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Fricker GP, Ghany MG, Mera J, Pinsky BA, Ward JW, Chung RT. Tools Needed to Support Same-Day Diagnosis and Treatment of Current Hepatitis C Virus Infection. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:S362-S369. [PMID: 37739799 PMCID: PMC11078313 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The current multiday diagnosis and treatment paradigm for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection results in far fewer patients receiving treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents than those with diagnosed HCV infection. To achieve HCV elimination, a paradigm shift in access to HCV treatment is needed from multiday testing and treatment algorithms to same-day diagnosis and treatment. This shift will require new tools, such as point-of-care (POC) antigen tests or nucleic acid tests for HCV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and nucleic acid tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that do not require venous blood. This shift will also require better use of existing resources, including expanded access to HCV treatment and available POC tests, novel monitoring approaches, and removal of barriers to approval. A same-day diagnosis and treatment paradigm will substantially contribute to HCV elimination by improving HCV treatment rates and expanding access to treatment in settings where patients have brief encounters with healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Fricker
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jorge Mera
- Infectious Diseases, Cherokee Nation Health Services, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Benjamin A Pinsky
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, University School of Medicine, Stanford, CaliforniaUSA
| | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Hepatology and Liver Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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2
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Cartwright EJ, Patel PR. Opportunities for Enhanced Prevention and Control of Hepatitis C Through Improved Screening and Testing Efforts. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:S350-S356. [PMID: 37739791 PMCID: PMC10961945 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
An estimated 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated hepatitis C screening recommendations to test adults aged ≥18 years at least once in a lifetime and pregnant persons during each pregnancy. For those with ongoing exposure to HCV, periodic testing is recommended. The recommended testing sequence is to obtain an HCV antibody test and, when positive, perform an HCV RNA test. Examination of HCV care cascades has found that incomplete HCV testing occurs when a separate visit is required to obtain the HCV RNA test. Hepatitis C core antigen testing has been shown to be a useful tool for diagnosing current HCV infection in some settings. Hepatitis C testing that is completed, accurate, and efficient is necessary to achieve hepatitis C elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Cartwright
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC
- Emory University, Atlanta Georgia
- Atlanta VA Health Care System, Decatur, Georgia
| | - Priti R. Patel
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC
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3
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Hasjim BJ, Huang AA, Paukner M, Polineni P, Harris A, Mohammadi M, Kershaw KN, Banea T, VanWagner LB, Zhao L, Mehrotra S, Ladner DP. Where you live matters: Area deprivation predicts poor survival and liver transplant waitlisting. Am J Transplant 2024; 24:803-817. [PMID: 38346498 PMCID: PMC11070293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajt.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are important predictors of poor clinical outcomes in chronic diseases, but their associations among the general cirrhosis population and liver transplantation (LT) are limited. We conducted a retrospective, multiinstitutional analysis of adult (≥18-years-old) patients with cirrhosis in metropolitan Chicago to determine the associations of poor neighborhood-level SDOH on decompensation complications, mortality, and LT waitlisting. Area deprivation index and covariates extracted from the American Census Survey were aspects of SDOH that were investigated. Among 15 101 patients with cirrhosis, the mean age was 57.2 years; 6414 (42.5%) were women, 6589 (43.6%) were non-Hispanic White, 3652 (24.2%) were non-Hispanic Black, and 2662 (17.6%) were Hispanic. Each quintile increase in area deprivation was associated with poor outcomes in decompensation (sHR [subdistribution hazard ratio] 1.07; 95% CI 1.05-1.10; P < .001), waitlisting (sHR 0.72; 95% CI 0.67-0.76; P < .001), and all-cause mortality (sHR 1.09; 95% CI 1.06-1.12; P < .001). Domains of SDOH associated with a lower likelihood of waitlisting and survival included low income, low education, poor household conditions, and social support (P < .001). Overall, patients with cirrhosis residing in poor neighborhood-level SDOH had higher decompensation, and mortality, and were less likely to be waitlisted for LT. Further exploration of structural barriers toward LT or optimizing health outcomes is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bima J Hasjim
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexander A Huang
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mitchell Paukner
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Praneet Polineni
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Alexandra Harris
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Institute for Public Health and Medicine (IPHAM), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mohsen Mohammadi
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Kiarri N Kershaw
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Division of Epidemiology, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Therese Banea
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Lisa B VanWagner
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lihui Zhao
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Division of Biostatistics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Sanjay Mehrotra
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Daniela P Ladner
- Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Collaborative (NUTORC), Comprehensive Transplant Center (CTC), Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA; Division of Organ Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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4
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Cooke GS, Flower B, Cunningham E, Marshall AD, Lazarus JV, Palayew A, Jia J, Aggarwal R, Al-Mahtab M, Tanaka Y, Jeong SH, Poovorawan K, Waked I, Hiebert L, Khue PM, Grebely J, Alcantara-Payawal D, Sanchez-Avila JF, Mbendi C, Muljono DH, Lesi O, Desalegn H, Hamid S, de Araujo A, Cheinquer H, Onyekwere CA, Malyuta R, Ivanchuk I, Thomas DL, Pimenov N, Chulanov V, Dirac MA, Han H, Ward JW. Progress towards elimination of viral hepatitis: a Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology Commission update. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:346-365. [PMID: 38367629 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00321-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The top 20 highest burdened countries (in disability-adjusted life years) account for more than 75% of the global burden of viral hepatitis. An effective response in these 20 countries is crucial if global elimination targets are to be achieved. In this update of the Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology Commission on accelerating the elimination of viral hepatitis, we convene national experts from each of the top 20 highest burdened countries to provide an update on progress. Although the global burden of diseases is falling, progress towards elimination varies greatly by country. By use of a hepatitis elimination policy index conceived as part of the 2019 Commission, we measure countries' progress towards elimination. Progress in elimination policy has been made in 14 of 20 countries with the highest burden since 2018, with the most substantial gains observed in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia. Most improvements are attributable to the publication of formalised national action plans for the elimination of viral hepatitis, provision of publicly funded screening programmes, and government subsidisation of antiviral treatments. Key themes that emerged from discussion between national commissioners from the highest burdened countries build on the original recommendations to accelerate the global elimination of viral hepatitis. These themes include the need for simplified models of care, improved access to appropriate diagnostics, financing initiatives, and rapid implementation of lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham S Cooke
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Barnaby Flower
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA; Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adam Palayew
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jidong Jia
- Liver Research Centre, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rakesh Aggarwal
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India
| | - Mamum Al-Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Yashuito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Kittiyod Poovorawan
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand; Mahidol Oxford Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand
| | - Imam Waked
- Hepatology Department, National Liver Institute, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Lindsey Hiebert
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Pham M Khue
- Faculty of Public Health, Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Viet Nam
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Diana Alcantara-Payawal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fatima University Medical Center, Valenzuela, Philippines; Committee on Hepatology, Section of Gastroenterology, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, San Juan, Philippines
| | - Juan F Sanchez-Avila
- Global Health and Emerging Diseases Investigation Group, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Tecnologico de Monterrey Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Charles Mbendi
- Service of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, University Clinic of Kinshasa, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasha, DR Congo
| | - David H Muljono
- Ministry of Health, Jakarta, Indonesia; Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia; Indonesian Academy of Sciences, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Olufunmilayo Lesi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Hailemichael Desalegn
- Department of Internal Medicine, St Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Saeed Hamid
- Clinical Trials Unit, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Alexandre de Araujo
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit of Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Hugo Cheinquer
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit of Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Charles A Onyekwere
- Deparment Of Medicine, Lagos State University College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria
| | | | - Iryna Ivanchuk
- Department of Viral Hepatitis Control at National Institute of Public Health, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - David L Thomas
- Divison of Infectious Diseases, John Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nikolay Pimenov
- National Medical Research Center of Tuberculosis and Infectious Diseases, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Mae Ashworth Dirac
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Health Metrics Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hannah Han
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA; Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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5
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Engstrom T, Lobo EH, Watego K, Nelson C, Wang J, Wong H, Kim SL, Oh SI, Lawley M, Gorse AD, Ward J, Sullivan C. Indigenous data governance approaches applied in research using routinely collected health data: a scoping review. NPJ Digit Med 2024; 7:68. [PMID: 38491156 PMCID: PMC10943072 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-024-01070-3] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Globally, there is a growing acknowledgment of Indigenous Peoples' rights to control data related to their communities. This is seen in the development of Indigenous Data Governance standards. As health data collection increases, it's crucial to apply these standards in research involving Indigenous communities. Our study, therefore, aims to systematically review research using routinely collected health data of Indigenous Peoples, understanding the Indigenous Data Governance approaches and the associated advantages and challenges. We searched electronic databases for studies from 2013 to 2022, resulting in 85 selected articles. Of these, 65 (77%) involved Indigenous Peoples in the research, and 60 (71%) were authored by Indigenous individuals or organisations. While most studies (93%) provided ethical approval details, only 18 (21%) described Indigenous guiding principles, 35 (41%) reported on data sovereignty, and 28 (33%) addressed consent. This highlights the increasing focus on Indigenous Data Governance in utilising health data. Leveraging existing data sources in line with Indigenous data governance principles is vital for better understanding Indigenous health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teyl Engstrom
- Queensland Digital Health Centre, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia.
| | - Elton H Lobo
- Queensland Digital Health Centre, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia.
| | - Kristie Watego
- Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, Windsor, QLD, Australia
| | - Carmel Nelson
- Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, Windsor, QLD, Australia
| | - Jinxiang Wang
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Howard Wong
- Queensland Digital Health Centre, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Sungkyung Linda Kim
- Queensland Digital Health Centre, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Soo In Oh
- Queensland Digital Health Centre, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - James Ward
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Clair Sullivan
- Queensland Digital Health Centre, Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
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Melkonian SC, Jim MA, Reza A, Peipins LA, Haverkamp D, Said N, Sharpe JD. Incidence of Stomach, Liver, and Colorectal Cancers by Geography and Social Vulnerability Among American Indian and Alaska Native Populations, 2010-2019. Am J Epidemiol 2024; 193:58-74. [PMID: 37823258 PMCID: PMC10990004 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Social determinants of health and associated systems, policies, and practices are important drivers of health disparities. American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in the United States have elevated incidence rates of stomach, liver, and colorectal cancers compared with other racial/ethnic groups. In this study, we examined incidence rates of 3 types of gastrointestinal cancer among non-Hispanic AI/AN (NH-AI/AN) and non-Hispanic White (NHW) populations by geographic region and Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) score. Incident cases diagnosed during 2010-2019 were identified from population-based cancer registries linked with the Indian Health Service patient registration databases. Age-adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000 population) for stomach, liver, and colorectal cancers were compared within NH-AI/AN populations and between the NH-AI/AN and NHW populations by SVI score. Rates were higher among NH-AI/AN populations in moderate- and high-SVI-score counties in Alaska, the Southern Plains, and the East than in low-SVI counties. Incidence rates among NH-AI/AN populations were elevated when compared with NHW populations by SVI category. Results indicated that higher social vulnerability may drive elevated cancer incidence among NH-AI/AN populations. Additionally, disparities between NH-AI/AN and NHW populations persist even when accounting for SVI. Exploring social vulnerability can aid in designing more effective interventions to address root causes of cancer disparities among AI/AN populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C. Melkonian
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States (Stephanie C. Melkonian, Melissa A. Jim, Donald Haverkamp); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Avid Reza, Lucy A. Peipins); University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States (Nathania Said); and Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (J. Danielle Sharpe)
| | - Melissa A. Jim
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States (Stephanie C. Melkonian, Melissa A. Jim, Donald Haverkamp); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Avid Reza, Lucy A. Peipins); University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States (Nathania Said); and Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (J. Danielle Sharpe)
| | - Avid Reza
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States (Stephanie C. Melkonian, Melissa A. Jim, Donald Haverkamp); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Avid Reza, Lucy A. Peipins); University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States (Nathania Said); and Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (J. Danielle Sharpe)
| | - Lucy A. Peipins
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States (Stephanie C. Melkonian, Melissa A. Jim, Donald Haverkamp); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Avid Reza, Lucy A. Peipins); University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States (Nathania Said); and Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (J. Danielle Sharpe)
| | - Donald Haverkamp
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States (Stephanie C. Melkonian, Melissa A. Jim, Donald Haverkamp); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Avid Reza, Lucy A. Peipins); University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States (Nathania Said); and Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (J. Danielle Sharpe)
| | - Nathania Said
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States (Stephanie C. Melkonian, Melissa A. Jim, Donald Haverkamp); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Avid Reza, Lucy A. Peipins); University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States (Nathania Said); and Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (J. Danielle Sharpe)
| | - J. Danielle Sharpe
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States (Stephanie C. Melkonian, Melissa A. Jim, Donald Haverkamp); Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Avid Reza, Lucy A. Peipins); University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States (Nathania Said); and Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia, United States (J. Danielle Sharpe)
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7
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Falade-Nwulia O, Kelly SM, Amanor-Boadu S, Nnodum BN, Lim JK, Sulkowski M. Hepatitis C in Black Individuals in the US: A Review. JAMA 2023; 330:2200-2208. [PMID: 37943553 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.21981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Importance In the US, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is 1.8% among people who are Black and 0.8% among people who are not Black. Mortality rates due to HCV are 5.01/100 000 among people who are Black and 2.98/100 000 among people who are White. Observations While people of all races and ethnicities experienced increased rates of incident HCV between 2015 and 2021, Black individuals experienced the largest percentage increase of 0.3 to 1.4/100 000 (367%) compared with 1.8 to 2.7/100 000 among American Indian/Alaska Native (50%), 0.3 to 0.9/100 000 among Hispanic (200%), and 0.9 to 1.6/100 000 among White (78%) populations. Among 47 687 persons diagnosed with HCV in 2019-2020, including 37 877 (79%) covered by Medicaid (7666 Black and 24 374 White individuals), 23.5% of Black people and 23.7% of White people with Medicaid insurance initiated HCV treatment. Strategies to increase HCV screening include electronic health record prompts for universal HCV screening, which increased screening tests from 2052/month to 4169/month in an outpatient setting. Awareness of HCV status can be increased through point-of-care testing in community-based settings, which was associated with increased likelihood of receiving HCV test results compared with referral for testing off-site (69% on-site vs 19% off-site, P < .001). Access to HCV care can be facilitated by patient navigation, in which an individual is assigned to work with a patient to help them access care and treatments; this was associated with greater likelihood of HCV care access (odds ratio, 3.7 [95% CI, 2.9-4.8]) and treatment initiation within 6 months (odds ratio, 3.2 [95% CI, 2.3-4.2]) in a public health system providing health care to individuals regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay compared with usual care. Eliminating Medicaid's HCV treatment restrictions, including removal of a requirement for advanced fibrosis or a specialist prescriber, was associated with increased treatment rates from 2.4 persons per month to 72.3 persons per month in a retrospective study of 10 336 adults with HCV with no significant difference by race (526/1388 [37.8%] for Black vs 2706/8277 [32.6%] for White patients; adjusted odds ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.8-1.3]). Conclusions and Relevance In the US, the prevalence of HCV is higher in people who are Black than in people who are not Black. Point-of-care HCV tests, patient navigation, electronic health record prompts, and unrestricted access to HCV treatment in community-based settings have potential to increase diagnosis and treatment of HCV and improve outcomes in people who are Black.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sharon M Kelly
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - Mark Sulkowski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
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8
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Essex W, Mera J, Comiford A, Winters A, Feder MA. Assessing the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of a Pilot Hepatitis C Screening Program at Food Distribution Sites in Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma. J Community Health 2023; 48:982-993. [PMID: 37531046 PMCID: PMC10558369 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-023-01264-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Compared with other racial and ethnic groups in the United States, American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people experience the highest incidence of acute hepatitis c (HCV). Cherokee Nation Health Services (CNHS) implemented a pilot health screening program from January through May 2019 to assess whether conducting HCV and other preventive health screenings at food distribution sites is a feasible, acceptable, and effective strategy to increase health screening among underserved community members. Data were collected among 340 eligible participants. Most (76%) participants reported being very comfortable receiving health screenings at food distribution sites and that getting screened at food distribution sites is very easy (75.4%). Most (92.1%, n = 313) participants received HCV screening, with 11 (3.5%) individuals testing positive for HCV antibodies. Of the 11 HCV seropositive individuals, six were confirmed to have active HCV infection of which four initiated treatment. Most (55.7%) participants exhibited a body mass index in the obese range, 33.1% exhibited high hemoglobin A1C (> 6.0), 24.5% exhibited high (> 200) cholesterol, 44.6% exhibited high blood pressure ( > = 140/90), and 54.8% did not have a current primary care provider. This project demonstrated that conducting HCV and other health screenings at food distribution sites within Cherokee Nation was an effective strategy to engage AI/AN people in preventive health screenings. Future programs are needed to scale-up preventive health screenings outside of traditional medical facilities as these types of screenings may help to decrease the HCV disparities among AI/AN people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Essex
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center, Cherokee Nation Health Services, 19600 East Ross St, Tahlequah, Ok, 74464, USA.
| | - Jorge Mera
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center, Cherokee Nation Health Services, 19600 East Ross St, Tahlequah, Ok, 74464, USA
| | - Ashley Comiford
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Cherokee Nation Outpatient Health Center, Cherokee Nation Health Services, 19600 East Ross St, Tahlequah, Ok, 74464, USA
| | - Amanda Winters
- Cardea Services, 1809 7th Ave #600, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Molly A Feder
- Cardea Services, 1809 7th Ave #600, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
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9
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Montgomery MP, Randall LM, Morrison M, Gupta N, Doshani M, Teshale E. Hepatitis C Cascades: Data to Inform Hepatitis C Elimination in the United States. Public Health Rep 2023:333549231193508. [PMID: 37667621 PMCID: PMC11283876 DOI: 10.1177/00333549231193508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The United States has a goal to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. To accomplish this goal, hepatitis C virus (HCV) care cascades (hereinafter, HCV cascades) can be used to measure progress toward HCV elimination and identify disparities in HCV testing and care. In this topical review of HCV cascades, we describe common definitions of cascade steps, review the application of HCV cascades in health care and public health settings, and discuss the strengths and limitations of data sources used. We use examples from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a case study to illustrate how multiple data sources can be leveraged to produce HCV cascades for public health purposes. HCV cascades in health care settings provide actionable data to improve health care quality and delivery of services in a single health system. In public health settings at jurisdictional and national levels, HCV cascades describe HCV diagnosis and treatment for populations, which can be challenging in the absence of a single data source containing complete, comprehensive, and timely data representing all steps of a cascade. Use of multiple data sources and strategies to improve interoperability of health care and public health data systems can advance the use of HCV cascades and speed progress toward HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha P. Montgomery
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Now with Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Liisa M. Randall
- Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Monica Morrison
- Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Jamaica Plain, MA, USA
| | - Neil Gupta
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mona Doshani
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eyasu Teshale
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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10
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Gordon SC, Kaushik A, Chastek B, Anderson A, Yehoshua A. Characteristics associated with receipt of treatment among patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C virus. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:756-764. [PMID: 37377165 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Although current guidelines recommend that nearly all patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection receive treatment, a substantial proportion remain untreated. We conducted an administrative claims analysis to provide real-world data on treatment patterns and characteristics of treated versus untreated patients among individuals with HCV in the United States. Adults with an HCV diagnosis from 01 July 2016 through 30 September 2020 and continuous health plan enrolment for 12 months before and ≥1 month after the diagnosis date were identified in the Optum Research Database. Descriptive and multivariable analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between patient characteristics and the rate of treatment. Of 24,374 patients identified with HCV, only 30% initiated treatment during follow-up. Factors associated with increased rate of treatment included younger age versus age 75+ (hazard ratio [HR] 1.50-1.83 depending on age group), commercial versus Medicare insurance (HR 1.32), and diagnosis by a specialist versus a primary care physician (HR 2.56 and 2.62 for gastroenterology and infectious disease or hepatology, respectively) (p < .01 for all). Several baseline comorbidities were associated with decreased rate of treatment, including psychiatric disorders (HR 0.87), drug use disorders (HR 0.85) and cirrhosis (HR 0.42) (p < .01 for all). These findings highlight existing HCV treatment inequities, particularly among older patients and those with psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders or chronic comorbidities. Targeted efforts to increase treatment uptake in these populations could mitigate a considerable future burden of HCV-related morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart C Gordon
- Henry Ford Health System and Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Amy Anderson
- Optum Life Sciences, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA
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11
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Cartwright EJ, Patel P, Kamili S, Wester C. Updated Operational Guidance for Implementing CDC's Recommendations on Testing for Hepatitis C Virus Infection. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2023; 72:766-768. [PMID: 37440452 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7228a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Current hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing guidance recommends a two-step testing sequence for diagnosis of HCV infection. Performing an HCV RNA test whenever an HCV antibody test is reactive (complete testing) is critical to achieve national HCV elimination goals. When an HCV antibody test is reactive and no HCV RNA test is performed, testing is considered incomplete. Historically, approximately one third of patients have incomplete testing. This update clarifies that all sites performing HCV screening should ensure single-visit sample collection. This approach allows for automatic HCV RNA testing when an HCV antibody test is reactive to avoid incomplete testing. Use of strategies that require multiple visits to collect HCV testing samples should be discontinued. Automatic HCV RNA testing on all HCV antibody reactive samples will increase the percentage of patients with current HCV infection who are linked to care and receive curative antiviral therapy.
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12
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Essex W, Feder M, Mera J. Evaluation of the Cherokee Nation Hepatitis C Virus Elimination Program - Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma, 2015-2020. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2023; 72:597-600. [PMID: 37262000 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7222a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 2.4 million persons in the United States have hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and 66,700 acute HCV infection cases were estimated for 2020 (1,2). American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons are disproportionately affected by HCV infection and experienced the highest rates of acute HCV infection (2.1 cases per 100,000 persons) and HCV-associated mortality (10.17 per 100,000 persons) in the United States during 2020 (1). During 2015, Cherokee Nation Health Services (CNHS) in Oklahoma implemented an HCV elimination program, which includes universal HCV screening, primary HCV workforce expansion, and harm reduction services (3). To assess progress 5 years after program initiation, CNHS analyzed deidentified health record data. During November 1, 2015-October 31, 2020, a total of 1,423 persons received a diagnosis of HCV infection. Among these persons, 1,227 (86.2%) were linked to HCV care, and 871 (61.2%) initiated HCV treatment; 702 (49.3%) returned for their 12-week post treatment completion visit, at which time 698 (49.1%) had achieved laboratory-confirmed sustained virologic response (SVR), defined as undetectable HCV RNA at ≥12 weeks after completion of treatment (SVR12). Although CNHS has linked the majority of persons diagnosed with HCV infection to care, and those who returned for the SVR12 visit had high cure rates (99.4%), treatment initiation was lower than expected. Future activities should prioritize addressing gaps in treatment initiation after linkage to care and confirmation of hepatitis C cure with SVR12 testing.
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13
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Kardashian A, Serper M, Terrault N, Nephew LD. Health disparities in chronic liver disease. Hepatology 2023; 77:1382-1403. [PMID: 35993341 PMCID: PMC10026975 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The syndemic of hazardous alcohol consumption, opioid use, and obesity has led to important changes in liver disease epidemiology that have exacerbated health disparities. Health disparities occur when plausibly avoidable health differences are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations. Highlighting health disparities, their sources, and consequences in chronic liver disease is fundamental to improving liver health outcomes. There have been large increases in alcohol use disorder in women, racial and ethnic minorities, and those experiencing poverty in the context of poor access to alcohol treatment, leading to increasing rates of alcohol-associated liver diseases. Rising rates of NAFLD and associated fibrosis have been observed in Hispanic persons, women aged > 50, and individuals experiencing food insecurity. Access to viral hepatitis screening and linkage to treatment are suboptimal for racial and ethnic minorities and individuals who are uninsured or underinsured, resulting in greater liver-related mortality and later-stage diagnoses of HCC. Data from more diverse cohorts on autoimmune and cholestatic liver diseases are lacking, supporting the need to study the contemporary epidemiology of these disorders in greater detail. Herein, we review the existing literature on racial and ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic disparities in chronic liver diseases using a social determinants of health framework to better understand how social and structural factors cause health disparities and affect chronic liver disease outcomes. We also propose potential solutions to eliminate disparities, outlining health-policy, health-system, community, and individual solutions to promote equity and improve health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani Kardashian
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marina Serper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Norah Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lauren D. Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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14
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Philip TJ, Crosby KM, Frank-Pearce SG, Wendelboe AM, Solberg M, Weakley J, Williams MB. Factors impacting medication adherence in a birth cohort at higher risk for Hepatitis C infection. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32354. [PMID: 36550891 PMCID: PMC9771308 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the high prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among individuals born between 1945 and 1965, in 2012 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began recommending HCV screening for this birth cohort. As adherence to HCV treatment is essential for sustained virologic response, identifying factors influencing medication adherence is important. The validated Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) is used to study recent medication adherence in those with chronic disease. This cross-sectional pilot study assesses factors associated with reduced adherence, indicated by higher ARMS scores, among individuals in this birth cohort. To elucidate factors associated with medication adherence, measured by the ARMS score, among a birth cohort at higher risk for HCV to guide future treatment and improve adherence. Patients born between 1945 and 1965, accessing care at an academic family medicine clinic, were recruited between April and June 2019. Demographics, prior HCV diagnosis, HCV risk factors (prior imprisonment, tattoos, and intravenous drug use), depression assessment (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and ARMS scores were collected. Mean ARMS scores were compared using t tests and analysis of variance (α = 0.05), while multiple variable models were performed using linear regression. Women comprised 58% of participants (n = 76), 52% reported depression and 37% 4 or more ACEs. The mean ARMS score was 16.3 (SD = 3.43) and 10% reported prior diagnosis of HCV. In the final multiple variable model, ARMS scores were 2.3 points higher in those with mild depression (95% CI: 0.63, 4.04), 2.0 in those with at least 4 ACEs (95% CI: 0.55, 3.49), and 1.8 in those with tattoos (95% CI: 0.30, 3.28). ACEs and food insecurity were identified as confounding variables in those with moderate to severe depression. This study found medication adherence was related to depression, ACEs, tattoos, and food insecurity among patients in this birth cohort at higher risk for HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Philip
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- The University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Kimberly M Crosby
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, The University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Summer G Frank-Pearce
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Aaron M Wendelboe
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Marie Solberg
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Jennifer Weakley
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, The University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Mary B Williams
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, The University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, The University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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15
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Markby J, Shilton S, Sem X, Chan HK, Md Said R, Siva S, Zainuddin Z, Abu Bakar N, Omar H, Ruiz RJI, Gaeddert M, Tyshkovskiy A, Adee M, Chhatwal J, Kumar S, Piedagnel JM, Mohd Zain R, Menétrey C, Yuswan F, Hairizan Nasir N, Andrieux-Meyer I, Ismail F, Zakaria R, Hasim R, Murad S, Easterbrook P, Hassan MRA. Assessing the impact of simplified HCV care on linkage to care amongst high-risk patients at primary healthcare clinics in Malaysia: a prospective observational study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e055142. [PMID: 34952885 PMCID: PMC8713014 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To achieve the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV), substantial scale-up in access to testing and treatment is needed. This will require innovation and simplification of the care pathway, through decentralisation of testing and treatment to primary care settings and task-shifting to non-specialists. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of decentralisation of HCV testing and treatment using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) in primary healthcare clinics (PHCs) among high-risk populations, with referral of seropositive patients for confirmatory viral load testing and treatment. METHODS This observational study was conducted between December 2018 and October 2019 at 25 PHCs in three regions in Malaysia. Each PHC was linked to one or more hospitals, for referral of seropositive participants for confirmatory testing and pretreatment evaluation. Treatment was provided in PHCs for non-cirrhotic patients and at hospitals for cirrhotic patients. RESULTS During the study period, a total of 15 366 adults were screened at the 25 PHCs, using RDTs for HCV antibodies. Of the 2020 (13.2%) HCV antibody-positive participants, 1481/2020 (73.3%) had a confirmatory viral load test, 1241/1481 (83.8%) were HCV RNA-positive, 991/1241 (79.9%) completed pretreatment assessment, 632/991 (63.8%) initiated treatment, 518/632 (82.0%) completed treatment, 352/518 (68.0%) were eligible for a sustained virological response (SVR) cure assessment, 209/352 (59.4%) had an SVR cure assessment, and SVR was achieved in 202/209 (96.7%) patients. A significantly higher proportion of patients referred to PHCs initiated treatment compared with those who had treatment initiated at hospitals (71.0% vs 48.8%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated the effectiveness and feasibility of a simplified decentralised HCV testing and treatment model in primary healthcare settings, targeting high-risk groups in Malaysia. There were good outcomes across most steps of the cascade of care when treatment was provided at PHCs compared with hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Huan Keat Chan
- Clinical Research Centre, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Malaysia
| | | | - Sasikala Siva
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Mary Gaeddert
- Division of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Center of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Tyshkovskiy
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Madeline Adee
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jagpreet Chhatwal
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Fazidah Yuswan
- Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Fatanah Ismail
- Family Health Development Division, Ministry of Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Rozita Zakaria
- Family Health Development Division, Ministry of Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Ruziaton Hasim
- Family Health Development Division, Ministry of Health, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Shahnaz Murad
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philippa Easterbrook
- Global HIV, Hepatitis & STI Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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16
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Feld JJ, Ward JW. Key Elements on the Pathway to HCV Elimination: Lessons Learned From the AASLD HCV Special Interest Group 2020. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:911-922. [PMID: 34141979 PMCID: PMC8183173 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With a decade left to reach the ambitious goals for viral hepatitis elimination set out by the World Health Organization, many challenges remain. Despite the remarkable improvements in therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, most people living with the infection remain undiagnosed, and only a fraction have received curative therapy. Accordingly, the 2020 HCV Special Interest Group symposium at the annual American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Liver Meeting examined policies and strategies for the scale-up of HCV testing and expanded access to HCV care and treatment outside the specialty setting, including primary care and drug treatment and settings for care of persons who inject drugs and other marginalized populations at risk for HCV infection. The importance of these paradigms in elimination efforts, including micro-elimination strategies, was explored, and the session also included discussion of hepatitis C vaccine development and other strategies to reduce mortality through the use of organs from HCV-infected organ donors for HCV-negative recipients. In this review, the key concepts raised at this important symposium are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Center for Liver DiseaseUniversity Health NetworkUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis EliminationThe Task Force for Global HealthDecaturGAUSA
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