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Doyle JS, Heath K, Elsum I, Douglass C, Wade A, Kasza J, Allardice K, Von Bibra S, Chan K, Camesella B, Guzman R, Bryant M, Thompson AJ, Stoové MA, Snelling TL, Scott N, Spelman T, Anderson D, Richmond J, Howell J, Andric N, Dietze PM, Higgs P, Sacks-Davis R, Forbes AB, Hellard ME, Pedrana AE. Same-visit hepatitis C testing and treatment to accelerate cure among people who inject drugs (the QuickStart Study): a cluster randomised cross-over trial protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083502. [PMID: 38960465 PMCID: PMC11227801 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite universal access to government-funded direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in 2016, the rate of hepatitis C treatment uptake in Australia has declined substantially. Most hepatitis C is related to injecting drug use; reducing the hepatitis C burden among people who inject drugs (PWID) is, therefore, paramount to reach hepatitis C elimination targets. Increasing DAA uptake by PWID is important for interrupting transmission and reducing incidence, as well as reducing morbidity and mortality and improving quality of life of PWID and meeting Australia's hepatitis C elimination targets. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A cluster randomised cross-over trial will be conducted with three intervention arms and a control arm. Arm A will receive rapid hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody testing; arm B will receive rapid HCV antibody and rapid RNA testing; arm C will receive rapid HCV antibody testing and same-day treatment initiation for HCV antibody-positive participants; the control arm will receive standard of care. The primary outcomes will be (a) the proportion of participants with HCV commencing treatment and (b) the proportion of participants with HCV achieving cure. Analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis with mixed-effects logistic regression models. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the Alfred Ethics Committee (number HREC/64731/Alfred-2020-217547). Each participant will provide written informed consent. Reportable adverse events will be reported to the reviewing ethics committee. The findings will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05016609. TRIAL PROGRESSION The study commenced recruitment on 9 March 2022 and is expected to complete recruitment in December 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Doyle
- Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Imogen Elsum
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Amanda Wade
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Kasza
- Population Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Kico Chan
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Alexander J Thompson
- Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Thomas L Snelling
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Jessica Howell
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nada Andric
- HepatitisWA, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul M Dietze
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Population Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Andrew B Forbes
- Population Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Population Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alisa E Pedrana
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Population Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Havens JR, Lofwall MR, Young AM, Staton M, Schaninger T, Fraser H, Vickerman P, Walsh SL. Predictors of engagement in screening for a hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment trial in a rural Appalachian community. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:293-299. [PMID: 38436098 PMCID: PMC11102319 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
An HCV treatment trial was initiated in September 2019 to address the opioid/hepatitis C virus (HCV) syndemic in rural Kentucky. The focus of the current analysis is on participation in diagnostic screening for the trial. Initial eligibility (≥18 years of age, county resident) was established by phone followed by in-person HCV viremia testing. 900 rural residents met the inclusion criteria and comprised the analytic sample. Generalized linear models were specified to estimate the relative risk of non-attendance at the in-person visit determining HCV eligibility. Approximately one-quarter (22.1%) of scheduled participants were no-shows. People who inject drugs were no more likely than people not injecting drugs to be a no-show; however, participants ≤35 years of age were significantly less likely to attend. While the median time between phone screening and scheduled in-person screening was only 2 days, each additional day increased the odds of no-show by 3% (95% confidence interval: 2%-3%). Finally, unknown HCV status predicted no-show even after adjustment for age, gender, days between screenings and injection status. We found that drug injection did not predict no-show, further justifying expanded access to HCV treatment among people who inject drugs. Those 35 years and younger were more likely to no-show, suggesting that younger individuals may require targeted strategies for increasing testing and treatment uptake. Finally, streamlining the treatment cascade may also improve outcomes, as participants in the current study were more likely to attend if there were fewer days between phone screening and scheduled in-person screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Michelle R. Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - April M. Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Michele Staton
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Takako Schaninger
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Bristol Population Health Sciences Institute, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Bristol Population Health Sciences Institute, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon L. Walsh
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
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Winter RJ, Griffin S, Sheehan Y, Nguyen W, Stoové M, Lloyd AR, Thompson AJ. People in community corrections are a population with unmet need for viral hepatitis care. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 70:102548. [PMID: 38516104 PMCID: PMC10955648 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102548] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
To reach World Health Organization elimination targets for hepatitis C, different strategies are needed to reach people who have not yet been diagnosed and treated. In the context of declining treatment initiation rates, innovation in service design and delivery is necessary: testing and treatment needs to be offered to people in non-traditional settings. The community corrections (probation and parole) population is larger than the prison population, which has high prevalence of hepatitis C and-in some countries-established diagnosis and treatment programs. In this Viewpoint we identify a gap in hepatitis C care for people under community correctional supervision, a group who have either never been imprisoned or need continuity of healthcare provided in prison. We propose that offering hepatitis C screening and treatment would benefit this population, and accelerate progress to hepatitis C elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Winter
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samara Griffin
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Yumi Sheehan
- Viral Immunology Systems Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew R. Lloyd
- Viral Immunology Systems Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander J. Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - National Prisons Hepatitis Network
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Viral Immunology Systems Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Hepatitis Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Grebely J, Matthews S, Causer LM, Feld JJ, Cunningham P, Dore GJ, Applegate TL. We have reached single-visit testing, diagnosis, and treatment for hepatitis C infection, now what? Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2024; 24:177-191. [PMID: 38173401 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2292645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progress toward hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is impeded by low testing and treatment due to the current diagnostic pathway requiring multiple visits leading to loss to follow-up. Point-of-care testing technologies capable of detecting current HCV infection in one hour are a 'game-changer.' These tests enable diagnosis and treatment in a single visit, overcoming the barrier of multiple visits that frequently leads to loss to follow-up. Combining point-of-care HCV antibody and RNA tests should improve cost-effectiveness, patient/provider acceptability, and testing efficiency. However, implementing HCV point-of-care testing programs at scale requires multiple considerations. AREAS COVERED This commentary explores the need for point-of-care HCV tests, diagnostic strategies to improve HCV testing, key considerations for implementing point-of-care HCV testing programs, and remaining challenges for point-of-care testing (including operator training, quality management, connectivity and reporting systems, regulatory approval processes, and the need for more efficient tests). EXPERT OPINION It is exciting that single-visit testing, diagnosis, and treatment for HCV infection have been achieved. Innovations afforded through COVID-19 should facilitate the accelerated development of low-cost, rapid, and accurate tests to improve HCV testing. The next challenge will be to address barriers and facilitators for implementing point-of-care testing to deliver them at scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Matthews
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Louise M Causer
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Philip Cunningham
- Flinders University International Centre for Point-of-Care Testing, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tanya L Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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MacIsaac MB, Whitton B, Anderson J, Cogger S, Vella-Horne D, Penn M, Weeks A, Elmore K, Pemberton D, Winter RJ, Papaluca T, Howell J, Hellard M, Stoové M, Wilson D, Pedrana A, Doyle JS, Clark N, Holmes JA, Thompson AJ. Point-of-care HCV RNA testing improves hepatitis C testing rates and allows rapid treatment initiation among people who inject drugs attending a medically supervised injecting facility. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 125:104317. [PMID: 38281385 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination targets, simplified care engaging people who inject drugs is required. We evaluated whether fingerstick HCV RNA point-of-care testing (PoCT) increased the proportion of clients attending a supervised injecting facility who were tested for hepatitis C. METHODS Prospective single-arm study with recruitment between 9 November 2020 and 28 January 2021 and follow-up to 31 July 2021. Clients attending the supervised injecting facility were offered HCV RNA testing using the Xpert® HCV Viral Load Fingerstick (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) PoCT. Participants with a positive HCV RNA test were prescribed direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of clients who engaged in HCV RNA PoCT, compared to a historical comparator group when venepuncture-based hepatitis C testing was standard of care. RESULTS Among 1618 clients who attended the supervised injecting facility during the study period, 228 (14%) engaged in PoCT. This was significantly higher than that observed in the historical comparator group (61/1,775, 3%; p < 0.001). Sixty-five (28%) participants were HCV RNA positive, with 40/65 (62%) receiving their result on the same day as testing. Sixty-one (94%) HCV RNA positive participants were commenced on DAA therapy; 14/61 (23%) started treatment on the same day as diagnosis. There was no difference in the proportion of HCV RNA positive participants commenced on treatment with DAA therapy when compared to the historical comparator group (61/65, 94% vs 22/26, 85%; p = 0.153). However, the median time to treatment initiation was significantly shorter in the PoCT cohort (2 days (IQR 1-20) vs 41 days (IQR 22-76), p < 0.001). Among participants who commenced treatment and had complete follow-up data available, 27/36 (75%) achieved hepatitis C cure. CONCLUSIONS HCV RNA PoCT led to a significantly higher proportion of clients attending a supervised injecting facility engaging in hepatitis C testing, whilst also reducing the time to treatment initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B MacIsaac
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bradley Whitton
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenine Anderson
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shelley Cogger
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dylan Vella-Horne
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Penn
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Weeks
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kasey Elmore
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Pemberton
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Winter
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy Papaluca
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Wilson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicolas Clark
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia; Department of Addiction Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacinta A Holmes
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander J Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Gliddon HD, Ward Z, Heinsbroek E, Croxford S, Edmundson C, Hope VD, Simmons R, Mitchell H, Hickman M, Vickerman P, Stone J. Has the HCV cascade of care changed among people who inject drugs in England since the introduction of direct-acting antivirals? THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024:104324. [PMID: 38218700 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In England, over 80 % of those with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have injected drugs. We quantified the HCV cascade of care (CoC) among people who inject drugs (PWID) in England and determined whether this improved after direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) were introduced. METHODS We analysed data from nine rounds of national annual cross-sectional surveys of PWID recruited from drug services (2011-2019; N = 12,320). Study rounds were grouped as: 'Pre-DAAs' (2011-2014), 'Prioritised DAAs' (2015-2016) and 'Unrestricted DAAs' (2017-2019). Participants were anonymously tested for HCV antibodies and RNA and completed a short survey. We assessed the proportion of PWID recently (current/previous year) tested for HCV. For participants ever HCV treatment eligible (past chronic infection with history of treatment or current chronic infection), we assessed the CoC as: HCV testing (ever), received a positive test result, seen a specialist nurse/doctor, and ever treated. We used logistic regression to determine if individuals progressed through the CoC differently depending on time-period, whether time-period was associated with recent testing (all participants) and lifetime HCV treatment (ever eligible participants), and predictors of HCV testing and treatment in the Unrestricted DAAs period. RESULTS The proportion of ever HCV treatment eligible PWID reporting lifetime HCV treatment increased from 12.5 % in the Pre-DAAs period to 25.6 % in the Unrestricted DAAs period (aOR:2.40, 95 %CI:1.95-2.96). There were also increases in seeing a specialist nurse/doctor. The largest loss in the CoC was at treatment for all time periods. During the Unrestricted DAAs period, recent (past year) homelessness (vs never, aOR:0.66, 95 %CI:0.45-0.97), duration of injecting (≤3 years vs >3 years; aOR:0.26, 95 %CI:0.12-0.60), never (vs current, aOR:0.31, 95 %CI:0.13-0.75) or previously being prescribed OAT (vs current, aOR:0.67, 95 %CI:0.47-0.95), and never using a NSP (vs past year, aOR:0.27, 95 %CI:0.08-0.89) were negatively associated with lifetime HCV treatment. The proportion of PWID reporting recent HCV testing was higher during Unrestricted DAAs (56 %) compared to Pre-DAAs (48 %; aOR:1.28, 95 %CI:1.06-1.54). CONCLUSION COC stages from seeing a specialist onwards improved after DAAs became widely available. Further improvements in HCV testing are needed to eliminate HCV in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- H D Gliddon
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; National Public Health Specialty Training Programme, South West, United Kingdom
| | - Z Ward
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - E Heinsbroek
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - S Croxford
- National Public Health Speciality Training Programme, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - C Edmundson
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - V D Hope
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - R Simmons
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - H Mitchell
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Service, UK Health Security Agency, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - P Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - J Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
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Coyle CR, Gicquelais RE, Genberg BL, Astemborski J, Falade-Nwulia O, Kirk GD, Thomas DL, Mehta SH. Temporal trends in HCV treatment uptake and success among people who inject drugs in Baltimore, MD since the introduction of direct acting antivirals. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 253:111007. [PMID: 38456165 PMCID: PMC10917145 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be cured by direct acting antivirals (DAA), uptake is not well characterized for people who inject drugs (PWID). Methods Among 1,130 participants of a community-based cohort of PWID with chronic HCV, we longitudinally characterized HCV treatment uptake and cure early (2014-2016) and later (2017-2020). Results Cumulative HCV treatment uptake increased from 4% in 2014 to 68% in 2020 and the percent with HCV viremia declined from nearly 100% to 33%. Predictors of treatment uptake varied across periods. Age (incidence rate ratio [IRR] per 5-year increase: 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15, 1.42), educational attainment (IRR for ≥ high school diploma: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.66), HIV coinfection with suppressed viral load (IRR vs. HIV negative: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.63, 2.66) and alcohol dependence (IRR vs. no alcohol use: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.91) were associated with treatment uptake in the early period, but not later. HIV coinfection with a detectable viral load (IRR vs. HIV negative: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.95) and daily injecting (IRR: 0.46 vs. no injection; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.79) were significantly associated with lower treatment uptake later. Homelessness was associated with significantly reduced likelihood of viral clearance in the late DAA era (IRR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.88). Conclusion Treatment uptake improved substantially in this cohort of PWID in the first five years of DAA availability with commensurate declines in viremia. Additional efforts are needed to treat those actively injecting and unstably housed in order to realize elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catelyn R. Coyle
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), Merck & Co, Inc, 351 N Sumneytown Pike, North Wales, PA 19454, United States of America
| | - Rachel E. Gicquelais
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 701 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, United States of America
| | - Becky L. Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Jacquie Astemborski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Gregory D. Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
- Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - David L. Thomas
- Division of Infectious Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
| | - Shruti H. Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States of America
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Downing BC, Hickman M, Jones NR, Larney S, Sweeting MJ, Xu Y, Farrell M, Degenhardt L, Jones HE. Prevalence of opioid dependence in New South Wales, Australia, 2014-16: Indirect estimation from multiple data sources using a Bayesian approach. Addiction 2023; 118:1994-2006. [PMID: 37292044 DOI: 10.1111/add.16268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate the prevalence of, and number of unobserved people with opioid dependence by sex and age group in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. DESIGN We applied a Bayesian statistical modelling approach to opioid agonist treatment records linked to adverse event rate data. We estimated prevalence from three types of adverse event separately: opioid mortality, opioid-poisoning hospitalizations and opioid-related charges. We extended the model and produced prevalence estimates from a 'multi-source' model based on all three types of adverse event data. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND MEASUREMENTS This study was conducted in NSW, Australia, 2014-16 using data from the Opioid Agonist Treatment and Safety (OATS) study, which included all people who had received treatment for opioid dependence in NSW. Aggregate data were obtained on numbers of adverse events in NSW. Rates of each adverse event type within the OATS cohort were modelled. Population data were provided by State and Commonwealth agencies. FINDINGS Prevalence of opioid dependence among those aged 15-64 years in 2016 was estimated to be 0.96% (95% credible interval [CrI] = 0.82%, 1.12%) from the mortality model, 0.75% (95% CrI = 0.70%, 0.83%) from hospitalizations, 0.95% (95% CrI = 0.90%, 0.99%) from charges and 0.92% (95% CrI = 0.88%, 0.96%) from the multi-source model. Of the estimated 46 460 (95% CrI = 44 680, 48 410) people with opioid dependence in 2016 from the multi-source model, approximately one-third (16 750, 95% CrI = 14 960, 18 690) had no record of opioid agonist treatment within the last 4 years. From the multi-source model, prevalence in 2016 was estimated to be 1.24% (95% CrI = 1.18%, 1.31%) in men aged 15-44, 1.22% (95% CrI = 1.14%, 1.31%) in men 45-64, 0.63% (95% CrI = 0.59%, 0.68%) in women aged 15-44 and 0.56% (95% CrI = 0.50%, 0.63%) in women aged 45-64. CONCLUSIONS A Bayesian statistical approach to estimate prevalence from multiple adverse event types simultaneously calculates that the estimated prevalence of opioid dependence in NSW, Australia in 2016 was 0.92%, higher than previous estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice C Downing
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicola R Jones
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Yixin Xu
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hayley E Jones
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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9
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Aponte-Meléndez Y, Mateu-Gelabert P, Eckhardt B, Fong C, Padilla A, Trinidad-Martínez W, Maldonado-Rodríguez E, Agront N. Hepatitis C virus care cascade among people who inject drugs in puerto rico: Minimal HCV treatment and substantial barriers to HCV care. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2023; 8:100178. [PMID: 37555192 PMCID: PMC10404601 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) in Puerto Rico are disproportionately affected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic. However, there is a scarcity of data on the HCV care cascade among PWID in Puerto Rico. This study aims to describe the HCV cascade of care among PWID in Puerto Rico, identify gaps, and explore barriers to HCV care. Methods Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and tested for both HCV antibodies (Ab) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) using rapid testing and dried blood spot samples (DBS). The cascade of care was estimated based on the DBS HCV Ab and RNA results, as well as self-reported data on HCV screening, linkage to care, treatment uptake and sustained virologic response collected through a questionnaire. The cascade was constructed sequentially, with each step using the number of people from the preceding step as the base denominator. The survey also assessed participants' perceived barriers to HCV care. Results Out of 150 participants, 126 (84%) had previously been HCV screened, 87% (109/126) were HCV Ab positive, 72% (79/109) were RNA positive,48% (38/79) were linked to care, 32% (12/38) initiated treatment, 58% (7/12) finished treatment, and 71% (5/7) achieved SVR. Barriers to HCV care included concerns about drug abstinence requirements, access to transportation, stigma in healthcare settings, and lack of knowledge about HCV treatment sites. Conclusion This study provides insights into the HCV cascade of care among PWID in Puerto Rico for the first time and highlights limited diagnosis, treatment uptake, and barriers to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesenia Aponte-Meléndez
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing 433 1st Ave., New York, NY 10010
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
| | - Benjamin Eckhardt
- New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Chunki Fong
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
| | - Adriana Padilla
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
| | - Wanda Trinidad-Martínez
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
| | - Eric Maldonado-Rodríguez
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
| | - Nancy Agront
- AbbVie Corp., Paseo Caribe Building Suite 22415 Ave Munoz Rivera San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
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10
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Litwin AH, Lum PJ, Taylor LE, Mehta SH, Tsui JI, Feinberg J, Kim AY, Norton BL, Heo M, Arnsten J, Meissner P, Karasz A, Mckee MD, Ward JW, Johnson N, Pericot-Valverde I, Agyemang L, Stein ES, Thomas A, Borsuk C, Blalock KL, Wilkinson S, Wagner K, Roche J, Murray-Krezan C, Anderson J, Jacobsohn V, Luetkemeyer AF, Falade-Nwulia O, Page K. Patient-centred models of hepatitis C treatment for people who inject drugs: a multicentre, pragmatic randomised trial. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:1112-1127. [PMID: 36370741 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(22)00275-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve WHO targets for the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public threat, an increased uptake of HCV treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID) is urgently needed. Optimal HCV co-located treatment models for PWID have not yet been identified. We aimed to compare two patient-centred models of HCV care in PWID with active drug use. METHODS We did a pragmatic randomised controlled trial at eight US cities in eight opioid treatment programmes and 15 community health centres. PWID actively injecting within 90 days of study entry were randomly assigned (1:1) to either patient navigation or modified directly observed therapy (mDOT) using computer-generated variable block sizes of 2-6 stratified by city, clinical settings, and cirrhosis status. The randomisation code was concealed, in a centralised REDCap database platform, from all investigators and research staff except for an authorised data manager at the data coordinating centre. All participants received a fixed-dose combination tablet (sofosbuvir 400 mg plus velpatasvir 100 mg) orally once daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR; determined by chart review between 70 days and 365 days after end of treatment and if unavailable, by study blood draws), and secondary outcomes were treatment initiation, adherence (measured by electronic blister packs), and treatment completion. Analyses were conducted within the modified intention-to-treat (mITT; all who initiated treatment), intention-to-treat (all who were randomised), and per-protocol populations. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02824640. FINDINGS Between Sept 15, 2016, and Aug 14, 2018, 1891 individuals were screened and 1136 were excluded (213 declined to participate and 923 did not meet the eligibility criteria). We randomly assigned 755 participants to patient navigation (n=379) or mDOT (n=376). In the mITT sample of participants who were randomised and initiated treatment (n=623), 226 (74% [95% CI 69-79]) of 306 participants in the mDOT group and 236 (76% [69-79]) of 317 in the patient navigation group had an SVR, with no significant difference between the groups (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0·97 [95% CI 0·66-1·42]; p=0·35). In the ITT sample (n=755), 226 (60% [95% CI 55-65]) of 376 participants in the mDOT group and 236 (62% [57-67]) of 379 in the patient navigation group had an SVR (AOR 0·92 [0·68-1·25]; p=0·61) and in the per-protocol sample (n=501), 226 (91% [87-94]) of 248 participants in the mDOT group and 235 (93% [89-96]) of 253 in the patient navigation group had an SVR (AOR 0·79 [0·41-1·55]; p=0·44). 306 (81%) of 376 participants in the mDOT group and 317 (84%) of 379 participants in the patient navigation group initiated treatment (AOR 0·86 [0·58-1·26]; p=0·44) and, among those, 251 (82%) participants in the mDOT group and 264 (83%) participants in the patient navigation group completed treatment (AOR 0·90 [0·58-1·39]; p=0·63). Mean daily adherence was higher in the mDOT group (78% [95% CI 75-81]) versus the patient navigation group (73% [70-77]), with a difference of 4·7% ([1·9-7·4]; p=0·0010). 421 serious adverse events were reported (217 in the mDOT group and 204 in the patient navigation group), with the most common being hospital admission (176 in the mDOT group vs 161 in the patient navigation group). INTERPRETATION In this trial of active PWID, both models resulted in high SVR. Although adherence was significantly higher in the mDOT group versus the patient navigation group, there was no significant difference in SVR between the groups. Increases in adherence and treatment completion were associated with an increased likelihood of SVR. These results suggest that active PWID can reach high SVRs in diverse settings with either mDOT or patient navigation support. FUNDING Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Gilead Sciences, Quest Diagnostics, Monogram Biosciences, and OraSure Technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain H Litwin
- School of Health Research, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA; Department of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA; Department of Medicine, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, USA.
| | - Paula J Lum
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lynn E Taylor
- College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA; HIV and Viral Hepatitis Services, CODAC Behavioral Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Judith I Tsui
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Judith Feinberg
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, and Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brianna L Norton
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Moonseong Heo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Julia Arnsten
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Meissner
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison Karasz
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - M Diane Mckee
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, The Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Nirah Johnson
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Irene Pericot-Valverde
- Department of Psychology, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA; School of Health Research, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Linda Agyemang
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen S Stein
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Aurielle Thomas
- College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Courtney Borsuk
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kendra L Blalock
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel Wilkinson
- Office of Research Program Management, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Katherine Wagner
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jillian Roche
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jessica Anderson
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Vanessa Jacobsohn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Anne F Luetkemeyer
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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11
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Barranco MA, Rosenberg ES, Flanigan C, Shufelt S, Bruce EM, Wilberschied LA, Parker MM, Duncan E, Udo T. A cross-sectional study of hepatitis C prevalence and correlates among persons who inject drugs in rural and non-rural communities. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:994-1003. [PMID: 35925950 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Persons who inject drugs (PWID) have been experiencing a higher burden of new hepatitis C (HCV) due to the opioid epidemic. The greatest increases in injection have been in rural communities. However, less is known about the prevalence of HCV or its risk factors in rural compared to non-rural communities. This study compared HCV infection history, current infection, and associated behavioural and sociodemographic correlates among PWID recruited from rural and non-rural communities from Upstate New York (NY). This cross-sectional study recruited 309 PWID, using respondent-driven sampling. Blood samples were collected through finger stick for HCV antibody and RNA tests. A survey was also self-administered for HCV infection history, sociodemographics and behavioural correlates to compare by setting rurality. HCV seropositivity was significantly higher among PWID from rural than non-rural communities (71.0% vs. 46.8%), as was current infection (41.4% vs. 25.9%). High levels of past year syringe (44.4%) and equipment (62.2%) sharing were reported. Factors associated with infection history include syringe service program utilization, non-Hispanic white race, sharing needles and methamphetamine injection, which was higher in rural vs. non-rural communities (38.5% vs. 15.5%). HCV burden among PWID appears higher in rural than non-rural communities and may be increasing possibly due to greater levels of methamphetamine injection. On-going systematic surveillance of HCV prevalence and correlates is crucial to respond to the changing opioid epidemic landscape. Additionally, improving access to harm reduction services, especially with special focus on stimulants, may be important to reduce HCV prevalence among PWID in rural settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith A Barranco
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Eli S Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA.,Center for Collaborative HIV Research in Practice and Policy, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA.,Office of Public Health, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Colleen Flanigan
- AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Sarah Shufelt
- Center for Collaborative HIV Research in Practice and Policy, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Emily M Bruce
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA.,AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | - Monica M Parker
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Eliana Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Tomoko Udo
- Center for Collaborative HIV Research in Practice and Policy, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA.,Department of Health Policy, Management, and Behavior, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Rensselaer, New York, USA
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12
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Bartlett SR, Verich A, Carson J, Hosseini‐Hooshyar S, Read P, Baker D, Post JJ, Finlayson R, Bloch M, Doyle JS, Shaw D, Hellard M, Martinez M, Marks P, Dore GJ, Matthews GV, Applegate T, Martinello M. Patterns and correlates of hepatitis C virus phylogenetic clustering among people living with HIV in Australia in the direct-acting antiviral era: A molecular epidemiology study among participants in the CEASE cohort. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e719. [PMID: 36000082 PMCID: PMC9388196 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims In moving towards the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people living with HIV, understanding HCV transmission patterns may provide insights to guide and evaluate interventions. In this study, we evaluated patterns of, and factors associated with HCV phylogenetic clustering among people living with HIV/HCV co-infection in Australia in the direct-acting antiviral era. Methods HCV RNA was extracted from dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected between 2014 and 2018 in the CEASE cohort study. The HCV Core-E2 region was amplified by a polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequenced. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees (1000 bootstrap replicates) were used to identify patterns of clustering (3% genetic distance threshold). Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine correlates of phylogenetic clustering. Factors assessed were sexual risk behavior, education, injecting drug use, housing, employment, HIV viral load, age, sex, and sexuality. Results Phylogenetic trees were reconstructed for HCV subtype 1a (n = 139) and 3a (n = 63) sequences, with 29% (58/202) in a pair or cluster. Overall (n = 202), phylogenetic clustering was positively associated with younger age (under 40; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-5.29), and among gay and bisexual men (n = 168), was positively associated with younger age (aOR 2.61, 95% CI 1.10-6.19), higher education (aOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.09-6.13), and reporting high-risk sexual behavior (aOR 3.94, 95% CI 1.31-11.84). During follow-up, five reinfections were observed, but none were in phylogenetic clusters. Conclusion This study found a high proportion of phylogenetic relatedness, predominantly among younger people and gay and bisexual men reporting high-risk sexual behavior. Despite this, few reinfections were observed, and reinfections demonstrated little relationship with known clusters. These findings highlight the importance of rapid HCV treatment initiation, together with monitoring of the phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R. Bartlett
- British Columbia Centre for Disease ControlVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
- School of Population and Public HealthUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Andrey Verich
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Joanne Carson
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - David Baker
- East Sydney DoctorsSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jeffrey J. Post
- The Albion CentreSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Department of Infectious DiseasesPrince of Wales HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Prince of Wales Clinical SchoolUniversity of New South Wales SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Mark Bloch
- Holdsworth House Medical PracticeSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Joseph S. Doyle
- Department of Infectious DiseasesAlfred Health & Monash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Burnet Institute, MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - David Shaw
- Royal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Department of Infectious DiseasesAlfred Health & Monash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Burnet Institute, MelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Maria Martinez
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Philippa Marks
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Gregory J. Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- St Vincent's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Gail V. Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- St Vincent's HospitalSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Tanya Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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13
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Yuan JM, Croxford S, Viviani L, Emanuel E, Phipps E, Desai M. Investigating the sociodemographic and behavioural factors associated with hepatitis C virus testing amongst people who inject drugs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: A quantitative cross-sectional analysis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 109:103821. [PMID: 35994940 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in the UK is driven by injecting drug use. We explore HCV testing uptake amongst people who inject drugs (PWID) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and identify factors associated with i) ever having an HCV test amongst people who have ever injected drugs, and ii) recently having an HCV test (within the current or previous year) amongst people who currently inject drugs (reported injecting drugs within the last year). METHODS We analysed data from the 2019 'Unlinked Anonymous Monitoring Survey' of PWID, using logistic regression. RESULTS Of 3,127 PWID, 2,065 reported injecting drugs within the last year. Most (86.7%) PWID had a lifetime history of HCV testing. In multivariable analysis, higher odds of ever testing were associated with: female sex (aOR=1.54; 95%CI 1.11-2.14), injecting duration ≥3 years (aOR=2.94; 95%CI 2.13-4.05), ever receiving used needles/syringes (aOR=1.74; 95%CI 1.29-2.36), ever being on opioid agonist treatment (aOR=2.91; 95%CI 2.01-4.21), ever being imprisoned (aOR=1.86; 95%CI 1.40-2.48) and ever being homeless (aOR=1.54; 95%CI 1.14-2.07). Amongst PWID who had injected drugs within the last year, 49.9% had recently undertaken an HCV test. After adjustment, factors associated with higher odds of undertaking a recent HCV test included: injecting crack in the last year (aOR=1.29; 95%CI 1.03-1.61), experiencing a non-fatal overdose in the last year (aOR=1.39; 95%CI 1.05-1.85), ever being on opioid agonist treatment (aOR=1.48; 95%CI 0.97-2.25), receiving HCV information in the last year (aOR=1.99; 95%CI 1.49-2.65) and using a healthcare service in the last year (aOR=1.80; 95%CI 1.21-2.67). CONCLUSION Results suggest that PWID who have experienced homelessness and incarceration - amongst the most vulnerable and marginalised in the PWID population - are engaging with HCV testing, but overall there remain missed testing opportunities. Recent initiates to injecting have highest HCV infection risk but lower odds of testing, and peer-education may help target this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Min Yuan
- UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK.
| | - Sara Croxford
- UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Laura Viviani
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Eva Emanuel
- UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Emily Phipps
- UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Monica Desai
- UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK
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14
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Ortiz-Paredes D, Amoako A, Ekmekjian T, Engler K, Lebouché B, Klein MB. Interventions to Improve Uptake of Direct-Acting Antivirals for Hepatitis C Virus in Priority Populations: A Systematic Review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:877585. [PMID: 35812487 PMCID: PMC9263261 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.877585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Objective Access to Hepatitis C (HCV) care remains suboptimal. This systematic review sought to identify existing interventions designed to improve direct-acting antiviral (DAA) uptake among HCV infected women, people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM), and Indigenous peoples. Methods Studies published in high- and middle-income countries were retrieved from eight electronic databases and gray literature (e.g., articles, research reports, theses, abstracts) were screened by two independent reviewers. Identified interventions were summarized using textual narrative synthesis. Results After screening 3,139 records, 39 studies were included (11 controlled comparative studies; 36 from high-income countries). Three groups of interventions were identified: interventions involving patients; providers; or the healthcare system. Interventions directed to patients included care co-ordination, accelerated DAA initiation, and patient education. Interventions involving providers included provider education, telemedicine, multidisciplinary teams, and general practitioner-led care. System-based interventions comprised DAA universal access policies and offering HCV services in four settings (primary care, secondary care, tertiary care, and community settings). Most studies (30/39) described complex interventions, i.e., those with two or more strategies combined. Most interventions (37/39) were tailored to, or studied among, PWID. Only one study described an intervention that was aimed at women. Conclusions Combining multiple interventions is a common approach for supporting DAA initiation. Three main research gaps were identified, specifically, a lack of: (1) controlled trials estimating the individual or combined effects of interventions on DAA uptake; (2) studies in middle-income countries; and (3) interventions tailored to women, MSM, and Indigenous people.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ortiz-Paredes
- Center for Outcome Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Afia Amoako
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Taline Ekmekjian
- Medical Libraries, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kim Engler
- Center for Outcome Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Center for Outcome Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, Glen site, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marina B. Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, Glen site, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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15
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Byrne CJ, Radley A, Inglis SK, Beer L, Palmer N, Duc Pham M, Allardice K, Wang H, Robinson E, Hermansson M, Semizarov D, Healy B, Doyle JS, Dillon JF. Reaching people receiving opioid agonist therapy at community pharmacies with hepatitis C virus: an international randomised controlled trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 55:1512-1523. [PMID: 35538396 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional healthcare models struggle to engage those at risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This international study evaluated point-of-care (PoC) HCV RNA diagnostic outreach and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for individuals receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in community pharmacies. AIMS We assessed the effectiveness of a roving nurse-led pathway offering PoC HCV RNA testing to OAT clients in community pharmacies relative to conventional care. METHODS Pharmacies in Scotland, Wales, and Australia were randomised to provide PoC HCV RNA testing or conventional referral. Pharmacists directed OAT clients to on-site nurses (intervention) or local clinics (control). Infected participants were treated with DAAs, alongside OAT. Primary outcome was the number of participants with sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR) and analysed using mixed effects logistic regression in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. RESULTS Forty pharmacies were randomised. The ITT population contained 1410 OAT clients. In the conventional arm (n = 648), 62 (10%) agreed to testing, 17 (27%) were tested, 6 (35%) were positive and 5 (83%) initiated treatment. In the intervention arm (n = 762), 148 (19%) agreed to testing, 144 (97%) were tested, 23 (16%) were positive and 22 (96%) initiated treatment. SVR was obtained by 2 (40%; conventional) and 18 (82%; intervention). Intervention arm participants had higher odds of testing, OR 16.95 (7.07-40.64, p < 0.001); treatment, OR 4.29 (1.43-12.92, p = 0.010); and SVR, OR 8.64 (1.82-40.91, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Nurse-led PoC diagnosis in pharmacies made HCV care more accessible for OAT clients relative to conventional care. However, strategies to improve testing uptake are required. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03935906.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Byrne
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.,Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Andrew Radley
- Directorate of Public Health, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Sarah K Inglis
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Lewis Beer
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Nicki Palmer
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Cardiff, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Minh Duc Pham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Allardice
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Huan Wang
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Emma Robinson
- Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | - Brendan Healy
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Cardiff, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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16
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Willingness of people who inject drugs to participate in a randomised controlled trial involving financial incentives to initiate hepatitis C treatment. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 235:109438. [PMID: 35430521 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence regarding the acceptability of contingency management is limited. We investigated the willingness of people who inject drugs to participate in a randomised controlled trial (RCT) involving financial incentives to initiate HCV treatment. METHODS ETHOS Engage is an observational cohort study of people with a history of injecting drug use who either injected in the past six months or receive opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in Australia. We assessed willingness to participate in a RCT with financial incentives and factors associated with preference for entire incentive ($60) at first clinic visit versus delayed incentive with logistic regression. RESULTS 93% (593/635) of eligible participants agreed to participate in an RCT with financial incentives of which 24% were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, 84% had completed secondary school, and 59% injected drugs in the prior month. Willingness to participate in an RCT increased by amount offered: unspecified (72%), $20 (75%), $60 (80%), and $100 (85%). The preferred incentive distribution method over three clinical visits was entire incentive at first clinical visit (32%). Among those with a preferred distribution method (n = 369), factors associated with entire incentive at first clinic visit were being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.05-2.94), completion of secondary school (aOR 0.46; 95% CI 0.26-0.83) and mainly injected heroin in month prior (aOR 1.82; 95% CI 1.03-3.20). CONCLUSION Most participants were willing to participate in an RCT involving financial incentives to initiate treatment but differed regarding distribution. Study findings inform implementation of incentives in clinical practice.
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17
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Nagot N, D’Ottavi M, Quillet C, Debellefontaine A, Castellani J, Langendorfer N, Hanslik B, Guichard S, Baglioni R, Faucherre V, Tuaillon E, Pageaux GP, Laureillard D, Donnadieu-Rigole H. Reaching Hard-to-Reach People Who Use Drugs: A Community-Based Strategy for the Elimination of Hepatitis C. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac181. [PMID: 35774932 PMCID: PMC9239554 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac181] [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: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who use drugs (PWUD) remains a challenge even in countries in which HCV care is provided free of cost. We assessed whether an innovative community-based, respondent-driven sampling (RDS) survey, coupled with HCV screening and immediate treatment, could be efficient to detect and cure current PWUD with chronic HCV in a large city of Southern France. Methods At a community site with peers, PWUD (cannabis not included) were enrolled after confirmation by a urine drug test. Participants were then screened for hepatitis B virus, HCV, and human immunodeficiency virus and benefited from onsite HCV treatment evaluation and prescription. Peer support was provided during treatment, and a systematic visit was scheduled 12 weeks after the end of treatment. The cost of the intervention was estimated. Results Five hundred fifty-four participants were enrolled. Most were male (78.8%) with a median age of 39 years (interquartile range, 33-46). Cocaine (73.1%) and heroine (46.8%) were the main drugs consumed. Overall, 32.6% of PWUD (N = 181) were HCV seropositive, 49 (27.1%) of which had detectable HCV ribonucleic acid and were thus eligible for treatment. Ten of these patients had severe fibrosis. Hepatitis C virus treatment was initiated for 37 (75.5%) patients, 30 (81.1%) of whom completed their treatment and 27 (73.0%) achieved sustained viral response at week 12. The total cost was 161 euros € per screened patient and 1816€ per patient needing treatment. Conclusions A community-based RDS survey approach, involving peers, proved efficient and cost-effective to reach and cure PWUD for HCV. This innovative strategy could be key for the final step of HCV elimination. Clinical trial registration. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04008927.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Morgana D’Ottavi
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Quillet
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Debellefontaine
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Groupe SOS Solidarité, Montpellier, France
| | - Joëlle Castellani
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nicolas Langendorfer
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Bertrand Hanslik
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvain Guichard
- Association of Marginality and Drug Addiction (AMT), Montpellier, France
| | - René Baglioni
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Faucherre
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Edouard Tuaillon
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - Didier Laureillard
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Caremeau University Hospital, Nimes, France
| | - Hélène Donnadieu-Rigole
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic & Emerging Infections, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
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18
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Schwarz T, Horváth I, Fenz L, Schmutterer I, Rosian-Schikuta I, Mårdh O. Interventions to increase linkage to care and adherence to treatment for hepatitis C among people who inject drugs: A systematic review and practical considerations from an expert panel consultation. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 102:103588. [PMID: 35101667 PMCID: PMC9005784 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following advances in treatment for hepatitis C (HCV), optimizing linkage to care and adherence to treatment of people who inject drugs became of pivotal importance. An ECDC/EMCDDA stakeholders survey in 2018 indicated that two components of the cascade of care, linkage to care and adherence to treatment, were priority areas for inclusion in the updated guidance, planned for publication in 2022. This systematic review was commissioned with the aim to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions on HCV linkage to care and adherence to treatment among people who inject drugs. METHODS The full study protocol is available at PROSPERO (2020 CRD42020191116). We searched five databases to identify studies published between 2011 and 2020. Studies were included if they had a comparative study design and reported on the primary outcomes for linkage to care (visits, treatment initiation) and/or adherence to treatment (treatment adherence, treatment completion, SVR12) among people who inject drugs/people receiving opioid substitution therapy. Following the risk of bias (EPHPP) and quality of evidence assessment (GRADE), evidence to decision tables were produced and shared for critical review with an expert panel convened by ECDC and EMCDDA. The expert panel provided further considerations on the benefit, acceptability, and transferability of interventions. RESULTS Fourteen studies (using DAA therapy as well as DAA plus interferon-based therapy) met eligibility criteria and were included in the analysis. Integrated care with case management, peer support, psychological interventions, contingency management, and cooperation between health care providers improved engagement in and adherence to HCV care in most studies. However, the quality of evidence was predominantly low to moderate. CONCLUSIONS Available evidence suggests that integrated, people-centered approaches may improve engagement throughout the continuum of HCV care among people who inject drugs. For progressing HCV elimination efforts, interventions should be implemented in colocation with harm reduction and counselling activities and in combination with additional services, including opioid substitution treatment, directly observed therapy, peer support and/or contingency management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Schwarz
- Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH), Vienna, Austria.
| | - Ilonka Horváth
- Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH), Vienna, Austria
| | - Lydia Fenz
- Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH), Vienna, Austria
| | - Irene Schmutterer
- Austrian National Public Health Institute (Gesundheit Österreich GmbH), Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Otilia Mårdh
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Solna, Sweden
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19
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Marukutira T, Moore KP, Hellard M, Richmond J, Turner K, Pedrana AE, Melody S, Johnston FH, Owen L, Van Den Boom W, Scott N, Thompson A, Iser D, Spelman T, Veitch M, Stoové MA, Doyle J. Randomised controlled trial of active case management to link hepatitis C notifications to treatment in Tasmania, Australia: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056120. [PMID: 35338062 PMCID: PMC8961121 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION By subsidising access to direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for all people living with hepatitis C (HCV) in 2016, Australia is positioned to eliminate HCV as a public health threat. However, uptake of DAAs has declined over recent years and new initiatives are needed to engage people living with HCV in care. Active follow-up of HCV notifications by the health department to the notifying general practitioner (GP) may increase treatment uptake. In this study, we explore the impact of using hepatitis C notifications systems to engage diagnosing GPs and improve patient access to treatment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a randomised controlled trial comparing enhanced case management of HCV notifications with standard of care. The intervention includes phone calls from a department of health (DoH) specialist HCV nurse to notifying GPs and offering HCV management support. The level of support requested by the GP was graded in complexity: level 1: HCV information only; level 2: follow-up testing advice; level 3: prescription support including linkage to specialist clinicians and level 4: direct patient contact. The study population includes all GPs in Tasmania who notified HCV diagnosis to the DoH between September 2020 and December 2021. The primary outcome is proportion of HCV cases who initiate DAAs after 12 weeks of HCV notification to the health department. Secondary outcomes are proportion of HCV notifications that complete HCV RNA testing, treatment workup and treatment completion. Multiple logistic regression modelling will explore factors associated with the primary and secondary outcomes. The sample size required to detect a significant difference for the primary outcome is 85 GPs in each arm with a two-sided alpha of 0.05% and 80% power. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by University of Tasmania's Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol ID: 18418) on 17 December 2019. Results of the project will be presented in scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04510246. TRIAL PROGRESSION The study commenced recruitment in September 2020 and end of study expected December 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafireyi Marukutira
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiuology, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen P Moore
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Jacqui Richmond
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Turner
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - A E Pedrana
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shannon Melody
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Louise Owen
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - N Scott
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Pvt Ltd, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Iser
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Pvt Ltd, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Spelman
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Veitch
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mark A Stoové
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph Doyle
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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20
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Andreoni M, Coppola N, Craxì A, Fagiuoli S, Gardini I, Mangia A, Nava FA, Pasqualetti P. Meet-Test-Treat for HCV management: patients' and clinicians' preferences in hospital and drug addiction services in Italy. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:3. [PMID: 34983405 PMCID: PMC8725306 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06983-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has been estimated that the incidence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) will not decline over the next 10 years despite the improved efficacy of antiviral therapy because most patients remain undiagnosed and/or untreated. This study aimed to investigate the opinion of relevant target populations on the practicability, effectiveness and best modalities of the test-and-treat approach in the fight against HCV in Italy. Methods A survey was delivered to patients with HCV from the general population, patients from drug addiction services, hospital physicians and healthcare providers for drug addiction services. Results For both hospital clinicians and SerD HCPs, tolerability is shown as the most important feature of a suitable treatment. Time to treatment (the time from first contact to initiation of treatment) is deemed important to the success of the strategy by all actors. While a tolerable treatment was the main characteristic in a preferred care pathway for general patients, subjects from drug addiction services indicated that a complete Meet–Test–Treat pathway is delivered within the habitual care center as a main preference. This is also important for SerD HCPs who are a strong reference for their patients; hospital clinicians were less aware of the importance of the patient-HCP relationship in this process. Conclusion The health system is bound to implement suitable pathways to facilitate HCV eradication. A Meet–Test–Treat program within the drug addiction services may provide good compliance from subjects mainly concerned with virus transmission. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06983-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Diseases, Polyclinic of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Craxì
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Fagiuoli
- Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ivan Gardini
- EpaC Onlus, Italian Liver Patient Association, Monza (MB), Italy
| | - Alessandra Mangia
- Liver Unit, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Felice Alfonso Nava
- Penitentiary Medicine and Drug Abuse Unit, Public Health Service, Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizio Pasqualetti
- Section of Medical Statistics, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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21
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Gibbs D, Price O, Grebely J, Larney S, Sutherland R, Read P, Butler K, Degenhardt L, Peacock A. Hepatitis C virus cascade of care among people who inject drugs in Australia: Factors associated with testing and treatment in a universal healthcare system. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 228:109050. [PMID: 34607193 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding factors associated with engagement across the hepatitis C virus (HCV) cascade of care (CoC) among people who inject drugs (PWID) is critical for developing targeted interventions to enhance engagement and further HCV elimination efforts. We describe the CoC among Australian PWID, and identify factors associated with engagement at each stage. METHODS As part of the 2018 and 2019 Illicit Drug Reporting System, Australians who regularly inject drugs reported lifetime HCV antibody and RNA testing, treatment uptake and completion. Multivariable logistic regression identified characteristics associated with outcomes. RESULTS Of 1499 participants, 87% reported antibody testing. Of those, 70% reported RNA testing, of whom 60% reported being RNA positive. Among those, 76% reported initiating treatment, 78% of whom completed. Incarceration history (adjusted odds ratio 1.90; 95% confidence interval 1.28-2.82), current opioid agonist treatment (OAT) (1.99; 1.14-3.47), and recent alcohol and other drug (AOD) counselling (2.22; 1.27-3.88) were associated with antibody testing. Incarceration history (1.42; 1.07-1.87), and current OAT (2.07; 1.51-2.86) were associated with RNA testing. Current OAT (1.92; 1.22-3.03) and recent AOD counselling (1.91; 1.16-3.13) were associated with treatment uptake. Methamphetamine as drug injected most often in the last month was associated with reduced odds of antibody (0.41; 0.25-0.66) and RNA testing (0.54; 0.40-0.74), compared to heroin. CONCLUSION CoC engagement amongst Australian PWID is encouraging, with AOD service engagement associated with testing and treatment. Further efforts to reach those not service engaged, particularly those not receiving OAT or who predominantly inject methamphetamine, are needed to achieve HCV elimination targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Gibbs
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Département de médecine famille et de médecine d'urgence/Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, NSW, Australia
| | - Kerryn Butler
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
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Huang MH, Sun HY, Ho SY, Chang SY, Hsieh SM, Sheng WH, Chuang YC, Huang YS, Su LH, Liu WC, Su YC, Hung CC. Recently acquired hepatitis C virus infection among people living with human immunodeficiency virus at a university hospital in Taiwan. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6277-6289. [PMID: 34712032 PMCID: PMC8515799 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i37.6277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about the engagement in hepatitis C virus (HCV) care and completion of HCV treatment in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) who have HCV coinfection in the Asia-Pacific region. Examining the HCV care cascade can identify barriers to the completion of HCV treatment and facilitate achievement of HCV micro-elimination in PLWH.
AIM To investigate the care cascade of incident HCV infections among PLWH in Taiwan.
METHODS PLWH with incident HCV infections, defined as HCV seroconversion, were retrospectively identified by sequential anti-HCV testing of all archived blood samples at National Taiwan University Hospital between 2011 and 2018. All PLWH with incident HCV infections were followed until December 31, 2019. The care cascade of HCV examined included all incident HCV-infected patients, the percentages of anti-HCV antibodies detected by HIV-treating physicians in clinical care, plasma HCV RNA load tested, HCV RNA positivity diagnosed, referral to treatment assessment made, anti-HCV treatment initiated, and sustained virologic response achieved. Those who had HCV seroconversion during the interferon (IFN) era (2011–2016) and the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era (2017–2018) were analyzed separately. The duration of HCV viremia—from the date of seroconversion to viral clearance by treatments or until the end of observation—and the incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the HCV viremic period were estimated.
RESULTS During the study period, 287 of 3495 (8.2%) PLWH (92.3% being men who have sex with men) who were HCV-seronegative at baseline developed HCV seroconversion by retrospective testing of all archived blood samples. Of the 287 incident HCV infections, 277 (96.5%) had anti-HCV antibodies detected by HIV-treating physicians, 270 (94.1%) had plasma HCV RNA determined and 251 (87.5%) tested positive for HCV RNA. Of those with HCV viremia, 226 (78.7%) were referred to treatment assessment, 215 (74.9%) initiated anti-HCV treatment, and 202 (70.4%) achieved viral clearance. Compared with that in the IFN era, the median interval from HCV seroconversion by retrospective testing to detection of HCV seropositivity by HIV-treating physicians was significantly shorter in the DAA era {179 d [interquartile range (IQR) 87-434] vs 92 d (IQR 57-173); P < 0.001}. The incidence rate of STIs in the DAA vs the IFN era was 50.5 per 100 person-years of follow-up (PYFU) and 38.5 per 100 PYFU, respectively, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.31 (95% confidence interval 0.96-1.77), while the duration of HCV viremia was 380 d (IQR 274-554) and 735 d (IQR 391-1447) (P < 0.001), respectively.
CONCLUSION While anti-HCV therapies are effective in achieving viral clearance, our study suggests more efforts are needed to expedite the linkage of PLWH diagnosed with incident HCV infections to HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Hui Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970410, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yuan Ho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
| | - Szu-Min Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Wang-Huei Sheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chung Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Li-Hsin Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chun Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ching Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100008, Taiwan
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital and China Medical University, Taichung 404394, Taiwan
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23
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Busschots D, Bielen R, Koc ÖM, Heyens L, Dercon E, Verrando R, Janssens F, Van den Bergh L, Van Lint P, Bruckers L, Nevens F, Robaeys G. On-site testing and case management to improve hepatitis C care in drug users: a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study in the DAA era. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1574. [PMID: 34416867 PMCID: PMC8379886 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11608-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Screening and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in people who use drugs (PWUD) remains insufficient. Reducing the burden of HCV infection in PWUD requires interventions focusing on the different steps of the HCV care cascade. Methods We performed a prospective, multicenter study, evaluating the impact of an HCV care model on the HCV care cascade among PWUD attending an addiction care center in Belgium between 2015 and 2018. Interventions within the care model consisted of pre-test counseling, on-site HCV screening and case management services. A multiple logistic regression model was performed to identify the independent factors influencing the outcomes. Results During the study period, 441 PWUD were registered at the addiction care center, 90% (395/441) were contacted, 88% (349/395) were screened for HCV infection. PWUD were more likely to be screened if they had ever injected drugs (p < .001; AOR 6.411 95% CI 3.464–11.864). In 45% (157/349), the HCV antibody (Ab) test was positive, and in 27% (94/349) HCV RNA was positive. Within the Belgian reimbursement criteria (fibrosis stage ≥ F2), 44% (41/94) were treated. Specialist evaluation at the hospital was lower for PWUD receiving decentralized opioid agonist therapy (p = .005; AOR 0.430 95% CI 0.005–0.380), PWUD with unstable housing in the past 6 months before inclusion (p = .015; AOR 0.035 95% CI 0.002–0.517) or if they were recently incarcerated (p = .001; AOR 0.010 95% CI 0.001–0.164). Conclusions This HCV care model demonstrated high screening, linkage to care, and treatment initiation among PWUD in Belgium. Using the cascade of care to guide interventions is easy and necessary to monitor results. This population needs guidance, not only for screening and treatment initiation but also for the long-term follow-up since one in six had cirrhosis and could develop hepatocellular carcinoma. Further interventions are necessary to increase linkage to care and treatment initiation. Universal access to direct-acting antiviral therapy from 2019 will contribute to achieving HCV elimination in the PWUD population. Trial registration Clinical trial registration details: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03106194). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11608-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Busschots
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium. .,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.
| | - Rob Bielen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Özgür M Koc
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Medical Microbiology, School of NUTRIM, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leen Heyens
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Medical Microbiology, School of NUTRIM, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Filip Janssens
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Luc Van den Bergh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sint-Trudo Hospital, Sint-Truiden, Belgium
| | - Peter Van Lint
- Department of Gastroenterology, AZ Vesalius, Tongeren, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Bruckers
- Faculty of Science, Center for statistics, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, 3500, Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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24
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Beyond a ‘post-cure’ world: Sketches for a new futurology of hepatitis C. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 94:103042. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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25
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Frankova S, Jandova Z, Jinochova G, Kreidlova M, Merta D, Sperl J. Therapy of chronic hepatitis C in people who inject drugs: focus on adherence. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:69. [PMID: 34193156 PMCID: PMC8247095 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00519-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intravenous drug use (IVDU) represents the major factor of HCV transmission, but the treatment uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) remains low owing to a false presumption of low efficacy. The aim of our study was to assess treatment efficacy in PWID and factors determining adherence to therapy. Methods A total of 278 consecutive patients starting DAA (direct-acting antivirals) therapy were included, divided into two groups: individuals with a history of IVDU, PWID group (N = 101) and the control group (N = 177) without a history of IVDU. Results Sustained virological response 12 weeks after the end of therapy (SVR12) was achieved by 99/101 (98%) and 172/177 (98%) patients in the PWID and control group, respectively; in PWID group, two patients were lost to follow-up, and in the control group, four patients relapsed and one was lost to follow-up. PWID patients postponed appointments significantly more often, 29 (28.7%) in PWID versus 7 (4%) in the control group, p = 0.001. Thirteen of 101 (12.9%) and six of 177 (3.4%) patients in the PWID and in the control group, respectively, missed at least one visit (p < 0.01). However, postponing visits led to a lack of medication in only one PWID. In the PWID group, older age (p < 0.05; OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00–1.20) and stable housing (p < 0.01; OR 9.70, 95% CI 2.10–56.20) were factors positively contributing to adherence. Contrarily, a stable job was a factor negatively influencing adherence (p < 0.05; OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06–0.81). In the control group, none of the analyzed social and demographic factors had an impact on adherence to therapy. Conclusions In PWID, treatment efficacy was excellent and was comparable with SVR of the control group. Stable housing and older age contributed to a better adherence to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Frankova
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Videnska 1958/9, 14021, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Zuzana Jandova
- Psychiatric Hospital Havlickuv Brod, Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic.,First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriela Jinochova
- Psychiatric Hospital Havlickuv Brod, Havlickuv Brod, Czech Republic.,Addiction Centre Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miluse Kreidlova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dusan Merta
- Cardiothoracic Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Sperl
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Videnska 1958/9, 14021, Prague, Czech Republic.,First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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26
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Levander XA, Vega TA, Seaman A, Korthuis PT, Englander H. Exploring how hospitalization can alter hepatitis c virus treatment prioritization and trajectories in people who use drugs: A qualitative analysis. Subst Abus 2021; 43:245-252. [PMID: 34161198 PMCID: PMC8695635 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1932699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: People who use drugs (PWUD) have high rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hospitalization can be a time for PWUD to engage in addiction treatment, but little is known about how hospitalization shapes HCV treatment readiness. We aimed to describe how hospitalization and addiction medicine consult service (AMCS) can alter HCV prioritization of inpatient PWUD with HCV. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews (n = 27) of hospitalized adults with addiction and HCV infection seen by an AMCS at a single, urban, academic center. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded iteratively at the semantic level, and analyzed for themes. Results: Of the 27 participants, most identified as Caucasian (85%), male gender (67%), and they primarily used opioids (78%); approximately half (48%) reported HCV diagnosis over 5 years ago. We identified three main themes around hospitalization altering the prioritizations and HCV treatment preferences for PWUD: (1) HCV treatment non-engaged (2) HCV treatment urgency, and (3) HCV treatment in the future. Those wanting to treat HCV-whether urgently or in the future-shared the overlapping theme of hospitalization as a reachable moment for their addiction and HCV. These participants recognized the long-term benefits of addressing HCV and connected their hospitalization to substance use. Conclusion: In our study, PWUD with HCV expressed varying and competing priorities and life circumstances contributing to three main HCV treatment trajectories. Our results suggest ways hospitalization can serve as an HCV touchpoint for PWUD, especially in the context of addressing substance use, and could be used when designing and implementing targeted interventions to improve the HCV care continuum for PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena A. Levander
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Taylor A. Vega
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrew Seaman
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Central City Concern, Portland, OR, USA
| | - P. Todd Korthuis
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Honora Englander
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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27
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Bajis S, Applegate TL, Grebely J, Matthews GV, Dore GJ. Novel Hepatitic C Virus (HCV) Diagnosis and Treatment Delivery Systems: Facilitating HCV Elimination by Thinking Outside the Clinic. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S758-S772. [PMID: 33245354 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has set a goal to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as public health threat by 2030. Although the advent of highly effective and tolerable direct-acting antiviral therapy has paved the way for HCV elimination, most people with HCV infection remain undiagnosed and untreated globally, with striking disparities between high-income and low- to middle-income countries. Novel decentralized and cost-effective "test-and-treat" strategies are critically needed to identify the millions of people unaware of their status and link them to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tanya L Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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28
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Folch C, Saludes V, Reyes-Ureña J, Antuori A, Ibáñez N, Majó X, Colom J, Matas L, Casabona J, Martró E. The hepatitis C care cascade among people who inject drugs accessing harm reduction services in Catalonia: Major gaps for migrants. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 90:103057. [PMID: 33310634 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to describe the HCV cascade of care among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Catalonia, as well as to compare the observed gaps in care between Spanish-born and migrant PWID. METHODS A cross-sectional study of PWID (N = 410) attending four harm reduction services (HRS) was performed in 2016-17 (HepCdetect II Study). Participants were tested for both HCV antibodies (rapid testing) and RNA (from dried blood spot samples). The HCV care cascade was estimated from HCV testing results combined with self-reported data on previous testing, diagnosis and treatment collected through a questionnaire. Logistic regressions were used to test for an association between migration status and the proportions observed in each step of the HCV care cascade adjusting for age, sex, years of injection, homelessness, and treatment for drug dependence. RESULTS Overall, 85.4% were men and 28.0% were migrants. Among Spanish-born (n = 295) and migrant (n = 115) PWID participants in the study, 96.6% vs. 88.6% had previously been HCV screened (AOR=3.11; 95% CI: 1.11-8.65), 79.3% vs. 80.9% were antibody positive, and 70.7% vs. 67.6% were HCV-RNA positive or cured with treatment; among the latter, 36.6% vs. 18.2% had started treatment (AOR=2.41; 95% CI: 1.09-5.34), and 20.6% vs. 9.1% had been cured by treatment, respectively. Unawareness of having hepatitis C was more common among migrants than Spanish-born PWID (46.0% and 31.5%, respectively; p<0.05). CONCLUSION This study estimates the HCV care cascade among Spanish-born and migrant PWID in Catalonia for the very first time, and highlights a higher attrition of migrant PWID in all HCV care cascade stages. The observed limited linkage to care and treatment by PWID that attend the HRS network warrants future implementation of decentralized diagnosis and antiviral treatment. Strategies focusing on migrants by increasing HCV screening coverage and treatment access will be especially relevant in our setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinta Folch
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia Public Health Agency (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain; Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Saludes
- Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Juliana Reyes-Ureña
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia Public Health Agency (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain; Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Antuori
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Nuria Ibáñez
- Programme for Prevention, Control and Treatment of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis. ASPCAT, Badalona, Spain
| | - Xavier Majó
- Programme for Prevention, Control and Treatment of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis. ASPCAT, Badalona, Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Programme for Prevention, Control and Treatment of HIV, STIs and Viral Hepatitis. ASPCAT, Badalona, Spain
| | - Lurdes Matas
- Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Catalonia Public Health Agency (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain; Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elisa Martró
- Group 27, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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29
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Messina V, Russo A, Parente E, Russo G, Raimondo T, Salzillo A, Simeone F, Onorato L, Di Caprio G, Pisaturo M, Coppola N. Innovative procedures for micro-elimination of HCV infection in persons who use drugs. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:1437-1443. [PMID: 32810330 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
People who use drugs are a key population in global HCV control. We evaluated the efficacy of an innovative model to eliminate HCV infection in a high-risk population of PWUD in a service for substance use disorder (SUD). Between January 2018 and December 2018, we conducted a prospective, interventional, before and after study, based on audits performed by Infectious Diseases physicians in a SUD facility in Piedimonte Matese, in southern Italy, to improve the knowledge about HCV infection; a shared protocol for screening and linkage to care of patients was implemented. The pre-intervention period was defined as January-December 2017 and the post-intervention period as January-December 2018. The subjects followed up at SUD facility in the pre-intervention and post-intervention periods were 318 and 275, respectively. Compared with the pre-intervention period, the number of anti-HCV-positive subjects tested for HCV RNA was higher in the post-intervention period (91% vs 27%, P < .0001), as was the number who started directly acting antivirals (DAAs). Of the 18 HCV RNA-positive subjects in the pre-intervention period, only 3 (16.6%) started DAA, a percentage decisively lower than that observed after the start of the programme, 63 (84%) of 75 subjects (P < .0001), and all obtained SVR. The data were similar for people who inject drugs (PWID) and non-PWID sub-populations. The use of our innovative model with close interaction between the Infectious Disease Unit and the SUD facility determined a significant increase in HCV RNA testing, linkage to care and the start of DAA in the PWUD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Messina
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Russo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy.,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Enrico Parente
- Substance Use Disorder Facility in Piedimonte Matese, Teano and Sessa Aurunca Caserta, Italy
| | - Giovanni Russo
- Substance Use Disorder Facility in Piedimonte Matese, Teano and Sessa Aurunca Caserta, Italy
| | - Tiziana Raimondo
- Substance Use Disorder Facility in Piedimonte Matese, Teano and Sessa Aurunca Caserta, Italy
| | - Angela Salzillo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy
| | - Filomena Simeone
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Onorato
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Caprio
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy
| | - Mariantonietta Pisaturo
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy.,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Infectious Diseases Unit, AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano, Caserta, Italy.,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
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30
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Reported Low Uptake of HCV Testing among People Who Inject Drugs in Urban Vietnam. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:3701379. [PMID: 33274205 PMCID: PMC7700019 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3701379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background HCV testing is an important first step for treatment and prevention, particularly for those who are highly vulnerable to HCV infection such as people who inject drugs (PWID). In settings where direct-acting antiretroviral medicines are becoming more available, limited information exists about who and where to target to increase the prevalence of HCV testing among PWID. This study is aimed at understanding the prevalence of HCV testing uptake and its determinants of medical services and risk behaviors. Methods From February 2016 to April 2017, a sample of 509 PWID was interviewed using a structured questionnaire on their history of HCV testing, confirmation, services using in the previous year as well as HCV-related knowledge, and risk behaviors. Multiple logistic regression identified factors associated with ever being tested for HCV before enrollment in the program. Results Approximately 33% reported ever testing for HCV. Most cited sources of testing are public hospitals and general clinics (68.9%) and outpatient clinics (18.9%). Having ever tested for HCV was positively associated with accessing health services within the prior 12 months (aOR = 2.25; 95% CI 1.11-4.58), being currently enrolled in a methadone treatment program (aOR = 2.35; 95% CI 1.34-4.08), and/or on ART treatment (aOR = 2.30; 95% CI 1.30-4.08). Those who ever delayed in seeking healthcare services for any reason were less likely to get tested for HCV (aOR = 0.54; 95% CI 0.35-0.84). Conclusion HCV testing prevalence is low among PWID in Hanoi despite a very high prevalence of HCV infection. To improve the cascade of HCV testing, it is critical that intervention programs scale up linkages among methadone, outpatient clinics, and HCV services, take steps to reduce stigma and discrimination in both community and, especially, in health care settings, and increase awareness of HCV for PWID by integrating HCV into routine counseling at health care services.
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31
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Lazarus JV, Øvrehus A, Demant J, Krohn-Dehli L, Weis N. The Copenhagen test and treat hepatitis C in a mobile clinic study: a protocol for an intervention study to enhance the HCV cascade of care for people who inject drugs (T'N'T HepC). BMJ Open 2020; 10:e039724. [PMID: 33168560 PMCID: PMC7654134 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Injecting drug use is the primary driver of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Europe. Despite the need for more engagement with care, people who inject drugs (PWID) are hard to reach with HCV testing and treatment. We initiated a study to evaluate the efficacy for testing and linkage to care among PWID consulting peer-based testing at a mobile clinic in Copenhagen, Denmark. METHODS AND ANALYSIS In this intervention study, we will recruit participants at a single community-based, peer-run mobile clinic. In a single visit, we will first offer participants a point-of-care HCV antibody test, and if they test positive, then they will receive an HCV RNA test. If they are HCV-RNA+, we will administer facilitated referrals to designated 'fast-track' clinics at a hospital or an addiction centre for treatment. The primary outcomes for this study are the number of tested and treated individuals. Secondary outcomes include individuals lost at each step in the care cascade. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The results of this study could provide a model for targeting PWID for HCV testing and treatment in Demark and other settings, which could help achieve WHO HCV elimination targets. The Health Research Ethics Committee of Denmark and the Danish Data Protection Agency confirmed (December 2018/January 2019) that this study did not require their approval. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Victor Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anne Øvrehus
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Louise Krohn-Dehli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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32
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Perceptions of network based recruitment for hepatitis C testing and treatment among persons who inject drugs: a qualitative exploration. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 88:103019. [PMID: 33160152 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.103019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social network interventions that take advantage of existing individual and group relationships may help overcome the significant patient, provider, and system level barriers that contribute to low hepatitis C Virus (HCV) treatment uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 HCV antibody positive PWID (15 male, 5 female) in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. We utilized thematic analysis and employed both inductive and deductive coding techniques to assess perceptions of barriers and facilitators of social network interventions for HCV testing, linkage to care, and treatment among PWID. RESULTS PWID perceived a high prevalence of HCV within their social networks, especially within injection drug use networks. Overwhelmingly, participants reported a willingness to discuss HCV and provide informational, instrumental, and emotional support to their network members. Support included sharing knowledge, such as where and how to access HCV care, as well as sharing lived experiences about HCV treatment that could help peers build trust within networks. Participants who were already linked into HCV care had an increased understanding of using social network interventions to provide peer navigation, by accompanying network members to HCV related appointments. Across interviews, drug use related stigma and feeling undeserving of HCV treatment due to previous negative experiences accessing the health care system emerged as a major barrier to linkage to HCV treatment and cure. Undeservingness was often internalized and projected onto network members. To overcome this, participants supported access to low-barrier HCV treatment in alternative locations such as community-based or mobile clinics and drug treatment centers. CONCLUSION Social network based interventions have potential to increase HCV treatment uptake among PWID. To be successful, these interventions will need to train peers to share accurate information and personal experiences with HCV testing and treatment and enhance their ability to provide support to network members who face significant stigma related to both HCV and drug use.
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Safreed-Harmon K, Blach S, Aleman S, Bollerup S, Cooke G, Dalgard O, Dillon JF, Dore GJ, Duberg AS, Grebely J, Boe Kielland K, Midgard H, Porter K, Razavi H, Tyndall M, Weis N, Lazarus JV. The Consensus Hepatitis C Cascade of Care: Standardized Reporting to Monitor Progress Toward Elimination. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:2218-2227. [PMID: 31352481 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cascade-of-care (CoC) monitoring is an important component of the response to the global hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic. CoC metrics can be used to communicate, in simple terms, the extent to which national and subnational governments are advancing on key targets, and CoC findings can inform strategic decision-making regarding how to maximize the progression of individuals with HCV to diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The value of reporting would be enhanced if a standardized approach were used for generating CoCs. We have described the Consensus HCV CoC that we developed to address this need and have presented findings from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, where it was piloted. We encourage the uptake of the Consensus HCV CoC as a global instrument for facilitating clear and consistent reporting via the World Health Organization (WHO) viral hepatitis monitoring platform and for ensuring accurate monitoring of progress toward WHO's 2030 hepatitis C elimination targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Safreed-Harmon
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah Blach
- Center for Disease Analysis Foundation, Lafayette, Colorado, USA
| | - Soo Aleman
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Signe Bollerup
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Graham Cooke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Olav Dalgard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ann-Sofi Duberg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Knut Boe Kielland
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Håvard Midgard
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kholoud Porter
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Homie Razavi
- Center for Disease Analysis Foundation, Lafayette, Colorado, USA
| | - Mark Tyndall
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,CHIP, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on HIV and Viral Hepatitis, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Prevalence and high risk behaviours associated with HCV testing among people who inject drugs: a systematic review and Meta-analysis. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020; 15:64. [PMID: 32831107 PMCID: PMC7445934 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00306-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C diagnosis could be a gateway to behavioral change and subsequent decline in transmission among people who inject drugs (PWIDs). We assessed the association between the social determinants of PWID, their risk behaviors and hepatitis C testing. METHODS We searched for studies in English published before May 1, 2020, on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on the factors associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing among PWID. After reviewing for study duplicates, the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes (PICO) criteria. i) population: individuals who report injecting drugs; ii) intervention: HCV testing in the past year; iii) comparator: PWIDs who did not have an HCV test; iv) outcome: HCV testing among PWIDs and v) study type: cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies. Two independent reviewers (author BA and AB) chose the references in a two-phased monitoring process. The authors gathered data from selected papers, including the surname of the first author, publication date, participant demographic data (age, sex, and level of education) and other characteristics like previous HCV testing, past treatment attempts, duration of injecting drug use and condomless sex. We used fixed and random-effects meta-analysis models to estimate the pooled prevalence, pooled odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals. The data were analyzed using Stata 12.0 software. RESULTS After a detailed assessment of over 12,000 articles, a total of 16 studies containing 38,952 participants met the eligibility criteria. Our findings showed a pooled prevalence rate of 61.01% (95% CI, 34.65-84.32%) for recent HCV testing among PWIDs. Being female (OR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.13, 2.26), aged > 30 years, (OR = 2.61, 95%CI = 1.66-3.56) having past treatment attempt (OR = 2.24, 95%CI = 1.80-2.68), and reporting a previous test (OR = 2.03, 95%CI = 1.23-2.82). were significantly associated with having a recent HCV test.,,. Finding of present study was that unprotected sex had a negative association with HCV testing. Those PWIDs who had unprotected sex were 0.56 times less likely to have completed HCV testing during last year (OR = 0.56, 95%CI = 0.33-0.78). CONCLUSION Prevention programs that address age > 30 years, being female, past treatment attempt, previous testing of safe sexual practices, are strongly recommended to prioritize HCV risk reduction strategies.
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Catlett B, Bajis S, Starr M, Dore GJ, Hajarizadeh B, Cunningham PH, Applegate TL, Grebely J. Evaluation of the Aptima HCV Quant Dx Assay for Hepatitis C Virus RNA Detection from Fingerstick Capillary Dried Blood Spot and Venepuncture-Collected Samples. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:818-826. [PMID: 32710758 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Simplified diagnostic strategies are needed increase hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing to determine active infection and link people into treatment. Collection methods such as dried blood spots (DBS) have advantages over standard phlebotomy, especially within marginalized populations. METHODS We evaluated the diagnostic performance of the Aptima HCV Quant assay for the quantification and detection of HCV RNA from paired DBS and venepuncture samples. Specimens were collected from participants enrolled in an Australian observational study. We compared HCV RNA detection from DBS against venepuncture samples (gold standard). RESULTS One hundred sixty-four participants had paired samples and HCV RNA was detected in 45 (27% [95% confidence interval, 21%-35%]) by the Aptima assay in venepuncture samples. Sensitivity of the Aptima assay for HCV RNA quantification from DBS (≥10 IU/mL in plasma) was 100% and specificity was 100%. Sensitivity for HCV RNA detection from DBS was 95.6% and specificity was 94.1%. A small bias in plasma over DBS was observed with good agreement (R2 = 0.96). CONCLUSIONS The Aptima HCV Quant assay detects active infection from DBS samples with acceptable diagnostic performance and is clinically comparable to plasma. These data will strengthen the case for the registration of a DBS kit insert claim, enabling future clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Catlett
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,New South Wales State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sahar Bajis
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mitchell Starr
- New South Wales State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Philip H Cunningham
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,New South Wales State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Nic An Riogh E, Swan D, McCombe G, O'Connor E, Avramovic G, Macías J, Oprea C, Story A, Surey J, Vickerman P, Ward Z, Lambert JS, Tinago W, Ianache I, Iglesias M, Cullen W. Integrating hepatitis C care for at-risk groups (HepLink): baseline data from a multicentre feasibility study in primary and community care. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:v31-v38. [PMID: 31782502 PMCID: PMC6883390 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkz454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine HCV prevalence and management among people who inject drugs (PWID) attending primary care and community-based health services at four European sites using baseline data from a multicentre feasibility study of a complex intervention (HepLink). METHODS Primary care and community-based health services in Dublin, London, Bucharest and Seville were recruited from the professional networks of the HepLink consortium. Patients were eligible to participate if aged ≥18 years, on opioid substitution treatment or at risk of HCV (i.e. injecting drug use, homeless or incarcerated), and attended the service. Data on patient demographics and prior HCV management were collected on participants at baseline. RESULTS Twenty-nine primary care and community-based health services and 530 patients were recruited. Baseline data were collected on all participants. Participants' mean age ranged from 35 (Bucharest) to 51 years (London), with 71%-89% male. Prior lifetime HCV antibody testing ranged from 65% (Bucharest) to 95% (Dublin) and HCV antibody positivity among those who had been tested ranged from 78% (Dublin) to 95% (Bucharest). Prior lifetime HCV RNA testing among HCV antibody-positive participants ranged from 17% (Bucharest) to 84% (London). Among HCV antibody- or RNA-positive participants, prior lifetime attendance at a hepatology/infectious disease service ranged from 6% (London) to 50% (Dublin) and prior lifetime HCV treatment initiation from 3% (London) to 33% (Seville). CONCLUSIONS Baseline assessment of the HCV cascade of care among PWID attending primary care and community-based health services at four European sites identified key aspects of the care cascade at each site that need to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Davina Swan
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Geoff McCombe
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eileen O'Connor
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gordana Avramovic
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Juan Macías
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville, Spain
| | - Cristiana Oprea
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania.,Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Julian Surey
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zoe Ward
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John S Lambert
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Willard Tinago
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Irina Ianache
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Iglesias
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville, Spain
| | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Iversen J, Dore GJ, Starr M, Catlett B, Cunningham P, Geddes L, Maher L. Estimating the Consensus hepatitis C Cascade of Care among people who inject drugs in Australia: Pre and post availability of direct acting antiviral therapy. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 83:102837. [PMID: 32645585 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Monitoring the hepatitis C virus (HCV) cascade of care (CoC) among people who inject drugs (PWID) is an essential component of the response to World Health Organisation's (WHO) hepatitis elimination goals. This study aimed to estimate the Consensus hepatitis C CoC among PWID using data collected in Australia prior to and after the introduction of unrestricted direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in March 2016. Methods The Australian Needle Syringe Program Survey is a cross-sectional bio-behavioural surveillance system that recruits >2000 PWID annually. Using data from 2015 and 2019, HCV antibody and ribonucleic acid (RNA) test results from dried blood spots were combined with self-reported data on HCV diagnostic testing and treatment to project HCV Consensus CoC indicators at a population-level among Australian PWID. Results Among an estimated 75,000 people who inject drugs on a regular basis in Australia, the number with active HCV infection declined from 32,619 (44%) in October 2015 to 12,679 (17%) in October 2019. The majority (78% in 2015 and 2019) of PWID reported HCV diagnosis, while the proportion of those diagnosed who were treated increased from 3% in 2015 to 47% in 2019. Among those treated, the proportion who were HCV RNA negative and assumed to have been successfully treated (cured), increased from 27% in 2015 to 88% in 2019. Conclusion This study demonstrates remarkable HCV CoC progress among PWID in Australia following availability of DAA therapy. There was a substantial increase in the proportion of HCV diagnosed PWID who initiated treatment and were cured, while the number of PWID with active HCV infection more than halved over a 3.5 year period. Estimates of the Consensus hepatitis C CoC among PWID is required to monitor progress toward WHO HCV elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Iversen
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - Mitchell Starr
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Australia
| | - Beth Catlett
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Australia
| | - Philip Cunningham
- NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Falade-Nwulia O, Ward KM, McCormick S, Mehta SH, Pitts SR, Katz S, Chander G, Thomas DL, Sulkowski M, Latkin CA. Network-based recruitment of people who inject drugs for hepatitis C testing and linkage to care. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:663-670. [PMID: 32045086 PMCID: PMC7299737 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Although oral direct-acting agent (DAA) therapies have the potential to reduce the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, treatment uptake remains low, particularly among people who inject drugs (PWID). This study examined the feasibility of an innovative peer-based recruitment strategy to engage PWID in HCV testing and treatment. We interviewed an initial set of HCV antibody-positive PWID as 'primary indexes' to gather demographic, drug use, health information and drug network characteristics. Primary indexes were then briefly educated on HCV and its treatment and encouraged to recruit their injection drug 'network members' for HCV testing and linkage to care. Eligible network members were enrolled as 'secondary indexes' and completed the same index study procedures. In sum, 17 of 36 primary indexes initiated the recruitment of 64 network members who were HCV antibody positive and eligible to become indexes. In multivariable analysis, successful recruitment of at least one network member was positively associated with prior HCV treatment (OR 2.80; CI [1.01, 7.72]), daily or more injection drug use (OR 2.38; CI [1.04, 5.47]), and a higher number of injection drug network members (OR 1.20; CI [1.01, 1.42]). Among the 69 participants with chronic HCV not previously linked to HCV care at enrolment, 91% (n = 63) completed a linkage to HCV care appointment, 45% (n = 31) scheduled an appointment with an HCV provider, and 20% (n = 14) initiated HCV therapy. These findings suggest a potential benefit for peer-driven, network-based interventions focused on HCV treatment-experienced PWID as a mechanism to increase HCV linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sean McCormick
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shruti H. Mehta
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Stephanie Katz
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - David L. Thomas
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carl A. Latkin
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Traeger MW, Pedrana AE, van Santen DK, Doyle JS, Howell J, Thompson AJ, El-Hayek C, Asselin J, Polkinghorne V, Membrey D, Bramwell F, Carter A, Guy R, Stoové MA, Hellard ME. The impact of universal access to direct-acting antiviral therapy on the hepatitis C cascade of care among individuals attending primary and community health services. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235445. [PMID: 32603349 PMCID: PMC7326180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C elimination will require widespread access to treatment and responses at the health-service level to increase testing among populations at risk. We explored changes in hepatitis C testing and the cascade of care before and after the introduction of direct-acting antiviral treatments in Victoria, Australia. METHODS De-identified clinical data were retrospectively extracted from eighteen primary care clinics providing services targeted towards people who inject drugs. We explored hepatitis C testing within three-year periods immediately prior to (pre-DAA period) and following (post-DAA period) universal access to DAA treatments on 1st March 2016. Among ever RNA-positive individuals, we constructed two care cascades at the end of the pre-DAA and post-DAA periods. RESULTS The number of individuals HCV-tested was 13,784 (12.2% of those with a consultation) in the pre-DAA period and 14,507 (10.4% of those with a consultation) in the post-DAA period. The pre-DAA care cascade included 2,515 RNA-positive individuals; 1,977 (78.6%) were HCV viral load/genotype tested; 19 (0.8%) were prescribed treatment; and 12 had evidence of cure (0.5% of those RNA-positive and 63.6% of those eligible for cure). The post-DAA care cascade included 3,713 RNA-positive individuals; 3,276 (88.2%) were HCV viral load/genotype tested; 1,674 (45.1%) were prescribed treatment; and 863 had evidence of cure (23.2% of those RNA-positive and 94.9% of those eligible for cure). CONCLUSION Marked improvements in the cascade of hepatitis C care among patients attending primary care clinics were observed following the universal access of DAA treatments in Australia, although improvements in testing were less pronounced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Traeger
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alisa E. Pedrana
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniela K. van Santen
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S. Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander J. Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Dean Membrey
- Cohealth, General Practice, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fran Bramwell
- Cohealth, General Practice, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allison Carter
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark A. Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret E. Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Rashti R, Sharafi H, Alavian SM, Moradi Y, Mohamadi Bolbanabad A, Moradi G. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Global Prevalence of HBsAg and HIV and HCV Antibodies among People Who Inject Drugs and Female Sex Workers. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060432. [PMID: 32486342 PMCID: PMC7350380 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) and their co-infections among people who inject drugs (PWID) and female sex workers (FSWs). Data sources were searched from January 2008 to October 2018 in different databases. Data were analyzed in Stata 16 software using the Metaprop command. The results showed that the prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among PWID was 15%, 60% and 6%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV among FSWs was 5%, 1% and 3%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV, HIV/HBV, HCV/HBV and HIV/HCV/HBV co-infections among PWID was 13%, 2%, 3% and 2%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV co-infections among FSWs was 3% and 1%, respectively. The results show that the prevalence of HCV and HIV infections in PWID and the prevalence of HIV in FSWs is higher than their prevalence in the general population. Interventions for the prevention of HIV and HCV in PWID appear to be poor, and may not be sufficient to effectively prevent HIV and HCV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Rashti
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Heidar Sharafi
- Middle East Liver Diseases Center, Tehran 1598976513, Iran;
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Middle East Liver Disease Center, Tehran 1598976513, Iran;
| | - Yousef Moradi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran;
| | - Amjad Mohamadi Bolbanabad
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Ghobad Moradi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj 6617713446, Iran; (R.R.); (A.M.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Hepatitis C cascade of care at an integrated community facility for people who inject drugs. J Subst Abuse Treat 2020; 114:108025. [PMID: 32527512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the hepatitis C virus (HCV) cascade of care at a community-based integrated harm reduction and treatment facility for people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS Queensland Injectors' Health Network is a community-based agency providing integrated harm reduction and treatment services, including HCV treatment. Program data were analyzed from program commencement (early 2015) up to December 2017. RESULTS By December 2017, 476 participants with confirmed HCV infection had enrolled in treatment, of whom 72% had commenced treatment, 65% had completed treatment, and 44% had a confirmed sustained virologic response at 12-weeks post-treatment. Participants who commenced treatment tended to be older (ref 18-34 years; 35-49 years OR = 1.84, p = 0.037, 50+ years OR = 3.19, p = 0.002) and to feel safe and stable in their housing (OR = 2.36, p = 0.021). Participants who completed treatment were less likely to report legal issues (OR = 0.23, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS Integrated community-based services can successfully engage PWID throughout the HCV treatment journey. Additional social support, including linkage with housing and legal navigation services, may improve treatment uptake and completion. Point-of-care testing, including same-day scripting, could improve treatment uptake.
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Wang CW, Chuang HY, Chiang HC, Huang PC, Yu ML, Dai CY. Risk of hepatitis C virus infection in injecting and noninjecting drug users receiving opioid substitution therapy. J Chin Med Assoc 2020; 83:454-460. [PMID: 32358454 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common viral infection among illicit drug users in the world. Although intervention of needle and syringe program and opioid substitution therapy had engaged to prevent HCV infection, the prevalence of HCV infection does not seem to decline. The aim of this study was to estimate the risk of HCV infection in injecting drug users (IDUs) and noninjecting drug users (NIDUs) receiving opioid substitution therapy. METHODS We recruited 1179 heroin-dependent patients (age: 20-66 years) under opioid substitution therapy from 2012 to 2015 in a Psychiatric Center, Southern Taiwan. The data of HCV, hepatitis B virus and HIV infection and liver biochemical examination were obtained. We used multivariate logistic regression analysis to predict the risk of HCV infection. RESULTS There were 93.1% of IDUs and 68.1% of NIDUs positive for HCV infection. In IDUs, HIV infection, age of heroin initiation, duration and dose of heroin use, frequency of detoxification, and number of criminal conviction were significantly associated with HCV infection. In NIDUs, snort/sniff heroin exhibited a significantly increased risk of HCV infection. Intravenous injecting (odds ratio [OR] = 23.10, 95% CI = 8.04-66.40, p < 0.001), intravenous injecting combined snort/sniff (OR = 12.95, 95% CI = 3.90-42.97, p < 0.001), and snort/sniff (OR = 4.14, 95% CI = 1.30-13.18, p = 0.016) were significantly associated with increased risk of HCV infection compared with smoking. The trend was significant (p for trend <0.001). CONCLUSION In Taiwan, IDUs had harmful characteristics compared with NIDUs and both had extremely high prevalence of HCV infection. We provided evidence that snort/sniff is a possible way of leak in HCV infection despite needle-syringes supplement program been provided. Opioid substitution therapy program should include HCV assessment and treatment in the new direct-acting antiviral therapy era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wen Wang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Hsiao Kang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- PhD Program in Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hung-Yi Chuang
- Department of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hung-Che Chiang
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Chin Huang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Community Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- PhD Program in Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Community Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC
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43
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Falade-Nwulia O, Sacamano P, McCormick SD, Yang C, Kirk G, Thomas D, Sulkowski M, Latkin C, Mehta SH. Individual and network factors associated with HCV treatment uptake among people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 78:102714. [PMID: 32135398 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID), a population with disproportionately high rates of HCV, remains low. Peers have been shown to positively impact a broad range of health outcomes for PWID. There is, however, limited data on the impact of PWID social network members on HCV treatment. METHODS HCV-infected PWID enrolled in an ongoing community-based cohort were recruited as "indexes" to complete an egocentric social network survey. The survey elicited from the index PWID a list of their network members and the index's perception of network member characteristics. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare individual and network factors associated with HCV treatment in the index PWID. RESULTS Among 540 HCV-infected PWID, the mean age was 55.7 years and the majority were black (87.2%) and male (69.8%). PWID reported a mean of 4.4 (standard deviation [SD] 3.2) network members, most of whom were relatives (mean 2.2 [SD 1.5]). In multivariable analysis, increasing index age and HIV infection were positively associated with HCV treatment, while drug use and homelessness in the preceding 6 months were negatively associated with HCV treatment. From a network perspective, having at least one network member who regularly talked with the index about seeing their doctor for HIV care was associated with HCV treatment (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 2.7; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [1.3, 5.6]). Conversely, PWID who had at least one network member who helped them understand their HCV care were less likely to have been HCV treated (AOR 0.2; CI [0.1, 0.6). CONCLUSION HCV treatment uptake in this group of PWID appeared to be positively influenced by discussions with network members living with HIV who were in care and negatively influenced by HCV information sharing within PWID networks. These findings underscore the influence of peers on health seeking behaviors of their network members and emphasizes the importance of well-informed peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Suite 215, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Paul Sacamano
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sean D McCormick
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Suite 215, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Cui Yang
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Greg Kirk
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Thomas
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Suite 215, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Suite 215, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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44
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Bajis S, Grebely J, Hajarizadeh B, Applegate T, Marshall AD, Ellen Harrod M, Byrne J, Bath N, Read P, Edwards M, Gorton C, Hayllar J, Cock V, Peterson S, Thomson C, Weltman M, Jefferies M, Wood W, Haber P, Ezard N, Martinello M, Maher L, Dore GJ. Hepatitis C virus testing, liver disease assessment and treatment uptake among people who inject drugs pre- and post-universal access to direct-acting antiviral treatment in Australia: The LiveRLife study. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:281-293. [PMID: 31698545 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gaps in hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing, diagnosis, liver disease assessment and treatment uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) persist. We aimed to describe the cascade of HCV care among PWID in Australia, prior to and following unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. Participants enrolled in an observational cohort study between 2014 and 2018 provided fingerstick whole-blood samples for dried blood spot, Xpert HCV Viral Load and venepuncture samples. Participants underwent transient elastography and clinical assessment by a nurse or general practitioner. Among 839 participants (mean age 43 years), 66% were male (n = 550), 64% (n = 537) injected drugs in the previous month, and 67% (n = 560) reported currently receiving opioid substitution therapy. Overall, 45% (n = 380) had detectable HCV RNA, of whom 23% (n = 86) received HCV treatment within 12 months of enrolment. HCV treatment uptake increased from 2% in the pre-DAA era to 38% in the DAA era. Significant liver fibrosis (F2-F4) was more common in participants with HCV infection (38%) than those without (19%). Age 50 years or older (aOR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.18-7.04) and attending a clinical follow-up with nurse (aOR, 3.19; 95% CI, 1.61-6.32) or physician (aOR, 11.83; 95% CI, 4.89-28.59) were associated with HCV treatment uptake. Recent injection drug use and unstable housing were not associated with HCV treatment uptake. HCV treatment uptake among PWID has increased markedly in the DAA era. Evaluation of innovative and simplified models of care is required to further enhance treatment uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Alison D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jude Byrne
- Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nicky Bath
- NSW Users and AIDS Association, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Michael Edwards
- South Western Sydney Local Health District Drug Health Services, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carla Gorton
- Cairns Sexual Health Service, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Jeremy Hayllar
- Alcohol and Drug Service, Metro North Mental Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Victoria Cock
- Drug and Alcohol Services of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | - Claire Thomson
- Bayside Alcohol and Drug Services, Cleveland, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - William Wood
- Sydney Medically Supervised Injecting Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Haber
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nadine Ezard
- Alcohol and Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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45
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Grebely J, Catlett B, Jayasinghe I, Valerio H, Hajarizadeh B, Verich A, Cunningham P, Martinello M, Tillakeratne S, Silk D, Dore GJ, Applegate TL. Time to Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Infection With the Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick Point-of-Care Assay: Facilitating a More Rapid Time to Diagnosis. J Infect Dis 2020; 221:2043-2049. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick assay (Xpert HCV VL FS) is a point-of-care test quantifying HCV RNA in <1 hour, enabling same-visit diagnosis and treatment.
Methods
This study evaluated time to HCV RNA detection using the Xpert HCV VL FS assay. Fingerstick whole-blood samples were collected from participants in an observational cohort in Australia.
Results
In May 2018–2019, 1468 participants were enrolled, 1426 had Xpert HCV VL FS testing performed, and 1386 had a valid result. HCV RNA was detected in 23% (325/1386). Among people with undetectable HCV RNA (n = 1061), median time to result was 57 minutes. Among people with detectable HCV RNA (n = 325), median time to HCV RNA detection was 32 minutes and 80% (261/325) had a detectable HCV RNA result in ≤40 minutes. Median time to HCV RNA detection was dependent on HCV RNA level.
Conclusions
A quicker HCV diagnosis could be achieved by monitoring the time when HCV RNA is first detected with the Xpert HCV VL FS test, rather than HCV RNA quantification, although the current platform does not allow for this. These findings could facilitate new strategies to reduce waiting times for an HCV diagnosis and improve linkage to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beth Catlett
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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46
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Bartlett SR, Yu A, Chapinal N, Rossi C, Butt Z, Wong S, Darvishian M, Gilbert M, Wong J, Binka M, Alvarez M, Tyndall M, Krajden M, Janjua NZ. The population level care cascade for hepatitis C in British Columbia, Canada as of 2018: Impact of direct acting antivirals. Liver Int 2019; 39:2261-2272. [PMID: 31444846 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population-level monitoring of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected people across cascades of care identifies gaps in access and engagement in care and treatment. We characterized the population-level care cascade for HCV in British Columbia (BC), Canada before and after introduction of Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) treatment. METHODS BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC-HTC) includes 1.7 million individuals tested for HCV, HIV, reported cases of hepatitis B, and active tuberculosis in BC from 1990 to 2018 linked to medical visits, hospitalizations, cancers, prescription drugs and mortality data. We defined six HCV care cascade stages: (a) antibody diagnosed; (b) RNA tested; (c) RNA positive; (d) genotyped; (e) initiated treatment; and (f) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). RESULTS We estimated 61 127 people were HCV antibody positive in BC in 2018 (undiagnosed: 7686, 13%; diagnosed: 53 441, 87%). Of those diagnosed, 83% (44 507) had HCV RNA testing, and of those RNA positive, 90% (28 716) were genotyped. Of those genotyped, 61% (17 441) received therapy, with 90% (15 672) reaching SVR. Individuals from older birth cohorts had lower progression to HCV RNA testing. While people who currently inject drugs had the highest proportional progression to RNA testing, this group had the lowest proportional treatment uptake. CONCLUSIONS Although gaps in HCV RNA and genotype testing after antibody diagnosis exist, the largest gap in the care cascade is treatment initiation, despite introduction of DAA treatment and removal of treatment eligibility restrictions. Further interventions are required to ensure testing and treatment is equitably accessible in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R Bartlett
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Yu
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nuria Chapinal
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carmine Rossi
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zahid Butt
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stanley Wong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maryam Darvishian
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mark Gilbert
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jason Wong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mawuena Binka
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maria Alvarez
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mark Tyndall
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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47
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Catlett B, Lamoury FMJ, Bajis S, Hajarizadeh B, Martinez D, Mowat Y, Cunningham PH, Jacka BP, Cloherty GA, Marks P, Dore GJ, Grebely J, Applegate TL. Evaluation of a hepatitis C virus core antigen assay from venepuncture and dried blood spot collected samples: A cohort study. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1423-1430. [PMID: 31448470 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The global scale-up of hepatitis C virus (HCV) diagnosis requires simplified and affordable HCV diagnostic pathways. This study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the HCV Architect core antigen (HCVcAg) assay for detection of active HCV infection in plasma and capillary whole blood dried blood spots (DBS) compared with HCV RNA testing in plasma (Abbott RealTime HCV Viral Load). Samples were collected from participants in an observational cohort enrolled at three sites in Australia (two-drug treatment and alcohol clinics and one homelessness service). Of 205 participants, 200 had results across all samples and assay types and 186 were included in this analysis (14 participants receiving HCV therapy were excluded). HCV RNA was detected in 29% of participants ([95% CI: 22.6-36.1], 54 of 186). The sensitivity of HCVcAg for detection of active HCV infection in plasma was 98.1% (95% CI: 90-100) and 100% (95% CI: 93-100) when compared to HCV RNA thresholds of ≥12 and ≥1000 IU/mL, respectively. The sensitivity of the HCVcAg assay for detection of active HCV infection in DBS was 90.7% (95% CI: 80-97) and 92.5% (95% CI: 82-98) when compared to HCV RNA thresholds of ≥12 and ≥1000 IU/mL, respectively. The specificity of HCV core antigen for detection of active infection was 100% (95% CI: 97-100) for all samples and RNA thresholds. These data indicate that the detection of HCVcAg is a useful tool for determining active HCV infection; to facilitate enhanced testing, linkage to care and treatment particularly when testing plasma samples are collected by venepuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Catlett
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Yasmin Mowat
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip H Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Brendan P Jacka
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Centre de recherche du CHUM, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Philippa Marks
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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48
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Saludes V, Antuori A, Folch C, González N, Ibáñez N, Majó X, Colom J, Matas L, Casabona J, Martró E. Utility of a one-step screening and diagnosis strategy for viremic HCV infection among people who inject drugs in Catalonia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 74:236-245. [PMID: 31706159 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Catalonia (Spain), people who inject drugs (PWID) face numerous barriers to access to mainstream healthcare services for hepatitis C confirmatory diagnosis and treatment, so simplified testing strategies for viremic infection are urgently needed. Among PWID attending harm-reduction services in Catalonia, we aimed (i) to assess the utility of an in-house HCV-RNA detection assay on dried blood spots (DBS) as a one-step screening and confirmatory diagnosis strategy for hepatitis C, (ii) to estimate the prevalence of viremic HCV infection, and (iii) to identify factors associated with unawareness of viremic infection. METHODS A cross-sectional study of current PWID (N = 410) was performed in four harm-reduction services. All participants underwent HCV antibody point-of-care testing and parallel DBS collection for centralized RNA testing. An epidemiological questionnaire was administered. Paired EDTA-plasma samples were additionally collected for HCV viral load testing in 300 participants. RESULTS HCV-RNA testing from DBS was feasible and showed 97.2% sensitivity and 100% specificity for viral loads >3000 IU/mL in real-life conditions. No significant differences in the performance when detecting viremic infections were observed between this one-step testing strategy vs. the conventional two-step algorithm involving venepuncture. Overall HCV seroprevalence was 79.8%, and prevalence of viremic infection was 58.5%. Importantly, 35.8% of viremic HCV participants were unaware of their status, and no specific socio-demographic or bio-behavioral factors independently associated with unawareness of viremic infection were identified. Among participants reporting a past or current HCV infection, 29.0% stated having received HCV antiviral treatment. CONCLUSION The high viremic HCV infection burden among PWID attending HRS, estimated for the first time in Catalonia, together with the low levels of awareness of viremic status and access to treatment, suggest that scaling up this one-step screening and diagnosis strategy to the network of harm-reduction services would help to achieve HCV elimination targets set by the World Health Organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Saludes
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Crta. del Canyet s/n, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain; Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Antuori
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Crta. del Canyet s/n, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain; Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
| | - Cinta Folch
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Public Health Agency of Catalonia (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain
| | - Noemí González
- El Local, Fundació IPSS, Sant Adrià del Besòs, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Ibáñez
- Program on Substance Abuse, ASPCAT, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Majó
- Program on Substance Abuse, ASPCAT, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Program for the Prevention, Control and Care of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections and Viral Hepatitis, ASPCAT, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lurdes Matas
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Crta. del Canyet s/n, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Casabona
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Public Health Agency of Catalonia (ASPCAT), Badalona, Spain
| | - Elisa Martró
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Crta. del Canyet s/n, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain; Genetics and Microbiology Department, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain; Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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49
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Lazarus JV, Pericàs JM, Picchio C, Cernosa J, Hoekstra M, Luhmann N, Maticic M, Read P, Robinson EM, Dillon JF. We know DAAs work, so now what? Simplifying models of care to enhance the hepatitis C cascade. J Intern Med 2019; 286:503-525. [PMID: 31472002 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Globally, some 71 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Marginalized populations, particularly people who inject drugs (PWID), have low testing, linkage to care and treatment rates for HCV. Several models of care (MoCs) and service delivery interventions have the potential to improve outcomes across the HCV cascade of care, but much of the relevant research was carried out when interferon-based treatment was the standard of care. Often it was not practical to scale-up these earlier models and interventions because the clinical care needs of patients taking interferon-based regimens imposed too much of a financial and human resource burden on health systems. Despite the adoption of highly effective, all-oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies in recent years, approaches to HCV testing and treatment have evolved slowly and often remain rooted in earlier paradigms. The effectiveness of DAAs allows for simpler approaches and has encouraged countries where the drugs are widely available to set their sights on the ambitious World Health Organization (WHO) HCV elimination targets. Since a large proportion of chronically HCV-infected people are not currently accessing treatment, there is an urgent need to identify and implement existing simplified MoCs that speak to specific populations' needs. This article aims to: (i) review the evidence on MoCs for HCV; and (ii) distil the findings into recommendations for how stakeholders can simplify the path taken by chronically HCV-infected individuals from testing to cure and subsequent care and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- J V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J M Pericàs
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Territorial Direction, Translational Research Group on Infectious Diseases of Lleida (TRIDLE), Biomedical Research Institute Dr Pifarré Foundation, Lleida, Spain
| | - C Picchio
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Cernosa
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Illnesses, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - M Hoekstra
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - N Luhmann
- Médecins du Monde France, Paris, France
| | - M Maticic
- Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Febrile Illnesses, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - P Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - E M Robinson
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - J F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Cooper CL. Now Is the Time to Quickly Eliminate Barriers Along the Hepatitis C Cascade of Care. J Infect Dis 2019. [PMID: 29534217 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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