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Fontaine G, Presseau J, Bruneau J, Etherington C, Thomas IM, Hung JHC, van Allen Z, Patey AM, Kareem A, Mortazhejri S, Høj SB, Boyer-Legault G, Grimshaw JM. Using an intersectionality lens to explore barriers and enablers to hepatitis C point-of-care testing: a qualitative study among people who inject drugs and service providers. Int J Equity Health 2024; 23:124. [PMID: 38886803 PMCID: PMC11184812 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02209-0] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health burden, particularly among people who inject drugs. Rapid point-of-care HCV testing has emerged as a promising approach to improve HCV detection and linkage to care in harm reduction organizations such as needle and syringe programs. The objective of this study was to use an intersectionality lens to explore the barriers and enablers to point-of-care HCV testing in a needle and syringe program. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with clients (people who inject drugs) and service providers in a large community organization focused on the prevention of sexually transmitted and blood borne infections and harm reduction in Montreal, Canada. An intersectionality lens was used alongside the Theoretical Domains Framework to guide the formulation of research questions as well as data collection, analysis, and interpretation. RESULTS We interviewed 27 participants (15 clients, 12 providers). For clients, four themes emerged: (1) understanding and perceptions of HCV testing, (2) the role of an accessible and inclusive environment, (3) the interplay of emotions and motivations in decision-making, and (4) the impact of intersectional stigma related to HCV, behaviors, and identities. For providers, five themes emerged: (1) knowledge, skills, and confidence for HCV testing, (2) professional roles and their intersection with identity and lived experience, (3) resources and integration of services, (4) social and emotional factors, and (5) behavioral regulation and incentives for HCV testing. Intersectional stigma amplified access, emotional and informational barriers to HCV care for clients. In contrast, identity and lived experience acted as powerful enablers for providers in the provision of HCV care. CONCLUSION The application of an intersectionality lens provides a nuanced understanding of multilevel barriers and enablers to point-of-care HCV testing. Findings underscore the need for tailored strategies that address stigma, improve provider roles and communication, and foster an inclusive environment for equitable HCV care. Using an intersectionality lens in implementation research can offer valuable insights, guiding the design of equity-focused implementation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Fontaine
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
- Ingram School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 680 Rue Sherbrooke O #1800, Montréal, QC, H3A 2M7, Canada.
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Sir Mortimer B. Davis Jewish General Hospital, CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, 3755 Chem. de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building (C27), Cnr High St & Botany St, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Justin Presseau
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Research Centre, Université de Montréal Hospital Centre, 900 Saint Denis St, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900, Boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Cole Etherington
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Isabella M Thomas
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Jui-Hsia Cleo Hung
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Zack van Allen
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Andrea M Patey
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Louise D Acton Building, 31 George St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Ayesha Kareem
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Sameh Mortazhejri
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Stine Bordier Høj
- Research Centre, Université de Montréal Hospital Centre, 900 Saint Denis St, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Geneviève Boyer-Legault
- Direction of Community Services, CACTUS Montréal, 1300 Rue Sanguinet, Montréal, QC, H2X 3E7, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Grimshaw
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 45 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H8M5, Canada
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Tandon S, Castaneda R, Tarasco N, Percival J, Nieto Linares R, Geiger G, Cooper CL. Successes and challenges of best practice alerts to identify and engage individuals living with hepatitis C virus. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1281079. [PMID: 38832223 PMCID: PMC11146373 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1281079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Many individuals living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are unaware of their diagnosis and/or have not been linked to programs providing HCV care. The use of electronic medical record (EMR) systems may assist with HCV infection identification and linkage to care. Methods In October 2021, we implemented HCV serology-focused best practice alerts (BPAs) at The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) via our EMR (EPIC). Our BPAs were programmed to identify previously tested HCV seropositive individuals. Physicians were prompted to conduct HCV RNA testing and submit consultation requests to the TOH Viral Hepatitis Program. We evaluated data post-BPA implementation to assess the design and related outcomes. Results From 1 September 2022 to 15 December 2022, a total of 2,029 BPAs were triggered for 139 individuals. As a consequence of the BPA prompts, nine HCV seropositive and nine HCV RNA-positive individuals were linked to care. The proportion of total consultations coming from TOH physicians increased post-BPA implementation. The BPA alerts were frequently declined, and physician engagement with our BPAs varied across specialty groups. Programming issues led to unnecessary BPA prompts (e.g., no hard stop to the prompts even though the individual was treated and cured and individuals linked to care without first undergoing HCV RNA testing). A fixed 6-month lookback period for test results limited our ability to identify many individuals. Conclusion An EMR-based BPA can assist with the identification and engagement of HCV-infected individuals in care. However, challenges including issues with programming, time commitment toward BPA configuration, productive communication between healthcare providers and the programming team, and physician responsiveness to the BPAs require attention to optimize the impact of BPAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saniya Tandon
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Roselyn Castaneda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Curtis L. Cooper
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Erman A, Sahakyan Y, Everett K, Greenaway C, Janjua N, Kwong JC, Wong WWL, Lu H, Sander B. Hepatitis C Attributable Healthcare Costs and Mortality among Immigrants: A Population-Based Matched Cohort Study. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 2024:5573068. [PMID: 38434933 PMCID: PMC10908570 DOI: 10.1155/2024/5573068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Data on the economic burden of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) among immigrants are limited. Our objective was to estimate the CHC-attributable mortality and healthcare costs among immigrants in Ontario, Canada. Methods We conducted a population-based matched cohort study among immigrants diagnosed with CHC between May 31, 2003, and December 31, 2018, using linked health administrative data. Immigrants with CHC (exposed) were matched 1 : 1 to immigrants without CHC (unexposed) using a combination of hard (index date, sex, and age) and propensity-score matching. Net costs (2020 Canadian dollars) collected from the healthcare payer perspective were calculated using a phase-of-care approach and used to estimate long-term costs adjusted for survival. Results We matched 5,575 exposed individuals with unexposed controls, achieving a balanced match. The mean age was 47 years, and 52% was male. On average, 10.5% of exposed and 3.5% of unexposed individuals died 15 years postindex (relative risk = 2.9; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6-3.5). The net 30-day costs per person were $88 (95% CI: 55 to 122) for the prediagnosis, $324 (95% CI: 291 to 356) for the initial phase, $1,016 (95% CI: 900 to 1,132) for the late phase, and $975 (95% CI: -25 to 1,974) for the terminal phase. The mean net healthcare cost adjusted for survival at 15 years was $90,448. Conclusions Compared to unexposed immigrants, immigrants infected with CHC have higher mortality rates and greater healthcare costs. These findings will support the planning of HCV elimination efforts among key risk groups in the province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysegul Erman
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yeva Sahakyan
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karl Everett
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christina Greenaway
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Naveed Janjua
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jeffrey C. Kwong
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Hong Lu
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Beate Sander
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Mohammed Mohsen S, Hussein Majeed G. Knowledge and awareness of chronic hepatitis C and liver fibrosis among health care personnel and other domains in Iraq. BIONATURA 2023. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2023.08.01.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As a significant public health disease, the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects more than 185 million worldwide. Chronic infections are led by 170 million illnesses, resulting in 350,000 because of liver and cirrhosis cancer. Injuring of chronic liver from several insults leads to occur fibrosis. For example, metabolic disease (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), infections (hepatitis B [HBV] and C viruses [HCV]), and toxins (alcohol). This study evaluates the knowledge and awareness about Of Chronic Hepatitis C and Liver Fibrosis among Health Care Workers and other domains of workers in Iraq. This study was carried out as cross-sectional research in Diyala, Iraq, from February / 2021 to January / 2022. In this work, 350 persons participated; the age range was (18-62) years, with a mean age of (25.9 + 9.79). The participants consisted of 100 males and 250 females. Also, they were divided into two groups: groups I and II. I (health care workers group) consists of 200 students studying in the medical department of Baquba technical institute and workers in Diyala hospitals ). Group II (other domains Workers) includes (100) participants who work in several domains. Similar to previous studies, a questionnaire was adopted to collect this research data. The outcomes demonstrate higher knowledge about HCV, Liver fibrosis, transmission, and a vaccine was noticed with a statistically significant difference among females compared to males. Regarding residency, the ability of HCV and liver fibrosis in Q1, Q2, and Q5 only among Health Care Workers compared to other domains Workers with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05).
Keywords: Chronic Hepatitis C, Liver Fibrosis, Health Care Workers and other domains Workers
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Impact of Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Hepatitis C Virus Co-infection on Liver-Related Death among People Tested for Hepatitis B Virus in British Columbia: Results from a Large Longitudinal Population-Based Cohort Study. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112579. [PMID: 36423186 PMCID: PMC9694514 DOI: 10.3390/v14112579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Data on the contribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and related comorbidities to liver-related mortality in Canada are limited. We assessed the concurrent impact of HBV infection, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection on liver-related deaths in British Columbia (BC), Canada. We used data from the BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC-HTC). We used Fine-Gray multivariable sub-distributional hazards models to assess the effect of HBV, NAFLD, and HCV coinfection on liver-related mortality, while adjusting for confounders and competing mortality risks. The liver-related mortality rate was higher among people with HBV infection than those without (2.57 per 1000 PYs (95%CI: 2.46, 2.69) vs. 0.62 per 1000 PYs (95%CI: 0.61, 0.64), respectively). Compared with the HBV negative groups, HBV infection was associated with increased liver-related mortality risk in almost all of the subgroups: HBV mono-infection (adjusted subdistribution hazards ratio (asHR) of 3.35, 95% CI 3.16, 3.55), NAFLD with HBV infection, (asHR 12.5, 95% CI 7.08, 22.07), and HBV/HCV coinfection (asHR 8.4, 95% CI 7.62, 9.26). HBV infection is associated with a higher risk of liver-related mortality, and has a greater relative impact on people with NAFLD and those with HCV coinfection. The diagnosis and treatment of viral and fatty liver disease are required to mitigate liver-related morbidity and mortality.
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Biondi MJ, Hirode G, Capraru C, Vanderhoff A, Karkada J, Wolfson-Stofko B, Smookler D, Friedman SM, Bates K, Mazzulli T, Juan JV, Shah H, Hansen BE, Feld JJ, Janssen HLA. Birth cohort hepatitis C antibody prevalence in real-world screening settings in Ontario. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022; 5:362-371. [PMID: 36133900 PMCID: PMC9473558 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2021-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Widespread screening and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is required to decrease late-stage liver disease and liver cancer. Clinical practice guidelines and Canadian Task Force on Preventative Health Care recommendations differ on the value of one-time birth cohort (1945-75) HCV screening in Canada. To assess the utility of this approach, we conducted a real-world analysis of HCV antibody (Ab) prevalence among birth cohort individuals seen in different clinical contexts. METHODS Cross-sectional study of individuals born between 1945 and 1975 who completed HCV Ab testing at multiple participating centres in Ontario, Canada between January 2016 and December 2020. Differences in prevalence were compared by year of birth, gender, and setting. RESULTS Among 16,672 birth cohort individuals tested, HCV Ab prevalence was 3.2%. Prevalence was higher among younger individuals which increased from 0.9% among those born between 1945 and 1956 to 4.6% among those born between 1966 and 1975. Prevalence was higher among males (4.4%) compared with females (2.0%) and differed by test site. In primary care, the prevalence was 0.5%, whereas the prevalence was highest among those tested at drug treatment centres (28.7%) and through community outreach (14.0%). CONCLUSIONS HCV Ab prevalence remains high in the 1945-1975 birth cohort. These data highlight the need to re-evaluate existing Canadian Preventative Task Force recommendations, to consider incorporating one-time birth cohort and/or other population-based approaches to HCV screening into the clinical workflow as a preventative health measure, and to increase training among community providers to screen for and treat HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia J Biondi
- These first authors contributed equally to this work
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Grishma Hirode
- These first authors contributed equally to this work
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Camelia Capraru
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron Vanderhoff
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joel Karkada
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brett Wolfson-Stofko
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Smookler
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven M Friedman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy Bates
- Emergency Department, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tony Mazzulli
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, University Health Network/Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Hemant Shah
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- These senior authors contributed equally to this work
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harry LA Janssen
- These senior authors contributed equally to this work
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease/Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Stefan I, Stefani C, Sirbu CA, Docu Axelerad A, Ionita Radu F. Management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection: an update. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MILITARY MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.55453/rjmm.2022.125.3.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Million people worldwide are affected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The highest incidence of illness was between 1945 and 1975. It was also estimated that 70% of those people were not tested for the disease. Most recent treatment concepts are safe, highly effective and have a vital public health influence by achieving a viral constant response in a significant proportion of treated patients. It helps reduce liver fibrosis, liver cancer risk and dissemination. With its increased population incidence, HCV becomes a serious public health problem. This review discusses the current literature in this field in terms of the importance of screening of HCV, follow-up, treatment and includes considerations in specific populations such as patients with cirrhosis, with HIV/HCV co-infection, patients with HBV/HCV co-infection and with renal damage
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Krueger H, Robinson S, Hancock T, Birtwhistle R, Buxton JA, Henry B, Scarr J, Spinelli JJ. Priorities among effective clinical preventive services in British Columbia, Canada. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:564. [PMID: 35473549 PMCID: PMC9044882 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07871-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the long-standing experience of rating the evidence for clinical preventive services, the delivery of effective clinical preventive services in Canada and elsewhere is less than optimal. We outline an approach used in British Columbia to assist in determining which effective clinical preventive services are worth doing. METHODS We calculated the clinically preventable burden and cost-effectiveness for 28 clinical preventive services that received a 'strong or conditional (weak) recommendation for' by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care or an 'A' or 'B' rating by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. Clinically preventable burden is the total quality adjusted life years that could be gained if the clinical preventive services were delivered at recommended intervals to a British Columbia birth cohort of 40,000 individuals over the years of life that the service is recommended. Cost-effectiveness is the net cost per quality adjusted life year gained. RESULTS Clinical preventive services with the highest population impact and best value for money include services that address tobacco use in adolescents and adults, exclusive breastfeeding, and screening for hypertension and other cardiovascular disease risk factors followed by appropriate pharmaceutical treatment. In addition, alcohol misuse screening and brief counseling, one-time screening for hepatitis C virus infection in British Columbia adults born between 1945 and 1965, and screening for type 2 diabetes approach these high-value clinical preventive services. CONCLUSIONS These results enable policy makers to say with some confidence what preventive manoeuvres are worth doing but further work is required to determine the best way to deliver these services to all those eligible and to establish what supportive services are required. After all, if a clinical preventive service is worth doing, it is worth doing well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Krueger
- H. Krueger & Associates Inc., Delta, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | | | - Trevor Hancock
- School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada
| | - Richard Birtwhistle
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
- Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jane A Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Bonnie Henry
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Ministry of Health, Victoria, Canada
| | - Jennifer Scarr
- Child Health BC, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, Canada
| | - John J Spinelli
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Petrosyan Y, Simmons JG, Kelly E, Cooper CL. Uptake and factors associated with direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C and treatment outcomes among Canadian immigrants: A retrospective cohort analysis. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022; 5:388-401. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2021-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We sought to compare rates and factors associated with Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) treatment uptake and sustained virological response (SVR) between Canadian-born and foreign-born patients. METHODS: The study was conducted utilizing a retrospective cohort of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients assessed at The Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Clinic between January 2015 and October 2021. Risk factors, income, and clinical characteristics of HCV infection associated with DAA therapy uptake and SVR were compared by immigration status using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 1,459 HCV-infected patients, 264 (18.1%) were born outside of the country. A median 17 years passed from immigration to first assessment at the clinic. The proportion of patients initiating DAA therapy was similar between groups (65.2% versus 69.5%, p = 0.17). Characteristics associated with DAA therapy uptake included age at first assessment (OR = 1.02; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03) and being cirrhotic (OR = 3.19; 95% CI 1.99 to 2.13). Crude SVR rate was higher in immigrants than in Canadian-born patients (91.5% versus 83.7%, p = 0.01). After controlling for other variables, only advancing age was associated with the likelihood of achieving crude SVR (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.05). CONCLUSIONS: We found that DAA therapy uptake and HCV cure rates were high in both groups suggesting equity of opportunity in those referred to our program. The older age at presentation suggests missed opportunities to diagnose and engage immigrants in HCV care. These findings emphasize the importance of early large-scale screening and engagement in care for HCV infection of immigrant populations to prevent future complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelena Petrosyan
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Erin Kelly
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Curtis L Cooper
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Wallace HL, Wang L, Gardner CL, Corkum CP, Grant MD, Hirasawa K, Russell RS. Crosstalk Between Pyroptosis and Apoptosis in Hepatitis C Virus-induced Cell Death. Front Immunol 2022; 13:788138. [PMID: 35237259 PMCID: PMC8882739 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.788138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive inflammation in the liver is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Apoptosis has, for a long time, been known to act as a mechanism of hepatocyte death, but our previous research also identified inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in infected and uninfected bystander cells as an additional mechanism of HCV-induced cytopathicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of HCV-induced cell death and to determine the timing and relative contributions of apoptosis and pyroptosis during HCV infection. In a model employing a cell culture-adapted strain of JFH-1 HCV and Huh-7.5 hepatocyte-like cells, we found that pyroptosis occurred earlier than did apoptosis during infection. CRISPR knockout of NLRP3 resulted in decreased caspase-1 activation, but not complete elimination, indicating multiple sensors are likely involved in HCV-induced pyroptosis. Knockout of gasdermin-D resulted in increased activation of apoptosis-related caspase-3, suggesting potential crosstalk between the two cell death pathways. An unexpected decrease in activated caspase-1 levels was observed when caspase-3 was knocked out, implying that caspase-3 may have a role in the initiation of pyroptosis, at least in the context of HCV infection. Lower viral titres in culture fluids and increased ratios of intracellular to extracellular levels of infectious virus were observed in knockout versus wild-type Huh-7.5 cells, suggesting that HCV may induce programmed cell death in order to enhance virus release from infected cells. These results contribute to the understanding of HCV pathogenesis and add to the increasing volume of literature suggesting various programmed cell death pathways are not mutually exclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L. Wallace
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Lingyan Wang
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Cassandra L. Gardner
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Christopher P. Corkum
- Confocal Imaging/Flow Cytometry Unit, Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Michael D. Grant
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Kensuke Hirasawa
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Rodney S. Russell
- Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, Canada
- *Correspondence: Rodney S. Russell,
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11
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Lourenço L, Kelly M, Tarasuk J, Stairs K, Bryson M, Popovic N, Aho J. The hepatitis C epidemic in Canada: An overview of recent trends in surveillance, injection drug use, harm reduction and treatment. CANADA COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REPORT = RELEVE DES MALADIES TRANSMISSIBLES AU CANADA 2021; 47:561-570. [PMID: 35692566 PMCID: PMC9126177 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v47i12a01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C continues to be a significant public health concern in Canada, with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) responsible for more life-years lost than all other infectious diseases in Canada. An increase in reported hepatitis C infections was observed between 2014 and 2018. Here, we present changing epidemiological trends and discuss risk factors for hepatitis C acquisition in Canada that may have contributed to this increase in reported hepatitis C infections, focusing on injection drug use. We describe a decrease in the use of borrowed needles or syringes coupled with an increase in using other used injection drug use equipment. Also, an increased prevalence of injection drug use and use of prescription opioid and methamphetamine injection by people who inject drugs (PWID) may be increasing the risk of HCV acquisition. At the same time, while harm reduction coverage appears to have increased in Canada in recent years, gaps in access and coverage remain. We also consider how direct-acting antiviral (DAA) eligibility expansion may have affected hepatitis C rates from 2014 to 2018. Finally, we present new surveillance trends observed in 2019 and discuss how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may affect hepatitis C case counts from 2020 onwards. Continual efforts to i) enhance hepatitis C surveillance and ii) strengthen the reach, effectiveness, and adoption of hepatitis C prevention and treatment services across Canada are vital to reducing HCV transmission among PWID and achieving Canada's HCV elimination targets by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Lourenço
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Ottawa, ON
| | - Marian Kelly
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Ottawa, ON
| | - Jill Tarasuk
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Ottawa, ON
| | - Kyla Stairs
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Ottawa, ON
| | - Maggie Bryson
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Ottawa, ON
| | - Nashira Popovic
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Ottawa, ON
| | - Josephine Aho
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control, Ottawa, ON
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12
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Shanmuganathan M, Sarfaraz MO, Kroezen Z, Philbrick H, Poon R, Don-Wauchope A, Puglia M, Wishart D, Britz-McKibbin P. A Cross-Platform Metabolomics Comparison Identifies Serum Metabolite Signatures of Liver Fibrosis Progression in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:676349. [PMID: 34414211 PMCID: PMC8370474 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.676349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics offers new insights into disease mechanisms that is enhanced when adopting orthogonal instrumental platforms to expand metabolome coverage, while also reducing false discoveries by independent replication. Herein, we report the first inter-method comparison when using multisegment injection-capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (MSI-CE-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy for characterizing the serum metabolome of patients with liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (n = 20) and non-HCV controls (n = 14). In this study, 60 and 30 serum metabolites were detected frequently (>75%) with good technical precision (median CV < 10%) from serum filtrate samples (n = 34) when using standardized protocols for MSI-CE-MS and NMR, respectively. Also, 20 serum metabolite concentrations were consistently measured by both methods over a 500-fold concentration range with an overall mean bias of 9.5% (n = 660). Multivariate and univariate statistical analyses independently confirmed that serum choline and histidine were consistently elevated (p < 0.05) in HCV patients with late-stage (F2-F4) as compared to early-stage (F0-F1) liver fibrosis. Overall, the ratio of serum choline to uric acid provided optimal differentiation of liver disease severity (AUC = 0.848, p = 0.00766) using a receiver operating characteristic curve, which was positively correlated with liver stiffness measurements by ultrasound imaging (r = 0.606, p = 0.0047). Moreover, serum 5-oxo-proline concentrations were higher in HCV patients as compared to non-HCV controls (F = 4.29, p = 0.0240) after adjustment for covariates (age, sex, BMI), indicative of elevated oxidative stress from glutathione depletion with the onset and progression of liver fibrosis. Both instrumental techniques enable rapid yet reliable quantification of serum metabolites in large-scale metabolomic studies with good overlap for biomarker replication. Advantages of MSI-CE-MS include greater metabolome coverage, lower operating costs, and smaller sample volume requirements, whereas NMR offers a robust platform supported by automated spectral and data processing software.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera Shanmuganathan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Zachary Kroezen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Holly Philbrick
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Richel Poon
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Don-Wauchope
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Marco Puglia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - David Wishart
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Computing Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Philip Britz-McKibbin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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13
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Kronfli N, Young J, Wang S, Cox J, Walmsley S, Hull M, Cooper C, Martel-Laferriere V, Wong A, Pick N, Klein MB. Liver Fibrosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Coinfection Before and After Sustained Virologic Response: What Is the Best Noninvasive Marker for Monitoring Regression? Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:468-477. [PMID: 32504083 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noninvasive markers of liver fibrosis such as aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) and transient elastography (TE) have largely replaced liver biopsy for staging hepatitis C virus (HCV). As there is little longitudinal data, we compared changes in these markers before and after sustained virologic response (SVR) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-HCV coinfected patients. METHODS Participants from the Canadian Coinfection Cohort study who achieved SVR after a first treatment with either interferon/ribavirin or direct acting antivirals (DAAs), with at least 1 pre- and posttreatment fibrosis measure were selected. Changes in APRI or TE (DAA era only) were modeled using a generalized additive mixed model, assuming a gamma distribution and adjusting for sex, age at HCV acquisition, duration of HCV infection, and time-dependent body mass index, binge drinking, and detectable HIV RNA. RESULTS Of 1981 patients, 151 achieved SVR with interferon and 553 with DAAs; 94 and 382 met inclusion criteria, respectively. In the DAA era, APRI increased (0.03 units/year; 95% credible interval (CrI): -.05, .12) before, declined dramatically during, and then changed minimally (-0.03 units/year; 95% CrI: -.06, .01) after treatment. TE values, however, increased (0.74 kPa/year; 95% CrI: .36, 1.14) before treatment, changed little by the end of treatment, and then declined (-0.55 kPa/year; 95% CrI: -.80, -.31) after SVR. CONCLUSIONS TE should be the preferred noninvasive tool for monitoring fibrosis regression following cure. Future studies should assess the risk of liver-related outcomes such as hepatocellular carcinoma according to trajectories of fibrosis regression measured using TE to determine if and when it will become safe to discontinue screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kronfli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jim Young
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Shouao Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sharon Walmsley
- University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mark Hull
- BC Centre of Excellence, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Valerie Martel-Laferriere
- Departement de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Neora Pick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, Canada
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14
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Mendlowitz A, Bremner KE, Walker JD, Wong WWL, Feld JJ, Sander B, Jones L, Isaranuwatchai W, Krahn M. Health care costs associated with hepatitis C virus infection in First Nations populations in Ontario: a retrospective matched cohort study. CMAJ Open 2021; 9:E897-E906. [PMID: 34584004 PMCID: PMC8486469 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20200247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colonization and marginalization have affected the risk for and experience of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection for First Nations people in Canada. In partnership with the Ontario First Nations HIV/AIDS Education Circle, we estimated the publicly borne health care costs associated with HCV infection among Status First Nations people in Ontario. METHODS In this retrospective matched cohort study, we used linked health administrative databases to identify Status First Nations people in Ontario who tested positive for HCV antibodies or RNA between 2004 and 2014, and Status First Nations people who had no HCV testing records or only a negative test result (control group, matched 2:1 to case participants). We estimated total and net costs (difference between case and control participants) for 4 phases of care: prediagnosis (6 mo before HCV infection diagnosis), initial (after diagnosis), late (liver disease) and terminal (6 mo before death), until death or Dec. 31, 2017, whichever occurred first. We stratified costs by sex and residence within or outside of First Nations communities. All costs were measured in 2018 Canadian dollars. RESULTS From 2004 to 2014, 2197 people were diagnosed with HCV infection. The mean net total costs per 30 days of HCV infection were $348 (95% confidence interval [CI] $277 to $427) for the prediagnosis phase, $377 (95% CI $288 to $470) for the initial phase, $1768 (95% CI $1153 to $2427) for the late phase and $893 (95% CI -$1114 to $3149) for the terminal phase. After diagnosis of HCV infection, net costs varied considerably among those who resided within compared to outside of First Nations communities. Net costs were higher for females than for males except in the terminal phase. INTERPRETATION The costs per 30 days of HCV infection among Status First Nations people in Ontario increased substantially with progression to advanced liver disease and finally to death. These estimates will allow for planning and evaluation of provincial and territorial population-specific hepatitis C control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Mendlowitz
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Mendlowitz, Sander, Isaranuwatchai, Krahn), University of Toronto; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (Mendlowitz, Bremner, Sander, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Mendlowitz, Walker, Sander, Krahn), Toronto, Ont.; School of Rural and Northern Health (Walker), Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont.; School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Feld), Toronto General Hospital; Public Health Ontario (Sander), Toronto, Ont.; Ontario First Nations HIV/AIDS Education Circle (Jones), London, Ont.; St. Michael's Hospital (Isaranuwatchai), Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Karen E Bremner
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Mendlowitz, Sander, Isaranuwatchai, Krahn), University of Toronto; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (Mendlowitz, Bremner, Sander, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Mendlowitz, Walker, Sander, Krahn), Toronto, Ont.; School of Rural and Northern Health (Walker), Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont.; School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Feld), Toronto General Hospital; Public Health Ontario (Sander), Toronto, Ont.; Ontario First Nations HIV/AIDS Education Circle (Jones), London, Ont.; St. Michael's Hospital (Isaranuwatchai), Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Jennifer D Walker
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Mendlowitz, Sander, Isaranuwatchai, Krahn), University of Toronto; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (Mendlowitz, Bremner, Sander, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Mendlowitz, Walker, Sander, Krahn), Toronto, Ont.; School of Rural and Northern Health (Walker), Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont.; School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Feld), Toronto General Hospital; Public Health Ontario (Sander), Toronto, Ont.; Ontario First Nations HIV/AIDS Education Circle (Jones), London, Ont.; St. Michael's Hospital (Isaranuwatchai), Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - William W L Wong
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Mendlowitz, Sander, Isaranuwatchai, Krahn), University of Toronto; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (Mendlowitz, Bremner, Sander, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Mendlowitz, Walker, Sander, Krahn), Toronto, Ont.; School of Rural and Northern Health (Walker), Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont.; School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Feld), Toronto General Hospital; Public Health Ontario (Sander), Toronto, Ont.; Ontario First Nations HIV/AIDS Education Circle (Jones), London, Ont.; St. Michael's Hospital (Isaranuwatchai), Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Mendlowitz, Sander, Isaranuwatchai, Krahn), University of Toronto; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (Mendlowitz, Bremner, Sander, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Mendlowitz, Walker, Sander, Krahn), Toronto, Ont.; School of Rural and Northern Health (Walker), Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont.; School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Feld), Toronto General Hospital; Public Health Ontario (Sander), Toronto, Ont.; Ontario First Nations HIV/AIDS Education Circle (Jones), London, Ont.; St. Michael's Hospital (Isaranuwatchai), Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Beate Sander
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Mendlowitz, Sander, Isaranuwatchai, Krahn), University of Toronto; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (Mendlowitz, Bremner, Sander, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Mendlowitz, Walker, Sander, Krahn), Toronto, Ont.; School of Rural and Northern Health (Walker), Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont.; School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Feld), Toronto General Hospital; Public Health Ontario (Sander), Toronto, Ont.; Ontario First Nations HIV/AIDS Education Circle (Jones), London, Ont.; St. Michael's Hospital (Isaranuwatchai), Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Lyndia Jones
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Mendlowitz, Sander, Isaranuwatchai, Krahn), University of Toronto; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (Mendlowitz, Bremner, Sander, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Mendlowitz, Walker, Sander, Krahn), Toronto, Ont.; School of Rural and Northern Health (Walker), Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont.; School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Feld), Toronto General Hospital; Public Health Ontario (Sander), Toronto, Ont.; Ontario First Nations HIV/AIDS Education Circle (Jones), London, Ont.; St. Michael's Hospital (Isaranuwatchai), Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Wanrudee Isaranuwatchai
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Mendlowitz, Sander, Isaranuwatchai, Krahn), University of Toronto; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (Mendlowitz, Bremner, Sander, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Mendlowitz, Walker, Sander, Krahn), Toronto, Ont.; School of Rural and Northern Health (Walker), Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont.; School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Feld), Toronto General Hospital; Public Health Ontario (Sander), Toronto, Ont.; Ontario First Nations HIV/AIDS Education Circle (Jones), London, Ont.; St. Michael's Hospital (Isaranuwatchai), Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
| | - Murray Krahn
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Mendlowitz, Sander, Isaranuwatchai, Krahn), University of Toronto; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative (Mendlowitz, Bremner, Sander, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Mendlowitz, Walker, Sander, Krahn), Toronto, Ont.; School of Rural and Northern Health (Walker), Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ont.; School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ont.; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Feld), Toronto General Hospital; Public Health Ontario (Sander), Toronto, Ont.; Ontario First Nations HIV/AIDS Education Circle (Jones), London, Ont.; St. Michael's Hospital (Isaranuwatchai), Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ont
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15
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Tadrous M, Mason K, Dodd Z, Guyton M, Powis J, McCormack D, Gomes T. Prescribing trends in direct-acting antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis C in Ontario, Canada. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2021; 4:51-58. [PMID: 35991476 PMCID: PMC9203166 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2020-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 08/31/2024]
Abstract
Background Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) offer an opportunity to cure hepatitis C. Reimbursement for DAAs has changed on two occasions since their inclusion on the Ontario public formulary. Whether these changes have appreciably modified prescribing patterns and increased access to DAAs is unknown. Methods We conducted a repeated cross-sectional study of DAA reimbursement by the Ontario Public Drug Programs from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2018, to summarize the use of DAAs in Ontario and describe changes in DAA prescribing physician specialties over this period. We measured the total number of users quarterly. Results are reported overall and by prescriber type. Results A total of 27,116 individuals received a publicly funded prescription for a DAA from the first quarter (Q1) of 2012 to the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2018. Nearly two-thirds (n = 17,813; 65.7%) of all DAAs were prescribed by gastroenterologists, hepatologists, or infectious disease specialists. Use of DAAs over time appears to have had three major phases in uptake: (1) the introduction of DAA treatments on the Ontario public drug formulary as a prior authorization benefit in Q1 2015, (2) expanded listing of all DAAs as limited-use products on the formulary in Q1 2017, and (3) the introduction of newer DAAs in Q2 2018. Conclusions Changes in listing of these agents had a direct impact on the use of DAAs overall. Generally, broader listing expanded access but did not appear to shift utilization patterns to primary care prescribers. Further understanding of who is not receiving treatment is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Tadrous
- Women’s College Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kate Mason
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zoë Dodd
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jeff Powis
- Sherbourne Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Tara Gomes
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Li J, Casey JL, Greenwald ZR, Yasseen III AS, Dickie M, Feld JJ, Cooper CL, Crawley AM. The 9th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus: Advances in HCV research and treatment towards elimination. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2021; 4:59-71. [PMID: 35991475 PMCID: PMC9203168 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2020-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 08/31/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination has evolved into a coordinated global effort. Canada, with more than 250,000 chronically infected individuals, is among the countries leading this effort. The 9th Canadian Symposium on HCV, held in February 2020, thus established and addressed its theme, 'advances in HCV research and treatment towards elimination', by gathering together basic scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, social scientists, and community members interested in HCV research in Canada. Plenary sessions showcased topical research from prominent international and national researchers, complemented by select abstract presentations. This event was hosted by the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC), with support from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and in partnership with the Canadian Liver Meeting. CanHepC has an established record in HCV research by its members and in its advocacy activities to address the care, treatment, diagnosis, and immediate and long-term needs of those affected by HCV infection. Many challenges remain in tackling chronic HCV infection, such as the need for a vaccine; difficult-to-treat populations and unknown aspects of patient subgroups, including pregnant women and children; vulnerable people; and issues distinct to Indigenous peoples. There is also increasing concern about long-term clinical outcomes after successful treatment, with the rise in comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver disease and the remaining risk for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic individuals. The symposium addressed these topics in highlighting research advances that will collectively play an important role in eliminating HCV and minimizing subsequent health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia L Casey
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zoë R Greenwald
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abdool S Yasseen III
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melisa Dickie
- Knowledge Exchange Division, Community AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Curtis L Cooper
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Angela M Crawley
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Chronic Disease Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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17
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von Aesch Z, Craig-Neil A, Shah H, Antoniou T, Meaney C, Pinto AD. Family medicine-directed hepatitis C care and barriers to treatment: a mixed-methods study. CMAJ Open 2021; 9:E201-E207. [PMID: 33688028 PMCID: PMC8034373 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20190194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are effective, but many patients remain untreated and treatment is not yet routine in primary care. We evaluated the characteristics of patients who engaged in HCV treatment, and clinician perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to treatment. METHODS Our mixed-method, parallel-design study was conducted at a multisite primary care centre in downtown Toronto. In a retrospective chart review, we searched records from 2011 to 2017 to collect quantitative data, including HCV infection status and HCV treatment status. To contextualize the data, we conducted in-depth interviews with select physicians between Aug. 1 and Nov. 1, 2017, and analyzed the transcripts using content analysis. RESULTS Of the 40 381 charts reviewed, 727 patients (1.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7%-1.9%) were infected with HCV, and 542 (74.6%) had HCV infection requiring treatment. Of those, 255 patients (47.0%) had engaged in treatment. Patients who had engaged in treatment were more likely to be male (odds ratio [OR] 1.63, 95% CI 1.10-2.42), older (OR 1.04 per year increase in age, 95% CI 1.02-1.05) and housed (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.36-3.75), and they were more likely not to have engaged in injection drug use (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.33-2.63). Based on interviews with 8 physicians, treatment barriers included a lack of knowledge about HCV treatment, concerns that patients would not adhere to medications and challenges related to medication access. Facilitators of treatment included access to specialist consultation, pharmacist support and primary care treatment guidelines. Common themes that emerged in both quantitative and qualitative components were the roles of unstable housing and intravenous drug use as barriers to engaging in and completing treatment. INTERPRETATION Our study captured provider-identified barriers to HCV care and the key factors related to retention in HCV care, including gender, age, housing status and experience with drug use. Successful primary-care-led HCV treatment programs may incorporate specialist and pharmacy support and focus on younger, female, underhoused populations and people who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë von Aesch
- Department of Family and Community Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Pinto), St. Michael's Hospital; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Meaney, Pinto), University of Toronto; Upstream Lab, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Pinto), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; Francis Family Liver Clinic, University Health Network, Department of Medicine (Shah); Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Shah); Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Antoniou), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
| | - Amy Craig-Neil
- Department of Family and Community Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Pinto), St. Michael's Hospital; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Meaney, Pinto), University of Toronto; Upstream Lab, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Pinto), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; Francis Family Liver Clinic, University Health Network, Department of Medicine (Shah); Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Shah); Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Antoniou), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Hemant Shah
- Department of Family and Community Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Pinto), St. Michael's Hospital; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Meaney, Pinto), University of Toronto; Upstream Lab, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Pinto), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; Francis Family Liver Clinic, University Health Network, Department of Medicine (Shah); Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Shah); Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Antoniou), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Tony Antoniou
- Department of Family and Community Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Pinto), St. Michael's Hospital; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Meaney, Pinto), University of Toronto; Upstream Lab, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Pinto), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; Francis Family Liver Clinic, University Health Network, Department of Medicine (Shah); Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Shah); Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Antoniou), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Christopher Meaney
- Department of Family and Community Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Pinto), St. Michael's Hospital; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Meaney, Pinto), University of Toronto; Upstream Lab, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Pinto), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; Francis Family Liver Clinic, University Health Network, Department of Medicine (Shah); Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Shah); Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Antoniou), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
| | - Andrew D Pinto
- Department of Family and Community Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Pinto), St. Michael's Hospital; Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (von Aesch, Antoniou, Meaney, Pinto), University of Toronto; Upstream Lab, MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Craig-Neil, Pinto), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; Francis Family Liver Clinic, University Health Network, Department of Medicine (Shah); Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (Shah); Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (Antoniou), St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ont
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18
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Conway B, Bruneau J, Cooper C, Steingart C, Fraser C, Stewart K, Deshaies L, Thomas R, Webster D, Macphail G, Powis J, Cox J, Feld JJ, McGovern ME, Trepanier JB, Drolet M. Characterization of HCV-infected people who inject drugs (PWID) in the setting of clinical care in Canada (CAPICA): A retrospective study. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:358-371. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2020-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: People who use drugs (PWUD) are among the highest risk category for becoming infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Canada. There is a need for more information on the demographics of HCV-infected PWUD/PWID who have recently injected drugs or who are actively injecting drugs. METHODS: CAPICA was a multicentre, retrospective database/chart review conducted from October 2015 to February 2016 that was designed to characterize HCV-infected people who inject drugs (PWID) and are enrolled in clinical care in Canada. The aim was to identify factors of health care engagement essential in the design systems of HCV care and treatment in this population. The study enrolled 420 patients with a history of injection drug use within the last 12 months who had been diagnosed with chronic viremic HCV infection and had been participants in an outpatient clinical care setting in the past 12 months. Patients who were co-infected with HIV/HCV were excluded. RESULTS: Harm reduction programs were in place at 92% (11/12) of the sites, and 75% (9) of these sites offered opioid agonist therapy (OAT), with 48% of the patients currently taking OAT. HCV genotype 1a was most prevalent (56%), followed by G3 (34%), and the most common fibrosis score was F1 (34%). The average reinfection rate was about 5%. Seventeen percent of the patients were undergoing HCV treatment or had recently failed therapy, while 83% were not being treated. CONCLUSIONS: In a multivariate analysis, the following factors were significantly associated with treatment: increasing age (OR 1.10), a fibrosis score of F4 (OR 4.91), moderate alcohol consumption (OR 3.70), and not using a needle exchange program (OR 6.95).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Chris Fraser
- Cool Aid Community Health Centre, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kris Stewart
- Saskatoon Infectious Disease Care Network, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | - Réjean Thomas
- Clinique Médicale l’Actuel, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Gisela Macphail
- Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS), Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeff Powis
- Toronto Community Hep C Program, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Cooper CL, Read D, Vachon ML, Conway B, Wong A, Ramji A, Borgia S, Tam E, Barrett L, Smyth D, Feld JJ, Lee S. Hepatitis C virus infection characteristics and treatment outcomes in Canadian immigrants. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1345. [PMID: 32883249 PMCID: PMC7469277 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09464-0] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are multiple obstacles encountered by immigrants attempting to engage hepatitis C virus (HCV) care and treatment. We evaluated the diversity and treatment outcomes of HCV-infected immigrants evaluated for Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) therapy in Canada. METHODS The Canadian Network Undertaking against Hepatitis C (CANUHC) Cohort contains demographic information and DAA treatment information prospectively collected at 10 Canadian sites. Information on country of origin and race are collected. Characteristics and outcomes (sustained virological response; SVR) were compared by immigration status and race. RESULTS Between January 2016 and May 2018, 725 HCV-infected patients assessed for DAA therapy were enrolled in CANUHC (mean age: 52.66 ± 12.68 years); 65.66% male; 82.08% White, 5.28% Indigenous, 4.64% South East Asian, 4.64% East Indian, 3.36% Black). 18.48% were born outside of Canada. Mean age was similar [immigrants: 54.36 ± 13.95 years), Canadian-born: 52.27 ± 12.35 years); (p = 0.085)]. The overall baseline fibrosis score (in kPa measured by transient elastography) was similar among Canadian and foreign-born patients. Fibrosis score was not predicted by race or genotype. The proportion initiating DAA therapy was similar by immigrant status (56.72% vs 49.92%). SVR rates by intent-to-treat analysis were similar (immigrants-89.47%, Canadian-born-92.52%; p = 0.575). CONCLUSION A diverse immigrant population is engaging care in Canada, initiating HCV antiviral therapy in an equitable fashion and achieving SVR proportions similar to Canada-born patients. Our Canadian experience may be of value in informing HCV elimination efforts in economically developed regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtis L Cooper
- University of Ottawa, Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Rd #2044, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada.
- University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital-General Campus, G12-501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L6, Canada.
| | - Daniel Read
- University of Ottawa, Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Rd #2044, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Marie-Louise Vachon
- Laval University, Ferdinand Vandry Pavillon, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, Quebec, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, 1200 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2C7, Canada
| | - Alexander Wong
- University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Rd, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Alnoor Ramji
- University of British Columbia, 317 - 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Sergio Borgia
- McMaster University, Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery (MDCL) - 3104, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Ed Tam
- Liver Health Centre, 750 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1H2, Canada
| | - Lisa Barrett
- Dalhousie University, 5849 University Ave, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Dan Smyth
- Dalhousie University, 5849 University Ave, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Sam Lee
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
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20
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Materniak S, Bland S, Margeson A, Webster D, Smyth D, O’Brien M. Differences among hepatitis C patients seen in community and specialist outpatient care settings. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:286-293. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2019-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: In the province of New Brunswick, care for patients infected with hepatitis C is provided in both community-based care settings and specialist-based care settings, but little is known about the differences between these populations. The aim of the current study is to characterize the demographic, socioeconomic, mental health and substance use factors of patients seen in these settings. Methods: Enrolling sites for this study included four specialist office-based clinics and one community-based clinic in three communities in New Brunswick. Personal health data was collected with informed consent via questionnaires and medical records. Non-incarcerated patients seen between April 2014 and April 2016 were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 374 patients were included (34.8% community versus 65.2% specialist office). Patients seen in the community care setting were younger (median age 43.7 versus 49.1 years), less likely to have a primary care provider ( p = .007), rely on social assistance as regular source of income ( p <.001), have been incarcerated ( p = .007), reported sharing drug paraphernalia ( p = .025), had recent injection drug use ( p <.001), reported snorting drugs recently ( p <.001) and reported prior overdose ( p = .025). Community clinic patients also had significantly younger mean age at first use of alcohol (13.6 versus 14.7 years, p = .044), marijuana (14.6 versus 15.8, p = .040), and opioids (23.9 versus 26.5 years, p = .036) over those seen in specialist offices. Conclusions: Unique differences exist between patients seen in community and specialist care settings in New Brunswick. Understanding these differences is an essential first step in developing patient-centred care models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Materniak
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Horizon Health Network, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | | | - Alyssa Margeson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Horizon Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Duncan Webster
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Horizon Health Network, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
- Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Daniel Smyth
- Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Horizon Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Meaghan O’Brien
- Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Horizon Health Network, Upper River Valley, New Brunswick, Canada
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21
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Kendall CE, Fitzgerald M, Donelle J, Kwong JC, Galanakis C, Boyd R, Cooper CL. A cross-sectional study of prolonged disengagement from clinic among people with HCV receiving care in a low-threshold, multidisciplinary clinic. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:212-223. [PMID: 35991860 PMCID: PMC9202788 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2019-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 08/31/2024]
Abstract
Background Disengagement from care can affect treatment outcomes of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). We assessed the extent and determinants of disengagement among HCV patients receiving care at the Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Program (TOHVHP). Methods We linked clinical data of adult patients, categorized as ever or never disengaged from clinic (no TOHVHP encounters over 18 months), receiving care between April 1, 2002, and October 1, 2015, to provincial health administrative databases and calculated primary care use in the year after disengagement. We used adjusted Cox proportional hazards models to analyze variables associated with disengagement. Results Those disengaged from care (n = 657) were younger at presentation (46.6 [SD 11.1] versus 51.9 [SD 11.0] years), p < 0.001) and had lower comorbidity. After multivariable adjustment, we observed lower hazards of disengagement among those with higher compared with lower fibrosis scores (F3, hazard ratio [HR] 0.21 [95% CI 0.08-0.57]; F4, HR 0.32 [95% CI 0.19-0.55]) and those treated compared with never treated (received direct-acting antivirals [DAAs], HR 0.71 [95% CI 0.58-0.88]; received interferon but not DAA, HR 0.66 [95% CI 0.55-0.80]). We found no association with mental health or substance use disorders. In the year after disengagement, 74.3% (n = 488), 37.1% (n = 244), and 17.7% (n = 116) had at least one family physician visit, emergency department visit, and hospitalization, respectively. Conclusions Better integration of HCV specialty and primary care could improve disengagement rates among people with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Kendall
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Jeffrey C Kwong
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chrissi Galanakis
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rob Boyd
- Sandy Hill Community Health Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Curtis L Cooper
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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22
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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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23
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Apau Bediako R. The Ethics of Screening and Treating Persons with Hepatitis C: A Canadian Perspective. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS 2020. [DOI: 10.7202/1068763ar] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this article, I argue that the Canadian government’s position against screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and publicly funding HCV treatment is ethically unjustifiable. Cost of medication and likelihood of widening existing health inequality are the government’s argument for not funding HCV treatment and for also not having a screening program. I object to this position and argue in favour of a screening program and public funding of HCV treatment. I argue that these barriers are ethically unjust. Conclusively, being denied screening and early treatment is to be denied the best possible outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramseyer Apau Bediako
- Centre for Bioethics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada
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24
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The role of prison-based interventions for hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination among people who inject drugs in Montréal, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 88:102738. [PMID: 32278651 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada, hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission primarily occurs among people who inject drugs (PWID) and people with experience in the prison system bare a disproportionate disease burden. These overlapping groups of individuals have been identified as priority populations for HCV micro-elimination in Canada, which is currently not on track to achieve its elimination targets. Considering the missed opportunities to intervene in provincial prisons, this study aims to estimate the population-level impact of prison-based interventions and post-release risk reduction strategies on HCV transmission among PWID in Montréal, a Canadian city with high HCV burden. METHODS A dynamic HCV transmission model among PWID was developed and calibrated to community and prison bio-behavioural surveys in Montréal. Then, the relative impact of prison-based testing and treatment or post-release linkage to care (both 90% testing and 75% treatment coverage), alone or in combination with strategies that reduce the heightened post-release transmission risk by 50%, was estimated from 2018 to 2030, and compared to counterfactual scenarios. RESULTS Prison-based test-and-treat strategies could lead to the greatest declines in incidence (48%; 95%CrI: 38-57%) over 2018-2030 and prevent the most new first chronic infections (22%; 95%CrI: 16-28%) among people never exposed to HCV. Prison testing and post-release linkage to care lead to a slightly lower decrease in incidence and prevented fraction of new chronic infections. Combining test-and-treat with risk reduction measures could further its epidemiological impact, preventing 35% (95%CrI: 29-40%) of new first chronic infections. When implemented concomitantly with community-based treatment scale-up, prison-based interventions had synergistic effects, averting a higher fraction of new first chronic infections. CONCLUSION Offering HCV testing and treatment in provincial prisons, where incarcerations are frequent and sentences short, could change the course of the HCV epidemic in Montréal. Prison-based interventions with potential integration of post-release risk reduction measures should be considered as an integral part of HCV micro-elimination strategies in this setting.
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25
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Cousineau SE, Erman A, Liu L, Saeed S, Fradette L, Feld JJ, Grebely J, MacParland SA, Shoukry NH, Sebastiani G, Sagan SM. The 8 th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C virus: "Improving diagnosis and linkage to care". CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:3-14. [PMID: 35992037 PMCID: PMC9202804 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2019-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 08/31/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects approximately 250,000 Canadians. Although safe and effective (>95% cure rates) antiviral therapies have become available within the past 5 years, chronic HCV infection still remains a major driver of end-stage liver disease and liver transplantation. Both the Canadian Institute for Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada recognize the impact of HCV-related liver diseases and support the Canadian Network for Hepatitis C (CanHepC), a National network for the scientific study of hepatitis C that organizes an annual symposium as part of its knowledge translation mandate. At the 8th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus in May 2019, basic scientists, clinicians, epidemiologists, social scientists, and community members came together to share their work under the theme of "Improving diagnosis and linkage to care". This symposium also marked the launch of the Blueprint to inform hepatitis C elimination efforts in Canada, a policy framework that outlines specific targets, suggested activities, and evidence-based best practices to guide provincial, territorial and federal organizations developing their own HCV elimination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie E Cousineau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Aysegul Erman
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Lewis Liu
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Sahar Saeed
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Lorraine Fradette
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sonya A MacParland
- Soham and Shaila Ajmera Family Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Montréal (CHUM), Montreal, Quebec
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec
- co-corresponding authors
| | - Selena M Sagan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
- co-corresponding authors
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Hepatitis C Virus Screening of High-Risk Patients in a Canadian Emergency Department. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 2020:5258289. [PMID: 32211349 PMCID: PMC7049435 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5258289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 0.7% of the Canadian population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and many individuals are unaware of their infection. Our objectives were to utilize an emergency department (ED) based point-of-care (POC) HCV screening test to describe our local population and estimate the proportion of high-risk patients in our population with undiagnosed HCV. METHODS A convenience sample of medically stable patients (≥18 years) presenting to a community ED in Calgary, AB, between April and July 2018 underwent rapid clinical screening for HCV risk factors, including history of injection drug use, healthcare in endemic countries, and other recognized criteria. High-risk patients were offered POC HCV testing. Antibody-positive patients underwent HCV-RNA testing and were linked to hepatology care. The primary outcome was the proportion of new HCV diagnoses in the high-risk population. RESULTS Of the 999 patients screened by survey, 247 patients (24.7%) were high-risk and eligible for testing. Of these, 123 (49.8%) were from HCV-endemic countries, while 63 (25.5%) and 31 (12.6%) patients endorsed a history of incarceration and intravenous drug use (IVDU), respectively. A total of 144 (58.3%) eligible patients agreed to testing. Of these, 6 patients were POC-positive (4.2%, CI 0.9-7.4%); all 6 had antibodies detected on confirmatory lab testing and 4 had detectable HCV-RNA viral loads in follow-up. Notably, 103 (41.7%) patients declined POC testing. Interpretation. Among 144 high-risk patients who agreed to testing, the rate of undiagnosed HCV infection was 4.2%, and the rate of undiagnosed HCV infection with detectable viral load was 2.8%. Many patients with high-risk clinical criteria refused POC testing. It is unknown if tested and untested groups have the same disease prevalence. This study shows that ED HCV screening is feasible and that a small number of previously undiagnosed patients can be identified and linked to potentially life-changing care.
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27
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Carvalho-Gomes Â, Cubells A, Pallarés C, Hontangas V, Conde I, Di Maira T, Peiró S, Sanfélix-Gimeno G, López-Labrador FX, Berenguer M. A population-based screening for hepatitis C antibodies and active infection using a point-of-care test in a low prevalence area. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228351. [PMID: 32045417 PMCID: PMC7012430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228351] [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: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data on the true prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the general population is essential. We evaluated a program implementing free universal HCV screening using a non-invasive point-of-care test (POCT) (OraQuick-HCV rapid test) in oral fluid in an urban area in Valencia, South-Eastern Spain. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed during 2015–2017. Free HCV screening was offered by regular mail to 11,500 individuals aged 18 and over, randomly selected from all census residents in the Health Department. All responding participants filled in a questionnaire about HCV infection risk factors and were tested in their tertiary Hospital. In those with a positive POCT, results were confirmed by enzyme-immunoassay and HCV-RNA. Results 1,206 persons agreed to participate (response rate: 11.16%). HCV antibodies were detected in 19 (1.60%) cases (age-sex standardized rate: 1.31%; 95%CI: 0.82–2.07), but only 8 showed positive HCV-RNA (age-sex standardized rate: 0.56%; 95%CI: 0.28–1.14). The majority (89%) of the cases were born before 1965 and 74% had at least one known risk factor for HCV infection. All anti-HCV positive individuals were already aware of their infection, and no undiagnosed cases were detected. The performance of the POCT was excellent for detecting active infection. Conclusions These preliminary data suggest that HCV population screening with a POCT is feasible but, in our setting, mailing recruiting is not effective (11% response rate). The low prevalence of HCV antibodies and active infection in the participant population (with no new diagnoses made) suggests that, in our setting, underdiagnosis may be uncommon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ângela Carvalho-Gomes
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, València, Spain
- CIBERehd, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Cubells
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, València, Spain
| | - Carmina Pallarés
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, València, Spain
- CIBERehd, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanessa Hontangas
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, València, Spain
| | - Isabel Conde
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, València, Spain
| | - Tomasso Di Maira
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, València, Spain
| | - Salvador Peiró
- Health Services Research Area, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana (FISABIO Public Health), València, Spain
| | - Gabriel Sanfélix-Gimeno
- Health Services Research Area, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana (FISABIO Public Health), València, Spain
| | - F. Xavier López-Labrador
- Virology Laboratory, Joint Units in Genomics and Health and Infection and Health, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana (FISABIO Public Health) / Universitat de València, València, Spain
- CIBEResp, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - Marina Berenguer
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, València, Spain
- CIBERehd, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Liver Transplantation and Hepatology Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, València, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat de València, València, Spain
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Koustenis KR, Anagnostou O, Kranidioti H, Vasileiadi S, Antonakaki P, Koutli E, Pantsas P, Deutsch M, Manolakopoulos S. Direct-acting antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C in people who use drugs in a real-world setting. Ann Gastroenterol 2020; 33:195-201. [PMID: 32127741 PMCID: PMC7049240 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2020.0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) offer high cure rates in people who inject drugs (PWID) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. There are concerns regarding lower response rates among PWID in real life. We evaluated the outcome of DAA therapy in PWID in a real-world setting and the factors that affect it. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 174 PWID with chronic hepatitis C who started DAAs in a Greek liver clinic in collaboration with an addiction program. Patients who did not return for reassessment were considered as lost to follow up (LTFU). A logistic regression model was used to assess factors associated with a sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment completion (SVR12) and LTFU. Results Patients' mean age was 48±9.2 years and 91/174 (52.3%) were attending opioid substitution treatment programs. Overall, 144/174 (82.8%) patients completed therapy and presented for SVR12 testing, 8/174 (4.6%) did not complete treatment and 22/174 (12.6%) were LTFU. Overall SVR12 was 79.9% (139/174). For those with an available SVR12 test the response rate reached 96.5% (139/144). Regression analysis did not indicate any significant association between patient characteristics and SVR12. Age <45 years and genotype 3 were independent predictors of LTFU. Parallel use was found to have a trend towards LTFU. Conclusions HCV treatment by hepatologists and addiction specialists is feasible, effective and safe in a real-world setting. However, as 12% of patients appear to be LTFU, more emphasis should be placed on interventions guaranteeing follow up for SVR testing and general care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanellos Rafail Koustenis
- Gastroenterology-Liver Unit, 2 Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, (Kanellos Rafail Koustenis, Olga Anagnostou, Hariklia Kranidioti, Sofia Vasileiadi, Pinelopi Antonakaki, Evangelia Koutli, Paris Pantsas, Melanie Deutsch, Spilios Manolakopoulos)
| | - Olga Anagnostou
- Gastroenterology-Liver Unit, 2 Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, (Kanellos Rafail Koustenis, Olga Anagnostou, Hariklia Kranidioti, Sofia Vasileiadi, Pinelopi Antonakaki, Evangelia Koutli, Paris Pantsas, Melanie Deutsch, Spilios Manolakopoulos)
| | - Hariklia Kranidioti
- Gastroenterology-Liver Unit, 2 Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, (Kanellos Rafail Koustenis, Olga Anagnostou, Hariklia Kranidioti, Sofia Vasileiadi, Pinelopi Antonakaki, Evangelia Koutli, Paris Pantsas, Melanie Deutsch, Spilios Manolakopoulos)
| | - Sofia Vasileiadi
- Gastroenterology-Liver Unit, 2 Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, (Kanellos Rafail Koustenis, Olga Anagnostou, Hariklia Kranidioti, Sofia Vasileiadi, Pinelopi Antonakaki, Evangelia Koutli, Paris Pantsas, Melanie Deutsch, Spilios Manolakopoulos)
| | - Pinelopi Antonakaki
- Gastroenterology-Liver Unit, 2 Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, (Kanellos Rafail Koustenis, Olga Anagnostou, Hariklia Kranidioti, Sofia Vasileiadi, Pinelopi Antonakaki, Evangelia Koutli, Paris Pantsas, Melanie Deutsch, Spilios Manolakopoulos)
| | - Evangelia Koutli
- Gastroenterology-Liver Unit, 2 Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, (Kanellos Rafail Koustenis, Olga Anagnostou, Hariklia Kranidioti, Sofia Vasileiadi, Pinelopi Antonakaki, Evangelia Koutli, Paris Pantsas, Melanie Deutsch, Spilios Manolakopoulos)
| | - Paris Pantsas
- Gastroenterology-Liver Unit, 2 Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, (Kanellos Rafail Koustenis, Olga Anagnostou, Hariklia Kranidioti, Sofia Vasileiadi, Pinelopi Antonakaki, Evangelia Koutli, Paris Pantsas, Melanie Deutsch, Spilios Manolakopoulos)
| | - Melanie Deutsch
- Gastroenterology-Liver Unit, 2 Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, (Kanellos Rafail Koustenis, Olga Anagnostou, Hariklia Kranidioti, Sofia Vasileiadi, Pinelopi Antonakaki, Evangelia Koutli, Paris Pantsas, Melanie Deutsch, Spilios Manolakopoulos)
| | - Spilios Manolakopoulos
- Gastroenterology-Liver Unit, 2 Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration General Hospital, (Kanellos Rafail Koustenis, Olga Anagnostou, Hariklia Kranidioti, Sofia Vasileiadi, Pinelopi Antonakaki, Evangelia Koutli, Paris Pantsas, Melanie Deutsch, Spilios Manolakopoulos).,Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital (Spilios Manolakopoulos), Athens, Greece
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Kronfli N, Dussault C, Klein MB, Lebouché B, Sebastiani G, Cox J. The hepatitis C virus cascade of care in a Quebec provincial prison: a retrospective cohort study. CMAJ Open 2019; 7:E674-E679. [PMID: 31796509 PMCID: PMC6890491 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20190068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) microelimination efforts must target people in prison; however, although some inmates may qualify for treatment in provincial prisons, it may not be routinely provided. Our aim was to characterize the cascade of HCV care in Quebec's largest provincial prison. METHODS We conducted a retrospective study of all HCV-related laboratory tests requested at the Établissement de détention de Montréal (men's prison with on-demand screening), between July 1, 2017, and June 30, 2018. We defined 8 HCV care cascade steps: 1) total sentenced inmates, 2) screened for HCV (via HCV antibody [HCV Ab]), 3) HCV Ab positive, 4) tested for HCV RNA, 5) HCV RNA positive, 6) linked to care, 7) HCV treatment initiated and 8) achieved sustained virologic response. We measured proportions of inmates at each step using denominator-numerator linkage. We also calculated the proportion screened among inmates with a sentence duration of at least 1 month, during which time screening should be feasible. RESULTS Of the 4931 sentenced inmates, 344 (7%) were screened for HCV, of whom 38 (11%) were HCV Ab positive. Thirty-five (92%) of the 38 received HCV RNA testing, which showed positivity in 16 (46%). Ten (62%) of the 16 inmates were linked to care; treatment was initiated in 3 (30%), 2 of whom (67%) achieved a sustained virologic response. Among inmates with a sentence duration of at least 1 month (n = 1972), the proportion screened increased to 17%. INTERPRETATION A small proportion (7%) of men at a Canadian provincial prison with on-demand HCV testing were screened, and rates of treatment initiation were low in the absence of formal HCV cure pathways. To eliminate HCV in this subpopulation, opt-out HCV testing should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kronfli
- Division of Infectious Diseases (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Department of Medicine, McGill University; Chronic Viral Illness Service (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), McGill University; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (Kronfli, Dussault, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Montréal, Que.
| | - Camille Dussault
- Division of Infectious Diseases (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Department of Medicine, McGill University; Chronic Viral Illness Service (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), McGill University; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (Kronfli, Dussault, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Montréal, Que
| | - Marina B Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Department of Medicine, McGill University; Chronic Viral Illness Service (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), McGill University; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (Kronfli, Dussault, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Montréal, Que
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Division of Infectious Diseases (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Department of Medicine, McGill University; Chronic Viral Illness Service (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), McGill University; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (Kronfli, Dussault, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Montréal, Que
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Division of Infectious Diseases (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Department of Medicine, McGill University; Chronic Viral Illness Service (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), McGill University; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (Kronfli, Dussault, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Montréal, Que
| | - Joseph Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Department of Medicine, McGill University; Chronic Viral Illness Service (Kronfli, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), McGill University; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (Kronfli, Dussault, Klein, Lebouché, Sebastiani, Cox), Montréal, Que
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Shah H, Bilodeau M, Burak KW, Cooper C, Klein M, Ramji A, Smyth D, Feld JJ. The management of chronic hepatitis C: 2018 guideline update from the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver. CMAJ 2019; 190:E677-E687. [PMID: 29866893 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.170453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Shah
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Marc Bilodeau
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Kelly W Burak
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Marina Klein
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Alnoor Ramji
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Dan Smyth
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
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Molecular surveillance of hepatitis C virus genotypes identifies the emergence of a genotype 4d lineage among men in Quebec, 2001-2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 45:230-237. [PMID: 31650986 DOI: 10.14745/ccdr.v45i09a02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Molecular phylogenetics are generally used to confirm hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission events. In addition, the Laboratoire de santé publique du Québec (LSPQ) has been using molecular phylogenetics for surveillance of HCV genotyping since November 2001. Objectives To describe the emergence of a specific lineage of HCV genotype 4d (G4d) and its characteristics using molecular phylogenetics as a surveillance tool for identifying HCV strain clustering. Methods The LSPQ prospectively applied Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to determine the HCV genotype on samples collected from November 2001 to December 2017. When a major G4d cluster was identified, demographic information, HIV-infection status and syphilis test results were analyzed. Results Phylogenetic analyses performed on approximately 22,000 cases identified 122 G4d cases. One major G4d cluster composed of 37 cases was singled out. Two cases were identified in 2010, 10 from 2011-2014 and 25 from 2015-2017. Cases in the cluster were concentrated in two urban health regions. Compared to the other G4d cases, cluster cases were all male (p<0.001) and more likely to be HIV-positive (adjusted risk ratio: 4.4; 95% confidence interval: 2.5-7.9). A positive syphilis test result was observed for 27 (73%) of the cluster cases. The sequences in this cluster and of four outlier cases were located on the same monophyletic lineage as G4d sequences reported in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. Conclusion Molecular phylogenetics enabled the identification and surveillance of ongoing transmission of a specific HCV G4d lineage in HIV-positive and HIV-negative men in Quebec and its cross-continental spread. This information can orient intervention strategies to avoid transmission of HCV in MSM.
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HCV-infected individuals have higher prevalence of comorbidity and multimorbidity: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:712. [PMID: 31438873 PMCID: PMC6706878 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4315-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Almost 1% of Canadians are hepatitis C (HCV)-infected. The liver-specific complications of HCV are established but the extra-hepatic comorbidity, multimorbidity, and its relationship with HCV treatment, is less well known. We describe the morbidity burden for people with HCV and the relationship between multimorbidity and HCV treatment uptake and cure in the pre- and post-direct acting antiviral (DAA) era. Methods We linked adults with HCV at The Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Program as of April 1, 2017 to provincial health administrative data and matched on age and sex to 5 Ottawa-area residents for comparison. We used validated algorithms to identify the prevalence of mental and physical health comorbidities, as well as multimorbidity (2+ comorbidities). We calculated direct age- and sex-standardized rates of comorbidity and comparisons were made by interferon-based and interferon-free, DAA HCV treatments. Results The mean age of the study population was 54.5 years (SD 11.4), 65% were male. Among those with HCV, 4% were HIV co-infected, 26% had liver cirrhosis, 47% received DAA treatment, and 57% were cured of HCV. After accounting for age and sex differences, the HCV group had greater multimorbidity (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 1.58) and physical-mental health multimorbidity (PR 2.71, 95% CI 2.29–3.20) compared to the general population. Specifically, prevalence ratios for people with HCV were significantly higher for diabetes, renal failure, cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, substance use disorder, mood and anxiety disorders and liver failure. HCV treatment and cure were not associated with multimorbidity, but treatment prevalence was significantly lower among middle-aged individuals with substance use disorders despite no differences in prevalence of cure among those treated. Conclusion People with HCV have a higher prevalence of comorbidity and multimorbidity compared to the general population. While HCV treatment was not associated with multimorbidity, people with substance use disorder were less likely to be treated. Our results point to the need for integrated, comprehensive models of care delivery for people with HCV. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4315-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Tam E, Borgia S, Yoshida EM, Cooper C, Ford JA, Vachon ML, Sherman M, Halsey-Brandt J. Real-world health care utilization in treatment of HCV: Results from the Canadian SIMPLE observational trial. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2019; 2:91-107. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2018-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: As hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment continues to evolve, there is an ongoing need to understand and optimize real-world disease management. The primary objective of the SIMPLE study was to describe the real-life management of genotype 1 (G1) HCV in Canada treated with boceprevir + pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy. Methods: This was an observational, prospective cohort, multicentre, non-interventional study of patients with G1 HCV. A single cohort of adult patients were to be managed as per standard of care (SoC) and treated with 4 weeks of PegRBV dual therapy, followed by boceprevir + PegRBV for 24–44 weeks, with 24-weeks follow-up. Treatment compliance, health care resource utilization (HCRU), HCV viral load, and hematological adverse event (AE) data were collected. Results: This study enrolled 159 patients. All investigators were well educated on the Canadian consensus guidelines for HCV management but only a minority of patients were treated according to treatment guidelines. Viral response was achieved by >50% of patients by week 8 of therapy and in 50%–60% of tested patients during follow-up. An average of 17.9 HCRU visits were reported during the study period. The most commonly used resources were nursing visits for routine follow-up. Conclusions: Results from this real-world study suggest that most patients were not treated according to the product monograph. Further studies are required to determine how oral treatments fit into this paradigm and how these findings extrapolate to the current treatment model. This study can serve as a benchmark for future real-world treatment including heath care utilization analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Tam
- LAIR Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | | | | | | | - Jo-Ann Ford
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia
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Farhang Zangneh H, Wong WWL, Sander B, Bell CM, Mumtaz K, Kowgier M, van der Meer AJ, Cleary SP, Janssen HLA, Chan KKW, Feld JJ. Cost Effectiveness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance After a Sustained Virologic Response to Therapy in Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Advanced Fibrosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 17:1840-1849.e16. [PMID: 30580095 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2018.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis increases the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). After a sustained virologic response (SVR) to anti-HCV therapy, the risk of HCC is reduced but not eliminated. Recent developments in antiviral therapy have increased rates of SVR markedly. Guidelines recommend indefinite biannual ultrasound surveillance after SVR for patients with advanced fibrosis before treatment. Surveillance for HCC is cost effective before anti-HCV treatment; we investigated whether it remains so after SVR. METHODS We developed a Markov model to evaluate the cost effectiveness of biannual or annual HCC ultrasound surveillance vs no surveillance in 50-year-old patients with advanced fibrosis after an SVR to anti-HCV therapy. Parameter values were obtained from publications and expert opinions. Primary outcomes were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). RESULTS With a constant 0.5% annual incidence of HCC, biannual and annual surveillance resulted in ICERs of $106,792 and $72,105 per QALY, respectively, with high false-positive rates. When surveillance was limited to patients with cirrhosis, but not F3 fibrosis, biannual surveillance likely was cost effective, with ICERs of $48,729 and $43,229 per QALY after treatment with interferon and direct-acting antiviral agents, respectively. In patients with F3 fibrosis, the incidence of HCC was 0.3% to 0.4% per year, leading to an ICER of $188,157 per QALY for biannual surveillance. If HCC incidence increases with age, surveillance becomes more cost effective but remains below willingness-to-pay thresholds only for patients with cirrhosis or with pretreatment aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index greater than 2.0 or FIB-4 measurements greater than 3.25. Sensitivity analyses identified HCC incidence and transition rate to symptomatic disease without surveillance as factors that affect cost effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS In a Markov model, we found HCC surveillance after an SVR to HCV treatment to be cost effective for patients with cirrhosis, but not for patients with F3 fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hooman Farhang Zangneh
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Beate Sander
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Public Health Ontario, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chaim M Bell
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Khalid Mumtaz
- Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Matthew Kowgier
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sean P Cleary
- Department of General Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kelvin K W Chan
- Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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O'Neil CR, Buss E, Plitt S, Osman M, Coffin CS, Charlton CL, Shafran S. Achievement of hepatitis C cascade of care milestones: a population-level analysis in Alberta, Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health 2019; 110:714-721. [PMID: 31222618 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-019-00234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite highly effective directly acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV), many patients do not receive treatment. We characterized the achievement of cascade of care milestones within 2 years of diagnosis among the Alberta population and evaluated variables associated with engagement at each stage. METHODS All Albertans with a first-time positive HCV antibody between 2009 and 2014 were included in this retrospective study. We determined which patients received follow-up testing (HCV RNA and HCV genotype), referral to hepatitis specialty care, and antiviral prescription, and achieved SVR within 2 years of diagnosis. Factors associated with achieving cascade milestones were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Of 6154 patients with HCV antibody and complete follow-up, 4238 (68.9%) had HCV RNA testing, 2360 (38.3%) had HCV genotyping, 2096 (34.1%) were assessed by a specialist, 711 (11.6%) were prescribed treatment and 207 (3.4%) achieved SVR within 2 years of diagnosis. Independent variables associated with reduced likelihood of achieving cascade milestones were Indigenous heritage (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.53 (0.41-0.68) for HCV RNA testing), unstable housing (AOR 0.50 (0.32-0.79) for specialist assessment) and alcohol misuse (AOR 0.61 (0.38-0.99) for antiviral prescription). Men, older patients, patients with a higher income and patients with more advanced liver disease were more likely to achieve cascade of care milestones. CONCLUSION At each stage of patient engagement, opportunities for improvement were identified. Understanding the local cascade of care and factors associated with achieving cascade milestones will help prioritize initiatives to facilitate access to DAA therapy in Alberta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conar R O'Neil
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Emily Buss
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sabrina Plitt
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Centre for Communicable Disease and Infection Control, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariam Osman
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carla S Coffin
- Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carmen L Charlton
- Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Division of Diagnostic and Applied Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen Shafran
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Al-Judaibi B, Thomas B, Wong P, Benmassaoud A, Chen JH, Dokus MK, Hussaini T, Bilodeau M, Burak KW, Marotta P, Yoshida EM. Sofosbuvir-Based Therapy in the Pre-Liver Transplant Setting: The Canadian National Experience. Ann Hepatol 2019; 17:437-443. [PMID: 29735784 DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0011.7388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimen has been shown to have high efficacy even in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Treated patients may experience various degrees of hepatic recovery ranging from stabilization of liver function, to removal from liver transplant wait lists. The frequency of these occurrences in larger transplant eligible patient populations is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of SOF-based therapy in HCV infected transplant eligible patients and to evaluate short term changes in liver function and the effect on their liver transplant status. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective multicenter Canadian study of liver transplant candidates with advanced HCV cirrhosis treated with SOF-based therapy. Outcomes included sustained virologic response (SVR), and liver transplant status. RESULTS 105 liver transplant candidates with advanced liver disease due to HCV were evaluated. The overall SVR was 83.8%. Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed in 39 (37.1%) prior to transplant evaluation. In short term follow-up, 14 (13.3%) remained active on the list at the time of SVR12, 22 (20.9%) patients underwent liver transplantation, 7 (6.6%) patients were deactivated due to clinical improvement, 3 patients were delisted, and 10 deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS SOF-based therapy for patients progressing to liver transplantation leads to high SVR rates, short term stability in liver function, and deactivation from the transplant list .
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandar Al-Judaibi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Benson Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Philip Wong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, McGill University Health Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Amine Benmassaoud
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, McGill University Health Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jo-Hua Chen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - M Katherine Dokus
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Trana Hussaini
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marc Bilodeau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kelly W Burak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul Marotta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Eric M Yoshida
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Makarenko I, Artenie A, Hoj S, Minoyan N, Jacka B, Zang G, Barlett G, Jutras-Aswad D, Martel-Laferriere V, Bruneau J. Transitioning from interferon-based to direct antiviral treatment options: A potential shift in barriers and facilitators of treatment initiation among people who use drugs? THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 72:69-76. [PMID: 31010749 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple barriers for accessing hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment were identified during the interferon-based (IFN) treatment era for people who inject drugs (PWID). Whether these barriers persist since the introduction of IFN-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents in Canada remains to be documented. This study examined temporal trends in HCV treatment initiation and associated factors during the transition from INF-based to all-oral DAA regimens. METHODS The study population was drawn from a prospective cohort of PWID in Montreal, Canada. At three-month/one-year intervals between 2011 and 2017, participants with chronic HCV infection completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, drug use and health service utilisation, including HCV treatment. Time-updated Cox multivariate regression models, stratified by DAA + INF (2011-2013) and all-oral DAA (2014-2017) availability periods, were conducted to examine associations between time to HCV treatment initiation and associated barriers and facilitators. RESULTS Of 308 participants (85% male, median age 42 [IQR: 33, 50]), 80 (26%) initiated HCV treatment during 915 person-years (PY). Incidence rates increased from 1.6 /100 PY (95%CI:0.9-2.6) in 2011 to 12.7 (10.6-15.1) in 2017 (p-trend = 0.0012). In multivariate analyses, visiting a primary care physician (2011-2013: aHR = 3.63[1.21-10.9]; 2014-2017: 2.52[1.10-5.77]) and frequent injection (0.23[0.05-0.99] and 0.49[0.24-0.99]) were consistently associated with treatment initiation. Participants aged >40 (2.27[1.24-4.13]), receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) (2.17[1.19-3.94]), and reporting prior HCV treatment (3.00[1.75-5.15]) were more likely to initiate treatment in the all-oral DAA period. CONCLUSION Treatment initiation increased between 2011 and 2017, but still remains low among PWID. Primary care visiting was a key facilitator regardless of the period, while engagement in OAT and health services, indicated by prior HCV treatment, increased the likelihood of treatment initiation in the DAA era. These findings suggest that access to health services is essential but not enough to scale up treatment in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Makarenko
- McGill University, Department of Family Medicine, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Adelina Artenie
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Stine Hoj
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nanor Minoyan
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Brendan Jacka
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Geng Zang
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gillian Barlett
- McGill University, Department of Family Medicine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Valerie Martel-Laferriere
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Cost-Utility Analysis of Imaging for Surveillance and Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2019; 213:17-25. [PMID: 30995098 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.18.20341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to compare imaging-based surveillance and diagnostic strategies in patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) while taking into account technically inadequate examinations and patient compliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A Markov model simulated seven strategies for HCC surveillance and diagnosis in patients with cirrhosis: strategy A, ultrasound (US) for surveillance and CT for diagnosis; strategy B, US for surveillance and complete MRI for diagnosis; strategy C, US for surveillance and CT for inadequate or positive surveillance; strategy D, US for surveillance and complete MRI for inadequate or positive surveillance; strategy E, surveillance and diagnosis with CT followed by complete MRI for inadequate surveillance; strategy F, surveillance and diagnosis with complete MRI followed by CT for inadequate surveillance; and strategy G, surveillance with abbreviated MRI followed by CT for inadequate surveillance or complete MRI for positive surveillance. Two compliance scenarios were evaluated: optimal and conservative. For each scenario, the most cost-effective strategy was based on a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 (Canadian) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). Sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS. Base-case analysis revealed that strategy E was the most cost-effective when compliance was optimal ($13,631/QALY), and strategy G was the most cost-effective when compliance was conservative ($39,681/QALY). Sensitivity analyses supported the base-case analysis in the optimal compliance scenario, but several parameters altered the most cost-effective strategy in the conservative compliance scenario. CONCLUSION. In an optimal compliance scenario, CT for HCC surveillance and diagnosis and complete MRI for inadequate CT was most cost-effective. In a conservative compliance scenario, abbreviated MRI may be an alternative to US-based surveillance.
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Comparison of prevention, screening and treatment of hepatitis C in Iran, Egypt and Georgia. J Virus Erad 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30053-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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40
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Behzadifar M, Gorji HA, Rezapour A, Bragazzi NL. Comparison of prevention, screening and treatment of hepatitis C in Iran, Egypt and Georgia. J Virus Erad 2019; 5:116-121. [PMID: 31191915 PMCID: PMC6543481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents one of the major public health challenges worldwide. HCV is a blood-borne pathogen associated with a high rate of mortality and imposes a dramatic societal and economic burden on health systems. Untreated chronic HCV infection can progress to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Lessons can be learned from countries such as Egypt and Georgia that are considered to be 'on-track' for the World Health Organization HCV elimination targets, as well as countries such as Iran that are 'working towards elimination'. This article compares HCV-related policies and strategies in Iran, Egypt and Georgia to identify programme strengths and limitations that could inform policy and decision makers in Iran. Controlling and eliminating HCV remain a serious public health challenge. The rising HCV incidence could generate a dramatic economic burden in the coming years. Therefore, Iran requires a strategic plan to fight HCV. Adequate cultural and social infrastructures are needed. Centres specifically devoted to the diagnosis and management of this infection should be used for screening and delivery of inexpensive and high-quality testing. Quick initiation of treatment should take place at lower costs to facilitate access to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Behzadifar
- Health Management and Economics Research Center,
Iran University of Medical Sciences,
Tehran,
Iran
| | - Hasan Abolghasem Gorji
- Health Management and Economics Research Center,
Iran University of Medical Sciences,
Tehran,
Iran,Corresponding author: Hasan Abolghasem Gorji
| | - Aziz Rezapour
- Health Management and Economics Research Center,
Iran University of Medical Sciences,
Tehran,
Iran
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- School of Public Health,
Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL),
University of Genoa,
Italy
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Masoodi I, Singh C, Wani IA, Wani MM, Ahmed TI, Sheikh RY. Sero Conversion of Viral Hepatitis among End Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis in Kashmir: Results of a Prospective Study. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7:587-593. [PMID: 30894917 PMCID: PMC6420930 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The seroconversion is a significant health concern in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis particularly in high endemic zones of HBV and HCV. PATIENTS AND METHODS This prospective study was conducted from January 2009 to April 2018 at Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir. A cohort of 459 end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis was enrolled from four dialysis centres and followed in a longitudinal manner. Their seroconversion rates, risk factors were studied. Positive patients were treated and followed up. RESULTS This study demonstrated HBV seroconversion rate of 7.4 % (n = 34) and HCV seroconversion rate of 10% (n = 46) in a cohort of 459 patients on hemodialysis attending four dialysis centres of Kashmir. Patients with diabetes mellitus outnumbered in seroconversion rates of (43.75%) followed by patients with glomerulonephritis (23.75%). Of 15 patients who had undergone renal transplantation 10 (66.67%), patients had seroconversion on hemodialysis which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Patients who were dialysed at multiple HD centres had significant seroconversion than those who followed up at a single center. Seroconversion was associated with longer duration of dialysis (80.30 ± 30.92 vs 61 ± 9.41months, P < 0.000). HBV vaccination of the ESRD patient on hemodialysis was significantly protective against seroconversion (P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis B vaccination, stringent precautions in all dialysis centres could help to reduce the high seroconversion rates which have a high financial burden on ESRD patients. Intense health education to both patients and medical staff will be beneficial to lower the seroconversion rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Masoodi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taif University, KSA
| | - Charanjit Singh
- Consultant Medicine District Hospital, Baramulla Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir
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Behzadifar M, Gorji HA, Rezapour A, Behzadifar M, Bragazzi NL. The role of insurance providers in supporting treatment and management of hepatitis C patients. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:25. [PMID: 30630488 PMCID: PMC6329117 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-3869-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, one of the most important global public health challenges is represented by hepatitis C virus (HCV), which imposes relevant costs. Globally speaking, the median cost of HCV-related complications ranges from $280 for an uncomplicated hepatitis to $139,070 for a liver transplantation. There are effective therapies for HCV patients worldwide, which has increased the hope of improving the process of managing and curing these patients. The adherence of patients to the pharmacological treatment and the use of effective drugs in the management of HCV disease are of crucial importance for health policy- and decision-makers. Studies show that, globally, insurance coverage for patients with HCV is not adequate in that still many patients are not covered by insurance programs. This issue as well as the economic conditions of countries are very serious challenges for ensuring an effective treatment. The most important and greatest help currently available to ensure HCV treatment is to implement plans to reduce costs and support patients. Some studies have shown that the expansion of coverage by private payers seems able to generate positive spillover benefits to public insures. Insurers, in addition to maintaining and increasing their own interests, are trying to increase their social status as a sponsor of patients. In conclusion, HCV disease requires serious policies and affordable insurance coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Behzadifar
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hasan Abolghasem Gorji
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Aziz Rezapour
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Behzadifar
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Chan J, Young J, Cox J, Nitulescu R, Klein MB. Patterns of practice and barriers to care for hepatitis C in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era: A national survey of Canadian infectious diseases physicians. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:231-239. [PMID: 35992622 PMCID: PMC9202762 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2018-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious diseases (ID) physicians are important for hepatitis C virus (HCV) care delivery in Canada. Our study describes their current and intended patterns of practice, attitudes, and barriers to care. METHODS The study population includes 372 practicing ID physicians who are members of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada. A random sample from each province was invited to participate in a web-based survey. Our outcome of interest was level of HCV care provided, and related intentions for the next 12 months. Additional survey domains included attitudes toward treatment and perceived barriers to care. RESULTS Of 205 invitations to complete the survey, 64 (31%) physicians responded to the full survey and 81 to an abbreviated survey on the main outcomes of interest (overall response rate 71%). After adjusting for non-response, we estimate that 38% (95% CI 29% to 46%) are prescribing direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, and 17% (95% CI 9% to 24%) are interested in starting to prescribe. Of full survey respondents, 100% of prescribers and 79% of non-prescribers agreed that people who inject drugs should be offered DAA therapy. Common barriers to care include patients' competing priorities, mental health comorbidities, poor access to harm reduction services, and insufficient physician training. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of Canadian ID physicians are not currently prescribing DAA therapy for HCV. While some of these physicians are interested in starting to prescribe, we need strategies to improve physician training and address other barriers to care as provincial restrictions on DAA eligibility are being eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Chan
- Correctional Health Services, New York City Health + Hospitals, New York, New York
| | - Jim Young
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec
| | - Roy Nitulescu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec
| | - Marina B Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec
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Krajden M, Cook D, Janjua NZ. Contextualizing Canada's hepatitis C virus epidemic. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:218-230. [PMID: 35992621 PMCID: PMC9202764 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2018-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
In 2016, Canada signed on to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease elimination targets. Most of Canada's HCV disease burden is among five disproportionately affected population groups: 1) Baby boomers, who are at increased risk of dying from decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and for whom one-time screening should be recommended to identify those undiagnosed; 2) People who inject drugs (PWID), whose mortality risks include HCV infection, HCV acquisition risks and co-morbid conditions. While HCV infection in PWID can be effectively cured with direct-acting antivirals, premature deaths from acquisition risks, now exacerbated by Canada's opioid crisis, will need to be addressed to achieve the full benefits of curative treatment. PWID require syndemic-based solutions (harm reduction, addictions and mental health support, and management of co-infections, including HIV); 3) Indigenous populations who will require wellness-based health promotion, prevention, care and treatment designed by Indigenous people to address their underlying health disparities; 4) Immigrants who will require culturally designed and linguistically appropriate services to enhance screening and engagement into care; and (5) For those incarcerated because of drug-related crimes, decriminalization and better access to harm reduction could help reduce the impact of HCV infections and premature mortality. A comprehensive prevention, care and treatment framework is needed for Canada's vulnerable populations, including those co-infected with HIV, if we are to achieve the WHO HCV elimination targets by 2030. The aim of this review is to describe the HCV epidemic in the Canadian context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mel Krajden
- Clinical Prevention Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia
- Dept. of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Darrel Cook
- Clinical Prevention Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- Clinical Prevention Services, BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver British Columbia
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Badawi A, Di Giuseppe G, Arora P. Cardiovascular disease risk in patients with hepatitis C infection: Results from two general population health surveys in Canada and the United States (2007-2017). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208839. [PMID: 30540839 PMCID: PMC6291240 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is controversial. The objective of the present study is to estimate the 10-year risk of CVD in HCV- positive subjects and describe their profile of cardiometabolic risk markers compared to HCV-negative subjects. We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate 10-year CVD risk, calculated using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS), in participants from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS; 2007–2015, n = 10,115) and the US-National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2007–2016, n = 16,668). Subjects included in our analysis were aged 30 to 74 years with no prior history of CVD. FRS estimates, sociodemographic and cardiometabolic risk factors were compared between HCV- positive and -negative subjects in the two surveys. HCV-positive subjects had a distinct sociodemographic profile compared to their HCV-negative counterparts. Cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory markers and serum levels of micronutrients were comparable between the two survey populations, both in HCV-positive and -negative subjects. The average FRS in HCV-positive patients was in the range of “intermediate” 10-year CVD risk (i.e., 10–20%) and was significantly higher (P<0.01) than their HCV-negative counterparts who were within the “low” 10-year CVD risk range (i.e., ≤10%). Using a multivariable linear regression model adjusted for ethnicity, number of metabolic syndrome components and BMI, HCV infection was significantly associated with a 2.5–3.5% absolute risk increase of 10-year CVD (P<0.01). The results of the present study suggest a potential association between HCV infection and risk of subclinical and clinical CVD. The expansion of anti-HCV therapy may also contribute to reduced CVD risk and burden in patients with chronic HCV infection and should be explored further in other datasets and population modelling studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Badawi
- Public Health Risk Sciences Division, Public Health Agency of Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Paul Arora
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Enteric Diseases, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Pittman ME. Hepatocellular carcinoma: a practical review for the surgical pathologist. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Law JLM, Logan M, Landi A, Tyrrell DL, Houghton M. Progress toward approval of an HCV vaccine. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:130-138. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2018.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
New effective drugs to treat hepatitis C (HCV) promise to cure nearly all patients, but relying solely on antivirals without an effective vaccine has been ineffective in eliminating all other infectious diseases. A prophylactic HCV vaccine needs to be developed. Along with increased screening and drug coverage, an effective vaccine could make it possible to meet the World Health Organization’s target to eliminate HCV by 2030. On the basis of recent knowledge of immune correlates of protection combined with the demonstrated immunogenicity and protective animal efficacies of various HCV vaccine candidates, there is a possibility that a prophylactic HCV vaccine is on the horizon. This article summarizes the current status of a prophylactic HCV vaccine. Elicitation of cross-neutralizing antibodies and broad cellular immune responses are likely needed to overcome this highly diverse virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- John LM Law
- 1Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Mike Logan
- 1Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Amir Landi
- 1Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - D Lorne Tyrrell
- 1Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Michael Houghton
- 1Li Ka Shing Applied Virology Institute, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
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Nguyen HH, Swain MG, Wong P, Congly SE. Canadian regulations and legal ramifications for hepatic encephalopathy: a descriptive analysis. CMAJ Open 2018; 6:E575-E579. [PMID: 30510040 PMCID: PMC6277253 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20180024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy, a form of brain dysfunction seen in the setting of liver insufficiency, negatively affects driving performance and so is both a patient and public safety issue. We aimed to review the motor vehicle codes in each Canadian province and territory relating to the reporting of patients with hepatic encephalopathy and to search a Canadian legal database for cases of motor vehicle collisions involving patients with hepatic encephalopathy. METHODS In this descriptive analysis, the transportation agencies of each Canadian province and territory were contacted via telephone and/or email between April and August 2017. Requirements of physicians to report medical conditions (including liver disease and hepatic encephalopathy) affecting a patient's fitness to drive were assessed. WestlawNext Canada was searched for any Canadian cases on hepatic encephalopathy and driving-related lawsuits from inception to Dec. 31, 2017. RESULTS Reporting of medically unfit drivers is a requirement in all Canadian provinces and territories except Alberta, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Hepatic encephalopathy, cirrhosis and advanced liver disease were not specifically identified as reportable medical conditions in any province or territory. Our search did not identify any lawsuits involving a motor vehicle collision in Canada that were made either against physicians caring for patients with hepatic encephalopathy or against such patients themselves. INTERPRETATION Although hepatic encephalopathy has a substantial impact on driving performance, it is not specifically identified as a reportable medical condition in Canada. Increasing awareness of the potential impact of hepatic encephalopathy on safe driving for health care providers and the public is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Nguyen
- University of Calgary Liver Unit, Department of Medicine (Nguyen, Swain, Congly), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Calgary, Alta.; McGill University Health Centre (Wong), Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Que
| | - Mark G Swain
- University of Calgary Liver Unit, Department of Medicine (Nguyen, Swain, Congly), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Calgary, Alta.; McGill University Health Centre (Wong), Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Que
| | - Philip Wong
- University of Calgary Liver Unit, Department of Medicine (Nguyen, Swain, Congly), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Calgary, Alta.; McGill University Health Centre (Wong), Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Que
| | - Stephen E Congly
- University of Calgary Liver Unit, Department of Medicine (Nguyen, Swain, Congly), Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Calgary, Alta.; McGill University Health Centre (Wong), Royal Victoria Hospital, Montréal, Que.
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Cheng ML, Abdel-Hakeem MS, Cousineau SE, Grebely J, Marshall AD, Saeed S, Sagan SM, Shoukry NH, Feld JJ, MacParland SA. The 7th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus: “Toward Elimination of HCV: How to Get There”. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:139-152. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2018-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects more than 268,000 people in Canada. Both the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada recognize the significant impact of HCV-related liver diseases and supported the establishment of a national hepatitis C research network, the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC). Interferon-free direct-acting antiviral regimens lead to more than 95% cure rates in almost all patients with well-tolerated short-course therapy. However, the goal of eliminating HCV in Canada cannot be fully realized until we overcome the financial, geographical, cultural, and social barriers that affect the entire continuum of care from diagnosis and linkage to care through treatment and prevention of new and reinfections. Current practices face difficulties in reversing HCV-induced immunological defects, expanding treatment to neglected communities, combating reinfections and co-infections, and expediting and simplifying the processes of diagnosis and treatment. As part of its knowledge translation mandate, CanHepC has organized the annual Canadian symposium on hepatitis C since 2012. The theme of this year’s symposium, “Toward Elimination of HCV: How to Get There?” focused on identifying the requirements of our therapeutic strategies and health policies for the elimination of HCV in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Cheng
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Mohamed S Abdel-Hakeem
- Penn Institute for Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sophie E Cousineau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison D Marshall
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sahar Saeed
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Selena M Sagan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Sonya A MacParland
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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Nouch S, Gallagher L, Erickson M, Elbaharia R, Zhang W, Wang L, Bacani N, Kason D, Kleban H, Knebel L, Hall D, Barrios R, Hull M. Factors associated with lost to follow-up after hepatitis C treatment delivered by primary care teams in an inner-city multi-site program, Vancouver, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 59:76-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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