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Pham YTH, Huang DQ, Zhang Z, Ng CH, Tan DJH, Nguyen HC, Nguyen TC, Behari J, Yuan JM, Luu HN. Changing global epidemiology of chronic hepatitis C virus-related outcomes from 2010 to 2019: cirrhosis is the growing burden of hepatitis C virus-related disease. Eur J Cancer Prev 2024:00008469-990000000-00137. [PMID: 38568179 PMCID: PMC11416569 DOI: 10.1097/cej.0000000000000885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) has a long-term impact on hepatic consequences. A comprehensive evaluation of the global burden of HCV-related health outcomes can help to develop a global HCV prevention and treatment program. METHODS We used the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study to comprehensively investigate burden and temporal trends in incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) of HCV-related diseases, including liver cancer and cirrhosis and other liver diseases across 264 countries and territories from 2010 to 2019. RESULTS Globally, there were 152 225 incident cases, 141 811 deaths and approximately 2.9 million DALYs because of HCV-related liver cancer, and 551 668 incident cases, 395 022 deaths and about 12.2 million DALYs because of HCV-related cirrhosis in 2019. Worldwide, during the 2010-2019 period, liver cancer incidence declined, however, there was a 62% increase in cirrhosis incidence. In 2019, the Eastern Mediterranean was the region with the highest rates of incidence and mortality of both liver cancer and cirrhosis. Africa was the region with the fastest-growing trend of incidence of cirrhosis in the 2010-2019 period [annual percentage change (APC) = 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.93-2.25], followed by the Western Pacific region (APC = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09-1.22). Americas were the only region observing increased trends in liver cancer and cirrhosis mortality (APC = 0.70 and 0.12, respectively). We identified three patterns of temporal trends of mortality rates of liver cancer and cirrhosis in countries that reported HCV treatment rates. CONCLUSION Urgent measures are required for diagnosis, treatment and research on HCV-related cirrhosis at global, regional and country levels, particularly in Africa, the Western Pacific and the Eastern Mediterranean.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Thi-Hai Pham
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel Q. Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Zhongjie Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Darren Jun Hao Tan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Hiep C. Nguyen
- Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Tin C. Nguyen
- Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Jaideep Behari
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jian-Min Yuan
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hung N. Luu
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Aponte-Meléndez Y, Mateu-Gelabert P, Eckhardt B, Fong C, Padilla A, Trinidad-Martínez W, Maldonado-Rodríguez E, Agront N. Hepatitis C virus care cascade among people who inject drugs in puerto rico: Minimal HCV treatment and substantial barriers to HCV care. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2023; 8:100178. [PMID: 37555192 PMCID: PMC10404601 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) in Puerto Rico are disproportionately affected by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic. However, there is a scarcity of data on the HCV care cascade among PWID in Puerto Rico. This study aims to describe the HCV cascade of care among PWID in Puerto Rico, identify gaps, and explore barriers to HCV care. Methods Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and tested for both HCV antibodies (Ab) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) using rapid testing and dried blood spot samples (DBS). The cascade of care was estimated based on the DBS HCV Ab and RNA results, as well as self-reported data on HCV screening, linkage to care, treatment uptake and sustained virologic response collected through a questionnaire. The cascade was constructed sequentially, with each step using the number of people from the preceding step as the base denominator. The survey also assessed participants' perceived barriers to HCV care. Results Out of 150 participants, 126 (84%) had previously been HCV screened, 87% (109/126) were HCV Ab positive, 72% (79/109) were RNA positive,48% (38/79) were linked to care, 32% (12/38) initiated treatment, 58% (7/12) finished treatment, and 71% (5/7) achieved SVR. Barriers to HCV care included concerns about drug abstinence requirements, access to transportation, stigma in healthcare settings, and lack of knowledge about HCV treatment sites. Conclusion This study provides insights into the HCV cascade of care among PWID in Puerto Rico for the first time and highlights limited diagnosis, treatment uptake, and barriers to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesenia Aponte-Meléndez
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing 433 1st Ave., New York, NY 10010
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
| | - Benjamin Eckhardt
- New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Chunki Fong
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
| | - Adriana Padilla
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
| | - Wanda Trinidad-Martínez
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
| | - Eric Maldonado-Rodríguez
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health(ISPH) 55 West 125th street, New York, NY 10027,USA
| | - Nancy Agront
- AbbVie Corp., Paseo Caribe Building Suite 22415 Ave Munoz Rivera San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
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Nguyen VH, Huang DQ, Le MH, Jin M, Lee EY, Henry L, Nerurkar SN, Ogawa E, Thin KN, Teng MLP, Goh KS, Kai JCY, Wong C, Tan DJH, Thuy LTT, Hai H, Enomoto M, Cheung R, Nguyen MH. Global treatment rate and barriers to direct-acting antiviral therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 146 studies and 1 760 352 hepatitis C virus patients. Liver Int 2023; 43:1195-1203. [PMID: 36825358 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Global data on the treatment rate with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are sparse. We aimed to evaluate the CHC treatment rate and barriers to treatment in the DAA era. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane from inception to 5 August 2021, for relevant articles. Patients treated with DAAs without interferon (IFN) therapy were categorized as IFN-free DAAs. Patients receiving DAA with IFN or unclear IFN status were categorized as DAA/IFN. RESULTS We identified and analysed data from 146 studies (1 760 352 CHC patients). DAA/IFN treatment rate was 16.0% (95% CI: 9.9-23.3, 49 studies, 886 535 patients). IFN-free DAA treatment rate was 52.3% (95% CI: 46.2-58.4, 123 studies, 1 276 754 patients): 45.4% in North America, 64.2% in South America (1 study), 90.4% in Africa (most data from Egypt), 54.4% in Europe, 60.7% in Australia and 60.5% in Asia, (p < .0001); 49% with hepatitis B co-infection and 32.3% with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment was not a priority in 22.8% of patients in Europe and 16.7% in Australia, compared to only 4.8% in North America and 2.1% in Asia (p < .0001). Poor adherence to clinical follow-up was the cause of no treatment in 74.7% of patients in Australia, 37.0% in North America, 7.9% in Europe and 14.3% in Asia (p < .0001). CONCLUSION Though a marked improvement from IFN/DAA, the treatment rate with IFN-free DAA remains suboptimal (52.3% overall, 32.3% in HCC patients). Non-adherence to clinical follow-up and lack of disease awareness were treatment barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vy H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael H Le
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Michelle Jin
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Eunice Y Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Linda Henry
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Sanjna N Nerurkar
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eiichi Ogawa
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Khin N Thin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Margaret L P Teng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kang S Goh
- Department of Internal Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Justin C Y Kai
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Connie Wong
- Lane Medical Library, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Darren J H Tan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Le T T Thuy
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hoang Hai
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ramsey Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Walters SM, Frank D, Felsher M, Jaiswal J, Fletcher S, Bennett AS, Friedman SR, Ouellet LJ, Ompad DC, Jenkins W, Pho MT. How the rural risk environment underpins hepatitis C risk: Qualitative findings from rural southern Illinois, United States. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 112:103930. [PMID: 36641816 PMCID: PMC9974910 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has increased among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the United States with disproportionate burden in rural areas. We use the Risk Environment framework to explore potential economic, physical, social, and political determinants of hepatitis C in rural southern Illinois. METHODS Nineteen in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWID from August 2019 through February 2020 (i.e., pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and four with key informants who professionally worked with PWID. Interviews were recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded using qualitative software. We followed a grounded theory approach for coding and analyses. RESULTS We identify economic, physical, policy, and social factors that may influence HCV transmission risk and serve as barriers to HCV care. Economic instability and lack of economic opportunities, a lack of physically available HCV prevention and treatment services, structural stigma such as policies that criminalize drug use, and social stigma emerged in interviews as potential risks for transmission and barriers to care. CONCLUSION The rural risk environment framework acknowledges the importance of community and structural factors that influence HCV infection and other disease transmission and care. We find that larger structural factors produce vulnerabilities and reduce access to resources, which negatively impact hepatitis C disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States.
| | - David Frank
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marisa Felsher
- College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, United States
| | - Jessica Jaiswal
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Scott Fletcher
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States; College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, United States; Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, United States; Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Population Science and Policy, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; The Community Action Place, Murphysboro, IL, United States
| | - Alex S Bennett
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, United States
| | - Lawrence J Ouellet
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Danielle C Ompad
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wiley Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Mai T Pho
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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5
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Lau AA, Strebe JK, Sura TV, Hansen LA, Jain MK. Predictors of linkage to hepatitis C virus care among people living with HIV with hepatitis C infection and the impact of loss to HIV follow‐up. Health Sci Rep 2022; 5:e645. [PMID: 35620551 PMCID: PMC9125878 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Half of the people living with HIV (PLWH) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain untreated for HCV. We examined predictors of HCV linkage to care among PLWH and the impact of HIV lost to care. Design and methods We conducted a retrospective review of PLWH/HCV from our HIV clinics between 2014 and 2017, and examined predictors of HCV linkage to care. We used the Kaplan–Meier method to estimate the probability of HIV retention and HCV linkage over time. Results Of 615 PLWH/HCV, 34% linked to HCV care and 21% were cured. Higher odds of linkage to HCV care were among blacks (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.59, 5.47), prior injection drug users (IDUs; aOR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.39, 6.01), Medicare (aOR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.56, 6.11), and cirrhotics (aOR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.52, 5.14). Reduced odds for linkage were in active IDU (aOR: 0.16, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.45) and those seen by an advanced practice provider (aOR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.92). The main reason for failure to link to HCV care was lost to HIV care. At 3 years, the overall probability of being retained in HIV care was 53%; among those who had an HCV evaluation visit, it was 75% vs. 41% with no HCV evaluation visit. Accounting for loss to follow‐up, PLWH/HCV had a 65% probability of having an HCV evaluation at 3 years. HCV is a curable infection in those with or without HIV. Yet, high proportions of people living with HIV with HCV remain untreated for HCV, leading to complications of liver disease and death. Our study found that only one‐third of HIV/HCV patients were linked to HCV care. The main reason for not linking to HCV care was that increasing numbers of patients drop out of HIV care over time. Our study suggests that early focus on HCV treatment would increase the number of patients cured, but it is unclear whether this would impact retention in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby A. Lau
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Parkland Health and Hospital System Dallas Texas USA
| | | | - Teena V. Sura
- Population and Data Science, UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
| | - Laura A. Hansen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
| | - Mamta K. Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas Texas USA
- Parkland Health and Hospital System Dallas Texas USA
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6
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Eckhardt B, Kapadia SN, Mateu-Gelabert P, Pai M, Fong C, Aponte-Melendez Y, Marks KM. Rapid Treatment Initiation for Hepatitis C in Young People Who Inject Drugs: The Seek, Test, & Rapid Treatment (ST&RT) Randomized Trial. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac225. [PMID: 35821731 PMCID: PMC9272437 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Young people who inject drugs (PWID) have high hepatitis C virus (HCV) incidence and low treatment initiation rates. Novel, simplified care models need to be developed to engage, treat, and cure hard-to-reach patient populations, such as young PWID. We present final data from the randomized pilot clinical trial “HCV-Seek Test and Rapid Treatment” for curing HCV in young PWID. Methods Participants were recruited from the community and eligible if they were 18–29 years of age, HCV antibody-positive, treatment naive, and had injected drugs in the past 30 days. Participants were randomized 1:1 to “Rapid Treatment or Usual Care”. Participants randomized to Rapid Treatment received same-day medical evaluation, confirmatory and baseline laboratory testing, and a 7-day starter pack of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir at a syringe service program (SSP). Participants in “Usual Care” received same-day HCV confirmatory testing at the SSP and, if positive, facilitated referral to local providers. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) in HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA)+ participant. Results Forty-seven HCV antibody-positive participants were enrolled, and 25 participants had confirmed HCV and were included in the modified intention to treat analysis, with 9 of 14 (64%) of the Rapid Treatment arm and 1 of 11 (9.1%) of the Usual Care arm achieving a confirmed SVR12 (P = .01). Conclusions Among young HCV RNA+ PWID, significantly higher rates of cure were achieved using the Rapid Treatment model compared with facilitated referral. Providing easy access to HCV treatment for young PWID in low-threshold settings and initiating HCV treatment quickly appears to be a promising strategy for treating this hard-to-reach population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Eckhardt
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology New York University School of Medicine 462 1st Avenue NBV 16S-5 New York, New York, USA
| | - Shashi N Kapadia
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Population Health Sciences Weill Cornell Medicine 1305 York Avenue 4th Floor New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melinda Pai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chunki Fong
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Kristen M Marks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Jiang X, Vouri SM, Diaby V, Lo-Ciganic W, Parker R, Park H. Health care utilization and costs associated with direct-acting antivirals for patients with substance use disorders and chronic hepatitis C. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2021; 27:1388-1402. [PMID: 34595949 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2021.27.10.1388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with substance use disorders (SUD) and chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) have limited access to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) due to multilevel issues related to providers (eg, concern about reinfection); patients (eg, refusal); payers (eg, prior authorization); and health system structure, although clinical guidelines recommend timely DAA treatment for patients with SUD and HCV. Effects of DAAs on real-world health care utilization and costs among these patients is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To compare changes in medical service utilization and costs related to liver, SUD, and all-cause morbidity in patients with SUD and HCV treated with DAAs (DAA group) vs not treated with DAAs (non-DAA group). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Claims databases (2012-2018) for newly diagnosed HCV treatment-naive adults with SUD. We used difference-in-differences analyses, stratified by cirrhosis status, to determine the adjusted ratio of rate ratio (RoRR) to assess the difference in the relative changes from the pre- to posttreatment periods between the 2 groups. RESULTS: 6,266 patients with SUD and HCV were identified. Of these patients who also had cirrhosis (n = 607), 49% (n = 298) initiated DAA therapy for HCV, whereas of those without cirrhosis (n = 5,659), 22% (n = 1,219) initiated DAAs. For patients with cirrhosis (n = 607), the liver-related costs decreased by $6,213 (95% CI = -$8,571, -$3,856) for the DAA group and $1,585 (95% CI = -$4,659, $1,490) for the non-DAA group. The relative decreases in the rate of liver-related costs were larger for the DAA group than for the non-DAA group, and the relative changes between groups were significantly different (RoRR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.19-0.73). There was no difference in the relative changes after DAAs in the rate of SUD-related visits/costs or all-cause costs between the 2 groups. For patients without cirrhosis (n = 5,659), a similar association was observed. Besides, the relative decreases in the rate of SUD-related emergency department (ED) visits (RoRR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.38-0.77); SUD-related long-term care visits (RoRR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.13-0.73); all-cause ED visits (RoRR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.64-0.88); and all-cause long term-care visits (RoRR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.18-0.72) were larger in the DAA group than in the non-DAA group. CONCLUSIONS: DAAs are associated with a significant decrease in the rate of SUD-related ED visits and liver-related costs without increasing the rate of all-cause costs among patients with SUD and HCV, suggesting that the benefits of DAAs extended beyond liver-related outcomes, especially in this disadvantaged population. DISCLOSURES: Research reported in this publication was supported in part by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health (K01DA045618). The funder did not have a role in the design, the execution, the analyses, the interpretation of the data, or the decision to submit the results of this study. The authors have no potential conflicts of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Scott Martin Vouri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Vakaramoko Diaby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Weihsuan Lo-Ciganic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Robert Parker
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health & Health Professions, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Haesuk Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville
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Seaman A, King CA, Kaser T, Geduldig A, Ronan W, Cook R, Chan B, Levander XA, Priest KC, Korthuis PT. A hepatitis C elimination model in healthcare for the homeless organization: A novel reflexive laboratory algorithm and equity assessment. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 96:103359. [PMID: 34325969 PMCID: PMC8720290 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reaching World Health Organization hepatitis C (HCV) elimination targets requires diagnosis and treatment of people who use drugs (PWUD) with direct acting antivirals (DAAs). PWUD experience challenges engaging in HCV treatment, including needing multiple provider and laboratory appointments. Women, minoritized racial communities, and homeless individuals are less likely to complete treatment. METHODS We implemented a streamlined opt-out HCV screening and linkage-to-care program in two healthcare for the homeless clinics and a medically supported withdrawal center. Front-line staff initiated a single-order reflex laboratory bundle combining screening, confirmation, and pre-treatment laboratory evaluation from a single blood draw. Multinomial logistic regression models identified characteristics influencing movement through each stage of the HCV treatment cascade. Multiple logistic regression models identified patient characteristics associated with HCV care cascade progression and Cox proportional hazards models assessed time to initiation of DAAs. RESULTS Of 11,035 clients engaged in services between May 2017 and March 2020, 3,607 (32.7%) were screened. Of those screened, 1,020 (28.3%) were HCV PCR positive. Of those with detectable RNA, 712 (69.8%) initiated treatment and 670 (94.1%) completed treatment. Of those initiating treatment, 407 (57.2%) achieved SVR12. There were eight treatment failures and six reinfections. In the unadjusted model, the bundle intervention was associated with increased care cascade progression, and in the survival analysis, decreased time to initiation; these differences were attenuated in the adjusted model. Women were less likely to complete treatment and SVR12 labs than men. Homelessness increased likelihood of screening and diagnosis but was negatively associated with completing SVR12 labs. Presence of opioid and stimulant use disorder diagnoses predicted increased care cascade progression. CONCLUSIONS The laboratory bundle and referral pathways improved treatment initiation, time to initiation, and movement across the cascade. Despite overall population improvements, women and homeless individuals experienced important gaps across the HCV care cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Seaman
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States; Hepatitis C Elimination Program, Central City Concern, Portland, Oregon, United States.
| | - C A King
- Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - T Kaser
- Hepatitis C Elimination Program, Central City Concern, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - A Geduldig
- Hepatitis C Elimination Program, Central City Concern, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - W Ronan
- Hepatitis C Elimination Program, Central City Concern, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - R Cook
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - B Chan
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States; Hepatitis C Elimination Program, Central City Concern, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - X A Levander
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - K C Priest
- School of Medicine, MD/PhD Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - P T Korthuis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addiction Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States
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9
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Edmonds C, Carver A, DeClercq J, Choi L, Peter M, Schlendorf K, Perri R, Forbes RC, Concepcion BP. Access to hepatitis C direct-acting antiviral therapy in hepatitis C-positive donor to hepatitis C-negative recipient solid-organ transplantation in a real-world setting. Am J Surg 2021; 223:975-982. [PMID: 34548142 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging data supports expanding the solid organ donor pool with transplantation from hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive donors into HCV-negative recipients. However, concerns exist regarding the ability to access direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) post-transplant in a real-world setting. METHODS This single-center, retrospective study evaluated DAA access rates, time to first dose, and patient cost in donor-derived HCV solid-organ transplant recipients utilizing an integrated specialty pharmacy process. RESULTS Among 91 patients, all accessed DAAs through prescription insurance (97%) or patient assistance programs (3%). Of those who received DAAs through insurance, only 65% received approval on initial insurance submission. Median time from transplant to first dose was 45d [IQR 34-66]. The on-site specialty pharmacy was used by 69% of patients. Copay assistance programs reduced the median monthly patient cost from $1914 [range $7-7536] to $0 [range $0-5]. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that access to DAAs in donor-derived HCV post-transplant is achievable and affordable; however, significant added administrative efforts may be required for insurance approval as well as obtaining copay assistance, which is a limited resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cori Edmonds
- Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Alicia Carver
- Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Josh DeClercq
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Leena Choi
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Megan Peter
- Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Kelly Schlendorf
- Section of Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Roman Perri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Rachel C Forbes
- Department of Surgery, Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Beatrice P Concepcion
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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10
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Park H, Jiang X, Song HJ, Lo Re V, Childs-Kean LM, Lo-Ciganic WH, Cook RL, Nelson DR. The Impact of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy on End-Stage Liver Disease Among Individuals with Chronic Hepatitis C and Substance Use Disorders. Hepatology 2021; 74:566-581. [PMID: 33544904 PMCID: PMC8339171 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Our aim was to evaluate the impact of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) on decompensated cirrhosis (DCC) and HCC in patients with chronic HCV and substance use disorder (SUD) compared with those without an SUD. APPROACH AND RESULTS This retrospective cohort study used the MarketScan database (2013-2018) to identify 29,228 patients with chronic HCV, where 22% (n = 6,385) had ≥1 SUD diagnosis. The inverse probability of treatment weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare the risk of developing DCC and HCC. Among the those who were noncirrhotic, treatment reduced the DCC risk among SUD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.13; 95% CI, 0.06-0.30) and non-SUD (aHR 0.11; 95% CI, 0.07-0.18), whereas the risk for HCC was not reduced for the SUD group (aHR 0.91; 95% CI, 0.33-2.48). For those with cirrhosis, compared with patients who were untreated, treatment reduced the HCC risk among SUD (aHR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.13-0.88) and non-SUD (aHR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.25-0.65), whereas the risk for DCC was not reduced for the SUD group (aHR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.37-1.13). Among patients with cirrhosis who were untreated, the SUD group had a higher risk of DCC (aHR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.03-2.24) and HCC (aHR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05-2.72) compared with non-SUD group. CONCLUSIONS Among the HCV SUD group, DAA treatment reduced the risk of DCC but not HCC for those who were noncirrhotic, whereas DAA treatment reduced the risk of HCC but not DCC for those with cirrhosis. Among the nontreated, patients with an SUD had a significantly higher risk of DCC and HCC compared with those without an SUD. Thus, DAA treatment should be considered for all patients with HCV and an SUD while also addressing the SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haesuk Park
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and PolicyCollege of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFL
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and PolicyCollege of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFL
| | - Hyun Jin Song
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and PolicyCollege of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFL
| | - Vincent Lo Re
- Division of Infectious DiseasesDepartment of Medicine and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and BiostatisticsDepartment of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and InformaticsPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Lindsey M Childs-Kean
- Pharmacotherapy and Translational ResearchCollege of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFL
| | - Wei-Hsuan Lo-Ciganic
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and PolicyCollege of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFL
| | - Robert L Cook
- Department of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFL
| | - David R Nelson
- Department of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFL
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11
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Nicastro E, Norsa L, Di Giorgio A, Indolfi G, D'Antiga L. Breakthroughs and challenges in the management of pediatric viral hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:2474-2494. [PMID: 34092970 PMCID: PMC8160618 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i20.2474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infections by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) major causes of advanced liver disease and mortality worldwide. Although regarded as benign infections in children, their persistence through adulthood is undoubtedly of concern. Recent advances in HCV treatment have restored the visibility of these conditions and raised expectations for HBV treatment, which is currently far from being curative. Herein we describe direct-acting antivirals available for pediatric HCV (sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) and their real-world use. A critical review of the HBV pediatric classification is provided. Anti-HBV investigational compounds are reviewed in light of the pathophysiology in the pediatric population, including capsid assembly modulators, antigen secretion inhibitors, silencing RNAs, and immune modifiers. Recommendations for screening and management of immunosuppressed children or those with other risk factors or comorbidities are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Nicastro
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo 24127, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Norsa
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo 24127, Italy
| | - Angelo Di Giorgio
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo 24127, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Indolfi
- Department of Neurofarba, Meyer Children's University Hospital of Florence, Florence 50137, Italy
| | - Lorenzo D'Antiga
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo 24127, Italy
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12
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Predictors of progression through the cascade of care to a cure for hepatitis C patients using decision trees and random forests. Comput Biol Med 2021; 134:104461. [PMID: 33975209 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104461] [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: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study uses machine learning techniques to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of progression through the hepatitis C (HCV) cascade of care for patients in the 1945-1965 birth cohort in the Southern United States. METHODS We compared sociodemographic and clinical variables between groups of patients for three care outcomes: linkage to care, initiation of antiviral treatment, and virologic cure. A decision tree model and random forest model were built for each outcome. RESULTS Patients were primarily male, African American/Black or Caucasian/White, non-Hispanic or Latino, and insured. The average age at first HCV screening was 60 years old, and common medical diagnoses included chronic kidney disease, fibrosis and/or cirrhosis, transplanted liver, diabetes mellitus, and liver cell carcinoma. Variables used in predicting linkage to care included age at first HCV screening, insurance at first HCV screening, race, fibrosis and/or cirrhosis, other liver disease, ascites, and transplanted liver. Variables used in predicting initiation of antiviral treatment included insurance at first HCV screening, gender, other liver cancer, steatosis, and liver cell carcinoma. Variables used in predicting virologic cure included insurance at first HCV screening, transplanted liver, and ethnicity. CONCLUSION These patients have a high hepatic health burden, likely reflecting complications of untreated HCV and highlighting the urgency to cure HCV in this birth cohort. We found differences in HCV care outcomes based on sociodemographic and clinical variables. More work is needed to understand the mechanisms of these differences in care outcomes and to improve HCV care.
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13
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Jones EM, Francart SJ, Amerine LB. Embedding an Advanced Pharmacy Technician in an Adult Specialty Pulmonary Clinic to Complete Prior Authorizations Improves Efficiency and Provider Satisfaction. J Pharm Pract 2021; 35:551-558. [PMID: 33648372 DOI: 10.1177/0897190021997007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a clinic embedded Medication Assistance Program (MAP) specialist on the prescription benefit prior authorization (PA) process and provider satisfaction in an adult pulmonary clinic. METHODS In this mixed methods study, a retrospective cohort analysis was done to determine the turnaround time for the PA process from initial referral to approval or final denial in an adult pulmonary clinic. Additionally, a pre- and post-implementation survey to providers was conducted to assess provider satisfaction and perceptions around the prescription benefit PA process. The first study aim assessed PA efficiency by summarizing PA approval rate and PA turnaround time using descriptive statistics. Any prescriptions written by a clinic provider requiring a PA during the timeframe of June 2018 through August 2018 were included. The second study aim assessed change in provider satisfaction, analyzed via the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS The MAP specialist completed 110 PAs over 3 months for 110 unique patients. Median turnaround time was 3 hours, with 76% of PAs approved in less than 24 hours. Initial approval rate was 82.7%, and overall approval rate following the appeals process was 87.3%. A significant difference between the pre- and post-survey responses were identified in 2 of the 17 questions. CONCLUSION Implementation of a clinic embedded MAP specialist to complete PAs demonstrated an efficient process while also improving provider satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Jones
- Department of Pharmacy, Spectrum Health, Holland, MI, USA
| | - Suzanne J Francart
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lindsey B Amerine
- Department of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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14
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Park H, Song HJ, Jiang X, Henry L, Cook RL, Nelson DR. Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment Use Remains Low Among Florida Medicaid Beneficiaries With Chronic Hepatitis C. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:203-216. [PMID: 33553969 PMCID: PMC7850300 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicaid prior authorization (PA) policies for treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy are changing. We aimed to evaluate effects of changes in PA requirements on treatment uptake and to determine the factors associated with DAA treatment among Florida Medicaid beneficiaries with HCV. This is a retrospective cohort analysis of Florida's Medicaid administrative claims and electronic medical records (2013-2018). A total of 14,063 newly diagnosed patients with HCV were grouped based on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection and/or a substance use disorder (SUD) (7,735 HCV mono-infected with a SUD, 5,180 HCV mono-infected without a SUD, 564 HCV/HIV co-infected with a SUD, and 584 HCV/HIV co-infected without a SUD). Although the treatment rate increased three-fold after June 1, 2016, when a fibrosis-stage restriction was eliminated, only 8% received DAAs. Compared to HCV mono-infected without a SUD, HCV mono-infected with a SUD and HCV/HIV co-infected with a SUD were 47% (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.60) and 59% (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.61) less likely to initiate DAAs. Those with HCV/HIV/SUD did not experience a DAA initiation increase after a fibrosis-stage restriction was eliminated. Compared with Whites, Blacks were less likely to receive DAAs but were more likely to complete treatment. Use of medication-assisted therapy was low, despite those on medication-assisted therapy being 60% more likely to initiate DAA therapy and no more likely to discontinue therapy. Conclusion: Despite changes in Florida's Medicaid PA requirements for DAA treatment, only 8% received treatment. Disparities in treatment access were found among patients with HIV and a SUD, and who were Black.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haesuk Park
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and PolicyCollege of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Hyun Jin Song
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and PolicyCollege of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and PolicyCollege of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Linda Henry
- Pharmaceutical Outcomes and PolicyCollege of PharmacyUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Robert L. Cook
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
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15
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Wallace ZS, Harkness T, Fu X, Stone JH, Choi HK, Walensky RP. Treatment Delays Associated With Prior Authorization for Infusible Medications: A Cohort Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2020; 72:1543-1549. [PMID: 31507077 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior authorizations (PAs) are commonly used by health payers as cost-containment strategies for expensive medications, including infused biologics. There is scarce data about the effect of PA requirements on patient-oriented outcomes. METHODS We included patients for whom an infusible medication was prescribed for a rheumatologic condition. The exposures of interest were a PA requirement and whether or not the PA was denied. The primary outcome was the difference in days from medication request to infusion. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of denied PAs and differences in glucocorticoid exposure following a PA request. RESULTS Of the 225 patients, the infusible medications of 160 (71%) required a PA. PAs were associated with a greater number of days to infusion compared to cases in which no authorization was required (median 31 days [interquartile range (IQR) 15-60 days] versus median 27 days [IQR 13-41 days]; P = 0.045), especially among the 33 patients (21%) whose PA was denied initially (median 50 days [IQR 31-76 days] versus median 27 days [IQR 13-41 days]; P < 0.001). PA denials were associated with greater prednisone-equivalent glucocorticoid exposure in the 3 months following the request than when a PA was not required (median 605 mg [IQR 0-1,575] versus median 160 mg [IQR 0-675]; P = 0.01). Twenty-seven of the 33 PA requests that were initially denied (82%) were eventually approved. Thus, 96% of all PAs were ultimately approved. CONCLUSION PA requirements are associated with treatment delays and denials are associated with greater glucocorticoid exposure. Because the great majority of PA requests are ultimately approved, the value of PA requirements and their impact on patient safety should be reevaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary S Wallace
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - John H Stone
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hyon K Choi
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rochelle P Walensky
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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16
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Yu H, Yang H, Shi E, Tang W. Development and Clinical Application of Phosphorus-Containing Drugs. MEDICINE IN DRUG DISCOVERY 2020; 8:100063. [PMID: 32864606 PMCID: PMC7445155 DOI: 10.1016/j.medidd.2020.100063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorus-containing drugs belong to an important class of therapeutic agents and are widely applied in daily clinical practices. Structurally, the phosphorus-containing drugs can be classified into phosphotriesters, phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphine oxides, phosphoric amides, bisphosphonates, phosphoric anhydrides, and others; functionally, they are often designed as prodrugs with improved selectivity and bioavailability, reduced side effects and toxicity, or biomolecule analogues with endogenous materials and antagonistic endoenzyme supplements. This review summarized the phosphorus-containing drugs currently on the market as well as a few promising molecules at clinical studies, with particular emphasis on their structural features, biological mechanism, and indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Ling Ling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - He Yang
- Shenzhen Grubbs Institute, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Enxue Shi
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Wenjun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Ling Ling Road, Shanghai 200032, China
- School of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Sub-lane Xiangshan, Hangzhou 310024, China
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17
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Lentine KL, Peipert JD, Alhamad T, Caliskan Y, Concepcion BP, Forbes R, Schnitzler M, Chang SH, Cooper M, Bloom RD, Mannon RB, Axelrod DA. Survey of Clinician Opinions on Kidney Transplantation from Hepatitis C Virus Positive Donors: Identifying and Overcoming Barriers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 1:1291-1299. [PMID: 33251523 DOI: 10.34067/kid.0004592020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Transplant practices related to use of organs from Hepatitis C virus infected donors (DHCV+) is evolving rapidly. Methods We surveyed U.S. kidney transplant programs by email and professional society listserv postings between 7/19-1/20 to assess attitudes, management strategies, and barriers related to use of viremic (nucleic acid testing (NAT)+) donor organs in HCV uninfected recipients. Results Staff at 112 unique programs responded, representing 54% of U.S. adult kidney transplant programs and 69% of adult deceased donor kidney transplant volume in 2019. Most survey respondents were transplant nephrologists (46%) or surgeons (43%). Among responding programs, 67% currently transplant DHCV antibody+/NAT- organs under a clinical protocol or as standard of care. By comparison, only 58% offer DHCV NAT+ kidney transplant to HCV- recipients, including 35% under clinical protocols, 14% as standard of care, and 9% under research protocols. Following transplant of DHCV NAT+ organs to uninfected recipients, 53% start direct acting antiviral agent (DAA) therapy after discharge and documented viremia. Viral monitoring protocols after DHCV NAT+ to HCV uninfected recipient kidney transplantation varied substantially. 56% of programs performing these transplants report having an institutional plan to provide DAA treatment if declined by the recipient's insurance. Respondents felt a mean decrease in waiting time of ≥18 months (range 0-60) justifies the practice. Program concerns related to use of DHCV NAT+ kidneys include insurance coverage concerns (72%), cost (60%), and perceived risk of transmitting resistant infection (44%). Conclusions Addressing knowledge about safety and logistical/financial barriers related to use of DHCV NAT+ kidney transplantation for HCV uninfected recipients may help reduced discards and expand the organ supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista L Lentine
- Saint Louis University Center for Abdominal Transplantation, St. Louis, MO
| | - John D Peipert
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.,Northwestern University Transplant Outcomes Research Core, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Yasar Caliskan
- Saint Louis University Center for Abdominal Transplantation, St. Louis, MO
| | | | | | - Mark Schnitzler
- Saint Louis University Center for Abdominal Transplantation, St. Louis, MO
| | | | | | - Roy D Bloom
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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18
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Sherbuk JE, Knick TK, Canan C, Ross P, Helbert B, Cantrell ES, Cantrell CJ, Stallings R, Barron N, Jordan D, McManus KA, Dillingham R. Development of an Interdisciplinary Telehealth Model of Provider Training and Comprehensive Care for Hepatitis C and Opioid Use Disorder in a High-Burden Region. J Infect Dis 2020; 222:S354-S364. [PMID: 32877562 PMCID: PMC7467249 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and the opioid epidemic disproportionately affect the Appalachian region. Geographic and financial barriers prevent access to specialty care. Interventions are needed to address the HCV-opioid syndemic in this region. METHODS We developed an innovative, collaborative telehealth model in Southwest Virginia featuring bidirectional referrals from and to comprehensive harm reduction (CHR) programs and office-based opioid therapy (OBOT), as well as workforce development through local provider training in HCV management. We aimed to (1) describe the implementation process of provider training and (2) assess the effectiveness of the telehealth model by monitoring patient outcomes in the first year. RESULTS The provider training model moved from a graduated autonomy model with direct specialist supervision to a 1-day workshop with parallel tracks for providers and support staff followed by monthly case conferences. Forty-four providers and support staff attended training. Eight providers have begun treating independently. For the telehealth component, 123 people were referred, with 62% referred from partner OBOT or CHR sites; 103 (84%) attended a visit, 93 (76%) completed the treatment course, and 61 (50%) have achieved sustained virologic response. Rates of sustained virologic response did not differ by receipt of treatment for opioid use disorder. CONCLUSIONS Providers demonstrated a preference for an in-person training workshop, though further investigation is needed to determine why only a minority of those trained have begun treating HCV independently. The interdisciplinary nature of this program led to efficient treatment of hepatitis C in a real-world population with a majority of patients referred from OBOTs and CHR programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline E Sherbuk
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Terry Kemp Knick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Chelsea Canan
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Patrice Ross
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Bailey Helbert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | | | - Rachel Stallings
- Virginia Department of Health, Division of Disease Prevention, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicole Barron
- Virginia Department of Health, Division of Disease Prevention, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Diana Jordan
- Virginia Department of Health, Division of Disease Prevention, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Kathleen A McManus
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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19
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The Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatitis C Virus Screening Strategies among Recently Arrived Migrants in the Netherlands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176091. [PMID: 32825680 PMCID: PMC7503411 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective: We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening strategies among recently arrived migrants in the Netherlands. Methods: A Markov model was used to estimate the health effects and costs of HCV screening from the healthcare perspective. A cohort of 50,000 recently arrived migrants was used. In this cohort, three HCV screening strategies were evaluated: (i) no screening, (ii) screening of migrants from HCV-endemic countries and (iii) screening of all migrants. Results: Strategy (ii) screening of migrants from HCV-endemic countries compared to strategy (i) no screening, yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of €971 per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Strategy (iii) screening of all migrants compared with strategy (ii) screening of migrants from HCV-endemic countries yielded an ICER of €1005 per QALY gained. The budget impact of strategy (ii) screening of migrants from HCV-endemic countries and strategy (iii) screening of all migrants was €13,752,039 and €20,786,683, respectively. Conclusion: HCV screening is cost-effective. However, the budget impact may have a strong influence on decision making.
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20
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Prakash K, Ramirez-Sanchez C, Ramirez SI, Logan C, Law N, Mekeel K, Pretorius V, Aslam S. Post-transplant survey to assess patient experiences with donor-derived HCV infection. Transpl Infect Dis 2020; 22:e13402. [PMID: 32634289 PMCID: PMC10084045 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increased utilization of hepatitis C virus-infected (HCV+) organs for transplantation into HCV-uninfected recipients, there is lack of standardization in HCV-related patient education/consent and limited data on financial and social impact on patients. METHODS We conducted a survey on patients with donor-derived HCV infection at our center transplanted between 4/1/2017 and 11/1/2019 to assess: why patients chose to accept HCV+ organ(s), the adequacy of their pre-transplant HCV education and informed consent process, financial issues related to copays after discharge, and social challenges they faced. RESULTS Among 49 patients surveyed, transplanted organs included heart (n = 19), lung (n = 9), kidney (n = 11), liver (n = 4), heart/kidney (n = 4), and liver/kidney (n = 2). Many recipients accepted an HCV-viremic (HCV-V) organ due to perceived reduction in waitlist time (n = 33) and/or trust in their physician's recommendation (n = 29). Almost all (n = 47) felt that pre-transplant education and consent was appropriate. Thirty patients had no copay for direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for HCV, including 21 with household income <$20 000; seven had copays of <$100 and one had a copay >$1000. Two patients reported feeling isolated due to HCV infection and eight reported higher than anticipated medication costs. Patients' biggest concern was potential HCV transmission to partners (n = 18) and family/friends (n = 15). Overall almost all (n = 47) patients reported a positive experience with HCV-V organ transplantation. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that real-world patient experiences surrounding HCV-V organ transplantation have been favorable. Almost all patients report comprehensive HCV-related pre-transplant consent and education. Additionally, medication costs and social isolation/exclusion were not barriers to the use of these organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katya Prakash
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Sydney I Ramirez
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Cathy Logan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Nancy Law
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kristin Mekeel
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Victor Pretorius
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Saima Aslam
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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Kapila N, Menon KVN, Al-Khalloufi K, Vanatta JM, Murgas C, Reino D, Ebaid S, Shaw JJ, Agrawal N, Rhazouani S, Navas V, Sheffield C, Rahman AU, Castillo M, Lindenmeyer CC, Miller C, Quintini C, Zervos XB. Hepatitis C Virus NAT-Positive Solid Organ Allografts Transplanted Into Hepatitis C Virus-Negative Recipients: A Real-World Experience. Hepatology 2020; 72:32-41. [PMID: 31659775 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremic organs are underutilized, and there is limited real-world experience on the transplantation of HCV-viremic solid organs into recipients who are HCV negative. APPROACH AND RESULTS Patients listed or being evaluated for solid organ transplant after January 26, 2018, were educated and consented by protocol on the transplantation of HCV-viremic organs. All recipients were HCV nucleic acid test and anti-HCV antibody negative at the time of transplant and received an HCV-viremic organ. The primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR) at 12 weeks after completion of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy (SVR12 ). Seventy-seven patients who were HCV negative underwent solid organ transplantation from a donor who was HCV viremic. No patients had evidence of advanced hepatic fibrosis. Treatment regimen and duration were at the discretion of the hepatologist. Sixty-four patients underwent kidney transplant (KT), and 58 KT recipients had either started or completed DAA therapy. Forty-one achieved SVR12 , 10 had undetectable viral loads but are not eligible for SVR12 , and 7 remain on treatment. One KT recipient was a nonresponder because of nonstructural protein 5A resistance. Four patients underwent liver transplant and 2 underwent liver-kidney transplant. Three patients achieved SVR12 , 1 has completed DAA therapy, and 2 remain on treatment. Six patients underwent heart transplant and 1 underwent heart-kidney transplant. Six patients achieved SVR12 and 1 patient remains on treatment. CONCLUSIONS Limited data exist on the transplantation of HCV-viremic organs into recipients who are HCV negative. Our study is the largest to describe a real-world experience of the transplantation of HCV-viremic organs into recipients who are aviremic. In carefully selected patients, the use of HCV-viremic grafts in the DAA era appears to be efficacious and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Kapila
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | | | | | - Jason M Vanatta
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL
| | - Carla Murgas
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL
| | - Diego Reino
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL
| | - Samer Ebaid
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL
| | - Joshua J Shaw
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL
| | - Neerja Agrawal
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL
| | - Salwa Rhazouani
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL
| | - Viviana Navas
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL
| | | | - Asad Ur Rahman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL
| | | | | | - Charles Miller
- Department of Transplant, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Strategies for Improving Hepatitis C Treatment Access in the United States: State Officials Address High Drug Prices, Stigma, and Building Treatment Capacity. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2020; 25:245-252. [PMID: 29927900 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000000829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Curative treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) can alter the course of a devastating epidemic, but high drug prices have contributed to restrictions on HCV treatment access. OBJECTIVE We aimed to learn how state health agencies have responded to the challenges of treatment access for HCV. DESIGN Qualitative study using semistructured key informant interviews focused on aspects of HCV treatment access between June 2016 and March 2017. Content analysis was used to identify dominant themes. SETTING United States. PARTICIPANTS Eighteen health officials and treatment advocates across 6 states selected using purposive sampling. RESULTS Drug pricing is the most important barrier to access, encouraging restrictive authorization criteria from payers that in turn discourage providers from offering treatment. However, payers have not experienced the budget impact that was initially feared. Although authorization criteria are being lifted for fee-for-service Medicaid programs, ensuring that managed care organizations follow suit remains a challenge. The effect of stigma, a shortage of treating providers, and lack of political motivation are additional challenges to expanding treatment. The response to the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic can augment or inform strategies for HCV treatment delivery, but this is limited by the absence of dedicated funding. CONCLUSIONS While treatment eligibility criteria for HCV treatment are improving, many other barriers remain to achieving the scale-up needed to end the epidemic. Political disinterest, stigma, and a lack of specialty providers are continued barriers in some jurisdictions. States may need to invest in strategies to overcome these barriers, such as engaging in public and provider education and ensuring that treatment by primary care providers is reimbursed. Despite uncertainty about how federal policy changes to Medicaid may affect states' ability to respond, states can identify opportunities to improve access.
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Successful Implementation of a Shared Medical Appointment Model for Hepatitis C Treatment at a Community Health Center. J Community Health 2020; 44:169-171. [PMID: 30132236 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-018-0568-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Highly efficacious direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for treatment of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is largely inaccessible to communities facing a shortage of available specialist providers. Though less demanding than previous interferon regimens, DAA therapy requires patients to adhere to 8-12 weeks of daily treatment, which can be challenging for some patient populations. Duffy Health Center, located on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, provides integrated medical, mental health and case management services to people who are homeless or at risk for homelessness. The goal of this manuscript is to evaluate the outcomes of treatment of HCV infection with a shared medical appointment (SMA) model. The primary outcome was sustained virologic response (SVR-12), or HCV RNA ≤ 15 IU/mL at 12 weeks post-treatment. There were 102 patients recruited, with a total of 104 treatments administered. Over three-fourths of patients who attended one SMA visit (78 of 102) continued in SMA for the duration of treatment. Of these patients opting for SMA, 99% (77 of 78) completed the full treatment course, and 91% (71 of 78) of SMA patients achieved SVR-12. DAA therapy provided by non-specialist providers using the SMA model yielded comparable response rates to those achieved by specialist providers, and has the potential to substantially increase access to HCV treatment for patient populations within high-risk communities.
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Hoz RML, Sandıkçı B, Ariyamuthu VK, Tanriover B. Short-term outcomes of deceased donor renal transplants of HCV uninfected recipients from HCV seropositive nonviremic donors and viremic donors in the era of direct-acting antivirals. Am J Transplant 2019; 19:3058-3070. [PMID: 31207073 PMCID: PMC6864234 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The United States opioid use epidemic over the past decade has coincided with an increase in hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive donors. Using propensity score matching, and the Organ Procurement Transplant Network data files from January 2015 to June 2019, we analyzed the short-term outcomes of adult deceased donor kidney transplants of HCV uninfected recipients with two distinct groups of HCV positive donors (HCV seropositive, nonviremic n = 352 and viremic n = 196) compared to those performed using HCV uninfected donors (n = 36 934). Compared to the reference group, the transplants performed using HCV seropositive, nonviremic and viremic donors experienced a lower proportion of delayed graft function (35.2 vs 18.9%; P < .001 [HCV seropositive, nonviremic donors] and 36.2 vs 16.8% ; P < .001[HCV viremic donors]). The recipients of HCV viremic donors had better allograft function at 6 months posttransplant (eGFR [54.1 vs 68.3 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = .004]. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference in the overall graft failure risk at 12 months posttransplant by propensity score matched multivariable Cox proportional analysis (HR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.29 [HCV seropositive, nonviremic donors] and HR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.96 [HCV viremic donors]). Further studies are required to determine the long-term outcomes of these transplants and address unanswered questions regarding the use of HCV viremic donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo M. La Hoz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | | | | | - Bekir Tanriover
- Division of Nephrology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
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Kwo PY, Puenpatom A, Zhang Z, Hui SL, Kelley AA, Muschi D. Initial uptake, time to treatment, and real-world effectiveness of all-oral direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus infection in the United States: A retrospective cohort analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218759. [PMID: 31437170 PMCID: PMC6705774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data on initiation and utilization of direct-acting antiviral therapies for hepatitis C virus infection in the United States are limited. This study evaluated treatment initiation, time to treatment, and real-world effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral therapy in individuals with hepatitis C virus infection treated during the first 2 years of availability of all-oral direct-acting antiviral therapies. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis was undertaken using electronic medical records and chart review abstraction of hepatitis C virus-infected individuals aged >18 years diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C virus infection between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015 from the Indiana University Health database. Results Eight hundred thirty people initiated direct-acting antiviral therapy during the 2-year observation window. The estimated incidence of treatment initiation was 8.8%±0.34% at the end of year 1 and 15.0%±0.5% at the end of year 2. Median time to initiating therapy was 300 days. Using a Cox regression analysis, positive predictors of treatment initiation included age (hazard ratio, 1.008), prior hepatitis C virus treatment (1.74), cirrhosis (2.64), and history of liver transplant (1.5). History of drug abuse (0.43), high baseline alanine aminotransferase levels (0.79), hepatitis B virus infection (0.41), and self-pay (0.39) were negatively associated with treatment initiation. In the evaluable population (n = 423), 83.9% (95% confidence interval, 80.1–87.3%) of people achieved sustained virologic response. Conclusion In the early years of the direct-acting antiviral era, <10% of people diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C virus infection received direct-acting antiviral treatment; median time to treatment initiation was 300 days. Future analyses should evaluate time to treatment initiation among those with less advanced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Y. Kwo
- Department of Medicine – Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Amy Puenpatom
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Zuoyi Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Siu L. Hui
- Department of Biostatistics, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Andrea A. Kelley
- Data Core Services, Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - David Muschi
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, United States of America
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Mittal A, Kosinski KC, Stopka TJ. HCV treatment access among Latinxs who inject drugs: qualitative findings from Boston, Massachusetts, 2016. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:44. [PMID: 31288811 PMCID: PMC6617637 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compared with Caucasians, Latinxs with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) tend to initiate treatment less often, discontinue treatment, become infected younger, and have higher reinfection rates post-treatment. Little is known about HCV treatment experiences among Latinxs who inject drugs in the Northeastern USA. We assessed knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions tied to HCV, as well as HCV treatment readiness, and explored the overall HCV treatment experience of Latinx people who inject drugs (PWID) in Boston. METHODS We conducted qualitative interviews with monolingual and bilingual Spanish-speaking Latinx PWID (n = 15) in Boston, Massachusetts, between 2015 and 2016. We used a thematic content analysis approach to code and analyze data to identify knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to HCV treatment. RESULTS We identified barriers and facilitators to HCV treatment. Six salient themes emerged from the data. For participants who had not initiated HCV treatment, lack of referral, fear of quitting drugs, and fear of relapse were perceived barriers. Trust in medical providers and a willingness to quit drugs were primary facilitators. Most participants had positive HCV treatment experiences, and several emphasized the need for outreach to Latinxs about the advantages of newer treatment options. Concerns about HCV reinfection were also notable. CONCLUSIONS We identified a range of experiences tied to HCV treatment among Latinx PWID. HCV care providers play a key role in determining treatment uptake, and more treatment information should be disseminated to Latinx PWID. Healthcare providers should capitalize on treatment facilitators by ensuring referrals to treatment and should continue to address perceived barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avni Mittal
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Karen C Kosinski
- Department of Community Health, Tufts University School of Arts and Sciences, 574 Boston Avenue, Suite 208, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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Treatment Outcomes of Hepatitis C-Infected Patients in Specialty Clinic vs. Primary Care Physician Clinic: A Comparative Analysis. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2019; 2019:8434602. [PMID: 31281352 PMCID: PMC6589298 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8434602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) provide an exceptional opportunity to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Goals We compared the treatment outcomes between specialty and primary care physician (PCP) clinics for patients treated with DAAs. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients treated for HCV in our PCP clinics and specialty; liver and gastroenterology clinics and gastroenterology clinics. We used the two-sided t-test and the chi-square test to compare the means of continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Results Data from a total of 377 patients was analyzed (PCP clinic: n = 185 and specialty clinic: n = 192). There was no significant difference between age, race, and gender. Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scores were comparable at baseline. Greater than 90% of the patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR) with no difference between the groups. Conclusions Uncomplicated patients can be treated for hepatitis C by their PCPs with DAAs with similar treatment outcomes to specialty clinics. There should be explicit guidelines on patient eligibility for treatment by PCPs vs. specialists.
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Ma J, Non L, Amornsawadwattana S, Olsen MA, Garavaglia Wilson A, Presti RM. Hepatitis C care cascade in HIV patients at an urban clinic in the early direct-acting antiviral era. Int J STD AIDS 2019; 30:834-842. [PMID: 31159714 DOI: 10.1177/0956462419832750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Guidelines advocate universal, prompt treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) infection in HIV/HCV co-infected patients, but barriers to uptake of HCV direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) remain unclear in this population. This retrospective study investigated the care cascade from HCV diagnosis to sustained virologic response (SVR) at an urban infectious disease clinic in Saint Louis, Missouri during the first 18 months of interferon-free DAA availability in the United States. Of 1949 HIV patients seen in clinic, 91.9% were screened for HCV and 5.4% (n = 106) had chronic HCV infection with follow-up. Of these 106 co-infected patients, 100 underwent fibrosis testing, 55 were offered DAAs, 38 completed treatment, and 37 achieved SVR. Delayed DAA treatment was associated with no insurance, substance abuse, poor HIV control, and younger age. Providers delayed DAA treatment most commonly for substance abuse, psychiatric disease, and uncontrolled HIV. Mean time to insurance decision from initial prescription was 20.9 ± 29.6 days and mean time to final decision was 29.9 ± 40.1 days. DAAs are highly successful in co-infected patients in this early period but insurance delays and misconceptions from the interferon era can ultimately limit uptake. Addressing these factors in a comprehensive treatment model may bridge disparities and improve real-world SVRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Ma
- 1 Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lemuel Non
- 2 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Surachai Amornsawadwattana
- 3 Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Margaret A Olsen
- 2 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Rachel M Presti
- 2 Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Mantravadi S. Effective and efficient care delivery for HCV treatments in Medicaid. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/20479700.2017.1389513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Mattingly TJ, Pandit NS, Onukwugha E. Burden of Co-Infection: A Cost Analysis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a Commercially Insured Hepatitis C Virus Population. Infect Dis Ther 2019; 8:219-228. [PMID: 30825134 PMCID: PMC6522558 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-019-0240-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) represents a major cause of morbidity and economic burden. Economic evaluations in HIV-HCV typically focus on government-sponsored insurance plans rather than a commercially insured cohort. This study evaluated the clinical and economic burden of HIV-HCV co-infection compared with HCV alone in commercially insured patients throughout the United States. Methods Commercial medical and pharmacy claims from 2007 to 2015 from a 10% random sample of enrollees within the IQVIA PharMetrics Plus™ administrative claims database were analyzed. Patients were included based on the presence of a claim with a HCV diagnosis across three separate cross-sectional periods which were created from the full dataset (2007–2009, 2010–2012, and 2013–2015). Costs incurred were categorized as emergency department, inpatient, outpatient medical, outpatient pharmacy, and other, based on the claim place of service. Descriptive statistics and proportion of total costs in each group have been reported for all cost categories. Results The samples included 22,329 from 2007 to 2009, 23,186 from 2010 to 2012, and 27,288 from 2013 to 2015. In all three cross-sections, HIV-HCV individuals were more likely to be male and carriers of hepatitis B virus. Pharmacy costs were $29,368 in the HCV-only group, compared to $73,547 in the HIV-HCV group (p < 0.0001). Pharmacy costs increased as a proportion of total costs for both groups, increasing after 2012 from 41% to 55% for HIV-HCV and from 19% to 34% for HCV-only. Conclusion The present study describes the total direct health care costs in HIV-HCV co-infected individuals and HCV-only patients in commercially insured health plans. Spending on pharmacy increased as a proportion of total health care costs in both groups. Further clinical and economic evaluations in HCV and/or HIV populations in the US should consider system-level factors related to insurance type when applying to the entire population.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Joseph Mattingly
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Neha S Pandit
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eberechukwu Onukwugha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Goldberg D, Reese PP. Risks, benefits, and ethical questions associated with transplanting kidneys from hepatitis C virus-infected donors into hepatitis C virus-negative patients. Semin Dial 2018; 32:179-186. [DOI: 10.1111/sdi.12767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Goldberg
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Peter P. Reese
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Division of Renal, Electrolyte, and Hypertension; University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
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Kouris G, Hydery T, Greenwood BC, Lavitas P, Price M, Clements K, Alper CJ, Lenz K, Jeffrey PL. Effectiveness of Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir and Predictors of Treatment Failure in Members with Hepatitis C Genotype 1 Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Medicaid Population. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2018; 24:591-597. [PMID: 29952708 PMCID: PMC10397688 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2018.24.7.591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The primary goal of therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is eradication of HCV ribonucleic acid, which is predicted by achievement of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12). Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was approved by the FDA in 2014 and 2015 as a once-daily regimen for the treatment of HCV genotype 1 and HCV genotypes 4, 5, and 6, respectively. Although its efficacy has been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials, there is an unmet need for real-world effectiveness data and studies that assess the association of rates of SVR12 with specific clinical and demographic factors in the Medicaid population. OBJECTIVES To (a) evaluate the effectiveness of HCV genotype 1 treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir as measured by the rate of SVR12 overall and within the subgroups of 8-, 12-, and 24-week regimens and (b) identify predictors of treatment failure in the Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) population. METHODS This retrospective cohort study evaluated the rate of SVR12 among 796 MassHealth Primary Care Clinician and fee-for-service plan members who completed treatment with at least one 8-, 12-, or 24-week treatment with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for HCV genotype 1 infection between October 10, 2014, and November 1, 2016. The following variables were evaluated to identify predictors of treatment failure: sex, history of treatment failure, cirrhosis, substance use disorder, human immunodeficiency virus coinfection, and concomitant use of interacting medications. The proportion of members who achieved SVR12 was calculated for the entire study population and stratified by treatment regimen. Chi-square tests were used to compare the proportion of members who achieved SVR12, stratified by clinical and demographic variables. RESULTS SVR12 was achieved in 95% (756/796) of members. High proportions of members who received 8 weeks of treatment or 12 weeks of treatment without concomitant ribavirin achieved SVR12 (96.0% [285/297] and 95.7% [382/399], respectively). A slightly lower proportion of members who received 12 weeks of treatment with concomitant ribavirin or 24 weeks of treatment achieved SVR12 (89.9% [62/69] and 87.1% [27/31], respectively). The proportion of members who achieved SVR12 with each treatment regimen was consistent when stratified by clinical and demographic variables. None of the included variables were found to be associated with statistically significant differences in odds of treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS In the Medicaid population of 1 state, treatment of HCV genotype 1 infection with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was associated with a high rate of SVR12. The outcomes of treatment of HCV genotype 1 infection with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir in the Medicaid population are comparable with outcomes observed in other patient populations. DISCLOSURES No outside funding supported this study. The authors have no financial disclosures. A poster of this manuscript was presented at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy 2017 Annual Meeting, March 27-30, 2017, in Denver, Colorado.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Kouris
- 1 Clinical Pharmacy Services, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury
| | - Tasmina Hydery
- 1 Clinical Pharmacy Services, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury
| | - Bonnie C Greenwood
- 1 Clinical Pharmacy Services, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury
| | - Pavel Lavitas
- 1 Clinical Pharmacy Services, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury
| | - Mylissa Price
- 1 Clinical Pharmacy Services, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury
| | - Karen Clements
- 2 Center for Health Policy and Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Quincy
| | - Caroline J Alper
- 1 Clinical Pharmacy Services, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shrewsbury
| | - Kimberly Lenz
- 2 Center for Health Policy and Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Quincy
| | - Paul L Jeffrey
- 2 Center for Health Policy and Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Quincy
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Zuckerman A, Carver A, Chastain CA. Building a Hepatitis C Clinical Program: Strategies to Optimize Outcomes. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2018; 10:431-446. [PMID: 30524209 PMCID: PMC6244618 DOI: 10.1007/s40506-018-0177-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW An increasing number of specialists and non-specialists are developing clinical programs to treat and cure hepatitis C virus (HCV). The goal of this paper is to evaluate and describe optimal strategies to improve outcomes related to HCV care delivery. RECENT FINDINGS Screening and diagnosis of HCV should be guided by established recommendations. Given the recognized disparity in HCV diagnosis and linkage to care, a multi-modal approach involving care coordination and technology resources should be used to improve patient engagement. Access to HCV treatment may be optimized through systematic documentation, prior authorization, and appeal processes. Treatment monitoring should emphasize medication adherence, side effect and drug interaction management, as well as elimination of practical barriers. Finally, post-treatment engagement to promote liver health and reduce the risk of complications or reinfection maximizes the benefit of HCV treatment. SUMMARY The landscape of HCV treatment has evolved from a specialist-driven model with few patients qualifying for treatment to an opportunity for non-specialists and other providers to provide curative therapies in most patients. Innovative practice models that employ a multidisciplinary approach will likely improve screening, diagnosis, engagement, and treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn Zuckerman
- Specialty Pharmacy Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Alicia Carver
- Specialty Pharmacy Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Cody A. Chastain
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, A2200 MCN, 1161 21st Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232-2605 USA
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Hawkins KL, Hot I. Retrospective Cohort Study: Ledipasvir-Sofosbuvir With/Without Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C Post–Liver Transplant in a Real-World Population. J Pharm Technol 2018; 34:199-203. [DOI: 10.1177/8755122518782478] [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
Background: Liver damage caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the number one indication for liver transplantation in the United States and Europe. Patients with a detectable HCV level at time of transplant will universally develop a recurrent infection, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: To assess the sustained virologic response rate post end-of-treatment (SVR) in HCV-infected, post–liver transplant patients at the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) treated with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF). Methods: This retrospective, cohort study of HCV-positive, genotype 1 or 4 infected, post–liver transplant patients treated with LDV/SOF was conducted at a large academic medical center affiliated clinic. Patients treated with 12 weeks of LDV/SOF with or without ribavirin were included in the 12-week group, and patients treated with 24 weeks of LDV/SOF without ribavirin were included in the 24-week group. Results: Twenty-nine patients with recurrent HCV post–liver transplant receiving 12 weeks of LDV/SOF with or without ribavirin and 32 patients receiving 24 weeks of LDV/SOF alone were assessed. SVR was achieved by 100% (29/29) of patients in the 12-week group and 100% (32/32) of patients in the 24-week group. Conclusion: Post–liver transplant patients at UWMC treated with LDV/SOF for recurrent HCV achieved high rates of SVR.
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Vu TM, Toribio W, Riazi F, Ciprian G, Gibbs N, Giardina M, Camacho JA, Parrella K, Cambe J, Amory C, Chasan R, Sigel KM, Weiss JJ. Increasing Access to Hepatitis C Virus Medications: A Program Model Using Patient Navigators and Specialty Pharmacy to Obtain Prior Authorization Approval. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2018; 24:329-333. [PMID: 29578854 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2018.24.4.329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obtaining prior authorization (PA) approval for the new direct-acting antiviral (DAA) hepatitis C medications is time consuming and requires specific expertise. Our primary care-based program treats hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients at an urban academic medical center and employs patient navigators trained in the PA process who collaborate with a nurse and specialty pharmacy to manage the PA process. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the rate of PA approvals for our programmatic model and determine potential predictors of PA approval. METHODS We conducted a review of program databases and medical records of patients for whom DAA hepatitis C medications were ordered between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015 (n = 197). We first evaluated patient characteristics associated with the number of steps to approval. Then we used a multivariable ordinal regression to determine independent predictors of fewer steps to approval. Using Kaplan-Meier methods, we assessed patient characteristics associated with approval time and then fit a multivariable Cox regression model to determine independent predictors of time to approval. RESULTS Of the 197 patients, 69% (n = 136) had Medicaid; 12% (n = 24) had Medicare; 10% (n = 19) had both Medicaid and Medicare; 5% (n = 10) had private insurance; and 4% (n = 8) were uninsured. Ninety-three percent of the patients were eventually approved for HCV treatment. The steps in the PA cascade were approval on first submission (37%; mean days = 30.7; SD = 29.9); approval after internal appeal (45%; mean days = 66.8; SD = 70.5); approval after external appeal (11%; mean days = 124.7; SD = 60.2); and no approval obtained (7%). Unadjusted factors found to have a P value < 0.200 in relation to fewer steps in the PA cascade were older age, female gender, non-Medicaid insurance, comorbid hypertension, comorbid diabetes, being domiciled, and being nongenotype 2. After adjustment, non-Medicaid insurance and nongenotype 2 remained significant. In survival analysis, non-Medicaid insurance and mid-range fibrosis were associated with fewer days to PA approval. CONCLUSIONS Our program obtained 93% of PA approvals for hepatitis C medications. Patient navigators collaborating with a nurse and specialty pharmacy as a program may improve the PA approval process, although further research with a control group is necessary. DISCLOSURES The Respectful & Equitable Access to Comprehensive Healthcare (REACH) program receives funding from the Robin Hood Foundation and the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute. Weiss receives grant support from Gilead Sciences and has served as a consultant for AbbVie and Gilead Sciences. Vu reports speaker fees from Peer View Institute. All other authors report no conflict of interest. Study design and concept were contributed by Chasan, Sigel, Vu, and Weiss. Riazi, Ciprian, Giardina, and Gibbs collected the data, which were interpreted by Toribio, Amory, Chasan, and Sigel. The manuscript was written by Vu and Weiss and revised by Parrella, Cambe, Camacho, and Vu. Research from this study was presented as an abstract poster on November 14, 2016, at the AASLD Liver Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang M Vu
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Wilma Toribio
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Farah Riazi
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Genesis Ciprian
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Nathalia Gibbs
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Martha Giardina
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jocelyn A Camacho
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Korin Parrella
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Joy Cambe
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Catherine Amory
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Rachel Chasan
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Keith M Sigel
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Jeffrey J Weiss
- 1 Division of General Internal Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
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Race/ethnicity and insurance status disparities in access to direct acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus treatment. Am J Gastroenterol 2018. [PMID: 29523864 DOI: 10.1038/s41395-018-0033-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite availability of highly effective direct acting antivirals (DAA), barriers in access to these therapies limit our ability to achieve HCV eradication. We aim to evaluate overall rates and predictors of HCV treatment across four community-based health-care systems focusing on race/ethnicity and insurance-specific disparities. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated all adults with chronic HCV at four health care systems from 1 January 2011 to 28 February 2017, which included a large proportion of ethnic minorities, two safety-net systems, and a broad payer mix across four states. Overall and stratified HCV treatment rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Multivariate logistic regression models evaluated for predictors of receiving treatment. RESULTS Among 29,544 chronic HCV patients (60.5% male, 38.4% black, 8.8% Hispanic, 18.7% Medicaid, 25.9% Medicare, 22.5% private/commercial), overall annual treatment rates were stable from 2011 (0.5%) to 2013 (2.0%), but increased from 2014 (4.8%) to 2017 (16.9%) after availability of DAAs. While similar treatment rates were observed by sex, significantly lower odds of treatment were observed in Hispanics (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.39-0.60, p < 0.001) compared to non-Hispanic whites and among those with Medicaid (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.20-0.24, p < 0.001) compared to commercially insured patients. CONCLUSIONS Among our cohort of 29,544 chronic HCV patients, we observed significant improvements in HCV treatment rates after the availability of DAAs in 2014, but overall treatment rates remained <20% in 2017. The lowest rates of treatment were seen among Hispanics and those with Medicaid or indigent care insurance, which is concerning given these are particularly vulnerable populations.
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Henry B. DRUG PRICING & CHALLENGES TO HEPATITIS C TREATMENT ACCESS. JOURNAL OF HEALTH & BIOMEDICAL LAW 2018; 14:265-283. [PMID: 30258323 PMCID: PMC6152913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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In Silico Screening for Potent Anti-HCV Compounds with Inhibitory Activities Toward the NS3/4A Protease. Int J Pept Res Ther 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-018-9750-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Rice DP, Ordoveza MA, Palmer AM, Wu GY, Chirch LM. Timing of treatment initiation of direct-acting antivirals for HIV/HCV coinfected and HCV monoinfected patients. AIDS Care 2018; 30:1507-1511. [PMID: 30021452 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2018.1499857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Direct-acting antiviral therapy is safe and cost-effective for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, variability in drug payment rules represents a barrier to treatment that may disproportionately affect certain populations. We conducted a retrospective cohort study among HIV/HCV coinfected and HCV monoinfected patients using Kaplan-Meier and Fisher's exact test to analyze the time from the prescription of a direct-acting antiviral agent to delivery to the patient. Variables with significance p < .20 in univariate analysis were included in a Cox regression model. Factors associated with faster treatment were Infectious Diseases office setting (p = .01), public insurance payer (p = .01), and initial approval of requested regimen (p = .01). The presence of other liver disease was associated with delay in treatment (p = .05). Unrestrictive Medicare and Medicaid regulations resulted in more rapid delivery of medication compared to private payers. Fibrosis level, Child-Pugh class and HIV status did not significantly change time to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald P Rice
- a University of Connecticut School of Medicine , Farmington , CT , USA
| | | | - Ann M Palmer
- a University of Connecticut School of Medicine , Farmington , CT , USA
| | - George Y Wu
- b University of Connecticut Health Center , Farmington , CT , USA
| | - Lisa M Chirch
- b University of Connecticut Health Center , Farmington , CT , USA
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DeBose-Scarlett A, Balise R, Kwon D, Vadaparampil S, Chen SX, Schiff ER, Ayala GP, Thomas E. Obstacles to successful treatment of hepatitis C in uninsured patients from a minority population. J Transl Med 2018; 16:178. [PMID: 29954391 PMCID: PMC6027772 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment regimens (DAAs) are well tolerated, efficacious but costly. Their high cost and restricted availability, raises concerns about the outcome of treatment in uninsured patients. This study investigated sustained virologic response (SVR) outcomes in a predominately uninsured patient population and completion of four steps along the HCV treatment cascade. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted to characterize the patient population and analyze covariates to determine association with insurance status, attainment of SVR and progression through the HCV treatment cascade. RESULTS Out of a total of 216 patients, 154 (71%) were uninsured. Approximately 50% of patients (109 of 216 patients) were male and 57% were Hispanic (123 of 216 patients). Sex, race, ethnicity, treatment compliance, and rates of complications were not associated with insurance status. Insured patients were older (median 60 years vs 57 years, p-value < 0.001) and had higher rates of cirrhosis: 32 out of 62 patients (52%) vs 48 out of 154 patients (31%) (p-value = 0.005). Insured patients were tested for SVR at similar rates as uninsured patients: 84% (52 of 62 patients) vs 81% (125 of 154 patients), respectively. Of those tested for SVR, the cure rate for insured patients was 98% (51 out of 52 patients) compared to 97% (121 out of 125 patients) in the uninsured. Out of those who completed treatment, 177 of 189 (94%) were tested for attainment of SVR. Compliance rates were significantly different between tested and untested patients: 88% (156 of 177 patients) vs 0% (0 of 12 patients), respectively (p-value < 0.001). However, insurance status, race ethnicity, cirrhosis, and complications were not associated with being tested for SVR. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that insured and uninsured patients with chronic HCV infection, with access to patient assistance programs, can be treated and have comparable clinical outcomes. In addition, testing for SVR remains an important obstacle in completion of the HCV treatment cascade. Nevertheless, patient assistance programs remove a significant barrier for treatment access in real-world HCV infected populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raymond Balise
- University of Miami School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave #1140, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1550 NW 10th Ave., Papanicolaou Bldg, PAP 514, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Deukwoo Kwon
- University of Miami School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave #1140, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1550 NW 10th Ave., Papanicolaou Bldg, PAP 514, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Susan Vadaparampil
- H Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Steven Xi Chen
- University of Miami School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave #1140, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1550 NW 10th Ave., Papanicolaou Bldg, PAP 514, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Eugene R Schiff
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, 1500 NW 12th Ave #1101, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1550 NW 10th Ave., Papanicolaou Bldg, PAP 514, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | | | - Emmanuel Thomas
- University of Miami School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave #1140, Miami, FL, 33136, USA. .,Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, 1500 NW 12th Ave #1101, Miami, FL, 33136, USA. .,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1550 NW 10th Ave., Papanicolaou Bldg, PAP 514, Miami, FL, 33136, USA. .,Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, 1550 NW 10th Ave., Papanicolaou Bldg., PAP 514, Miami, FL, 33136-1015, USA.
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Zuckerman A, Douglas A, Nwosu S, Choi L, Chastain C. Increasing success and evolving barriers in the hepatitis C cascade of care during the direct acting antiviral era. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199174. [PMID: 29912944 PMCID: PMC6005558 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Barriers remain in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) cascade of care (CoC), limiting the overall impact of direct acting antivirals. This study examines movement between the stages of the HCV CoC and identifies reasons why patients and specific patient populations fail to advance through care in a real world population. We performed a single-center, ambispective cohort study of patients receiving care in an outpatient infectious diseases clinic between October 2015 and September 2016. Patients were followed from treatment referral through sustained virologic response. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors related to completion of each step of the CoC. Of 187 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 120 (64%) completed an evaluation for HCV treatment, 119 (64%) were prescribed treatment, 114 (61%) were approved for treatment, 113 (60%) initiated treatment, 107 (57%) completed treatment, and 100 (53%) achieved a sustained virologic response. In univariate and multivariate analyses, patients with Medicaid insurance were less likely to complete an evaluation and were less likely to be approved for treatment. Treatment completion and SVR rates are much improved from historical CoC reports. However, linkage to care following referral continues to be a formidable challenge for the HCV CoC in the DAA era. Ongoing efforts should focus on linkage to care to capitalize on DAA treatment advances and improving access for patients with Medicaid insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Autumn Zuckerman
- Vanderbilt Specialty Pharmacy Services, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Andrew Douglas
- Belmont University, College of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sam Nwosu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Leena Choi
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Cody Chastain
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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Dunn EE, Vranek K, Hynicka LM, Gripshover J, Potosky D, Mattingly TJ. Evaluating a Collaborative Approach to Improve Prior Authorization Efficiency in the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus. Qual Manag Health Care 2018; 26:136-139. [PMID: 28665904 PMCID: PMC5499965 DOI: 10.1097/qmh.0000000000000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A team-based approach to obtaining prior authorization approval was implemented utilizing a specialty pharmacy, a clinic-based pharmacy technician specialist, and a registered nurse to work with providers to obtain approval for medications for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the time to approval for prescribed treatment of HCV infection. METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted including patients treated for HCV infection by clinic providers who received at least 1 oral direct-acting antiviral HCV medication. Patients were divided into 2 groups, based on whether they were treated before or after the implementation of the team-based approach. Student t tests were used to compare average wait times before and after the intervention. RESULTS The sample included 180 patients, 68 treated before the intervention and 112 patients who initiated therapy after. All patients sampled required prior authorization approval by a third-party payer to begin therapy. There was a statistically significant reduction (P = .02) in average wait time in the postintervention group (15.6 ± 12.1 days) once adjusted using dates of approval. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacy collaboration may provide increases in efficiency in provider prior authorization practices and reduced wait time for patients to begin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E. Dunn
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Dr Dunn); Ambulatory Pharmacy, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore (Dr Vranek); Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Drs Hynicka and Mattingly II); and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (Ms Gripshover and Dr Potosky)
| | - Kathryn Vranek
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Dr Dunn); Ambulatory Pharmacy, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore (Dr Vranek); Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Drs Hynicka and Mattingly II); and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (Ms Gripshover and Dr Potosky)
| | - Lauren M. Hynicka
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Dr Dunn); Ambulatory Pharmacy, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore (Dr Vranek); Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Drs Hynicka and Mattingly II); and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (Ms Gripshover and Dr Potosky)
| | - Janet Gripshover
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Dr Dunn); Ambulatory Pharmacy, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore (Dr Vranek); Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Drs Hynicka and Mattingly II); and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (Ms Gripshover and Dr Potosky)
| | - Darryn Potosky
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Dr Dunn); Ambulatory Pharmacy, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore (Dr Vranek); Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Drs Hynicka and Mattingly II); and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (Ms Gripshover and Dr Potosky)
| | - T. Joseph Mattingly
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Dr Dunn); Ambulatory Pharmacy, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore (Dr Vranek); Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore (Drs Hynicka and Mattingly II); and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore (Ms Gripshover and Dr Potosky)
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Perlman DC, Jordan AE. The Syndemic of Opioid Misuse, Overdose, HCV, and HIV: Structural-Level Causes and Interventions. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2018; 15:96-112. [PMID: 29460225 PMCID: PMC5884743 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0390-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews the case for recognizing (1) the epidemics of opioid misuse, overdose, hepatitis C virus, and HIV as a syndemic and (2) the importance of examining and addressing structural factors in responses to this syndemic. We focus on the current syndemic in the US, but also consider data from other locations to highlight the issues existing and arising in various contexts. RECENT FINDINGS Advances in multi-level theory and statistical methods allow sound ecologic and multi-level analyses of the impact of structural factors on the syndemic. Studies of opioid misuse, overdoses, hepatitis C virus, and HIV demonstrate that area-level access to healthcare, medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorders, sterile injection equipment, and overdose prevention with naloxone, as well as factors such as opioid marketing, income inequality, intensity of policing activities, and health care policies, are related to the prevalence of substance misuse, overdoses, infection risk, and morbidity. Structural variables can predict area-level vulnerability to the syndemic. The implementation of combined prevention and treatment interventions can control and reverse components of the syndemic. Recognizing and monitoring potent structural factors can facilitate the identification of areas at risk of vulnerability to the syndemic. Further, many structural factors are modifiable through intervention and policy to reduce structural vulnerability and create health-enabling environments. Evidence supports the immediate implementation of broader HCV and HIV testing and substance use screening, medication-assisted treatment, needle/syringe exchange programs, naloxone programs, increased population-level implementation of HCV treatment, and further attention to structural-level factors predicting, and contributing to, area-level vulnerability, such as degrees of opioid marketing, distribution, and prescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Perlman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, 350 East 17th St, 19th Floor, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
| | - Ashly E Jordan
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, New York, NY, 10003, USA
- City University New York, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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Successful Treatment of Fibrosing Cholestatic Hepatitis With Daclatasvir and Asunaprevir After Liver Transplantation: A Case Report. Transplant Proc 2018; 50:2877-2881. [PMID: 30401415 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (FCH) is an aggressive form of hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). Most FCH cases are fatal, occurring as a secondary disease following rapidly progressive liver dysfunction and graft failure. We report a case of early-onset FCH after LT that was successfully treated using daclatasvir and asunaprevir. CASE REPORT A 59-year-old woman underwent living donor LT for HCV-related liver cirrhosis. However, liver function was not improved after LT and gradually worsened. A liver biopsy was performed at 30 and 47 days after the living donor LT to identify the cause of the liver dysfunction. The first biopsy result showed no specific finding. However, combined treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin was started because of a high HCV viral load (> 8.0 log IU/mL). Nevertheless, liver function and HCV viral load deteriorated, and the second biopsy performed on postoperative day 47 revealed FCH. We converted the antiviral agents into daclatasvir and asunaprevir and performed plasmapheresis twice. Since then, the liver dysfunction and HCV viral load gradually improved, and HCV RNA clearance occurred at week 11 after treatment. The patient achieved a sustained virologic response at week 24 after completion of the treatment. CONCLUSION Daclatasvir combined with asunaprevir can be a useful treatment option in potentially fatal FCH after LT.
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Zhu J, Hazen RJ, Joyce C, Delpino A, Kirkham HS, Strickland CD, Markes-Wilson S, Kim T, Kang M, Rubin RA, Stein LL. Local specialty pharmacy and specialty clinic collaboration assists access to hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2018; 58:89-93.e2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Abstract
Patients with HIV have a proclivity to develop liver fibrosis, especially when associated with other conditions such as HCV, HBV, and NAFLD. Identifying HIV-infected patients with significant fibrosis or cirrhosis plays an important role in clinical and therapeutic decision-making. Liver biopsy is currently considered as the gold standard for fibrosis assessment but carries many shortcomings (cost, invasiveness, complications, false negative rate of 20 %). Multiple non-invasive methods of liver fibrosis assessment have been developed, but not all have been studied in HIV-infected individuals. Non-invasive liver fibrosis tools include both serologic-based testing scores (rely on direct and/or indirect markers) such as APRI, FIB4, FibroTest, FibroSpect II, HepaScore, or imaging-based methods such as vibration controlled liver elastography. There is validated data to support the use of non-invasive modalities of fibrosis assessment in HIV-HCV co-infected individuals for the exclusion of cirrhosis, but may be poorly reliable or not enough data exists for the assessment of other co-morbid disease processes.
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Response to Liu et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2017; 112:1749-1750. [PMID: 29109505 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2017.292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Mantravadi S. Patterns in Liver-Related Health Outcomes with Hepatitis C Virus Treatments and Health Equity Implications for Decision Makers: A Cohort Analysis of Medicaid Patients. Health Equity 2017; 1:156-164. [PMID: 30283843 PMCID: PMC6071889 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2017.0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a blood-borne communicable disease that, in perhaps 20% of cases, results in a chronic disease. However, traditional peginterferon/ribavirin therapies pose many adverse side effects that are difficult to tolerate, and many patients do not complete the therapy. However, healthcare access to these newer, efficacious treatments are reduced, due to inadequate or lack of coverage of direct acting antiviral (DAA) medication. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of HCV treatment regimens on outcomes of care for HCV-infected Medicaid beneficiaries without cirrhosis/liver disease scarring. Methods: A cohort analysis was performed to evaluate the changes in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), and liver transplantation with use of HCV treatments in Medicaid beneficiaries with HCV, and was followed over a period of 10 years. The cohort of Medicaid beneficiaries and relevant variables were generated from published literature. Results: Finally, considering the impact on health expenditures due to improved access to new treatments in Medicaid beneficiaries, DAAs resulted in the lowest decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma-related healthcare cost per person over the 10-year time frame the cohort was followed. Conclusions: The risk of liver-related disease is higher in patients with cirrhosis, as reaching treatment success results in continued disease progression, not normal health status; thus, liver cancer healthcare costs are higher in patients with cirrhosis, compared to those without cirrhosis.
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Mattingly TJ, Slejko JF, Mullins CD. Hepatitis C Treatment Regimens Are Cost-Effective: But Compared With What? Ann Pharmacother 2017; 51:961-969. [PMID: 28715911 DOI: 10.1177/1060028017722007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous economic models have been published evaluating treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, but none provide a comprehensive comparison among new antiviral agents. OBJECTIVE Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of all recommended therapies for treatment of genotypes 1 and 4 chronic HCV. METHODS Using data from clinical trials, observational analyses, and drug pricing databases, Markov decision models were developed for HCV genotypes 1 and 4 to compare all recommended drugs from the perspective of the third-party payer over a 5-, 10-, and 50-year time horizon. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) was conducted by assigning distributions for clinical cure, age entering the model, costs for each health state, and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for each health state in a Monte Carlo simulation of 10 000 repetitions of the model. RESULTS In the lifetime model for genotype 1, effects ranged from 18.08 to 18.40 QALYs and total costs ranged from $88 107 to $184 636. The lifetime model of genotype 4 treatments had a range of effects from 18.23 to 18.43 QALYs and total costs ranging from $87 063 to $127 637. Grazoprevir/elbasvir was the optimal strategy followed by velpatasvir/sofosbuvir as the second-best strategy in most simulations for both genotypes 1 and 4, with drug costs and efficacy of grazoprevir/elbasvir as the primary model drivers. CONCLUSIONS Grazoprevir/elbasvir was cost-effective compared with all strategies for genotypes 1 and 4. Effects for all strategies were similar with cost of drug in the initial year driving the results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia F Slejko
- 1 University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Engagement in Care of High-Risk Hepatitis C Patients with Interferon-Free Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapies. Dig Dis Sci 2017; 62:1472-1479. [PMID: 28378246 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4548-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The extent to which hepatitis C (HCV) treatment uptake is improved following introduction of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine HCV patient engagement and barriers to care for accessing DAA treatments in a real-world setting. METHODS Patients with HCV viremia at high risk for fibrosis were identified using the Veterans Affairs (VA) registry within San Diego's VA in October 2014. Patients not enrolled in HCV clinic were systematically contacted by letter and phone. Logistic regression was used to examine patient factors associated with subsequent engagement in care over 12-20 months. RESULTS In the local registry of 2089 patients, 481 were identified with high-risk fibrosis scores. Of those, 380 (79%) were eligible for antiviral treatment, and 178/380 (47%) patients were actively followed in clinic. The remaining 202/380 (53%) patients were never seen by a HCV clinic provider or lost to follow-up. Of these, 114/380 (30%) of the treatment-eligible cohort remained non-engaged in care following outreach. Compared with patients engaged in care, non-engaged patients were significantly more likely to have homelessness, COPD comorbidity, or active alcohol or/and drug use. Overall 74.4% of patients engaged in HCV clinic received antiviral treatment. CONCLUSIONS A significant portion of eligible HCV patients could not be engaged in treatment after a programmatic outreach effort. These data indicate that more sustained or innovative outreach efforts are needed in order to maximize treatment access, with specific interventions targeting those with unstable housing and active alcohol/substance use disorders.
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