1
|
Reiberger T, Lens S, Cabibbo G, Nahon P, Zignego AL, Deterding K, Elsharkawy AM, Forns X. EASL position paper on clinical follow-up after HCV cure. J Hepatol 2024; 81:326-344. [PMID: 38845253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024]
Abstract
Following the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be cured in almost all infected patients. This has led to a number of clinical questions regarding the optimal management of the millions of patients cured of HCV. This position statement provides specific guidance on the appropriate follow-up after a sustained virological response in patients without advanced fibrosis, those with compensated advanced chronic liver disease, and those with decompensated cirrhosis. Guidance on hepatocellular carcinoma risk assessment and the management of extrahepatic manifestations of HCV is also provided. Finally, guidance is provided on the monitoring and treatment of reinfection in at-risk patients. The recommendations are based on the best available evidence and are intended to help healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients after treatment for HCV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabela Lens
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona. IDIBAPS. Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd). University of Barcelona. Spain
| | - Giuseppe Cabibbo
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties PROMISE, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Pierre Nahon
- AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Seine Saint-Denis, Liver Unit, Bobigny; Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, F-93000 Bobigny; Inserm, UMR-1138 "Functional Genomics of Solid Tumors", Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Université de Paris, France
| | - Anna Linda Zignego
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Katja Deterding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School. Germany
| | - Ahmed M Elsharkawy
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Xavier Forns
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic Barcelona. IDIBAPS. Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERehd). University of Barcelona. Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Johnson A, Shearer J, Thompson C, Jelley R, Aldridge J, Allsop C, Kerry J, Jones D, McCullough F, Miller C, Valappil M, Taha Y, Masson S, Jefferson T, Lawton C, Christensen L, McPherson S. Impact of 5 years of hepatitis C testing and treatment in the North East of England prisons. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:914-921. [PMID: 37700492 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is prevalent in prisons. Therefore, effective prison HCV services are critical for HCV elimination programmes. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a regional HCV prison testing and treatment programme. Between July 2017 and June 2022, data were collected prospectively on HCV test offer and uptake rates, HCV Antibody (HCV-Ab) and HCV-RNA positivity, treatment starts and outcomes for new inmates incarcerated in three prisons. Rates of HCV-Ab and RNA positivity at reception, incidence of new HCV infections and reinfection following treatment were determined. From a total of 39,652 receptions, 33,028 (83.3%) were offered HCV testing and 20,394 (61.7%) completed testing. Including all receptions, 24.5% of tests (n = 4995) were HCV-Ab positive and 8.4% of tests (n = 1713) were HCV-RNA positive. When considering the first test for each individual (median age 34 years; 88.1% male), 14.8% (n = 1869) and 7.2% (n = 905) were HCV-Ab and HCV-RNA positive, respectively. The incidence of new HCV-Ab and RNA positivity was 5.1 and 3.3 per 100 person-years, respectively. Of 1145 HCV viraemic individuals, 18 died within 6 months and 150 were rapidly transferred out of area, leaving 977 individuals with outcomes. Of these, 835 (85.5%) received antivirals and 47 spontaneously cleared the infection, leaving 95 (9.7%) untreated. 607 (72.7%) achieved SVR. 95 patients had reinfection post-treatment (rate 10.1 cases per 100 person-years). Testing for HCV has increased in our prisons and the majority with viraemia are initiated on antiviral treatment. Reassuringly, a significant fall in frequency of HCV-RNA positivity at prison reception was observed suggesting progress towards HCV elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Johnson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jessica Shearer
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ryan Jelley
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Caroline Allsop
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jenna Kerry
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dee Jones
- Spectrum Community Health, Wakefield, UK
| | - Francesca McCullough
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Carolyn Miller
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Manoj Valappil
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Yusri Taha
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven Masson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | - Stuart McPherson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hibbert M, Simmons R, Harris H, Desai M, Sabin CA, Mandal S. Investigating rates and risk factors for hepatitis C virus reinfection in people receiving antiviral treatment in England. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:646-655. [PMID: 36929670 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13835] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
England has committed to the World Health Organization target to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public threat by the year 2030. Given successful treatments for HCV in recent years, it is unclear whether HCV reinfection will impact England's ability to achieve HCV elimination. We aimed to estimate the HCV reinfection rate among a cohort of patients receiving antiviral treatment using available surveillance data. Linkage between a treatment dataset from 2015 to 2019 and an HCV RNA testing dataset were used to identify people who experienced reinfection using three criteria. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine risk factors associated with HCV reinfection among a cohort who received treatment and had follow-up HCV RNA testing. The reinfection rate among those receiving HCV treatment was 7.91 per 100 person-years (PYs, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.37-8.49) and highest among current injecting drug users (22.55 per 100 PYs, 95% CI 19.98-25.46) and people who had been in prison (20.42 per 100 PYs, 95% CI 17.21-24.24). In the adjusted model, women had a significantly reduced risk of reinfection. Being of younger age, current injecting drug users, and receipt of first treatment in prison were each significantly associated with increased risk of reinfection. Two-fifths of those with reinfection (43%, n = 329/767) were linked to treatment after reinfection, and of those starting treatment, three quarters (75%, n = 222/296) achieved a sustained virologic response. Guidance for testing groups at risk of reinfection and harm reduction strategies to minimize transmission should be implemented if England is to achieve HCV elimination targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hibbert
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UKHSA, London, UK
| | - Ruth Simmons
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UKHSA, London, UK
| | - Helen Harris
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
| | - Monica Desai
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UKHSA, London, UK
| | - Caroline A Sabin
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UKHSA, London, UK
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Sema Mandal
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), London, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with UKHSA, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lindqvist K, Thorin Z, Kåberg M. Real-world hepatitis C treatment outcomes and reinfections among people who inject drugs at a needle and syringe program in Stockholm, Sweden. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:72. [PMID: 37308951 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00801-1] [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: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) represent a population with an increased prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) infections. HCV treatment among PWID is essential to reach the WHO goal of eliminating HCV as a major public health threat by 2030. Despite better understanding of PWID subgroups and changes in risk behaviors over time, more knowledge about HCV treatment outcomes in different HCV prevalence populations and settings is warranted to enhance the continuum of care. METHODS All Stockholm Needle and Syringe Program (NSP) participants who initiated HCV treatment between October 2017 and June 2020 were HCV RNA tested at end of treatment and twelve weeks thereafter to confirm cure with a sustained virological response (SVR). All cured participants were prospectively followed from SVR to the last negative HCV RNA test or a subsequent reinfection, until October 31, 2021. RESULTS Overall, 409 NSP participants initiated HCV treatment, 162 at the NSP and 247 in another treatment setting. There were a total of 6.4% treatment dropouts (n = 26), 11.7% among participants treated at the NSP and 2.8% among those treated elsewhere (p < 0.001). Stimulant use (p < 0.05) and not being in an opioid agonist treatment program (p < 0.05) was associated with dropout. More participants treated outside the NSP were lost to follow-up between end of treatment and SVR (p < 0.05). During follow-up post-SVR, 43 reinfections occurred, corresponding to a reinfection rate of 9.3/100 PY (95% CI 7.0, 12.3). Factors associated with reinfection were younger age (p < 0.001), treatment while in prison (p < 0.01) and homelessness (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION In this high HCV prevalence NSP setting, with a majority of stimulant users, treatment success was high and the level of reinfections manageable. To reach HCV elimination, there is a need to target specific PWID subgroups for HCV treatment, in both harm reduction and adjacent healthcare settings frequented by PWID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Lindqvist
- Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Needle Syringe Program, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Z Thorin
- Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Needle Syringe Program, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Kåberg
- Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm Needle Syringe Program, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Sprututbytet, S:t Görans Sjukhus, Akutvägen 29, 112 81, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Young J, Wang S, Lanièce Delaunay C, Cooper CL, Cox J, Gill MJ, Hull M, Walmsley S, Wong A, Klein MB. The rate of hepatitis C reinfection in Canadians coinfected with HIV and its implications for national elimination. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 114:103981. [PMID: 36893502 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103981] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set targets for the rate of new infections as a way to measure progress towards the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public health threat. As more people are successfully treated for HCV, a higher proportion of new infections will be reinfections. We consider whether the reinfection rate has changed since the interferon era and what we can infer about national elimination efforts from the current reinfection rate. METHODS The Canadian Coinfection Cohort is representative of HIV HCV coinfected people in clinical care. We selected cohort participants successfully treated for a primary HCV infection either in the interferon era or in the era of direct acting antivirals (DAAs). Selected participants were followed from 12 weeks after completing a successful treatment until the end of 2019 or until their last measured HCV RNA. We estimated the reinfection rate in each treatment era, overall and in participant subgroups, using proportional hazard models appropriate for interval censored data. RESULTS Among 814 successfully treated participants with additional HCV RNA measurements, there were 62 reinfections. The overall reinfection rate was 2.6 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.2-4.1) /100 person years (PY) in the interferon era and 3.4 (95% CI 2.5-4.4) /100 PY in the DAA era. The rate in those reporting injection drug use (IDU) was much higher: 4.7 (95% CI 1.4-7.9) /100 PY and 7.6 (95% CI 5.3-10) /100 PY in the interferon and DAA eras respectively. CONCLUSION The overall reinfection rate in our cohort is now above the WHO target set for new infections in people who inject drugs. The reinfection rate in those reporting IDU has increased since the interferon era. This suggests Canada is not on track to achieve HCV elimination by 2030.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jim Young
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H4A3S5, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Suite 1200, Montreal, Quebec H3A1G1, Canada.
| | - Shouao Wang
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H4A3S5, Canada
| | - Charlotte Lanièce Delaunay
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H4A3S5, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Suite 1200, Montreal, Quebec H3A1G1, Canada
| | - Curtis L Cooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 725 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa K1Y4E9, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Suite 1200, Montreal, Quebec H3A1G1, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, Quebec H4A3J1, Canada
| | - M John Gill
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive, Calgary, Alberta T2N1N4, Canada
| | - Mark Hull
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Colombia V6Z1Y6, Canada
| | - Sharon Walmsley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 6 Queen's Park Crescent West, Toronto. Ontario M5S3H2, Canada
| | - Alexander Wong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N5E5, Canada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montreal, Quebec H4A3S5, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Suite 1200, Montreal, Quebec H3A1G1, Canada; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montreal, Quebec H4A3J1, Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z1Y6, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Myring G, Lim AG, Hollingworth W, McLeod H, Beer L, Vickerman P, Hickman M, Radley A, Dillon JF. Cost-effectiveness of pharmacy-led versus conventionally delivered antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in patients receiving opioid substitution therapy: An economic evaluation alongside a pragmatic cluster randomised trial. J Infect 2022; 85:676-682. [PMID: 36170895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elimination targets for hepatitis C have been set across the world. In the UK almost 90% of infections are in people who inject drugs. Evidence shows community case-finding is effective at identifying and treating undiagnosed patients. The aim of this analysis was to assess, from a healthcare provider perspective, the cost-effectiveness of a new pharmacist-led test and treat pathway for hepatitis C in opioid agonist treatment (OAT) patients attending community pharmacies compared to conventional care. METHODS In a cluster randomised controlled trial, pharmacies were randomised to the pharmacist-led or conventional care pathway. Mean cost per OAT patient and per patient initiating treatment was identified for each pathway. A Markov model tracking disease progression was developed, with a 50-year time horizon and 3·5% time discount rate, to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained and the probability of being cost-effective at a £30,000 per QALY willingness-to-pay threshold. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed for a range of drug discounts, re-infection rates, and model assumptions. FINDINGS Mean cost per OAT patient (£3,674 vs £1,965) and per patient initiating treatment (£863 vs £404) was higher in the pharmacist-led pathway, due to higher uptake of testing and pharmacist time requirements. Over a 50-year time horizon the ICER per QALY gained was £31,612 at NHS indicative price for treatment (£38,979 for 12 weeks) and 12·1/100 person-years re-infection rate, reducing to £21,027/£10,220/-£501 per QALY gained with 30%/60%/90% drug price discounts and £25,373/£21,738/£14,912 per QALY gained at re-infection rates of 8/5/2 per 100 person-years. At 30%/60%/90% drug discount rates, the pharmacist-led pathway has an 80%/98%/100% probability of being cost-effective. INTERPRETATION The pharmacist-led pathway is effective at increasing testing and treatment uptake, with cost-effectiveness being highly dependent on drug price discounts. FUNDING Trial funding provided by the Scottish Government, Gilead Sciences, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Myring
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK; The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK.
| | - A G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK
| | - W Hollingworth
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK; The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK
| | - H McLeod
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK; The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK
| | - L Beer
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, Tayside Medical Science Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - P Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK
| | - M Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK
| | - A Radley
- Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - J F Dillon
- Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Askar S, Jelley R, McQue K, Allsop C, McCullough F, Miller C, Taha Y, Masson S, McPherson S. Determining the frequency and characteristics of Hepatitis C reinfections in North East England. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:685-690. [PMID: 35643915 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is common, and injecting drug use is the major risk factor for acquisition. Understanding HCV reinfection following treatment is an important consideration for HCV elimination programmes. The aim of this work was to assess the frequency and patterns of HCV reinfection in our region to develop avoidance strategies. All individuals who completed anti-HCV treatment with a known outcome in Tyne and Wear, England between January 2016 and May 2021 were included. This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. HCV reinfection was defined as positive HCV RNA after achieving sustained virological response 12 (SVR12). 788 of 840 patients (76% male; mean age 45.7 ± 11.9 years; 47% Genotype 1; 11% Cirrhosis; 20% started in prison) achieved SVR (94%). 443 patients (56%) had HCV RNA testing post-SVR after a median 0.82 (range 0.1-5.2) years. 56 reinfections (7.1% of all SVRs and 12.6% of SVRs who had post-SVR testing) were diagnosed. The median time to reinfection was 1.37 (range 0.1-4.0) years and the rate of reinfection was 10.5 /100 person years. 45 (80%) reinfections became chronic, 17 of whom were retreated and achieved SVR. 5 individuals developed a second reinfection. Younger age was the only factor independently associated with reinfection (HR 0.91 [0.88-0.94] p < .001). In conclusion, HCV reinfection is common and may slow our HCV elimination efforts. In order to address high reinfection rates, harm minimization approaches need improved, and we have implemented an 'HCV track and trace' pilot to try to reduce onwards HCV transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumar Askar
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ryan Jelley
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kate McQue
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Caroline Allsop
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Francesca McCullough
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Carolyn Miller
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Yusri Taha
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Microbiology and Virology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven Masson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Johannesson JM, Fridriksdottir RH, Löve TJ, Runarsdottir V, Hansdóttir I, Löve A, Thordardottir M, Hernandez UB, Olafsson S, Gottfredsson M. HIGH RATE OF HCV REINFECTION AMONG RECENTLY INJECTING DRUG USERS: RESULTS FROM THE TRAP HEP C PROGRAM - A PROSPECTIVE NATIONWIDE, POPULATION-BASED STUDY. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1732-1739. [PMID: 35438144 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Treatment as Prevention for Hepatitis C program started in 2016 in Iceland, offering treatment with direct-acting antivirals to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected individuals. Reinfections through injection drug use (IDU) can hamper elimination efforts. We determined reinfection rates (RIR) of HCV among patients in the program. METHODS Clinical data were gathered prospectively. The study cohort consisted of HCV-cured patients with an estimated sustained virologic response between February 1st 2016 and November 20th 2018, with follow-up until November 20th 2019. The observation period and time until reinfection was estimated using a single random point imputation method coupled with Monte Carlo simulation. The RIR was expressed as reinfections/100 person-years (PYs). RESULTS 640 treatments of 614 patients (417 males, mean age 44.3 years) resulted in cure, with 52 reinfections subsequently confirmed in 50 patients (37 males). Follow-up was 672.1 PYs with median time to reinfection of 231.7 days. History of IDU was reported by 523 patients (84.8%) and recent IDU with 220 (34.4%) treatments. Stimulants were the preferred injected drug in 85.5% of patients with history of IDU. The RIR was 7.7/100 PYs. Using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models for interval-censored data, age (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99) and recent IDU (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.48-5.76) were significantly associated with reinfection risk. CONCLUSIONS The RIR is high in a setting of widespread stimulant use, particularly in young people with recent IDU. Regular follow up is important among high-risk populations to diagnose reinfections early and reduce transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon M Johannesson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ragnheidur H Fridriksdottir
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Thorvardur J Löve
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Science, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | - Arthur Löve
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Clinical Microbiology, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Marianna Thordardottir
- Center for Health Security and Communicable Disease Control, Directorate of Health, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Ubaldo B Hernandez
- Department of Science, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - 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, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Magnus Gottfredsson
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Science, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Byrne CJ, Beer L, Inglis SK, Robinson E, Radley A, Goldberg DJ, Hickman M, Hutchinson S, Dillon JF. Real-world outcomes of rapid regional hepatitis C virus treatment scale-up among people who inject drugs in Tayside, Scotland. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 55:568-579. [PMID: 34877667 PMCID: PMC9300005 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, Tayside, a region in the East of Scotland, rapidly scaled-up Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) outreach and treatment among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) using novel community care pathways. AIMS We aimed to determine treatment outcomes for PWID during the scale-up against pre-determined targets; and assess re-infection, mortality, and post-treatment follow up. METHODS HCV treatment was delivered in community pharmacies, drug treatment centres, nurse-led outreach clinics, prisons, and needle exchanges, alongside conventional hospital care. We retrospectively analysed clinical outcomes and compared pathways using logistic regression models. RESULTS Of 800 estimated HCV-infected PWID, 718 (90%) were diagnosed. 713 treatments commenced among 662 (92%) PWID, delivering 577 (81%) Sustained Virologic Responses (SVR). SVR was 91% among those who attended for testing. Forty-six individuals were treated more than once. Needle exchanges and community pharmacies initiated 49% of all treatments. Regression analyses implied pharmacies had superior follow-up, but there was no difference in likelihood of achieving SVR in community pathways relative to hospital care. Re-infection occurred 39 times over 256.57 person years (PY), yielding a rate of 15.20 per 100 PY (95% CI 10.81-20.78). 54 deaths occurred (29 drug related) over 1,553.04 PY, yielding a mortality rate of 3.48 per 100 PY (95% CI 2.61-4.54). Drug-related mortality was 1.87 per 100 PY (95% CI 1.25-2.68). CONCLUSIONS Rapid HCV treatment scale-up to PWID in community settings, whilst maintaining high SVR, is achievable. However, other interventions are required to minimise re-infection; reduce drug-related deaths; and improve post-SVR follow-up testing regionally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Byrne
- Division of Molecular and Clinical MedicineUniversity of Dundee School of MedicineNinewells HospitalDundeeUK
- Tayside Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - Lewis Beer
- Tayside Clinical Trials UnitUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | | | - Emma Robinson
- Division of Molecular and Clinical MedicineUniversity of Dundee School of MedicineNinewells HospitalDundeeUK
- Department of GastroenterologyNinewells Hospital & Medical SchoolDundeeUK
| | - Andrew Radley
- Division of Molecular and Clinical MedicineUniversity of Dundee School of MedicineNinewells HospitalDundeeUK
- Directorate of Public HealthNational Health Service TaysideDundeeUK
| | - David J. Goldberg
- Public Health ScotlandGlasgowUK
- School of Health and Life SciencesGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Sharon Hutchinson
- Public Health ScotlandGlasgowUK
- School of Health and Life SciencesGlasgow Caledonian UniversityGlasgowUK
| | - John F. Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical MedicineUniversity of Dundee School of MedicineNinewells HospitalDundeeUK
- Department of GastroenterologyNinewells Hospital & Medical SchoolDundeeUK
| |
Collapse
|