Outcomes of an HCV elimination program targeting the Viennese MSM population

A systematic PCR record-based re-call of HCV-RNA-positive people enables re-linkage to care and HCV elimination in Austria - The ELIMINATE project

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Identification of people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) via readily available laboratory records could be a key strategy for macro-elimination, aligning with the WHO elimination goal. Therefore, the ELIMINATE(ELIMINation of HCV in AusTria East) project aimed to systematically re-link people with a 'last-positive' HCV-RNA PCR record to care.

METHODS

In 10 major liver centres in Eastern Austria, a systematic readout of 'last-positive' HCV-RNA PCR test records obtained between 2008 and 2020 were conducted and linked to available patient contact data. Between 2020 and 2023, individuals were contacted first by phone, then by letter, to inform them about the availability of effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment and invite them for pre-treatment evaluation.

RESULTS

The overall cohort of last-positive HCV+ individuals included 5695 subjects (62.5% males, mean age 57.3 ± 17.3 years); of note, 1931 (34%) of them had died and 759 (13%) individuals had no valid contact information. Of the remaining 3005 individuals, 1171 (40.0%) had already achieved sustained virological response (SVR) at the time of re-call. We successfully reached 617 (20.5%), of whom 417 (67.6%) attended their pre-treatment visit, and 397 (64.3%) commenced DAA-therapy. HCV cure has been confirmed in 326 individuals, corresponding to an SVR rate of 82.1%.

CONCLUSION

The ELIMINATE project identified 5695 people living with HCV who were 'lost to care' despite documented HCV viraemia. While invalid contact data were an evident barrier to HCV elimination, premature deaths among the cohort underscored the severity of untreated HCV. The implementation of a systematic HCV-RNA PCR recorded-based re-call workflow represents an effective strategy supporting the WHO goal of HCV elimination.

Trends in hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors among msm in Pakistan: insights from a community-based study

Pakistan bears a substantial burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, with the second-highest prevalence globally. This community-based cross-sectional study, conducted from January to December 2022 in Punjab, Pakistan, investigates the seroprevalence of HCV among the men who have sex with men (MSM) population. The study identifies demographic and behavioral risk factors associated with HCV infection within this population group. Among the 501 participants, the study found an HCV seroprevalence of 14.86%. The association between demographic characteristics and seroprevalence is assessed by calculating the percentage of positive cases, revealing notable associations with age, education level, and self-identified sexual orientation. Furthermore, the study identified several behavioral risk factors positively associated with HCV seroprevalence, including sharing personal items such as razors and toothbrushes, histories of surgery, blood transfusion, dental procedures, intravenous drug use, and therapeutic injection histories. These risk factors were identified through structured interviews, and the prevalence of HCV seropositivity among the exposed groups was calculated accordingly. Interestingly, a lower HCV positivity rate was observed among self-reported HIV-positive individuals, contradicting previous research. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive, targeted prevention strategies such as risk factor awareness campaigns and educational programs tailored for the MSM population in Pakistan. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and better understand the complex interplay of factors contributing to HCV seroprevalence in this high-risk population.

Revolutionizing hepatitis C treatment: next-gen direct-acting antivirals

INTRODUCTION

With the introduction of highly effective and safe therapies with next-generation direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), that act without interferon, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains the only treatable chronic infectious disease.

AREAS COVERED

The review aims to provide an overview of the therapy revolution with a description of specific DAAs, their mechanisms of action, a summary of the safety and efficacy of specific regimens, and a discussion of populations requiring special therapeutic approaches.

EXPERT OPINION

DAAs are highly effective, safe, and easy to use. However, challenges such as access to health services and loss of patients from the cascade of care, especially in groups disproportionately affected by HCV infection, such as substance abusers, make it difficult to achieve the WHO's goal of HCV elimination. The proposed strategy to combat these difficulties involves a one-step approach to diagnosing and treating the infection, the availability of long-lasting forms of medication, and the development of an effective vaccine. The aforementioned opportunities are all the more important as the world is facing an opioid epidemic that is translating into an increase in HCV prevalence. This phenomenon is of greatest concern in women of childbearing age and in those already pregnant due to treatment limitations.

ELIMINATE: a PCR record-based macroelimination project for systematic recall of HCV-RNA-positive persons in Austria

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Micro-elimination projects targeted to specific hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk populations have been successful. Systematic identification of persons with HCV viremia, regardless of risk group, based on already available laboratory records may represent an effective macroelimination approach to achieve global HCV elimination.

METHODS

Persons with a last positive HCV-RNA PCR result between 2008-2020 in the reference virology laboratories in eastern Austria were identified. First, (i) we described their demographic characteristics, (ii) we systematically recalled persons to the respective centers and (iii) started antiviral treatment if HCV-RNA viremia was confirmed, and (iv) recorded sustained virologic response (SVR). This interim report includes the preliminary results from 8 participating centers.

RESULTS

During the study period 22,682 persons underwent HCV-RNA PCR testing, 11,216 (49.4%) were positive at any point in time, and 6006 (26.5%) showed detectable HCV-RNA at the last PCR test, suggesting ongoing HCV viremia. At the time of this interim report, 2546/6006 HCV-RNA PCR(+) persons were evaluated: 443/2546 (17.4%) had died, 852/2546 (33.5%) had invalid contact data, and 547/2546 (21.5%) had achieved SVR between data retrieval and recall. Contact could be established in 236/704 (33.5%) of the remaining target population with 97/236 (41.1%) presenting at the clinic for treatment evaluation. Ultimately, 71/236 (30.1%) started antiviral treatment and SVR was documented in 47/71 (66.2%).

CONCLUSION

This ELIMINATE project based on systematic assessment of HCV-RNA PCR-records, identified 6006 persons with potential persisting HCV viremia. Invalid contact data and missed visits for treatment evaluation were the main barriers towards HCV elimination within this project. Importantly, many subjects with HCV viremia lost to follow-up were successfully linked to care and started antiviral treatment.

Universal screening and treatment towards the elimination of chronic hepatitis C in China: an economic evaluation

OBJECTIVES

China has the largest number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the world, but current levels of diagnosis and treatment are low. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of various universal HCV screening and treatment strategies in China and inform decisions on health policy.

STUDY DESIGN

A cost-effectiveness analytical study.

METHODS

We developed a Markov model to investigate cost-effectiveness of different HCV screening and treatment strategies in China. We simulated several screening scenarios for Chinese people aged 18-70 years. We estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of different intervention scenarios compared with status quo.

RESULTS

Expanded HCV screening and treatment strategy with prioritisation for high-risk groups (Scenario S5) was the most cost-effective strategy (ICER: USD $11,667.71/quality-adjusted life-year [QALY] gained), which resulted in great reduction in HCV-related diseases and deaths, with a 67.11% reduction in cases of chronic HCV. Universal HCV screening and treatment implementation remains a cost-effective strategy when delayed until 2025 (ICER: USD $17,093.69/QALY), yet the delayed strategy is less effective in reducing HCV-related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Expanded HCV screening and treatment strategy with prioritisation for high-risk groups is the most cost-effective strategy and has lead to a significant reduction in both HCV morbidity and mortality in China, which would essentially eliminate HCV as a public threat.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus Infections in a Large Belgian Cohort Using Next-Generation Sequencing of Full-Length Genomes

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic in Western countries is primarily perpetuated by the sub-populations of men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWID). Understanding the dynamics of transmission in these communities is crucial for removing the remaining hurdles towards HCV elimination. We sequenced 269 annotated HCV plasma samples using probe enrichment and next-generation sequencing, obtaining 224 open reading frames of HCV (OR497849-OR498072). Maximum likelihood phylogenies were generated on the four most prevalent subtypes in this study (HCV1a, 1b, 3a, 4d) with a subsequent transmission cluster analysis. The highest rate of clustering was observed for HCV4d samples (13/17 (76.47%)). The second highest rate of clustering was observed in HCV1a samples (42/78 (53.85%)) with significant association with HIV-positive MSM. HCV1b and HCV3a had very low rates of clustering (2/83 (2.41%) and (0/29)). The spread of the prevalent subtype HCV1b appears to have been largely curtailed, and we demonstrate the onwards transmission of HCV1a and HCV4d in the HIV-positive MSM population across municipal borders. More systematic data collection and sequencing is needed to allow a better understanding of the HCV transmission among the community of PWID and overcome the remaining barriers for HCV elimination in Belgium.

CHIME - A tailored HCV microelimination project in Viennese people who inject drugs at drug centralized substitution centers

Background

Hepatitis C remains highly prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWIDs). We propose an integrated approach for screening/diagnostic testing and treatment in 6,665 Viennese PWIDs registered to access opioid agonist therapy (OAT).

Methods

OAT prescriptions were required monthly at one of nine approved authorities, making them ideal platforms for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening. All PWIDs attending these authorities between January 2019 and March 2020 were offered on-site HCV screening, and consecutive HCV RNA PCR in case of positive HCV serology. In HCV viremic PWIDs, offsite referral to HCV care and treatment according to directly observed therapy (DOT) alongside OAT were performed.

Results

4,327/6,665 (64.9%) individuals were contacted before the COVID-19-related project discontinuation. There were 1,538/4,327 (35.5%) individuals who had participated in the study. HCV serology was available in 1,510/1,538 (98.2%): 795/1,519 (52.6%) had a positive serology, among whom 632 (79.5%) were followed-up with a PCR test. In 8/1,538 (0.5%) additional study participants HCV RNA PCR was assessed without prior serological screening. 239/640 (37.3%) individuals were HCV viremic with 51 (21.3%) having started on direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). 48/51 (94.1%) had completed treatment, among whom 42 (87.5% according to ITT) had achieved sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after completing treatment (SVR12) and 6 (12.5%) had been lost to follow-up after completion of therapy (SVR12 according to mITT: 42/42, 100%). No treatment failures had occurred.

Conclusion

Providing integrated point-of-care HCV screening/diagnostic testing at central OAT approved centers, followed by DOT with DAAs, represents an effective HCV microelimination strategy. While some PWIDs were lost in the cascade to cure and the absolute number of SVR was limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, our approach will allow linkage to care in a large proportion of Viennese PWIDs.

Prevalence and dynamics of NAFLD-associated fibrosis in people living with HIV in Vienna from first presentation to last follow-up

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is frequent in people living with HIV (PLWH) and may be aggravated by metabolic comorbidities and antiretroviral therapy (ART)-associated adverse effects.

METHODS

We retrospectively assessed epidemiological, clinical and laboratory parameters and ART regimens at HIV diagnosis (BL) and at last follow-up (FU) in 1458 PLWH without viral hepatitis coinfection attending our HIV clinic in 2014-2016. Fibrosis was non-invasively assessed by the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS).

RESULTS

The median age of subjects was 37.8 years, 77.4% were male and 67.2% on ART, median CD4+ count was 356.0 cells/µL. At BL, 503 (34.5%) and 20 (1.4%) PLWH had dyslipidemia and diabetes, respectively. According to the NFS 16 (1.3%) showed advanced fibrosis (NFS ≥ 0.676), among which 1 (6.3%) had diabetes, 7 (43.8%) had dyslipidemia, and 5 (31.3%) were on HIV-protease inhibitors (PI). In addition, 191(15.1%) had intermediate NFS results, while fibrosis was ruled out (NFS ≤ 1.455) in 1065 (83.7%) PLWH. After a median follow-up of 6.3 years, 590 (42.8%) had dyslipidemia and 61 (4.4%) had diabetes. Also, 21 (1.6%) showed advanced fibrosis, of which 10 (47.6%) had diabetes, 4 (19.0%) had dyslipidemia, and 9 (42.9%) were on PI-based ART, 223 (17.4%) had intermediate NFS results, while 1039 (81.0%) showed no fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

During FU, advanced NAFLD fibrosis occurred in 1.3-1.6% of PLWH. Dyslipidemia, diabetes, and PI-based ART were associated with advanced NAFLD fibrosis. Prospective investigations of NAFLD severity and risk factors in PLWH are warranted.

Progress of Hepatitis C elimination in Viennese people living with HIV after two decades of increasing cure rates

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Interferon(IFN)-based hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy has been replaced by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). We assessed temporal trends in patient characteristics, transmission risks, treatment initiation, and cure rates in eras of IFN, restricted DAA-access, and unrestricted DAA-access in Viennese HCV/HIV-coinfected patients (HIV/HCV).

METHODS

Consecutive HIV/HCV-coinfected patients starting HCV treatment at the Vienna General Hospital between 2002 and 2020 were retrospectively enrolled.

RESULTS

Of all N = 508 HIV/HCV, 78% (398/508) were male and the mean age was 41.8 ± 9.5 years. 'People-who-inject-drugs' (PWID) accounted for 61% (311/508), while 31% (156/508) were 'men who have sex with men' (MSM). In the IFN-era, restricted DAA-era and unrestricted DAA-era, N = 152, N = 129, and N = 227 HCV treatments were started and 49% (74/152), 95% (122/129), and 88% (200/227) achieved sustained virologic response, respectively. Treatment during the IFN-era was a strong predictor for virologic non-response (aOR 12.69; 6.93-23.24) and loss-to-follow-up (aOR 6.12; 2.99-12.54), while virologic non-response was less common in 'MSM' (aOR 0.28; 0.13-0.62). Ninety three percent (50/54) of the observed HCV reinfections occurred in the unrestricted DAA-era. A substantial increase in 'MSM' transmission was observed since 2010 with 66% (107/161) in the DAA-era versus 15% (49/330) prior to the DAA-era.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV cure rates in Viennese HIV patients increased from 49% in the IFN-era to 88-95% in the DAA-era. MSM-related risk behaviour and reinfections became the key challenges towards HCV elimination in HIV-coinfected patients.

Combining treatment for chronic hepatitis C with opioid agonist therapy is an effective microelimination strategy for people who inject drugs with high risk of non-adherence to antiviral therapy

Background & aims

Despite effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence is high among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) and non-adherence to therapy remains a major obstacle towards HCV elimination in this subpopulation. To overcome this issue, we have combined ongoing opioid agonist therapy (OAT) with DAAs in a directly-observed therapy (DOT) setting.

Method

From September 2014 until January 2021 PWIDs at high risk of non-adherence to DAA therapy, who were also on OAT, were included into this microelimination project. Individuals received their OAT and DAAs under supervision of healthcare workers as DOT in a pharmacy or low-threshold facility.

Results

In total, 504 HCV RNA-positive PWIDs on OAT (387 men, 76.8%; median age: 38 years [IQR 33-45], HIV: 4.6%; hepatitis B: 1.4%) were included into this study. Two thirds reported ongoing intravenous drug use (IDU) and half of them had no permanent housing. Only 41 (8.1%) were lost to follow-up and two (0.4%) died of reasons unrelated to DAA toxicity. Overall, 90.7% of PWIDs achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) (95% CI: 88.1-93.2%). By excluding those lost to follow-up and hose who had died of causes unrelated to DAAs, the SVR12 rate was 99.1% (95% CI: 98.3-100.0%; modified intention-to-treat analysis). Four PWIDs (0.9%) experienced treatment failure. Over a median follow-up of 24 weeks (IQR 12-39), 27 reinfections (5.9%) were observed in individuals with the highest IDU rates (81.2%). Importantly, even though some were lost to follow-up, all completed their DAA treatment. By using DOT, adherence to DAAs was excellent with only a total of 86 missed doses (0.3% of 25,224 doses).

Conclusions

In this difficult-to-treat population of PWIDs with high rates of IDU , coupling DAA treatment to OAT in a DOT setting resulted in high SVR12 rates equivalent to conventional treatment settings in non-PWID populations.

HCV hotline facilitates Hepatitis C elimination during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates healthcare restrictions that also affected ongoing hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination efforts. We assessed the value of a physician-operated HCV hotline on treatment and cure rates throughout the pandemic. All HCV patients undergoing HCV therapy at the Vienna General Hospital from 2019 to 2021 were included. An HCV hotline was established in 2019 and provided services including phone calls, text messages and voicemails. Patients were stratified by date of HCV therapy: 2019 (pre-COVID) vs. 2020/2021 (during-COVID) and use of the HCV hotline: users vs. non-users. Overall, 220 patients were included (pre-COVID: n = 91 vs. during-COVID: n = 129). The prevalence of intravenous drug use (60.5%) and alcohol abuse (24.8%) was high during COVID. During COVID, the number of DAA treatment starts declined by 24.2% (n = 69) in 2020 and by 34.1% (n = 60) in 2021 vs. pre-COVID (n = 91, 100%). Significantly more patients used the HCV hotline during-COVID (95.3%) vs. pre-COVID (65.9%; p < .001). Sustained virologic response (SVR) was 84.6% pre-COVID and 86.0% during-COVID. HCV hotline users achieved higher SVR rates during-COVID (88.2% vs. 33.3%, p = .004), but also pre-COVID (96.7% vs. 61.3%, p < .001) compared with non-users. Considering only patients with completed DAA treatments, SVR rates remained similarly high during-COVID (96.9%) versus pre-COVID (98.1%). HCV treatment initiations decreased during-COVID but importantly, nearly all DAA-treated HCV patients used the HCV hotline during the COVID pandemic. Overall, the SVR rate remained at 88.2% during COVID and was particularly high in HCV phone users-most likely due to facilitation of adherence.

The 'Viennese epidemic' of acute HCV in the era of direct-acting antivirals

The recently reported epidemic of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections -observed predominantly among men who have sex with men (MSM)-may now decline due to wide availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This study aimed to investigate the current trends of acute hepatitis C in Vienna. Patients presenting with acute hepatitis C between 01/2007 and12/2020 at the Vienna General Hospital were retrospectively enrolled and followed after virologic clearance/eradication. The introduction of unrestricted DAA access after 09/17 defined the 'DAA era', as compared to the 'pre-DAA era' prior to 09/17. We identified 134 acute hepatitis C cases in 119 patients with a mean age of 39 ± 9 years at inclusion. The majority of patients were male (92%), HIV-positive (88%) and MSM (85%). In the DAA era, a history of prior chronic HCV infection at inclusion was found in 24% (11/46) compared to 7% (5/73) in the pre-DAA era (p = .012). The annual rate of acute hepatitis C cases increased in the DAA era (17.11 per year) compared to the pre-DAA era (7.76 per year). The DAA era included an AHC-genotype-2 cluster and more HIV-negative acute hepatitis C cases (0% (0/73) vs. 30% (14/46), p < .001). Patients were followed after spontaneous clearance or sustained virologic treatment response (SVR) for a total of 251.88 patient-years (median 1.39 years per patient). In the DAA era, we recorded 15 acute hepatitis C-reinfections - corresponding to an incidence rate of 5.96 (95% CI: 3.57-9.66) reinfections per 100-patient-years. We continue to observe a high incidence of acute hepatitis C in Vienna in the DAA era-primarily among HIV-positive MSM, but increasingly also in HIV-negative MSM.