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Beard N, McGrath M, Scott D, Nehme Z, Lubman DI, Ogeil RP. Using ambulance surveillance data to characterise blood-borne viral infection histories among patients presenting with acute alcohol and other drug-related harms. Emerg Med Australas 2024; 36:536-542. [PMID: 38414361 DOI: 10.1111/1742-6723.14394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Preventable transmission of blood-borne viruses (BBV), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), continue in at-risk populations, including people who use alcohol and drugs (AODs). To our knowledge, no studies have explored the use of ambulance data for surveillance of AOD harms in patients with BBV infections. METHODS We used electronic patient care records from the National Ambulance Surveillance System for people who were attended by an ambulance in Victoria, Australia between July 2015 and July 2016 for AOD-related harms, and with identified history of a BBV infection. Descriptive and geospatial analyses explored the epidemiological and psychosocial characteristics of patients for these attendances. RESULTS The present study included 1832 patients with a history of a BBV infection who required an ambulance for AOD-related harms. Amphetamines were reported in 24.7% of attendances where the patient identified HIV history, and heroin was reported more often for patients with viral hepatitis history (HCV: 19.2%; HBV: 12.7%). Higher proportions of attendances with a viral hepatitis history were observed in patients from the most socially disadvantaged areas. Geospatial analyses revealed higher concentrations of AOD attendances with a BBV history occurring in metropolitan Melbourne. CONCLUSIONS Our study describes the utility of ambulance data to identify a sub-population of patients with a BBV history and complex medical and social characteristics. Repeat attendances of BBV history patients to paramedics could present an opportunity for ongoing surveillance using ambulance data and possible paramedic intervention, with potential linkage to appropriate BBV services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Beard
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael McGrath
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Eastern Health Clinical School and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Debbie Scott
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Eastern Health Clinical School and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ziad Nehme
- Centre for Research and Evaluation, Ambulance Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dan I Lubman
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Eastern Health Clinical School and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rowan P Ogeil
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Eastern Health Clinical School and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Doyle JS, Heath K, Elsum I, Douglass C, Wade A, Kasza J, Allardice K, Von Bibra S, Chan K, Camesella B, Guzman R, Bryant M, Thompson AJ, Stoové MA, Snelling TL, Scott N, Spelman T, Anderson D, Richmond J, Howell J, Andric N, Dietze PM, Higgs P, Sacks-Davis R, Forbes AB, Hellard ME, Pedrana AE. Same-visit hepatitis C testing and treatment to accelerate cure among people who inject drugs (the QuickStart Study): a cluster randomised cross-over trial protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083502. [PMID: 38960465 PMCID: PMC11227801 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-083502] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite universal access to government-funded direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in 2016, the rate of hepatitis C treatment uptake in Australia has declined substantially. Most hepatitis C is related to injecting drug use; reducing the hepatitis C burden among people who inject drugs (PWID) is, therefore, paramount to reach hepatitis C elimination targets. Increasing DAA uptake by PWID is important for interrupting transmission and reducing incidence, as well as reducing morbidity and mortality and improving quality of life of PWID and meeting Australia's hepatitis C elimination targets. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A cluster randomised cross-over trial will be conducted with three intervention arms and a control arm. Arm A will receive rapid hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody testing; arm B will receive rapid HCV antibody and rapid RNA testing; arm C will receive rapid HCV antibody testing and same-day treatment initiation for HCV antibody-positive participants; the control arm will receive standard of care. The primary outcomes will be (a) the proportion of participants with HCV commencing treatment and (b) the proportion of participants with HCV achieving cure. Analyses will be conducted on an intention-to-treat basis with mixed-effects logistic regression models. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the Alfred Ethics Committee (number HREC/64731/Alfred-2020-217547). Each participant will provide written informed consent. Reportable adverse events will be reported to the reviewing ethics committee. The findings will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05016609. TRIAL PROGRESSION The study commenced recruitment on 9 March 2022 and is expected to complete recruitment in December 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Doyle
- Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Imogen Elsum
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Amanda Wade
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Kasza
- Population Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Kico Chan
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Alexander J Thompson
- Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Thomas L Snelling
- Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Jessica Howell
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nada Andric
- HepatitisWA, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Paul M Dietze
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Population Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Andrew B Forbes
- Population Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Population Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alisa E Pedrana
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Population Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Ryan P, Valencia J, Cuevas G, Amigot-Sanchez R, Martínez I, Lazarus JV, Pérez-García F, Resino S. Decrease in active hepatitis C infection among people who use drugs in Madrid, Spain, 2017 to 2023: a retrospective study. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300712. [PMID: 39027941 PMCID: PMC11258947 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.29.2300712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundPeople who use drugs (PWUD) are a key target population to reduce the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.AimTo assess risk factors and temporal trends of active HCV infection in PWUD in Madrid, Spain.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study between 2017 and 2023, including 2,264 PWUD visiting a mobile screening unit. Data about epidemiology, substance use and sexual risk behaviour were obtained through a 92-item questionnaire. HCV was detected by antibody test, followed by RNA test. The primary outcome variable was active HCV infection prevalence, calculated considering all individuals who underwent RNA testing and analysed by logistic regression adjusted by the main risk factors.ResultsOf all participants, 685 tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies, and 605 underwent RNA testing; 314 had active HCV infection, and 218 initiated treatment. People who inject drugs (PWID) were identified as the main risk group. The active HCV infection rate showed a significant downward trend between 2017 and 2023 in the entire study population (23.4% to 6.0%), among PWID (41.0% to 15.0%) and PWUD without injecting drug use (7.0% to 1.3%) (p < 0.001 for all). These downward trends were confirmed by adjusted logistic regression for the entire study population (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.78), PWID (aOR: 0.78), and PWUD non-IDU (aOR: 0.78).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates a significant reduction in active HCV infection prevalence among PWUD, particularly in PWID, which suggests that efforts in the prevention and treatment of HCV in Madrid, Spain, have had an impact on the control of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Ryan
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Valencia
- Unidad de Reducción de Daños 'SMASD', Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Amigot-Sanchez
- Unidad de Infección e Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isidoro Martínez
- Unidad de Infección e Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy (CUNY SPH), New York, United States
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Felipe Pérez-García
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección e Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Shetty A, Lee M, Valenzuela J, Saab S. Cost effectiveness of hepatitis C direct acting agents. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024; 24:589-597. [PMID: 38665122 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2348053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Introduction of direct acting antivirals (DAA) has transformed treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and made the elimination of HCV an achievable goal set forward by World Health Organization by 2030. Multiple barriers need to be overcome for successful eradication of HCV. Availability of pan-genotypic HCV regimens has decreased the need for genotype testing but maintained high efficacy associated with DAAs. AREAS COVERED In this review, we will assess the cost-effectiveness of DAA treatment in patients with chronic HCV disease, with emphasis on general, cirrhosis, and vulnerable populations. EXPERT OPINION Multiple barriers exist limiting eradication of HCV, including cost to treatment, access, simplified testing, and implementing policy to foster treatment for all groups of HCV patients. Clinically, DAAs have drastically changed the landscape of HCV, but focused targeting of vulnerable groups is needed. Public policy will continue to play a strong role in eliminating HCV. While we will focus on the cost-effectiveness of DAA, several other factors regarding HCV require on going attention, such as increasing public awareness and decreasing social stigma associated with HCV, offering universal screening followed by linkage to treatment and improving preventive interventions to decrease spread of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Shetty
- Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Lee
- Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julia Valenzuela
- Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sammy Saab
- Department of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Basyte-Bacevice V, Kupcinskas L. Viral Hepatitis C: From Unraveling the Nature of Disease to Cure and Global Elimination. Dig Dis 2024:1-10. [PMID: 38718765 DOI: 10.1159/000539210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs is one of the major milestones in the last 3 decades of medicine. These discoveries encouraged the World Health Organization (WHO) to set an ambitious goal to eliminate HCV by 2030, meaning "a 90% reduction in new cases of chronic HCV, a 65% reduction in HCV deaths, and treatment of 80% of eligible people with HCV infections." SUMMARY This review summarizes the key achievements from the discovery of HCV to the development of effective treatment and global elimination strategies. A better understanding of HCV structure, enzymes, and lifecycle led to the introduction of new drug targets and the discovery of DAA. Massive public health interventions are required, such as screening, access to care, treatment, and post-care follow-up, to make the most of DAA's potential. Screening must be supported by fast, accessible, sensitive, specific HCV diagnostic tests and noninvasive methods to determine the stage of liver disease. Linkage to care and treatment access are critical components of a comprehensive HCV elimination program, and decentralization plays a key role in ensuring their effectiveness. KEY MESSAGES Effective and simple screening strategies, rapid diagnostic tools, linkage to health care, and accessible treatment are key elements to achieving the WHO's goal. Incorporating treatment as prevention strategies into elimination programs together with preventive education and harm reduction interventions can have a profound and lasting impact on reducing both the incidence and prevalence of HCV. However, WHO's goal can be challenging to implement because of the need for high financial resources and strong political commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Limas Kupcinskas
- Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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MacIsaac MB, Whitton B, Anderson J, Cogger S, Vella-Horne D, Penn M, Weeks A, Elmore K, Pemberton D, Winter RJ, Papaluca T, Howell J, Hellard M, Stoové M, Wilson D, Pedrana A, Doyle JS, Clark N, Holmes JA, Thompson AJ. Point-of-care HCV RNA testing improves hepatitis C testing rates and allows rapid treatment initiation among people who inject drugs attending a medically supervised injecting facility. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 125:104317. [PMID: 38281385 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination targets, simplified care engaging people who inject drugs is required. We evaluated whether fingerstick HCV RNA point-of-care testing (PoCT) increased the proportion of clients attending a supervised injecting facility who were tested for hepatitis C. METHODS Prospective single-arm study with recruitment between 9 November 2020 and 28 January 2021 and follow-up to 31 July 2021. Clients attending the supervised injecting facility were offered HCV RNA testing using the Xpert® HCV Viral Load Fingerstick (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA) PoCT. Participants with a positive HCV RNA test were prescribed direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. The primary endpoint was the proportion of clients who engaged in HCV RNA PoCT, compared to a historical comparator group when venepuncture-based hepatitis C testing was standard of care. RESULTS Among 1618 clients who attended the supervised injecting facility during the study period, 228 (14%) engaged in PoCT. This was significantly higher than that observed in the historical comparator group (61/1,775, 3%; p < 0.001). Sixty-five (28%) participants were HCV RNA positive, with 40/65 (62%) receiving their result on the same day as testing. Sixty-one (94%) HCV RNA positive participants were commenced on DAA therapy; 14/61 (23%) started treatment on the same day as diagnosis. There was no difference in the proportion of HCV RNA positive participants commenced on treatment with DAA therapy when compared to the historical comparator group (61/65, 94% vs 22/26, 85%; p = 0.153). However, the median time to treatment initiation was significantly shorter in the PoCT cohort (2 days (IQR 1-20) vs 41 days (IQR 22-76), p < 0.001). Among participants who commenced treatment and had complete follow-up data available, 27/36 (75%) achieved hepatitis C cure. CONCLUSIONS HCV RNA PoCT led to a significantly higher proportion of clients attending a supervised injecting facility engaging in hepatitis C testing, whilst also reducing the time to treatment initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B MacIsaac
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bradley Whitton
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenine Anderson
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shelley Cogger
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dylan Vella-Horne
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Penn
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anthony Weeks
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kasey Elmore
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Pemberton
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Winter
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy Papaluca
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Wilson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicolas Clark
- Medically Supervised Injecting Room, North Richmond Community Health, Richmond, Victoria, Australia; Department of Addiction Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacinta A Holmes
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander J Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Farrugia A, Lenton E, Seear K, Kagan D, Valentine K, Fraser S, Mulcahy S, Edwards M, Jeffcote D. 'We've got a present for you': Hepatitis C elimination, compromised healthcare subjects and treatment as a gift. Soc Sci Med 2024; 340:116416. [PMID: 38039771 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of highly effective and tolerable direct-acting antiviral treatments for hepatitis C, widespread optimism for and investment in the project of disease elimination now informs the public health response. In Australia, the Commonwealth government has invested heavily in elimination by universally subsidising treatment, promising access for all. Reflecting concerns that commonly accompany ambitious public health projects, cost for governments supporting access to the treatment and cost for individuals consuming it have emerged as central issues. Drawing on 30 interviews with people who have been cured of hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals, this article examines how cost shapes experiences of hepatitis C treatment and cure in Australia. Drawing on Lauren Berlant's (2011) influential work on 'cruel optimism', we analyse three interconnected ways that notions of cost shape participants' views of treatment as a beneficent gift from the state: (1) understandings of treatment access as a form of 'luck'; (2) conceptions of the cost of treatment; and (3) criticisms of others who are seen to waste state resources by not taking up treatment or by re-acquiring hepatitis C. We argue that, together, these dynamics constitute people affected by hepatitis C not as citizens worthy of public investment and fundamentally entitled to care, but as second-class citizens less deserving of treatment and of the health care to which they might otherwise be considered entitled. It is within this dynamic that the compromised quality of elimination optimism takes shape, binding people affected by hepatitis C to an inequitable relationship to health care, reproduced through the very things that promise to free them of such inequality - investments in access to treatment and cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Farrugia
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Australia.
| | - Emily Lenton
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Kate Seear
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Dion Kagan
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Kylie Valentine
- Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Suzanne Fraser
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Sean Mulcahy
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Australia.
| | - Michael Edwards
- Faculty of Addiction Psychiatry, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Australia.
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8
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Howell J, Seaman C, Wallace J, Xiao Y, Scott N, Davies J, de Santis T, Adda D, El-Sayed M, Feld JJ, Gane E, Lacombe K, Lesi O, Mohamed R, Silva M, Tu T, Revill P, Hellard ME. Pathway to global elimination of hepatitis B: HBV cure is just the first step. Hepatology 2023; 78:976-990. [PMID: 37125643 PMCID: PMC10442143 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B (HBV) is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality, and the leading cause of liver cancer worldwide. Significant advances have recently been made toward the development of a finite HBV treatment that achieves permanent loss of HBsAg and HBV DNA (so-called "HBV cure"), which could provide the means to eliminate HBV as a public health threat. However, the HBV cure is just one step toward achieving WHO HBV elimination targets by 2030, and much work must be done now to prepare for the successful implementation of the HBV cure. In this review, we describe the required steps to rapidly scale-up future HBV cure equitably. We present key actions required for successful HBV cure implementation, integrated within the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Sector Strategy (GHSS) 2022-2030 framework. Finally, we highlight what can be done now to progress toward the 2030 HBV elimination targets using available tools to ensure that we are preparing, but not waiting, for the cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Howell
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris Seaman
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jack Wallace
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yinzong Xiao
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane Davies
- Department Global Health and Infectious diseases, Menzies School of Public Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Teresa de Santis
- Department Global Health and Infectious diseases, Menzies School of Public Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Manal El-Sayed
- Department Paediatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jordan J. Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Edward Gane
- Department Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, IPLESP, Saint-Antoine Hospital, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Olufunmilayo Lesi
- Global HIV, Hepatitis, and STI Programme, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rosmawati Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marcelo Silva
- Department Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Austral University Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Thomas Tu
- Storr Liver Centre, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Revill
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory (VIDRL), Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret E. Hellard
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department Infectious Diseases, School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Modeling the Impacts of Prevention and Treatment Interventions on Hepatitis C Among People Who Inject Drugs in China. Infect Dis Ther 2023; 12:1043-1055. [PMID: 36894824 PMCID: PMC10147892 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-023-00779-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Injection drug use is the main transmission route of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in China. The prevalence of HCV remains high at 40-50% among people who inject drugs (PWID). We developed a mathematical model to predict the impacts of different HCV intervention strategies on the HCV burden in Chinese PWID by 2030. METHODS We developed a dynamic deterministic mathematical model to simulate the transmission of HCV among PWID in China between 2016 and 2030, using domestic data based on the real cascade of HCV care. We considered various intervention scenarios, including treatment regimens, harm reduction program (HRP) coverage, enhanced testing and referral for treatment. RESULTS HCV incidence will exhibit a gradual but slow declining trend from 12,970 in 2016 to 11,761 in 2030 based on current screening and treatment practices among PWID (scenario 1). Scaled-up HCV screening and treatment integrated with HRPs (scenario 8) demonstrated the most substantial reduction in HCV burden, being the only intervention scenario that could achieve the World Health Organization's (WHO's) HCV elimination target. Specifically, the HCV incidence in 2030 is projected to be reduced by 81.42%, and HCV-related deaths are projected to be reduced by 91.94%. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that achieving WHO elimination targets is an extremely challenging goal that requires substantial improvements in HCV testing and treatment among PWID (scenario S8). The findings suggest that coordinated improvements in testing, treatment, and harm reduction programs could greatly reduce the HCV burden among PWID in China, and urgent policy changes are needed to integrate HCV testing and treatment into existing HRPs.
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10
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Stone J, Lim AG, Dore GJ, Borquez A, Geddes L, Gray R, Grebely J, Hajarizadeh B, Iversen J, Maher L, Valerio H, Martin NK, Hickman M, Lloyd AR, Vickerman P. Prison-based interventions are key to achieving HCV elimination among people who inject drugs in New South Wales, Australia: A modelling study. Liver Int 2023; 43:569-579. [PMID: 36305315 PMCID: PMC10308445 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS People who inject drugs (PWID) experience high incarceration rates which are associated with increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission risk. We assess the importance of prison-based interventions for achieving HCV elimination among PWID in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. METHODS A model of incarceration and HCV transmission among PWID was calibrated in a Bayesian framework to epidemiological and incarceration data from NSW, incorporating elevated HCV acquisition risk among recently released PWID. We projected the contribution of differences in transmission risk during/following incarceration to HCV transmission over 2020-2029. We estimated the past and potential future impact of prison-based opioid agonist therapy (OAT; ~33% coverage) and HCV treatment (1500 treatments in 2019 with 32.9%-83.3% among PWID) on HCV transmission. We estimated the time until HCV incidence reduces by 80% (WHO elimination target) compared to 2016 levels with or without prison-based interventions. RESULTS Over 2020-2029, incarceration will contribute 23.0% (17.9-30.5) of new HCV infections. If prison-based interventions had not been implemented since 2010, HCV incidence in 2020 would have been 29.7% (95% credibility interval: 22.4-36.1) higher. If current prison and community HCV treatment rates continue, there is an 98.8% probability that elimination targets will be achieved by 2030, with this decreasing to 10.1% without current prison-based interventions. CONCLUSIONS Existing prison-based interventions in NSW are critical components of strategies to reduce HCV incidence among PWID. Prison-based interventions are likely to be pivotal for achieving HCV elimination targets among PWID by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Aaron G. Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Gregory J. Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Annick Borquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Louise Geddes
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Richard Gray
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | | | - Jenny Iversen
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Heather Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Natasha K. Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of BristolBristolUK
| | - Andrew R. Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of BristolBristolUK
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11
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Papaluca T, Craigie A, McDonald L, Edwards A, Winter R, Hoang A, Pappas A, Waldron A, McCoy K, Stoove M, Doyle J, Hellard M, Holmes J, MacIsaac M, Desmond P, Iser D, Thompson A. Care navigation increases initiation of hepatitis C treatment following release from prison in a prospective randomised controlled trial: The C-LINK Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac350. [PMID: 35949401 PMCID: PMC9356682 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prison-based hepatitis C treatment is safe and effective; however, many individuals are released untreated due to time or resource constraints. On community re-entry, individuals face a number of immediate competing priorities, and in this context, linkage to hepatitis C care is low. Interventions targeted at improving healthcare continuity after prison release have yielded positive outcomes for other health diagnoses; however, data regarding hepatitis C transitional care are limited. Methods We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing a hepatitis C care navigator intervention with standard of care for individuals released from prison with untreated hepatitis C infection. The primary outcome was prescription of hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAA) within 6 months of release. Results Forty-six participants were randomized. The median age was 36 years and 59% were male. Ninety percent (n = 36 of 40) had injected drugs within 6 months before incarceration. Twenty-two were randomized to care navigation and 24 were randomized to standard of care. Individuals randomized to the intervention were more likely to commence hepatitis C DAAs within 6 months of release (73%, n = 16 of 22 vs 33% n = 8 of 24, P < .01), and the median time between re-entry and DAA prescription was significantly shorter (21 days [interquartile range {IQR}, 11–42] vs 82 days [IQR, 44–99], P = .049). Conclusions Care navigation increased hepatitis C treatment uptake among untreated individuals released from prison. Public policy should support similar models of care to promote treatment in this high-risk population. Such an approach will help achieve hepatitis C elimination as a public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Papaluca
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - A Craigie
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - L McDonald
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - A Edwards
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - R Winter
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
- Burnet Institute , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
| | - A Hoang
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - A Pappas
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - A Waldron
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - K McCoy
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - M Stoove
- Burnet Institute , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University , Victoria , Australia
| | - J Doyle
- Burnet Institute , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University , Victoria , Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
| | - M Hellard
- Burnet Institute , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University , Victoria , Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University , Melbourne, Victoria , Australia
| | - J Holmes
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - M MacIsaac
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - P Desmond
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - D Iser
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
| | - A Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
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12
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Marukutira T, Moore KP, Hellard M, Richmond J, Turner K, Pedrana AE, Melody S, Johnston FH, Owen L, Van Den Boom W, Scott N, Thompson A, Iser D, Spelman T, Veitch M, Stoové MA, Doyle J. Randomised controlled trial of active case management to link hepatitis C notifications to treatment in Tasmania, Australia: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056120. [PMID: 35338062 PMCID: PMC8961121 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION By subsidising access to direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for all people living with hepatitis C (HCV) in 2016, Australia is positioned to eliminate HCV as a public health threat. However, uptake of DAAs has declined over recent years and new initiatives are needed to engage people living with HCV in care. Active follow-up of HCV notifications by the health department to the notifying general practitioner (GP) may increase treatment uptake. In this study, we explore the impact of using hepatitis C notifications systems to engage diagnosing GPs and improve patient access to treatment. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a randomised controlled trial comparing enhanced case management of HCV notifications with standard of care. The intervention includes phone calls from a department of health (DoH) specialist HCV nurse to notifying GPs and offering HCV management support. The level of support requested by the GP was graded in complexity: level 1: HCV information only; level 2: follow-up testing advice; level 3: prescription support including linkage to specialist clinicians and level 4: direct patient contact. The study population includes all GPs in Tasmania who notified HCV diagnosis to the DoH between September 2020 and December 2021. The primary outcome is proportion of HCV cases who initiate DAAs after 12 weeks of HCV notification to the health department. Secondary outcomes are proportion of HCV notifications that complete HCV RNA testing, treatment workup and treatment completion. Multiple logistic regression modelling will explore factors associated with the primary and secondary outcomes. The sample size required to detect a significant difference for the primary outcome is 85 GPs in each arm with a two-sided alpha of 0.05% and 80% power. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was approved by University of Tasmania's Human Research Ethics Committee (Protocol ID: 18418) on 17 December 2019. Results of the project will be presented in scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04510246. TRIAL PROGRESSION The study commenced recruitment in September 2020 and end of study expected December 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafireyi Marukutira
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiuology, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen P Moore
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - Jacqui Richmond
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate Turner
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - A E Pedrana
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shannon Melody
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Fay H Johnston
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Louise Owen
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | | | - N Scott
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Pvt Ltd, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Iser
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Pvt Ltd, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Spelman
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Veitch
- Department of Health and Human Services, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Mark A Stoové
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph Doyle
- Public Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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13
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Wilkinson AL, van Santen DK, Traeger MW, Sacks-Davis R, Asselin J, Scott N, Harney BL, Doyle JS, El-Hayek C, Howell J, Bramwell F, McManus H, Donovan B, Stoové M, Hellard M, Pedrana A. Hepatitis C incidence among patients attending primary care health services that specialise in the care of people who inject drugs, Victoria, Australia, 2009 to 2020. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 103:103655. [PMID: 35349964 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring trends in hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence is critical for evaluating strategies aimed at eliminating HCV as a public health threat. We estimate HCV incidence and assess trends in incidence over time among primary care patients. METHODS Data were routinely extracted, linked electronic medical records from 12 primary care health services. Patients included were aged ≥16 years, tested HCV antibody negative on their first test recorded and had at least one subsequent HCV antibody or RNA test (January 2009-December 2020). HCV incident infections were defined as a positive HCV antibody or RNA test. A generalised linear model assessed the association between HCV incidence and calendar year. RESULTS In total, 6711 patients contributed 17,098 HCV test records, 210 incident HCV infections and 19,566 person-years; incidence was 1.1 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9 to 1.2). Among 559 (8.2%) patients ever prescribed opioid-related pharmacotherapy (ORP) during the observation period, 135 infections occurred during 2,082 person-years (incidence rate of 6.5 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 5.4 to 7.7)). HCV incidence declined 2009-2020 overall (incidence rate ratio per calendar year 0.8 (95% CI: 0.8 to 0.9) and among patients ever prescribed ORT (incidence rate ratio per calendar year 0.9, 95% CI: 0.75 to 1.0). CONCLUSION HCV incidence declined among patients at primary care health services including among patients ever prescribed ORP and during the period following increased access to DAA therapy. SUMMARY Among a retrospective cohort of ∼6,700 primary care health services patients, this study estimated a hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection incidence of 1.1 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval: 0.9 to 1.2). HCV infection incidence declined between 2009 and 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lee Wilkinson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Daniela K van Santen
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Research and Prevention, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michael W Traeger
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jason Asselin
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Brendan L Harney
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Carol El-Hayek
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Doherty Institute and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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14
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Tatara E, Gutfraind A, Collier NT, Echevarria D, Cotler SJ, Major ME, Ozik J, Dahari H, Boodram B. Modeling hepatitis C micro-elimination among people who inject drugs with direct-acting antivirals in metropolitan Chicago. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264983. [PMID: 35271634 PMCID: PMC8912265 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic liver disease and mortality worldwide. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy leads to high cure rates. However, persons who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for reinfection after cure and may require multiple DAA treatments to reach the World Health Organization's (WHO) goal of HCV elimination by 2030. Using an agent-based model (ABM) that accounts for the complex interplay of demographic factors, risk behaviors, social networks, and geographic location for HCV transmission among PWID, we examined the combination(s) of DAA enrollment (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%), adherence (60%, 70%, 80%, 90%) and frequency of DAA treatment courses needed to achieve the WHO's goal of reducing incident chronic infections by 90% by 2030 among a large population of PWID from Chicago, IL and surrounding suburbs. We also estimated the economic DAA costs associated with each scenario. Our results indicate that a DAA treatment rate of >7.5% per year with 90% adherence results in 75% of enrolled PWID requiring only a single DAA course; however 19% would require 2 courses, 5%, 3 courses and <2%, 4 courses, with an overall DAA cost of $325 million to achieve the WHO goal in metropolitan Chicago. We estimate a 28% increase in the overall DAA cost under low adherence (70%) compared to high adherence (90%). Our modeling results have important public health implications for HCV elimination among U.S. PWID. Using a range of feasible treatment enrollment and adherence rates, we report robust findings supporting the need to address re-exposure and reinfection among PWID to reduce HCV incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Tatara
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Decision and Infrastructure Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ET); (HD); (BB)
| | - Alexander Gutfraind
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Nicholson T. Collier
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Decision and Infrastructure Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Desarae Echevarria
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Scott J. Cotler
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Marian E. Major
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Ozik
- Consortium for Advanced Science and Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Decision and Infrastructure Sciences, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Harel Dahari
- The Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ET); (HD); (BB)
| | - Basmattee Boodram
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ET); (HD); (BB)
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15
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Scott DN, Palmer MA, Tidhar MT, Stoove PM, Sacks-Davis DRS, Doyle AJS, Pedrana DAJ, Thompson PA, Wilson PDP, Hellard PM. Assessment of the cost-effectiveness of Australia's risk-sharing agreement for direct-acting antiviral treatments for hepatitis C: a modelling study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 18:100316. [PMID: 35024654 PMCID: PMC8669355 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C elimination may be possible with broad uptake of direct-acting antiviral treatments (DAAs). In 2016 the Australian government committed A$1.2 billion for five years of unlimited DAAs (March 2016 to February 2021) in a risk-sharing agreement with pharmaceutical companies. We assess the impact, cost-effectiveness and net economic benefits likely to be realised from this investment. Methods Mathematical modelling to project outcomes for 2016-2030 included: (S1) a counter-factual scenario (testing/treatment maintained at pre-2016 levels); (S2) the current status-quo (testing/treatment as actually occurred 2016-2019, with trends maintained to 2030); and (S3) elimination scenario (S2 plus testing/treatment rates increased between 2021-2030 to achieve the WHO elimination targets). Findings S1 resulted in 68,800 new hepatitis C infections and 18,540 hepatitis C-related deaths over 2016-2030. The total health system cost (HCV testing, treatment, disease management) was A$3.01 billion and the cost of lost productivity due to absenteeism, presenteeism and premature deaths was A$26.14 billion. S2 averted 15,700 (23%) new infections and 8,500 (46%) deaths by 2030, with a total health system cost of A$3.48 billion, A$472 million more than S1 (A$1.65 billion more in testing/treatment but A$1.20 billion less in disease costs; A$5,752 per QALY gained from a health systems perspective). Productivity loss over 2016-2030 was A$19.96 billion, A$6.17 less than S1, making S2 cost-saving from a societal perspective by 2022 with a net economic benefit of A$5.70 billion by 2030. S3 averted an additional 10,000 infections and 930 deaths compared with S2 and increased the longer-term economic benefit. Interpretation Five years of unrestricted access to DAAs in Australia has led to significant health benefits and is likely to become cost-saving from a societal perspective by 2022. Funding Burnet Institute
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Affiliation(s)
- Dr Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Ms Anna Palmer
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Mr Tom Tidhar
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Prof Mark Stoove
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Dr Rachel S Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - A/Prof Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Dr Alisa J Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Prof Alexander Thompson
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3165, Australia
| | - Prof David P Wilson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Prof Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne
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16
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O'Keefe D, Gunn J, Ryan K, Djordjevic F, Kerr P, Gold J, Elsum I, Layton C, Chan K, Dietze P, Higgs P, Doyle J, Stoové MA, Hellard M, Pedrana AE. Exploring hepatitis C virus testing and treatment engagement over time in Melbourne, Australia: a study protocol for a longitudinal cohort study (EC-Experience Cohort study). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057618. [PMID: 34983773 PMCID: PMC8728403 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The advent of direct acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) means the elimination of HCV is possible but requires sustained effort to achieve. Between 2016 and 2019, 44% of those living with HCV were treated in Australia. However, treatment uptake has declined significantly. In Australia, people who inject drugs (PWID) are the population most at risk of HCV acquisition. Eliminating HCV in Australia will require nuanced understanding of the barriers to HCV treatment experienced by PWID and tailored interventions to address these barriers. The EC-Experience Cohort study aims to explore the barriers and enablers reported by PWID to engagement in HCV care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The EC-Experience Cohort study is a prospective cohort of PWID, established in Melbourne, Australia in 2018. Participants are assigned into three study groups: (1) those not currently engaged in HCV testing; (2) those diagnosed with HCV but not currently engaged in treatment and (3) those completed treatment. Participants complete a total of four interviews every 6 months across an 18-month study period. Predictors of experience of key outcome events along the HCV care cascade will be explored over time. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for the EC-Experience Cohort study was obtained by the Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee in Melbourne, Australia (Project Number: HREC/16/Alfred/164). All eligible participants are assessed for capacity to consent and partake in a thorough informed consent process. Results from the EC-Experience Cohort study will be disseminated via national and international scientific and public health conferences and peer-reviewed journal publications. Data from the EC-Experience Cohort study will improve the current understanding of the barriers to HCV care for PWID and guide the tailoring of service provision for specific subgroups. Understanding the barriers and how to increase engagement in care of PWID is critical to achieve HCV elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel O'Keefe
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - J Gunn
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kathleen Ryan
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Filip Djordjevic
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phoebe Kerr
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Judy Gold
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Imogen Elsum
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chloe Layton
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kico Chan
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark A Stoové
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - A E Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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17
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Martel-Laferrière V, Brissette S, Wartelle-Bladou C, Juteau LC, Popa M, Goyer MÈ, Bruneau J. Impact of an Accelerated Pretreatment Evaluation on Linkage-to-Care for Hepatitis C-infected Persons Who Inject Drugs. Subst Abuse 2022; 16:11782218221119068. [PMID: 35990750 PMCID: PMC9382068 DOI: 10.1177/11782218221119068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: Historically, hepatitis C virus (HCV) pretreatment evaluation has required multiple visits, frequently resulting in loss to follow-up and a delayed initiation of treatment. New technologies can accelerate this process. We investigated the feasibility of a single-day evaluation program and its impact on evaluation completion, treatment eligibility awareness, and treatment initiation among people who inject drugs (PWIDs). Methods: HCV-infected PWID who were unaware if they were eligible for treatment were recruited in a prospective evaluation of an accelerated model of care between 2017 and 2019 and compared to a historical cohort. The patients underwent a medical evaluation, rapid HCV viral load testing, and transient elastography during a single visit, at the end of which they were informed whether they were eligible for treatment. A historical cohort of patients fulfilling the same inclusion criteria and evaluated with the usual standard of care spanning several visits who were examined at the addiction medicine clinic from 2014 to 2016 served as the comparison group. Results: The accelerated and historical cohorts included 99 and 76 patients, respectively. The cohorts did not differ significantly by age and gender, but more patients in the historical cohort were undergoing opioid agonist therapy, while more patients in the accelerated cohort injected drugs in the last month. An accelerated evaluation resulted in a higher rate of evaluation completion (100% vs 67.1%; P < .001). Among those eligible for treatment, the proportion of those initiating treatment was similar between the groups (51/64 (79.7%) vs. 26/37 (70.3%); P = .28). The delay in the initiation of treatment was shorter in the accelerated cohort than in the historical cohort (69 (IQR: 49-106) days vs. 219 (IQR: 141-416) days; P < .001). Conclusions: Accelerated evaluation enhanced the awareness of eligibility and reduced the time to initiation among eligible patients. Trial Registration: This study is registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02755402).
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Suzanne Brissette
- Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Claire Wartelle-Bladou
- Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Louis-Christophe Juteau
- Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maria Popa
- Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Goyer
- Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- CIUSSS du Centre-Sud de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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18
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Palmer AY, Chan K, Gold J, Layton C, Elsum I, Hellard M, Stoove M, Doyle JS, Pedrana A, Scott N. A modelling analysis of financial incentives for hepatitis C testing and treatment uptake delivered through a community-based testing campaign. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1624-1634. [PMID: 34415639 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13596] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Financial incentives may reduce opportunity costs associated with people who become lost to follow-up in hepatitis C treatment programs. We estimated the impact that different financial incentive amounts would need to have on retention in care to maintain the same unit cost per (1) RNA-positive person completing testing (defined as awareness of RNA status) and (2) RNA diagnosed person initiating treatment. Costing data were obtained from a 2019 community-based testing campaign focused on engaging people who inject drugs. For different financial incentive amounts, we modelled the corresponding improvements in retention in care that would be needed to maintain the same overall (1) unit cost per testing completion and (2) unit cost per treatment initiation. In the testing campaign, the unit cost per RNA-positive person completing testing was A$3215 and the unit cost per RNA diagnosed person initiating treatment was A$1055. Modelling found that an incentive of A$500 per RNA-positive person completing testing would result in more people completing testing for the same unit cost if the percentage of attendees receiving their test results increased from 63% to 74%. An incentive of A$200 per RNA diagnosed person initiating treatment would result in more people initiating treatment for the same unit cost if the percentage initiating treatment increased from 67% to 83%. Monetary incentives for completing testing and initiating treatment may be an effective way to increase retention in care without increasing the overall unit cost of completing testing/initiating treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Y Palmer
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kico Chan
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Judy Gold
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chloe Layton
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Imogen Elsum
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark Stoove
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Fraser H, Stone J, Wisse E, Sambu V, Mfisi P, Duran IJ, Soriano MA, Walker JG, Makere N, Luhmann N, Kafura W, Nouvellet M, Ragi A, Mundia B, Vickerman P. Modelling the impact of HIV and HCV prevention and treatment interventions for people who inject drugs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. J Int AIDS Soc 2021; 24:e25817. [PMID: 34661964 PMCID: PMC8522890 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction People who inject drugs (PWID) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, have a high prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). While needle and syringe programmes (NSP), opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) are available in Tanzania, their coverage is sub‐optimal. We assess the impact of existing and scaled up harm reduction (HR) interventions on HIV and HCV transmission among PWID in Dar es Salaam. Methods An HIV and HCV transmission model among PWID in Tanzania was calibrated to data over 2006–2018 on HIV (∼30% and ∼67% prevalence in males and females in 2011) and HCV prevalence (∼16% in 2017), numbers on HR interventions (5254 ever on OAT in 2018, 766–1479 accessing NSP in 2017) and ART coverage (63.1% in 2015). We evaluated the impact of existing interventions in 2019 and impact by 2030 of scaling‐up the coverage of OAT (to 50% of PWID), NSP (75%, both combined termed “full HR”) and ART (81% with 90% virally suppressed) from 2019, reducing sexual HIV transmission by 50%, and/or HCV‐treating 10% of PWID infected with HCV annually. Results The model projects HIV and HCV prevalence of 19.0% (95% credibility interval: 16.4–21.2%) and 41.0% (24.4–49.0%) in 2019, respectively. For HIV, 24.6% (13.6–32.6%) and 70.3% (59.3–77.1%) of incident infections among male and female PWID are sexually transmitted, respectively. Due to their low coverage (22.8% for OAT, 16.3% for NSP in 2019), OAT and NSP averted 20.4% (12.9–24.7%) of HIV infections and 21.7% (17.0–25.2%) of HCV infections in 2019. Existing ART (68.5% coverage by 2019) averted 48.1% (29.7–64.3%) of HIV infections in 2019. Scaling up to full HR will reduce HIV and HCV incidence by 62.6% (52.5–74.0%) and 81.4% (56.7–81.4%), respectively, over 2019–2030; scaled up ART alongside full HR will decrease HIV incidence by 66.8% (55.6–77.5%), increasing to 81.5% (73.7–87.5%) when sexual risk is also reduced. HCV‐treatment alongside full HR will decrease HCV incidence by 92.4% (80.7–95.8%) by 2030. Conclusions Combination interventions, including sexual risk reduction and HCV treatment, are needed to eliminate HCV and HIV among PWID in Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Fraser
- Population HealthSciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jack Stone
- Population HealthSciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Veryeh Sambu
- National AIDS Control Programmes, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter Mfisi
- The Drug Control and Enforcement Authority, Prime Ministers Office, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Josephine G Walker
- Population HealthSciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nobelrich Makere
- Tanzania Council for Social Development (TACOSODE), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - William Kafura
- Tanzania Commission for AIDS (TACAIDS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Allan Ragi
- Kenya AIDS NGO Consortium, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Peter Vickerman
- Population HealthSciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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20
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Lim AG, Scott N, Walker JG, Hamid S, Hellard M, Vickerman P. Health and economic benefits of achieving hepatitis C virus elimination in Pakistan: A modelling study and economic analysis. PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003818. [PMID: 34665815 PMCID: PMC8525773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modelling suggests that achieving the WHO incidence target for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in Pakistan could cost US$3.87 billion over 2018 to 2030. However, the economic benefits from integrating services or improving productivity were not included. METHODS AND FINDINGS We adapt a HCV transmission model for Pakistan to estimate the impact, costs, and cost-effectiveness of achieving HCV elimination (reducing annual HCV incidence by 80% by 2030) with stand-alone service delivery, or partially integrating one-third of initial HCV testing into existing healthcare services. We estimate the net economic benefits by comparing the required investment in screening, treatment, and healthcare management to the economic productivity gains from reduced HCV-attributable absenteeism, presenteeism, and premature deaths. We also calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted for HCV elimination versus maintaining current levels of HCV treatment. This is compared to an opportunity cost-based willingness-to-pay threshold for Pakistan (US$148 to US$198/DALY). Compared to existing levels of treatment, scaling up screening and treatment to achieve HCV elimination in Pakistan averts 5.57 (95% uncertainty interval (UI) 3.80 to 8.22) million DALYs and 333,000 (219,000 to 509,000) HCV-related deaths over 2018 to 2030. If HCV testing is partially integrated, this scale-up requires an investment of US$1.45 (1.32 to 1.60) billion but will result in US$1.30 (0.94 to 1.72) billion in improved economic productivity over 2018 to 2030. This elimination strategy is highly cost-effective (ICER = US$29 per DALY averted) by 2030, with it becoming cost-saving by 2031 and having a net economic benefit of US$9.10 (95% UI 6.54 to 11.99) billion by 2050. Limitations include uncertainty around what level of integration is possible within existing primary healthcare services as well as a lack of Pakistan-specific data on disease-related healthcare management costs or productivity losses due to HCV. CONCLUSIONS Investment in HCV elimination can bring about substantial societal health and economic benefits for Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron G. Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | - Josephine G. Walker
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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21
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Valerio H, Alavi M, Silk D, Treloar C, Martinello M, Milat A, Dunlop A, Holden J, Henderson C, Amin J, Read P, Marks P, Degenhardt L, Hayllar J, Reid D, Gorton C, Lam T, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Progress Towards Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs in Australia: The ETHOS Engage Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e69-e78. [PMID: 32421194 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluating progress towards hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is critical. This study estimated prevalence of current HCV infection and HCV treatment uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Australia. METHODS The Enhancing Treatment of Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings Engage is an observational study of PWID attending drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs (NSPs). Participants completed a questionnaire including self-reported treatment history and underwent point-of-care HCV RNA testing (Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick; Cepheid). RESULTS Between May 2018 and September 2019, 1443 participants were enrolled (64% injected drugs in the last month, 74% receiving opioid agonist therapy [OAT]). HCV infection status was uninfected (28%), spontaneous clearance (16%), treatment-induced clearance (32%), and current infection (24%). Current HCV was more likely among people who were homeless (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.16), incarcerated in the previous year (2.04; 1.38-3.02), and those injecting drugs daily or more (2.26; 1.43-2.42). Among those with previous chronic or current HCV, 66% (n = 520/788) reported HCV treatment. In adjusted analysis, HCV treatment was lower among females (.68; .48-.95), participants who were homeless (.59; .38-.96), and those injecting daily or more (.51; .31-.89). People aged ≥45 years (1.46; 1.06-2.01) and people receiving OAT (2.62; 1.52-4.51) were more likely to report HCV treatment. CONCLUSIONS Unrestricted direct-acting antiviral therapy access in Australia has yielded high treatment uptake among PWID attending drug treatment and NSPs, with a marked decline in HCV prevalence. To achieve elimination, PWID with greater marginalization may require additional support and tailored strategies to enhance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Andrew Milat
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrian Dunlop
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jo Holden
- Population Health Strategy and Performance, NSW Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philippa Marks
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeremy Hayllar
- Alcohol and Drug Service, Metro North Mental Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Reid
- The Orana Centre, Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carla Gorton
- Cairns Sexual Health Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thao Lam
- Drug Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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22
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Achieving Hepatitis C Elimination By Using Person-Centered, Nurse-Led Models of Care: A Discussion of Four International Case Studies. Gastroenterol Nurs 2021; 43:303-309. [PMID: 32665524 DOI: 10.1097/sga.0000000000000458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nurse-led models of care are an important strategy in the management of patients with chronic disease because of the person-centered approach that allows the needs of the individual to be prioritized and addressed in accessible settings. Hepatitis C is caused by a blood-borne virus that can cause liver disease and liver cancer; it predominantly affects marginalized populations, including people who inject drugs. Since 2013, all oral, direct-acting antiviral regimens have been available to cure hepatitis C. Nurses are well placed to be involved in the delivery of hepatitis C testing and treatment because of their extensive reach within marginalized communities and holistic approach to patient care. Four case studies of nurse-led models of care operating in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States are presented to illustrate the important role nurses have in delivering accessible, person-centered hepatitis C testing and treatment. Each case study demonstrates the success of overcoming barriers to hepatitis C testing and treatment such as geographic isolation, incarceration, social marginalization, and inflexible healthcare systems. Achieving the global target to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030 will require the nursing profession to embrace its role as the first point of contact to the healthcare system for many members of marginalized communities potentially at risk of hepatitis C. Nurses are well placed to reduce barriers and facilitate access to healthcare by scaling up activities focused on hepatitis C testing and treatment.
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23
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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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24
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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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Lafferty L, Rance J, Dore GJ, Lloyd AR, Treloar C. The role of social capital in facilitating hepatitis C treatment scale-up within a treatment-as-prevention trial in the male prison setting. Addiction 2021; 116:1162-1171. [PMID: 33006784 DOI: 10.1111/add.15277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis C (HCV) is a global public health concern, particularly in the prison setting where prevalence is substantially higher than in the general population. Direct-acting antivirals have changed the treatment landscape, allowing for treatment scale-up efforts potentially sufficient to achieve prevention of onward transmission (treatment-as-prevention). The Surveillance and Treatment of Prisoners with hepatitis C (SToP-C) study was the first trial to examine the efficacy of HCV treatment-as-prevention in the prison setting. Social capital is a social resource which has been found to influence health outcomes. This qualitative study sought to understand the role of social capital within an HCV treatment-as-prevention trial in the prison setting. DESIGN Semi-structured in-depth interviews were undertaken with participants recruited from the SToP-C study following HCV treatment completion (with cure). SETTING Three male correctional centres in New South Wales, Australia (including two maximum-security and one minimum-security). PARTICIPANTS Twenty-three men in prison participated in semi-structured interviews. MEASUREMENTS Thematic analysis of transcripts was completed using a social capital framework, which enabled exploration of the ways in which bonding, bridging and linking social capital promoted or inhibited HCV treatment uptake within a treatment-as-prevention trial. FINDINGS Social capital fostered HCV treatment uptake within an HCV treatment-as-prevention trial in the prison setting. Bonding social capital encouraged treatment uptake and alleviated concerns of side effects, bridging social capital supported prison-wide treatment uptake, and linking social capital fostered trust in study personnel (including nurses and correctional officers), thereby enhancing treatment engagement. CONCLUSIONS Social capital, including bonding, bridging and linking, can play an important role in hepatitis C treatment-as-prevention efforts within the male prison setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lafferty
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jake Rance
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Rhodes T, Lancaster K. Excitable models: Projections, targets, and the making of futures without disease. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2021; 43:859-880. [PMID: 33942914 PMCID: PMC8360046 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In efforts to control disease, mathematical models and numerical targets play a key role. We take the elimination of a viral infection as a case for exploring mathematical models as 'evidence-making interventions'. Using interviews with mathematical modellers and implementation scientists, and focusing on the emergence of models of 'treatment-as-prevention' in hepatitis C control, we trace how projections detach from their calculative origins as social and policy practices. Drawing on the work of Michel Callon and others, we show that modelled projections of viral elimination circulate as 'qualculations', taking flight via their affects, including as anticipation. Modelled numerical targets do not need 'actual numbers' or precise measurements to perform their authority as evidence of viral elimination or as situated matters-of-concern. Modellers grapple with the ways that their models transform in policy and social practices, apparently beyond reasonable calculus. We highlight how practices of 'holding-on' to projections in relation to imaginaries of 'evidence-based' science entangle with the 'letting-go' of models beyond calculus. We conclude that the 'virtual precision' of models affords them fluid evidence-making potential. We imagine a different mode of modelling science in health, one more attuned to treating projections as qualculative, affective and relational, as excitable matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Rhodes
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
- University of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
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27
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Scott N, Win TM, Tidhar T, Htay H, Draper B, Aung PTZ, Xiao Y, Bowring A, Kuschel C, Shilton S, Kyi KP, Naing W, Aung KS, Hellard M. Hepatitis C elimination in Myanmar: Modelling the impact, cost, cost-effectiveness and economic benefits. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC 2021; 10:100129. [PMID: 34327345 PMCID: PMC8315611 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Myanmar has set national hepatitis C (HCV) targets to achieve 50% of people diagnosed and 50% treated by 2030. The WHO has additional targets of reducing incidence by 80% and mortality by 65% by 2030. We aimed to estimate the impact, cost, cost-effectiveness and net economic benefit of achieving these targets. Methods Mathematical models of HCV transmission, disease progression and the care cascade were calibrated to 15 administrative regions of Myanmar. Cost data were collected from a community testing and treatment program in Yangon. Three scenarios were projected for 2020-2030: (1) baseline (current levels of testing/treatment); and testing/treatment scaled up sufficiently to reach (2) the national strategy targets; and (3) the WHO targets. Findings Without treatment scale-up, 333,000 new HCV infections and 97,000 HCV-related deaths were estimated to occur in Myanmar 2020-2030, with HCV costing a total $100 million in direct costs (testing, treatment, disease management) and $10.4 billion in lost productivity. In the model, treating 55,000 people each year was sufficient to reach the national strategy targets and prevented a cumulative 40,000 new infections (12%) and 25,000 HCV-related deaths (25%) 2020-2030. This was estimated to cost a total $189 million in direct costs ($243 per DALY averted compared to no treatment scale-up), but only $9.8 billion in lost productivity, making it cost-saving from a societal perspective by 2024 with an estimated net economic benefit of $553 million by 2030. Reaching the WHO targets required further treatment scale-up and additional direct costs but resulted in greater longer-term benefits. Interpretation Current levels of HCV testing and treatment in Myanmar are insufficient to reach the national strategy targets. Scaling up HCV testing and treatment in Myanmar to reach the national strategy targets is estimated to generate significant health and economic benefits. Funding Gilead Sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Scott
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thin Mar Win
- Burnet Institute Myanmar, Second floor, 226U Wisara Road, Wizaaya Plaza, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Tom Tidhar
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hla Htay
- Burnet Institute Myanmar, Second floor, 226U Wisara Road, Wizaaya Plaza, Bahan Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Bridget Draper
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phyo Thu Zar Aung
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yinzong Xiao
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Bowring
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christian Kuschel
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sonjelle Shilton
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khin Pyone Kyi
- Myanmar Liver Foundation, 33-35, First Floor, Pathein Street, KyunTaw (Middle) Ward, Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Win Naing
- Department of Hepatology, 500 bedded Specialty Hospital, University of Medicine, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Khin Sanda Aung
- National Hepatitis Control Program, Myanmar Ministry of Health, Myanmar
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute Melbourne, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553St Kilda Rd, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Victoria, Australia.,The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia
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28
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Schulte B, Schmidt CS, Strada L, Rosenkranz M, Schäfer I, Verthein U, Reimer J. Hepatitis C Virus Prevalence and Incidence in a Large Nationwide Sample of Patients in Opioid Substitution Treatment in Germany: A Prospective Cohort Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 70:2199-2205. [PMID: 31631215 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWID). Accurate data on HCV prevalence and incidence rates among patients receiving opioid substitution treatment (OST) are needed to estimate the current and future burden of HCV infections in this high-risk population. METHODS Baseline data from routine care were collected between October 2014 and June 2016 from randomly selected OST facilities in Germany. The primary outcome measure was the HCV status (antibody and RNA prevalence). Patients who were HCV antibody-negative at baseline were followed up after 12 months to calculate the HCV incidence rate. RESULTS Sixty-three facilities from 14 German Federal States provided clinical data for a total of 2466 OST patients. HCV antibody and HCV RNA prevalence were 58.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.8%-60.8%) and 27.3% (95% CI, 25.5%-29.2%), respectively. At baseline, a total of 528 patients (21.4%) had previously undergone antiviral treatment. Moreover, lower HCV RNA prevalence was associated with female gender, employment, younger age, and shorter duration of OST and opioid dependence. The HCV incidence rate was 2.5 cases per 100 person-years. CONCLUSIONS The low HCV RNA prevalence and HCV incidence rates confirm that OST in Germany is an effective setting both for treating chronic HCV infections and for preventing new infections among PWID. Scaling up the provision of OST, HCV testing, and HCV treatment among OST patients are important public health strategies for reducing HCV infections in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Schulte
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | | | - Lisa Strada
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Moritz Rosenkranz
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Ingo Schäfer
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Uwe Verthein
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf
| | - Jens Reimer
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf.,Gesundheit Nord, Bremen, Germany
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Ajlan AA, Al-Gain R, Ahmed M, Abu-Riash T, Alquaiz M, Alkhail FA, Alashgar H, Alkhairallah T, Alkortas D, Al-Jedai A. Developing a multidisciplinary HCV direct-acting antivirals utilization management and assessment program. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2020; 61:e159-e170. [PMID: 33309191 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections has revolutionized outcomes for patients with HCV. Cost-effective use of these antivirals in addition to ensuring patient adherence is of paramount importance. OBJECTIVES The goal of this article is to describe the processes by which a tertiary care, multisite institution managed the complexities involved in administering DAA treatment and managing the increased cost of therapy. Specifically, the objectives of this article are to describe the development of a multidisciplinary HCV management program and the role of pharmacists in this program, including formulary management strategies and monitoring of DAAs use in our institution, development of guidelines, electronic prescribing protocols and order sets, and specific outcomes based on a concurrent medication use evaluation. PRACTICE DESCRIPTION King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre is a tertiary care referral hospital. As a tertiary referral hospital, it offers primary and highly specialized inpatient and outpatient medical care. The process of selecting and developing institutional HCV management program is described. PRACTICE INNOVATION This article provides key details regarding how a multidisciplinary HCV program using DAAs can be implemented successfully at a tertiary care facility. Key facets of our innovation include establishing formulary guidelines, setting up eligibility criteria for patients, and establishing an HCV taskforce and multidisciplinary HCV program clinic. EVALUATION Medication use evaluations were regularly conducted to monitor sustained virologic response rates, adherence to guidelines, adverse reactions, and drug interactions. METHODS Formulary guidelines, setting up an eligibility criterion for patients, and an HCV taskforce and multidisciplinary HCV program clinic were established. RESULTS The involvement of pharmacists in a multidisciplinary HCV program in outpatient settings resulted in improved formulary decision making, reduction of costs, and improvement of adherence to institutional guidelines. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The role of a pharmacist in the management of patients with HCV with DAAs is important. Pharmacists play an integral part in medication management and overall reduction in health care expenditure. Many disease management programs can be complemented with pharmacists to improve patient care and reduce cost. CONCLUSION HCV treatment is challenging, and a multidisciplinary approach to treat HCV is critical. It is a rapidly evolving field; therefore, it requires dynamic formulary management and collaborative practice approaches to monitor pharmacotherapy carefully and efficiently. Clinical pharmacists play a pivotal role within the multidisciplinary team by providing support to both patients and health care providers with regard to the treatment of HCV.
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Tordrup D, Hutin Y, Stenberg K, Lauer JA, Hutton DW, Toy M, Scott N, Chhatwal J, Ball A. Cost-Effectiveness of Testing and Treatment for Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infections: An Analysis by Scenarios, Regions, and Income. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2020; 23:1552-1560. [PMID: 33248510 PMCID: PMC7806510 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Testing and treatment for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are highly effective, high-impact interventions. This article aims to estimate the cost-effectiveness of scaling up these interventions by scenarios, regions, and income groups. METHODS We modeled costs and impacts of hepatitis elimination in 67 low- and middle-income countries from 2016 to 2030. Costs included testing and treatment commodities, healthcare consultations, and future savings from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinomas averted. We modeled disease progression to estimate disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) averted. We estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) by regions and World Bank income groups, according to 3 scenarios: flatline (status quo), progress (testing/treatment according to World Health Organization guidelines), and ambitious (elimination). RESULTS Compared with no action, current levels of testing and treatment had an ICER of $807/DALY for HBV and -$62/DALY (cost-saving) for HCV. Scaling up to progress scenario, both interventions had ICERs less than the average gross domestic product/capita of countries (HBV: $532/DALY; HCV: $613/DALY). Scaling up from flatline to elimination led to higher ICERs across countries (HBV: $927/DALY; HCV: $2528/DALY, respectively) that remained lower than the average gross domestic product/capita. Sensitivity analysis indicated discount rates and commodity costs were main factors driving results. CONCLUSIONS Scaling up testing and treatment for HBV and HCV infection as per World Health Organization guidelines is a cost-effective intervention. Elimination leads to a much larger impact though ICERs are higher. Price reduction strategies are needed to achieve elimination given the substantial budget impact at current commodity prices.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Tordrup
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Pharmaceutical Policy and Regulation, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands; World Health Organization Headquarters (Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme and Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing), Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Yvan Hutin
- World Health Organization Headquarters (Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme and Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing), Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Karin Stenberg
- World Health Organization Headquarters (Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme and Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy A Lauer
- World Health Organization Headquarters (Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme and Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing), Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - David W Hutton
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mehlika Toy
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nick Scott
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jagpreet Chhatwal
- Massachusetts, General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Ball
- World Health Organization Headquarters (Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme and Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing), Geneva, Switzerland; Division of Universal Health Coverage, Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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31
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Papaluca T, Craigie A, McDonald L, Edwards A, MacIsaac M, Holmes JA, Jarman M, Lee T, Huang H, Chan A, Lai M, Sundararajan V, Doyle JS, Hellard M, Stoove M, Howell J, Desmond P, Iser D, Thompson AJ. Non-invasive fibrosis algorithms are clinically useful for excluding cirrhosis in prisoners living with hepatitis C. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242101. [PMID: 33206696 PMCID: PMC7673506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Prison-based HCV treatment rates remain low due to multiple barriers, including accessing transient elastography for cirrhosis determination. The AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) and FIB-4 scores have excellent negative predictive value (NPV) in hospital cohorts to exclude cirrhosis. We investigated their performance in a large cohort of prisoners with HCV infection. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of participants assessed by a prison-based hepatitis program. The sensitivity, specificity, NPV and positive predictive value (PPV) of APRI and FIB-4 for cirrhosis were then analysed, with transient elastography as the reference standard. The utility of age thresholds as a trigger for transient elastography was also explored. Results Data from 1007 prisoners were included. The median age was 41, 89% were male, and 12% had cirrhosis. An APRI cut-off of 1.0 and FIB-4 cut-off of 1.45 had NPVs for cirrhosis of 96.1% and 96.6%, respectively, and if used to triage prisoners for transient elastography, could reduce the need for this investigation by 71%. The PPVs of APRI and FIB-4 for cirrhosis at these cut-offs were low. Age ≤35 years alone had a NPV for cirrhosis of 96.5%. In those >35 years, the APRI cut-off of 1.0 alone had a high NPV >95%. Conclusion APRI and FIB-4 scores can reliably exclude cirrhosis in prisoners and reduce requirement for transient elastography. This finding will simplify the cascade of care for prisoners living with hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Papaluca
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anne Craigie
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lucy McDonald
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amy Edwards
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael MacIsaac
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jacinta A. Holmes
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew Jarman
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tanya Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hannah Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew Chan
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Lai
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vijaya Sundararajan
- Department of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S. Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Stoove
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Desmond
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Iser
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexander J. Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Abadie R, Dombrowski K. "Caballo": risk environments, drug sharing and the emergence of a hepatitis C virus epidemic among people who inject drugs in Puerto Rico. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:85. [PMID: 33097062 PMCID: PMC7582446 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00421-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sharing drug injection equipment has been associated with the transmission of HCV among PWID through blood contained in the cooker and cotton used to prepare and divide up the drug solution. While epidemiologists often subsume this practice under the sharing of "ancillary equipment," more attention should be paid to the fact that indirect sharing takes place within the process of joint drug acquisition and preparation. METHODS We employed an ethnographic approach observing active PWID (N = 33) in four rural towns in Puerto Rico in order to document drug sharing arrangements involved in "caballo", as this practice is locally known. We explored partners' motivation to engage in drug sharing, as well as its social organization, social roles and existing norms. FINDINGS Findings suggest that drug sharing, is one of the main drivers of the HCV epidemic in this population. Lack of financial resources, drug packaging, drug of choice and the desire to avoid the painful effects of heroin withdrawal motivates participants' decision to partner with somebody else, sharing injection equipment-and risk-in the process. Roles are not fixed, changing not only according to caballo partners, but also, power dynamics. CONCLUSION In order to curb the HCV epidemic, harm reduction policies should recognize the particular sociocultural contexts in which people inject drugs and make decisions about risk. Avoiding sharing of injection equipment within an arrangement between PWID to acquire and use drugs is more complex than assumed by harm reduction interventions. Moving beyond individual risk behaviors, a risk environment approach suggest that poverty, and a strict drug policy that encourage users to carry small amounts of illicit substances, and a lack of HCV treatment among other factors, contribute to HCV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Abadie
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 839 Oldfather Hall, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA.
| | - K Dombrowski
- Department of Anthropology, University of Vermont, 72 University Place, Burlington, VE, 05405, USA
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Verma D, Ashkar C, Saab S. Cost effectiveness of direct acting antivirals in the treatment of hepatitis C in vulnerable populations. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2020; 21:9-12. [PMID: 33073620 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2021.1838898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Pedrana A, Howell J, Scott N, Schroeder S, Kuschel C, Lazarus JV, Atun R, Baptista-Leite R, 't Hoen E, Hutchinson SJ, Aufegger L, Peck R, Sohn AH, Swan T, Thursz M, Lesi O, Sharma M, Thwaites J, Wilson DP, Hellard M. Global hepatitis C elimination: an investment framework. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:927-939. [PMID: 32730786 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(20)30010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
WHO has set global targets for the elimination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. However, investment in elimination programmes remains low. To help drive political commitment and catalyse domestic and international financing, we have developed a global investment framework for the elimination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The global investment framework presented in this Health Policy paper outlines national and international activities that will enable reductions in hepatitis C incidence and mortality, and identifies potential sources of funding and tools to help countries build the economic case for investing in national elimination activities. The goal of this framework is to provide a way for countries, particularly those with minimal resources, to gain the substantial economic benefit and cost savings that come from investing in hepatitis C elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Jessica Howell
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophia Schroeder
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christian Kuschel
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rifat Atun
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ricardo Baptista-Leite
- Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Lisbon, Portugal; Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ellen 't Hoen
- Global Health Unit, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands; Medicines Law & Policy, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lisa Aufegger
- Centre for Health Policy, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Raquel Peck
- World Hepatitis Alliance, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT Asia/amfAR-Foundation for AIDS Research Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tracy Swan
- Independent consultant, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark Thursz
- Department of Hepatology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Manik Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - John Thwaites
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute and ClimateWorks Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David P Wilson
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Doherty Institute and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Skaathun B, Borquez A, Rivero-Juarez A, Mehta SR, Tellez F, Castaño-Carracedo M, Merino D, Palacios R, Macías J, Rivero A, Martin NK. What is needed to achieve HCV microelimination among HIV-infected populations in Andalusia, Spain: a modeling analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:588. [PMID: 32770955 PMCID: PMC7414743 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05285-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scale-up of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment for HIV/HCV coinfected individuals is occurring in Spain, the vast majority (> 85%) with a reported history of injecting drug use and a smaller population of co-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). We assess impact of recent treatment scale-up to people living with HIV (PLWH) and implications for achieving the WHO HCV incidence elimination target (80% reduction 2015-2030) among PLWH and overall in Andalusia, Spain, using dynamic modeling. METHODS A dynamic transmission model of HCV/HIV coinfection was developed. The model was stratified by people who inject drugs (PWID) and MSM. The PWID component included dynamic HCV transmission from the HCV-monoinfected population. The model was calibrated to Andalusia based on published data and the HERACLES cohort (prospective cohort of HIV/HCV coinfected individuals representing > 99% coinfected individuals in care in Andalusia). From HERACLES, we incorporated HCV treatment among diagnosed PLWH of 10.5%/year from 2004 to 2014, and DAAs at 33%/year from 2015 with 94.8% SVR. We project the impact of current and scaled-up HCV treatment for PLWH on HCV prevalence and incidence among PLWH and overall. RESULTS Current treatment rates among PLWH (scaled-up since 2015) could substantially reduce the number of diagnosed coinfected individuals (mean 76% relative reduction from 2015 to 2030), but have little impact on new diagnosed coinfections (12% relative reduction). However, DAA scale-up to PWLH in 2015 would have minimal future impact on new diagnosed coinfections (mean 9% relative decrease from 2015 to 2030). Similarly, new cases of HCV would only reduce by a mean relative 29% among all PWID and MSM due to ongoing infection/reinfection. Diagnosing/treating all PLWH annually from 2020 would increase the number of new HCV infections among PWLH by 28% and reduce the number of new HCV infections by 39% among the broader population by 2030. CONCLUSION Targeted scale-up of HCV treatment to PLWH can dramatically reduce prevalence among this group but will likely have little impact on the annual number of newly diagnosed HIV/HCV coinfections. HCV microelimination efforts among PWLH in Andalusia and settings where a large proportion of PLWH have a history of injecting drug use will require scaled-up HCV diagnosis and treatment among PLWH and the broader population at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britt Skaathun
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Annick Borquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Instituto Maimonides de Investigaciones Biomedicas de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia de Cordoba, Universidad de Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Sanjay R Mehta
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Francisco Tellez
- Infectious Diseases Unit Hospital Universitario de Puerto Real, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de la Provincia de Cádiz. Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | | | - Dolores Merino
- Infectious Diseases Unit. Hospitales Juan Ramón Jiménez e Infanta Elena de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Rosario Palacios
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria. Complejo Hospitalario Provincial de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Macías
- Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario de Valme. Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (iBiS), Sevilla, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Instituto Maimonides de Investigaciones Biomedicas de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia de Cordoba, Universidad de Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Natasha K Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0507, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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A model of the economic benefits of global hepatitis C elimination: an investment case. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 5:940-947. [PMID: 32730785 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(20)30008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Major gains in reducing the burden of hepatitis C are now possible because of the discovery of a cure. The prevention of premature deaths and increased workforce participation among people who are cured are likely to provide substantial indirect economic benefits. We developed an investment case for hepatitis C for the six WHO world regions, which, to our knowledge, is the first to consider both indirect and direct economic benefits in this context. Scaling up of testing and treatment to reach the 2030 WHO hepatitis C elimination targets was estimated to prevent 2·1 million (95% credible interval 1·3-3·2 million) hepatitis C-related deaths and 10 million (4-14 million) new hepatitis C virus infections globally between 2018 and 2030. This elimination strategy was estimated to cost US$41·5 billion (33·1-48·7 billion) in testing, treatment, and health care between 2018 and 2030 ($23·4 billion more than the status quo scenario of no testing or treatment scale up), with a global average of $885 (654-1189) per disability-adjusted life-year averted at 2030. Compared with the status quo scenario, the elimination scenario generated $46·1 billion (35·9-53·8 billion) in cumulative productivity gains by 2030. These indirect costs made elimination cost-saving by 2027, with a net economic benefit of $22·7 billion (17·1-27·9 billion) by 2030. This model shows that countries might be underestimating the true burden of hepatitis C and will benefit from investing in elimination.
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Kondili LA, Gamkrelidze I, Blach S, Marcellusi A, Galli M, Petta S, Puoti M, Vella S, Razavi H, Craxi A, Mennini FS. Optimization of hepatitis C virus screening strategies by birth cohort in Italy. Liver Int 2020; 40:1545-1555. [PMID: 32078234 PMCID: PMC7384106 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cost-effective screening strategies are needed to make hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination a reality. We determined if birth cohort screening is cost-effective in Italy. METHODS A model was developed to quantify screening and healthcare costs associated with HCV. The model-estimated prevalence of undiagnosed HCV was used to calculate the antibody screens needed annually, with a €25 000 cost-effectiveness threshold. Outcomes were assessed under the status quo and a scenario that met the World Health Organization's targets for elimination of HCV. The elimination scenario was assessed under five screening strategies. RESULTS A graduated birth cohort screening strategy (graduated screening 1: 1968-1987 birth cohorts, then expanding to 1948-1967 cohorts) was the least costly. This strategy would gain approximately 144 000 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) by 2031 and result in an 89.3% reduction in HCV cases, compared to an 89.6%, 89.0%, 89.7% and 88.7% reduction for inversed graduated screening, 1948-77 birth cohort, 1958-77 birth cohort and universal screening, respectively. Graduated screening 1 yielded the lowest incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €3552 per QALY gained. CONCLUSIONS In Italy, a graduated screening scenario is the most cost-effective strategy. Other countries could consider a similar birth cohort approach when developing HCV screening strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Blach
- Center for Disease Analysis FoundationLafayetteCOUS
| | - Andrea Marcellusi
- Centre for Economic and International StudiesFaculty of EconomicsUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRomeItaly
- Department of Accounting Finance and InformaticsKingston Business SchoolKingston UniversityLondonUK
| | - Massimo Galli
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences“L Sacco” University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Salvatore Petta
- Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, PROMISEUniversity of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Massimo Puoti
- Department of Infectious DiseasesASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano NiguardaMilanItaly
| | - Stefano Vella
- Center for Global HealthIstituto Superiore di SanitàRomeItaly
| | - Homie Razavi
- Center for Disease Analysis FoundationLafayetteCOUS
| | - Antonio Craxi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, PROMISEUniversity of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Francesco S. Mennini
- Centre for Economic and International StudiesFaculty of EconomicsUniversity of Rome Tor VergataRomeItaly
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Traeger MW, Pedrana AE, van Santen DK, Doyle JS, Howell J, Thompson AJ, El-Hayek C, Asselin J, Polkinghorne V, Membrey D, Bramwell F, Carter A, Guy R, Stoové MA, Hellard ME. The impact of universal access to direct-acting antiviral therapy on the hepatitis C cascade of care among individuals attending primary and community health services. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235445. [PMID: 32603349 PMCID: PMC7326180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C elimination will require widespread access to treatment and responses at the health-service level to increase testing among populations at risk. We explored changes in hepatitis C testing and the cascade of care before and after the introduction of direct-acting antiviral treatments in Victoria, Australia. METHODS De-identified clinical data were retrospectively extracted from eighteen primary care clinics providing services targeted towards people who inject drugs. We explored hepatitis C testing within three-year periods immediately prior to (pre-DAA period) and following (post-DAA period) universal access to DAA treatments on 1st March 2016. Among ever RNA-positive individuals, we constructed two care cascades at the end of the pre-DAA and post-DAA periods. RESULTS The number of individuals HCV-tested was 13,784 (12.2% of those with a consultation) in the pre-DAA period and 14,507 (10.4% of those with a consultation) in the post-DAA period. The pre-DAA care cascade included 2,515 RNA-positive individuals; 1,977 (78.6%) were HCV viral load/genotype tested; 19 (0.8%) were prescribed treatment; and 12 had evidence of cure (0.5% of those RNA-positive and 63.6% of those eligible for cure). The post-DAA care cascade included 3,713 RNA-positive individuals; 3,276 (88.2%) were HCV viral load/genotype tested; 1,674 (45.1%) were prescribed treatment; and 863 had evidence of cure (23.2% of those RNA-positive and 94.9% of those eligible for cure). CONCLUSION Marked improvements in the cascade of hepatitis C care among patients attending primary care clinics were observed following the universal access of DAA treatments in Australia, although improvements in testing were less pronounced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael W. Traeger
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alisa E. Pedrana
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniela K. van Santen
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joseph S. Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Howell
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander J. Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Dean Membrey
- Cohealth, General Practice, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fran Bramwell
- Cohealth, General Practice, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allison Carter
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark A. Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret E. Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Brain D, Mitchell J, O’Beirne J. Cost-effectiveness analysis of an outreach model of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) assessment to facilitate HCV treatment in primary care. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234577. [PMID: 32555696 PMCID: PMC7299404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of hepatitis C virus (HCV), such as morbidity and mortality associated with cirrhosis and liver cancer, is a major public health issue in Australia. Highly effective treatment has recently been made available to all Australians living with HCV. A decision-analytic model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the hepatology partnership, compared to usual care. A Markov model was chosen, as it is state-based and able to include recursive events, which accurately reflects the natural history of the chronic and repetitive nature of HCV. Cost-effectiveness of the new model of care is indicated by the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), where the mean change to costs associated with the new model of care is divided by the mean change in quality adjusted life-years (QALYs). Ten thousand iterations of the model were run, with the majority (73%) of ICERs representing cost-savings. In comparison to usual care, the intervention improves health outcomes (22.38 QALYs gained) and reduces costs by $42,122 per patient. When compared to usual care, a partnership approach to management of HCV is cost-effective and good value for money, even when key model parameters are changed in scenario analyses. Reduction in costs is driven by improved efficiency of the new model of care, where more patients are treated in a timely manner, away from the expensive tertiary setting. From an economic perspective, a reduction in hospital-based care is a positive outcome and represents a good investment for decision-makers who wish to maximise health gain per dollar spent.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Brain
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Jonathan Mitchell
- Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Britinya, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Britinya, Australia
| | - James O’Beirne
- Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Britinya, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Britinya, Australia
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Fisher KA, Phillippi S, Robinson WT. Resilience, Distress, and Dependence Influence Injection Related Risk among People Who Inject Drugs. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-018-9955-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Martinello M, Bajis S, Dore GJ. Progress Toward Hepatitis C Virus Elimination: Therapy and Implementation. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2020; 49:253-277. [PMID: 32389362 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The World Health Organization has called for the elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public health threat by 2030. Highly effective direct-acting antiviral agents provide the therapeutic tools required for elimination. In the absence of a vaccine, HCV elimination will require enhanced primary prevention and an increase in the proportions of people diagnosed and treated. Given that globally only 20% of people with chronic HCV are diagnosed, and around 5% have initiated HCV treatment, the task ahead is enormous. But, global public health needs optimism, and countries currently on track for HCV elimination provide a pathway forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Martinello
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Sahar Bajis
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Binka M, Janjua NZ, Grebely J, Estes C, Schanzer D, Kwon JA, Shoukry NH, Kwong JC, Razavi H, Feld JJ, Krajden M. Assessment of Treatment Strategies to Achieve Hepatitis C Elimination in Canada Using a Validated Model. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e204192. [PMID: 32374397 PMCID: PMC7203608 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.4192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Achievement of the World Health Organization (WHO) target of eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030 will require an increase in key services, including harm reduction, HCV screening, and HCV treatment initiatives in member countries. These data are not available for Canada but are important for informing a national HCV elimination strategy. Objective To use a decision analytical model to explore the association of different treatment strategies with HCV epidemiology and HCV-associated mortality in Canada and to assess the levels of service increase needed to meet the WHO elimination targets by 2030. Design, Setting, and Participants Study participants in this decision analytical model included individuals with hepatitis C virus infection in Canada. Five HCV treatment scenarios (optimistic, very aggressive, aggressive, gradual decrease, and rapid decrease) were applied using a previously validated Markov-type mathematical model. The optimistic and very aggressive treatment scenarios modeled a sustained annual treatment of 10 200 persons and 14 000 persons, respectively, from 2018 to 2030. The aggressive, gradual decrease, and rapid decrease scenarios assessed decreases in treatment uptake from 14 000 persons to 10 000 persons per year, 12 000 persons to 8500 persons per year, and 12 000 persons to 4500 persons per year, respectively, between 2018 and 2030. Main Outcomes and Measures Hepatitis C virus prevalence and HCV-associated health outcomes were assessed for each of the 5 treatment scenarios with the goal of identifying strategies to achieve HCV elimination by 2030. Results An estimated mean 180 142 persons (95% CI, 122 786-196 862 persons) in Canada had chronic HCV infection at the end of 2017. The optimistic and gradual decrease scenarios estimated a decrease in HCV prevalence from 180 142 persons to 37 246 persons and 37 721 persons, respectively, by 2030. Relative to 2015, this decrease in HCV prevalence was associated with 74%, 69%, and 69% reductions in the prevalence of decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-associated mortality, respectively, leading to HCV elimination by 2030. More aggressive treatment uptake (very aggressive scenario) could result in goal achievement up to 3 years earlier than 2030, although a rapid decrease in the initiation of treatment (rapid decrease scenario) would preclude Canada from reaching the HCV elimination goal by 2030. Conclusions and Relevance The study findings suggest that Canada could meet the WHO goals for HCV elimination by 2030 by sustaining the current national HCV treatment rate during the next decade. This target will not be achieved if treatment uptake is allowed to decrease rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mawuena Binka
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Naveed Z. Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jason Grebely
- Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris Estes
- Center for Disease Analysis, Lafayette, Colorado
| | - Dena Schanzer
- Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jisoo A. Kwon
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C. Kwong
- Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Homie Razavi
- Center for Disease Analysis, Lafayette, Colorado
| | - Jordan J. Feld
- Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
- Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus is a global public health threat, affecting 71 million people worldwide. Increasing recognition of the impact of this epidemic and recent advances in biomedical and technical approaches to hepatitis C prevention and cure have provided impetus for the World Health Organization (WHO) to call for global elimination of hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. This work reviews the feasibility of hepatitis C elimination and pathways to overcome existing and potential future barriers to elimination. Drawing on cost-effectiveness modeling and providing examples of successful implementation efforts across the globe, we highlight the resources and strategies needed to achieve hepatitis C elimination. A timely, multipronged response is required if the 2030 WHO elimination targets are to be achieved. Importantly, achieving hepatitis C elimination will also benefit the community well beyond 2030.
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Rhodes T, Lancaster K. How to think with models and targets: Hepatitis C elimination as a numbering performance. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 88:102694. [PMID: 32245664 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The field of public health is replete with mathematical models and numerical targets. In the case of disease eliminations, modelled projections and targets play a key role in evidencing elimination futures and in shaping actions in relation to these. Drawing on ideas within science and technology studies, we take hepatitis C elimination as a case for reflecting on how to think with mathematical models and numerical targets as 'performative actors' in evidence-making. We focus specifically on the emergence of 'treatment-as-prevention' as a means to trace the social and material effects that models and targets make, including beyond science. We also focus on how enumerations are made locally in their methods and events of production. We trace the work that models and targets do in relation to three analytical themes: governing; affecting; and enacting. This allows us to situate models and targets as technologies of governance in the constitution of health, which affect and are affected by their material relations, including in relation to matters-of-concern which extend beyond calculus. By emphasising models and targets as enactments, we draw attention to how these devices give life to new enumerated entities, which detach from their calculative origins and take flight in new ways. We make this analysis for two reasons: first, as a call to bring the social and enumeration sciences closer together to speculate on how we might think with models and targets differently and more carefully; and second, to encourage an approach to science which treats evidencing-making interventions, such as models and targets, as performative and political.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Rhodes
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; National Institute of Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Sexually Transmitted Infections and Blood Borne Viruses, University College London, United Kingdom.
| | - Kari Lancaster
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Scott N, Sacks-Davis R, Wade AJ, Stoove M, Pedrana A, Doyle JS, Thompson AJ, Wilson DP, Hellard ME. Australia needs to increase testing to achieve hepatitis C elimination. Med J Aust 2020; 212:365-370. [PMID: 32167586 PMCID: PMC7317196 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.50544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To assess progress in Australia toward the 2030 WHO hepatitis C elimination targets two years after the introduction of highly effective direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatments. Design Analysis of quarterly data on government‐subsidised hepatitis C RNA testing and hepatitis C treatment in Australia, January 2013 – June 2018. Changes in testing and treatment levels associated with DAA availability were assessed in an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) statistical model, and the impact by 2030 of different levels of testing and treatment were estimated using a mathematical model. Major outcome measures Hepatitis C prevalence among people who inject drugs; annual hepatitis C incidence relative to 2015 levels; projections for the hepatitis C care cascade in 2030. Results The mean annual number of treatments initiated for people with hepatitis C increased from 6747 during 2013–2015 (before the introduction of DAAs) to 28 022 during 2016–18; the mean annual number of diagnostic RNA tests increased from 17 385 to 23 819. If current trends in testing and treatment continue (ie, 2018 testing numbers are maintained but treatment numbers decline by 50%), it is projected that by 2030 only 72% of infected people would be treated (by 2025 all people diagnosed with hepatitis C would be treated). The incidence of hepatitis C in 2030 would be 59% lower than in 2015, well short of the WHO target of an 80% reduction. The identification and testing of people exposed to hepatitis C must be increased by at least 50% for Australia to reach the WHO elimination targets. Conclusion Hepatitis C elimination programs in Australia should focus on increasing testing rates and linkage with care to maintain adequate levels of treatment.
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Stone J, Fraser H, Young AM, Havens JR, Vickerman P. Modeling the role of incarceration in HCV transmission and prevention amongst people who inject drugs in rural Kentucky. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 88:102707. [PMID: 32151496 PMCID: PMC7483428 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) experience high incarceration rates, with current/recent incarceration being associated with increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. We assess the contribution of incarceration to HCV transmission amongst PWID in Perry County (PC), Kentucky, USA, and the impact of scaling-up community and in-prison opioid substitution therapy (OST), including the potential for reducing incarceration. METHODS A dynamic model of incarceration and HCV transmission amongst PWID was calibrated in a Bayesian framework to epidemiological and incarceration data from PC, incorporating an empirically estimated 2.8-fold (95%CI: 1.36-5.77) elevated HCV acquisition risk amongst currently incarcerated or recently released (<6 months) PWID compared to other PWID. We projected the percentage of new HCV infections that would be prevented among PWID over 2020-2030 if incarceration no longer elevated HCV transmission risk, if needle and syringe programmes (NSP) and OST are scaled-up, and/or if drug use was decriminalized (incarceration/reincarceration rates are halved) with 50% of PWID that would have been imprisoned being diverted onto OST. We assume OST reduces reincarceration by 10-42%. RESULTS Over 2020-2030, removing the effect of incarceration on HCV transmission could prevent 42.7% (95% credibility interval: 15.0-67.4%) of new HCV infections amongst PWID. Conversely, scaling-up community OST and NSP to 50% coverage could prevent 28.5% (20.0-37.4%) of new infections, with this increasing to 32.7% (24.5-41.2%) if PWID are retained on OST upon incarceration, 36.4% (27.7-44.9%) if PWID initiate OST in prison, and 45.3% (35.9-54.1%) if PWID are retained on OST upon release. decriminalization (with diversion to OST) could further increase this impact, preventing 56.8% (45.3-64.5%) of new infections. The impact of these OST interventions decreases by 2.1-28.6% if OST does not reduce incarceration. CONCLUSION Incarceration is likely to be an important contributor to HCV transmission amongst PWID in PC. Prison-based OST could be an important intervention for reducing this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
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Trickey A, Hiebert L, Perfect C, Thomas C, El Kaim JL, Vickerman P, Schȕtte C, Hecht R. Hepatitis C virus elimination in Indonesia: Epidemiological, cost and cost-effectiveness modelling to advance advocacy and strategic planning. Liver Int 2020; 40:286-297. [PMID: 31454466 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS & AIMS In Indonesia 1.9 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), but a national strategic plan for elimination has not yet been developed, despite the availability of low-cost treatments which could save many lives. We used epidemiological and cost modelling to estimate targets and resource requirements of a national elimination program and explore the potential impact and cost-effectiveness. METHODS To model the HCV epidemic, we used a dynamic model, parameterised with Indonesia-specific data, accounting for disease progression, injecting drug use and demographics. Future scale-up scenarios were designed for 2018-2050 to capture possible policy choices. Costs of an initial 5-year national strategy and of long-term elimination were estimated for the most feasible scenario, as agreed with government and local partners. Cost savings from reduced drug and diagnostics prices were also estimated. The cost-effectiveness of baseline predictions and those with drug price reductions were compared to the no treatment scenario. RESULTS Elimination by 2045, considered the most feasible path to scale-up, would prevent 739 000 new infections and avert 158 000 HCV-related deaths. The costs would be $5.6 billion (USD) using baseline prices but could fall to $2.7 billion if price reductions for HCV drugs and diagnostics are secured. With these price reductions, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for a 2045 elimination program would be cost-effective at $300 (USD) per year of life saved vs the no treatment scenario. CONCLUSIONS This study has underpinned advocacy efforts to secure Indonesian government commitment to HCV elimination, and provides further inputs for HCV strategic planning efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Trickey
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Caroline Thomas
- Persaudaraan Korban Napza Indonesia (PKNI), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Evaluation of Interventions, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Carl Schȕtte
- Strategic Development Consultants, Durban, South Africa
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O’Keefe D, Ritter A, Stoove M, Hughes C, Dietze P. Harm reduction programs and policy in Australia: barriers and enablers to effective implementation. SUCHT-ZEITSCHRIFT FUR WISSENSCHAFT UND PRAXIS 2020. [DOI: 10.1024/0939-5911/a000641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Background: Harm reduction is an integral component of Australia’s overall national drug policy. Harm reduction policy and interventions can be applied to any legal or illegal drug to mitigate harm without necessarily reducing use, but harm reduction is traditionally conceptualised in relation to injecting drug use. Early and comprehensive adoption of many innovative harm reduction interventions has meant that Australia has had significant success in reducing a number of drug related harms, avoided disease epidemics experienced in other countries, and established programs and practices that are of international renown. However, these gains were not easily established, nor necessarily permanent. Aim: In this paper we explore the past and present harm reduction policy and practice contexts that normalised and facilitated harm reduction as a public health response, as well as those converse contexts currently creating opposition to additional or expanded interventions. Importantly, this paper discusses the intersection between various interventions, such as needle and syringe distribution and drug treatment programs. Finally, we detail some of the practical lessons that have been learned via the Australian experience, with the hope that these lessons will assist to inform and improve international harm reduction implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel O’Keefe
- Burnet Institute
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University
| | - Alison Ritter
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales
| | - Mark Stoove
- Burnet Institute
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University
| | - Chad Hughes
- Burnet Institute
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University
| | - Paul Dietze
- Burnet Institute
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University
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Cost-effectiveness of transplanting lungs and kidneys from donors with potential hepatitis C exposure or infection. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1459. [PMID: 31996734 PMCID: PMC6989464 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58215-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Organ transplant guidelines in many settings recommend that people with potential hepatitis C virus (HCV) exposure or infection are deemed ineligible to donate. The recent availability of highly-effective treatments for HCV means that this may no longer be necessary. We used a mathematical model to estimate the expected difference in healthcare costs, difference in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and cost-effectiveness of removing HCV restrictions for lung and kidney donations in Australia. Our model suggests that allowing organ donations from people who inject drugs, people with a history of incarceration and people who are HCV antibody-positive could lead to an estimated 10% increase in organ supply, population-level improvements in health (reduction in DALYs), and on average save AU$2,399 (95%CI AU$1,155-3,352) and AU$2,611 (95%CI AU$1,835-3,869) per person requiring a lung and kidney transplant respectively. These findings are likely to hold for international settings, since this policy change remained cost saving with positive health gains regardless of HCV prevalence, HCV treatment cost and waiting list survival probabilities. This study suggests that guidelines on organ donation should be revisited in light of recent changes to clinical outcomes for people with HCV.
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Liu Y, Zhang H, Zhang L, Zou X, Ling L. Economic Evaluation of Hepatitis C Treatment Extension to Acute Infection and Early-Stage Fibrosis Among Patients Who Inject Drugs in Developing Countries: A Case of China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17030800. [PMID: 32012839 PMCID: PMC7037788 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17030800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of (1) treating acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) vs. deferring treatment until the chronic phase and (2) treating all chronic patients vs. only those with advanced fibrosis; among Chinese genotype 1b treatment-naïve patients who injected drugs (PWID), using a combination Daclatasvir (DCV) plus Asunaprevir (ASV) regimen and a Peg-interferon (PegIFN)-based regimen, respectively. A decision-analytical model including the risk of HCV reinfection simulated lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of three treatment timings, under the DCV+ASV and PegIFN regimen, respectively: Treating acute infection (“Treat at acute”), treating chronic patients of all fibrosis stages (“Treat at F0 (no fibrosis)”), treating only advanced-stage fibrosis patients (“Treat at F3 (numerous septa without cirrhosis)”). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were used to compare scenarios. “Treat at acute” compared with “Treat at F0” was cost-saving (cost: DCV+ASV regimen—US$14,486.975 vs. US$16,224.250; PegIFN-based regimen—US$19,734.794 vs. US$22,101.584) and more effective (QALY: DCV+ASV regimen—14.573 vs. 14.566; PegIFN-based regimen—14.148 vs. 14.116). Compared with “Treat at F3”; “Treat at F0” exhibited an ICER of US$3780.20/QALY and US$15,145.98/QALY under the DCV+ASV regimen and PegIFN-based regimen; respectively. Treatment of acute HCV infection was highly cost-effective and cost-saving compared with deferring treatment to the chronic stage; for both DCV+ASV and PegIFN-based regimens. Early treatment for chronic patients with DCV+ASV regimen was highly cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Liu
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.)
- Sun Yat-sen Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Lei Zhang
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an 710000, China;
- Melbourne Sexual Health Center, Alfred Health, Melbourne VIC 3053, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xia Zou
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.)
- Sun Yat-sen Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li Ling
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (Y.L.); (X.Z.)
- Sun Yat-sen Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-020-873-3319
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