dramatic rise in perinatal opioid use and the prevalence of HCV infection, which can be transmitted to infants. One national guideline recommends HCV screening for all pregnant women and screening for HCV-exposed newborns after 18 months of age. In this study, we aimed to identify the trends in HCV prevalence and screening among mothers using opioids during pregnancy and infants exposed to HCV infection in utero. METHODS Infants with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (779.5) or International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes (P96.1) for neonatal abstinence syndrome and in-utero exposure to methadone, buprenorphine, or other opioid medications were identified for this retrospective cohort analysis. Information regarding maternal and infant HCV screening, demographics, and follow-up care was also extracted from the electronic medical record and HealthInfoNet, a statewide database of laboratory results. RESULTS Between 2013 and 2018, 769 infants with in-utero opiate exposure were identified. The maternal HCV screening rate increased from 58.1% in 2013 to 90% in 2018. Of the mothers tested for HCV during pregnancy, 257 (47.9%) were HCV-positive. Of the 177 infants eligible for testing by age criteria, 94 (53%) were tested for HCV, and 7 (7.4%) were HCV-positive. We estimate that an additional 10 infants were HCV-positive and undiagnosed. CONCLUSIONS Despite the high prevalence of HCV, rates of maternal and infant screening remain suboptimal. This study highlights the need for improved care for this high-risk population of infants born to mothers with opiate use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bell
- School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts;
| | | | - David Cox
- Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine
| | | | - Lee Lucas
- Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine
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Nolen LD, Gustin C, Seeman S, Murphy N, Truitt S, Schillie S, Bruce MG, Bruden D, Tiesinga J, McMahon B. Risk-Based Prenatal Hepatitis C Testing Practices and Results, Alaska 2013-2016. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 2019:8654741. [PMID: 31275902 PMCID: PMC6582887 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8654741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in pregnant women is of concern as it presents a health threat not only to the mother, but also to her infant. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate HCV testing and exposure in women who delivered infants between 2013 and 2016 at a referral hospital in Alaska. Multiple risk behaviors were evaluated, including drug dependency or abuse (drug abuse), tobacco use, alcohol dependency or abuse, and late presentation to prenatal care. Of the 2856 women who delivered between 2013 and 2016, 470 (16.5%) were tested for HCV during pregnancy and 1356 (47.5%) were tested at any time prior to delivery (including pregnancy); 62 (2.2%) were positive for HCV antibodies. Of the 162 women with a documented history of drug abuse, 95 (58.6%) were tested for HCV during pregnancy and 143 (88.3%) were tested at any time prior to delivery (including pregnancy); 30 (18.5%) were positive for HCV antibodies. Forty-nine women (34%) with a documented history of drug abuse who were not previously known to be HCV positive were not tested for HCV during their pregnancy. In conclusion, approximately 2% of pregnant women in the study population were known to have been exposed to HCV by the time of their delivery. One-third of women with documented drug abuse did not have an HCV test during pregnancy, revealing gaps in HCV testing of pregnant women. Further studies are needed to understand the full costs and benefits of risk-based screening versus universal screening in this and other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisha D. Nolen
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Courtney Gustin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Sara Seeman
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Neil Murphy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Sarah Truitt
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Sarah Schillie
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, USA
| | - Michael G. Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - Dana Bruden
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA
| | - James Tiesinga
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Brian McMahon
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Lazenby GB, Orr C, Guille C, Meissner EG. Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in a Southern Academic Obstetrical Clinic. South Med J 2019; 112:325-330. [PMID: 31158887 PMCID: PMC6956563 DOI: 10.14423/smj.0000000000000988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The opioid epidemic has resulted in rising rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in women of childbearing age. With this changing epidemiology in mind, the Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines were updated in 2018 to recommend screening all pregnant women for HCV infection, irrespective of risk factors. Because HCV infection can affect maternal-fetal health and result in vertical transmission, presentation for pregnancy-related medical care represents an opportunity to diagnose and manage HCV infection, as well as prepare for treatment postpartum. METHODS We performed a retrospective chart review spanning 2007-2016 to examine the epidemiology of HCV infection and opioid use disorder in a southern academic obstetrical clinic and to explore the impact of new screening guidelines if implemented. Composite data from the electronic health record and individual chart review were used to determine rates of HCV infection and opioid use disorder in obstetrics, explore patient demographics, and examine perinatal outcomes. RESULTS Rates of both opioid use disorder and chronic HCV infection increased significantly during the 10-year period of analysis. Patients diagnosed as having chronic HCV infection were primarily white (95%) and there was no observed impact of HCV on perinatal outcomes. HCV testing in pregnancy, even when patients had documented opioid use disorder, was infrequent (0.7% of all pregnancies). Documented follow-up for HCV postpartum for both mothers and infants was incomplete, with only one-third of identified HCV-exposed infants referred and only 9% receiving HCV testing at our institution. CONCLUSIONS HCV prevalence increased between 2007 and 2016, but screening and treatment of HCV in this southern obstetrical cohort was infrequent. The implementation of universal screening in pregnancy will likely identify additional cases, and an improved cascade of care will be necessary to address the HCV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gweneth B. Lazenby
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Cody Orr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Constance Guille
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Eric G. Meissner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina
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Cloud DH, Ibragimov U, Prood N, Young AM, Cooper HLF. Rural risk environments for hepatitis c among young adults in appalachian kentucky. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 72:47-54. [PMID: 31113713 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rural Kentucky is an epicenter of hepatitis C(HCV), especially among young adults who inject drugs. While the Risk Environment Framework (REF) has been used widely to study and address socio-ecological determinants of infectious disease among people who inject drugs (PWID), it has been almost exclusively applied to urban environments. Applying REF to rural environments can enhance our understanding of the drivers of HCV epidemics in these hard-hit areas, and inform the creation and implementation of harm reduction interventions in this local context. METHODS Participants were recruited between March and August 2017 via community-based outreach methods (e.g., cookouts, flyers) and peer referral. Individuals who met eligibility criteria (aged 18-35, recently used prescription opioids and/or heroin to get high, lived in one of the 5 target counties) participated indepth, semi-structured interviews. The interview guide was informed by the REF, and covered HCV-related risk behaviors and environmental features that shaped vulnerability to engaging in these behaviors. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using constructivist grounded-theory methods. RESULTS Participants (N=19) described multiple intersecting risk environment features that shaped vulnerability to HCV transmission. Economic decline generated intergenerational poverty, dwindling employment prospects, and diminished social enrichment opportunities that collectively contributed to substance misuse and risky injection practices. Geographic isolation, lack of collective knowledge about HCV transmission risks, scarce harm reduction services, familial poverty, and fear of law enforcement interacted to increase the odds of people injecting in "trap houses" (akin to shooting galleries) or secluded areas, spaces in which they rushed to inject and shared injection equipment. Pervasive stigma was a structural barrier to adopting, expanding, and using harm reduction services. CONCLUSION This exploratory study identified features of rural risk environments that may contribute to significant HCV burdens in Appalachian Kentucky. Findings signal the importance of expanding proven harm reduction strategies and anti-stigma interventions tailored to rural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Cloud
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, United States.
| | | | - Nadya Prood
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, United States
| | - April M Young
- University of Kentucky College of Public Health, United States
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Indolfi G, Easterbrook P, Dusheiko G, El-Sayed MH, Jonas MM, Thorne C, Bulterys M, Siberry G, Walsh N, Chang MH, Meyers T, Giaquinto C, Wirth S, Chan PL, Penazzato M. Hepatitis C virus infection in children and adolescents. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 4:477-487. [PMID: 30982721 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(19)30046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease and associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. Short-course, oral, curative, direct-acting antiviral regimens have transformed treatment for HCV infection. Since the 2016 launch of the first global strategy towards elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, the predominant focus of the global response has been on the treatment of adults, who bear the greatest burden of morbidity and mortality of HCV-related chronic liver disease. Compared with adults, there has been little attention paid to addressing the response to HCV in children and adolescents, in part because of the scarcity of data to inform specific paediatric management practices and policy. In this Series paper, we summarise knowledge on the epidemiology, natural history, and treatment of chronic HCV infection in adolescents and children, and we highlight key differences from infection acquired in adulthood. The estimated global prevalence and burden of HCV infection in children aged 1-19 years is 0·15%, corresponding to 3·5 million people (95% CI 3·1-3·9 million). HCV infection is usually asymptomatic during childhood, and cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are rare. Sofosbuvir with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir with ribavirin have received regulatory approval and guidelines recommend their use in adolescents aged 12 years and older with HCV infection. In April, 2019, glecaprevir with pibrentasvir also received regulatory approval for adolescents aged 12-17 years. Key actions to address the current policy gaps and achieve treatment scale-up that is comparable to that in adults include: establishment of a campaign on access to testing and treatment that is targeted at children and adolescents; fast-track evaluation of pan-genotypic regimens; and accelerated approval of paediatric formulations. Research gaps that need to be addressed include: age-specific prevalence studies of HCV viraemia in priority countries; further validation of non-invasive tests for staging of liver disease in children; and establishment of paediatric treatment registries and international consortia to promote collaborative research agendas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Indolfi
- Paediatric and Liver Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Global Hepatitis Programme and HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Geoffrey Dusheiko
- King's College Hospital, London, UK; University College London Medical School, London, UK
| | - Manal H El-Sayed
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maureen M Jonas
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Claire Thorne
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, NIHR GOSH BRC, London, UK
| | - Marc Bulterys
- Global Hepatitis Programme and HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - George Siberry
- Office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator, US Department of State, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nick Walsh
- Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Americas, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mei-Hwei Chang
- Department of Paediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tammy Meyers
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Department of Women and Child Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefan Wirth
- Department of Paediatrics, Helios Medical Centre Wuppertal, Witten-Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Po-Lin Chan
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific, Manila, Philippines
| | - Martina Penazzato
- Global Hepatitis Programme and HIV Department, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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80
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Hofmeister MG, Rosenthal EM, Barker LK, Rosenberg ES, Barranco MA, Hall EW, Edlin BR, Mermin J, Ward JW, Ryerson AB. Estimating Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States, 2013-2016. Hepatology 2019; 69:1020-1031. [PMID: 30398671 PMCID: PMC6719781 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 344] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most commonly reported bloodborne infection in the United States, causing substantial morbidity and mortality and costing billions of dollars annually. To update the estimated HCV prevalence among all adults aged ≥18 years in the United States, we analyzed 2013-2016 data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to estimate the prevalence of HCV in the noninstitutionalized civilian population and used a combination of literature reviews and population size estimation approaches to estimate the HCV prevalence and population sizes for four additional populations: incarcerated people, unsheltered homeless people, active-duty military personnel, and nursing home residents. We estimated that during 2013-2016 1.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-2.0%) of all adults in the United States, approximately 4.1 (3.4-4.9) million persons, were HCV antibody-positive (indicating past or current infection) and that 1.0% (95% CI, 0.8-1.1%) of all adults, approximately 2.4 (2.0-2.8) million persons, were HCV RNA-positive (indicating current infection). This includes 3.7 million noninstitutionalized civilian adults in the United States with HCV antibodies and 2.1 million with HCV RNA and an estimated 0.38 million HCV antibody-positive persons and 0.25 million HCV RNA-positive persons not part of the 2013-2016 NHANES sampling frame. Conclusion: Over 2 million people in the United States had current HCV infection during 2013-2016; compared to past estimates based on similar methodology, HCV antibody prevalence may have increased, while RNA prevalence may have decreased, likely reflecting the combination of the opioid crisis, curative treatment for HCV infection, and mortality among the HCV-infected population; efforts on multiple fronts are needed to combat the evolving HCV epidemic, including increasing capacity for and access to HCV testing, linkage to care, and cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan G. Hofmeister
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Elizabeth M. Rosenthal
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Laurie K. Barker
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Eli S. Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Meredith A. Barranco
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Eric W. Hall
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Brian R. Edlin
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jonathan Mermin
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John W. Ward
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Program for Viral Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, Georgia
| | - A. Blythe Ryerson
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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81
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Hepatitis C in Pregnancy in the Era of Direct-acting Antiviral Treatment: Potential Benefits of Universal Screening and Antepartum Therapy. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2019; 61:146-156. [PMID: 29351151 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C in pregnancy is on the rise, and new direct-acting antiviral agents are available that cure the disease. Published recommendations need to be reviewed and clinically evaluated for the care of pregnant women who are at risk for or have chronic hepatitis C. Available evidence and some of the medical and ethical reasons to consider universal screening and antepartum therapy for hepatitis C during pregnancy are presented. Universal screening and proactive treatment during pregnancy is on the horizon, and these measures should be quickly evaluated for safety and implemented if appropriate.
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82
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Fouad HM, Ahmed Mohamed A, Sabry M, Abdel Aziz H, Eysa B, Rabea M. The Effectiveness of Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in Youth With Genotype 4 Hepatitis C Virus: A Single Egyptian Center Study. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2019; 38:22-25. [PMID: 30234791 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000002189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Licensure of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in adolescents was based on clinical trials on patients mainly with genotype 1. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and short-term safety of this newly approved antiviral in adolescents with HCV genotype 4. METHODS This was a study of 51 HCV-infected adolescents, who received the adult dose of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, once daily for 12 weeks, and were followed-up for 12 weeks post-treatment. Laboratory tests, quantitation of HCV RNA, HCV genotyping, IL-28rs gene polymorphism and transient elastography were performed at baseline. Follow-up visits were done for blood testing and adverse events recording. RESULTS The mean age was 14.7 ± 1.5 years (11-17.5), with a male to female ratio of 1.7:1. All patients were genotype 4a, and 76.5% had the CC IL-28 gene polymorphism. About 50% gave a history of HCV-infected mother, and 31% were treatment-experienced. Liver stiffness was F0 in 72.5%, F0-F1 in 13.7% and F1-F2 in 13.7%. Adverse events were mainly abdominal pain in 72.5%, headache in 64.7% and diarrhea in 53% of patients; these were mild. A reversible increase in creatinine level with a concomitant decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed in the first month of treatment. By the end of week 12, a significant decline in liver enzymes was observed. All patients achieved an early, end of treatment, and a sustained virologic response. CONCLUSIONS Adolescent patients with genotype 4 chronic HCV infection achieved a good response rate with good ontreatment tolerability for ledipasvir/sofosbuvir therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan Mina Fouad
- From the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Magda Sabry
- Pediatrics, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI), Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Basem Eysa
- Department of Hepatology, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Rabea
- Pediatrics, National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI), Cairo, Egypt
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83
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Kushner T, Cafardi J, Reau N. Considering direct-acting antivirals to cure hepatitis C virus during pregnancy: is this the last treatment frontier? Ther Adv Infect Dis 2019; 6:2049936119838229. [PMID: 30984395 PMCID: PMC6448107 DOI: 10.1177/2049936119838229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy Reau
- Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612-3833, USA
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84
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Kushner T, Terrault NA. Hepatitis C in Pregnancy: A Unique Opportunity to Improve the Hepatitis C Cascade of Care. Hepatol Commun 2019; 3:20-28. [PMID: 30619991 PMCID: PMC6312659 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C has increasingly affected women of child-bearing age over the past few years as a result of the opioid epidemic. In this review, we discuss the effect of hepatitis C on pregnancy outcomes, effect of pregnancy on hepatitis C, as well as implications on management of hepatitis C during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Kushner
- Division of Liver DiseasesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY
| | - Norah A. Terrault
- Division of GastroenterologyUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCA
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85
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Parent S, Salters K, Awendila L, Ti L. Hepatitis C and pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review protocol. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e024288. [PMID: 30580273 PMCID: PMC6318518 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many women living with hepatitis C (HCV) are of childbearing age. While the risk of vertical HCV transmission has been well established, the impact of HCV on pregnancy outcomes are equivocal, with some studies reporting risks of preterm birth, low gestational weight, gestational diabetes and hypertension, while other studies report no such risks. With the shift of the HCV treatment landscape to more effective, tolerable and shorter medications, understanding pregnancy outcomes of women living with HCV are an important consideration in order to provide a baseline from which to consider the usefulness and safety of HCV treatment for this population. The objective of this systematic review will be to investigate pregnancy outcomes associated with maternal HCV infection. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This systematic review will incorporate articles relevant to pregnancy outcomes among women living with HCV (eg, gestational diabetes and caesarean delivery). Articles will be retrieved from academic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, clinicaltrial.gov and the Cochrane Library and hand searching of conference proceedings and reference lists. A database search will not be restricted by date, and conference abstract will be restricted to the past 2 years. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale will be used to assess the quality of the retrieved studies. Data will be extracted and scored independently by two authors. A narrative account will synthesise the findings to answer the objectives of this review. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This systematic review will synthesise the literature on the pregnancy outcomes of women living with HCV. Results from this review will be disseminated to clinical audiences, community groups and policy-makers, and may support clinicians and decision-makers in developing guidelines to promote best outcomes for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Parent
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kate Salters
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, University Drive, Burnaby, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lindila Awendila
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lianping Ti
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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86
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Chappell CA, Krans EE. Hepatitis C virus among pregnant women and children in the USA: an emerging epidemic. Future Virol 2018. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2018-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is increasing among pregnant women, resulting in an increased prevalence of perinatal exposure and pediatric infection. While antiviral medications have been effective at preventing perinatal transmission of viral infections, such as HIV, there are currently no interventions to prevent the perinatal transmission of HCV. In this review, the epidemiology of HCV, current HCV screening recommendations during pregnancy and existing knowledge gaps for the use of directly acting antivirals (DAAs) medications in pregnancy will be discussed. To address the rapidly changing epidemiology of HCV, consideration should be given to universal screening for HCV during pregnancy and future studies should explore when directly acting antivirals should be used for maternal treatment during pregnancy to prevent perinatal transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Chappell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Krans
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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87
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Murray KF, Balistreri WF, Bansal S, Whitworth S, Evans HM, Gonzalez-Peralta RP, Wen J, Massetto B, Kersey K, Shao J, Garrison KL, Parhy B, Brainard DM, Arnon R, Gillis LA, Jonas MM, Lin CH, Narkewicz MR, Schwarz K, Rosenthal P. Safety and Efficacy of Ledipasvir-Sofosbuvir With or Without Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C in Children Ages 6-11. Hepatology 2018; 68:2158-2166. [PMID: 30070726 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there are no interferon-free treatments available for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients younger than 12 years. We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the all-oral regimen ledipasvir-sofosbuvir ± ribavirin in HCV-infected children aged 6 to <12 years. In an open-label study, patients aged 6 to <12 years received ledipasvir 45 mg-sofosbuvir 200 mg as two fixed-dose combination tablets 22.5/100 mg once daily, with or without ribavirin, for 12 or 24 weeks, depending on HCV genotype and cirrhosis status. The primary efficacy endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after therapy (SVR12). Twelve patients underwent intensive pharmacokinetic sampling to confirm the appropriateness of the ledipasvir and sofosbuvir dosages. Ninety-two patients were enrolled (88 genotype 1, 2 genotype 3, and 2 genotype 4), with a median age of 9 years (range, 6-11). Most were perinatally infected (97%) and treatment-naive (78%). Two were confirmed to have cirrhosis, while the degree of fibrosis was unknown in 55 patients. The overall SVR12 rate was 99% (91/92; 95% confidence interval, 94%-100%). The single patient not reaching SVR relapsed 4 weeks after completing 12 weeks of treatment. The most common adverse events were headache and pyrexia. One patient had three serious adverse events, which were considered to be not related to study treatment: tooth abscess, abdominal pain, and gastroenteritis. The area under the concentration-time curve and maximum concentration values for sofosbuvir, its primary metabolite GS-331007, and ledipasvir were within predefined pharmacokinetic equivalence boundaries (50%-200%) compared to values in adults in phase 2/3 of the ledipasvir and sofosbuvir studies. Conclusion: Ledipasvir-sofosbuvir was well tolerated and highly effective in children 6 to <12 years old with chronic HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen F Murray
- University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | - Helen M Evans
- Auckland Clinical Studies and Starship Child Health, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Jessica Wen
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael R Narkewicz
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Colorado, Aurora, CO
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88
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Epstein RL, Sabharwal V, Wachman EM, Saia KA, Vellozzi C, Hariri S, Linas BP. Perinatal Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus: Defining the Cascade of Care. J Pediatr 2018; 203:34-40.e1. [PMID: 30170857 PMCID: PMC6252153 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The US National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan calls for major efforts to expand hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis and treatment; prenatal care settings are potential venues for expanding HCV testing. We aimed to characterize the HCV diagnostic cascade for women and infants and investigate factors associated with linkage and follow-up. STUDY DESIGN We used electronic health records for a 10-year cohort of 879 women with opioid use disorder from an obstetric clinic serving women with substance use disorders. RESULTS Altogether, 744 women (85%) were screened for HCV; 510 (68%) were seropositive, of whom 369 (72%) had nucleic acid testing performed and of these 261 (71%) were viremic. Of 404 infants born to HCV-seropositive women, 273 (68%) were tested at least once for HCV, 180 (45%) completed the American Academy of Pediatrics-recommended perinatal HCV screening, and 5 (2.8%) were diagnosed with HCV infection and linked to care. More recent delivery date (2014-2015) was associated with maternal linkage to care (aOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.4-4.7). Maternal coinfection with HIV (aOR, 9.0; 95% CI, 1.1-72.8) and methadone maintenance therapy, compared with buprenorphine (aOR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.9-2.5), were associated with higher rates of infant HCV testing. CONCLUSIONS HCV prevalence among pregnant women with opioid use is high and infant HCV screening is imperfect. Programmatic changes to improve both mother and infant follow-up may help to bridge identified gaps in the cascade to cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Epstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA; Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA.
| | - Vishakha Sabharwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Elisha M Wachman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Kelley A Saia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Claudia Vellozzi
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Susan Hariri
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Benjamin P Linas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
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89
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Schillie SF, Canary L, Koneru A, Nelson NP, Tanico W, Kaufman HW, Hariri S, Vellozzi CJ. Hepatitis C Virus in Women of Childbearing Age, Pregnant Women, and Children. Am J Prev Med 2018; 55:633-641. [PMID: 30342628 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perinatal transmission is an increasingly important mode of hepatitis C virus transmission. The authors characterized U.S. births among hepatitis C virus-infected women and evaluated trends in hepatitis C virus testing and positivity in women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and children aged less than 5years. METHODS In 2017, National Center for Health Statistics birth certificate data (48 states and District of Columbia) were analyzed to assess the number of hepatitis C virus-infected women delivering live births in 2015, and commercial laboratory data were analyzed to assess hepatitis C virus testing and positivity among women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and children aged <5years from 2011 to 2016. RESULTS In 2015, a total of 0.38% (n=14,417) of live births were delivered by hepatitis C virus-infected women. Births delivered by hepatitis C virus-infected women, compared with births overall, occurred more often in women who were aged 20-29years (60.7% vs 50.9%); white, non-Hispanic (80.2% vs 52.8%); covered by Medicaid or other government insurance (79.2% vs 43.9%); and had rural residence (26.0% vs 14.0%). From 2011 to 2016 laboratory data, among women of childbearing age, hepatitis C virus testing increased by 39%, from 6.1% to 8.4%, and positivity increased by 36%, from 4.4% to 6.0%. Among pregnant women, hepatitis C virus testing increased by 135%, from 5.7% to 13.4%, and positivity increased by 39%, from 2.6% to 3.6%. Among children, hepatitis C virus testing increased by 25%, from 0.47% to 0.59%, and positivity increased by 13%, from 3.6% to 4.0%. CONCLUSIONS The potential for perinatal hepatitis C virus transmission exists. Expanded hepatitis C virus testing guidelines may address the burden of disease in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah F Schillie
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Lauren Canary
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alaya Koneru
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Noele P Nelson
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Wade Tanico
- Laboratory Corporation of America, Burlington, North Carolina
| | | | - Susan Hariri
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Claudia J Vellozzi
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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90
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Ramers CB, Trooskin SB. Hepatitis C Virus in the Modern Direct-Acting Antiviral Era: Where Have All the Special Populations Gone? Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2018; 12:143-149. [PMID: 30988932 PMCID: PMC6385932 DOI: 10.1002/cld.786] [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: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christian B. Ramers
- Family Health Centers of San DiegoSan DiegoCA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of MedicineUC San Diego School of MedicineLa JollaCA
| | - Stacey B. Trooskin
- Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health CentersPhiladelphiaPA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of MedicinePerelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
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91
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Chung RT, Ghany MG, Kim AY, Marks KM, Naggie S, Vargas HE, Aronsohn AI, Bhattacharya D, Broder T, Falade-Nwulia OO, Fontana RJ, Gordon SC, Heller T, Holmberg SD, Jhaveri R, Jonas MM, Kiser JJ, Linas BP, Lo Re V, Morgan TR, Nahass RG, Peters MG, Reddy KR, Reynolds A, Scott JD, Searson G, Swan T, Terrault NA, Trooskin SB, Wong JB, Workowski KA. Hepatitis C Guidance 2018 Update: AASLD-IDSA Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 67:1477-1492. [PMID: 30215672 PMCID: PMC7190892 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 452] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recognizing the importance of timely guidance regarding the rapidly evolving field of hepatitis C management, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) developed a web-based process for the expeditious formulation and dissemination of evidence-based recommendations. Launched in 2014, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) guidance website undergoes periodic updates as necessitated by availability of new therapeutic agents and/or research data. A major update was released electronically in September 2017, prompted primarily by approval of new direct-acting antiviral agents and expansion of the guidance's scope. This update summarizes the latest release of the HCV guidance and focuses on new or amended recommendations since the previous September 2015 print publication. The recommendations herein were developed by volunteer hepatology and infectious disease experts representing AASLD and IDSA and have been peer reviewed and approved by each society's governing board.
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92
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Espinosa C, Jhaveri R, Barritt AS. Unique Challenges of Hepatitis C in Infants, Children, and Adolescents. Clin Ther 2018; 40:1299-1307. [PMID: 30107999 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis C, a chronic disease with deadly consequences, is no longer predominantly a disease of older people. METHODS A limited search was conducted of the relevant literature on 2 topics: (1) the impact of hepatitis C on infants exposed by vertical transmission; and (2) the impact of hepatitis C infection on infected children and adolescents. The findings were supplemented by the first-hand experience of the authors. FINDINGS Young people, including women of childbearing age, infants, children, and adolescents, are being especially affected by hepatitis C infection secondary to the intravenous drug use and opioid epidemic. Unfortunately, estimates of disease in young populations are all misleading because universal screening has not been implemented. IMPLICATIONS Lack of implementation of policies for screening and therapy on most affected populations will be responsible for perpetuation of this infection. In the era of highly effective therapy and a regimen that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for children, this outcome is unacceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Espinosa
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky.
| | - Ravi Jhaveri
- Division of Infectious Disease, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - A Sidney Barritt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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93
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Krans EE, Rothenberger SD, Morrison PK, Park SY, Klocke LC, Turocy MJ, Zickmund S. Hepatitis C Virus Knowledge Among Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder. Matern Child Health J 2018; 22:1208-1216. [PMID: 29500784 PMCID: PMC6054887 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-018-2506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate Hepatitis C virus (HCV) knowledge and awareness among pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD). Methods From May through November 2015, a one-time survey was distributed to a convenience sample of pregnant women with OUD to assess their knowledge and awareness of (a) risk factors for HCV infection, (b) HCV transmission prevention strategies, (c) hepatotoxic risk reduction and (d) perinatal transmission and neonatal implications of HCV infection. Chi square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare demographic characteristics and HCV knowledge between participants who were HCV positive and negative. Results Of 179 pregnant women with OUD approached, 169 (94%) completed the survey. Of these, 153 (90.5%) reported at least one risk factor for HCV infection, 85 (50.3%) were HCV positive and 38 (44.7%) of HCV positive women were diagnosed with HCV for the first time during pregnancy. When HCV knowledge was evaluated, 114 (66.7%) responded that sharing eating utensils could transmit HCV, 69 (55.0%) responded that there is a vaccine to prevent HCV and 56 (32.7%) did not identify intranasal drug use as a risk factor for HCV transmission. Among HCV positive women, 61 (71.8%) associated breastfeeding with an increased risk for HCV transmission, 33 (38.1%) failed to identify the importance of pediatric follow-up for HCV-exposed children and 16 (18.8%) perceived the risk of HCV vertical transmission as "likely" or "very likely." Conclusions for Practice Gaps in HCV knowledge exist among a rapidly growing population of pregnant women with OUD. Healthcare providers have a unique opportunity to provide HCV education and counseling during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Krans
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 3380 Boulevard of the Allies, Suite 323, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Scott D Rothenberger
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Research on Health Care Data Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Penelope K Morrison
- The Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington Campus, New Kensington, PA, USA
| | - Seo Young Park
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Center for Research on Health Care Data Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leah C Klocke
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 3380 Boulevard of the Allies, Suite 323, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Mary J Turocy
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, 3380 Boulevard of the Allies, Suite 323, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Susan Zickmund
- Informatics, Decision-Enhancement and Analytic Sciences (IDEAS 2.0) Center of Innovation, VA Salt Lake City Health Care System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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94
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Yang CHT, Goel A, Ahmed A. Clinical utility of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in the treatment of adolescents and children with hepatitis C. ADOLESCENT HEALTH MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS 2018; 9:103-110. [PMID: 30104913 PMCID: PMC6071628 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s147896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects an estimated 0.1%–2% of the pediatric population in the United States. While the clinical course in young children is indolent, adolescents who contract HCV have a disease course similar to adults, with a 26-fold increased risk of chronic liver disease-associated mortality, hepatocellular carcinoma, and need for curative liver transplantation. Furthermore, adolescent patients are entering childbearing age and carry a risk of passing HCV to their offspring via vertical transmission. Pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) with ribavirin was previously the only treatment option for pediatric patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), but the high likelihood of adverse reactions and subcutaneous route of administration limited its use and efficacy. Recently, the direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) ledipasvir (LDV) and sofosbuvir (SOF) were approved for adolescents with CHC. This review discusses the natural history of CHC in pediatric patients, data supporting LDV/SOF in adolescents, and ongoing studies evaluating DAAs in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Hong Ting Yang
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aparna Goel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA,
| | - Aijaz Ahmed
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA,
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95
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Gowda C, Kennedy S, Glover C, Prasad MR, Wang L, Honegger JR. Enhanced identification of maternal hepatitis C virus infection using existing public health surveillance systems. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2018; 32:401-410. [PMID: 29972246 PMCID: PMC6512319 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.12481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is under-recognized among US adults and children. Prenatal HCV screening may help close the diagnosis gap among women while also identifying at-risk infants. Current surveillance efforts for maternal HCV rely primarily on birth certificate data. We sought a more accurate assessment of HCV prevalence among pregnant women in Ohio by combining existing public health surveillance data. METHODS Vital Statistics (VS) birth certificate data and Ohio Disease Reporting System (ODRS) HCV case data, both available through the Ohio Department of Health, were linked to determine rates of past or present HCV infection among women giving birth from 2012 to 2015 in Ohio, overall and by county. Among women with available test results, the proportion with present HCV infection indicated by detectable viraemia during pregnancy was calculated. RESULTS Birth certificate data identified 4695 deliveries to women with past/present HCV infection during the study period. Linkage to ODRS revealed an additional 1778 deliveries to women with past/present infection, including 355 with confirmed viraemia during pregnancy. The prevalence of past/present HCV among pregnant women in Ohio rose from 0.82% in 2012 to 1.54% in 2015. CONCLUSIONS Maternal HCV infection is under-recognized and increasing in prevalence. Current case identification processes are inadequate in pregnancy, even among women with prior positive HCV testing. Alternative approaches, including enhanced risk factor-based screening or universal prenatal screening in high prevalence settings, are needed to improve rates of HCV recognition among reproductive-aged women and newborns at risk of vertical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charitha Gowda
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Partners for Kids, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Samuel Kennedy
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Catherine Glover
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mona R. Prasad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ling Wang
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Partners for Kids, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan R. Honegger
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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96
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Zuckerman A, Douglas A, Nwosu S, Choi L, Chastain C. Increasing success and evolving barriers in the hepatitis C cascade of care during the direct acting antiviral era. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199174. [PMID: 29912944 PMCID: PMC6005558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Barriers remain in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) cascade of care (CoC), limiting the overall impact of direct acting antivirals. This study examines movement between the stages of the HCV CoC and identifies reasons why patients and specific patient populations fail to advance through care in a real world population. We performed a single-center, ambispective cohort study of patients receiving care in an outpatient infectious diseases clinic between October 2015 and September 2016. Patients were followed from treatment referral through sustained virologic response. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors related to completion of each step of the CoC. Of 187 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 120 (64%) completed an evaluation for HCV treatment, 119 (64%) were prescribed treatment, 114 (61%) were approved for treatment, 113 (60%) initiated treatment, 107 (57%) completed treatment, and 100 (53%) achieved a sustained virologic response. In univariate and multivariate analyses, patients with Medicaid insurance were less likely to complete an evaluation and were less likely to be approved for treatment. Treatment completion and SVR rates are much improved from historical CoC reports. However, linkage to care following referral continues to be a formidable challenge for the HCV CoC in the DAA era. Ongoing efforts should focus on linkage to care to capitalize on DAA treatment advances and improving access for patients with Medicaid insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn Zuckerman
- Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew Douglas
- Belmont University, College of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sam Nwosu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Leena Choi
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Cody Chastain
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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97
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Cervino L, Hynicka LM. Direct-Acting Antivirals to Prevent Vertical Transmission of Viral Hepatitis C: When Is the Optimal Time to Treat? Ann Pharmacother 2018; 52:1152-1157. [PMID: 29681166 DOI: 10.1177/1060028018772181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the most current evidence for the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to treat hepatitis C along the pregnancy-pediatric continuum in the United States. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE/PubMed databases were searched (January 1995 to February 2018) for articles in English using the terms: hepatitis C, vertical transmission, pregnancy, pediatrics, ribavirin, interferon, direct acting antivirals, daclatasvir, dasabuvir, elbasvir, glecaprevir, grazoprevir, ledipasvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, pibrentasvir, simeprevir, sofosbuvir, and velpatasvir. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION All relevant studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, guidelines, and review articles were evaluated for inclusion. References from pertinent articles were assessed for additional content that was not found during the initial search. DATA SYNTHESIS The primary route of transmission for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in pediatric patients is vertical transmission (VT), with the rate estimated to be 5.8%. Screening for HCV during pregnancy is not routinely part of clinical care, and the data for the use of DAAs in pregnancy is limited. A significant number of infected infants will clear the HCV infection spontaneously, and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir and sofosbuvir have recently been Food and Drug Administration approved for use in pediatric patients older than 12 years. CONCLUSIONS Data to determine the best treatment point along the pregnancy-pediatric continuum are limited; however, given the lack of human data for use of DAAs during pregnancy, low rate of VT, high rate of spontaneous pediatric clearance, and recent approval of DAAs for pediatric patients, treatment of chronically infected children seems to be the optimal strategy currently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Cervino
- 1 School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lauren M Hynicka
- 1 School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus have received a significant amount of attention in recent years, and both viruses share a significant amount of similarities with one another beyond just that they both primarily target the liver. In recent years, cases of both infections have been fueled by a nationwide epidemic of injection drug use. Most relevant to this audience, they are both transmitted from mother to child. The increased cases in young adults combined with mother to child transmission translate into more exposed infants that will need to be managed and followed. Screening of pregnant women for hepatitis B infection coupled with appropriate treatment and prophylaxis measures are incredibly effective to preventing transmission. Prevention of hepatitis C infection is not yet possible, but advances in antiviral therapy make interruption of transmission a future possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Espinosa
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Ravi Jhaveri
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, UNC School of Medicine, Campus Box 7231, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7231.
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99
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El-Khayat HR, Kamal EM, El-Sayed MH, El-Shabrawi M, Ayoub H, RizK A, Maher M, El Sheemy RY, Fouad YM, Attia D. The effectiveness and safety of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir in adolescents with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection: a real-world experience. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 47:838-844. [PMID: 29349793 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir was recently approved for treatment of adolescent (12-17 years) HCV genotype 1, 4, 5 & 6 patients. However, few clinical trials have been performed in genotype 1 patients. AIM To investigate the effectiveness and safety of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir in chronic HCV adolescent patients with genotype 4 in the real world. METHODS This prospective multicentre (six centres) open-label study included 144 adolescent chronic HCV patients with genotype 4 (mean age 14 ± 2, 69% males). All patients received a combination tablet containing 400 mg sofosbuvir and 90 mg ledipasvir once daily for 12 weeks. Laboratory and virological markers were evaluated at baseline, week 4, week 8 and week 12 (EOT), and 12 weeks after end of treatment (SVR12). RESULTS SVR12 was observed in 142/144 patients (99%). The relapsers occurred in previous naïve patients (n = 2/128, 2%), while the experienced patients showed 100% SVR12. SVR12 was 98% in F0/F1 patients in comparison to 100% in F2 patients (P = 0.552). No serious side effects were observed, nor was treatment discontinuation or death. Headache was the most common side effect in all patients (20%). In experienced patients, pruritus (31%, P = 0.007), diarrhoea (44%, P < 0.001) and skin rash (19%, P = 0.002) were higher than in naïve patients. CONCLUSIONS A ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir regimen is well tolerated and effective, and can be used safely in treating adolescent patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- H R El-Khayat
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - E M Kamal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Minia University Hospitals, Minia, Egypt
| | - M H El-Sayed
- Rheumatology Department, Cairo University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M El-Shabrawi
- Rheumatology Department, Cairo University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt
| | - H Ayoub
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A RizK
- Rheumatology Department, Cairo University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt
| | - M Maher
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Egyptian Military Academy, Cairo, Egypt
| | - R Y El Sheemy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Minia University Hospitals, Minia, Egypt
| | - Y M Fouad
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Minia University Hospitals, Minia, Egypt
| | - D Attia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-suef University, Beni-suef, Egypt
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100
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Zibbell JE, Asher AK, Patel RC, Kupronis B, Iqbal K, Ward JW, Holtzman D. Increases in Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection Related to a Growing Opioid Epidemic and Associated Injection Drug Use, United States, 2004 to 2014. Am J Public Health 2018; 108:175-181. [PMID: 29267061 PMCID: PMC5846578 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2017.304132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 504] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare US trends in rates of injection drug use (IDU), specifically opioid injection, with national trends in the incidence of acute HCV infection to assess whether these events correlated over time. METHODS We calculated the annual incidence rate and demographic and risk characteristics of reported cases of acute HCV infection using surveillance data from 2004 to 2014 and the annual percentage of admissions to substance use disorder treatment facilities reporting IDU for the same time period by type of drug injected and demographic characteristics. We then tested for trends. RESULTS The annual incidence rate of acute HCV infection increased more than 2-fold (from 0.3 to 0.7 cases/100 000) from 2004 to 2014, with significant increases among select demographic subgroups. Admissions for substance use disorder attributed to injection of heroin and prescription opioid analgesics increased significantly, with an almost 4-fold increase in prescription opioid analgesic injection. Significant increases in opioid injection mirrored those for reported cases of acute HCV infection among demographic subgroups. CONCLUSIONS These findings strongly suggest that the national increase in acute HCV infection is related to the country's opioid epidemic and associated increases in IDU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon E Zibbell
- Jon E. Zibbell is with the Behavioral and Urban Health Program, RTI International, Atlanta, GA. Alice K. Asher is with the Epidemiology, Surveillance and Prevention among Substance users Unit, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rajiv C. Patel is a second year Medical Student with Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Ben Kupronis is with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kashif Iqbal is with the Epidemiology Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. John W. Ward and Deborah Holtzman are with the Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Alice K Asher
- Jon E. Zibbell is with the Behavioral and Urban Health Program, RTI International, Atlanta, GA. Alice K. Asher is with the Epidemiology, Surveillance and Prevention among Substance users Unit, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rajiv C. Patel is a second year Medical Student with Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Ben Kupronis is with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kashif Iqbal is with the Epidemiology Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. John W. Ward and Deborah Holtzman are with the Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Rajiv C Patel
- Jon E. Zibbell is with the Behavioral and Urban Health Program, RTI International, Atlanta, GA. Alice K. Asher is with the Epidemiology, Surveillance and Prevention among Substance users Unit, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rajiv C. Patel is a second year Medical Student with Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Ben Kupronis is with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kashif Iqbal is with the Epidemiology Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. John W. Ward and Deborah Holtzman are with the Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Ben Kupronis
- Jon E. Zibbell is with the Behavioral and Urban Health Program, RTI International, Atlanta, GA. Alice K. Asher is with the Epidemiology, Surveillance and Prevention among Substance users Unit, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rajiv C. Patel is a second year Medical Student with Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Ben Kupronis is with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kashif Iqbal is with the Epidemiology Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. John W. Ward and Deborah Holtzman are with the Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Kashif Iqbal
- Jon E. Zibbell is with the Behavioral and Urban Health Program, RTI International, Atlanta, GA. Alice K. Asher is with the Epidemiology, Surveillance and Prevention among Substance users Unit, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rajiv C. Patel is a second year Medical Student with Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Ben Kupronis is with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kashif Iqbal is with the Epidemiology Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. John W. Ward and Deborah Holtzman are with the Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - John W Ward
- Jon E. Zibbell is with the Behavioral and Urban Health Program, RTI International, Atlanta, GA. Alice K. Asher is with the Epidemiology, Surveillance and Prevention among Substance users Unit, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rajiv C. Patel is a second year Medical Student with Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Ben Kupronis is with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kashif Iqbal is with the Epidemiology Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. John W. Ward and Deborah Holtzman are with the Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - Deborah Holtzman
- Jon E. Zibbell is with the Behavioral and Urban Health Program, RTI International, Atlanta, GA. Alice K. Asher is with the Epidemiology, Surveillance and Prevention among Substance users Unit, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rajiv C. Patel is a second year Medical Student with Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Ben Kupronis is with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kashif Iqbal is with the Epidemiology Branch, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. John W. Ward and Deborah Holtzman are with the Division of Viral Hepatitis, NCHHSTP, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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