1
|
Miyazaki M, Tachibana Y, Ueda A, Akashi T, Kotoh K. High prevalence of hepatitis C virus among criminals in rehabilitation facilities in Japan. J Infect Chemother 2024:S1341-321X(24)00141-7. [PMID: 38821445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2024.05.009] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers in prison in several developed countries, but the situation in Japan has not been well reported. This study aimed to determine the state of HCV infection among criminals in Japan. METHODS We enrolled 533 criminals in rehabilitation facilities (354 men and 179 women) who underwent a medical check-up from April 2014 to March 2022. Their records of blood tests, medical history, and drug injection use were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS The HCV-antibody positive rate was 11.1 % (59/533), with rates of 8.2 % (29/354) in men and 16.8 % (30/179 in women. Approximately half of the HCV-infected residents had a history of drug injection, and this rate did not vary by age or by sex. Although an opportunity to treat HCV infection with medical assistance from government was provided to all residents who were positive for HCV RNA, 26.5 % of them abandoned the treatment. CONCLUSION In spite of the generous economical support to treat HCV infection by the government and the free access system in Japan, eliminating HCV in criminals appears to be difficult. The reason for this problem might be the criminals' negligent attitude to life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Miyazaki
- Department of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Medicine, Saiseikai Fukuoka General Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Yuichi Tachibana
- Department of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Medicine, Saiseikai Fukuoka General Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ueda
- Department of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Medicine, Saiseikai Fukuoka General Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Akashi
- Department of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Medicine, Saiseikai Fukuoka General Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kotoh
- Department of Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Medicine, Hara Sanshin Hospital, Fkuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Porter LC, Testa A, Kozerra M, Philippon C, Remrey L, Bijole P, Kattakuzhy S, Alexander CS, Rosenthal E. "I got so much on my plate": Understanding care discontinuity for HIV and HCV among formerly incarcerated persons. Health Serv Res 2023; 58:865-872. [PMID: 36111500 PMCID: PMC10315377 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14067] [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: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore barriers to care continuity among formerly incarcerated persons with HIV and/or hepatitis C. DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SETTING We draw on data from semi-structured interviews conducted in 2018-2019 with 30 formerly incarcerated persons and 10 care providers. Data were collected across two clinics in Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. STUDY DESIGN We recruited participants using a combination of nonprobability sampling techniques. Participants completed closed-ended questionnaires and took part in semi-structured interviews related to treatment barriers and incentives. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS Interviews were transcribed using Express Scribe software and transcriptions were open coded using NVivo 12 software. An iterative process was used to relate and build upon emergent themes in interviews. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Our study illuminates both internal and external barriers to care continuity. The most common external barriers were system navigation and housing instability. Internal barriers consisted of overlapping issues related to mental health, substance use, and feelings of shame and/or denial. CONCLUSION An overarching theme is that formerly incarcerated persons with HIV and/or HCV are grappling with numerous challenges that can threaten their health and health care. These barriers are cumulative, intersecting, and reciprocal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C. Porter
- Department of Criminology and Criminal JusticeUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMarylandUSA
| | - Alexander Testa
- Department of Management, Policy and Community HealthUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Meghan Kozerra
- Department of Criminology and Criminal JusticeUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMarylandUSA
| | - Cassandra Philippon
- Department of Criminology and Criminal JusticeUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMarylandUSA
| | - Lizabeth Remrey
- Department of Criminology and Criminal JusticeUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMarylandUSA
| | | | - Sarah Kattakuzhy
- Institute of Human Virology, School of MedicineUniversity of MarylandBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Carla S. Alexander
- Institute of Human Virology, School of MedicineUniversity of MarylandBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Elana Rosenthal
- Institute of Human Virology, School of MedicineUniversity of MarylandBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dauria EF, Kulkarni P, Clemenzi-Allen A, Brinkley-Rubinstein L, Beckwith CG. Interventions Designed to Improve HIV Continuum of Care Outcomes for Persons with HIV in Contact with the Carceral System in the USA. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:281-291. [PMID: 35674879 PMCID: PMC9175158 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00609-x] [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] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe existing evidence and identify future directions for intervention research related to improving HIV care outcomes for persons with HIV involved in the carceral system in the USA, a population with high unmet HIV care needs. RECENT FINDINGS Few recent intervention studies focus on improving HIV care outcomes for this population. Successful strategies to improve care outcomes include patient navigation, substance use treatment, and incentivizing HIV care outcomes. Technology-supported interventions are underutilized in this population. Notable gaps in the existing literature include intervention research addressing HIV care needs for cisgender and transgender women and those under carceral supervision in the community. Future research should address existing gaps in the literature and respond to emergent needs including understanding how the changing HIV care delivery environment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the approval of new injectable ART formulation shape HIV care outcomes in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily F Dauria
- Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Priyanka Kulkarni
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Angelo Clemenzi-Allen
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein
- Department of Social Medicine and Center for Health Equity Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Curt G Beckwith
- Alpert Medical School, Division of Infectious Diseases/Department of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Richter V, Goldstein L, Cohen DL, Bermont A, Zelnik Yovel D, Madar M, Rabinovitch R, Shirin H, Broide E. The effect of direct-acting antiviral regimens and telemedicine on the treatment of inmates with hepatitis C virus infection in Israeli prisons. Sci Prog 2022; 105:368504221105173. [PMID: 35722762 PMCID: PMC10450274 DOI: 10.1177/00368504221105173] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens and telemedicine services are both options for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) within the prison setting. We aimed to compare factors associated with HCV treatment success over the past decade in Israeli prisons, specifically the influence of DAAs and telemedicine. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of inmates with HCV infection in Israeli prisons from 2010 through 2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were recorded, including treatment regimens and success rates. RESULTS A total of 273 inmates were treated; mean age 45 ± 9.36 years; 98.2% males; 63.9% with a history of drug abuse. Advanced fibrosis was documented in 42.9%. The most common genotypes were 1 (46%) followed by 3 (40.7%). Interferon-based regimens were given to 68 inmates between 2010 and 2017. DAA agents were introduced in 2016, with pan-genotype regimens being exclusively used since 2019. Telemedicine services were used in 140 patients (51.3%), starting in February 2019. The sustained viral response (SVR) rate with interferon-based therapy was 78.8% and 98.8% with DAA treatment, giving an overall SVR of 93.2%. This difference between regimens proved to be the only statistically significant predictor of treatment success. The number of prisoners being treated with DAAs increased exponentially after telemedicine was introduced. Comparable SVR rates were achieved with either in-person or telemedicine consultation. CONCLUSION Screening of this high-risk population and using telemedicine for treatment may be an effective strategy for the elimination of HCV from the prison population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vered Richter
- The Gonczarowski Family Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
| | - Liav Goldstein
- Chief Medical Officer Office, Israel Prison Service, POB 81, Ramla, 72100, Israel
| | - Daniel L Cohen
- The Gonczarowski Family Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
| | - Anton Bermont
- The Gonczarowski Family Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
| | - Dana Zelnik Yovel
- The Gonczarowski Family Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
| | - Miriam Madar
- Chief Medical Officer Office, Israel Prison Service, POB 81, Ramla, 72100, Israel
| | - Ron Rabinovitch
- Chief Medical Officer Office, Israel Prison Service, POB 81, Ramla, 72100, Israel
| | - Haim Shirin
- The Gonczarowski Family Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Efrat Broide
- The Gonczarowski Family Institute of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Jecheskiel Sigi Gonczarowski Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, 70300, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Khalsa JH, Mathur P. Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Persons Who Inject Drugs in the Middle East and North Africa: Intervention Strategies. Viruses 2021; 13:1363. [PMID: 34372569 PMCID: PMC8310161 DOI: 10.3390/v13071363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a high incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C viral infection in persons with or without substance use disorders (SUDs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, but only a small number receive comprehensive care. Highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications are available at substantially lower costs; however, complete elimination of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can only be achieved if integrated care strategies target those at highest risk for HCV infection and transmission and improve access to care. Due to the high prevalence of SUD in the MENA region, strategies to eliminate HCV must focus on integrated healthcare across multiple subspecialties, including addiction medicine, psychiatry, infectious diseases, hepatology, and social work. In this invited manuscript, we review the epidemiology of HCV in the MENA region and highlight intervention strategies to attain the WHO's goal of HCV eradication by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jag H. Khalsa
- Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse and Infections Branch, Division of Therapeutics and Medical Consequences, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Poonam Mathur
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wong YJ, Thurairajah PH, Kumar R, Fock KM, Law NM, Chong SY, Manejero FG, Ang TL, Teo EK, Tan J. The impact of unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral among incarcerated hepatitis C virus-infected patients. Clin Mol Hepatol 2021; 27:474-485. [PMID: 33601868 PMCID: PMC8273645 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2021.0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Despite the disproportionally high prevalence rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) amongst the incarcerated population, eradication remains challenging due to logistic and financial barriers. Although treatment prioritization based on disease severity is commonly practiced, the efficacy of such approach remained uncertain. We aimed to compare the impact of unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) among incarcerated HCV-infected patients in Singapore. METHODS In this retrospective study, we reviewed all incarcerated HCV-infected patients treated in our hospital during the restricted DAA era (2013-2018) and unrestricted DAA access era (2019). Study outcomes included the rate of sustained virological response (SVR), treatment completion and treatment default. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the presence of liver cirrhosis, HCV genotype and HCV treatment types. RESULTS A total of 1,001 HCV patients was followed-up for 1,489 person-year. They were predominantly male (93%) with genotype-3 HCV infection (71%), and 38% were cirrhotic. The overall SVR during the restricted DAA access era and unrestricted DAA access era were 92.1% and 99.1%, respectively. Unrestricted access to DAA exponentially improved the treatment access among HCV-infected patients by 460%, resulting in a higher SVR rate (99% vs. 92%, P=0.003), higher treatment completion rate (99% vs. 93%, P<0.001) and lower treatment default rate (1% vs. 9%, P<0.001). CONCLUSION In this large cohort of incarcerated HCV-infected patients, we demonstrated that unrestricted access to DAA is an impactful strategy to allow rapid treatment up-scale in HCV micro-elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jun Wong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Kwong Ming Fock
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Ngai Moh Law
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sin-Yoong Chong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Tiing-Leong Ang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Eng Kiong Teo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jessica Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW People with HIV and HCV are concentrated within criminal justice settings globally, primarily related to criminalization of drug use. This review examines updated prevention and treatment strategies for HIV and HCV within prison with a focus on people who inject drugs and the challenges associated with the provision of these services within prisons and other closed settings and transition to the community. RECENT FINDINGS The prevalence of HIV and HCV are several-fold higher in the criminal justice system than within the broader community particularly in regions with high prevalence of injecting drug use, such as Asia, Eastern Europe and North America and where drug use is criminalized. Strategies to optimize management for these infections include routine screening linked to treatment within these settings and medication-assisted treatments for opioid dependence and access to syringe services programs. We build upon the 2016 WHO Consolidated Guidelines through the lens of the key populations of prisoners. Linkage to treatment postrelease, has been universally dismal, but is improved when linked to medication-assisted therapies like methadone, buprenorphine and overdose management. In many prisons, particularly in low-income and middle-income settings, provision of even basic healthcare including mental healthcare and basic HIV prevention tools remain suboptimal. SUMMARY In order to address HIV and HCV prevention and treatment within criminal justice settings, substantial improvement in the delivery of basic healthcare is needed in many prisons worldwide together with effective screening, treatment and linkage of treatment and prevention services to medication-assisted therapies within prison and linkage to care after release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Frederick L. Altice
- Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine and School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rich KM, Bia J, Altice FL, Feinberg J. Integrated Models of Care for Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder: How Do We Prevent HIV and HCV? Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 15:266-275. [PMID: 29774442 PMCID: PMC6003996 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0396-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review To describe models of integrated and co-located care for opioid use disorder (OUD), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV. Recent Findings The design and scale-up of multidisciplinary care models that engage, retain, and treat individuals with HIV, HCV, and OUD are critical to preventing continued spread of HIV and HCV. We identified 17 models within primary care (N = 3), HIV specialty care (N = 5), opioid treatment programs (N = 6), transitional clinics (N = 2), and community-based harm reduction programs (N = 1), as well as two emerging models. Summary Key components of such models are the provision of (1) medication-assisted treatment for OUD, (2) HIV and HCV treatment, (3) HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, and (4) behavioral health services. Research is needed to understand differences in effectiveness between co-located and fully integrated care, combat the deleterious racial and ethnic legacies of the “War on Drugs,” and inform the delivery of psychiatric care. Increased access to harm reduction services is crucial. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11904-018-0396-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Rich
- Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua Bia
- Frank H. Netter School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS (CERIA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Judith Feinberg
- Departments of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry and Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Crespo J, Llerena S, Cobo C, Cabezas J, Cuadrado A. HCV Management in the Incarcerated Population: How Do We Deliver on This Important Front? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11901-019-00472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
|
10
|
Crowley D, Van Hout MC, Lambert JS, Kelly E, Murphy C, Cullen W. Barriers and facilitators to hepatitis C (HCV) screening and treatment-a description of prisoners' perspective. Harm Reduct J 2018; 15:62. [PMID: 30538000 PMCID: PMC6288965 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-018-0269-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global epidemic with an estimated 71 million people infected worldwide. People who inject drugs (PWID) are overrepresented in prison populations globally and have higher levels of HCV infection than the general population. Despite increased access to primary health care while in prison, many HCV infected prisoners do not engage with screening or treatment. With recent advances in treatment regimes, HCV in now a curable and preventable disease and prisons provide an ideal opportunity to engage this hard to reach population. AIM To identify barriers and enablers to HCV screening and treatment in prisons. METHODS A qualitative study of four prisoner focus groups (n = 46) conducted at two prison settings in Dublin, Ireland. RESULTS The following barriers to HCV screening and treatment were identified: lack of knowledge, concerns regarding confidentiality and stigma experienced and inconsistent and delayed access to prison health services. Enablers identified included; access to health care, opt-out screening at committal, peer support, and stability of prison life which removed many of the competing priorities associated with life on the outside. Unique blocks and enablers to HCV treatment reported were fear of treatment and having a liver biopsy, the requirement to go to hospital and in-reach hepatology services and fibroscanning. CONCLUSION The many barriers and enablers to HCV screening and treatment reported by Irish prisoners will inform both national and international public health HCV elimination strategies. Incarceration provides a unique opportunity to upscale HCV treatment and linkage to the community would support effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Des Crowley
- Irish College of General Practitioners Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- School of Medicine University College, Dublin, Ireland.
- Irish Prison Service, Longford, Ireland.
| | - Marie Claire Van Hout
- Irish College of General Practitioners Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - John S Lambert
- School of Medicine University College, Dublin, Ireland
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Carol Murphy
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
- Irish Prison Service, Longford, Ireland
| | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine University College, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vroling H, Oordt-Speets AM, Madeddu G, Babudieri S, Monarca R, O'Moore E, Vonk Noordegraaf-Schouten M, Wolff H, Montanari M, Hedrich D, Tavoschi L. A systematic review on models of care effectiveness and barriers to Hepatitis C treatment in prison settings in the EU/EEA. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:1406-1422. [PMID: 30187607 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C prevalence in prison populations is much higher than in the community. Effective hepatitis C treatment within this population does not only have a direct individual health benefit, but may lead to substantial community dividend. We reviewed available evidence on hepatitis C treatment in prison settings, with a focus on the European Union/European Economic Area. A systematic review of the literature (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library) was performed and complemented with searches for conference abstracts and grey literature. Thirty-four publications were included reporting on the effectiveness, acceptability and economic aspects of hepatitis C virus treatment models of care to achieve treatment completion and sustained viral response in prison settings. Available evidence shows that hepatitis C treatment in prison settings is feasible and the introduction of direct-acting antivirals will most likely result in increased treatment completion and better clinical outcomes for the prison population, given the caveats of affordability and the need for increased funding for prison health, with the resulting benefits accruing mostly in the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Vroling
- Pallas Health Research and Consultancy B.V., Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Giordano Madeddu
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Sergio Babudieri
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Roberto Monarca
- Health Without Barriers - European Federation for Prison Health, Viterbo, Italy
| | | | | | - Hans Wolff
- Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Dagmar Hedrich
- European Monitoring Centre on Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lara Tavoschi
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Translational Research and New technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Marco A, Roget M, Cervantes M, Forné M, Planella R, Miquel M, Ortiz J, Navarro M, Gallego C, Vergara M. Comparison of effectiveness and discontinuation of interferon-free therapy for hepatitis C in prison inmates and noninmates. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:1280-1286. [PMID: 29851225 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C treatment with direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy during incarceration is an attractive option, due to its short duration and to the possibility of directly observed treatment or supervision. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness and rates of discontinuation of DAA treatment in prisoners and nonprisoners. We studied all patients treated in the 10 prisons of Catalonia and at 3 public hospitals in the Barcelona area between 1 January 2015 and 30 April 2016. We analysed sustained viral response (SVR) and rates of discontinuation through intention-to-treat and modified-intention-to-treat analyses, the latter excluding discontinuations due to release from prison. One hundred and eighty-eight inmates and 862 noninmates were included. Prisoners were significantly younger than nonprisoners, with higher proportions of men, drug users, HIV infection, genotypes 1a and 3 and more treatment with psychiatric drugs. Overall, 98.4% of patients completed treatment. The discontinuation rate was low, but higher in inmates (3.7% vs 1.2% noninmates; P = .003) and in community patients >65 years old (2.8% vs 1.2% in under 65 seconds; P = .008). Among the inmates, 7 (42.8%) discontinuations were due to release. SVR was 93.1% in inmates vs 96.5% in noninmates (P = .08) by intention-to-treat and 95.1% vs 96.5% (P = .37) by modified intention-to-treat. Virologic failure rates were similar (3.8% vs 3% in noninmates; P = .60). SVR, virologic failure and discontinuation rates were similar in inmates and noninmates. Currently, prisons are considered a priority for the implementation of DAA. Improved coordination between penitentiary and community health systems would help to ensure therapeutic continuity in released prisoners.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Marco
- Prison Health Program, Catalan Institute of Health, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Roget
- Hepatology Unit, Consorci Sanitari, Terrassa, Spain
| | - M Cervantes
- Infectious Disease Unit, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | - M Forné
- Instituto Carlos III, CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain.,Digestive Disease, Department Hospital Universitari Mútua Terrassa, Universitat Central de Barcelona, Madrid, Spain
| | - R Planella
- Health Services of Ponent Penitentiary Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Miquel
- Instituto Carlos III, CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain.,Hepatology Unit, Digestive Disease Department, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | - J Ortiz
- Hepatology Unit, Consorci Sanitari, Terrassa, Spain
| | - M Navarro
- Infectious Disease Unit, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | - C Gallego
- Health Services of Quatre Camins Penitentiary Centre, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Vergara
- Instituto Carlos III, CIBERehd, Madrid, Spain.,Hepatology Unit, Digestive Disease Department, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitari, Institut d'Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sabadell, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen CP, Cheng CY, Zou H, Cheng CH, Cheng SH, Chen CK, Chen CH, Bair MJ. Evaluation of cost-effectiveness of peginterferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C treatment and direct-acting antiviral agents among HIV-infected patients in the prison and community settings. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2018; 52:556-562. [PMID: 30360951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Taiwan, the majority of chronic hepatitis C carriers with HIV co-infection are intravenous drug users and inmates in correctional facilities. Peginterferon and ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV) have been the standard-of-care for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection more than decades. We evaluated the estimated cost-effectiveness of PegIFN/RBV from the National Health Insurance Research Database, covering the population of Taiwan from 1998 to 2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is an observational study, and study during was 2010-2016 and a total of 239 patients were treated with PegIFN/RBV. Of them, 156 patients were treated in the correctional facilities of Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung and Taitung prisons, and 83 patients were treated in communities. The cost-effectiveness was analyzed in regimens of PegIFN/RBV and direct-acting antiviral agents. RESULTS By multivariate analysis, the patients completed PegIFN/RBV in prison (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.58-13.12, p = 0.005), HCV RNA level <800,000 IU/mL (aOR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.27-12.66, p = 0.02) at baseline, and the presence of early virologic response (EVR) (aOR: 7.67, 95% CI: 1.89-31.06, p = 0.004) were independent predictors for sustained virologic response (SVR). For the subgroups of prisoners, HIV-infected prisoners and HIV-infected patients in communities, the SVR rate was 73.8%, 72.0% and 36.8%, and the average medical-care cost was US$7,701, $7,893, and $15,443 per SVR achieved, respectively. Also, the estimated medical-care cost for genotype 6 was US$9211. CONCLUSIONS Chronic HCV/HIV co-infected patients with genotype 1 and 6 in the community setting could benefit from DAAs in Taiwan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Pin Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Yu Cheng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Huachun Zou
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China; School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China; Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chun-Han Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hsing Cheng
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Kuo Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsiang Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jong Bair
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
[Long-term results of autologous transplantation of limbal epithelium cultivated ex vivo for limbal stem cell deficiency]. Ophthalmologe 2017; 113:321-9. [PMID: 26271737 DOI: 10.1007/s00347-015-0110-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study reports the long-term clinical outcome of autologous limbal epithelial cells cultivated ex vivo on intact amniotic membranes (AM) for ocular surface reconstruction in limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 61 eyes from 57 patients (46 males and 11 females) with LSCD were treated by transplantation of autologous limbal epithelial cells cultivated on intact AM. The etiology of the LSCD was chemical and thermal burns (n = 34), recurrent or primary large-sized pterygium (n = 12), mitomycin C and tumor excision-induced LSCD (n = 9), severe infectious keratitis (n = 3), perforating injury, epidermolysis bullosa and contact lens-associated keratopathy (each n = 1). Only eyes with a follow-up time of at least 12 months were included in the analysis. The main outcome end points were restoration of ocular surface integrity and improvement of visual acuity (VA). RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 50.8 ± 32.7 months. An entirely stable corneal surface was reconstructed in 46 (75.4%) eyes. Visual acuity significantly increased in 40 (65.6 %) eyes, was stable in 12 (19.7%) eyes and decreased in 9 eyes (14.8%). The mean visual acuity significantly increased (p < 0.0001) from 1.4 ± 0.91 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.8± 0.67 LogMAR postoperatively. CONCLUSION Transplantation of limbal epithelium cultivated ex vivo on intact AM leads to restoration of a stable corneal surface and resulted in a significant increase of visual acuity in most cases of LSCD. Autologous transplantation of cultivated limbal epithelium showed an excellent prognosis and outcome after long-term follow-up.
Collapse
|
15
|
Mina MM, Herawati L, Butler T, Lloyd A. Hepatitis C in Australian prisons: a national needs assessment. Int J Prison Health 2016; 12:3-16. [PMID: 26933988 DOI: 10.1108/ijph-08-2015-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis C (HCV) infections are prevalent in custodial settings worldwide, yet provision of antiviral therapies is uncommon. Approximately 30,000 prisoners are held in Australian prisons at any one time, with more than 30 per cent testing positive for HCV antibodies. Prisoners have been identified in the National Hepatitis C Strategy as a priority population for assessment and treatment. The purpose of this paper is to examine the rates of HCV testing and treatment, as well as barriers and opportunities for development of infrastructure for enhanced services. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH Interviews were conducted with 55 stakeholders from the correctional sector in each state and territory in Australia in two stages: service directors to gather quantitative data regarding rates of testing and treatment; and other stakeholders for qualitative information regarding barriers and opportunities. FINDINGS Of more than 50,000 individuals put in in custody in Australian prisons in 2013, approximately 8,000 individuals were HCV antibody positive, yet only 313 prisoners received antiviral treatment. The barriers identified to assessment and treatment at the prisoner-level included: fear of side effects and the stigma of being identified to custodial authorities as HCV infected and a likely injecting drug user. Prisoners who came forward may be considered unsuitable for treatment because of prevalent mental health problems and ongoing injecting drug use. Provision of specialist hepatitis nurses and consultants were the most frequently recommended approaches to how prison hepatitis services could be improved. ORIGINALITY/VALUE Many personal and systems-level barriers relevant to the delivery of HCV treatment services in the custodial setting were identified. Ready access to skilled nursing and medical staff as well as direct acting antiviral therapies will allow the prison-sector to make a major contribution to control of the growing burden of HCV disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Mokhlis Mina
- Inflammation and Infection Research Centre (IIRC), School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Beckwith CG, Kurth AE, Bazerman LB, Patry EJ, Cates A, Tran L, Noska A, Kuo I. A pilot study of rapid hepatitis C virus testing in the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. J Public Health (Oxf) 2016; 38:130-7. [PMID: 25736438 PMCID: PMC4750523 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdv023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The correctional population bears a heavy burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection necessitating expansion of HCV testing and treatment opportunities. Rapid HCV testing provides point-of-care antibody results and may be ideal for correctional facilities, particularly jails, where persons are often incarcerated for short periods of time, yet feasibility has not been established. METHODS We conducted a pilot study of a rapid HCV testing algorithm among short-term inmates with unknown HCV status. Participants completed a questionnaire, viewed an informational video and underwent rapid HCV testing and confirmatory testing, when indicated. Persons with chronic infection were referred to community care after release. Baseline characteristics, risk behaviors, test results and linkage were examined by descriptive analyses. RESULTS Two hundred and fifty-two inmates were enrolled and 249 completed all study activities. Twenty-five participants (10%) had reactive rapid tests and 23 (92%) completed confirmatory testing. 15/23 (65%) had detectable HCV RNA, but only 4 linked to care after release. Persons with reactive HCV tests were more likely to be White (P = 0.01) and to have ever injected (P < 0.0001) and/or recently injected (P < 0.0001) drugs. CONCLUSIONS Rapid HCV testing within jails is feasible, identifies previously unrecognized cases of HCV infection, and implementation should be considered. Low rates of linkage to care after release remain a barrier to care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Curt G. Beckwith
- The Miriam Hospital/Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02906, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alice Cates
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Liem Tran
- The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Amanda Noska
- The Miriam Hospital/Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02906, USA
| | - Irene Kuo
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
He T, Li K, Roberts MS, Spaulding AC, Ayer T, Grefenstette JJ, Chhatwal J. Prevention of Hepatitis C by Screening and Treatment in U.S. Prisons. Ann Intern Med 2016; 164:84-92. [PMID: 26595252 PMCID: PMC4854298 DOI: 10.7326/m15-0617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in U.S. prisoners is high; however, HCV testing and treatment are rare. Infected inmates released back into society contribute to the spread of HCV in the general population. Routine hepatitis screening of inmates followed by new therapies may reduce ongoing HCV transmission. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the health and economic effect of HCV screening and treatment in prisons on the HCV epidemic in society. DESIGN Agent-based microsimulation model of HCV transmission and progression of HCV disease. DATA SOURCES Published literature. TARGET POPULATION Population in U.S. prisons and general community. TIME HORIZON 30 years. PERSPECTIVE Societal. INTERVENTIONS Risk-based and universal opt-out hepatitis C screening in prisons, followed by treatment in a portion of patients. OUTCOME MEASURES Prevention of HCV transmission and associated disease in prisons and society, costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and total prison budget. RESULTS OF BASE-CASE ANALYSIS Implementing risk-based and opt-out screening could diagnose 41,900 to 122,700 new HCV cases in prisons in the next 30 years. Compared with no screening, these scenarios could prevent 5500 to 12,700 new HCV infections caused by released inmates, wherein about 90% of averted infections would have occurred outside of prisons. Screening could also prevent 4200 to 11,700 liver-related deaths. The ICERs of screening scenarios were $19,600 to $29,200 per QALY, and the respective first-year prison budget was $900 to $1150 million. Prisons would require an additional 12.4% of their current health care budget to implement such interventions. RESULTS OF SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS Results were sensitive to the time horizon, and ICERs otherwise remained less than $50,000 per QALY. LIMITATION Data on transmission network, reinfection rate, and opt-out HCV screening rate are lacking. CONCLUSION Universal opt-out HCV screening in prisons is highly cost-effective and would reduce HCV transmission and HCV-associated diseases primarily in the outside community. Investing in U.S. prisons to manage hepatitis C is a strategic approach to address the current epidemic. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Institutes of Health.
Collapse
|
18
|
Zurhold H, Stöver H. Provision of harm reduction and drug treatment services in custodial settings – Findings from the European ACCESS study. DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY 2015. [DOI: 10.3109/09687637.2015.1112363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heike Zurhold
- Zentrum für Interdisziplinäre Suchtforschung, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie des Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany and
| | - Heino Stöver
- Fachhochschule Frankfurt/Main, Fachbereich 4, Soziale Arbeit und Gesundheit, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zampino R, Coppola N, Sagnelli C, Di Caprio G, Sagnelli E. Hepatitis C virus infection and prisoners: Epidemiology, outcome and treatment. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2323-30. [PMID: 26413221 PMCID: PMC4577639 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i21.2323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The studies on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in prison populations are few and mostly cross-sectional. We analyzed prevalently the articles appearing on PubMed in the last ten years. HCV infection is frequent in prisoners, prevalences ranging from 3.1% to 38% according to the HCV endemicity in the geographical location of the prison and in the countries of origin of the foreign prisoners and to the prevalence of intravenous drug use, which is the most important risk factor for HCV infection, followed by an older age of prisoners and previous prison terms. HCV replication in anti-HCV-positive cases varies from 45% to 90% in different studies, and the most common HCV genotypes are generally 1 and 3. The response to antiviral treatment is similar in prisoners to that of the general population. Unfortunately, treatment is administered less frequently to prisoners because of the difficulties in management and follow-up. The new directly acting antivirals offer a good therapy option for inmates because of their good efficacy, short duration of treatment and low incidence of side effects. The efforts of the prison authorities and medical staff should be focused on reducing the spread of HCV infection in prisons by extending the possibility of follow-up and treatment to more prisoners with chronic hepatitis C.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Zampino
- Rosa Zampino, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Geriatric Sciences, Internal Medicine, Second University Naples, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Coppola
- Rosa Zampino, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Geriatric Sciences, Internal Medicine, Second University Naples, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Sagnelli
- Rosa Zampino, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Geriatric Sciences, Internal Medicine, Second University Naples, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Caprio
- Rosa Zampino, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Geriatric Sciences, Internal Medicine, Second University Naples, 80135 Naples, Italy
| | - Evangelista Sagnelli
- Rosa Zampino, Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic and Geriatric Sciences, Internal Medicine, Second University Naples, 80135 Naples, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Marco A, Antón JJ, Trujols J, Saíz de la Hoya P, de Juan J, Faraco I, Caylà JA. Personality disorders do not affect treatment outcomes for chronic HCV infection in Spanish prisoners: the Perseo study. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:355. [PMID: 26286450 PMCID: PMC4545785 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1102-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The link between infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and personality disorders (PD) has not been investigated in detail. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of HCV treatment in prisoners with and without PD. Methods We performed a prospective multicentre study in inmates from 25 Spanish prisons who had been treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin in 2011. PD diagnosis was based on the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+. We calculated adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) using logistic regression. Results The sample included 236 patients (mean age: 40.3 years, 92.8 % male, 79.2 % intravenous drug users, and 26.3 % HIV-coinfected). The prevalence of PD was 72.5 %. 32.2 % of patients discontinued treatment; this percentage was higher in patients with HCV genotypes 1/4 (AOR = 3.55; CI:1.76–7.18) and those without PD (AOR = 2.51; 1.23–5.11). Treatment discontinuation was mainly for penitentiary reasons (40.3 %): release or transfer between prisons. The rate of sustained viral response (SVR) was 52.1 % by ITT and 76.9 % by observed treatment (OT). SVR was higher among patients with genotype 2 or 3, and those with low baseline HCV-RNA. We did not observe any differences between individuals with and without PD in term of SVR, HCV genotype or HIV infection. Conclusions Our results support the safety and clinical effectiveness of the treatment of chronic HCV infection in correctional facilities, both in prisoners with PD and those without. Our data support non-discrimination between patients with and without PD when offering treatment for HCV infection to prison inmates. Trial registration Trial registration number (TRN) NCT01900886. Date of registration: July 8, 2013
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Marco
- Barcelona Men's Penitentiary Health Services, Barcelona, Spain. .,CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - José J Antón
- Albolote Penitentiary Health Services, Granada, Spain.
| | - Joan Trujols
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Sant Pau Biomedical Research Institute (IIB Sant Pau), CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - José de Juan
- Córdoba Penitentiary Health Services, Córdoba, Spain.
| | | | - Joan A Caylà
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain. .,Epidemiology Service, Barcelona Public Health Agency, Plaza Lesseps 1, 08023, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nguyen JT, Rich JD, Brockmann BW, Vohr F, Spaulding A, Montague BT. A Budget Impact Analysis of Newly Available Hepatitis C Therapeutics and the Financial Burden on a State Correctional System. J Urban Health 2015; 92:635-49. [PMID: 25828149 PMCID: PMC4524840 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-015-9953-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection continues to disproportionately affect incarcerated populations. New HCV drugs present opportunities and challenges to address HCV in corrections. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of the treatment costs for HCV infection in a state correctional population through a budget impact analysis comparing differing treatment strategies. Electronic and paper medical records were reviewed to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C within the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. Three treatment strategies were evaluated as follows: (1) treating all chronically infected persons, (2) treating only patients with demonstrated fibrosis, and (3) treating only patients with advanced fibrosis. Budget impact was computed as the percentage of pharmacy and overall healthcare expenditures accrued by total drug costs assuming entirely interferon-free therapy. Sensitivity analyses assessed potential variance in costs related to variability in HCV prevalence, genotype, estimated variation in market pricing, length of stay for the sentenced population, and uptake of newly available regimens. Chronic HCV prevalence was estimated at 17% of the total population. Treating all sentenced inmates with at least 6 months remaining of their sentence would cost about $34 million-13 times the pharmacy budget and almost twice the overall healthcare budget. Treating inmates with advanced fibrosis would cost about $15 million. A hypothetical 50% reduction in total drug costs for future therapies could cost $17 million to treat all eligible inmates. With immense costs projected with new treatment, it is unlikely that correctional facilities will have the capacity to treat all those afflicted with HCV. Alternative payment strategies in collaboration with outside programs may be necessary to curb this epidemic. In order to improve care and treatment delivery, drug costs also need to be seriously reevaluated to be more accessible and equitable now that HCV is more curable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John T. Nguyen
- />Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
| | - Josiah D. Rich
- />Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Providence, RI USA
- />Division of Infectious Diseases, Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI USA
- />Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights, Providence, RI USA
- />Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
| | | | - Fred Vohr
- />Medical Programs, Rhode Island Department of Corrections, Cranston, RI USA
| | - Anne Spaulding
- />Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Brian T. Montague
- />Department of Medicine, Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Providence, RI USA
- />Division of Infectious Diseases, Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI USA
- />Department of Health Services, Policy, and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI USA
- />The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Strategies for hepatitis C testing and linkage to care for vulnerable populations: point-of-care and standard HCV testing in a mobile medical clinic. J Community Health 2015; 39:922-34. [PMID: 25135842 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-014-9932-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite new Hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapeutic advances, challenges remain for HCV testing and linking patients to care. A point-of-care (POC) HCV antibody testing strategy was compared to traditional serological testing to determine patient preferences for type of testing and linkage to treatment in an innovative mobile medical clinic (MMC). From 2012 to 2013, all 1,345 MMC clients in New Haven, CT underwent a routine health assessment, including for HCV. Based on patient preferences, clients could select between standard phlebotomy or POC HCV testing, with results available in approximately 1 week versus 20 min, respectively. Outcomes included: (1) accepting HCV testing; (2) preference for rapid POC HCV testing; and (3) linkage to HCV care. All clients with reactive test results were referred to a HCV specialty clinic. Among the 438 (32.6 %) clients accepting HCV testing, HCV prevalence was 6.2 % (N = 27), and 209 (47.7 %) preferred POC testing. Significant correlates of accepting HCV testing was lower for the "baby boomer" generation (AOR 0.67; 95 % CI 0.46-0.97) and white race (AOR 0.55; 95 % CI 0.36-0.78) and higher for having had a prior STI diagnosis (AOR 5.03; 95 % CI 1.76-14.26), prior injection drug use (AOR 2.21; 95 % CI 1.12-4.46), and being US-born (AOR 1.76; 95 % CI 1.25-2.46). Those diagnosed with HCV and preferring POC testing (N = 16) were significantly more likely than those choosing standard testing (N = 11) to be linked to HCV care within 30 days (93.8 vs. 18.2 %; p < 0.0001). HCV testing is feasible in MMCs. While patients equally preferred POC and standard HCV testing strategies, HCV-infected patients choosing POC testing were significantly more likely to be linked to HCV treatment. Important differences in risk and background were associated with type of HCV testing strategy selected. HCV testing strategies should be balanced based on costs, convenience, and ability to link to HCV treatment.
Collapse
|
23
|
Beckwith CG, Kurth AE, Bazerman L, Solomon L, Patry E, Rich JD, Kuo I. Survey of US Correctional Institutions for Routine HCV Testing. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:68-71. [PMID: 25393180 PMCID: PMC4265939 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To ascertain HCV testing practices among US prisons and jails, we conducted a survey study in 2012, consisting of medical directors of all US state prisons and 40 of the largest US jails, that demonstrated a minority of US prisons and jails conduct routine HCV testing. Routine voluntary HCV testing in correctional facilities is urgently needed to increase diagnosis, enable risk-reduction counseling and preventive health care, and facilitate evaluation for antiviral treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Curt G Beckwith
- Curt G. Beckwith and Josiah D. Rich are with the Alpert Medical School of Brown University/The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI. Ann E. Kurth is with the College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY. Lauri Bazerman and Emily Patry are with The Miriam Hospital. Liza Solomon is with Abt Associates, Bethesda, MD. Irene Kuo is with the School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Meyer JP, Cepeda J, Springer SA, Wu J, Trestman RL, Altice FL. HIV in people reincarcerated in Connecticut prisons and jails: an observational cohort study. Lancet HIV 2014; 1:e77-e84. [PMID: 25473651 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(14)70022-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reincarceration in prison or jail correlates with non-sustained HIV viral suppression, but HIV treatment outcomes in released prisoners who are reincarcerated have not recently been systematically assessed despite advances in antiretroviral treatment (ART) potency, simplicity, and tolerability. METHODS In a retrospective cohort of reincarcerated inmates with HIV in Connecticut (2005-12), we used longitudinally linked demographic, pharmacy, and laboratory databases to examine correlates of viral suppression. The primary outcome was viral suppression on reincarceration, defined as viral load lower than 400 RNA copies per mL. FINDINGS Of 497 prisoners and jail detainees with HIV, with 934 reincarcerations, individuals were mostly unmarried, uninsured, and black men prescribed a protease-inhibitor-based ART regimen. During the median 329 days (IQR 179-621) between prison release and reincarceration, the proportion of incarceration periods with viral suppression decreased significantly from 52% to 31% (mean HIV-RNA increased by 0·4 log10; p<0·0001), lower than Connecticut's HIV-infected prison population and those prescribed ART nationally. 158 (51%) of 307 individuals with viral suppression on release had viral suppression on reincarceration. Viral suppression on reincarceration was associated with increasing age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1·04, 95% CI 1·01-1·07), being prescribed non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based regimens (1·63, 1·14-2·34), and having higher levels of medical or psychiatric comorbidity (1·16, 1·03-1·30). INTERPRETATION Identification of individuals most at risk for recidivism and loss of viral suppression might mitigate the risk that repeated reincarceration poses to systems of public health and safety. FUNDING Bristol-Myers Squibb Virology, Patterson Trust, and National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaimie P Meyer
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (J P Meyer MD, S A Springer MD, Prof F L Altice MD); Chronic Disease Epidemiology (J P Meyer), Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (J Cepeda MPH, Prof F L Altice), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Correctional Managed Healthcare, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA (J Wu MD, Prof R L Trestman MD); Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA (Prof R L Trestman); and Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Prof F L Altice)
| | - Javier Cepeda
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (J P Meyer MD, S A Springer MD, Prof F L Altice MD); Chronic Disease Epidemiology (J P Meyer), Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (J Cepeda MPH, Prof F L Altice), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Correctional Managed Healthcare, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA (J Wu MD, Prof R L Trestman MD); Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA (Prof R L Trestman); and Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Prof F L Altice)
| | - Sandra A Springer
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (J P Meyer MD, S A Springer MD, Prof F L Altice MD); Chronic Disease Epidemiology (J P Meyer), Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (J Cepeda MPH, Prof F L Altice), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Correctional Managed Healthcare, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA (J Wu MD, Prof R L Trestman MD); Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA (Prof R L Trestman); and Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Prof F L Altice)
| | - Johnny Wu
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (J P Meyer MD, S A Springer MD, Prof F L Altice MD); Chronic Disease Epidemiology (J P Meyer), Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (J Cepeda MPH, Prof F L Altice), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Correctional Managed Healthcare, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA (J Wu MD, Prof R L Trestman MD); Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA (Prof R L Trestman); and Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Prof F L Altice)
| | - Robert L Trestman
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (J P Meyer MD, S A Springer MD, Prof F L Altice MD); Chronic Disease Epidemiology (J P Meyer), Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (J Cepeda MPH, Prof F L Altice), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Correctional Managed Healthcare, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA (J Wu MD, Prof R L Trestman MD); Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA (Prof R L Trestman); and Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Prof F L Altice)
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA (J P Meyer MD, S A Springer MD, Prof F L Altice MD); Chronic Disease Epidemiology (J P Meyer), Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (J Cepeda MPH, Prof F L Altice), Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Correctional Managed Healthcare, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, USA (J Wu MD, Prof R L Trestman MD); Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA (Prof R L Trestman); and Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Prof F L Altice)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Multicenter study on the discontinuation and efficacy of chronic hepatitis C treatment in the Spanish penitentiary population (EPIBAND study). Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 26:1083-9. [PMID: 25076064 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Imprisonment entails a golden opportunity for chronic hepatitis C treatment, as treatment adherence can easily be achieved in this setting. The objective of this study was to determine the proportion and causes of discontinuation of chronic hepatitis C therapy among the Spanish penitentiary population. METHODS This is an observational, prospective multicenter study performed in 26 Spanish penitentiaries between October 2007 and December 2009. Patients with chronic hepatitis C who were undergoing treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in accordance with clinical practice were included. The primary variable in the study was the proportion of discontinuation of treatment for chronic hepatitis C. RESULTS A total of 431 patients were included in this analysis (92.3% male; mean age, 37.9±6.3 years; 66.4% with high viral load; genotype 1, 51.0%; genotype 3, 35.7%; genotype 4, 11.8%; genotype 2, 1.4%; coinfected with HIV, 24.4%). The proportion of treatment discontinuation for chronic hepatitis C was 22.5% (n=97; 95% confidence interval: 18.65-26.75). Therapy discontinuation was more frequent during the first trimester of treatment (n=45; 46.4%), and release from prison was the most frequent cause for treatment discontinuation (n=35; 36.1% of discontinuations). Among 407 patients included in the efficacy analysis, sustained viral response was achieved in 52.1% (95% confidence interval: 47.12-57.02). CONCLUSION Treatment discontinuation for chronic hepatitis C in the penitentiary setting is low. However, further efforts should be made to improve the coordination between penitentiary institutions and external centers to ensure treatment after the inmates are released or transferred to other prisons.
Collapse
|
26
|
Arain A, Robaeys G, Stöver H. Hepatitis C in European prisons: a call for an evidence-informed response. BMC Infect Dis 2014; 14 Suppl 6:S17. [PMID: 25252822 PMCID: PMC4178549 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-14-s6-s17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, over 10 million people are held in prisons and other places of detention at any given time. People who inject drugs (PWID) comprise 10-48% of male and 30-60% of female prisoners. The spread of hepatitis C in prisons is clearly driven by injection drug use, with many infected prisoners unaware of their infection status. Risk behaviour for acquisition of hepatitis C via common use of injecting equipment is widespread in many prison settings. In custodial settings, effective and efficient prevention models applied in the community are very rarely implemented. Only approximately 60 out of more than 10,000 prisons worldwide provide needle exchange. Thus, HCV prevention is almost exclusively limited to verbal advice, leaflets and other measures directed to cognitive behavioural change. Although the outcome of HCV antiviral treatment is comparable to non-substance users and substance users out of prison, the uptake for antiviral treatment is extremely low. Based on a literature review to assess the spread of hepatitis C among prisoners and to learn more about the impact for the prison system, recommendations regarding hepatitis C prevention, screening and treatment in prisons have been formulated in this article.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amber Arain
- Limburg Clinical Research Programme, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Geert Robaeys
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium
- Limburg Clinical Research Programme, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heino Stöver
- Faculty of Health and Social Work, University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Meyer JP, Cepeda J, Wu J, Trestman RL, Altice FL, Springer SA. Optimization of human immunodeficiency virus treatment during incarceration: viral suppression at the prison gate. JAMA Intern Med 2014; 174:721-9. [PMID: 24687044 PMCID: PMC4074594 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management in correctional settings is logistically feasible, but HIV-related outcomes before release have not been recently systematically examined. OBJECTIVE To evaluate HIV treatment outcomes throughout incarceration, including jail and prison. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective cohort study of longitudinally linked demographic, pharmacy, and laboratory data on 882 prisoners within the Connecticut Department of Correction (2005-2012) with confirmed HIV infection, who were continually incarcerated 90 days or more, had at least 2 HIV-1 RNA and CD4 lymphocyte measurements, and were prescribed antiretroviral therapy. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Three electronic databases (correctional, laboratory, and pharmacy) were integrated to assess HIV viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA levels, <400 copies/mL) on intake and release. Secondary outcomes were mean change in log-transformed HIV-1 RNA levels and mean change in CD4 lymphocyte count during incarceration. Demographic characteristics, prescribed pharmacotherapies, receipt of directly observed therapy, and duration of incarceration were analyzed as possible explanatory variables for HIV viral suppression in logistic regression models. RESULTS Among 882 HIV-infected prisoners with 1185 incarceration periods, mean HIV-1 RNA level decreased by 1.1 log10 and CD4 lymphocyte count increased by 98 cells/µL over time, with a higher proportion achieving viral suppression by release compared with entry (70.0% vs 29.8%; P < .001); 36.9% of antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens were changed during incarceration. After adjusting for baseline HIV-1 RNA level, prerelease viral suppression correlated with female sex (adjusted odds ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.26-2.59) and psychiatric disorder severity below the sample median (adjusted odds ratio, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.12-1.99), but not race/ethnicity, incarceration duration, ART regimen or dosing strategy, or directly observed therapy. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Though just one-third of HIV-infected prisoners receiving ART entered correctional facilities with viral suppression, HIV treatment was optimized during incarceration, resulting in the majority achieving viral suppression by release. Treatment for HIV within prison is facilitated by a highly structured environment and, when combined with simple well-tolerated ART regimens, can result in viral suppression during incarceration. In the absence of important and effective community-based resources, incarceration can be an opportunity of last resort to initiate continuous ART for individual health and, following the "treatment as prevention" paradigm, potentially reduce the likelihood of HIV transmission to others after release if continuity of HIV care is sustained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaimie P Meyer
- AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut2Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Javier Cepeda
- Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Johnny Wu
- Correctional Managed Healthcare, University of Connecticut, Farmington
| | - Robert L Trestman
- Correctional Managed Healthcare, University of Connecticut, Farmington
| | - Frederick L Altice
- AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut3Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut5Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Mala
| | - Sandra A Springer
- AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Saiz de la Hoya P, Portilla J, Marco A, García-Guerrero J, Faraco I, Antón J, de Juan J, Pozo E. Directly observed therapy for chronic hepatitis C: a randomized clinical trial in the prison setting. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2014; 37:443-51. [PMID: 24786935 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C are major concerns in prisons. OBJECTIVES The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to determine the extent to which directly observed therapy (DOT) improved the efficacy of the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C in the prison setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS A randomized clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of a DOT compared with a self-administered therapy in prison inmates who underwent standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C (based on pegylated interferon alpha-2a and ribavirin). RESULTS A total of 252 inmates were randomized, of which 244 were analyzed: 109 in the DOT group and 135 in the non-DOT group. The mean age was 35.88 years (SD 6.54), 94.3% were men, 72.1% reported intravenous drug use, 21.3% were HIV co-infected, and 55.3% had genotype 1 or 4. The patients received the study treatment for a median time of 33.9 weeks in the overall sample. Sustained virological response was achieved in 60.6% (95% CI, 51.17-69.22) of the DOT group and in 65.9% (95% CI, 57.59-73.38) of the standard therapy group (risk ratio=0.92; 95% CI, 0.76-1.12). The mean proportion of patients continuing the treatment was 83% (SD=31). Adverse events were reported in 93.4% of the patients, and serious adverse events were reported in 8.2%, with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS Sustained virological response was remarkably high, although there were no differences between groups, probably due to high treatment adherence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joaquín Portilla
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | - Andrés Marco
- Servicios Médicos Centro Penitenciario Barcelona Hombres, Spain
| | | | | | - José Antón
- Servicios Médicos Centro Penitenciario Albolote, Granada, Spain
| | - José de Juan
- Servicios Médicos Centro Penitenciario Córdoba, Spain
| | - Edelmira Pozo
- Servicios Médicos Centro Penitenciario Villabona, Asturias, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yap L, Carruthers S, Thompson S, Cheng W, Jones J, Simpson P, Richards A, Thein HH, Haber P, Lloyd A, Butler T. A descriptive model of patient readiness, motivators, and hepatitis C treatment uptake among Australian prisoners. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87564. [PMID: 24586281 PMCID: PMC3937313 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) has a significant global health burden with an estimated 2%–3% of the world's population infected, and more than 350,000 dying annually from HCV-related conditions including liver failure and liver cancer. Prisons potentially offer a relatively stable environment in which to commence treatment as they usually provide good access to health care providers, and are organised around routine and structure. Uptake of treatment of HCV, however, remains low in the community and in prisons. In this study, we explored factors affecting treatment uptake inside prisons and hypothesised that prisoners have unique issues influencing HCV treatment uptake as a consequence of their incarceration which are not experienced in other populations. Method and Findings We undertook a qualitative study exploring prisoners' accounts of why they refused, deferred, delayed or discontinued HCV treatment in prison. Between 2010 and 2013, 116 Australian inmates were interviewed from prisons in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia. Prisoners experienced many factors similar to those which influence treatment uptake of those living with HCV infection in the community. Incarceration, however, provides different circumstances of how these factors are experienced which need to be better understood if the number of prisoners receiving treatment is to be increased. We developed a descriptive model of patient readiness and motivators for HCV treatment inside prisons and discussed how we can improve treatment uptake among prisoners. Conclusion This study identified a broad and unique range of challenges to treatment of HCV in prison. Some of these are likely to be diminished by improving treatment options and improved models of health care delivery. Other barriers relate to inmate understanding of their illness and stigmatisation by other inmates and custodial staff and generally appear less amenable to change although there is potential for peer-based education to address lack of knowledge and stigma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Yap
- Justice Health Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Susan Carruthers
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sandra Thompson
- Combined Universities of Rural Health, Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wendy Cheng
- Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jocelyn Jones
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Simpson
- Justice Health Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alun Richards
- Offender Health Services, Queensland Health, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hla-Hla Thein
- Justice Health Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Haber
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Lloyd
- Inflammation and Infection Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tony Butler
- Justice Health Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Post JJ, Arain A, Lloyd AR. Enhancing assessment and treatment of hepatitis C in the custodial setting. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 57 Suppl 2:S70-4. [PMID: 23884069 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute and chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infections are prevalent in custodial settings worldwide, yet provision of antiviral therapies is uncommon. This disparity between the burden of disease and hepatitis service delivery reflects the marginalized patient population, which features high rates of injection drug use and poor mental health. In addition, the prison environment is intended for deprivation of liberty and not healthcare. Screening for HCV infections is provided in most jurisdictions, but uptake rates remain low. Assessment and treatment of inmates is often provided only by community-based services. Despite these challenges, assessment and treatment of inmates with chronic HCV via prison-based services has been shown to be feasible and effective. These services offer the potential to substantively increase HCV treatment uptake and reduce the burden of disease for the community at large. Improvements in the efficacy of HCV therapies via direct-acting antivirals, which also offer reduced treatment duration and decreased toxicities, mean that prison health services will be well placed for the treatment of large numbers of people with HCV who do not access health services in the community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Post
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Brandolini M, Novati S, De Silvestri A, Tinelli C, Patruno SFA, Ranieri R, Seminari E. Prevalence and epidemiological correlates and treatment outcome of HCV infection in an Italian prison setting. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:981. [PMID: 24139133 PMCID: PMC3854608 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the present study is to test in the feasibility of a screening programme for HCV infection in an Italian prison and to evaluate the treatment outcomes. Method Single-centre cross-sectional study carried out in Milan-Opera. The HCV infection prevalence was calculated on the imprisoned population on the January 31 2006, the data on treatment over the following 2 years. Treatment option offered to HCV chronically infected patients was then analysed, reasons for not being treated was evaluated. Results Of the 965 inmates, 695 were enrolled in the study, 682 (98%) were males, the median age was 43 years. There were 131 (18.8%) foreigners and 564 (81.2%) Italians. HCV seroprevalence was 22.4%(95% CI:19.4%-25.7%), 60 subjects (38.4%) being HIV co-infected too. Prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher in HIVAb positive (89.6%; 95% CI:79.7%-95.7%) than in HIVAb negative (15.15%; 95% CI 12.6%-18.3%) (p<0.001). Among Italian inmates HCVAb positivity was significantly higher than among foreigners (p=0.0154). Among HCVAb positive patients, 135 subjects were HCV-RNA positive. Forty-seven (36%) had major clinical contraindication to treatment, 18 (13%) refused the treatment, 7 (5%) moved to other Institute and 27 (20%) were not evaluated by infectious disease specialists. Fifteen patients (43%) who received treatment were considered responders, 9 (26%) were non responders/relapsers, 6 (17%) interrupted treatment due to side effects and 5 (14%) were released during treatment and lost in follow-up. Conclusions This study indicates that the proportion of patients in a prison setting receiving diagnosis and treatment for HCV infection remained low.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Elena Seminari
- Clinica di Malattie Infettive, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Camillo Golgi 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Iacomi F, Iannicelli G, Franceschini A, Migliorisi P, Rosati S, Piselli P, Scognamiglio P, De Carli G, Marcellini S, Palmieri F. HCV infected prisoners: should they be still considered a difficult to treat population? BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:374. [PMID: 23945309 PMCID: PMC3751672 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the Italian correctional population is estimated to be around 38%. In this setting HCV infection treatment is controversial because of several factors such as active drug substance abuse, psychiatric illness, length of treatment, risk of re-infection, poor adherence and low success rate. Methods A retrospective data review of 159 inmates, positive for anti-Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, evaluated to National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” (INMI) from January 2006 to December 2009, was conducted to evaluate rate of completion (feasibility) and outcome efficacy of chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection treatment with Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin in five correctional facilities in Rome. Results Of the 159 inmates evaluated in the study period, 50, all male (median age 39 years) were treated. Twenty patients (40%) did not complete treatment: 15 showed no response and therapy was stopped, 5 patients (10%) interrupted treatment because of adverse reactions. The global feasibility was 60%. The overall sustained virologic response (SVR) was 50% (32% for genotype 1 and 68% for genotype other than 1). The main predictors of SVR at the Multivariable Logistic Regression Odds Ratio (MLR-OR) were a better pretreatment histological diagnosis (absence of bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis [MLR-OR 11.85; 95% CI 1.96-71.62) and a HCV genotype other than 1 (MLR-OR 5.87; 95% CI 1.49-23.17). Conclusions Chronic HCV infection treatment in correctional facilities is feasible and effective and should be strongly recommended, in combination with preventive measures, in appropriately screened patients because it represents an important opportunity to treat a population with a high prevalence of chronic HCV infection among whom treatment options post incarceration may be limited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Iacomi
- Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, L, Spallanzani, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Reuss R. PEGylated interferon beta-1a in the treatment of multiple sclerosis - an update. Biologics 2013; 7:131-8. [PMID: 23807836 PMCID: PMC3686537 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s29948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Current standard immunomodulatory therapy with interferons (IFNs) for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) exhibits proven, but limited, efficacy and increased side effects due to the need of frequent application of the drug. Therefore, there is a need for more effective and tolerable drugs. Due to their small size, optimization of therapy with IFNs in MS by PEGylation is feasible. PEGylation of an IFN means that at least one molecule of polyethylene glycol (PEG) is covalently added. This modification is a standard procedure to increase the stability, solubility, half-life, and efficacy of a drug, and is applied in several drugs and diseases. Currently, a therapy regimen applying PEG-IFN beta-1a in MS is being developed to achieve an optimized relationship between therapy-related side effects and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic efficacy. Phase I studies demonstrated that subcutaneous PEG-IFN beta-1a at a dose of 125 μg every 2 or 4 weeks might be at least as efficient and safe as the current standard therapy with IFN beta-1a. A global Phase III clinical study is investigating the efficacy of PEG-IFN beta-1a in terms of reduction of the relapse rate in relapsing-remitting MS patients. The latest primary safety and efficacy analysis after 1 year has revealed a favorable risk-benefit profile with no significant difference between dosing regimens. Compared to placebo, the annualized relapse rate was reduced by about one-third and new or newly enlarging T2 brain lesions were reduced by about one-third when dosing every 4 weeks or by two-thirds when dosing every 2 weeks. This presents a significant effect of the dosing interval, favoring administration every 2 weeks. Chronic administration of PEGylated proteins mostly at toxic concentrations causes vacuolation of renal epithelium in animals, which - along with the issue of occurrence of anti-PEG antibodies - has to be addressed by Phase IV studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Reuss
- Department of Neurology, BKH Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Davies A, Singh KP, Shubber Z, duCros P, Mills EJ, Cooke G, Ford N. Treatment outcomes of treatment-naïve Hepatitis C patients co-infected with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational cohorts. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55373. [PMID: 23393570 PMCID: PMC3564801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Co-infection with Hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV is common and HIV accelerates hepatic disease progression due to HCV. However, access to HCV treatment is limited and success rates are generally poor. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess HCV treatment outcomes in observational cohorts. Two databases (Medline and EMBASE) were searched using a compound search strategy for cohort studies reporting HCV treatment outcomes (as determined by a sustained virological response, SVR) in HIV-positive patients initiating HCV treatment for the first time. Results 40 studies were included for review, providing outcomes on 5339 patients from 17 countries. The pooled proportion of patients achieving SVR was 38%. Significantly poorer outcomes were observed for patients infected with HCV genotypes 1 or 4 (pooled SVR 24.5%), compared to genotypes 2 or 3 (pooled SVR 59.8%). The pooled proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to drug toxicities (reported by 33 studies) was low, at 4.3% (3.3–5.3%). Defaulting from treatment, reported by 33 studies, was also low (5.1%, 3.5–6.6%), as was on-treatment mortality (35 studies, 0.1% (0–0.2%)). Conclusions These results, reported under programmatic conditions, are comparable to those reported in randomised clinical trials, and show that although HCV treatment outcomes are generally poor in HIV co-infected patients, those infected with HCV genotypes 2 or 3 have outcomes comparable to HIV-negative patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Davies
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kasha P. Singh
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zara Shubber
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Philipp duCros
- Manson Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edward J. Mills
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Graham Cooke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan Ford
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- Manson Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Spaulding AS, Kim AY, Harzke AJ, Sullivan JC, Linas BP, Brewer A, Dickert J, McGovern BH, Strick LB, Trestman R, Ferguson WJ. Impact of new therapeutics for hepatitis C virus infection in incarcerated populations. TOPICS IN ANTIVIRAL MEDICINE 2013; 21:27-35. [PMID: 23596276 PMCID: PMC3875217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Inmate populations bear a disproportionate share of the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. With more than 90% of prisoners released back to their communities within a few years of sentencing, incarceration can be viewed as an opportunity to provide HCV screening and therapeutic interventions to benefit the individual, reduce the costs of HCV management to the health care system from a societal perspective, and improve overall public health. Although optimal medical management of HCV within prison settings would increase the current cost of correctional health care, it could decrease transmission within the community, reduce overall disease burden, and lower the future societal health care costs associated with end-stage liver disease. Nonetheless, most prison systems treat only a small fraction of infected inmates. Current and emerging therapeutic agents will cure HCV infection in the vast majority of patients. Mathematical modeling also shows that expanded HCV screening and treatment are cost-effective from the societal perspective. In this article, we will describe appropriate treatment regimens, propose strategies to lessen the burden of these costly HCV therapies on correctional health care systems, and address the challenges of expanded HCV screening in correctional settings.
Collapse
|
36
|
Lloyd AR, Clegg J, Lange J, Stevenson A, Post JJ, Lloyd D, Rudge G, Boonwaat L, Forrest G, Douglas J, Monkley D. Safety and effectiveness of a nurse-led outreach program for assessment and treatment of chronic hepatitis C in the custodial setting. Clin Infect Dis 2013; 56:1078-84. [PMID: 23362288 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cis1202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global burden of disease attributable to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is very large, yet the uptake of curative antiviral therapies remains very low, reflecting the marginalized patient population and the arduous nature of current treatments. METHODS The safety and effectiveness of a nurse-led model of care of inmates with chronic HCV was evaluated in 3 Australian correctional centers. The model featured protocol-driven assessment, triage, and management of antiviral therapy by specifically trained nurses, with specialist physician support utilizing telemedicine. Outcomes were evaluated qualitatively with key informant interviews, and quantitatively with patient numbers completing key clinical milestones and adverse events. RESULTS A total of 391 patients with chronic HCV infection were enrolled, of whom 141 (36%) completed the clinical and laboratory evaluations for eligibility for antiviral therapy over 24 months. Treatment was initiated in 108 patients (28%), including 85 (79%) triaged for specialist review conducted by telemedicine only. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients who entered the model and completed workup and those who initiated treatment featured a high prevalence of individuals of indigenous background, injection drug users, and those with psychiatric disorder. Serious adverse events occurred in 13 of 108 treated patients (12%) with discontinuation in 8 (7%). The sustained virologic response rate among those with complete follow-up data (n=68) was 69%, and by intention-to treat analysis was 44%. CONCLUSIONS This nurse-led and specialist-supported assessment and treatment model for inmates with chronic HCV offers potential to substantively increase treatment uptake and reduce the burden of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Lloyd
- Inflammation and Infection Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales,Sydney, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Rice JP, Burnett D, Tsotsis H, Lindstrom MJ, Cornett DD, Voermans P, Sawyer J, Striker R, Lucey MR. Comparison of hepatitis C virus treatment between incarcerated and community patients. Hepatology 2012; 56:1252-60. [PMID: 22505121 PMCID: PMC4524493 DOI: 10.1002/hep.25770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among incarcerated individuals in the United States is estimated to be between 12% and 31%. HCV treatment during incarceration is an attractive option because of improved access to health care and directly observed therapy. We compared incarcerated and nonincarcerated HCV-infected patients evaluated for treatment at a single academic center between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2007. During this period, 521 nonincarcerated and 388 incarcerated patients were evaluated for HCV treatment. Three hundred and nineteen (61.2%) nonincarcerated patients and 234 (60.3%) incarcerated patients underwent treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Incarcerated patients were more likely to be male, African-American race, and have a history of alcohol or intravenous drug use. Treated incarcerated patients were less likely to have genotype 1 virus and were less likely to have undergone previous treatment. There was a similar prevalence of coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in both groups. A sustained viral response (SVR) was achieved in 97 (42.9%) incarcerated patients, compared to 115 (38.0%) nonincarcerated patients (P = 0.304). Both groups had a similar proportion of patients that completed a full treatment course. Stepwise logistic regression was conducted, and the final model included full treatment course, non-genotype 1 virus, younger age at treatment start, and negative HIV status. Incarceration status was not a significant predictor when added to this model (P = 0.075). CONCLUSION In a cohort of HCV-infected patients managed in an academic medical center ambulatory clinic, incarcerated patients were as likely to be treated for HCV and as likely to achieve an SVR as nonincarcerated patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John P. Rice
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison,WI
| | - David Burnett
- State of Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Madison, WI
| | - Helena Tsotsis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Mary J. Lindstrom
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison WI
| | - Daniel D. Cornett
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison,WI
| | | | - Jill Sawyer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison,WI
| | - Rob Striker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, W. S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison WI
| | - Michael R. Lucey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison,WI
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Muller K, Rodgers A, Wundke R, Waddell V, Altus R, Gordon DL, Wigg A. Single centre experience with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for hepatitis C: looking back before moving forward. Intern Med J 2012; 42:765-72. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2012.02798.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
|
39
|
Rice J, Cervantes L, Lucey MR. Hepatitis C viral infection in incarcerated patients. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2012; 1:84-86. [PMID: 31186856 PMCID: PMC6499266 DOI: 10.1002/cld.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John Rice
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Lisa Cervantes
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Infectious disease comorbidities adversely affecting substance users with HIV: hepatitis C and tuberculosis. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2010; 55 Suppl 1:S37-42. [PMID: 21045598 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e3181f9c0b6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The linkage between drug use, particularly injection drug use, and HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C (HCV), and tuberculosis (TB) has been recognized since the beginning of the HIV pandemic. These comorbid conditions affect drug users worldwide and act synergistically, with resultant adverse biologic, epidemiologic, and clinical consequences. Prevention, care, and treatment of TB and HCV can be successful, and both diseases can be cured. Special clinical challenges among drug users, however, can result in increased morbidity, mortality, and decreased therapeutic success. Among these are limited disease screening, inadequate and insensitive diagnostics, difficult treatment regimens with varying toxicities, and complicated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug interactions. These may result in delayed diagnosis, deferred treatment initiation, and low completion rates, with the potential for generation and transmission of drug resistant organisms. Strategies to address these challenges include outreach programs to engage substance abusers in nonmedical settings, such as prisons and the streets, active screening programs for HIV, HCV, and TB, increased and broadened clinician expertise, knowledge and avoidance of drug interactions, attention to infection control, use of isoniazid preventive therapy, and creative strategies to insure medication adherence. All of these require structural changes directed at comprehensive prevention and treatment programs and increased collaboration and integration of needed services for substance abusers.
Collapse
|
41
|
Altice FL, Kamarulzaman A, Soriano VV, Schechter M, Friedland GH. Treatment of medical, psychiatric, and substance-use comorbidities in people infected with HIV who use drugs. Lancet 2010; 376:367-87. [PMID: 20650518 PMCID: PMC4855280 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(10)60829-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
HIV-infected drug users have increased age-matched morbidity and mortality compared with HIV-infected people who do not use drugs. Substance-use disorders negatively affect the health of HIV-infected drug users, who also have frequent medical and psychiatric comorbidities that complicate HIV treatment and prevention. Evidence-based treatments are available for the management of substance-use disorders, mental illness, HIV and other infectious complications such as viral hepatitis and tuberculosis, and many non-HIV-associated comorbidities. Tuberculosis co-infection in HIV-infected drug users, including disease caused by drug-resistant strains, is acquired and transmitted as a consequence of inadequate prescription of antiretroviral therapy, poor adherence, and repeated interfaces with congregate settings such as prisons. Medication-assisted therapies provide the strongest evidence for HIV treatment and prevention efforts, yet are often not available where they are needed most. Antiretroviral therapy, when prescribed and adherence is at an optimum, improves health-related outcomes for HIV infection and many of its comorbidities, including tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, and renal and cardiovascular disease. Simultaneous clinical management of multiple comorbidities in HIV-infected drug users might result in complex pharmacokinetic drug interactions that must be adequately addressed. Moreover, interventions to improve adherence to treatment, including integration of health services delivery, are needed. Multifaceted, interdisciplinary approaches are urgently needed to achieve parity in health outcomes in HIV-infected drug users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick L Altice
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510-2283, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bate JP, Colman AJ, Frost PJ, Shaw DR, Harley HAJ. High prevalence of late relapse and reinfection in prisoners treated for chronic hepatitis C. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2010; 25:1276-80. [PMID: 20594255 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06295.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Prisoners have a high prevalence of injection drug use (IDU) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. Treatment of CHC in these patients is effective; however, their long-term outcomes following treatment are unknown. We determined the durability of a sustained virological response (SVR) in prisoners treated for CHC. METHODS Patients were treated as part of routine clinical practice with interferon (IFN) and ribavirin. A retrospective review of medical records and a computerized pathology system was performed for clinical and laboratory information. RESULTS Seventy-four prisoners (70 males, mean age 34 years, IDU in 55%) were evaluable for a SVR over a 12-year period to December 2008; the mean follow-up period was 1243 days. Genotype 1, 2, 3, and 6 infection was present in 18, three, 38 and three patients, respectively; the genotype was unknown in 12. Three out of 52 biopsied had cirrhosis. Standard IFN was administered to 25 (34%; 11 with ribavirin), and 49 received pegylated IFN and ribavirin; one did not complete treatment, and two had breakthrough relapses. The end-of-treatment response was achieved in 57 and SVR in 53; 14 were non-responders. Five male patients, four with unknown genotypes and treated with standard IFN alone, relapsed late (following SVR, 9%). Five patients, all treated with pegylated IFN and ribavirin, were reinfected (one prior to and four following SVR). CONCLUSIONS Prisoners are often successfully treated for CHC. However, this retrospective study indicates that there is a high (17%) prevalence of late recurrence of viremia that is likely a reflection of reinfection due to ongoing risk-taking behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John P Bate
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
|
44
|
Martin CK, Hostetter JE, Hagan JJ. New opportunities for the management and therapy of hepatitis C in correctional settings. Am J Public Health 2010; 100:13-7. [PMID: 20007626 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2008.147629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C in prison populations is now a major public health problem, and large numbers of correctional facilities have no comprehensive management program, often because of formidable projected costs and tightening budget constraints. The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has operated a management and therapy program since 2002 using consensus interferon and ribavirin with 45% cost savings. The program has provided excellent sustained viral responses: 54.2% for genotype 1 hepatitis C, 75% for genotypes 2 and 3, and 63.6% overall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Kent Martin
- Medcenter One Health Systems, 222 N 7th St, Bismark, ND 58501, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
|
46
|
Chew KW, Allen SA, Taylor LE, Rich JD, Feller E. Treatment outcomes with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for male prisoners with chronic hepatitis C. J Clin Gastroenterol 2009; 43:686-91. [PMID: 19295448 PMCID: PMC2936234 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0b013e31818dd94c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
GOALS To report our experience with pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA-positive inmates at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. BACKGROUND An estimated 1 out of 3 HCV-infected individuals will spend time in a jail or prison within a 1-year period, making prisons a unique setting for management of chronic HCV. STUDY Chart review of all inmates identified as having initiated HCV treatment between October 2000 and April 2004. HCV-infected individuals were identified by HCV antibody screening at intake for known risk factors, elevated aminotransferase levels, or per individual request. Treatment followed standard guidelines with weight-based dosing of pegylated interferon-alpha2b and ribavirin. End points were completion of therapy plus 6 months for sustained virologic response (SVR), therapy discontinuation, and loss to follow-up. RESULTS The cohort included 71 male patients, was mostly white (80%), and genotype 1 (65%). All 9 African Americans (AA) had genotype 1. Of 59 patients having liver biopsy, 41 had early stage disease. Overall SVR was 28%. Response rate was lower for genotype 1 compared with genotypes 2 and 3 (SVR 18% vs. 60% and 50%). Of inmates with genotype 1, no difference existed in treatment response by race (SVR 22% AA vs. 18% white). Thirty-three patients completed treatment, 26 stopped for side effects, and 5 for initial nonresponse. Eleven were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Acceptable HCV treatment outcomes can be achieved in prisons. Our small study indicates no difference in treatment response by AA versus white race for genotype 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara W Chew
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Hunt DR, Saab S. Viral hepatitis in incarcerated adults: a medical and public health concern. Am J Gastroenterol 2009; 104:1024-31. [PMID: 19240708 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2008.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Viral hepatitis is a common problem in the incarcerated population. It causes significant morbidity and mortality, and incarcerated inmates receive their health care almost exclusively from corrections-based health systems. The seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C infections is increased in this population, and a number of risk factors for viral hepatitis are particularly common and infer higher risk among inmates, including injection drug use (IDU), high-risk sexual activity, and tattoos. IDU, in particular, has been identified as an important and common risk factor for viral hepatitis in inmates, and variable rates of IDU among inmates have been found to be the most important cause of the marked variability of seroprevalence rates for exposure to hepatitis C virus. A number of risk reduction and management strategies have been identified that can decrease transmission to other inmates. Prison-based hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccination programs, needle exchange programs, methadone maintenance programs, risk education programs, and hepatitis C virus antiviral programs, for example, have been shown to be safe and effective risk reduction and management strategies. Preliminary studies have shown that these strategies are underutilized in the United States. Reasons for this phenomenon are multifactorial, involving financial as well as ethical and political considerations. Additional funding, research, and formal consideration / discussion of the complex issues involving viral hepatitis in the US incarcerated population are clearly important for the sake of inmates and the community at large. In this article, the published medical literature regarding this important topic is reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas R Hunt
- Department of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|