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Sulkowski MS, Martinez A, Tyson GL, Scholz K, Franco RA, Kohli A, Julius SF, Deming P, Fink SA, Lynch K, Roytman M, Stainbrook TR, Turner MD, Viera-Briggs M, Ramers CB. Leveraging opportunities for treatment/user simplicity (LOTUS): Navigating the current treatment landscape for achieving hepatitis C virus elimination among persons who inject drugs. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:342-356. [PMID: 38433561 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
All-oral, direct-acting antivirals can cure hepatitis C virus (HCV) in almost all infected individuals; yet, many individuals with chronic HCV are not treated, and the incidence of acute HCV is increasing in some countries, including the United States. Strains on healthcare resources during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the progress toward the World Health Organization goal to eliminate HCV by 2030, especially among persons who inject drugs (PWID). Here, we present a holistic conceptual framework termed LOTUS (Leveraging Opportunities for Treatment/User Simplicity), designed to integrate the current HCV practice landscape and invigorate HCV treatment programs in the setting of endemic COVID-19: (A) treatment as prevention (especially among PWID), (B) recognition that HCV cure may be achieved with variable adherence with evidence supporting some forgiveness for missed doses, (C) treatment of all persons with active HCV infection (viremic), regardless of acuity, (D) minimal monitoring (MinMon) during treatment, and (E) rapid test and treat (TnT). The objective of this article is to review the current literature supporting each LOTUS petal; identify remaining gaps in knowledge or data; define the remaining barriers facing healthcare providers; and review evidence-based strategies for overcoming key barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Sulkowski
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Kathleen Scholz
- Central Outreach Wellness Centers, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ricardo A Franco
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Anita Kohli
- Arizona Liver Health, Chandler, Arizona, USA
| | | | - Paulina Deming
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | | | - Keisa Lynch
- University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Marina Roytman
- University of California San Francisco, Fresno, California, USA
| | | | | | | | - Christian B Ramers
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- Family Health Centers of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
- San Diego State University School of Public Health
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Kamani L, Razzak AA. Hepatitis-C during Pregnancy: Antenatal period challenges, management and the way forward. Pak J Med Sci 2024; 40:227-232. [PMID: 38196476 PMCID: PMC10772435 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.40.1.7578] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnant women and the general public are both directly impacted by cirrhosis which is a chronic liver disease. It is also widely known that women who have a history of injectable drug use and cirrhosis are more prone to experience unfavorable consequences that have a negative impact on the health of both the mother and the unborn child. Higher maternal Hepatitis-C Virus (HCV) in pregnancy viral load, length of labor, use of amniocentesis or fetal scalp monitoring and protracted membrane rupture are all the risk of perinatal transmission of HCV in newborns. Globally, a large number of childbearing-age women become affected by HCV every year and vertical transmission of HCV is still a serious public health concern. Pregnancy-related immune alterations have a significant impact on the course of HCV infection throughout the third trimester and provide favorable circumstances for the spread of the virus. The exacerbation of hepatic damage during pregnancy and the postpartum period is mostly responsible for HCV-specific cell-mediated immune responses. An extensive literature search done via electronic search engine including Cochrane library databases, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and HCV in pregnancy articles were included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Kamani
- Lubna Kamani, FCPS, MRCP, FRCP, SCE (Gastro) Professor & Director GI Residency Program Liaquat National Hospital Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asma Abdul Razzak
- Asma Abdul Razzak, FCPS (Gastro), MACG, Assistant Professor (JMDC), Medicare Cardiac and General Hospital. Karachi - Pakistan
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Evidence for Implementation: HIV/HCV Coinfection and Pregnancy. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2023; 20:1-8. [PMID: 36652107 PMCID: PMC9846668 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00643-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In the context of the opioid epidemic, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence is increasing among women of reproductive age. Pregnant people with HIV/HCV coinfection may be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, although research in this key population is lacking. RECENT FINDINGS Treatment with directly acting antivirals (DAAs) has transformed the clinical care for most patients with HCV. However, pregnant people were excluded from trials of these medications. A recent phase I study has shown promise with excellent safety profile for ledipasvir-sofosbuvir; demonstrating no episodes of perinatal transmission, 100% sustained virologic response, and no safety concerns. Pregnancy represents a time of maximal interaction with the healthcare system and therefore an ideal window of opportunity to cure HCV. Current observational data regarding pregnant people who are co-infected with HCV and HIV suggest poor outcomes such as increased risk of preterm birth; however, there are no prospective and well-controlled studies to fully understand the impact of HIV/HCV coinfection on pregnancy. Phase 1 studies suggest that DAAs are well-tolerated and effective during pregnancy. Only through large, prospective clinical trials will we be able to understand the interaction of HCV and HIV during pregnancy and to evaluate safety and efficacy of DAAs in this key population.
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