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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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Conway B, Yi S, Yung R, Sharma S. GRAND PLAN: Safety and Efficacy of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among People Initially Disengaged From Health Care Who Use Drugs-A Systematic Multidisciplinary Approach. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofad638. [PMID: 38444819 PMCID: PMC10914366 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background GRAND PLAN is a prospective, open-label, phase 4 study. Based at a single center and with a single arm, GRAND PLAN evaluated the safety and efficacy of an 8-week course of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) among active drug users with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a population enriched for factors that may reduce treatment uptake and success, such as disengagement from health care and unstable housing. Methods Participants were ≥19 years old and actively using drugs and were confirmed viremic, noncirrhotic, and HCV treatment naive. All participants provided informed consent before any study procedures. They received G/P for 8 weeks within a multidisciplinary model of care, with daily, weekly, or monthly dispensing of medications to optimize adherence. Results We identified 117 eligible patients with a median age of 46 years (range, 22-75): 27% were female, 21.4% were Indigenous, 48.7% were unstably housed, and 95.7% were active drug users (94.9% fentanyl). One patient did not start treatment, and 4 underwent <1 week of treatment, leaving 112 completed treatments with 94.6% picking up medications weekly. HCV RNA was undetectable at the end of treatment in all 112 patients. One died of unknown causes shortly after treatment. A cure was demonstrated in 108 of 111 (97.3%) cases at the SVR12 time point (sustained virologic response at ≥12 weeks); the other 3 experienced virologic relapse. Considering the entire cohort, the intent-to-treat success rate was 92.3% (108/117). HCV reinfection was documented at SVR24 in 5 cases, 2 of which were successfully retreated. Conclusions GRAND PLAN demonstrates that administration of an 8-week course of G/P to inner-city residents with HCV infection leads to a cure >95%. With a short course of treatment, G/P is an attractive option for this population in helping us achieve the World Health Organization's HCV objectives by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shana Yi
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Rossitta Yung
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shawn Sharma
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Center, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Tay WX, Koh SJ, Teh FKB, Tan YB, Qiu TY, Mai LW, Wong VLX, Tan J, Kwek A, Fock KM, Ang TL, Kumar R, Wong YJ. Minimal monitoring is a safe but underutilised strategy for hepatitis C virus management in Singapore. ANNALS OF THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE, SINGAPORE 2023; 52:321-323. [PMID: 38904513 DOI: 10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.202347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is estimated to affect 57 million people globally.1 Despite the availability of safe and effective pan-genotypic direct acting antivirals,2-5 many countries have yet to achieve the WHO goal of HCV elimination by 2030.1
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francis Kok Ban Teh
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yu Bin Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Tian Yu Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Linn War Mai
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Jessica Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Andrew Kwek
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, SingHealth, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Kwong Ming Fock
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, SingHealth, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Tiing Leong Ang
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, SingHealth, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, SingHealth, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Yu Jun Wong
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
- Medicine Academic Clinical Programme, SingHealth, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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Nyein PP, Tillakeratne S, Phyu S, Yee MM, Lwin MM, Htike KL, Aung MT, Grebely J, Applegate T, Hanson J, Matthews G, Lin KS. Evaluation of Simplified HCV Diagnostics in HIV/HCV Co-Infected Patients in Myanmar. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020521. [PMID: 36851736 PMCID: PMC9967037 DOI: 10.3390/v15020521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate a decentralised testing model and simplified treatment protocol of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to facilitate treatment scale-up in Myanmar, this prospective, observational study recruited HIV-HCV co-infected outpatients receiving sofosbuvir/daclatasvir in Yangon, Myanmar. The study examined the outcomes and factors associated with a sustained virological response (SVR). A decentralised "hub-and-spoke" testing model was evaluated where fingerstick capillary specimens were transported by taxi and processed centrally. The performance of the Xpert HCV VL Fingerstick Assay in detecting HCV RNA was compared to the local standard of care ( plasma HCV RNA collected by venepuncture). Between January 2019 and February 2020, 162 HCV RNA-positive individuals were identified; 154/162 (95%) initiated treatment, and 128/154 (84%) returned for their SVR12 visit. A SVR was achieved in 119/154 (77%) participants in the intent-to-treat population and 119/128 (93%) participants in the modified-intent-to-treat population. Individuals receiving an antiretroviral therapy were more likely to achieve a SVR (with an odds ratio (OR) of 7.16, 95% CI 1.03-49.50), while those with cirrhosis were less likely (OR: 0.26, 95% CI 0.07-0.88). The sensitivity of the Xpert HCV VL Fingerstick Assay was 99.4% (95% CI 96.7-100.0), and the specificity was 99.2% (95% CI 95.9-99.9). A simplified treatment protocol using a hub-and-spoke testing model of fingerstick capillary specimens can achieve an SVR rate in LMIC comparable to well-resourced high-income settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shane Tillakeratne
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Sabai Phyu
- Department of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Specialist Hospital Waibargi, Yangon W5C4+6J7, Myanmar
| | | | - Mya Mya Lwin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Medicine 2, Yangon 644-704, Myanmar
| | - Kyaw Linn Htike
- Myanmar-Australia Research Collaboration for Health Laboratory, Yangon W5C4+6J7, Myanmar
| | - May Thu Aung
- Myanmar-Australia Research Collaboration for Health Laboratory, Yangon W5C4+6J7, Myanmar
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Tanya Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Josh Hanson
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Cairns North, QLD 4870, Australia
| | - Gail Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kyaw Swar Lin
- Specialist Hospital Mingaladon, Yangon X42H+J4, Myanmar
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Finbråten AK, Eckhardt BJ, Kapadia SN, Marks KM. Rapid Treatment Initiation for Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Potential Benefits, Current Limitations, and Real-World Examples. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) 2022; 18:628-638. [PMID: 36866028 PMCID: PMC9972665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The science for rapid treatment initiation for hepatitis C virus infection is in place. Easy and quick diagnostic tools can provide results within an hour. Necessary assessment before treatment initiation is now minimal and manageable. Treatment has a low dose burden and high tolerability. Although the critical components for rapid treatment are accessible, certain barriers prevent wider utilization, including insurance restrictions and delays in the health care system. Rapid treatment initiation can improve linkage to care by addressing many barriers to care at once, which is essential for achieving a care plateau. Young people with low health care engagement, finitely engaged people (eg, those who are incarcerated), or people with high-risk injection drug behavior, and thereby high risk for transmission of hepatitis C virus, can benefit the most from rapid treatment. Several innovative care models have demonstrated the potential for rapid treatment initiation by overcoming barriers to care with rapid diagnostic testing, decentralization, and simplification. Expanding these models is likely to be an important component for the elimination of hepatitis C virus infection. This article reviews the current motivation for rapid treatment initiation for hepatitis C virus infection and published literature describing rapid treatment initiation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane-Kristine Finbråten
- 1Commonwealth Fund, New York, New York,2Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Benjamin J. Eckhardt
- 3Division of Infectious Disease and Immunology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Shashi N. Kapadia
- 2Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York,4Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Kristen M. Marks
- 4Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
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Solomon SS, Wagner-Cardoso S, Smeaton L, Sowah LA, Wimbish C, Robbins G, Brates I, Scello C, Son A, Avihingsanon A, Linas B, Anthony D, Nunes EP, Kliemann DA, Supparatpinyo K, Kityo C, Tebas P, Bennet JA, Santana-Bagur J, Benson CA, Van Schalkwyk M, Cheinquer N, Naggie S, Wyles D, Sulkowski M. A minimal monitoring approach for the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection (ACTG A5360 [MINMON]): a phase 4, open-label, single-arm trial. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:307-317. [PMID: 35026142 PMCID: PMC8920770 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00397-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite widespread availability of direct-acting antivirals including generic formulations, limited progress has been made in the global adoption of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. Barriers to treatment scale-up include availability and access to diagnostic and monitoring tests, health-care infrastructure, and requirement for frequent visits during treatment. METHODS ACTG A5360 was a phase 4, open-label, single-arm trial across 38 sites in Brazil, South Africa, Thailand, Uganda, and the USA. Key inclusion criteria were age of 18 years or older, evidence of active HCV infection (HCV RNA >1000 IU/mL) and HCV treatment-naive; patients with compensated cirrhosis and HIV/HCV co-infection were included but their enrolment was capped. All participants received a fixed dose combination of oral sofosbuvir (400 mg) and velpatasvir (100 mg) once daily for 12 weeks. The minimal monitoring (MINMON) approach consisted of four components: (1) there was no pre-treatment genotyping; (2) the entire treatment course (84 tablets) was dispensed at entry; (3) there were no scheduled visits or laboratory monitoring; and (4) there were two points of remote contact, at week 4 for adherence and week 22, to schedule outcome assessment at week 24 (-2 weeks to +4 weeks). Participants who missed the week 24 window could return for a visit to assess treatment response any time before week 72. Unplanned visits for any reason were permissible before the week 24 visit. The primary efficacy outcome was sustained virological response (SVR), defined as HCV RNA less than the lower limit of quantification measured at least 22 weeks post-treatment initiation; the primary safety outcome was serious adverse events. The primary efficacy analysis included all participants who initiated treatment, using a missing=failure approach. The primary safety analysis included all participants who initiated treatment and had at least one post-treatment assessment. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03512210. FINDINGS Between Oct 22, 2018, and July 19, 2019, 400 participants were enrolled across all 38 sites; 399 initiated treatment. At the SVR assessment visit, 355 (89%) of 397 participants reported taking 100% of the trial medication during the 12-week treatment period; two patients did not have any follow-up visits after the entry visit and were excluded from the safety analyses. Overall, 379 of the 399 who initiated treatment had an SVR (95·0%, 95% CI 92·4-96·7). 14 (4%) of 397 participants reported serious adverse events between treatment initiation and week 28; none were treatment related or led to treatment discontinuation or death. 15 (4%) of 399 participants had unplanned visits; none were related to treatment. INTERPRETATION In this diverse global population of people with HCV, the MINMON approach with sofosbuvir-velpatasvir treatment was safe and achieved SVR comparable to standard monitoring observed in real-world data. Coupled with innovative case finding strategies, this strategy could be crucial to the global HCV elimination agenda. FUNDING US National Institutes of Health and Gilead Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil S Solomon
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - Laura Smeaton
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Irena Brates
- Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christine Scello
- Frontier Science & Technology Research Foundation, Inc, Amherst, NY, USA
| | - Annie Son
- Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA, USA
| | - Anchalee Avihingsanon
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre and TB RU, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Cissy Kityo
- Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Pablo Tebas
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jaclyn Ann Bennet
- Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Constance A Benson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Marije Van Schalkwyk
- Family Centre for Research with Ubuntu, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - David Wyles
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mark Sulkowski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Kislovskiy Y, Chappell C, Flaherty E, Hamm ME, Cameron FDA, Krans EE, Chang JC. Experiences and Perspectives From Women Taking Investigational Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus During Pregnancy. Subst Abuse 2021; 15:11782218211046261. [PMID: 34602820 PMCID: PMC8481705 DOI: 10.1177/11782218211046261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Describe the experiences and perspectives among pregnant people with chronic HCV infection receiving ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) therapy during pregnancy. METHODS We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews within an open-label, phase 1 study of LDV/SOF therapy among pregnant people with chronic HCV infection. Participants took 12 weeks of LDV/SOF and were interviewed at enrollment and again at the end of treatment. We transcribed the interviews verbatim and coded them with NVivo software for subsequent inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Nine pregnant people completed the study, leading to 18 interview transcripts. All participants identified as women. Eight women acquired HCV through injection drug use, and 1 through perinatal transmission. We identified 3 themes. (1) Treatment for HCV during pregnancy with LDV/SOF was tolerable and convenient. (2) Women described that taking investigational LDV/SOF increased their self-esteem and sense of well-being due to possible cure from HCV, and they felt that the experience of working hard to achieve cure may potentially prevent return to drug abuse in the future. (3) Women appreciated researchers and providers that gave non-judgmental care and communicated honestly, and preferred person-centered care that acknowledges women's individual needs. CONCLUSIONS Women stated that cure from HCV would be "life-changing," and described antepartum treatment for HCV with LDV/SOF as tolerable and desired, when provided by non-judgmental providers. Antepartum treatment was found to be acceptable by study participants and should be further evaluated to combat the increasing HCV epidemic among young persons, including pregnant people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasaswi Kislovskiy
- Department of OB/Gyn and Women’s Institute, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Catherine Chappell
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Emily Flaherty
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Megan E Hamm
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Flor de Abril Cameron
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Krans
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Judy C Chang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Olafsson S, Fridriksdottir RH, Love TJ, Tyrfingsson T, Runarsdottir V, Hansdottir I, Bergmann OM, Björnsson ES, Johannsson B, Sigurdardottir B, Löve A, Baldvinsdottir GE, Hernandez UB, Gudnason T, Heimisdottir M, Hellard M, Gottfredsson M. Cascade of care during the first 36 months of the treatment as prevention for hepatitis C (TraP HepC) programme in Iceland: a population-based study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:628-637. [PMID: 34171267 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(21)00137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WHO has set targets to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as a global health threat by 2030 through a 65% reduction in HCV-related deaths and 80% reduction in HCV incidence. To achieve these goals, WHO set service coverage targets of 90% of the infected population being diagnosed and 80% of eligible patients being treated. In February, 2016, Iceland initiated a nationwide HCV elimination programme known as treatment as prevention for hepatitis C (TraP HepC), which aimed to maximise diagnosis and treatment access. This analysis reports on the HCV cascade of care in the first 3 years of the programme. METHODS This population-based study was done between Feb 10, 2016, and Feb 10, 2019. Participants aged 18 years or older with permanent residence in Iceland and PCR-confirmed HCV were offered direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. The programme used a multidisciplinary team approach in which people who inject drugs were prioritised. Nationwide awareness campaigns, improved access to testing, and harm reduction services were scaled up simultaneously. The number of infected people in the national HCV registry was used in combination with multiple other data sources, including screening of low-risk groups and high-risk groups, to estimate the total number of HCV infections. The number of people diagnosed, linked to care, initiated on treatment, and cured were recorded during the study. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02647879. FINDINGS In February, 2016, at the onset of the programme, 760 (95% CI 690-851) individuals were estimated to have HCV infection, with 75 (95% CI 6-166) individuals undiagnosed. 682 individuals were confirmed to be HCV PCR positive. Over the next 3 years, 183 new infections (including 42 reinfections) were diagnosed, for a total of 865 infections in 823 individuals. It was estimated that more than 90% of all domestic HCV infections had been diagnosed as early as January, 2017. During the 3 years, 824 (95·3%) of diagnosed infections were linked to care, and treatment was initiated for 795 (96·5%) of infections linked to care. Cure was achieved for 717 (90·2%) of 795 infections. INTERPRETATION By using a multidisciplinary public health approach, involving tight integration with addiction treatment services, the core service coverage targets for 2030 set by WHO have been reached. These achievements position Iceland to be among the first nations to subsequently achieve the WHO goal of eliminating HCV as a public health threat. FUNDING The Icelandic Government and Gilead Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigurdur Olafsson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - Ragnheidur H Fridriksdottir
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Thorvardur J Love
- Department of Science, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | | | - Ingunn Hansdottir
- Faculty of Psychology, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland; SAA National Center for Addiction Medicine, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ottar M Bergmann
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Einar S Björnsson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Birgir Johannsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Bryndis Sigurdardottir
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Arthur Löve
- Department of Virology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Gudrun E Baldvinsdottir
- Department of Virology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ubaldo Benitez Hernandez
- Department of Science, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Maria Heimisdottir
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland; Icelandic Health Insurance, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Magnus Gottfredsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Department of Science, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
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9
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Sulkowski MS. Minimal Monitoring of Treatment for Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y) 2021; 17:230-232. [PMID: 34924891 PMCID: PMC8667377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Sulkowski
- Professor of Medicine Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, Maryland
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