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Rose TV, Christensen PB, Hjorth P, Madsen LW, Hansen JF, Dröse S, Harvald GB, Røge BT, Øvrehus ALH. Combining cross-sectional survey and register data improved the estimate of hepatitis C prevalence among patients attending a psychiatric emergency department in Denmark. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:277-284. [PMID: 38150183 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2298460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) among psychiatric patients is elevated compared to the background population in many studies, but the prevalence among Danish psychiatric patients is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the HCV prevalence and the proportion of the psychiatric patient population that remains to be diagnosed and treated in a Danish setting. METHODS During a 5-month period, patients attending the psychiatric emergency room in Vejle, Denmark, were offered point-of-care anti-HCV testing. Previous hepatitis C tests for all patients attending the Psychiatric Department in the study period were extracted from the national laboratory database (DANVIR). We combined the survey and register data in a capture-recapture estimate of undiagnosed patients with HCV. RESULTS During the study 24.9% (589 of 2364) patients seen at the psychiatric department attended the emergency room. The prevalence of anti-HCV among those tested in the emergency room was 1.6%. The laboratory register identified 595/2364 patients previously tested for anti-HCV with a positive prevalence of 6.1%. The undiagnosed anti-HCV positives among the 1483 never tested was estimated to 1.1%. Thus the total estimated prevalence of anti-HCV was 2.3% (54/2364, 95% CI 1.7%-3.0%) in the population, of whom 70.4% had been diagnosed, and 72.2% of diagnosed patients had received treatment or cleared HCV. CONCLUSION Combining survey and register data showed that the WHO target of 90% diagnosed and 80% treated was not met. To eliminate HCV in the psychiatric population, both undiagnosed and untreated patients must be targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Vemmelund Rose
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peer Brehm Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peter Hjorth
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Services, Region of Southern Denmark, University Hospital of Southern, Vejle Denmark
| | - Lone Wulff Madsen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Lillebælt-Kolding, Kolding, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Sandra Dröse
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Gustav Bang Harvald
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Birgit Thorup Røge
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Lillebælt-Kolding, Kolding, Denmark
| | - Anne Lindebo Holm Øvrehus
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Dröse S, Øvrehus ALH, Holm DK, Røge BT, Christensen PB. Hepatitis C screening and linkage to care with a mobile clinic in Southern Denmark. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 121:104180. [PMID: 37714009 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104180] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowing the prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) in risk groups is essential for elimination. The aim of the study was to assess HCV prevalence among people with different risk profiles and the feasibility of linking people with HCV to care. METHODS In Southern Denmark we tested people who were using shelters, cafés, and facilities for marginalized populations and the general population. We established a mobile clinic for HCV testing offering point-of-care HCV-antibody (HCV-Ab), point-of-care HCV RNA testing, and dried blood spot (DBS) testing. People with HCV infection were linked to care. RESULTS Among 802 tested persons, we found an HCV-Ab /HCV RNA prevalence of 13% (n = 101) /3% (n = 24). We found a prevalence of 20% (n = 97)/5% (n = 24) among 475 persons tested at locations attended by people who inject drugs but 0%/0% when testing the general population. Of 24 people who were HCV RNA positive, 83% (n = 20) initiated treatment, 13% (n = 3) spontaneously cleared their infection, and one was lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION General population testing has limited utility while focus on settings attended by people with increased HCV risk is more feasible. Linkage of people with a current HCV infection to care is feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Dröse
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 18 Penthouse 2. sal, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 3. sal, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark; OPEN, Odense Patient data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, Odense.
| | - Anne Lindebo Holm Øvrehus
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 18 Penthouse 2. sal, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 3. sal, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Dorte Kinggaard Holm
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, DK-5000 Odense C Odense, Denmark
| | - Birgit Thorup Røge
- Department of Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, Sygehusvej 24, DK-6000 Kolding, Denmark
| | - Peer Brehm Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, J. B. Winsloews Vej 4, Indgang 18 Penthouse 2. sal, DK-5000 Odense C, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Winsløwparken 19, 3. sal, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
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Dröse S, Hansen JF, Røge BT, Øvrehus ALH, Christensen PB. Retrieval of patients with hepatitis C who were lost to follow-up in Southern Denmark. Infect Dis (Lond) 2023; 55:361-369. [PMID: 36930953 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2023.2189298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of the C-Free-South project is to eliminate hepatitis C (HCV) in the Region of Southern Denmark (1.2 million inhabitants). One target group consists of people with HCV who had received care but were lost to follow-up. The study aim was to evaluate program efficacy in locating these patients and getting them into care. METHODS Patients were contacted if they were HCV-RNA positive and age 18+ years, registered in the clinical hepatitis database as of November 1, 2019, and had no scheduled HCV-related appointment. They were contacted at 2-month intervals by phone or letter. For patients who did not respond, we asked their general practitioner to refer them, if possible. RESULTS We identified 69 (7%) patients in the database who were listed as untreated and not being followed up. We successfully contacted 54 (78%), and the remaining 15 (22%) did not respond to our contacts. To date, 45 (65%) had initiated treatment, one (1%) had rejected treatment, and eight (12%) did not show up to their appointments. Among those receiving treatment, 20 (44%) responded after the first contact, 18 (40%) after the second contact, and 7 (16%) after informing the general practitioner. CONCLUSION An intensified and persistent effort made it possible to reach most HCV patients lost to follow-up. All new contact attempts increased the possibility that patients would receive treatment. Nevertheless, 22% of HCV patients lost to follow-up did not respond to repeated contact attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Dröse
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | | | - Anne Lindebo Holm Øvrehus
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Peer Brehm Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Ydreborg M, Lundström E, Kolleby R, Lexén S, Pizarro E, Lindgren J, Wejstål R, Larsson SB. Linkage to hepatitis C treatment in two opioid substitution treatment units in Gothenburg, Sweden: a retrospective cohort study. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:17. [PMID: 36907872 PMCID: PMC10009929 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00527-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is common in people with former or current injection drug use. Among the patients in the opioid substitution treatment (OST) program in Gothenburg, Sweden, more than 50% had been infected with HCV. However, many patients did not have any follow-up for their infection and the linkage to treatment could be improved. METHODS A model of care for HCV was introduced at an OST unit in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2017. The aim was to increase testing and linkage to HCV treatment. A nurse and a medical doctor, both specialized in infectious diseases, performed on-site testing at the OST unit with transient liver elastography (Fibroscan) to evaluate the fibrosis stage and initiated HCV treatment. This study retrospectively reviewed the patients' medical records to assess information regarding participation in the model of care, hepatitis C status, linkage to treatment and treatment outcome. RESULTS Among the 225 patients enrolled in OST at baseline, 181 were still in the OST program at the end of study (December 31st, 2018). In total, 29 patients, most of whom did not attend the Clinic of Infectious Diseases, were referred to the model of care. By the end of study, 17 patients (100% of those treated) reached sustained virologic response. In parallel, an additional 19 patients got treatment directly at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases. CONCLUSION Integrating HCV screening and examination in an OST unit successfully linked patients to treatment. However, not all patients received treatment. To reach the goal of eliminating HCV, different models of care are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Ydreborg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Journalvägen, 10 416 50, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emil Lundström
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Journalvägen, 5 416 85, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rosanna Kolleby
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Journalvägen, 10 416 50, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sofia Lexén
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Journalvägen, 5 416 85, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elena Pizarro
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Journalvägen, 5 416 85, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jessica Lindgren
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Journalvägen, 5 416 85, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rune Wejstål
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Journalvägen, 10 416 50, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Simon B Larsson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Addiction and Dependency, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Journalvägen, 5 416 85, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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