1
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Cheng Q, Cunningham EB, Shih S, Amin J, Bruneau J, Artenie AA, Powis J, Litwin AH, Cooper C, Dalgard O, Hellard M, Bruggmann P, Marks P, Lacombe K, Stedman C, Read P, Hajarizadeh B, Dunlop AJ, Conway B, Feld JJ, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Patient-Reported Outcomes During and After Hepatitis C Virus Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment Among People Who Inject Drugs. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:883-892. [PMID: 36646278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People who inject drugs (PWID) are at a high risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV cure is associated with improved patient-reported outcomes (PROs), but there are little data among PWID. This study aimed to assess the change in PROs during and after HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment. METHODS This analysis used data from 2 clinical trials of DAA treatment in PWID. PROs assessed included health-related quality of life, social functioning, psychological distress, housing, and employment. Generalized estimating equations and group-based trajectory modeling were used to assess changes in PROs over time. RESULTS No significant changes in the 3-level version of EQ-5D scores, EQ visual analogue scale scores, social functioning, psychological distress, and housing were observed over the 108-week study period. There was a significant increase in the proportion of participants employed (18% [95% confidence interval (CI) 12%-23%] at baseline to 28% [95% CI 19%-36%] at the end of the study). Participants were more likely to be employed at 24 weeks and 108 weeks after commencing treatment. Having stable housing increased the odds of being employed (odds ratio 1.70; 95% CI 1.00-2.90). The group-based trajectory modeling demonstrated that most outcomes remained stable during and after DAA treatment. CONCLUSIONS Although no significant improvement was identified in health-related quality of life after HCV DAA treatment, there was a modest but significant increase in employment during study follow-up. The study findings support the need for multifaceted models of HCV care for PWID addressing a range of issues beyond HCV treatment to improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglu Cheng
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Evan B Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophy Shih
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Département de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Adelina A Artenie
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, England, UK
| | - Jeff Powis
- Infection Prevention and Control, Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Prisma Health Addiction Medicine Centre, Greenville, SC, USA; School of Medicine - Greenville, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, USA; School of Health Research, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Olav Dalgard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Margaret Hellard
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Disease, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Philippa Marks
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Faculté de médecine, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France; Infectious Diseases Department, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Stedman
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Gastroenterology Department, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Behzad Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Adrian J Dunlop
- Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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2
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McDonald SA, Myring G, Palmateer NE, McAuley A, Beer L, Dillon JF, Hollingworth W, Gunson R, Hickman M, Hutchinson SJ. Improved health-related quality of life after hepatitis C viraemic clearance among people who inject drugs may not be durable. Addiction 2023. [PMID: 36808787 DOI: 10.1111/add.16169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a detrimental impact on health-related quality of life (QoL). Scale-up of HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy among people who inject drugs (PWID) is underway in several countries since the introduction of interferon-free regimens. This study aimed to assess the impact of DAA treatment success on QoL for PWID. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using two rounds of the Needle Exchange Surveillance Initiative, a national anonymous bio-behavioural survey and a longitudinal study involving PWID who underwent DAA therapy. SETTING The setting for the cross-sectional study was Scotland (2017-2018, 2019-2020). The setting for the longitudinal study was the Tayside region of Scotland (2019-2021). PARTICIPANTS In the cross-sectional study PWID were recruited from services providing injecting equipment (n = 4009). In the longitudinal study, participants were PWID on DAA therapy (n = 83). MEASUREMENTS In the cross-sectional study, the association between QoL (measured using the EQ-5D-5L quality of life instrument) and HCV diagnosis and treatment was assessed using multilevel linear regression. In the longitudinal study, QoL was compared at four timepoints using multilevel regression, from treatment commencement until 12 months following commencement. FINDINGS In the cross-sectional study, 41% (n = 1618) were ever chronically HCV infected, of whom 78% (n = 1262) were aware of their status and of whom 64% (n = 704) had undergone DAA therapy. There was no evidence for a marked QoL improvement associated with viral clearance among those treated for HCV (B = 0.03; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.09). In the longitudinal study, improved QoL was observed at the sustained virologic response test timepoint (B = 0.18; 95% CI, 0.10-0.27), but this was not maintained at 12 months following start of treatment (B = 0.02; 95% CI, -0.05 to 0.10). CONCLUSIONS Successful direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C infection may not lead to a durable improvement in quality of life among people who inject drugs, although there may be a transient improvement around the time of sustained virologic response. Economic models of the impact of scaling-up treatment may need to include more conservative quality of life benefits over and above reductions in mortality, disease progression and transmission of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A McDonald
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK.,Public Health Scotland, Meridian Court, Glasgow, G2 6QE, UK
| | | | - Norah E Palmateer
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK.,Public Health Scotland, Meridian Court, Glasgow, G2 6QE, UK
| | - Andrew McAuley
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK.,Public Health Scotland, Meridian Court, Glasgow, G2 6QE, UK
| | | | | | | | - Rory Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TL, UK
| | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, G4 0BA, UK.,Public Health Scotland, Meridian Court, Glasgow, G2 6QE, UK
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3
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Byrne CJ, Radley A, Inglis SK, Beer L, Palmer N, Duc Pham M, Allardice K, Wang H, Robinson E, Hermansson M, Semizarov D, Healy B, Doyle JS, Dillon JF. Reaching people receiving opioid agonist therapy at community pharmacies with hepatitis C virus: an international randomised controlled trial. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 55:1512-1523. [PMID: 35538396 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conventional healthcare models struggle to engage those at risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This international study evaluated point-of-care (PoC) HCV RNA diagnostic outreach and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for individuals receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in community pharmacies. AIMS We assessed the effectiveness of a roving nurse-led pathway offering PoC HCV RNA testing to OAT clients in community pharmacies relative to conventional care. METHODS Pharmacies in Scotland, Wales, and Australia were randomised to provide PoC HCV RNA testing or conventional referral. Pharmacists directed OAT clients to on-site nurses (intervention) or local clinics (control). Infected participants were treated with DAAs, alongside OAT. Primary outcome was the number of participants with sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR) and analysed using mixed effects logistic regression in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. RESULTS Forty pharmacies were randomised. The ITT population contained 1410 OAT clients. In the conventional arm (n = 648), 62 (10%) agreed to testing, 17 (27%) were tested, 6 (35%) were positive and 5 (83%) initiated treatment. In the intervention arm (n = 762), 148 (19%) agreed to testing, 144 (97%) were tested, 23 (16%) were positive and 22 (96%) initiated treatment. SVR was obtained by 2 (40%; conventional) and 18 (82%; intervention). Intervention arm participants had higher odds of testing, OR 16.95 (7.07-40.64, p < 0.001); treatment, OR 4.29 (1.43-12.92, p = 0.010); and SVR, OR 8.64 (1.82-40.91, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Nurse-led PoC diagnosis in pharmacies made HCV care more accessible for OAT clients relative to conventional care. However, strategies to improve testing uptake are required. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT03935906.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Byrne
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.,Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Andrew Radley
- Directorate of Public Health, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Sarah K Inglis
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Lewis Beer
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Nicki Palmer
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Cardiff, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Minh Duc Pham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Allardice
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Huan Wang
- Division of Population Health and Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Emma Robinson
- Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | | | | | - Brendan Healy
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Cardiff, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.,Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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4
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Gormley MA, Akiyama MJ, Rennert L, Howard KA, Norton BL, Pericot-Valverde I, Muench S, Heo M, Litwin AH. Changes in health-related quality of life for HCV-infected people who inject drugs on opioid agonist treatment following sustained virologic response. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:1586-1593. [PMID: 34331539 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although efforts to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) in people who inject drugs (PWID) yield high rates of sustained virologic response (SVR), the relationship between successful HCV treatment and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among PWID is poorly understood. This study examined HRQOL changes throughout HCV treatment and post-treatment for PWID achieving SVR. METHODS Participants included 141 PWID who achieved SVR following HCV treatment onsite at three opioid agonist treatment (OAT) clinics in Bronx, NY. The EQ-5D-3L assesses five health dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression), producing an index of HRQOL ranging from 0-1. EQ-5D-3L was measured at baseline, 4-, 8-, and 12-weeks during treatment and 12- and 24-weeks post-treatment. Linear mixed effects regression models were used to assess changes in the mean EQ-5D-3L index over time. RESULTS Mean EQ-5D-3L index baseline was 0.66 (SE=0.02). Whereas over half the population reported no baseline problems with self-care (85.1%), usual activities (56.0%), and mobility (52.5%), at least two-thirds reported problems with pain/discomfort (78.0%) and anxiety/depression (66.0%), with 22.0% and 21.3% reporting extreme problems for pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression, respectively. Twenty-four weeks post-treatment, proportions reporting pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression decreased by 25.7% and 24.0%, respectively. The mean EQ-5D-3L index significantly improved during treatment (p<0.0001), and improvement was sustained following treatment completion, with mean EQ-5D-3L index of 0.77 (SE=0.02) 12-weeks post-SVR. CONCLUSIONS HCV treatment led to sustained improvement in HRQOL for PWID on OAT who achieved SVR. Future research is necessary to determine whether improvements in HRQOL can be sustained beyond 12-weeks post-SVR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew J Akiyama
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Lior Rennert
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Kerry A Howard
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Brianna L Norton
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Sam Muench
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Moonseong Heo
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Alain H Litwin
- Clemson University School of Health Research, Clemson, SC, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Prisma Health, Greenville, SC, USA
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5
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Goutzamanis S, Spelman T, Harney B, Dietze P, Stoove M, Higgs P, Thompson A, Doyle JS, Hellard M. Patient-reported outcomes of the Treatment and Prevention Study: A real-world community-based trial of direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C among people who inject drugs. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1068-1077. [PMID: 33880820 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The impact of hepatitis C cure with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in community settings remains unclear. We aimed to assess changes in PROs over time and whether treatment was associated with sustained improved PROs in a cohort of people who inject drugs. This study is a sub-analysis of the Treatment and Prevention Study, a nurse-led trial where people who inject drugs and their injecting partners were recruited in a community setting, in Melbourne, Australia. Three participant groups were characterized: treatment, untreated and non-viremic (hepatitis C RNA negative at screening). PROs included assessment of health-related quality of life using the Short Form-8 (SF-8) Survey and life satisfaction using Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). PROs were measured at baseline and every 12 weeks until week 84. Generalized estimating equations were used to measure whether treatment was associated with longitudinal PRO change. A total of 215 participants were included in this analysis. PWI scores were significantly higher at week 12 for both treatment group (p = 0.0309) and non-viremic group (p = 0.0437) compared to baseline. However, treatment was not associated with longitudinal change in PRO scores. In conclusion, we found DAA treatment did not significantly improve PRO scores compared to those not receiving treatment and without hepatitis C. The measures used in this study may not be sensitive enough to capture the hepatitis C specific improvements in quality of life that treatment affords or factors other than treatment may be influencing quality of life scores in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelliana Goutzamanis
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Timothy Spelman
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Brendan Harney
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Mark Stoove
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Joseph S Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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6
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Real-World Outcomes in Historically Underserved Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Treated with Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir. Infect Dis Ther 2021; 10:2203-2222. [PMID: 34125405 PMCID: PMC8572930 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00455-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir is approved for treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GT) 1–6. We evaluated real-world effectiveness, safety, and patient-reported outcomes of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in underserved patient populations, focusing on persons who use drugs infected with HCV. Methods Data were pooled from nine countries (13 November 2017–31 January 2020). Patients had HCV GT1–6, with or without compensated cirrhosis, with or without prior HCV treatment and received glecaprevir/pibrentasvir consistent with local label at their physician’s discretion. Patients with prior direct-acting antiviral exposure were excluded from efficacy and quality-of-life analyses. The percentage of patients achieving sustained virologic response at post-treatment week 12 (SVR12) was assessed. Mean changes from baseline to SVR12 visit in 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey mental and physical component summary scores were reported. Safety was assessed in patients receiving at least one dose of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. Results Of 2036 patients, 1701 (83.5%) received 8-week glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. In 1684 patients with sufficient follow-up, SVR12 rates were 98.0% (1651/1684) overall, 98.1% (1432/1459) in 8-week treated patients, 97.0% (519/535) in persons who use drugs, and greater than 95% across subgroups. Mean changes from baseline in mental and physical component summary scores were 3.7 and 2.4, respectively. One glecaprevir/pibrentasvir-related serious adverse event was reported; six glecaprevir/pibrentasvir-related adverse events led to discontinuation. Conclusions Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir was highly effective, well tolerated, and improved quality of life in HCV-infected persons who use drugs and other underserved patients. Trial Registration These multinational post-marketing observational studies are registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT03303599. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-021-00455-1.
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7
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Graf C, Mücke MM, Dultz G, Peiffer KH, Kubesch A, Ingiliz P, Zeuzem S, Herrmann E, Vermehren J. Efficacy of Direct-acting Antivirals for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection in People Who Inject Drugs or Receive Opioid Substitution Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 70:2355-2365. [PMID: 31513710 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment uptake for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in people who inject drugs (PWID) and patients on opioid substitution therapy (OST) is still low despite treatment guidelines that advocate the use of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in all patients. Our aim in this review was to investigate treatment outcomes among PWID and patients on OST in comparison to control cohorts. METHODS A search of Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science (from October 2010 to March 2018) was conducted to assess sustained virologic response (SVR), discontinuation rates, adherence, and HCV reinfection in PWID and patients on OST. RESULTS We identified 11 primary articles and 12 conference abstracts comprising 1702 patients on OST, 538 PWID, and 19 723 patients who served as controls. Among patients on OST, the pooled SVR was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87% to 93%) and pooled treatment discontinuation rate was 7% (95% CI, 4% to 11%). Similarly, the pooled SVR was 88% (95% CI, 80% to 93%) in PWID and the pooled treatment discontinuation rate was 9% (95% CI, 5% to 15%). There was no significant difference regarding pooled rates of SVR, adherence, and discontinuation between patients on OST and controls as well as between PWID and controls. HCV reinfection rates among patients on OST ranged from 0.0 to 12.5 per 100 person-years. CONCLUSIONS HCV treatment outcomes in PWID and patients on OST are similar to those in patients without a history of injecting drugs, supporting current guideline recommendations to treat HCV in these patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Graf
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marcus M Mücke
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg Dultz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kai-Henrik Peiffer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alica Kubesch
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eva Herrmann
- Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Johannes Vermehren
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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8
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Falade-Nwulia O, Gicquelais RE, Astemborski J, McCormick SD, Kirk G, Sulkowski M, Thomas DL, Mehta SH. Hepatitis C treatment uptake among people who inject drugs in the oral direct-acting antiviral era. Liver Int 2020; 40:2407-2416. [PMID: 32770638 PMCID: PMC7706292 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased uptake of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID) will be critical to achieve HCV elimination goals. There are limited data on HCV treatment uptake among PWID recruited from community-based settings in the HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. METHODS We analysed data from PWID with HCV newly recruited into the Baltimore, Maryland-based AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) cohort between 2015 and 2018. We characterized the HCV care continuum and evaluated factors associated with HCV treatment uptake. RESULTS Of the 418 PWID with HCV, the median age was 49 years and most (88%) reported recent injection drug use (IDU). Overall, 23% had ever been evaluated by a provider for HCV treatment, 17% ever initiated DAA treatment and 13% were cured of HCV infection. Treatment uptake approximately doubled between 2015 and 2018 (13% to 26%, P = .01). In multivariable analyses, HIV infection (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 2.5 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.3, 4.8]), current employment (aOR 4.1 [CI 1.2, 14.4]), having a primary care provider (aOR 4.3 [CI 1.2, 14.9) and longer duration of IDU (aOR 1.3 [CI 1.1, 1.6]) were positively associated with HCV treatment. PWID with a lower annual income (≤$5000) were less likely to have initiated HCV treatment (aOR 0.5 [CI 0.3, 0.98]). CONCLUSIONS Although HCV treatment uptake among PWID in this community-based setting in the DAA era remains suboptimal, it is encouraging that treatment uptake has increased in recent years. Innovative strategies are needed to reach all PWID infected with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel E. Gicquelais
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jacquie Astemborski
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sean D. McCormick
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Greg Kirk
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David L. Thomas
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shruti H. Mehta
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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9
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Schulte B, Schmidt CS, Manthey J, Strada L, Christensen S, Cimander K, Görne H, Khaykin P, Scherbaum N, Walcher S, Mauss S, Schäfer I, Verthein U, Rehm J, Reimer J. Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Direct-Acting Antivirals for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Among Patients on Opioid Agonist Treatment: A Real-world Prospective Cohort Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa317. [PMID: 32875003 PMCID: PMC7452367 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) can help to reduce uncertainties about hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) among people who inject drugs and increase treatment uptake in this high-risk group. Besides clinical data, this study analyzed for the first time PROs in a real-world sample of patients on opioid agonist treatment (OAT) and HCV treatment with DAAs. Methods HCV treatment data including virological response, adherence, safety, and PROs of 328 German patients on OAT were analyzed in a pragmatic prospective cohort study conducted from 2016 to 2018. Clinical effectiveness was defined as sustained virological response (SVR) at week 12 after end of treatment and calculated in per-protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. Changes over time in PROs on health-related quality of life, physical and mental health, functioning, medication tolerability, fatigue, concentration, and memory were analyzed by repeated-measures analyses of variances (ANOVAs). Results We found high adherence and treatment completion rates, a low number of mainly mild adverse events, and high SVR rates (PP: 97.5% [n = 285]; ITT: 84.5% [n = 328]). Missing SVR data in the ITT sample were mainly caused by patients lost to follow-up after treatment completion. Most PROs showed statistically significant but modest improvements over time, with more pronounced improvements in highly impaired patients. Conclusions This real-world study confirms that DAA treatment among OAT patients is feasible, safe, and effective. PROs show that all patients, but particularly those with higher somatic, mental, and social burden, benefit from DAA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Schulte
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christiane S Schmidt
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Manthey
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy & Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lisa Strada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Christensen
- Center for Interdisciplinary Medicine Infectious Diseases, Muenster, Germany.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Muenster University Hospital, Muenster, Germany
| | - Konrad Cimander
- Kompetenzzentrum Suchtmedizin, Infektiologie und Cannabis-Therapie, Hannover, Germany
| | - Herbert Görne
- MediZentrum Hamburg, Praxis für Suchtmedizin, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Norbert Scherbaum
- LVR-Hospital Essen, Department of Addictive Behaviour and Addiction Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Mauss
- Center for HIV and Hepatogastroenterology, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Verthein
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy & Center of Clinical Epidemiology and Longitudinal Studies, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of International Health Projects, Institute for Leadership and Health Management, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Jens Reimer
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, Department of Psychiatry, Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Gesundheit Nord, Bremen, Germany
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10
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Talal AH, Andrews P, Mcleod A, Chen Y, Sylvester C, Markatou M, Brown LS. Integrated, Co-located, Telemedicine-based Treatment Approaches for Hepatitis C Virus Management in Opioid Use Disorder Patients on Methadone. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:323-331. [PMID: 30329042 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciy899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite high hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence, opioid use disorder (OUD) patients on methadone rarely engage in HCV treatment. We investigated the effectiveness of HCV management via telemedicine in an opioid substitution therapy (OST) program. METHODS OUD patients on methadone underwent biweekly telemedicine sessions between a hepatologist and physician assistant during the entire HCV treatment course. All pretreatment labs (HCV RNA, genotype, and noninvasive fibrosis assessments) were obtained onsite and direct-acting antivirals were coadministered with methadone using modified directly observed therapy. We used multiple correspondence analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and logistic regression to identify variables associated with pursuit of HCV care. RESULTS Sixty-two HCV RNA-positive patients (24% human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] infected, 61% male, 61% African American, 25.8% Hispanic) were evaluated. All patients were stabilized on methadone and all except 4 were HCV genotype 1 infected. Advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis was present in 34.5% of patients. Of the 45 treated patients, 42 (93.3%) achieved viral eradication. Of 17 evaluated patients who were not treated, 5 were discontinued from the drug treatment program or did not follow up after the evaluation, 2 had HIV adherence issues, and 10 had insurance authorization issues. Marriage and a mental health diagnosis other than depression were the strongest positive predictors of treatment pursuit, whereas being divorced, separated, or widowed was the strongest negative predictor. CONCLUSIONS HCV management via telemedicine integrated into an OST program is a feasible model with excellent virologic effectiveness. Psychosocial and demographic variables can assist in identification of subgroups with a propensity or aversion to pursue HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York.,START Treatment and Recovery Centers, Brooklyn
| | | | | | - Yang Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
| | | | - Marianthi Markatou
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, State University of New York
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11
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Biondi MJ, Feld JJ. Hepatitis C models of care: approaches to elimination. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:165-176. [PMID: 35991853 PMCID: PMC9202783 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2019-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have an efficacy of 95% or greater, with pangenotypic options. Many regions in Canada have recently abolished the need to demonstrate fibrosis before treatment with DAAs, and several combination therapies are available under public and private insurance coverage. As a result, efforts to increase treatment are largely focused on engaging specific populations and providers. With minimal side effects and decreased need for monitoring, hepatitis C screening, linkage, and treatment can largely be done in a single setting. In this article, we highlight both Canadian and international examples of the specialist's ongoing role and discuss the task shifting of hepatitis C treatment to primary care; specialized community clinics; and mental health, corrections, addictions, and opioid substitution therapy settings. Although specialists continue to support most models of care described in the literature, we highlight the potential for non-specialist care in working toward the elimination of hepatitis C in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia J Biondi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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12
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Biondi MJ, Feld JJ. Hepatitis C models of care: approaches to elimination. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2019-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have an efficacy of 95% or greater, with pangenotypic options. Many regions in Canada have recently abolished the need to demonstrate fibrosis before treatment with DAAs, and several combination therapies are available under public and private insurance coverage. As a result, efforts to increase treatment are largely focused on engaging specific populations and providers. With minimal side effects and decreased need for monitoring, hepatitis C screening, linkage, and treatment can largely be done in a single setting. In this article, we highlight both Canadian and international examples of the specialist’s ongoing role and discuss the task shifting of hepatitis C treatment to primary care; specialized community clinics; and mental health, corrections, addictions, and opioid substitution therapy settings. Although specialists continue to support most models of care described in the literature, we highlight the potential for non-specialist care in working toward the elimination of hepatitis C in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia J Biondi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, Ontario
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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13
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Falade-Nwulia O, Sacamano P, McCormick SD, Yang C, Kirk G, Thomas D, Sulkowski M, Latkin C, Mehta SH. Individual and network factors associated with HCV treatment uptake among people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 78:102714. [PMID: 32135398 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID), a population with disproportionately high rates of HCV, remains low. Peers have been shown to positively impact a broad range of health outcomes for PWID. There is, however, limited data on the impact of PWID social network members on HCV treatment. METHODS HCV-infected PWID enrolled in an ongoing community-based cohort were recruited as "indexes" to complete an egocentric social network survey. The survey elicited from the index PWID a list of their network members and the index's perception of network member characteristics. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to compare individual and network factors associated with HCV treatment in the index PWID. RESULTS Among 540 HCV-infected PWID, the mean age was 55.7 years and the majority were black (87.2%) and male (69.8%). PWID reported a mean of 4.4 (standard deviation [SD] 3.2) network members, most of whom were relatives (mean 2.2 [SD 1.5]). In multivariable analysis, increasing index age and HIV infection were positively associated with HCV treatment, while drug use and homelessness in the preceding 6 months were negatively associated with HCV treatment. From a network perspective, having at least one network member who regularly talked with the index about seeing their doctor for HIV care was associated with HCV treatment (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 2.7; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [1.3, 5.6]). Conversely, PWID who had at least one network member who helped them understand their HCV care were less likely to have been HCV treated (AOR 0.2; CI [0.1, 0.6). CONCLUSION HCV treatment uptake in this group of PWID appeared to be positively influenced by discussions with network members living with HIV who were in care and negatively influenced by HCV information sharing within PWID networks. These findings underscore the influence of peers on health seeking behaviors of their network members and emphasizes the importance of well-informed peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Suite 215, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Paul Sacamano
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sean D McCormick
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Suite 215, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Cui Yang
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Greg Kirk
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Thomas
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Suite 215, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Suite 215, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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14
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Younossi ZM, Stepanova M, Younossi I, Papatheodoridis G, Janssen HLA, Agarwal K, Nguyen MH, Gane E, Tsai N, Nader F. Patient-reported outcomes in patients chronic viral hepatitis without cirrhosis: The impact of hepatitis B and C viral replication. Liver Int 2019; 39:1837-1844. [PMID: 31173468 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM Chronic infections with hepatitis B or C (HBV and HCV) are associated with adverse clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). The aim is to compare PRO scores in patients with chronic HBV and HCV without advanced liver disease before and after suppression/clearance of their infection. METHODS Patients with HCV and HBV infection prior to initiation of antiviral treatment and after viral suppression/eradication completed PRO questionnaires. RESULTS We included 132 patients with HBV and 132 matched patients with HCV. Baseline PRO scores were significantly higher in patients with HBV in the domains of Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, Social Functioning, and Role Emotional of SF-36, SF-6D utility, Emotional and Fatigue domains of CLDQ, Presenteeism and total Work Productivity Impairment of WPAI:SHP in comparison to patients with HCV by 5.8%-13.2% of a PRO score range (all P < 0.05). After viral suppression (HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL after 48 weeks of treatment for HBV) or eradication (SVR-12 for HCV), only Physical Functioning and Role Physical scores remained higher in HBV by 6.7%-9.9%, while other PRO scores became similar between HBV and HCV groups (P > 0.05). The most prominent improvement of PROs in HCV was noted in Vitality, Emotional, Fatigue and Worry domains. In addition, General Health, Worry and Work Productivity scores were the most improved in HBV. CONCLUSIONS Prior to treatment, PRO scores were lower in patients with HCV in comparison to HBV. After successful treatment, both groups of patients experienced improvement in some PRO domains confirming the positive impact of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobair M Younossi
- Center for Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia.,Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Maria Stepanova
- Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Disease, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Issah Younossi
- Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Disease, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kosh Agarwal
- Institute of Liver Studies, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ed Gane
- Auckland Clinical Studies, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Naoky Tsai
- Queens Medical Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Fatema Nader
- Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Disease, Washington, District of Columbia
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15
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Back D, Belperio P, Bondin M, Negro F, Talal AH, Park C, Zhang Z, Pinsky B, Crown E, Mensa FJ, Marra F. Efficacy and safety of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with chronic HCV infection and psychiatric disorders: An integrated analysis. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:951-960. [PMID: 30977945 PMCID: PMC6852431 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are highly efficacious and safe, treatment initiation is often limited in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders due to concerns over reduced treatment adherence and drug-drug interactions. Here, we report adherence, efficacy, safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) from an integrated analysis of registrational studies using the pangenotypic DAA regimen of glecaprevir and pibrentasvir (G/P). Patients with chronic HCV genotypes 1-6 infection with compensated liver disease (with or without cirrhosis) receiving G/P for 8, 12 or 16 weeks were included in this analysis. Patients were classified as having a psychiatric disorder based on medical history and/or co-medications. Primary analyses assessed treatment adherence, efficacy (sustained virologic response at post-treatment week 12; SVR12), safety and PROs. Among 2522 patients receiving G/P, 789 (31%) had a psychiatric disorder with the most common diagnoses being depression (64%; 506/789) and anxiety disorders (27%; 216/789). Treatment adherence was comparably high (>95%) in patients with and without psychiatric disorders. SVR12 rates were 97.3% (768/789; 95% CI = 96.2-98.5) and 97.5% (1689/1733; 95% CI = 96.7-98.2) in patients with and without psychiatric disorders, respectively. Among patients with psychiatric disorders, SVR12 rates remained >96% by individual psychiatric diagnoses and co-medication classes. Overall, most adverse events (AEs) were mild-to-moderate in severity with serious AEs and AEs leading to G/P discontinuation occurring at similarly low rates in both patient populations. In conclusion, G/P treatment was highly efficacious, well-tolerated and demonstrated high adherence rates in patients with chronic HCV infection and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela Belperio
- U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsVA Palo Alto Healthcare SystemPalo AltoCalifornia
| | | | | | - Andrew H. Talal
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical SciencesUniversity of BuffaloBuffaloNew York
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16
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Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a global health problem with chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease being important causes of mortality. Besides its clinical burden, patients with CLD also suffer from impairment of their health-related quality of life and other patient-reported outcomes (PRO). In this context, a combination of both clinical and PROs will allow assessment of the comprehensive burden of liver disease on patients. PROs cannot be observed directly and must be assessed by validated questionnaires or tools. Various tools have been developed to accurately measure PROs in patients with CLD, including generic and disease-specific questionnaires such as Short Form-36, Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire and its subtypes. It is important to note that PRO instruments can be used to appreciate the impact of the natural history of CLD or of treatment on patients' experiences. This review summarizes PRO assessment in different types of liver disease and different tools useful to investigators and clinicians who are interested in this aspect of patients' experience.
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17
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Høj SB, Jacka B, Minoyan N, Artenie AA, Bruneau J. Conceptualising access in the direct-acting antiviral era: An integrated framework to inform research and practice in HCV care for people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 72:11-23. [PMID: 31003825 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy costs fall and eligibility criteria are relaxed, people who inject drugs (PWID) will increasingly become eligible for HCV treatment. Yet eligibility does not necessarily equate to access. Amidst efforts to expand treatment uptake in this population, we seek to synthesise and clarify the conceptual underpinnings of access to health care for PWID, with a view to informing research and practice. Integrating dominant frameworks of health service utilisation, care seeking processes, and ecological perspectives on health promotion, we present a comprehensive theoretical framework to understand, investigate and intervene upon barriers and facilitators to HCV care for PWID. Built upon the concept of Candidacy, the framework describes access to care as a continually negotiated product of the alignment between individuals, health professionals, and health systems. Individuals must identify themselves as candidates for services and then work to stake this claim; health professionals serve as gatekeepers, adjudicating asserted candidacies within the context of localised operating conditions; and repeated interactions build experiential knowledge and patient-practitioner relationships, influencing identification and assertion of candidacy over time. These processes occur within a complex social ecology of interdependent individual, service, system, and policy factors, on which other established theories provide guidance. There is a pressing need for a deliberate and nuanced theory of health care access to complement efforts to document the HCV 'cascade of care' among PWID. We offer this framework as an organising device for observational research, intervention, and implementation science to expand access to HCV care in this vulnerable population. Using practical examples from the HCV literature, we demonstrate its utility for specifying research questions and intervention targets across multiple levels of influence; describing and testing plausible effect mechanisms; and identifying potential threats to validity or barriers to research translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Bordier Høj
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada.
| | - Brendan Jacka
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Nanor Minoyan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada; École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Andreea Adelina Artenie
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada; École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de Médicine Familiale et Médecine d'Urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.
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18
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Goutzamanis S, Doyle J, Higgs P, Hellard M. Improving hepatitis C direct-acting antiviral access and uptake: A role for patient-reported outcomes and lived experience. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:218-223. [PMID: 30315689 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus contributes to substantial and growing mortality and morbidity. Fortunately, the advent of highly effective interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications and new diagnostic tests has the potential to dramatically alter the epidemiologic trajectory of hepatitis C, particularly for "hard-to-reach" populations. Treatment advances and cure will also likely alter the individual experience of living with hepatitis C. However, it is not yet known in what capacity. This paper provides an overview of the population-level impact of DAA treatment, highlighting the need to further our understanding of the impact of treatment on behaviour, health and wellbeing through lived experience and more sensitive patient-reported outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelliana Goutzamanis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Population Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Population Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
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19
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Falade-Nwulia O, Irvin R, Merkow A, Sulkowski M, Niculescu A, Olsen Y, Stoller K, Thomas DL, Latkin C, Mehta SH. Barriers and facilitators of hepatitis C treatment uptake among people who inject drugs enrolled in opioid treatment programs in Baltimore. J Subst Abuse Treat 2019; 100:45-51. [PMID: 30898327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2019.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health issue among people who inject drugs (PWID) with prevalence of 50-80% in the United States. Effective, simple, oral direct acting agents (DAA) of short duration with minimal side effects have been associated with cure rates > 95%. However, HCV treatment uptake among PWID remains low. We characterized the HCV care continuum, HCV treatment knowledge, as well as barriers and facilitators to HCV treatment uptake among PWID enrolled in two opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. METHODS Between July and November 2016, 124 HCV infected PWID were recruited from two opioid treatment programs in Baltimore through convenience sampling. Participants completed a 50-item questionnaire to assess HCV treatment knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Progress through the HCV care continuum was assessed based on a series of questions assessing evaluation for HCV treatment, recommendation for HCV treatment by a provider, and HCV treatment initiation. HCV status was assessed based on participant self-report. RESULTS The median age was 52 years (IQR 44-58), 56% were male, the majority were African American (69%), and 19% reported HIV coinfection. Participants had been tested for HCV at their primary care provider's (PCP's) office (34%), drug treatment center (20%), emergency room (11%), or prison (9%), and most (60%) had been diagnosed with HCV over 5 years prior. The majority reported that HCV was a major health concern for them (91%), were aware there were new treatments for HCV (89%), and that the new treatments cure most people (69%). More than half (60%) had seen a health professional who could treat HCV, 40% had HCV therapy recommended by their HCV specialist, and 20% had started or completed treatment. In univariable analysis, PWID were significantly more likely to have been treated if they were HIV co-infected (OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.3-9.2)) or had a partner or friend concerned about their HCV (OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.2-9.7)), and were significantly less likely to have been treated if they had used any illicit drugs in the preceding 6 months (OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.2-0.99). In multivariable analysis, having a friend or partner concerned about their HCV remained significantly associated with HCV treatment (OR 5.0 (95% CI 1.4-17.7)). When questioned about what would facilitate HCV treatment, the majority (85%) reported that a friend telling them that HCV treatment had helped them and having HCV treatment provided at their opioid treatment program would make them more likely to engage in HCV treatment. CONCLUSION Despite a high prevalence of HCV among opioid treatment program patients and the availability of effective treatments, uptake remains low. We identified several key barriers and facilitators that can affect HCV treatment uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Risha Irvin
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Alana Merkow
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Alexander Niculescu
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Yngvild Olsen
- Institute for Behavior Resources, Inc, REACH Health Services, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Stoller
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - David L Thomas
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Carl Latkin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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20
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Ioannou GN, Feld JJ. What Are the Benefits of a Sustained Virologic Response to Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus Infection? Gastroenterology 2019; 156:446-460.e2. [PMID: 30367836 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are safe and effective at eradicating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Unfortunately, DAAs remain expensive, so treatment of all HCV-infected patients would substantially affect health care costs. It is therefore important to continue to assess the hepatic and extrahepatic benefits of a DAA-induced sustained virologic response (SVR). A DAA-induced SVR reduces a patient's risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection; there are also data to indicate that an SVR can reduce mortality. SVR is a relevant clinical end point, but further analyses are required to confirm its importance among diverse HCV-infected populations and to document the public health benefits of HCV elimination at the population level. We review the evidence for the benefits associated with SVRs in different clinical settings and challenges to data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N Ioannou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System and University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; Research and Development, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, Washington.
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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21
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Burden of disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C in the Austrian REAL study. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2018; 131:8-16. [PMID: 30430232 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-018-1404-2] [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: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The direct-acting antiviral regimen of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBV/PTV/r) ± dasabuvir (DSV) ± ribavirin (RBV) is approved to treat patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection genotypes 1 or 4, including compensated cirrhosis. The aim of the prospective, multicenter, observational REAL study was to provide evidence of the effectiveness of this regimen in an Austrian real-world setting and to determine the impact on patient-reported outcomes (PROs). METHODS Effectiveness was defined as sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12). EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level (EQ-5D-5L) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment HepC v2.0 (WPAI) questionnaires were used to assess PROs. RESULTS A total of 173 patients were enrolled. The SVR12 was 95.9% (140/146) in the core population with sufficient follow-up (i. e. patients without SVR12 data not due to efficacy/safety reasons, such as lost to follow-up, were excluded) and 84.8% (140/165) in the core population (CP). Data at all timepoints for the EQ-5D-5L index score and visual analog scale and the total activity impairment score of the WPAI were available for 88, 95 and 72 patients, respectively. All PROs remained generally unaltered during treatment with OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV but showed a statistically significant (p < 0.01) improvement 12 weeks after the end of treatment versus baseline. CONCLUSIONS These are the first data on PROs in a real-world setting with OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV treatment; this study demonstrated that treatment did not negatively impact quality of life. Results from the Austrian REAL study support the effectiveness of OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV in patients with CHC genotype 1 and 4 in everyday clinical practice.
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22
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Younossi Z, Papatheodoridis G, Cacoub P, Negro F, Wedemeyer H, Henry L, Hatzakis A. The comprehensive outcomes of hepatitis C virus infection: A multi-faceted chronic disease. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25 Suppl 3:6-14. [PMID: 30398294 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been revolutionized with the introduction of pangenotypic, interferon- and ribavirin-free regimens associated with high cure rates and a low side effect profile. Additionally, there is evidence that HCV cure reduces HCV complications, improves patient-reported outcomes and is cost-saving in most western countries in the long term. This is a review of the comprehensive burden of HCV and the value of eliminating HCV infection. With the introduction of the interferon-free all-oral, once a day pill treatment regimen for the cure of HCV, the potential to eliminate HCV by 2030 has become a possibility for some regions of the world. Nevertheless, there are barriers to screening, linkage to care, and treatment in many countries that must be overcome in order to reach this goal. In conclusion, globally, work must continue to ensure national policies are in place to support screening, linkage to care and affordable treatment in order to eliminate HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobair Younossi
- Department of Medicine, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia.,Beatty Center for Integrated Research, Inova Health System, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Georgios Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens Laiko, Athens, Greece
| | - Patrice Cacoub
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, AP HP Hôpital La Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 7087, INSERM UMR S-959, DHU I2B, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Linda Henry
- Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Disease, Washington D.C
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Hepatitis B and C Public Policy Association, L-2453 , Luxembourg
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23
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Perumalswami PV, Talal AH. Improvements in Quality of Life: A New Indication for Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Persons With Substance Use Disorders. J Infect Dis 2017; 217:1020-1023. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ponni V Perumalswami
- Division of Hepatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
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