1
|
Dröse S, Øvrehus ALH, Holm DK, Madsen LW, Mössner BK, Søholm J, Hansen JF, Røge BT, Christensen PB. A multi-level intervention to eliminate hepatitis C from the Region of Southern Denmark: the C-Free-South project. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:202. [PMID: 35232372 PMCID: PMC8889755 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07196-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Denmark has signed the WHO strategy to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV). In the absence of a national strategy for elimination, a local action plan was developed in the Region of Southern Denmark (RSD). The aim of the strategy is to diagnose 90% of HCV-infected persons and treat 80% of those diagnosed by 2025. The strategy was developed by reviewing Danish data on HCV epidemiology and drug use to identify key populations for screening, linkage to care, and treatment. Based on available published data from 2016, an estimated 3028 persons in the RSD were HCV-RNA positive (population prevalence 0.21%). Of these, 1002 were attending clinical care, 1299 were diagnosed but not in clinical care, and 727 were undiagnosed. Three different interventions targeting the HCV-infected population and two interventions for HCV surveillance are planned to achieve elimination. The “C-Free-South” strategy aims to eliminate HCV in our region by identifying (90%) and treating (80%) of infected persons by the end of 2025, 5 years earlier than the WHO elimination target date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Dröse
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 18 Penthouse 2. sal, 5000, Odense C, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 3. sal, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Anne Lindebo Holm Øvrehus
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 18 Penthouse 2. sal, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 3. sal, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Dorte Kinggaard Holm
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, 29 J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 8, Odense C, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lone Wulff Madsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 18 Penthouse 2. sal, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 3. sal, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Belinda Klemmensen Mössner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 18 Penthouse 2. sal, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 3. sal, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacob Søholm
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 18 Penthouse 2. sal, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Janne Fuglsang Hansen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 18 Penthouse 2. sal, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Birgit Thorup Røge
- Department of Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, Sygehusvej 24, 6000, Kolding, Denmark
| | - Peer Brehm Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 18 Penthouse 2. sal, 5000, Odense C, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 3. sal, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wentworth JJ, Øvrehus ALH, Hansen JF, Biesenbach P, Christensen PB. Emergency department testing is feasible but ineffective to eliminate hepatitis C in Denmark. Infect Dis (Lond) 2021; 53:930-941. [PMID: 34379569 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2021.1962542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is widely available in Denmark, the hindrance to achieving elimination lies in identifying infections. Effective identification relies on screening in high-risk populations. Here, we report the outcomes of a risk-based, point-of-care (POC) screening strategy in a Danish emergency department (ED). METHODS During a three-month period, ED patients at Odense University Hospital were screened for risk factors and offered POC HCV-antibody (HCV-Ab) testing. Reactive results were followed up by confirmatory venepuncture testing. The main outcome measure was prevalence of HCV-antibodies. Secondary outcome measures were prevalence of risk factors and an evaluation of feasibility of ED screening. RESULTS During study times, 1831 (55.7%) of 3288 presentations to the ED were eligible for screening. Six hundred and seventy-three (36.8%) were approached, of which 514 (28.1%) participated and 159 (8.7%) declined. Of 514 participants, 339 (66%) reported one or more risk factors, and 489 (95.1%) underwent HCV-Ab testing. Four (0.8%) had a reactive HCV-Ab test. No active infections of HCV were found. The risk factor of having injected drugs was present in all HCV-Ab positive patients. Compared to participants, patients who could not be approached had a lower prevalence of previously diagnosed hepatitis C- and risk-factor-associated diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS The risk factor of injecting drug use had the highest yield for HCV-Ab positivity. Additional risk factors did not contribute to case-finding. This screening strategy was feasible but ineffective. Further testing strategies will be necessary to identify the remaining hepatitis C patients in Denmark.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Jennifer Wentworth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne Lindebo Holm Øvrehus
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Peter Biesenbach
- Emergency Department, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Emergency Department, Hospital South West Jutland, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Peer Brehm Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Predictors of hepatitis B vaccination completion among people who use drugs participating in a national program of targeted vaccination. Vaccine 2018; 36:5282-5287. [PMID: 30061025 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Targeted vaccination strategies are necessary to prevent people who use drugs (PWUD) becoming infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The aims of this study were to provide an overview of the activities for PWUD in a decentralised vaccination program in the Netherlands and to explore the determinants associated with completing a standard hepatitis B vaccination series. METHODS We used data for behavioural risk groups from the register of the national vaccination program. The data concerned PWUD who were immunised against hepatitis B in the Netherlands between 2002 and 2011. A standard series of three vaccinations (at 0, 1, and 6 months) was offered at inclusion and was continued if serological markers for past or chronic HBV infection were absent. Completion of a vaccination series (at least three vaccinations, irrespective of timing) was a dependent variable in our logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The program reached 18,054 PWUD. Of the 15,746 participants eligible for vaccination (i.e. they were neither carriers of hepatitis B nor immune to hepatitis B), 9089 (58%) completed a series of three hepatitis B vaccinations. Factors associated with a higher completion rate of a vaccination series (p < 0.01) were: starting vaccination in the earlier years of the program, older age of PWUD, intravenous drug use, vaccine administration by addiction care centres, and flexibility in location of vaccine delivery. CONCLUSION Despite using a standard HBV vaccination schedule and no financial incentives, vaccination completion among PWUD was relatively high. Our results suggest that flexibility of vaccination location and administration of vaccines by healthcare workers with sustainable contact with PWUD could improve vaccination programs for this risk group.
Collapse
|
4
|
Horwitz H, Dalhoff KP, Klemp M, Horwitz A, Andersen JT, Jürgens G. The prognosis following amphetamine poisoning. Scand J Public Health 2017; 45:773-781. [DOI: 10.1177/1403494817707634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Aims: This study investigated the long-term mortality following poisoning by amphetamine or substituted amphetamines. Furthermore, we examined the social problems and somatic and psychiatric co-morbidity related to amphetamine poisoning, and their impact on the long-term survival. Methods: We identified amphetamine poisoned patients from the Danish Poison Information Centre database and correlated their personal identification numbers with seven Danish national registries related to different social and health aspects. For each case, we sampled 100 age and gender matched controls from the background population. Results: From August 2006 to December 2013 we identified 1444 patients (70% males) who experienced amphetamine poisoning; 52% of the cases were classified as mixed poisonings and the average age at first contact was 24.8 years (SD 8.6). The prevalence of psychiatric disorders, HIV, viral hepatitis, and previous prison incarceration was approximately 10 times higher than among healthy controls. After seven years 11% were deceased as opposed to 0.6% in the control group, and 64% of the patients died from unnatural causes. Male gender (HR 2.29, 95% CI (1.07-4.90)), age (HR 1.06, 95% CI (1.03-1.09)), opioid dependence (HR 2.88, 95% CI (1.42-5.85)), schizophrenia (HR 3.09,95% CI (1.63-5.86)), affective disorders (HR 2.65, 95% CI (1.44-4.90)) and HIV (HR 5.45, 95% CI (1.19-24.90)) were associated with a high mortality. Furthermore, a significant proportion of these patients experienced social and health related deterioration in the years following poisoning. Conclusions: Amphetamine poisoning is associated with a poor long-term prognosis and is complicated by additional social and health related issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Horwitz
- The Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim P. Dalhoff
- The Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marc Klemp
- Department of Economics and Population Studies & Training Center, Brown University, USA
- Department of Economics, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Horwitz
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jon T. Andersen
- The Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gesche Jürgens
- The Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Zealand University Hospital, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mangen MJJ, Stibbe H, Urbanus A, Siedenburg EC, Waldhober Q, de Wit GA, van Steenbergen JE. Targeted outreach hepatitis B vaccination program in high-risk adults: The fundamental challenge of the last mile. Vaccine 2017; 35:3215-3221. [PMID: 28483198 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.04.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the on-going decentralised targeted hepatitis B vaccination program for behavioural high-risk groups operated by regional public health services in the Netherlands since 1-November-2002. Target groups for free vaccination are men having sex with men (MSM), commercial sex workers (CSW) and hard drug users (HDU). Heterosexuals with a high partner change rate (HRP) were included until 1-November-2007. METHODS Based on participant, vaccination and serology data collected up to 31-December-2012, the number of participants and program costs were estimated. Observed anti-HBc prevalence was used to estimate the probability of susceptible individuals per risk-group to become infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) in their remaining life. We distinguished two time-periods: 2002-2006 and 2007-2012, representing different recruitment strategies and target groups. Correcting for observed vaccination compliance, the number of future HBV-infections avoided was estimated per risk-group. By combining these numbers with estimates of life-years lost, quality-of-life losses and healthcare costs of HBV-infections - as obtained from a Markov model-, the benefit of the program was estimated for each risk-group separately. RESULTS The overall incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the program was €30,400/QALY gained, with effects and costs discounted at 1.5% and 4%, respectively. The program was more cost-effective in the first period (€24,200/QALY) than in the second period (€42,400/QALY). In particular, the cost-effectiveness for MSM decreased from €20,700/QALY to €47,700/QALY. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This decentralised targeted HBV-vaccination program is a cost-effective intervention in certain unvaccinated high-risk adults. Saturation within the risk-groups, participation of individuals with less risky behaviour, and increased recruitment investments in the second period made the program less cost-effective over time. The project should therefore discus how to reduce costs per risk-group, increase effects or when to integrate the vaccination in regular healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M-J J Mangen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands; University Medical Center Utrecht, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - H Stibbe
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Urbanus
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - E C Siedenburg
- Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Q Waldhober
- Netherlands Association of Community Health Services, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - G A de Wit
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - J E van Steenbergen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands; Centre of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lazarus JV, Sperle I, Spina A, Rockstroh JK. Are the testing needs of key European populations affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C being addressed? A scoping review of testing studies in Europe. Croat Med J 2017; 57:442-456. [PMID: 27815935 PMCID: PMC5141462 DOI: 10.3325/cmj.2016.57.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate whether or not key populations affected by hepatitis B and hepatitis C are being tested sufficiently for these diseases throughout the European region. Methods We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies on HBV and HCV testing in the 53 Member States of the World Health Organization European Region following PRISMA criteria. Results 136 English-language studies from 24 countries published between January 2007 and June 2013 were found. Most studies took place in 6 countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. 37 studies (27%) addressed HBV, 46 (34%) HCV, and 53 (39%) both diseases. The largest categories of study populations were people who use drugs (18%) and health care patient populations (17%). Far fewer studies focused on migrants, prison inmates, or men who have sex with men. Conclusions The overall evidence base on HBV and HCV testing has considerable gaps in terms of the countries and populations represented and validity of testing uptake data. More research is needed throughout Europe to guide efforts to provide testing to certain key populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Jeffrey V Lazarus, CHIP, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Oster Allé 56, 5th floor, DK-2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
BROUARD C, PILLONEL J, SOGNI P, CHOLLET A, LAZARUS JV, PASCAL X, BARIN F, JAUFFRET-ROUSTIDE M. Hepatitis B virus in drug users in France: prevalence and vaccination history, ANRS-Coquelicot Survey 2011-2013. Epidemiol Infect 2017; 145:1-11. [PMID: 28100289 PMCID: PMC9507829 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268816003137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
People who use drugs (PWUD) are a key population for hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination and screening. We aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of HBs antigen (HBsAg) and self-reported HBV vaccination history in French PWUD attending harm reduction centres using data from the ANRS-Coquelicot multicentre survey conducted in 2011-2013 in 1718 PWUD. Self-fingerprick blood samples were collected on dried blood spots to detect the presence of HBsAg. HBsAg seroprevalence was estimated at 1·4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0·8-2·5]. It varied between PWUD born in high (7·6%, 95% CI 2·7-19·1), moderate (2·2%, 95% CI 0·8-5·7) and low (0·7%, 95% CI 0·3-1·5) endemic zones. Factors independently associated with HBsAg carriage were being born in a moderate or high endemic zone or reporting precarious housing. Self-reported HBV vaccination history varied from 47·4% in high endemic zones, to 59·3% and 62·6% for moderate and low endemic zones, respectively. Our results suggest that drug use plays a small and substantial role, respectively, in HBsAg carriage in PWUD born in high/moderate and low endemic zones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. BROUARD
- Santé publique France, Direction des Maladies Infectieuses, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - J. PILLONEL
- Santé publique France, Direction des Maladies Infectieuses, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - P. SOGNI
- Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Inserm U1223, Institut Pasteur, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Cochin, Service d'Hépatologie, Paris, France
| | - A. CHOLLET
- Cermes3, Inserm U988, UMR CNRS 8211, Université Paris Descartes, EHESS, Paris, France
| | - J. V. LAZARUS
- Centre for Health and Infectious Disease Research and WHO Collaborating Centre on HIV and Viral Hepatitis, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X. PASCAL
- Cermes3, Inserm U988, UMR CNRS 8211, Université Paris Descartes, EHESS, Paris, France
| | - F. BARIN
- Inserm U966, Centre National de Référence du VIH, CHU Bretonneau, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - M. JAUFFRET-ROUSTIDE
- Santé publique France, Direction des Maladies Infectieuses, Saint-Maurice, France
- Cermes3, Inserm U988, UMR CNRS 8211, Université Paris Descartes, EHESS, Paris, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alanko Blomé M, Björkman P, Flamholc L, Jacobsson H, Widell A. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus among people who inject drugs - A 20year experience from a Swedish needle exchange program. Vaccine 2016; 35:84-90. [PMID: 27894721 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at particular risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) acquisition, but often have poor access or adherence to HBV vaccination. Vaccination against HBV has been offered at a major Swedish needle exchange program (NEP) since 1994. The aim of this study was to evaluate vaccine completion and response rates, and the effect of sequential booster doses to non-responders to the standard vaccination schedule. METHODS PWID enrolled in the NEP 1994-2013, without serological markers for HBV at baseline (negative for HBsAg/anti-HBc/anti-HBs), were offered a three-dose standard intramuscular vaccination schedule (Engerix®-B, GSK, 20μg/mL, intended to be received at months 0, 1 and 6). Vaccination response was defined as protective levels of anti-HBs (⩾10mIU/mL). Up to three booster doses were then offered for non-responders, each followed by anti-HBs testing. RESULTS HBV data was available for 2352 identifiable individuals at NEP enrolment, of whom 1516 (64.5%) had no markers for previous HBV exposure or vaccination. Vaccination was initiated for 1142 (75.3%) individuals and 898 (59.2%) completed the standard vaccination schedule. Post-vaccination anti-HBs levels were available from 800 individuals, with 598 (74.8%) responding to the basic vaccination schedule. After up to three booster doses a total of 676 (84.5%) individuals achieved protective anti-HBs levels. Non-response to vaccination was associated with higher age and anti-HCV positivity (p<0.001). Eighteen incident cases of HBV infection were observed among vaccine non-responders, as well as 30 cases among those who had not completed vaccination. CONCLUSION We demonstrate the feasibility of including HBV vaccination in the services offered by a NEP, with completion of vaccination in a majority of HBV-susceptible PWID. The response to HBV vaccination among PWID was relatively low; however, the addition of up to three booster doses improved the response rate from 74.8 to 84.5%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Alanko Blomé
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Infectious Disease Research Unit, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - P Björkman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Infectious Disease Research Unit, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - L Flamholc
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Infectious Disease Research Unit, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - H Jacobsson
- Research and Development Center Skåne, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - A Widell
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Virology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sækmose SG, Mössner B, Christensen PB, Lindvig K, Schlosser A, Holst R, Barington T, Holmskov U, Sorensen GL. Microfibrillar-Associated Protein 4: A Potential Biomarker for Screening for Liver Fibrosis in a Mixed Patient Cohort. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0140418. [PMID: 26460565 PMCID: PMC4604125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0140418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims A method for assessment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis without the need for a liver biopsy is desirable. Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) is a suggested biomarker for identification of high-risk patients with severe fibrosis stages. This study aimed to examine associations between plasma MFAP4 (pMFAP4) and transient elastography or chronic hepatitis C virus infection in drug users and in a mixed patient cohort with increased risk of liver disease. Moreover, the study aimed to identify comorbidities that significantly influence pMFAP4. Methods pMFAP4 was measured in samples from 351 drug users attending treatment centres and from 248 acutely hospitalized medical patients with mixed diagnoses. Linear and logistic multivariate regression analyses were performed and nonparametric receiver operating characteristic-curves for cirrhosis were used to estimate cut-off points for pMFAP4. Univariate and subgroup analyses were performed using non-parametric methods. Results pMFAP4 increased significantly with liver fibrosis score. pMFAP4 was significantly associated with chronic viral infection in the drug users and with transient elastography in both cohorts. In the mixed patient cohort, pMFAP4 was significantly increased among patients with a previous diagnosis of liver disease or congestive heart failure compared to patients with other diagnoses. Conclusions pMFAP4 has the potential to be used as an outreach-screening tool for liver fibrosis in drug users and in mixed medical patients. pMFAP4 level is positively associated with transient elastography, but additional studies are warranted to validate the possible use of pMFAP4 in larger cohorts and in combination with transient elastography.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Gjørup Sækmose
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Naestved Hospital, Naestved, Denmark
| | - Belinda Mössner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Kristoffer Lindvig
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anders Schlosser
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - René Holst
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Torben Barington
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Uffe Holmskov
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Grith Lykke Sorensen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wiessing L, Ferri M, Grady B, Kantzanou M, Sperle I, Cullen KJ, Hatzakis A, Prins M, Vickerman P, Lazarus JV, Hope VD, Matheï C. Hepatitis C virus infection epidemiology among people who inject drugs in Europe: a systematic review of data for scaling up treatment and prevention. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103345. [PMID: 25068274 PMCID: PMC4113410 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are a key population affected by hepatitis C virus (HCV). Treatment options are improving and may enhance prevention; however access for PWID may be poor. The availability in the literature of information on seven main topic areas (incidence, chronicity, genotypes, HIV co-infection, diagnosis and treatment uptake, and burden of disease) to guide HCV treatment and prevention scale-up for PWID in the 27 countries of the European Union is systematically reviewed. METHODS AND FINDINGS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for publications between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2012, with a search strategy of general keywords regarding viral hepatitis, substance abuse and geographic scope, as well as topic-specific keywords. Additional articles were found through structured email consultations with a large European expert network. Data availability was highly variable and important limitations existed in comparability and representativeness. Nine of 27 countries had data on HCV incidence among PWID, which was often high (2.7-66/100 person-years, median 13, Interquartile range (IQR) 8.7-28). Most common HCV genotypes were G1 and G3; however, G4 may be increasing, while the proportion of traditionally 'difficult to treat' genotypes (G1+G4) showed large variation (median 53, IQR 43-62). Twelve countries reported on HCV chronicity (median 72, IQR 64-81) and 22 on HIV prevalence in HCV-infected PWID (median 3.9%, IQR 0.2-28). Undiagnosed infection, assessed in five countries, was high (median 49%, IQR 38-64), while of those diagnosed, the proportion entering treatment was low (median 9.5%, IQR 3.5-15). Burden of disease, where assessed, was high and will rise in the next decade. CONCLUSION Key data on HCV epidemiology, care and disease burden among PWID in Europe are sparse but suggest many undiagnosed infections and poor treatment uptake. Stronger efforts are needed to improve data availability to guide an increase in HCV treatment among PWID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Wiessing
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marica Ferri
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bart Grady
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Kantzanou
- National Reference Centre for Retroviruses, Laboratory of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Ida Sperle
- Copenhagen HIV Programme (CHIP), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katelyn J. Cullen
- HIV & STI Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Angelos Hatzakis
- National Reference Centre for Retroviruses, Laboratory of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Prins
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Public Health Service, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Vickerman
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey V. Lazarus
- Copenhagen HIV Programme (CHIP), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vivian D. Hope
- HIV & STI Department, Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, United Kingdom
| | - Catharina Matheï
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Winter RJ, Dietze PM, Gouillou M, Hellard ME, Robinson P, Aitken CK. Hepatitis B virus exposure and vaccination in a cohort of people who inject drugs: what has been the impact of targeted free vaccination? J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013. [PMID: 23190264 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Forty percent of new hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in Australia occur in people who inject drugs (PWID); long-term infection carries the risk of serious liver disease. HBV incidence among Australian PWID has not been measured since the advent of targeted (2001) and adolescent school-based "catch-up" (1998) vaccination programs. We measured HBV incidence and prevalence in a cohort of PWID in Melbourne, Australia and examined demographic and behavioral correlates of exposure and vaccination. METHODS Community-recruited PWID were surveyed about blood-borne virus risk behaviors and their sera tested for HBV markers approximately three-monthly over three years. Incidence was assessed using prospectively collected data. A cross-sectional design was used to examine prevalence of HBV exposure and vaccination at baseline. Poisson regression was used to identify correlates of HBV exposure and vaccination. RESULTS At baseline, 33.1% of participants (114/344) had been vaccinated against HBV, 40.4% (139/344) had been exposed (previously or currently infected), and 26.5% (91/344) were susceptible. HBV incidence was 15.7 per 100 person-years. Independent associations with HBV exposure included female gender, South-East Asian ethnicity, drug treatment in the past three months, injecting in prison, and prior exposure to hepatitis C virus. Independent associations with vaccination included being ≤ 25 years old, reporting HBV vaccination, and never having been to prison. CONCLUSIONS HBV infection continues at high incidence among Australian PWID despite the introduction of free vaccination programs. Innovative methods are needed to encourage PWID to complete HBV vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Winter
- Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Christensen PB, Hay G, Jepsen P, Omland LH, Just SA, Krarup HB, Weis N, Obel N, Cowan S. Hepatitis C prevalence in Denmark -an estimate based on multiple national registers. BMC Infect Dis 2012; 12:178. [PMID: 22866925 PMCID: PMC3447638 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-12-178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A national survey for chronic hepatitis C has not been performed in Denmark and the prevalence is unknown. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of chronic hepatitis C from public registers and the proportion of these patients who received specialized healthcare. METHODS Patients with a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C were identified from four national registers: a laboratory register, the Hospital Discharge Register, a clinical database of chronic viral hepatitis and the Register of Communicable Diseases. The total population diagnosed with hepatitis C was estimated by capture-recapture analysis. The population with undiagnosed hepatitis C was derived from the national register of drug users by comparing diagnosed and tested persons. RESULTS A total of 6,935 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C were identified in the four registers and the estimated population diagnosed with the disease was 9,166 persons (95% C.I. interval 8,973 - 9,877), corresponding to 0.21% (95% CI 0.21%-0.23%) of the Danish population over 15 years of age. The prevalence was highest among persons 40-49 years old (0.39%) and males (0.28%). It was estimated that 40% of the diagnosed patients lived in the capital region, and 33.5% had attended specialised healthcare. It was estimated that 46% of hepatitis C patients had not been diagnosed and the total population with chronic hepatitis C in Denmark was 16,888 (95% C.I. 16,474-18,287), corresponding to 0.38% (95% CI 0.37-0.42) of the population over 15 years of age. CONCLUSIONS The estimated prevalence of chronic hepatitis C in Denmark was 0.38%. Less than half of the patients with chronic hepatitis C in Denmark have been identified and among these patients, one in three has attended specialised care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peer Brehm Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense C 29 5000, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Krarup H, Andersen S, Madsen PH, Christensen PB, Laursen AL, Bentzen-Petersen A, Møller JM, Weis N. HBeAg and not genotypes predicts viral load in patients with hepatitis B in Denmark: a nationwide cohort study. Scand J Gastroenterol 2011; 46:1484-91. [PMID: 21958304 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2011.619273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the influence of HBV genotype on viral load in patients with HBV infection, and to investigate the relation to gender, age and country of origin or antibodies against hepatitis Be antigen (anti-HBe). MATERIALS We investigated 1025 patients with hepatitis B virus infection in a nationwide study in Denmark. RESULTS Prevalence of genotypes were: 10.5% A, 17.3% B, 20.5% C, 45.7% D, 3.2% E, 0.6% F, 1.1% G and 1% had more than one genotype. Nearly 60% of patients with genotype A were from Africa, 82% and 93% with genotypes B or C were from East Asia, 62% with genotype D came from the Middle East and 91% with genotype E came from Africa. More women had genotypes B (p = 0.006) or C (p < 0.001) while more men had genotypes A (p = 0.015) or D (p < 0.001). Women with genotypes B and D were younger than men (p < 0.001, p = 0.026). Viral load differed in genotype A and D compared with B and C (p < 0.001), and between anti-HBe and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive patients (median values 5.4 × 10(3) IU/ml and 7.4 × 10(7) IU/ml, respectively, p < 0.001). Viral load depended on the presence of HBeAg (p < 0.001; OR, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.03-0.07) in the adjusted analysis and was not affected by origin (p = 0.65), age (p = 0.12), gender (p = 0.06) or genotype (p = 0.10). CONCLUSION HBeAg status and not HBV genotype influenced viral load in this nationwide study. HBeAg positive patients had median HBV-DNA levels 10,000 times higher than those anti-HBe positive across genotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Krarup
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Section of Molecular Diagnostics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Moessner BK, Jørgensen TR, Skamling M, Vyberg M, Junker P, Pedersen C, Christensen PB. Outreach screening of drug users for cirrhosis with transient elastography. Addiction 2011; 106:970-6. [PMID: 21182552 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Transient elastography (TE) is a non-invasive sensitive tool for diagnosing cirrhosis in hospital-based cohorts. This study aimed to evaluate TE as a screening tool for cirrhosis among drug users. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING All treatment centres in the county of Funen, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS Drug users attending treatment centres during the presence of the study team. MEASUREMENTS Liver stiffness measurements (LSM) by transient elastography using the Fibroscan device; blood tests for viral hepatitis, HIV infection and hyaluronic acid (HA) levels; and routine liver tests. Individuals with LSM ≥ 8 kPa were referred to the hospital for treatment evaluation. Individuals with LSM ≥ 12 kPa were recommended a liver biopsy. FINDINGS Among 175 drug users negative for hepatitis C, 13% had LSM = 8-11.9 kPa and 4% had LSM ≥ 12 kPa; elevated LSM was associated with a body mass index (BMI) > 30. Among 128 drug users with chronic hepatitis C, 19.5% had LSM = 8-11.9 kPa and 21.1% had LSM ≥ 12 kPa (P < 0.001). Repeat LSM at liver biopsy performed a median 3 months after screening showed a significant decrease (<12 kPa) among 30% (six of 20), and this was independent of alcohol consumption, BMI, age and gender. In 29 patients where liver biopsy was performed a LSM ≥ 16 kPa predicted cirrhosis with 88.9% sensitivity and 90% specificity. CONCLUSIONS Transient elastography is a feasible screening tool for cirrhosis among drug users. Transient elastography identifies severe liver fibrosis in a significant proportion of drug users with hepatitis C infections but management should not be based on a single elevated liver stiffness measurement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda K Moessner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|