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Ledenko M, Patel T. Poverty Traps and Mortality From Liver Diseases in the United States. Am J Gastroenterol 2024:00000434-990000000-01205. [PMID: 38916206 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Poverty traps, locations with multigenerational poverty, result from structural and economic factors that can affect health of residents within these locations. The aim of this study was to define poverty traps within the contiguous United States and their impact on outcomes from liver diseases or cancers. METHODS A systematic census-tract level analysis was used to spatially define regions that encompassed poverty traps. Clusters of prevalent poverty and mortality from chronic liver diseases or liver cancers were identified. Temporal trends and the relationship between race and ethnicity, type of space and escape from poverty traps on disease mortality within hot spots were determined. RESULTS The proportion of census tracts enduring multigenerational poverty within counties was strongly associated with mortality from liver disease or cancer. There was a highly significant clustering of persistent poverty and increased mortality. Hot spots of high-mortality areas correlated with factors related to income, ethnicity, and access to health care. Location or noneconomic individual factors such as race and ethnicity were important determinants of disparities within hot spots. Distinct groups of poverty traps were defined. The highly characteristic demographics and disease outcomes within each of these groups underscored the need for location-specific interventions. DISCUSSION Poverty traps are a major and important spatially determined risk factor for mortality from liver diseases and cancers. Targeted location-specific interventions and economic development aimed at addressing the underlying causes of poverty and enhancing prosperity will be required to reduce mortality from liver diseases within poverty traps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ledenko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
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2
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Brahmania M, Rogal S, Serper M, Patel A, Goldberg D, Mathur A, Wilder J, Vittorio J, Yeoman A, Rich NE, Lazo M, Kardashian A, Asrani S, Spann A, Ufere N, Verma M, Verna E, Simpson D, Schold JD, Rosenblatt R, McElroy L, Wadwhani SI, Lee TH, Strauss AT, Chung RT, Aiza I, Carr R, Yang JM, Brady C, Fortune BE. Pragmatic strategies to address health disparities along the continuum of care in chronic liver disease. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0413. [PMID: 38696374 PMCID: PMC11068141 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities exist in the prevalence and natural history of chronic liver disease, access to care, and clinical outcomes. Solutions to improve health equity range widely, from digital health tools to policy changes. The current review outlines the disparities along the chronic liver disease health care continuum from screening and diagnosis to the management of cirrhosis and considerations of pre-liver and post-liver transplantation. Using a health equity research and implementation science framework, we offer pragmatic strategies to address barriers to implementing high-quality equitable care for patients with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayur Brahmania
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Transplant Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shari Rogal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marina Serper
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Arpan Patel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Goldberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Amit Mathur
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplant Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Julius Wilder
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer Vittorio
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andrew Yeoman
- Department of Medicine, Gwent Liver Unit, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Newport, Wales, UK
| | - Nicole E. Rich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Mariana Lazo
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ani Kardashian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sumeet Asrani
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ashley Spann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Nneka Ufere
- Department of Medicine, Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Manisha Verma
- Department of Medicine, Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth Verna
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dinee Simpson
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jesse D. Schold
- Department of Surgery and Epidemiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Russell Rosenblatt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lisa McElroy
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sharad I. Wadwhani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tzu-Hao Lee
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexandra T. Strauss
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Raymond T. Chung
- Department of Medicine, Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ignacio Aiza
- Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Hospital Ángeles Lomas, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rotonya Carr
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jin Mo Yang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Carla Brady
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brett E. Fortune
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Montefiore Einstein Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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Laily A, Duncan R, Gabhart KM, Nephew LD, Christy SM, Vadaparampil ST, Giuliano AR, Kasting ML. Differences in Provider Hepatitis C Virus Screening Recommendations by Patient Risk Status. Prev Med Rep 2024; 38:102602. [PMID: 38375175 PMCID: PMC10874862 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Providers' recommendation is among the strongest predictors to patients engaging in preventive care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare providers' Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) screening recommendation quality between high-risk and average-risk patients to determine if providers are universally recommending HCV screening, regardless of risk behaviors. This cross-sectional survey of 284 Indiana providers in 2020 assessed provider characteristics, HCV screening recommendation practices (strength, presentation, frequency, timeliness), self-efficacy, and barriers to recommending HCV screening. T-test and Chi-square compared recommendation practices for high-risk and average-risk patients. Prevalence ratios were calculated for variables associated with HCV recommendation strength comparing high-risk and average-risk patients. Logistic regression analyses examined factors associated with HCV recommendation strength for high- and average-risk patients, with odds ratios. Compared to average-risk patients, high-risk patients received higher proportion of HCV recommendations that were strong (70.4 % v. 42.4 %), routine (61.9 % v. 55.6 %), frequent (37.7 % v. 28 %), and timely (74.2 % v. 54.9 %) (P-values < 0.001). Compared to average-risk patients, providers with high-risk patients had a lower percentage of giving a strong recommendation if they were nurse practitioner (PR = 0.49). For high-risk patients, providers with higher self-efficacy (aOR = 2.16;95 %CI = 0.99-4.69) had higher odds, while those with higher perceived barriers (aOR = 0.19;95 %CI = 0.09-0.39) and those with an internal medicine specialty compared to family medicine (aOR = 0.22;95 %CI = 0.08-0.57) had lower odds of giving a strong recommendation. These data suggest providers are not universally recommending HCV screening for all adults regardless of reported risk. Future research should translate these findings into multilevel interventions to improve HCV screening recommendations regardless of patient risk status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfu Laily
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, 820 Mitch Daniels Blvd, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Robert Duncan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, 1202 West State St., West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Kaitlyn M. Gabhart
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, 230 Appleton Pl, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Lauren D. Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 340 W 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Shannon M. Christy
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Susan T. Vadaparampil
- Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of South Florida, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Anna R. Giuliano
- Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Monica L. Kasting
- Department of Public Health, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, 820 Mitch Daniels Blvd, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, 535 Barnhill Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Yilma M, Dalal N, Wadhwani SI, Hirose R, Mehta N. Geographic disparities in access to liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:987-997. [PMID: 37232214 PMCID: PMC10914246 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000182] [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] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Since the Final Rule regarding transplantation was published in 1999, organ distribution policies have been implemented to reduce geographic disparity. While a recent change in liver allocation, termed acuity circles, eliminated the donor service area as a unit of distribution to decrease the geographic disparity of waitlisted patients to liver transplantation, recently published results highlight the complexity of addressing geographic disparity. From geographic variation in donor supply, as well as liver disease burden and differing model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores of candidates and MELD scores necessary to receive liver transplantation, to the urban-rural disparity in specialty care access, and to neighborhood deprivation (community measure of socioeconomic status) in liver transplant access, addressing disparities of access will require a multipronged approach at the patient, transplant center, and national level. Herein, we review the current knowledge of these disparities-from variation in larger (regional) to smaller (census tract or zip code) levels to the common etiologies of liver disease, which are particularly affected by these geographic boundaries. The geographic disparity in liver transplant access must balance the limited organ supply with the growing demand. We must identify patient-level factors that contribute to their geographic disparity and incorporate these findings at the transplant center level to develop targeted interventions. We must simultaneously work at the national level to standardize and share patient data (including socioeconomic status and geographic social deprivation indices) to better understand the factors that contribute to the geographic disparity. The complex interplay between organ distribution policy, referral patterns, and variable waitlisting practices with the proportion of high MELD patients and differences in potential donor supply must all be considered to create a national policy strategy to address the inequities in the system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mignote Yilma
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco
- National Clinician Scholars Program, University of California San Francisco
| | - Nicole Dalal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco
| | | | - Ryutaro Hirose
- Department of Transplant, University of California San Francisco
| | - Neil Mehta
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco
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Bishop K, Balogun S, Eynstone-Hinkins J, Moran L, Martin M, Banks E, Rao C, Joshy G. Analysis of Multiple Causes of Death: A Review of Methods and Practices. Epidemiology 2023; 34:333-344. [PMID: 36719759 PMCID: PMC10069753 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research and reporting of mortality indicators typically focus on a single underlying cause of death selected from multiple causes recorded on a death certificate. The need to incorporate the multiple causes in mortality statistics-reflecting increasing multimorbidity and complex causation patterns-is recognized internationally. This review aims to identify and appraise relevant analytical methods and practices related to multiple causes. METHODS We searched Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from their incept ion to December 2020 without language restrictions, supplemented by consultation with international experts. Eligible articles analyzed multiple causes of death from death certificates. The process identified 4,080 items of which we reviewed 434 full-text articles. RESULTS Most articles we reviewed (76%, n = 332) were published since 2001. The majority of articles examined mortality by "any- mention" of the cause of death (87%, n = 377) and assessed pairwise combinations of causes (57%, n = 245). Since 2001, applications of methods emerged to group deaths based on common cause patterns using, for example, cluster analysis (2%, n = 9), and application of multiple-cause weights to re-evaluate mortality burden (1%, n = 5). We describe multiple-cause methods applied to specific research objectives for approaches emerging recently. CONCLUSION This review confirms rapidly increasing international interest in the analysis of multiple causes of death and provides the most comprehensive overview, to our knowledge, of methods and practices to date. Available multiple-cause methods are diverse but suit a range of research objectives. With greater availability of data and technology, these could be further developed and applied across a range of settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bishop
- From the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University
| | - Saliu Balogun
- From the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University
| | | | - Lauren Moran
- Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra, Australia
| | - Melonie Martin
- From the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University
| | - Emily Banks
- From the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University
| | - Chalapati Rao
- From the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University
| | - Grace Joshy
- From the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University
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Sempokuya T, Warner J, Azawi M, Nogimura A, Wong LL. Current status of disparity in liver disease. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1940-1952. [PMID: 36483604 PMCID: PMC9724102 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i11.1940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Disparities have emerged as an important issue in many aspects of healthcare in developed countries and may be based on race, ethnicity, sex, geographical location, and socioeconomic status. For liver disease specifically, these potential disparities can affect access to care and outcome in viral hepatitis, chronic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Shortages in hepatologists and medical providers versed in liver disease may amplify these disparities by compromising early detection of liver disease, surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma, and prompt referral to subspecialists and transplant centers. In the United States, continued efforts have been made to address some of these disparities with better education of healthcare providers, use of telehealth to enhance access to specialists, reminders in electronic medical records, and modifying organ allocation systems for liver transplantation. This review will detail the current status of disparities in liver disease and describe current efforts to minimize these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Sempokuya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Josh Warner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Muaataz Azawi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sanford Center for Digestive Health, Sioux Falls 57105, SD, Uruguay
| | - Akane Nogimura
- Department of Public Health, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Aichi, Japan
- Division of Psychiatry and Cognitive-Behavioral Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Aichi, Japan
| | - Linda L Wong
- Department of Surgery, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96813, United States
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Patient characteristics and neighborhood attributes associated with hepatitis C screening and positivity in Philadelphia. Prev Med Rep 2022; 30:102011. [PMID: 36245804 PMCID: PMC9562417 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.102011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Among patients of an urban primary care network in Philadelphia with a universal hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening policy for patients born during 1945-1965, we examined whether being unscreened and HCV positivity were associated with attributes of the census tracts where patients resided, which we considered as proxies for social health determinants. For patients with at least one clinic visit between 2014 and mid-2017, we linked demographic and HCV screening information from electronic health records with metrics that described the census tracts where patients resided. We used generalized estimating equations to estimate adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRs) for being unscreened and HCV positive. Overall, 28% of 6,906 patients were unscreened. Black race, male gender, and residence in census tracts with relatively high levels of violent crime, low levels of educational attainment and household incomes, and evidence of residential segregation by Hispanic ethnicity were associated with lower aRRs for being unscreened. Among screened patients, 9% were HCV positive. Factors associated with lower risks of being unscreened were, in general, associated with higher HCV positivity. Attributes of census tracts where patients reside are probably less apparent to clinicians than patients' gender or race but might reflect unmeasured patient characteristics that affected screening practices, along with preconceptions regarding the likelihood of HCV infection based on prior screening observations or implicit biases. Approaching complete detection of HCV-infected people would be hastened by focusing on residents of census tracts with attributes associated with higher infection levels or, if known, higher infection levels directly.
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Blackmond N, Kanke JD, Loh T, Weitzman R. Challenges of Treating an Acute Hepatitis C Virus Infection With Concurrent Seizure Treatment in a Free Clinic. Cureus 2022; 14:e25530. [PMID: 35800783 PMCID: PMC9245585 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is limited data evaluating the coadministration of first-generation anticonvulsants for epilepsy treatment and direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. There is a potential risk of suboptimal DAA serum concentrations that could potentially lead to HCV treatment failure. In this report, we describe the case of an uninsured, non-Hispanic Black male in his mid-40s with a history of generalized epilepsy that was managed with phenytoin 100mg twice a day and divalproex 500mg extended-release once daily. He was diagnosed with an acute hepatitis C viral infection with a genotype of 1a. Due to the viral genotype, treatment naivety, and lack of cirrhosis, the recommended treatment is to start glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, but the concomitant use of phenytoin and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is not recommended due to a drug-drug interaction that could lead to subtherapeutic DAA levels and possible treatment failure. Through shared decision-making and close follow-up, we slowly weaned the patient off phenytoin, replaced it with levetiracetam, and started glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. We successfully eradicated the patient’s HCV infection, and no breakthrough seizures were reported. Although an unprecedented case and with the limited data evaluating the coadministration of DAAs and treatment of acute HCV infection, we were able to successfully treat and achieve full remission of the HCV infection. By virtue of this case report, we hope to encourage others to report similar cases and spread awareness regarding the difficulties in management.
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Socioeconomic Inequalities in Chronic Liver Diseases and Cirrhosis Mortality in European Urban Areas before and after the Onset of the 2008 Economic Recession. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18168801. [PMID: 34444557 PMCID: PMC8391471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To analyse the trends in chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis mortality, and the associated socioeconomic inequalities, in nine European cities and urban areas before and after the onset of the 2008 financial crisis. Methods: This is an ecological study of trends in three periods of time: two before (2000–2003 and 2004–2008), and one after (2009–2014) the onset of the economic crisis. The units of analysis were the geographical areas of nine cities or urban areas in Europe. We analysed chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis standardised mortality ratios, smoothing them with a hierarchical Bayesian model by each city, area, and sex. An ecological regression model was fitted to analyse the trends in socioeconomic inequalities, and included the socioeconomic deprivation index, the period, and their interaction. Results: In general, chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis mortality rates were higher in men than in women. These rates decreased in all cities during the financial crisis, except among men in Athens (rates increased from 8.50 per 100,000 inhabitants during the second period to 9.42 during the third). Socioeconomic inequalities in chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis mortality were found in six cities/metropolitan areas among men, and in four among women. Finally, in the periods studied, such inequalities did not significantly change. However, among men they increased in Turin and Barcelona and among women, several cities had lower inequalities in the third period. Conclusions: There are geographical socioeconomic inequalities in chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis mortality, mainly among men, that did not change during the 2008 financial crisis. These results should be monitored in the long term.
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Ahn YH, Lee H, Kim DY, Lee HW, Yu SJ, Cho YY, Jang JW, Jang BK, Kim CW, Kim HY, Park H, Cho HJ, Park B, Kim SS, Cheong JY. Independent Risk Factors for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Recurrence after Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C. Gut Liver 2021; 15:410-419. [PMID: 32893194 PMCID: PMC8129654 DOI: 10.5009/gnl20151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in Korean patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to investigate the risk factors associated with HCC recurrence. Methods A total of 100 patients with HCV-related HCC, who were treated with DAAs between May 2015 and December 2016, were recruited from seven university hospitals in Korea. Claim data of 526 patients with HCC obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in South Korea were used for external validation of the results. Results Among the 100 patients, 88% achieved a sustained virological response (SVR) 12 weeks after the end of DAA therapy (SVR12), and 37% experienced HCC recurrence after DAA therapy. Short last HCC treatment durability (<12 months) before DAA commencement was independently associated with HCC recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 2.89; p=0.011). In the nationwide validation cohort, 20.3% of the patients experienced HCC recurrence. The last HCC treatment with a noncurative method, a short last HCC treatment durability (<12 months), and a longer total duration of HCC treatment (≥18 months) were independently related with HCC recurrence (HR 3.73, p<0.001; HR 3.34, p<0.001; and HR 1.74, p=0.006; respectively). Conclusions DAA therapy showed an acceptable SVR12 rate in patients with HCV-related HCC. Short last HCC treatment durability (<12 months) was associated with HCC recurrence after DAA therapy. This finding suggests that the last HCC treatment durability is an important predictor of HCC recurrence after DAA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Hwan Ahn
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Heirim Lee
- Departments of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.,Office of Biostatistics, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Do Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Won Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Su Jong Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Youn Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byoung Kuk Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Chang Wook Kim
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Yeon Kim
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hana Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Cho
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Bumhee Park
- Departments of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.,Office of Biostatistics, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Soon Sun Kim
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Jae Youn Cheong
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Ajou Research Institute for Innovative Medicine, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
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11
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Ziff J, Vu T, Dvir D, Riazi F, Toribio W, Oster S, Sigel K, Weiss J. Predictors of hepatitis C treatment outcomes in a harm reduction-focused primary care program in New York City. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:38. [PMID: 33789691 PMCID: PMC8010955 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00486-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The social determinants of health that influence steps in the entire Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) treatment cascade must be identified to achieve HCV elimination goals. This project aimed to evaluate the association of these factors with HCV treatment completion and return for sustained virologic response (SVR) testing. Methods We used retrospective cohort data from our primary care-based HCV treatment program that provides comprehensive harm reduction care to those who use or formerly used drugs. Among persons who began direct-acting antiviral HCV treatment between December 2014 and March 2018, we identified two outcomes: HCV treatment completion and return for SVR assessment 12 weeks after treatment end. Several predictors were ascertained including sociodemographic information, substance use, psychiatric symptoms and history, housing instability, and HCV treatment regimen. We then evaluated associations between predictors and outcomes using univariate and multivariable statistical methods. Results From a cohort of 329 patients treated in an urban primary care center, multivariable analysis identified housing instability as a single significant predictor for HCV treatment completion (odds ratio [OR]: 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1–0.9). Among patients completing treatment, 226 (75%) returned for SVR assessment; the sole predictor of this outcome was Medicaid as primary insurance (compared to other insurances; OR 0.3; 0.1–0.7). Conclusions Innovative strategies to help unstably housed persons complete HCV treatment are urgently needed in order to reach HCV elimination targets. Educational and motivational strategies should be developed to promote individuals with Medicaid in particular to return for SVR viral load testing, a critical post-treatment component of the HCV treatment cascade. Trial registration Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Ziff
- Respectful and Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, 17 East 102nd Street, 7th floor, New York City, NY, 10029, United States.
| | - Trang Vu
- Respectful and Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, 17 East 102nd Street, 7th floor, New York City, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Danielle Dvir
- Respectful and Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, 17 East 102nd Street, 7th floor, New York City, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Farah Riazi
- Respectful and Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, 17 East 102nd Street, 7th floor, New York City, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Wilma Toribio
- Respectful and Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, 17 East 102nd Street, 7th floor, New York City, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Scott Oster
- Respectful and Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, 17 East 102nd Street, 7th floor, New York City, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Keith Sigel
- Respectful and Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, 17 East 102nd Street, 7th floor, New York City, NY, 10029, United States
| | - Jeffrey Weiss
- Respectful and Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) Program, Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, 17 East 102nd Street, 7th floor, New York City, NY, 10029, United States
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12
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Kardashian A, Wilder J, Terrault NA, Price JC. Addressing Social Determinants of Liver Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: A Call to Action. Hepatology 2021; 73:811-820. [PMID: 33150599 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed healthcare inequities in the USA and highlighted the importance of social conditions in shaping the health of persons. In the field of hepatology, social determinants of health (SDOH) are closely linked to disparities in liver disease prevalence, outcomes, and access to treatment. The economic disruption and physical distancing policies brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have further exacerbated these disparities, and may have long-lasting health consequences for marginalized patients with chronic liver disease. There are several ways that hepatology providers can bridge the gap in health equity through addressing SDOH, extending from the individual to the community and societal levels. Interventions at the individual level include implementation of systematic screening for social barriers in our hepatology practices to identify gaps in the care cascade. At the community and societal levels, interventions include creating collaborative partnerships with public health workers to expand healthcare access to the community, increasing funding for research investigating the association of SDOH, health disparities, and liver disease, engaging in advocacy to support policy reform that tackles the upstream social determinants, and addressing racism and implicit bias. As hepatology practices adapt to the "new normal," now is the time for us to address our patients' social needs within the context of healthcare delivery and reimagine ways in which to provide care to best serve our most vulnerable patients with liver disease in the COVID-19 era and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ani Kardashian
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver DiseasesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCA
| | - Julius Wilder
- Division of GastroenterologyDepartment of MedicineDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNC.,Duke Clinical Research InstituteDurhamNC
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver DiseasesUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCA
| | - Jennifer C Price
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCA
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13
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Baca-López K, Fresno C, Espinal-Enríquez J, Flores-Merino MV, Camacho-López MA, Hernández-Lemus E. Metropolitan age-specific mortality trends at borough and neighborhood level: The case of Mexico City. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244384. [PMID: 33465102 PMCID: PMC7815139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the spatial and temporal patterns of mortality rates in a highly heterogeneous metropolis, is a matter of public policy interest. In this context, there is no, to the best of our knowledge, previous studies that correlate both spatio-temporal and age-specific mortality rates in Mexico City. Spatio-temporal Kriging modeling was used over five age-specific mortality rates (from the years 2000 to 2016 in Mexico City), to gain both spatial (borough and neighborhood) and temporal (year and trimester) data level description. Mortality age-specific patterns have been modeled using multilevel modeling for longitudinal data. Posterior tests were carried out to compare mortality averages between geo-spatial locations. Mortality correlation extends in all study groups for as long as 12 years and as far as 13.27 km. The highest mortality rate takes place in the Cuauhtémoc borough, the commercial, touristic and cultural core downtown of Mexico City. On the contrary, Tlalpan borough is the one with the lowest mortality rates in all the study groups. Post-productive mortality is the first age-specific cause of death, followed by infant, productive, pre-school and scholar groups. The combinations of spatio-temporal Kriging estimation and time-evolution linear mixed-effect models, allowed us to unveil relevant time and location trends that may be useful for public policy planning in Mexico City.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Baca-López
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
- Computational Genomics Department, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cristóbal Fresno
- Technology Development Department, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jesús Espinal-Enríquez
- Computational Genomics Department, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miriam V Flores-Merino
- School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Miguel A Camacho-López
- School of Medicine, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Enrique Hernández-Lemus
- Computational Genomics Department, National Institute of Genomic Medicine, Mexico City, Mexico
- Centro de Ciencias de la Complejidad, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
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14
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Butt ZA, Wong S, Rossi C, Binka M, Wong J, Yu A, Darvishian M, Alvarez M, Chapinal N, Mckee G, Gilbert M, Tyndall MW, Krajden M, Janjua NZ. Concurrent Hepatitis C and B Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections Are Associated With Higher Mortality Risk Illustrating the Impact of Syndemics on Health Outcomes. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa347. [PMID: 32964065 PMCID: PMC7489531 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are associated with significant mortality globally and in North America. However, data on impact of concurrent multiple infections on mortality risk are limited. We evaluated the effect of HCV, HBV, and HIV infections and coinfections and associated factors on all-cause mortality in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Methods The BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort includes ~1.7 million individuals tested for HCV or HIV, or reported as a case of HCV, HIV, or HBV from 1990 to 2015, linked to administrative databases. We followed people with HCV, HBV, or HIV monoinfection, coinfections, and triple infections from their negative status to date of death or December 31, 2016. Extended Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with all-cause mortality. Results Of 658 704 individuals tested for HCV, HBV, and HIV, there were 33 804 (5.13%) deaths. In multivariable Cox regression analysis, individuals with HCV/HBV/HIV (HR, 8.9; 95% CI, 8.2–9.7) infections had the highest risk of mortality followed by HCV/HIV (HR, 4.8; 95% CI, 4.4–5.1), HBV/HIV (HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 3.5–4.8), HCV/HBV (HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 3.7–4.2), HCV (HR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.6–2.7), HBV (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 2.0–2.3), and HIV (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.5–1.7). Additional factors associated with mortality included injection drug use, problematic alcohol use, material deprivation, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and hypertension. Conclusions Concurrent multiple infections are associated with high mortality risk. Substance use, comorbidities, and material disadvantage were significantly associated with mortality independent of coinfection. Preventive interventions, including harm reduction combined with coinfection treatments, can significantly reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid A Butt
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stanley Wong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carmine Rossi
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mawuena Binka
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason Wong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amanda Yu
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Maria Alvarez
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Geoff Mckee
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark Gilbert
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark W Tyndall
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BCCDC Public Health Laboratory, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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15
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Urban Green Space Is Spatially Associated with Cardiovascular Disease Occurrence in Women of Mashhad: a Spatial Analysis of Influential Factors on their Presence in Urban Green Spaces. J Urban Health 2019; 96:653-668. [PMID: 31385136 PMCID: PMC6814665 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-019-00373-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Chronic diseases have spread around the world. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the most important of the chronic diseases and the leading cause of death in women of Mashhad, are impacted by environmental factors. Urban green spaces (UGSs) are important environmental factors playing a critical role in the prevention and control of CVD. Spatial analysis is useful in understanding the application of UGSs in CVD prevention. To identify the spatial distribution of CVD in Mashhad, Moran's index was used and 7539 home addresses of female patients with CVD were imported into ArcMap. Moran's coefficient was estimated to be 0.34, revealing a clustered distribution of CVD. The spatial autocorrelation between CVD and UGSs was analyzed using Moran's I. Moran's I index value was calculated to be - 0.15, and four types of clusters were identified in eight sub-districts of Mashhad municipality. To find the factors influencing the presence in UGSs among women affected by CVD, 607 female patients living in the selected sub-districts were asked to take part in a telephone survey. Data were analyzed using ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) at block level (343 statistical blocks in total). Accordingly, the spatial diversity and effects of three variables of income, level of education, and access to UGSs among female patients with CVD were measured. According to OLS results and the standard residual, two clusters were removed. Finally, vulnerable blocks were identified that could be helpful in the development of prevention policies and place-based interventions.
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16
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Butt ZA, Mak S, Gesink D, Gilbert M, Wong J, Yu A, Wong S, Alvarez M, Chong M, Buxton J, Tyndall M, Krajden M, Janjua NZ. Applying core theory and spatial analysis to identify hepatitis C virus infection "core areas" in British Columbia, Canada. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:373-383. [PMID: 30447122 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
"Core areas" of transmission for bacterial sexually transmitted infections have been identified. However, it is unclear whether core areas apply to viral infections, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). We used geographic mapping and spatial analysis to identify distinct core areas of HCV infection in British Columbia (BC) using the BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC-HTC), 1990-2013. The BC-HTC includes all BC residents tested for HCV (~1.5 million; 1990-2013). Core HCV infection areas were identified spatially and temporally for five time periods (1990-1993, 1994-1998, 1999-2003, 2004-2008 and 2009-2013) through thematic mapping, Kernel Density Estimation, Hotspot analysis and cluster analysis at the Census dissemination area level in ArcGIS and SatScan. HCV infection core areas were consistently identified. HCV core areas expanded from the downtown of major cities in different regions of BC (Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and Northern BC; 1990-1998), to smaller cities in Metro Vancouver and Interior BC (2000 onwards). Statistically significant clusters, or hotspots, were also observed for downtown Vancouver, Northern BC (Prince George) and Vancouver Island from 1990 to 2008 with expansion to other urban areas in Metro Vancouver from 1990-2013. Statistically significant clusters persisted after adjustment for injection drug use, number of HCV tests, age, sex, material and social deprivation. Persistence of areas with high HCV diagnoses rates in Vancouver and Prince George supports the theory of core areas of HCV transmission. Identification of core areas can inform prevention, care and treatment programme interventions and evaluate their impact over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahid A Butt
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sunny Mak
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dionne Gesink
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Gilbert
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason Wong
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amanda Yu
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stanley Wong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maria Alvarez
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mei Chong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jane Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark Tyndall
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BCCDC Public Health Laboratory, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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17
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Younossi ZM. Disparities in Access to Direct Acting Antiviral Regimens for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): The Impact of Race and Insurance Status. Am J Gastroenterol 2018; 113:1285-1286. [PMID: 30018303 DOI: 10.1038/s41395-018-0200-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite highly effective and well-tolerated regimens for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV), patients face barriers in accessing treatment. In addition to suboptimal HCV screening programs and lack of effective linkage-to-care, other barriers include strict requirements from some payers to cover treatment. This study reports insurance status and Hispanic ethnicity as predictors of not receiving treatment. These barriers occur despite the fact that HCV is the most common indication for liver transplantation and cause of hepatocellular carcinoma in the U.S. Therefore, it is critical that policymakers bring all the stakeholders together and develop a national policy to eradicate HCV infection from the U.S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobair M Younossi
- Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, VA, USA. Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Falls Church, VA, USA. Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA
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