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D'Ambrosio R, Anolli MP, Pugliese N, Masetti C, Aghemo A, Lampertico P. Prevalence of HCV infection in Europe in the DAA era: Review. Liver Int 2024; 44:1548-1563. [PMID: 38804727 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15981] [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: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In 2016, the Global Health Sector Strategy, ratified by the 69th World Health Assembly, set the ambitious goal of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus infections by 2030, emphasizing the importance of national screening programmes. Achieving this goal depends on each country's ability to identify and treat 80% of chronic hepatitis C cases, a critical threshold set by the World Health Organization. Traditionally, estimates of HCV prevalence have been based on interferon era studies that focused on high-risk subgroups rather than the general population. In addition, the incomplete data available from national registries also limited the understanding of HCV prevalence. The 2016 report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlighted that HCV rates varied across European counties, ranging from .1% to 5.9%. However, data were only available for 13 countries, making the overall picture less clear. Additionally, the epidemiological data may have underestimated the true burden of HCV due to lack of awareness among those with chronic infection. The main objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of HCV epidemiology in Europe in the current era of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The data included in the analysis range from the end of 2013 to December 2023 and have been categorised according to the United Nations Geoscheme. The resulting synthesis underscores the noteworthy impact of DAA treatment on the epidemiological situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta D'Ambrosio
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria P Anolli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Pugliese
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Masetti
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Centre for Liver Disease, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Han Y, Zheng M, Meng H, Han J, Chen J, Wang Y. Elimination of hepatitis C in a hospital characterized by infectious diseases. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1093578. [PMID: 37006527 PMCID: PMC10061059 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1093578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe World Health Organization has proposed to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030, yet there is still a large gap to the goal. Screening for hepatitis C is cost-effective and efficient in medical institutions. The aim of this study was to identify the key populations for HCV antibody screening in hospital characterized by infectious diseases, and provide estimates of the proportion of HCV-infected persons in the Beijing Ditan hospital completing each step along a proposed HCV treatment cascade.MethodsA total of 105,112 patients who underwent HCV antibody testing in Beijing Ditan hospital between 2017 and 2020 were included in this study. HCV antibody and HCV RNA positivity rate were calculated and compared by chi-square test.ResultsThe positivity rate of HCV antibody was 6.78%. The HCV antibody positivity rate and the proportion of positive patients showed an upward trend along with age in the five groups between 10–59 years. In the contrary, a decreasing trend was observed in the three groups above 60 years. Patients with positive HCV antibody were mainly from the Liver Disease Center (36.53%), the Department of Integrative Medicine (16.10%), the Department of Infectious Diseases (15.93%) and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (9.44%). Among HCV antibody positive patients, 6,129 (85.95%) underwent further HCV RNA testing, of whom 2097 were HCV RNA positive, the positivity rate was 34.21%. Of the patients who were HCV RNA positive, 64.33% did not continue with HCV RNA testing. The cure rate for HCV antibody positive patients was 64.98%. Besides, there was a significant positive correlation between HCV RNA positivity rate and HCV antibody level (r = 0.992, P < 0.001). The detection rate of HCV antibody among inpatients showed an upward trend (Z = 5.567, P < 0.001), while the positivity rate showed a downward trend (Z = 2.2926, P = 0.0219).ConclusionsWe found that even in hospitals characterized by infectious diseases, a large proportion of patients did not complete each step along a proposed HCV treatment cascade. Besides, we identified key populations for HCV antibody screening, namely: (1) patients over 40 years of age, especially those aged 50–59 years; (2) the Department of Infectious Diseases and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology patients. In addition, HCV RNA testing was highly recommended for patients with HCV antibody levels above 8 S/CO.
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Simmons R, Plunkett J, Cieply L, Ijaz S, Desai M, Mandal S. Blood-borne virus testing in emergency departments - a systematic review of seroprevalence, feasibility, acceptability and linkage to care. HIV Med 2023; 24:6-26. [PMID: 35702813 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emergency departments (EDs) offer a point of contact for groups at increased risk of BBVs who may be less likely to engage with primary care. We reviewed the literature to evaluate whether BBV testing in this setting might be a viable option to increase case finding and linkage to care. METHODS We searched PubMed database for English language articles published until June 2019 on BBV testing in EDs. Studies reporting seroprevalence surveys, feasibility, linkage to care, enablers and barriers to testing were included. Additional searches for grey literature were performed. RESULTS Eight-nine articles met inclusion criteria, of which 14 reported BBV seroprevalence surveys in EDs, 54 investigated feasibility and acceptability, and 36 investigated linkage to care. Most studies were HIV-focused and conducted in the USA. Seroprevalence rates were in the range 1.5-17% for HCV, 0.7-1.6% for HBV, and 0.8-13% for HIV. For studies that used an opt-in study design, testing uptake ranged from 2% to 98% and for opt-out it ranged from 16% to 91%. There was a wide range of yield: 13-100% of patients received their test result, 21-100% were linked to care, and 50-91% were retained in care. Compared with individuals diagnosed with HIV, linkage to and retention in care were lower for those diagnosed with hepatitis C. Predictors of linkage to care was associated with certain patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Universal opt-out BBV testing in EDs may be feasible and acceptable, but linkage to care needs to be improved by optimizing implementation. Further economic evaluations of hepatitis testing in EDs are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Simmons
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.,The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College, London, UK
| | - James Plunkett
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Lukasz Cieply
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Samreen Ijaz
- The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College, London, UK.,Blood Borne Virus Unit, Virus Reference Department, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Monica Desai
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.,The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College, London, UK
| | - Sema Mandal
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.,The National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College, London, UK
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Smout E, Phyu K, Hughes GJ, Parker L, Rezai R, Evans A, McLaren J, Bush S, Davey S, Aldersley MA, Ruf M, Page EE. Real-world clinical effectiveness and sustainability of universal bloodborne virus testing in an urban emergency department in the UK. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19257. [PMID: 36357472 PMCID: PMC9648896 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23602-1] [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: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovative testing approaches and care pathways are required to meet HIV, hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) elimination goals. Routine testing for blood-borne viruses (BBVs) within emergency departments (EDs) is suggested by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control but there is a paucity of supporting evidence. We evaluated the introduction of routine BBV testing in EDs at a large teaching hospital in northern England. In October 2018, we modified the electronic laboratory ordering system to reflex opt-out HIV, HBV and HCV testing for all ED attendees aged 16-65 years who had a routine blood test for urea and electrolytes (U&Es). Linkage to care (LTC) was attempted for newly diagnosed patients, those never referred and those who had previously disengaged from care. The project operated for 18 months, here we present evaluation of the initial nine months (2 October 2018-1 July 2019). We analysed testing uptake, BBV seropositivity, LTC and treatment initiation within six months post-diagnosis. Over 9 months, 17,026/28,178 (60.4%) ED attendees who had U&Es performed were tested for ≥ 1 BBV. 299 active BBV infections were identified: 70 HIV Ab/Ag-positive (0.4% seroprevalence), 73 HBsAg-positive (0.4%) and 156 HCV RNA-positive (1.0%). Only 24.3% (17/70) HIV Ab/Ag-positive individuals required LTC, compared to 94.9% (148/156) HCV RNA-positive and 53.4% (39/73) HBsAg-positive individuals. LTC was successful in 94.1% (16/17) HIV Ab/Ag-positive and 69.3% (27/39) HBsAg-positive individuals. However, at 6 months LTC was just 39.2% (58/148) for HCV RNA-positive individuals, with 64% (37/58) of these commencing treatment. Universal opt-out ED BBV testing proved feasible and effective in identifying active BBV infections, especially among marginalised populations with reduced healthcare access. Our integrated approach achieved good LTC rates although further service development is necessary, particularly for HCV RNA-positive people who inject drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Smout
- grid.515304.60000 0005 0421 4601UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme, UK Health Security Agency, Leeds, UK ,grid.515304.60000 0005 0421 4601Field Service, UK Health Security Agency, Leeds, UK
| | - Khine Phyu
- grid.418161.b0000 0001 0097 2705Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3EX UK
| | - Gareth J. Hughes
- grid.515304.60000 0005 0421 4601Field Service, UK Health Security Agency, Leeds, UK
| | - Lee Parker
- grid.418161.b0000 0001 0097 2705Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3EX UK
| | - Roozbeh Rezai
- grid.418161.b0000 0001 0097 2705Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3EX UK
| | - Amy Evans
- grid.418161.b0000 0001 0097 2705Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3EX UK
| | - Joscelyne McLaren
- grid.418161.b0000 0001 0097 2705Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3EX UK
| | - Stephen Bush
- grid.418161.b0000 0001 0097 2705Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3EX UK
| | - Sarah Davey
- grid.418161.b0000 0001 0097 2705Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3EX UK
| | - Mark A. Aldersley
- grid.418161.b0000 0001 0097 2705Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3EX UK
| | - Murad Ruf
- grid.476328.c0000 0004 0383 8490Public Health, Medical Affairs, Gilead Sciences Ltd, London, UK
| | - Emma E. Page
- grid.418161.b0000 0001 0097 2705Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust, Leeds General Infirmary, Great George St, Leeds, LS1 3EX UK
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Piazzolla AV, Paroni G, Bazzocchi F, Cassese M, Cisternino A, Ciuffreda L, Gorgoglione F, Gorgoglione L, Palazzo V, Sciannamè N, Taurchini M, Vaira P, Cocomazzi G, Squillante MM, Aucella F, Cascavilla N, De Cosmo S, Fania M, Greco A, Laborante A, Leone M, Maiello E, Salvatori M, Di Mauro L, Mangia A. High Rates of Hidden HCV Infections among Hospitalized Patients Aged 55-85. Pathogens 2021; 10:695. [PMID: 34205096 PMCID: PMC8227146 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The WHO has solicited all countries to eliminate HCV by 2030. The Italian government started routine screening for HCV infection in January 2021, initially targeting subjects born between 1969 and 1989. With the aim of achieving micro-elimination, we designed a hospital-wide project focusing on inpatients born from 1935 to 1985 and conducted it in our institution. METHOD All inpatients aged 35 to 85, admitted from 10 February 2020 to 9 February 2021 for many different diseases and conditions underwent HCV antibody (HCVAb) testing by third-generation ELISA. When positive, reflex HCV RNA testing and genotyping were performed. Clinical history, fibrosis diagnosis, laboratory data and concomitant medications were available for all. RESULTS The HCV screening rate of inpatients was 100%. In total, 11,748 participants were enrolled, of whom 53.50% were male. The HCVAb positivity rate was 3.03%. The HCVAb rate increased with age and was higher for patients born between 1935 and 1944 (4.81%). The rate of HCV RNA positivity was 0.97%. The vast majority (80.70%) of HCV RNA-positive participants were 55 or older; in about 40% of cases, HCV RNA-positive patients were unaware of their infection. Although 16 patients died after HCV chronic infection diagnosis (two due COVID-19) or HCV treatment prescription (one due to COVID-19), 74.56% of patient HCV diagnoses were linked to HCV treatment, despite their co-morbidities. All patients older than 65 who died had an active HCV infection. CONCLUSION The present study revealed a rate of active HCV infections among inpatients lower than what has been reported in the past in the general population; this appears to be a result of the widespread use of pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). The overall rate of active infection was lower than the rate observed in the 1935-1954 cohort. The high rate of inpatients unaware of HCV infections and the high number of deaths among subjects with an active HCV infection born from 1935 to 1954, suggest that, at least in southern Italy, targeted screening of this birth cohort may be required to reduce the number of undiagnosed cases and hidden infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Valeria Piazzolla
- Liver Unit, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.V.P.); (G.C.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Giulia Paroni
- Blood Bank, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (G.P.); (L.D.M.)
| | - Francesca Bazzocchi
- Abdominal Surgery, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Mauro Cassese
- Cardiosurgery, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Antonio Cisternino
- Urology, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Luigi Ciuffreda
- Breast Surgery, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Franco Gorgoglione
- Orthopedics, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Leonardo Gorgoglione
- Neurosurgery, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Palazzo
- Vascular Surgery, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Natale Sciannamè
- Gynaecology, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Marco Taurchini
- Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Vaira
- Intensive Care, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Cocomazzi
- Liver Unit, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.V.P.); (G.C.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Maria Maddalena Squillante
- Liver Unit, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.V.P.); (G.C.); (M.M.S.)
| | - Filippo Aucella
- Nephrology, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Nicola Cascavilla
- Hematology, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Salvatore De Cosmo
- Internal Medicine, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Michelantonio Fania
- Dermatology, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Antonio Greco
- Geriatrics, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Antonio Laborante
- Oftalmology, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Leone
- Neurology, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Evaristo Maiello
- Oncology, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Mauro Salvatori
- Cardiology, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Lazzaro Di Mauro
- Blood Bank, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (G.P.); (L.D.M.)
| | - Alessandra Mangia
- Liver Unit, IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (A.V.P.); (G.C.); (M.M.S.)
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Bert F, Stahmeyer JT, Parpalea AL, Rossol S. Non-Invasive Reliable Methods to Objectify the Positive Influence of Hepatitis C Virus Treatment on Liver Stiffness. Gastroenterology Res 2021; 14:31-40. [PMID: 33737997 PMCID: PMC7935613 DOI: 10.14740/gr1347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem and causes liver fibrosis (LF) up to liver cirrhosis (LC). LF can be estimated by non-invasive, easy handling methods. With implementation of new HCV therapies, elimination rates of HCV are near 100%, resulting in less clinical complications and costs. The aim of our study was to evaluate the positive influence of HCV treatment on liver stiffness by non-invasive assessments of LF. Methods Sixty-two patients with HCV were treated with antiviral drug regimes. Serological fibrosis scores and ultrasound elastography (acoustic radiation force impulse and shear wave elasticity imaging (ARFI-SWEI)) were used for LF assessment on day 0 and 6 months after therapy. Results Antiviral treatment was successful in all cases. ARFI-SWEI measurements showed an improvement of all LF stages. Results of serological markers and scores were heterogeneous. Significant positive effects of treatment were seen for aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores, only. Further Pearson's coefficient showed moderate till very high correlations for ARFI-SWEI and FIB-4/APRI scores. Conclusion Today HCV therapy is able to cure HCV. Positive influences are improvement of LF stages. ARFI-SWEI, APRI and FIB-4 score are useful, easy handling tools to verify positive influence of HCV treatment on LF alone or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Bert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Jona Theodor Stahmeyer
- Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Siegbert Rossol
- Department of Internal Medicine, Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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Evaluation of a strategy for identification of hepatitis C virus carriers in outpatient and emergency units: contribution to the microelimination of hepatitis C in Brazil. Braz J Infect Dis 2021; 25:101546. [PMID: 33636108 PMCID: PMC9392148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjid.2021.101546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection continues to be an important public health problem worldwide. Despite the availability of drugs that promote the cure of infection in more than 95% of cases, the identification of HCV carriers remains a major challenge. Objective To evaluate a strategy for identifying HCV carriers based on combined criteria: screening in emergency units and specialty outpatient clinics of a tertiary hospital and among older adults (≥45 years), both suggested as efficient in epidemiological studies. Methods A cross-sectional, analytical and descriptive study was conducted on individuals of both sexes, aged 45 years and older, attending the emergency department and specialty outpatient clinics of a University Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2016 to June 2018. After giving formal consent, the patients were submitted to a standardized interview and rapid testing for the identification of HCV antibodies (SD BIOLINE® anti-HCV). Results A total of 606 adult patients (62% women and 37% men) were evaluated. The mean age was 62 ± 10 years. Four positive tests were identified, with confirmation by conventional serology and HCV-RNA determination. Thus, the prevalence of HCV identified in the sample was 0.66%. All patients had a history of risk factors for infection. Conclusion The strategies of birth-cohort testing and screening in emergency medical services for the identification of HCV carries, both suggested in the literature as efficient for the diagnosis of hepatitis C, resulted in a low rate of HCV infection. These findings highlight the magnitude of the challenge of identifying asymptomatic HCV carriers in Brazil.
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Gardona RGB, Barbosa DA, Ferraz MLG. Screening for hepatitis C in urgent and emergency units: a systematic review. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2020; 54:e03611. [PMID: 32901660 DOI: 10.1590/s1980-220x20180450-03611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying studies that performed screening for hepatitis C and that also assessed the virus prevalence in urgency and emergency unit users. METHOD A systematic review performed on the LILACS, MEDLINE databases via PubMed, SciELO and Virtual Health Library. RESULTS After careful search and analysis, 19 publications were part of the results, in compliance with the pre-defined criteria. Publication dates were concentrated between 1992 and 2018. The main journal to publish such articles was the Annals of Emergency Medicine (26.31%). Regarding the origin of publications, the following stand out: United States (63.15%), Europe (31.57%), and Asia (5.28%). Regarding prevalence, in the United States, a variation between 1.4% to 18% was observed. In Europe, in turn, the prevalence ranged from 0 to 5%. In the Asian study, the prevalence was 1.8%. CONCLUSION The screening performed in urgent and emergency units proved to be efficient in identifying new cases, especially when associated with the age factor, which proves to be superior to the strategy based only on risk factors. Thus, for greater effectiveness, the association of three strategies is recommended: screening location, age group, and risk factors.
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Houri I, Horowitz N, Katchman H, Weksler Y, Miller O, Deutsch L, Shibolet O. Emergency department targeted screening for hepatitis C does not improve linkage to care. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:4878-4888. [PMID: 32921964 PMCID: PMC7459203 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i32.4878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. New treatments for HCV revolutionized management and prompted the world health organization to set the goal of viral elimination by 2030. These developments strengthen the need for HCV screening in order to identify asymptomatic carriers prior to development of chronic liver disease and its complications. Different screening strategies have been attempted, most targeting high-risk populations. Previous studies focusing on patients arriving at emergency departments showed a higher prevalence of HCV compared to the general population.
AIM To identify previously undiagnosed HCV carriers among high risk emergency room attendees and link them to care for anti-viral treatment.
METHODS In this single center prospective study, persons visiting the emergency department in an urban hospital were screened by a risk factor-specific questionnaire. The risk factors screened for were exposure to blood products or organ transplantation before 1992; origins from countries with high prevalence of HCV; intravenous drug use; human immunodeficiency virus carriers; men who have sex with men; those born to HCV-infected mothers; prior prison time; and chronic kidney disease. Those with at least one risk factor were tested for HCV by serum for HCV antibodies, a novel oral test from saliva (OraQuick®) or both.
RESULTS Five hundred and forty-one participants had at least one risk factor and were tested for HCV. Eighty four percent of all study participants had only one risk factor. Eighty five percent of participants underwent OraQuick® testing, 34% were tested for serum anti-HCV antibodies, and 25% had both tests. 3.1% of patients (17/541) had a positive result, compared to local population incidence of 1.96%. Of these, 82% were people who inject drugs (current or former), and 64% served time in prison. One patient had a negative HCV-RNA, and two patients died from non-HCV related reasons. On review of past medical records, 12 patients were found to have been previously diagnosed with HCV but were unaware of their carrier state. At 1-year follow-up none of the remaining 14 patients had completed HCV-RNA testing, visited a hepatology clinic or received anti-viral treatment.
CONCLUSION Targeted high-risk screening in the emergency department identified undiagnosed and untreated HCV carriers, but did not improve treatment rates. Other strategies need to be developed to improve linkage to care in high risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Houri
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Noya Horowitz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
| | - Helena Katchman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Yael Weksler
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ofer Miller
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Liat Deutsch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Oren Shibolet
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 6997801, Israel
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10
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Hepatitis C Virus Screening of High-Risk Patients in a Canadian Emergency Department. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 2020:5258289. [PMID: 32211349 PMCID: PMC7049435 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5258289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 0.7% of the Canadian population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and many individuals are unaware of their infection. Our objectives were to utilize an emergency department (ED) based point-of-care (POC) HCV screening test to describe our local population and estimate the proportion of high-risk patients in our population with undiagnosed HCV. METHODS A convenience sample of medically stable patients (≥18 years) presenting to a community ED in Calgary, AB, between April and July 2018 underwent rapid clinical screening for HCV risk factors, including history of injection drug use, healthcare in endemic countries, and other recognized criteria. High-risk patients were offered POC HCV testing. Antibody-positive patients underwent HCV-RNA testing and were linked to hepatology care. The primary outcome was the proportion of new HCV diagnoses in the high-risk population. RESULTS Of the 999 patients screened by survey, 247 patients (24.7%) were high-risk and eligible for testing. Of these, 123 (49.8%) were from HCV-endemic countries, while 63 (25.5%) and 31 (12.6%) patients endorsed a history of incarceration and intravenous drug use (IVDU), respectively. A total of 144 (58.3%) eligible patients agreed to testing. Of these, 6 patients were POC-positive (4.2%, CI 0.9-7.4%); all 6 had antibodies detected on confirmatory lab testing and 4 had detectable HCV-RNA viral loads in follow-up. Notably, 103 (41.7%) patients declined POC testing. Interpretation. Among 144 high-risk patients who agreed to testing, the rate of undiagnosed HCV infection was 4.2%, and the rate of undiagnosed HCV infection with detectable viral load was 2.8%. Many patients with high-risk clinical criteria refused POC testing. It is unknown if tested and untested groups have the same disease prevalence. This study shows that ED HCV screening is feasible and that a small number of previously undiagnosed patients can be identified and linked to potentially life-changing care.
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11
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Ford JS, Marianelli LG, Frassone N, Debes JD. Hepatitis B screening in an argentine ED: Increasing vaccination in a resource-limited setting. Am J Emerg Med 2020; 38:296-299. [PMID: 31353159 PMCID: PMC6980425 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.158354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited data regarding the use of emergency departments (EDs) for infectious disease screening and vaccination in resource-limited regions. In these settings, EDs are often the only contact that patients have with the healthcare system, turning an ED visit into an opportune time to deliver preventative health services. METHODS In this pilot study, patients that met inclusion criteria were prospectively tested for hepatitis B surface antigen test (HBsAg). Previously unvaccinated patients who tested negative for HBsAg were offered HBV vaccination. The study setting was a public infectious disease hospital in Cordoba, Argentina. The primary outcomes were new HBV diagnoses, as well as vaccination completion between screening modalities (Point-of-Care-Testing-POCT vs. laboratory testing) and same vs. different day vaccination. RESULTS We screened 100 patients for HBV (75 POCT & 25 laboratory). The median age of participants was 35 years (IQR 24-52) and 55% were male. No patients tested positive for HBsAg. All patients who completed first dose vaccination were initially screened with the POCT. No patients screened with laboratory testing returned for vaccination. Patients who were scheduled for vaccination the same day were more likely to complete vaccination compared to those scheduled for another day (75% vs. 14%, p < .001). CONCLUSION Our study supports the use of HBV POCTs in the ED in conjunction with vaccination of HBV-negative individuals. In regions with low HBV endemicity, direct vaccination without HBsAg testing may be more cost effective. We believe that this acute-care screening model is applicable to other resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Ford
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | - Natalia Frassone
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Rawson, Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Jose D Debes
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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12
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Hopkins MJ, Todd S, Beadsworth M, Anderson C, Mohamed Z, Muir D, Vivancos R, Brown AS, Ruf M, Chawla A. Consistent high prevalence of undiagnosed blood-borne virus infection in patients attending large urban emergency departments in England. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:88-91. [PMID: 31448490 PMCID: PMC6972612 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding local viral hepatitis and HIV epidemiology is essential if WHO elimination targets are to be achieved. We demonstrate a consistently high prevalence of undiagnosed active infection in urban emergency department attendees in England, with variations in local risk groups crucial to informing targeted testing initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J. Hopkins
- Department of Infection and ImmunityRoyal Liverpool University HospitalLiverpoolUK
| | - Stacy Todd
- Tropical and Infectious Disease UnitRoyal Liverpool University HospitalLiverpoolUK
| | - Mike Beadsworth
- Tropical and Infectious Disease UnitRoyal Liverpool University HospitalLiverpoolUK
| | | | - Zameer Mohamed
- Department of HepatologyImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - David Muir
- Department of Infection and ImmunityNorthwest London PathologyLondonUK
| | | | - Ashley S. Brown
- Department of HepatologyImperial College Healthcare NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Murad Ruf
- Medical DepartmentGilead SciencesLondonUK
| | - Anu Chawla
- Department of Infection and ImmunityRoyal Liverpool University HospitalLiverpoolUK
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13
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Bundle N, Balasegaram S, Parry S, Ullah S, Harris RJ, Ahmad K, Foster GR, Tong CYW, Orkin C. Seroprevalence and demographic factors associated with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infection from a hospital emergency department testing programme, London, United Kingdom, 2015 to 2016. Euro Surveill 2019; 24:1800377. [PMID: 31290390 PMCID: PMC6628754 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.27.1800377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundProgress towards HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination requires local prevalence estimates and linkage to care (LTC) of undiagnosed or disengaged cases.AimWe aimed to estimate seroprevalence, factors associated with positive blood-borne virus (BBV) serology and numbers needed to screen (NNS) to detect a new BBV diagnosis and achieve full LTC from emergency department (ED) BBV testing.MethodsDuring a 9-month programme in an ED in east London, England, testing was offered to adult attendees having a full blood count (FBC). We estimated factors associated with positive BBV serology using logistic regression and NNS as the inverse of seroprevalence. Estimates were weighted to the age, sex and ethnicity of the FBC population.ResultsOf 6,211 FBC patients tested, 217 (3.5%) were positive for at least one BBV. Weighted BBV seroprevalence was 4.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6-4.9). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of positive BBV serology were elevated among patients that were: male (aOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.9-3.9), 40-59 years old (aOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.4-2.7), of Black British/Black other ethnicity (aOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2-2.8) or had no fixed address (aOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.5-5.5). NNS to detect a new BBV diagnosis was 154 (95% CI: 103-233) and 135 (95% CI: 93-200) to achieve LTC.ConclusionsThe low NNS suggests routine BBV screening in EDs may be worthwhile. Those considering similar programmes should use our findings to inform their assessments of anticipated public health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Bundle
- United Kingdom Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom,Field Epidemiology Services, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sooria Balasegaram
- Field Epidemiology Services, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Parry
- Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sadna Ullah
- Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ross J Harris
- Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karim Ahmad
- Barts Health NHS Trust, Emergency Department, Royal London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham R Foster
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cheuk YW Tong
- Barts Health NHS Trust, Virology department, Royal London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe Orkin
- Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Galli C, Julicher P, Plebani M. HCV core antigen comes of age: a new opportunity for the diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection. Clin Chem Lab Med 2019; 56:880-888. [PMID: 29702484 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2017-0754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been traditionally based on the detection of the host antibody response. Although antibody assays are available in different formats and are fairly accurate, they cannot distinguish between an ongoing infection with HCV replicative activity and a past infection where HCV has been cleared, spontaneously or after a successful therapy. As a chronic infection is mostly asymptomatic until the late clinical stages, there is a compelling need to detect active HCV infection by simple and reproducible methods. On this purpose, the clinical guidelines have suggested to search for the HCV ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) after anti-HCV has been detected, but this second step carries several limitations especially for population screening. The availability of fast and automated serological assays for the hepatitis C core antigen (HCVAg) has prompted an update of the guidelines that now encompass the use of HCVAg as a practical alternative to HCV-RNA, both for screening and monitoring purposes. In this paper, we summarize the features, benefits and limitations of HCVAg testing and provide an updated compendium of the evidences on its clinical utility and on the indications for use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Galli
- Associate Director, Medical Scientific Liaison Europe, Abbott Diagnostics, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 9, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Paul Julicher
- International Health Economics and Outcomes Research, Medical Affairs, Abbott Diagnostics, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Mario Plebani
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
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15
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Bielen R, Kremer C, Koc ÖM, Busschots D, Hendrickx DM, Vanelderen P, Hens N, Nevens F, Robaeys G. Screening for hepatitis C at the emergency department: Should babyboomers also be screened in Belgium? Liver Int 2019; 39:667-675. [PMID: 30525269 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients are not screened adequately for hepatitis C virus infection in Belgium. In the USA, the Center for Disease Control recommends screening for patients born in the babyboom period (1945-1965). In Europe, the babyboom cohort was born between 1955 and 1974, but no screening policy has been targeted to this group. We aimed to study the prevalence of hepatitis C virus in an emergency department population in Belgium and the risk factors associated with hepatitis C virus infection. METHOD We performed a monocentric, cross-sectional seroprevalence study between January and November 2017 in a large Belgian non-university hospital. Patients aged 18-70 years presenting at the emergency department were eligible. Patients completed a risk assessment questionnaire and were screened for hepatitis C virus antibodies (Ab) with reflex hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid testing. RESULTS Of 2970 patients, 2366 (79.7%) agreed to participate. hepatitis C virus Ab prevalence was 1.31%. Twenty-one (67.7%) hepatitis C virus Ab-positive patients were born between 1955 and 1974. With a previous treatment uptake of 54.5%, the prevalence of viremia was 0.9% in retrospect; 0.2% were newly diagnosed. The weighted multiple logistic regression model identified males born in the 1955-1974 cohort, intravenous drug use and high endemic birth country as significant risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Although the prevalence of hepatitis C virus Ab at the emergency department was higher than previously estimated for the general population in Belgium, the number of newly diagnosed patients with viremia was low. To optimize screening strategies, screening should be offered to males born in the 1955-1974 cohort, but especially in drug users, the prison population and immigrants from high endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Bielen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Cécile Kremer
- Faculty of Science, Center for statistics, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Özgür M Koc
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Medical Microbiology, School of NUTRIM, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dana Busschots
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Diana M Hendrickx
- Faculty of Science, Center for statistics, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Pascal Vanelderen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Care and Pain Therapy, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - Niel Hens
- Faculty of Science, Center for statistics, Interuniversity Institute for Biostatistics and Statistical Bioinformatics, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.,Centre for Health Economic Research and Modelling of Infectious Diseases (CHERMID), Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute(VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology, Ziekenhuis-Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Litzroth A, Suin V, Wyndham-Thomas C, Quoilin S, Muyldermans G, Vanwolleghem T, Kabamba-Mukadi B, Verburgh V, Jacques M, Van Gucht S, Hutse V. Low hepatitis C prevalence in Belgium: implications for treatment reimbursement and scale up. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:39. [PMID: 30621662 PMCID: PMC6325873 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6347-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prevalence data of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are needed to estimate the budgetary impact of reimbursement of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). In Belgium, the restricted reimbursement criteria are mainly guided by regional seroprevalence estimates of 0.87% from 1993 to 1994. In this first Belgian nationwide HCV prevalence study, we set out to update the seroprevalence and prevalence of chronic HCV infection estimates in the Belgian general population in order to guide decisions on DAA reimbursement. Methods Residual sera were collected through clinical laboratories. We collected data on age, sex and district. HCV antibody status was determined with ELISA and confirmed with a line-immunoassay (LIA). In specimens with undetermined or positive LIA result, HCV viral load was measured. Specimens were classified seronegative, seropositive with resolved infection, indicative of chronic infection and with undetermined HCV status according to the test outcomes. Results were standardized for age, sex and population per district, and adjusted for clustered sampling. Results In total 3209 specimens, collected by 28 laboratories, were tested. HCV seropositivity in the Belgian general population was estimated to be 0.22% (95% CI: 0.09–0.54%), and prevalence of chronic HCV infection 0.12% (95% CI: 0.03–0.41). In individuals of 20 years and older, these estimates were 0.26% (95% CI: 0.10–0.64%) and 0.13% (95% CI: 0.04–0.43), respectively. Of the total estimated number of HCV seropositive individuals in Belgium, 66% were between 50 and 69 years old. Conclusions Prevalence of HCV seropositivity and chronic infection in the Belgian general population were low and comparable to many surrounding countries. These adjusted prevalences can help estimate the cost of reimbursement of DAAs and invite Belgian policy makers to accelerate the scaling up of reimbursement, giving all chronically infected HCV patients a more timely access to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Litzroth
- Scientific directorate Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstreet 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Vanessa Suin
- Scientific directorate Infectious diseases in humans, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstreet 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chloé Wyndham-Thomas
- Scientific directorate Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstreet 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Quoilin
- Scientific directorate Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstreet 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gaëtan Muyldermans
- Scientific directorate Epidemiology and public health, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstreet 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken Building S, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Benoît Kabamba-Mukadi
- Microbiology department, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Avenue Hippocrate 10, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vera Verburgh
- Scientific directorate Infectious diseases in humans, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstreet 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marjorie Jacques
- Scientific directorate Infectious diseases in humans, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstreet 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Van Gucht
- Scientific directorate Infectious diseases in humans, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstreet 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronik Hutse
- Scientific directorate Infectious diseases in humans, Sciensano, Juliette Wytsmanstreet 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
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High prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection in a population of a German metropolitan area: a prospective survey including 10 215 patients of an interdisciplinary emergency unit. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 28:1246-52. [PMID: 27439034 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus- and hepatitis C virus-infections in the general German population has been estimated to be 0.6-0.7 and 0.3-0.4%, respectively. The population of Frankfurt/Main is multicultural and marked by different risks of chronic viral hepatitis. The aim of this prospective study was to define epidemiologic data for hepatitis B and C from consecutive patients of an interdisciplinary emergency unit in Frankfurt. PATIENTS AND METHODS Over a period of 12 months, 10 215 patients of an interdisciplinary emergency unit in Frankfurt/Main were screened for hepatitis B surface-antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus-antibodies (HCV-Ab). In case of positive HBsAg or HCV-Ab, a quantitative PCR analysis of virus was carried out. RESULTS The prevalence of HBsAg and HCV-Ab in the study population was 1.32% (n=135; group 1) and 2.70% (n=276; group 2), respectively, with a sex ratio close to 1. Quantitative PCR tests of virus load were performed in 72.59% (group 1) and in 82.61% (group 2), with confirmed viremia in 54.08% (group 1) and 41.67% (group 2), and correlated to elevated liver enzymes in 49.05% (group 1) and in 75.78% (group 2) of the cases. The ethnic distribution was 87.09% White (n=8897; group A) versus 12.90% other ethnic groups (n=1318; group B), with a prevalence of HBsAg-positive and HCV-Ab-positive cases of 1.08 and 2.76% (group A) and 2.96 and 2.28% (group B). CONCLUSION The results show that in multicultural areas, the prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis is increased. Because of the potential of progressive liver damage in viral hepatitis, field screening in specific populations at high risk for hepatitis should be performed.
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18
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Price H, Salimee S, Coelho D. Prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in a UK genitourinary medicine clinic. Int J STD AIDS 2016; 28:238-241. [PMID: 27020080 DOI: 10.1177/0956462416641528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
National guidelines state that hepatitis B and C testing should be targeted to those with risk factors. However, there is little data to support this recommendation. There is also limited data of viral hepatitis prevalence in attendees at genitourinary medicine clinics. We report the prevalence of hepatitis B infection in an unselected genitourinary medicine population, and hepatitis C directed by risk assessment including all men who have sex with men. Routinely collected clinic data from statutory returns was combined with laboratory test result data. Clinical notes of those testing positive were reviewed to determine risk factors and HIV status. HBsAg was positive in 13 (0.2%) of 6020 patients and hepatitis C Ab/Ag in 12 (1.0%) of 1153. All patients who tested positive for viral hepatitis infection had risk factors that would have prompted testing under national guidelines. Five of the 12 with positive hepatitis C Ab/Ag (0.4% of those tested) tested positive for hepatitis C RNA, indicating current infection. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C were in line with previously published data. Our results do provide support for the basis of targeted testing for viral hepatitis, as stipulated in national guidelines, in that all patients testing positive had risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huw Price
- 1 The Fairfield Centre, Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust, UK
| | | | - Dwight Coelho
- 1 The Fairfield Centre, Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust, UK
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19
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Orkin C, Jeffery-Smith A, Foster GR, Tong CYW. Retrospective hepatitis C seroprevalence screening in the antenatal setting-should we be screening antenatal women? BMJ Open 2016; 6:e010661. [PMID: 27231001 PMCID: PMC4885317 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-010661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An unlinked anonymous seroprevalence study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in samples derived from antenatal clinic attendees at 2 East London Hospitals. An unexpectedly high HCV seroprevalence of 2.6% (1.2% viraemic) had been revealed during an unlinked study of the emergency department at 1 of these hospitals. DESIGN 1000 stored residual samples were tested for HCV antibody (anti-HCV) and reactive samples were further tested for HCV RNA. The study was reviewed by the East Midland NRES ethics committee project ID 181154, approval number 15/WS/0125. RESULTS The anti-HCV reactivity rate was 0.5% (5/1000) with 0.1% (1/1000) confirmed viraemic. Prevalence for the other blood-borne viruses was higher: 1% (10/1000) were hepatitis B surface antigen positive and 0.3% were HIV antigen/antibody positive (3/1000). There were no co-infections. CONCLUSIONS More data to establish the prevalence of HCV in the antenatal population is needed. The addition of anti-HCV testing to the well-established antenatal screening programme provides a unique opportunity to impact on the health of pregnant women, their children, partners and future pregnancies in this new era of treatment for hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Orkin
- Department of Infection and Immunology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Graham R Foster
- Queen Mary University London, Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, London, UK
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