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Wolfson-Stofko B, Hirode G, Vanderhoff A, Karkada J, Capraru C, Biondi MJ, Hansen B, Shah H, Janssen HLA, Feld JJ. Real-world hepatitis C prevalence and treatment uptake at opioid agonist therapy clinics in Ontario, Canada. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:240-247. [PMID: 38385850 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Widespread screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is necessary for Canada to meet its HCV elimination goals by 2030. People who currently or previously injected drugs are at high risk for HCV. Opioid agonist therapy (OAT, such as methadone and buprenorphine) has been shown to help stabilize the lives of people who are opioid-dependent. The distribution of OAT in North America typically requires daily, weekly, or monthly clinic visits and presents an opportunity for engagement, screening and treatment for those at high-risk of HCV. In this study, HCV screening was conducted by staff at OAT clinics in Ontario from 2016 to 2020 and those with chronic infections were treated on-site with direct-acting antivirals. Point-of-care or dried blood spot (DBS) testing was used for antibodies, DBS or serum for HCV RNA and serum for HCV RNA at SVR12 (sustained virological response). Clinics screened 1954 people (mean age 40 years ±12, 63% male). Forty-five percent were antibody positive, of whom 64% were HCV RNA+. Eighty percent of those RNA+ set an appointment in which 99% attended. Ninety-six percent started treatment with 87% completing treatment. Sixty-eight percent of people who completed treatment submitted a sample for SVR12 testing of which 97% achieved a virological cure. Results suggest that HCV screening and treatment at OAT clinics is feasible, effective and warrants expansion. Data suggest strong treatment adherence due to high rates of SVR12 comparable with other OAT-based HCV treatment programs. The lack of SVR12 sampling could be addressed by either on-site phlebotomy or incentivizing SVR12 sampling.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Wolfson-Stofko
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research (CDUHR), College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - G Hirode
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Vanderhoff
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Karkada
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Capraru
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - M J Biondi
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Nursing, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - B Hansen
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - H Shah
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - H L A Janssen
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J J Feld
- Viral Hepatitis Care Network (VIRCAN), Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Marshall AD, Willing AR, Kairouz A, Cunningham EB, Wheeler A, O'Brien N, Perera V, Ward JW, Hiebert L, Degenhardt L, Hajarizadeh B, Colledge S, Hickman M, Jawad D, Lazarus JV, Matthews GV, Scheibe A, Vickerman P, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Direct-acting antiviral therapies for hepatitis C infection: global registration, reimbursement, and restrictions. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:366-382. [PMID: 38367631 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00335-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have delivered high response rates (>95%) and simplified the management of HCV treatment, permitting non-specialists to manage patients without advanced liver disease. We collected and reviewed global data on the registration and reimbursement (government subsidised) of HCV therapies, including restrictions on reimbursement. Primary data collection occurred between Nov 15, 2021, and July 24, 2023, through the assistance of a global network of 166 HCV experts. We retrieved data for 160 (77%) of 209 countries and juristrictions. By mid-2023, 145 (91%) countries had registered at least one of the following DAA therapies: sofosbuvir-velpatasvir, sofosbuvir-velpatasvir-voxilaprevir, glecaprevir-pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir-daclatasvir, or sofosbuvir. 109 (68%) countries reimbursed at least one DAA therapy. Among 102 low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), 89 (87%) had registered at least one HCV DAA therapy and 53 (52%) reimbursed at least one DAA therapy. Among all countries with DAA therapy reimbursement (n=109), 66 (61%) required specialist prescribing, eight (7%) had retreatment restrictions, seven (6%) had an illicit drug use restriction, five (5%) had an alcohol use restriction, and three (3%) had liver disease restrictions. Global access to DAA reimbursement remains uneven, with LMICs having comparatively low reimbursement compared with high-income countries. To meet WHO goals for HCV elimination, efforts should be made to assist countries, particularly LMICs, to increase access to DAA reimbursement and remove reimbursement restrictions-especially prescriber-type restrictions-to ensure universal access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison D Marshall
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Alex R Willing
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abe Kairouz
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Evan B Cunningham
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alice Wheeler
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - John W Ward
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Lindsey Hiebert
- Coalition for Global Hepatitis Elimination, Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Behzad Hajarizadeh
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha Colledge
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Danielle Jawad
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (IS Global), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Therapeutic and Vaccine Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Scheibe
- TB HIV Care, Cape Town, South Africa; Community Orientated, Primary Care Research Unit, Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gregory J Dore
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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3
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Hajarizadeh B, Kairouz A, Ottaviano S, Ireland J, Willing A, Cunningham E, Webb P, Colledge-Frisby S, Wheeler A, Leung J, Tran LT, Price O, Vickerman P, Farrell M, Hickman M, Dore GJ, Bergenström A, Degenhardt L, Grebely J. Global, regional, and country-level coverage of testing and treatment for HIV and hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs: a systematic review. Lancet Glob Health 2023; 11:e1885-e1898. [PMID: 37973339 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(23)00461-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs are disproportionately affected by HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, while there is little global data on HIV and HCV testing and treatment coverage of this population. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate country-level, regional, and global coverage of HIV and HCV testing and treatment among people who inject drugs. METHODS We did a systematic review, and searched bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO) and grey literature for studies published between Jan 1, 2017, and April 30, 2022, that evaluated the proportion of people who inject drugs who received testing or treatment for HIV or HCV. For each country, we estimated the proportion of people who inject drugs tested for HIV antibodies in the past 12 months (recent), people who inject drugs ever tested for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA, people who inject drugs with HIV currently receiving antiretroviral therapy, and people who inject drugs with HCV ever receiving HCV antiviral treatment. Regional and global estimates, weighted by the population size of people who inject drugs, were generated where sufficient data were available. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020173974). FINDINGS 512 documents reported data eligible for analyses, including 337 peer-reviewed articles, 27 conference abstracts or presentations, and 148 documents from grey literature or supplementary searches. Data of recent HIV antibody testing were available for 67 countries and ever having had HCV antibody testing were available for 49 countries. Globally, an estimated 48·8% of people who inject drugs were recently tested for HIV antibodies (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 43·3-54·2%; range 0·9-86·0%), and 47·1% had ever been tested for HCV antibodies (95% UI 43·4-51·0%; range 0·0-93·3%). HCV RNA testing data were available from three countries. Coverage of HIV antibody testing was high (>75%) in four countries and for HCV antibody testing in 15 countries. The estimated uptake of current HIV treatment (18 countries) ranged from 2·6% to 81·9%, and the estimated uptake of ever having HCV treatment (23 countries) ranged from 1·8% to 88·6% across countries. Uptake of HIV treatment was high in two countries, and of HCV treatment in one country. INTERPRETATION HIV and HCV testing and treatment uptake among people who inject drugs was highly variable, and suboptimal in most countries. Strategies to improve access to HIV and HCV care among people who inject drugs and the availability of public health surveillance are urgently required. FUNDING Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and UK National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Abe Kairouz
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophie Ottaviano
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeremy Ireland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex Willing
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Evan Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paige Webb
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha Colledge-Frisby
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alice Wheeler
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janni Leung
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; National Centre For Youth Substance Use Research, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Lucy T Tran
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Bergenström
- European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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4
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Fontaine G, Presseau J, Bruneau J, Patey AM, van Allen Z, Mortazhejri S, Høj SB, Hung JHC, Grimshaw JM. "Apparently, you can only be treated once": A qualitative study exploring perceptions of hepatitis C and access to treatment among people who inject drugs visiting a needle and syringe program. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 121:104124. [PMID: 37451942 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to hepatitis C care within harm reduction community organizations for people who inject drugs is crucial for achieving hepatitis C elimination. However, there is a lack of data on how perceptions of hepatitis C and treatment have changed among individuals visiting these organizations during the era of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). This study aimed to explore the perceptions of hepatitis C and treatment access for (re)infection among individuals visiting a needle and syringe program in Canada. METHODS Eighteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who recently injected drugs and visited a needle and syringe program. The interviews were guided by the Common-Sense Self-Regulation Model (CS-SRM) and aimed to explore cognitive and emotional representations of hepatitis C, perceptions of treatment, coping strategies and sources of information. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis. RESULTS Most of the participants identified as male, were of white ethnicity and had a median age of 45. While most underscored the therapeutic advancements and the effectiveness of DAAs, they expressed confusion regarding the mechanisms of access to treatment, especially in cases of reinfection. Perceptions of the controllability of hepatitis C were significantly influenced by the stigmatizing discourse surrounding treatment access, cost, and public coverage. This influence extended to their intentions for seeking treatment. Participants emphasized the social consequences of hepatitis C, including stigma. Emotional representations of hepatitis C evolved along the care cascade, encompassing initial shock at diagnosis and later fear of reinfection following successful treatment. CONCLUSION Nearly a decade after the advent of DAAs, misinformation about treatment access persists. Findings underscore a nexus of internalized and institutionalized stigma associated with hepatitis C, drug use, and the challenges of cost and access to treatment, pointing to a clear need for education and service delivery optimisation in harm reduction community organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Fontaine
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, L1255, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L6; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5; The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Wallace Wurth Building (C27), Cnr High St & Botany St, Kensington, NSW, Australia 2052.
| | - Justin Presseau
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, L1255, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L6; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Room 101, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1G 5Z3; School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Research Centre, Université de Montréal Hospital Centre, 900 Saint Denis St, Montreal, QC, Canada, H2×0A9; Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900, boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, Canada, H3T 1J4
| | - Andrea M Patey
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, L1255, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L6; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Room 101, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1G 5Z3; School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Louise D Acton Building, 31 George St, Kingston, ON, Canada K7L 3N6
| | - Zack van Allen
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, L1255, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L6; School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Sameh Mortazhejri
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, L1255, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L6; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Room 101, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1G 5Z3
| | - Stine Bordier Høj
- Research Centre, Université de Montréal Hospital Centre, 900 Saint Denis St, Montreal, QC, Canada, H2×0A9
| | - Jui-Hsia Cleo Hung
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, L1255, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L6; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Room 101, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1G 5Z3
| | - Jeremy M Grimshaw
- Centre for Implementation Research, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, L1255, Box 711, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1H 8L6; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Room 101, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1G 5Z3
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5
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Chu C, Gomes T, Antoniou T, Wong WWL, Janjua N, Guertin JR, Schwartz KL, Feld J, Kwong J, Tadrous M. The impact of expanded access to direct acting antivirals for Hepatitis C virus on patient outcomes in Canada. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284914. [PMID: 37552677 PMCID: PMC10409286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has high global prevalence and can lead to liver complications and death. Access to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in Canada increased following several policy changes, however the real-world impact of expanded DAA access and increased use of these drugs is unknown. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the early change in rates of HCV-related hospitalizations overall and HCV-related hospitalizations with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after expanded DAA access. METHODS We conducted a population-based time series analysis using national administrative health databases in Canada. Rates of HCV-related hospitalizations and HCV-related hospitalizations with HCC were enumerated monthly between April 2006 and March 2020. We used Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models with ramp functions in October 2014 and January 2017 to evaluate the impact of policies to expand DAA access on hospitalization outcomes. RESULTS Rates of HCV-related hospitalizations in Canada increased between 2006 and 2014, and gradually declined thereafter. The decrease after October 2014, or the first policy change, was significant (p = 0.0355), but no further change was found after the second policy change in 2017 (p = 0.2567). HCV-related hospitalizations with HCC increased until end of 2013, followed by a plateau, before declining in 2016. No significant shifts were found after the first policy change in 2014 (p = 0.1291) nor the second policy change in 2017 (p = 0.6324). Subgroup analyses revealed that those aged 50-64 and males had observable declines in rates of HCV-related hospitalizations in the year prior to the first policy change. CONCLUSIONS Expanding DAA access was associated with a drop in HCV-related hospitalizations in the overall Canadian population coinciding with the 2014 policy change. In light of the time required for HCV-related complications to manifest, continued ongoing research examining the real-world effectiveness of DAAs is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cherry Chu
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tony Antoniou
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - William W. L. Wong
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Naveed Janjua
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jason Robert Guertin
- Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse expérimentale de l’Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin L. Schwartz
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jordan Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeff Kwong
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Public Health Ontario, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mina Tadrous
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women’s College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, ON, Canada
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6
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Snell G, Marshall AD, van Gennip J, Bonn M, Butler-McPhee J, Cooper CL, Kronfli N, Williams S, Bruneau J, Feld JJ, Janjua NZ, Klein M, Cunningham N, Grebely J, Bartlett SR. Public reimbursement policies in Canada for direct-acting antiviral treatment of hepatitis C virus infection: A descriptive study. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2023; 6:190-200. [PMID: 37503523 PMCID: PMC10370724 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2022-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Background Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies have simplified HCV treatment, and publicly funded Canadian drug plans have eliminated disease-stage restrictions for reimbursement of DAA therapies. However other policies which complicate, delay, or prevent treatment initiation still persist. We aim to describe these plans' existing reimbursement criteria and appraise whether they hinder treatment access. Methods We reviewed DAA reimbursement policies of 16 publicly funded drug plans published online and provided by contacts with in-depth knowledge of prescribing criteria. Data were collected from May to July 2022. Primary outcomes were: (1) if plans have arranged to accept point-of-care HCV RNA testing for diagnosis; testing requirements for (2) HCV genotype, (3) fibrosis stage, and (4) chronic infection; (5) time taken and method used to approve reimbursement requests; (6) providers eligible to prescribe DAAs; and (7) restrictions on re-treatment. Results Fifteen (94%) plans have at least one policy in place which limits simplified HCV treatment. Many plans continue to require results of genotype or fibrosis staging, limit eligible prescribers, and take longer than 1 day to approve coverage requests. One plan discourages treatment for re-infection. Conclusion Reimbursement criteria set by publicly funded Canadian drug plans continue to limit timely, equitable access to HCV treatment. Eliminating clinically irrelevant pre-authorization testing, expanding eligible prescribers, expediting claims processing, and broadening coverage of treatment for reinfection will improve access to DAAs. The federal government could further enhance efforts by introducing a federal HCV elimination strategy or federal high-cost drug PharmaCare program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaelen Snell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alison D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Matthew Bonn
- Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Curtis L Cooper
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadine Kronfli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah Williams
- Calgary Liver Unit, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marina Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nance Cunningham
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sofia R Bartlett
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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Lafferty L, Sheehan Y, Cochrane A, Grebely J, Lloyd AR, Treloar C. Reducing barriers to the hepatitis C care cascade in prison via point-of-care RNA testing: a qualitative exploration of men in prison using an integrated framework. Addiction 2023; 118:1153-1160. [PMID: 36683132 PMCID: PMC10952703 DOI: 10.1111/add.16137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly prevalent within the prison setting. Although HCV testing and treatment are available within prisons, system barriers can impede progress along the HCV care cascade for those who are incarcerated. The PIVOT intervention used a 'one-stop-shop' model (i.e. point-of-care HCV RNA testing, Fibroscan-based liver disease assessment and treatment) at a reception prison in New South Wales, Australia. This analysis sought to understand the role of point-of-care HCV RNA testing at intake in reducing barriers to the HCV care cascade within the male prison setting. DESIGN AND SETTING Qualitative analysis using semi-structured interviews in a reception prison in Australia. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four men enrolled in the PIVOT study; all participants had undergone HCV point-of-care testing in the intervention arm. MEASUREMENTS Høj's Integrated Framework informed this analysis. FINDINGS Participants widely expressed the view that point-of-care HCV RNA testing on entry was beneficial for care engagement. Point-of-care testing was perceived as timely (compared with standard pathology) and reduced opportunities for adjudication by correctional officers due to fewer clinic visits for testing and results. Adoption of routine opt-out testing at prison intake was regarded as an important strategy for normalising HCV testing (and likely to increase pathways to treatment uptake) and fostered patient candidacy (i.e. self-perceived eligibility to access care). CONCLUSION Twenty-four men in prison in New South Wales, Australia, who underwent opt-out point-of-care HCV RNA testing on entry into prison, widely supported the programme as a means of overcoming barriers to HCV testing and treatment in the prison setting, as well as providing public health benefits through early detection of HCV infection among people entering into custody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lafferty
- Centre for Social Research in HealthUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Yumi Sheehan
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Amanda Cochrane
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health NetworkNSW HealthMatravilleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Andrew R. Lloyd
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in HealthUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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8
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Wong WWL, Wong J, Bremner KE, Saeed Y, Mason K, Phoon A, Martel-Laferrière V, Bruneau J, Feld JJ, Feng Z, Baguley E, Lee SS, Powis J, Krahn MD. Impact of direct-acting antiviral treatment on health utility in patients with chronic hepatitis C in hospital and community settings. Liver Int 2023; 43:805-818. [PMID: 36606706 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have transformed chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment. Continued affordable access to DAAs requires updated cost-effectiveness analyses (CEA). Utility is a preference-based measure of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) used in CEA. This study evaluated the impact of DAAs on utilities for patients with CHC in two clinical settings. METHODS This prospective longitudinal study included patients aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with CHC and scheduled to begin DAA treatment, from two tertiary care hospital clinics and four community clinics in Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal. Patients completed two utility instruments (EQ-5D-5L and Health Utilities Index 2/3 (HUI2/3)) before treatment, 6 weeks after treatment initiation, and 12 weeks and 1 year after treatment completion. We measured utilities for all patients, and for hospital-based and community-based groups. RESULTS Between 2017 and 2020, 209 patients (126 hospital-based, 83 community-based; average age 53 years; 65% male) were recruited, and 143 completed the 1-year post-treatment assessment. Pre-treatment, utilities were (mean ± standard deviation) 0.77 ± 0.21 (EQ-5D-5L), 0.69 ± 0.24 (HUI2) and 0.58 ± 0.34 (HUI3). The mean changes at 1-year post-treatment were 0.035, 0.038 and 0.071, respectively. While utilities for hospital-based patients steadily improved, utilities for the community-based cohort improved between baseline and 12-weeks post-treatment, but decreased thereafter. DISCUSSION This study suggests that utilities improve after DAA treatment in patients with CHC in a variety of settings. However, community-based patients may face challenges related to comorbid health and social conditions that are not meaningfully addressed by treatment. Our study is essential for valuing health outcomes in CHC-related CEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W L Wong
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Josephine Wong
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen E Bremner
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yasmin Saeed
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kate Mason
- Toronto Community Hepatitis C Program (TCHCP), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arcturus Phoon
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zeny Feng
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Baguley
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jeff Powis
- Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Murray D Krahn
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Jiang N, Bruneau J, Makarenko I, Minoyan N, Zang G, Høj SB, Larney S, Martel-Laferrière V. HCV treatment initiation in the era of universal direct acting antiviral coverage - Improvements in access and persistent barriers. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 113:103954. [PMID: 36758334 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Barriers to HCV treatment initiation persisted after the introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in Canada among people who inject drugs (PWID); whether DAA universal coverage lifted these barriers remain unknown. We assessed the evolution of HCV treatment initiation and associated factors among PWID in Montreal, Canada, comparing eras of IFN-based regimens (2011-2013), of DAA restricted access (2014-02/2018), and universal coverage (03/2018-03/2020). METHODS We included chronically HCV-infected participants followed in a community-based PWID cohort in Montreal, Canada between 2011 and 03/2020 and collected data at 3-month intervals. Time-updated Cox regressions were conducted to examine 9 variables of interest associated with treatment initiation overall and for each of the three eras. RESULTS Of 276 participants, 126 initiated treatment during follow-up. Yearly initiation increased from 3% in 2011 to 19% in 2016, and 54% in 2018. PWID aged >40 (vs. ≤40) were twice as likely to initiate treatment in 2014-02/2018 (HR: 2.02 95%CI: [1.24-3.28]) but not in other periods (2011-2013: 0.55 [0.25-1.22]; 03/2018-03/2020: 1.14 [0.59-2.22])). Odds of initiation were lower for men than women in all periods, with women three times more likely to be treated under universal coverage (0.30 [0.11-0.77] vs 2011-2013: 0.67 [0.25-1.78] and 2014-02/2018: 0.75 [0.42-1.35]). Recent incarceration was negatively associated with initiation throughout all periods (2011-2013: 0.57 [0.13-2.43]; 2014-03/2018: 0.39 [0.17-0.91]; 03/2018-03/2020: 0.25 [0.07-0.83]). Barriers associated with high injection frequency appear to have diminished since DAA introduction (2014-02/2018: 0.71 [0.42-1.20]; 03/2018-03/2020: 1.05 [0.52-2.11] vs. 2011-2013: 0.26 [0.08-0.88]). Contact with a primary care physician and engagement in opioid agonist therapy were positively associated with treatment initiation, though estimates were attenuated under universal coverage relative to previous eras. CONCLUSION Treatment initiation rates have increased since the introduction of universal DAA coverage, though barriers such as incarceration persist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Jiang
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada; Département de Médecine Familiale et Médecine d'Urgence, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Iuliia Makarenko
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada; Department of Family Medicine, McGill University, 845 rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Nanor Minoyan
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada; École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec, H3N 1×9, Canada
| | - Geng Zang
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada
| | - Stine Bordier Høj
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada
| | - Sarah Larney
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada
| | - Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2×0A9, Canada; Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.
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10
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Marshall AD, Martinello M, Treloar C, Matthews GV. Perceptions of hepatitis C treatment and reinfection risk among HIV-positive men who have sex with men and engage in high risk behaviours for hepatitis C transmission: The CEASE qualitative study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 109:103828. [PMID: 35994937 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, treatment uptake for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV-HCV coinfected men who have sex with men (MSM) has substantially increased since the advent of interferon-free direct-acting antivirals (DAA). However, HIV-positive MSM who engage in high risk behaviours are at an increased risk of HCV reinfection post-treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate perceptions of HCV diagnosis, treatment and reinfection risk among HCV-HIV coinfected MSM who engage in drug use and/or high risk sexual behavior in Sydney, Australia. METHODS Participants were recruited from the Control and Elimination within AuStralia of HEpatitis C from people living with HIV (CEASE) cohort (n=402) who reported engaging in drug use and/or high risk sexual behavior for transmission of HCV infection. Participants were interviewed about their perceptions of HCV diagnosis, treatment, and reinfection risk. Interview data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Of 33 participants interviewed (mean age 49 years), many participants were 'shocked' by their HCV diagnosis. Participants who believed they acquired HCV infection through sexual exposure felt it was important that their healthcare practitioner agreed with their perspective to mitigate stigmatizing experiences. Overall, participants expressed high satisfaction with their treatment experience due to long-standing therapeutic relationships with their HIV physician. Many participants expressed knowledge of how to prevent HCV reinfection from injection drug use, yet other than condom usage, most were unsure how to reduce high risk sexual activity with such discussions occurring less frequently with healthcare practitioners. CONCLUSION Findings indicate that MSM who engage in drug use and high risk sexual activity would benefit from additional education on reducing reinfection risk through sexual activity and services to reduce substance use, if requested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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11
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Lanièce Delaunay C, Maheu-Giroux M, Marathe G, Saeed S, Martel-Laferrière V, Cooper CL, Walmsley S, Cox J, Wong A, Klein MB. Gaps in hepatitis C virus prevention and care for HIV-hepatitis C virus co-infected people who inject drugs in Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 103:103627. [PMID: 35218989 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) living with HIV are a priority population for eliminating hepatitis C virus (HCV) as a public health threat. Maximizing access to HCV prevention and treatment strategies are key steps towards elimination. We aimed to evaluate engagement in harm reduction programs and HCV treatment, and to describe injection practices among HIV-HCV co-infected PWID in Canada from 2003 to 2019. METHODS We included Canadian Coinfection Cohort study participants who reported injecting drugs between 2003 and 2019 in Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, Canada. We investigated temporal trends in HCV treatment uptake, efficacy, and effectiveness; injection practices; and engagement in harm reduction programs in three time periods based on HCV treatment availability: 1) interferon/ribavirin (2003-2010); 2) first-generation direct acting antivirals (DAAs) (2011-2013); 3) second-generation DAAs (2014-2019). Harm reduction services assessed included needle and syringe programs (NSP), opioid agonist therapy (OAT), and supervised injection sites (SIS). RESULTS Median age of participants (N = 1,077) at cohort entry was 44 years; 69% were males. Province-specific HCV treatment rates increased among HCV RNA-positive PWID, reaching 16 to 31 per 100 person-years in 2014-2019. Treatment efficacy improved from a 50 to 70% range in 2003-2010 to >90% across provinces in 2014-2019. Drug injecting patterns among active PWID varied by province, with an overall decrease in cocaine injection frequency and increasing opioid injections. In the most recent time period (2014-2019), needle/syringe sharing was reported at 8-22% of visits. Gaps remained in engagement in harm reduction programs: NSP use decreased (58-70% of visits), OAT engagement among opioid users was low (8-26% of visits), and participants rarely used SIS (1-15% of visits). CONCLUSION HCV treatment uptake and outcomes have improved among HIV-HCV coinfected PWID. Yet, this population remains exposed to drug-related harms, highlighting the need to tie HCV elimination strategies with enhanced harm reduction programs to improve overall health for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lanièce Delaunay
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1020 Avenue des Pins Ouest, H3A 1A2, Montreal QC, Canada; Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, H4A 3S5, Montreal QC, Canada
| | - Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1020 Avenue des Pins Ouest, H3A 1A2, Montreal QC, Canada
| | - Gayatri Marathe
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1020 Avenue des Pins Ouest, H3A 1A2, Montreal QC, Canada; Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 5252 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, H4A 3S5, Montreal QC, Canada
| | - Sahar Saeed
- Institute for Public Health, Washington University, 600 S Taylor Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Département de Médecine Spécialisée et de Médecine des Laboratoires, Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal, 264 Boulevard René-Lévesque Est, H2×1P1, Montreal QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, H2×0A9, Montreal QC, Canada; Département de Microbiologie, Maladies Infectieuses, et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Édouard-Monpetit, H3T 1J4, Montreal QC, Canada
| | - Curtis L Cooper
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 725 Parkdale Avenue, K1Y 4E9, Ottawa ON, Canada
| | - Sharon Walmsley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 6 Queen's Park Crescent West, M5S 3H2, Toronto ON, Canada; University Health Network, University of Toronto, 190 Elizabeth Street, M5G 2C4, Toronto ON, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1020 Avenue des Pins Ouest, H3A 1A2, Montreal QC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, H4A 3J1, Montreal QC, Canada
| | - Alexander Wong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, S7N 5E5, Saskatoon SK, Canada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1020 Avenue des Pins Ouest, H3A 1A2, Montreal QC, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, H4A 3J1, Montreal QC, Canada; Canadian HIV Trials Network, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 588-1081 Burrard Street, V6Z 1Y6, Vancouver BC, Canada.
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12
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Marshall AD, Rance J, Grebely J, Treloar C. 'Not just one box that you tick off' - Deconstructing the hepatitis C care cascade in the interferon-free direct acting antiviral era from the client perspective. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 102:103610. [PMID: 35151085 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To achieve hepatitis C viral (HCV) elimination targets set by the World Health Organisation, pillars of the HCV care cascade are often referenced to track progress. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the limitations of the care cascade framework through the real-world accounts of 'HCV journeys' among people who inject drugs (PWID), with particular attention to the intersection of PWID agency and structural determinants in the healthcare system. METHODS An in-depth analysis was conducted on five case studies to better understand participant experiences 'behind the cascade pillars'. The five case studies were drawn from the ETHOS Engage cohort as exemplars of the real-world complexities of people's HCV cascade journeys. Inclusion criteria for the qualitative study were participant has voluntarily signed the informed consent form, aged ≥18 years, HCV antibody positive by self-report, clients of selected sites participating in the ETHOS Engage cohort, and sufficiently proficient in English to participate in an interview. Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had received or had not received HCV treatment to identify barriers and facilitators to HCV care. RESULTS Participants 'housed' at the 'HCV RNA diagnosed pillar' (n = 2; Will; Julie) reported withholding their HCV serostatus in certain healthcare settings for fear that disclosure would lead to discriminatory decision-making from their treating physician. among participants who had completed treatment (n = 3; Corey; John; Nora) two reported still being unsure of their HCV status >6 months post-treatment. Ongoing feelings of frustration and shame were expressed in this 'post-cure care pillar' due to a perceived lack of quality care from clinic services and continued uneasiness when discussing drug use and reinfection while receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT). Both case 'categories' described often tenuous therapeutic relationships with their physicians and recommended task-shifting to nurses and trusted case workers for ongoing care. CONCLUSION The care cascade provides a linear, two dimensional snapshot of clinical targets. Our findings illuminate structural barriers not visible behind its 'static' pillars, presenting insights into experiences among PWID otherwise dismissed as 'disengaged' or 'lost to follow-up'.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia.
| | - J Rance
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | - J Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Australia
| | - C Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia
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13
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Pearce ME, Bartlett SR, Yu A, Lamb J, Reitz C, Wong S, Alvarez M, Binka M, Velásquez Garcia H, Jeong D, Clementi E, Adu P, Samji H, Wong J, Buxton J, Yoshida E, Elwood C, Sauve L, Pick N, Krajden M, Janjua NZ. Women in the 2019 hepatitis C cascade of care: findings from the British Columbia Hepatitis Testers cohort study. BMC Womens Health 2021; 21:330. [PMID: 34511082 PMCID: PMC8436483 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01470-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are rarely addressed in research and may be overrepresented within key populations requiring additional support to access HCV care and treatment. We constructed the HCV care cascade among people diagnosed with HCV in British Columbia, Canada, as of 2019 to compare progress in care and treatment and to assess sex/gender gaps in HCV treatment access. METHODS The BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort includes 1.7 million people who tested for HCV, HIV, reported cases of hepatitis B, and active tuberculosis in BC from 2000 to 2019. Test results were linked to medical visits, hospitalizations, cancers, prescription drugs, and mortality data. Six HCV care cascade stages were identified: (1) antibody diagnosed; (2) RNA tested; (3) RNA positive; (4) genotyped; (5) initiated treatment; and (6) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). HCV care cascade results were assessed for women, and an 'inverse' cascade was created to assess gaps, including not being RNA tested, genotyped, or treatment initiated, stratified by sex. RESULTS In 2019, 52,638 people with known sex were anti-HCV positive in BC; 37% (19,522) were women. Confirmatory RNA tests were received by 86% (16,797/19,522) of anti-HCV positive women and 83% (27,353/33,116) of men. Among people who had been genotyped, 68% (6756/10,008) of women and 67% (12,640/18,828) of men initiated treatment, with 94% (5023/5364) of women and 92% (9147/9897) of men achieving SVR. Among the 3252 women and 6188 men not yet treated, higher proportions of women compared to men were born after 1975 (30% vs. 21%), had a mental health diagnosis (42% vs. 34%) and had used injection drugs (50% vs. 45%). Among 1619 women and 2780 men who had used injection drugs and were not yet treated, higher proportions of women than men used stimulants (64% vs. 57%), and opiates (67% vs. 60%). CONCLUSIONS Women and men appear to be equally engaged into the HCV care cascade; however, women with concurrent social and health conditions are being left behind. Treatment access may be improved with approaches that meet the needs of younger women, those with mental health diagnoses, and women who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margo E Pearce
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Sofia R Bartlett
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amanda Yu
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jess Lamb
- AIDS Network Kootenay Outreach and Support Society, Kimberly, BC, Canada
| | - Cheryl Reitz
- East Kootenay Network of People who Use Drugs, Kimberly, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Hepatitis Network Society, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stanley Wong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maria Alvarez
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mawuena Binka
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Dahn Jeong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Emilia Clementi
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Prince Adu
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hasina Samji
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jason Wong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jane Buxton
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eric Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chelsea Elwood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Laura Sauve
- BC Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Neora Pick
- BC Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
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14
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Ho H, Janjua NZ, McGrail KM, Harrison M, Law MR. The impact of public coverage of newer hepatitis C medications on utilization, adherence, and costs in British Columbia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247843. [PMID: 33647068 PMCID: PMC7920374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sofosbuvir and ledipasvir-sofosbuvir are both newer direct-acting antiviral agents for the treatment of hepatitis C. The high list prices for both drugs have led to concern about the budget impact for public drug coverage programs. Therefore, we studied the impact of public prescription drug coverage for both drugs on utilization, adherence, and public and private expenditure in British Columbia, Canada. Methods We used provincial administrative claims data from January 2014 to June 2017 for all individuals historically tested for either hepatitis C and/or human immunodeficiency virus. Using interrupted time series analysis, we examined the impact of public insurance coverage on treatment uptake, adherence (proportion of days covered), and public and private expenditures. Results Over our study period, 4,462 treatment initiations were eligible for analysis (1,131 sofosbuvir and 3,331 ledipasvir-sofosbuvir, which include 19 patients initiated on both treatments). We found the start of public coverage for sofosbuvir and ledipasvir-sofosbuvir increased treatment uptake by 154%. Adherence rates were consistently high and did not change with public coverage. Finally, public expenditure increased after the policy change, and crowded out some private expenditure. Conclusion Public coverage for high-cost drugs for hepatitis C dramatically increased use of these drugs, but did not reduce adherence. From a health policy perspective, public payers should be prepared for increased treatment uptake following the availability of public coverage. However, they should not be concerned that populations without private insurance coverage will be less adherent and not finish their treatment course.
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Grants
- FDN-148412 CIHR
- NHC-348216 CIHR
- PHE-337680 CIHR
- PJT-156066 CIHR
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
- Canada Research Chairs
- Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
- Amgen Canada, AstraZeneca Canada, Eli Lilly Canada, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck Canada, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada, Pfizer Canada, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada), Hoffman-La Roche, LifeScan Canada, and Lundbeck Canada
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Ho
- The Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Naveed Z. Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kimberlyn M. McGrail
- The Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mark Harrison
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Michael R. Law
- The Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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15
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Rance J, Rhodes T, Lancaster K. Pharmaceutical citizenship in an era of universal access to hepatitis C treatment: Situated potentials and limits. Health (London) 2021; 26:736-752. [PMID: 33506718 DOI: 10.1177/1363459320988887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Until recently, the only medical treatment available for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was interferon-based therapy, a notoriously long and arduous treatment with limited success. However, in December 2015, the Australian Government announced a scheme of 'universal access' to new, highly effective direct-acting antiviral therapies (DAAs). This article draws on in-depth interviews with community actors engaged in national and state-based drug user and viral hepatitis advocacy to trace how universal access to curative medicines affords revised notions of citizenship and social inclusion among people who inject drugs and others affected by HCV. To inform our analysis, we draw on and combine critical perspectives from the biological citizenship literature, particularly pharmaceutical citizenship, along with work on the concepts of 'publics and counterpublics'. We ask: what kinds of emergent HCV communities or publics are being enacted through our participant accounts in response to the new DAA-era of universal access, and what forms of citizenship and inclusion (or non-citizenship and exclusion) do they postulate? Some accounts indeed enacted treatment as an individual, sometimes collective, 'good': a citizenship potential. However, a number of accounts enacted situated limits to a straightforward actualisation of this potential, performing a model of public health governance that prioritised viral cure whilst rendering injecting drug use and its attendant social disadvantages an absent presence. Reconceptualising HCV treatment within a counterpublic health sensibility would, by engaging with the everyday health needs and aspirations of people living with HCV in conditions of social disadvantage, create space for new social inclusions and citizenships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tim Rhodes
- UNSW Sydney, Australia.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK
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16
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Wong WWL, Haines A, Bremner KE, Yao Z, Calzavara A, Mitsakakis N, Kwong JC, Sander B, Thein HH, Krahn MD. Health care costs associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection in Ontario, Canada: a retrospective cohort study. CMAJ Open 2021; 9:E167-E174. [PMID: 33688024 PMCID: PMC8034296 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20200162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-quality estimates of health care costs are required to understand the burden of illness and to inform economic models. We estimated the costs associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection from the public payer perspective in Ontario, Canada. METHODS In this population-based retrospective cohort study, we identified patients aged 18-105 years diagnosed with chronic HCV infection in Ontario from 2003 to 2014 using linked administrative data. We allocated the time from diagnosis until death or the end of follow-up (Dec. 31, 2016) to 9 mutually exclusive health states using validated algorithms: no cirrhosis, no cirrhosis (RNA negative) (i.e., cured HCV infection), compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, both decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, terminal (liver-related) and terminal (non-liver-related). We estimated direct medical costs (in 2018 Canadian dollars) per 30 days per health state and used regression models to identify predictors of the costs. RESULTS We identified 48 239 patients with chronic hepatitis C, of whom 30 763 (63.8%) were men and 35 891 (74.4%) were aged 30-59 years at diagnosis. The mean 30-day costs were $798 (95% confidence interval [CI] $780-$816) (n = 43 568) for no cirrhosis, $661 (95% CI $630-$692) (n = 6422) for no cirrhosis (RNA negative), $1487 (95% CI $1375-$1599) (n = 4970) for compensated cirrhosis, $3659 (95% CI $3279-$4039) (n = 3151) for decompensated cirrhosis, $4238 (95% CI $3480-$4996) (n = 550) for hepatocellular carcinoma, $8753 (95% CI $7130-$10 377) (n = 485) for both decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, $4539 (95% CI $3746-$5333) (n = 372) for liver transplantation, $11 202 (95% CI $10 645-$11 760) (n = 3201) for terminal (liver-related) and $8801 (95% CI $8331-$9271) (n = 5278) for terminal (non-liver-related) health states. Comorbidity was the most significant predictor of total costs for all health states. INTERPRETATION Our findings suggest that the financial burden of HCV infection is substantially higher than previously estimated in Canada. Our comprehensive, up-to-date cost estimates for clinically defined health states of HCV infection should be useful for future economic evaluations related to this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- William W L Wong
- School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ont.; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (Wong, Haines, Bremner, Sander, Thein, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Wong, Yao, Calzavara, Kwong, Sander); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mitsakakis, Kwong, Sander, Thein) and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto; Public Health Ontario (Kwong, Sander), Toronto, Ont.
| | - Alex Haines
- School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ont.; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (Wong, Haines, Bremner, Sander, Thein, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Wong, Yao, Calzavara, Kwong, Sander); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mitsakakis, Kwong, Sander, Thein) and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto; Public Health Ontario (Kwong, Sander), Toronto, Ont
| | - Karen E Bremner
- School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ont.; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (Wong, Haines, Bremner, Sander, Thein, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Wong, Yao, Calzavara, Kwong, Sander); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mitsakakis, Kwong, Sander, Thein) and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto; Public Health Ontario (Kwong, Sander), Toronto, Ont
| | - Zhan Yao
- School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ont.; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (Wong, Haines, Bremner, Sander, Thein, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Wong, Yao, Calzavara, Kwong, Sander); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mitsakakis, Kwong, Sander, Thein) and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto; Public Health Ontario (Kwong, Sander), Toronto, Ont
| | - Andrew Calzavara
- School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ont.; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (Wong, Haines, Bremner, Sander, Thein, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Wong, Yao, Calzavara, Kwong, Sander); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mitsakakis, Kwong, Sander, Thein) and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto; Public Health Ontario (Kwong, Sander), Toronto, Ont
| | - Nicholas Mitsakakis
- School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ont.; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (Wong, Haines, Bremner, Sander, Thein, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Wong, Yao, Calzavara, Kwong, Sander); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mitsakakis, Kwong, Sander, Thein) and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto; Public Health Ontario (Kwong, Sander), Toronto, Ont
| | - Jeffrey C Kwong
- School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ont.; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (Wong, Haines, Bremner, Sander, Thein, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Wong, Yao, Calzavara, Kwong, Sander); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mitsakakis, Kwong, Sander, Thein) and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto; Public Health Ontario (Kwong, Sander), Toronto, Ont
| | - Beate Sander
- School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ont.; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (Wong, Haines, Bremner, Sander, Thein, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Wong, Yao, Calzavara, Kwong, Sander); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mitsakakis, Kwong, Sander, Thein) and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto; Public Health Ontario (Kwong, Sander), Toronto, Ont
| | - Hla-Hla Thein
- School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ont.; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (Wong, Haines, Bremner, Sander, Thein, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Wong, Yao, Calzavara, Kwong, Sander); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mitsakakis, Kwong, Sander, Thein) and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto; Public Health Ontario (Kwong, Sander), Toronto, Ont
| | - Murray D Krahn
- School of Pharmacy (Wong), University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ont.; Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (Wong, Haines, Bremner, Sander, Thein, Krahn), University Health Network; ICES Central (Wong, Yao, Calzavara, Kwong, Sander); Dalla Lana School of Public Health (Mitsakakis, Kwong, Sander, Thein) and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Kwong), University of Toronto; Public Health Ontario (Kwong, Sander), Toronto, Ont
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17
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Hamadeh A, Haines A, Feng Z, Thein HH, Janjua NZ, Krahn M, Wong WWL. Estimating chronic hepatitis C prevalence in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada, using population-based cohort studies. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:1419-1429. [PMID: 32810886 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Patients identified as having chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection can be effectively and rapidly treated using direct-acting antiviral agents. However, there remains a substantial burden of subclinical undetected infection. This study estimates the prevalence and undiagnosed proportion of CHC in British Columbia (BC) and Ontario, Canada, using a model-based approach, informed by provincial population-level health administrative data. A two-step approach was used: Step 1) Two population-based retrospective analyses of administrative health data for a cohort of British Columbians and a cohort of Ontarians with CHC were conducted to generate population-level statistics of CHC-related health events; Step 2) using a validated natural history model of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the historical prevalence of CHC was back-calculated from the data collected in Step 1. Our retrospective study found that, in BC and Ontario, the number of newly diagnosed CHC cases is declining yearly while the complications of the disease are increasing yearly. BC had a 2014 CHC prevalence of 1.04% (95% CI: 0.84%-1.44%), with 33.3% (95% CI: 25.5%-42.0%) of CHC cases undiagnosed. Ontario had a 2014 CHC prevalence of 0.91% (95% CI: 0.83%-1.02%) with 36.0% (95% CI: 31.2%-38.9%) of CHC cases undiagnosed. Our study offers robust estimates based on the integration of a validated natural history model with population-level health administrative data on HCV-related events, which can provide vital evidence for policymakers to develop appropriate policies to achieve elimination targets. Our approach can also be applied to produce robust region-specific estimates in other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Hamadeh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON, Canada
| | - Alex Haines
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zeny Feng
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Hla-Hla Thein
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- BC Centre for Disuse Control, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Murray Krahn
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - William W L Wong
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, ON, Canada.,Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,ICES, Toronto, ON, Canada
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18
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Marshall AD, Hopwood M, Grebely J, Treloar C. Applying a diffusion of innovations framework to the scale-up of direct-acting antiviral therapies for hepatitis C virus infection: Identified challenges for widespread implementation. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 86:102964. [PMID: 33059118 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interferon-free, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) offer much promise to achieve World Health Organization targets by 2030. However, impediments at the practitioner and health-system level will continue to obstruct the scale-up of DAAs worldwide unless identified and acted upon. Applying a diffusion of innovations framework, the aim of this study was to identify structural factors impacting practitioner experiences of managing HCV treatment. METHODS In-depth, semi-structured, telephone interviews took place between September 2018 and April 2019 to investigate barriers and facilitators for engaging in HCV management and DAA therapy amongst general practitioners (GPs) who prescribe opioid agonist therapy and drug and alcohol specialists in Australia. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, de-identified, and coded, and data were analysed with iterative categorisation and thematic analysis using Everett Rogers's diffusion of innovation framework. RESULTS amongst 30 participants (12 GPs, 18 drug and alcohol specialists), several structural factors were reported to impede practitioner efforts to deliver optimal HCV care. Two primary themes were explored: contextual factors for the diffusion of DAA therapies, including attempts by participants to shift clinic culture and respond to siloed health structures, and adopter factors. Some participants chose to 'rock the boat' by circumventing clinic protocol and HCV guidelines to treat more clients, effectively shifting adopter categories to become greater advocates in HCV care. Also, while a role for GPs as the 'new adopters' in HCV management was discussed, many participants expressed uncertainty as to how much GPs should become involved in the diffusion of DAA therapies more widely. CONCLUSIONS Reducing the global burden of HCV infection will not be possible without the widespread delivery of HCV treatment amongst practitioners. Practitioners and health workers require leadership and resources from health authorities so that the individual and population-level benefits of DAA therapy are realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Max Hopwood
- The Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Carla Treloar
- The Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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19
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Materniak S, Bland S, Margeson A, Webster D, Smyth D, O’Brien M. Differences among hepatitis C patients seen in community and specialist outpatient care settings. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:286-293. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2019-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: In the province of New Brunswick, care for patients infected with hepatitis C is provided in both community-based care settings and specialist-based care settings, but little is known about the differences between these populations. The aim of the current study is to characterize the demographic, socioeconomic, mental health and substance use factors of patients seen in these settings. Methods: Enrolling sites for this study included four specialist office-based clinics and one community-based clinic in three communities in New Brunswick. Personal health data was collected with informed consent via questionnaires and medical records. Non-incarcerated patients seen between April 2014 and April 2016 were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 374 patients were included (34.8% community versus 65.2% specialist office). Patients seen in the community care setting were younger (median age 43.7 versus 49.1 years), less likely to have a primary care provider ( p = .007), rely on social assistance as regular source of income ( p <.001), have been incarcerated ( p = .007), reported sharing drug paraphernalia ( p = .025), had recent injection drug use ( p <.001), reported snorting drugs recently ( p <.001) and reported prior overdose ( p = .025). Community clinic patients also had significantly younger mean age at first use of alcohol (13.6 versus 14.7 years, p = .044), marijuana (14.6 versus 15.8, p = .040), and opioids (23.9 versus 26.5 years, p = .036) over those seen in specialist offices. Conclusions: Unique differences exist between patients seen in community and specialist care settings in New Brunswick. Understanding these differences is an essential first step in developing patient-centred care models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Materniak
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Horizon Health Network, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
| | | | - Alyssa Margeson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Horizon Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Duncan Webster
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Horizon Health Network, Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
- Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Daniel Smyth
- Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Horizon Health Network, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Meaghan O’Brien
- Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Horizon Health Network, Upper River Valley, New Brunswick, Canada
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20
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Saeed S, Strumpf E, Moodie EEM, Wong L, Cox J, Walmsley S, Tyndall M, Cooper C, Conway B, Hull M, Martel-Laferriere V, Gill J, Wong A, Vachon ML, Klein MB. Eliminating Structural Barriers: The Impact of Unrestricted Access on Hepatitis C Treatment Uptake Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71:363-371. [PMID: 31504327 PMCID: PMC7353326 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High costs of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have led health-care insurers to limit access worldwide. Using a natural experiment, we evaluated the impact of removing fibrosis stage restrictions on hepatitis C (HCV) treatment initiation rates among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and then examined who was left to be treated. METHODS Using data from the Canadian HIV-HCV Coinfection Cohort, we applied a difference-in-differences approach. Changes in treatment initiation rates following the removal of fibrosis stage restrictions were assessed using a negative binomial regression with generalized estimating equations. The policy change was then specifically assessed among people who inject drugs (PWID). We then identified the characteristics of participants who remained to be treated using a modified Poisson regression. RESULTS Between 2010-2018, there were a total of 585 HCV initiations among 1130 eligible participants. After removing fibrosis stage restrictions, DAA initiations increased by 1.8-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-2.4) controlling for time-invariant differences and secular trends. Among PWID the impact appeared even stronger, with an adjusted incidence rate ratio of 3.6 (95% CI 1.8-7.4). However, this increased treatment uptake was not sustained. At 1 year following universal access, treatment rates declined to 0.8 (95% CI .5-1.1). Marginalized participants (PWID and those of indigenous ethnicity) and those disengaged from care were more likely to remain HCV RNA positive. CONCLUSIONS After the removal of fibrosis restrictions, HCV treatment initiations nearly doubled immediately, but this treatment rate was not sustained. To meet the World Health Organization elimination targets, the minimization of structural barriers and adoption of tailored interventions are needed to engage and treat all vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Saeed
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Erin Strumpf
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Economics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Erica E M Moodie
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Leo Wong
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sharon Walmsley
- University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Canadian Institute for Health Research, Canadian Human Immunodeficiency Virus Trials Network,, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mark Tyndall
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Canadian Institute for Health Research, Canadian Human Immunodeficiency Virus Trials Network,, Vancouver, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mark Hull
- Canadian Institute for Health Research, Canadian Human Immunodeficiency Virus Trials Network,, Vancouver, Canada
- British Columbia Centre of Excellence, St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Valerie Martel-Laferriere
- Departement de Microbiologie et Infectiologie, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - John Gill
- Southern Alberta Human Immunodeficiency Virus Clinic, Calgary, Canada
| | | | | | - Marina B Klein
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Canadian Institute for Health Research, Canadian Human Immunodeficiency Virus Trials Network,, Vancouver, Canada
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21
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Haines AG, Mendlowitz AB, Wong WWL, Krahn M. Strategies to achieve population control of HCV infection: results of a multidisciplinary focus group. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2020; 3:224-231. [PMID: 35991858 PMCID: PMC9202787 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2019-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To meet the World Health Organization's ambitious target to eradicate hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030, a comprehensive strategy is needed in Canada to ensure everyone infected with HCV is identified, diagnosed, and treated. The purpose of this study was to highlight the barriers to any strategy aimed at achieving this goal. METHODS A focus group was formed (N = 11) that consisted of clinicians, patients, drug program budget managers, industry representatives, and individuals from provincial public health and federal agencies in Canada. The group met in person for a half-day focus group session. Two discussions were held: one on future barriers related to HCV treatment and one related to HCV screening. A grounded theory approach was used to elicit key themes from the day's discussion. RESULTS Nine themes were identified. Four themes related to HCV screening: public awareness and engagement, resource infrastructure and capacity, heterogeneity between provinces, and mechanisms of screening. Three themes related to HCV treatment: access to treatment and illicit drug use, linkage to care, and predicting post-treatment outcomes. Two overarching themes that contributed to most discussions were a focus on baby boomers versus persons who inject drugs and the need for further education and training. CONCLUSION The views and findings extracted from this qualitative research complement proposals of national strategies from organizations such as the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C. This work highlights the financial, logistical, and ethical constraints that need to be tackled to make HCV elimination proposals a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Haines
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew B Mendlowitz
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - William WL Wong
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
| | - Murray Krahn
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Artenie AA, Cunningham EB, Dore GJ, Conway B, Dalgard O, Powis J, Bruggmann P, Hellard M, Cooper C, Read P, Feld JJ, Hajarizadeh B, Amin J, Lacombe K, Stedman C, Litwin AH, Marks P, Matthews GV, Quiene S, Erratt A, Bruneau J, Grebely J. Patterns of Drug and Alcohol Use and Injection Equipment Sharing Among People With Recent Injecting Drug Use or Receiving Opioid Agonist Treatment During and Following Hepatitis C Virus Treatment With Direct-acting Antiviral Therapies: An International Study. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:2369-2376. [PMID: 31300820 PMCID: PMC7245153 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many settings, recent or prior injection drug use remains a barrier to accessing direct-acting antiviral treatment (DAA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We examined patterns of drug and alcohol use and injection equipment sharing among people with recent injecting drug use or receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) during and following DAA-based treatment. METHODS SIMPLIFY and D3FEAT are phase 4 trials evaluating the efficacy of DAA among people with past 6-month injecting drug use or receiving OAT through a network of 25 international sites. Enrolled in 2016-2017, participants received sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SIMPLIFY) or paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir/ombitasvir ± ribavirin (D3FEAT) for 12 weeks and completed behavioral questionnaires before, during, and up to 2 years posttreatment. The impact of time in HCV treatment and follow-up on longitudinally measured longitudinally measured behaviors was estimated using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS At screening, of 190 participants (mean age, 47 years; 74% male), 62% reported any past-month injecting 16% past-month injection equipment sharing, and 61% current OAT. Median alcohol use was 2 (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption; range, 1-12). During follow-up, opioid injecting (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-0.99) and sharing (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.80-0.94) decreased, whereas no significant changes were observed for stimulant injecting (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.94-1.02) or alcohol use (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95-1.04). CONCLUSIONS Injecting drug use and risk behaviors remained stable or decreased following DAA-based HCV treatment. Findings further support expanding HCV treatment to all, irrespective of injection drug use. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION SIMPLIFY, NCT02336139; D3FEAT, NCT02498015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea A Artenie
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Gregory J Dore
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Olav Dalgard
- Department of Infectious Disease, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeff Powis
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Margaret Hellard
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Philip Read
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Janaki Amin
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France
- Institut Pierre Louis d’Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Alain H Litwin
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina
- Department of Medicine, School of Health Research, Clemson University, Greenville, South Carolina
- Prisma Health—Upstate, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Pip Marks
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sophie Quiene
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Erratt
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
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23
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Marshall AD, Grebely J, Dore GJ, Treloar C. Barriers and facilitators to engaging in hepatitis C management and DAA therapy among general practitioners and drug and alcohol specialists-The practitioner experience. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 206:107705. [PMID: 31718924 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the advent of interferon-free, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, prescriber restrictions have been removed worldwide, permitting HCV management outside of hospital-based clinics. To date, there is limited knowledge of the practitioner experience with DAA treatments, particularly among those new to HCV care. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate barriers and facilitators for HCV management among general practitioners (GPs) who prescribe opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and drug and alcohol specialists. METHODS In-depth, semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted between September 2018 and April 2019. Practitioners from across Australia were purposively sampled and questioned on barriers and facilitators to HCV management in their clinic(s). Data were coded and analysed with iterative categorisation and thematical analysis. RESULTS Thirty practitioners were interviewed. Participants expressed professional fulfillment in managing HCV care and many benefited from specialist mentorship. Most participants expressed frustration with ongoing implementation barriers, notably, a lack of onsite phlebotomy services and liver disease staging equipment. Poor venous access among persons who inject drugs was elucidated as a major barrier to treatment initiation. Some participants did not receive clinic manager support to engage in HCV care. CONCLUSION To achieve HCV targets set by WHO by 2030, practitioners require additional implementation support. As HCV testing remains a barrier to linkage to care, practitioners should be kept well-informed of diagnostic developments. Findings also underscore the importance of initial specialist mentorship with further evidence needed for practitioners based in rural regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - J Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - G J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - C Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Kronfli N, Buxton JA, Jennings L, Kouyoumdjian F, Wong A. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) care in Canadian correctional facilities: Where are we and where do we need to be? CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2019; 2:171-183. [PMID: 35992759 PMCID: PMC9202815 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2019-0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 25% of people in Canadian correctional facilities have been previously exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV). Despite being a high-prevalence setting, most Canadian prisons have thus far failed to engage the majority of those with chronic HCV infection in care. Several factors, including the lack of systematic screening programs, lack of on-site and trained health care personnel to improve access to care and treatment during incarceration, and the absence of standardized procedures needed to facilitate linkage to care following release likely contribute to poor engagement along the HCV care cascade for people in prison. HCV screening and engagement in care for people in prison can be improved through the implementation of universal opt-out screening upon admission and consideration of multidisciplinary care models for the provision of care. As well, the dissemination of prison-based needle and syringe programs to avert new HCV infections and re-infections should be considered. To meet the World Health Organization (WHO) 2030 HCV elimination goals, engaging researchers, clinicians and other health care providers, policy makers, correctional officials, and members of community in dialogue will be an essential first step going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kronfli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jane A Buxton
- BC Centre of Disease Control and School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lindsay Jennings
- Prisoners with HIV/AIDS Support Action Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fiona Kouyoumdjian
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Wong
- Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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25
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Bartlett SR, Yu A, Chapinal N, Rossi C, Butt Z, Wong S, Darvishian M, Gilbert M, Wong J, Binka M, Alvarez M, Tyndall M, Krajden M, Janjua NZ. The population level care cascade for hepatitis C in British Columbia, Canada as of 2018: Impact of direct acting antivirals. Liver Int 2019; 39:2261-2272. [PMID: 31444846 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population-level monitoring of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected people across cascades of care identifies gaps in access and engagement in care and treatment. We characterized the population-level care cascade for HCV in British Columbia (BC), Canada before and after introduction of Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) treatment. METHODS BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort (BC-HTC) includes 1.7 million individuals tested for HCV, HIV, reported cases of hepatitis B, and active tuberculosis in BC from 1990 to 2018 linked to medical visits, hospitalizations, cancers, prescription drugs and mortality data. We defined six HCV care cascade stages: (a) antibody diagnosed; (b) RNA tested; (c) RNA positive; (d) genotyped; (e) initiated treatment; and (f) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). RESULTS We estimated 61 127 people were HCV antibody positive in BC in 2018 (undiagnosed: 7686, 13%; diagnosed: 53 441, 87%). Of those diagnosed, 83% (44 507) had HCV RNA testing, and of those RNA positive, 90% (28 716) were genotyped. Of those genotyped, 61% (17 441) received therapy, with 90% (15 672) reaching SVR. Individuals from older birth cohorts had lower progression to HCV RNA testing. While people who currently inject drugs had the highest proportional progression to RNA testing, this group had the lowest proportional treatment uptake. CONCLUSIONS Although gaps in HCV RNA and genotype testing after antibody diagnosis exist, the largest gap in the care cascade is treatment initiation, despite introduction of DAA treatment and removal of treatment eligibility restrictions. Further interventions are required to ensure testing and treatment is equitably accessible in BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R Bartlett
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Yu
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nuria Chapinal
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carmine Rossi
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Zahid Butt
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stanley Wong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maryam Darvishian
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mark Gilbert
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jason Wong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mawuena Binka
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Maria Alvarez
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mark Tyndall
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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26
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Cunningham EB, Hajarizadeh B, Amin J, Litwin AH, Gane E, Cooper C, Lacombe K, Hellard M, Read P, Powis J, Dalgard O, Bruneau J, Matthews GV, Feld JJ, Dillon JF, Shaw D, Bruggmann P, Conway B, Fraser C, Marks P, Dore GJ, Grebely J, Grebely J, Dore G, Dalgard O, Bruggmann P, Stedman C, Lacombe K, Powis J, Hellard M, Crawford S, Swan T, Byrne J, Lacalamita M, Cunningham E, Hajarizadeh B, Grebely J, Dore G, Marks P, Shaw I, Siriragavan S, Amin J, Quiene S, Petoumenos K, Schmid P, Castro E, Moriggia A, Lacombe K, Daulouede JP, Dalgard O, Conway B, Fraser C, Powis J, Feld J, Bruneau J, Cooper C, Gane E, Stedman C, Matthews G, Dunlop A, Hellard M, Kronborg I, Shaw D, Litwin A, Thurnheer MC, Weltman M, Read P, Dillon J, Kessler S, Knapp C, Oprandi L, Messina P, Pantic M, Cam ML, Maitre C, Andreassen J, Melkeraaen I, Tollefsen MM, Pagarigan H, Milne R, Mason K, Kaznowski D, Zou L, Bouchard R, Kotsoros B, Muir M, Milloy J, Oliver V, Noonan T, Sevehon A, Hazelwood S, Hall M, Hagenauer M, Liddle R, Ferguson C, Agyemang L, Patel H, Soloway I, Cerocchi O, Lacalamita M, Fragomeli V, Gilliver R, Lothian R, Cleary S, Johnston L, Middleton S, Brainard D, McHutchison J, Grebely J, Dore G, Dalgard O, Bruggmann P, Stedman C, Lacombe K, Powis J, Hellard M, Crawford S, Swan T, Byrne J, Lacalamita M, Cunningham E, Hajarizadeh B, Grebely J, Dore G, Marks P, Shaw I, Siriragavan S, Amin J, Quiene S, Petoumenos K, Schmid P, Castro E, Moriggia A, Lacombe K, Daulouede JP, Dalgard O, Conway B, Fraser C, Powis J, Feld J, Bruneau J, Cooper C, Gane E, Stedman C, Matthews G, Dunlop A, Hellard M, Kronborg I, Shaw D, Litwin A, Thurnheer MC, Weltman M, Read P, Dillon J, Kessler S, Knapp C, Oprandi L, Messina P, Pantic M, Cam ML, Maitre C, Andreassen J, Melkeraaen I, Tollefsen MM, Pagarigan H, Milne R, Mason K, Kaznowski D, Zou L, Bouchard R, Kotsoros B, Muir M, Milloy J, Oliver V, Noonan T, Sevehon A, Hazelwood S, Hall M, Hagenauer M, Liddle R, Ferguson C, Agyemang L, Patel H, Soloway I, Cerocchi O, Lacalamita M, Fragomeli V, Gilliver R, Lothian R, Cleary S, Johnston L, Middleton S, Brainard D, McHutchison J. Adherence to Once-daily and Twice-daily Direct-acting Antiviral Therapy for Hepatitis C Infection Among People With Recent Injection Drug Use or Current Opioid Agonist Therapy. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 71:e115-e124. [DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz1089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
This study investigated adherence and associated factors among people with recent injection drug use (IDU) or current opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and compared once-daily to twice-daily hepatitis C virus (HCV) direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy.
Methods
SIMPLIFY and D3FEAT are international, multicenter studies that recruited participants with recent IDU (previous 6 months; SIMPLIFY, D3FEAT) or current OAT (D3FEAT) between March 2016 and February 2017 in 8 countries. Participants received sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (once daily; SIMPLIFY) or paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir, dasabuvir (twice daily) ± ribavirin (D3FEAT) for 12 weeks administered in electronic blister packs. We evaluated overall adherence (proportion of prescribed doses taken) and nonadherence (<90% adherent) between dosing patterns.
Results
Of 190 participants, 184 (97%) completed treatment. Median adherence was 92%, with higher adherence among those receiving once-daily vs twice-daily therapy (94% vs 87%, P = .005). Overall, 40% of participants (n = 76) were nonadherent (<90% adherent). Recent stimulant injecting (odds ratio [OR], 2.48 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.28–4.82]), unstable housing (OR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.01–4.70]), and twice-daily dosing (OR, 2.81 [95% CI, 1.47–5.36]) were associated with nonadherence. Adherence decreased during therapy. Sustained virologic response was high in nonadherent (89%) and adherent populations (95%, P = .174), with no difference in SVR between those who did and did not miss 7 consecutive doses (92% vs 93%, P = .897).
Conclusions
This study demonstrated high adherence to once- and twice-daily DAA therapy among people with recent IDU or currently receiving OAT. Nonadherence described did not impact treatment outcomes, suggesting forgiveness to nonadherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan B Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alain H Litwin
- University of South Carolina–Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
- Clemson University, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
- Prisma Health, Greenville, South Carolina, USA
| | - Edward Gane
- Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Karine Lacombe
- Inserm UMR-S1136, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Assistance Publique–Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Margaret Hellard
- The Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeff Powis
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Olav Dalgard
- Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Gail V Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - John F Dillon
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - David Shaw
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Brian Conway
- Vancouver Infectious Diseases Center, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Chris Fraser
- Coolaid Community Health Centre, Victoria, Canada
| | - Philippa Marks
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Sacks-Davis R, Doyle JS, Rauch A, Beguelin C, Pedrana AE, Matthews GV, Prins M, van der Valk M, Klein MB, Saeed S, Lacombe K, Chkhartishvili N, Altice FL, Hellard ME. Linkage and retention in HCV care for HIV-infected populations: early data from the DAA era. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 21 Suppl 2:e25051. [PMID: 29633559 PMCID: PMC5978682 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is currently no published data on the effectiveness of DAA treatment for elimination of HCV infection in HIV‐infected populations at a population level. However, a number of relevant studies and initiatives are emerging. This research aims to report cascade of care data for emerging HCV elimination initiatives and studies that are currently being evaluated in HIV/HCV co‐infected populations in the context of implementation science theory. Methods HCV elimination initiatives and studies in HIV co‐infected populations that are currently underway were identified. Context, intervention characteristics and cascade of care data were synthesized in the context of implementation science frameworks. Results Seven HCV elimination initiatives and studies were identified in HIV co‐infected populations, mainly operating in high‐income countries. Four were focused mainly on HCV elimination in HIV‐infected gay and bisexual men (GBM), and three included a combination of people who inject drugs (PWID), GBM and other HIV‐infected populations. None were evaluating treatment delivery in incarcerated populations. Overall, HCV RNA was detected in 4894 HIV‐infected participants (range within studies: 297 to 994): 48% of these initiated HCV treatment (range: 21% to 85%; within studies from a period where DAAs were broadly available the total is 57%, range: 36% to 74%). Among studies with treatment completion data, 96% of 1109 initiating treatment completed treatment (range: 94% to 99%). Among those who could be assessed for sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12), 1631 of 1757 attained SVR12 (93%, range: 86% to 98%). Conclusions Early results from emerging research on HCV elimination in HIV‐infected populations suggest that HCV treatment uptake is higher than reported levels prior to DAA treatment availability, but approximately half of patients remain untreated. These results are among diagnosed populations and additional effort is required to increase diagnosis rates. Among those who have initiated treatment, completion and SVR rates are promising. More data are required in order to evaluate the effectiveness of these elimination programmes in the long term, assess which intervention components are effective, and whether they need to be tailored to particular population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andri Rauch
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Charles Beguelin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Alisa E Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Maria Prins
- Public Health Service Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marc van der Valk
- International Antiviral Therapy Evaluation Center and Department of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine and AIDS, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marina B Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sahar Saeed
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Infectious Diseases, AP-HP, Sorbonne Universités and Inserm UMR-S1136, Paris, France
| | | | - Frederick L Altice
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Centre of Excellence in Research in AIDS, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Shah H, Bilodeau M, Burak KW, Cooper C, Klein M, Ramji A, Smyth D, Feld JJ. The management of chronic hepatitis C: 2018 guideline update from the Canadian Association for the Study of the Liver. CMAJ 2019; 190:E677-E687. [PMID: 29866893 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.170453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Shah
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Marc Bilodeau
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Kelly W Burak
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Marina Klein
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Alnoor Ramji
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Dan Smyth
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease (Shah, Feld), Toronto Western and General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit (Bilodeau), Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Burak), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alta.; Division of Infectious diseases (Cooper), Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont.; Division of Infectious Diseases and Chronic Viral Illness Service Glen site (Klein), McGill University Health Centre Montréal, Que.; Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Ramji), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; Division of Infectious Disease (Smyth), Dalhousie University, Moncton Hospital, Moncton, NB
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Pearce ME, Jongbloed K, Demerais L, MacDonald H, Christian WM, Sharma R, Pick N, Yoshida EM, Spittal PM, Klein MB. "Another thing to live for": Supporting HCV treatment and cure among Indigenous people impacted by substance use in Canadian cities. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 74:52-61. [PMID: 31525640 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colonization and colonial systems have led to the overrepresentation of Indigenous people impacted by substance use and HCV infection in Canada. It is critical to ensure Indigenous people's equitable access to new direct acting antiviral HCV treatments (DAAs). Identifying culturally-safe, healing-centered approaches that support the wellbeing of Indigenous people living with HCV is an essential step toward this goal. We listened to the stories and perspectives of HCV-affected Indigenous people and HCV treatment providers with the aim of providing pragmatic recommendations for decolonizing HCV care. METHODS Forty-five semi-structured interviews were carried out with Indigenous participants affected by HCV from the Cedar Project (n = 20, British Columbia (BC)) and the Canadian Coinfection Cohort (n = 25, BC; Ontario (ON); Saskatchewan (SK)). In addition, 10 HCV treatment providers were interviewed (n = 4 BC, n = 4 ON, n = 2 SK). Interpretive description identified themes to inform clinical approaches and public health HCV care. Themes and related recommendations were validated by Indigenous health experts and Indigenous participants prior to coding and re-contextualization. RESULTS Taken together, participants' stories and perceptions were interpreted to coalesce into three overarching and interdependent themes representing their recommendations. First: treatment providers must understand and accept colonization as a determinant of health and wellness among HCV-affected Indigenous people, including ongoing cycles of child apprehension and discrimination within the healthcare system. Second: consistently safe attitudes and actions create trust within HCV treatment provider-patient relationships and open opportunities for engagement into care. Third: treatment providers who identify, build, and strengthen circles of care will have greater success engaging HCV-affected Indigenous people who have used drugs into care. CONCLUSION There are several pragmatic ways to integrate Truth and Reconciliation as well as Indigenous concepts of whole-person wellness into the HCV cascade of care. By doing so, HCV treatment providers have an opportunity to create greater equity and support long-term wellness of Indigenous patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Pearce
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian HIV Trials Network, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada.
| | - K Jongbloed
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - L Demerais
- Cree/Métis, Vancouver Native Health Society, 449 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1P5, Canada
| | - H MacDonald
- Mamoo Naakiiwin, P.O. Box #573, Matheson, ON P0K 1N0, Canada
| | - W M Christian
- Splatsin Secwepemc Nation, 5775 Old Vernon Rd, Enderby, BC V0E 1V3, Canada.
| | - R Sharma
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - N Pick
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian HIV Trials Network, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, 2733 Heather Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 3J5, Canada.
| | - E M Yoshida
- University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine, Gastroenterology, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - P M Spittal
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada; University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, 2206 E Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - M B Klein
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian HIV Trials Network, 588-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada; Department of Medicine/Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, D02.4110, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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HCV-infected individuals have higher prevalence of comorbidity and multimorbidity: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:712. [PMID: 31438873 PMCID: PMC6706878 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4315-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Almost 1% of Canadians are hepatitis C (HCV)-infected. The liver-specific complications of HCV are established but the extra-hepatic comorbidity, multimorbidity, and its relationship with HCV treatment, is less well known. We describe the morbidity burden for people with HCV and the relationship between multimorbidity and HCV treatment uptake and cure in the pre- and post-direct acting antiviral (DAA) era. Methods We linked adults with HCV at The Ottawa Hospital Viral Hepatitis Program as of April 1, 2017 to provincial health administrative data and matched on age and sex to 5 Ottawa-area residents for comparison. We used validated algorithms to identify the prevalence of mental and physical health comorbidities, as well as multimorbidity (2+ comorbidities). We calculated direct age- and sex-standardized rates of comorbidity and comparisons were made by interferon-based and interferon-free, DAA HCV treatments. Results The mean age of the study population was 54.5 years (SD 11.4), 65% were male. Among those with HCV, 4% were HIV co-infected, 26% had liver cirrhosis, 47% received DAA treatment, and 57% were cured of HCV. After accounting for age and sex differences, the HCV group had greater multimorbidity (prevalence ratio (PR) 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20 to 1.58) and physical-mental health multimorbidity (PR 2.71, 95% CI 2.29–3.20) compared to the general population. Specifically, prevalence ratios for people with HCV were significantly higher for diabetes, renal failure, cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, substance use disorder, mood and anxiety disorders and liver failure. HCV treatment and cure were not associated with multimorbidity, but treatment prevalence was significantly lower among middle-aged individuals with substance use disorders despite no differences in prevalence of cure among those treated. Conclusion People with HCV have a higher prevalence of comorbidity and multimorbidity compared to the general population. While HCV treatment was not associated with multimorbidity, people with substance use disorder were less likely to be treated. Our results point to the need for integrated, comprehensive models of care delivery for people with HCV. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4315-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Eugenia SOCÍAS M, TI L, WOOD E, NOSOVA E, HULL M, HAYASHI K, DEBECK K, Milloy MJ. Disparities in uptake of direct-acting antiviral therapy for hepatitis C among people who inject drugs in a Canadian setting. Liver Int 2019; 39:1400-1407. [PMID: 30653809 PMCID: PMC6640076 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Despite the high burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID), uptake of interferon-based therapies has been extremely low. Increasing availability of direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based therapies offers the possibility of rapid treatment expansion with the goal of controlling the HCV epidemic. We evaluated DAA-based treatment uptake among HCV-positive PWID in Vancouver after introduction of DAAs in the government drug formulary. METHODS Using data from three cohorts of PWID in Vancouver, Canada, we investigated factors associated with DAA-therapies uptake among participants with HCV between April 2015 and November 2017. RESULTS Of the 915 HCV-positive PWID, 611 (66.8%) were recent PWID and 369 (40.3%) had HIV coinfection. During the study period, 146 (16.0%) initiated DAA-therapies, a rate of 6.0 per 100 person-year, with higher initiation rates among non-recent PWID and an increasing trend over time. In multivariable analysis, HIV coinfection (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2.29, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.55-3.40), white race (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.05-2.35), and engagement in HCV care (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.31-2.90) were positively associated with DAA-therapies uptake, while high-risk drinking (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23-0.88) and daily crack use were negatively associated (AOR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.17-0.85). Among recent PWID, engagement in opioid agonist therapy emerged as an independent correlate of DAA uptake. CONCLUSIONS Despite increases in HCV treatment uptake among PWID after the introduction of DAAs in our setting, disparities in access remain. Social-structural and behavioural barriers to HCV care should be addressed for the success of any HCV elimination strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Eugenia SOCÍAS
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, CANADA,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, CANADA
| | - Lianping TI
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, CANADA,British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, CANADA
| | - Evan WOOD
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, CANADA,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, CANADA
| | | | - Mark HULL
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, CANADA,British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, CANADA
| | - Kanna HAYASHI
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, CANADA,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, CANADA
| | - Kora DEBECK
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, CANADA,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, CANADA
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, CANADA,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, CANADA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have been approved for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in China. However, they are substantially more expensive. The current analysis will investigate the cost-effectiveness of novel regimens compared with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PR) therapies for informing Chinese decision-makers. METHODS A Markov model was developed to measure economic and health outcomes of novel regimens for genotype 1b, 2, 3, and 6 HCV infections compared with PR treatment. Clinical, cost, and utility inputs were gathered from published sources. Discounted quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) are shown. The uncertainty was facilitated by one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS For genotype 1b HCV infection, the combination of paritaprevir, ritonavir, ombitasvir and dasabuvir was cost-saving compared with four competing alternatives. The ICERs of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for genotypes 2 and 3 were lower than the threshold ($18,234/QALY). Among available strategies for patients with genotype 6, sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin was the cost-saving alternative compared with PR. The results were robust to sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS For both genotype 1b and 6 HCV infections in the context of Chinese patients, there were combinations of DAAs that were cost-saving compared with the usual PR treatment, and cost-effective for genotypes 2 and 3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wu
- a Medical Decision and Economic Group, Department of Pharmacy , Ren Ji Hospital, South Campus , School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , PR China
| | - Zhenhua Wang
- b Department of Gastroenterology , Ren Ji Hospital , School of Medicine , Shanghai Jiaotong University , Shanghai , PR China
| | - Qing Xie
- c Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , PR China
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Makarenko I, Artenie A, Hoj S, Minoyan N, Jacka B, Zang G, Barlett G, Jutras-Aswad D, Martel-Laferriere V, Bruneau J. Transitioning from interferon-based to direct antiviral treatment options: A potential shift in barriers and facilitators of treatment initiation among people who use drugs? THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 72:69-76. [PMID: 31010749 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple barriers for accessing hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment were identified during the interferon-based (IFN) treatment era for people who inject drugs (PWID). Whether these barriers persist since the introduction of IFN-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents in Canada remains to be documented. This study examined temporal trends in HCV treatment initiation and associated factors during the transition from INF-based to all-oral DAA regimens. METHODS The study population was drawn from a prospective cohort of PWID in Montreal, Canada. At three-month/one-year intervals between 2011 and 2017, participants with chronic HCV infection completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic characteristics, drug use and health service utilisation, including HCV treatment. Time-updated Cox multivariate regression models, stratified by DAA + INF (2011-2013) and all-oral DAA (2014-2017) availability periods, were conducted to examine associations between time to HCV treatment initiation and associated barriers and facilitators. RESULTS Of 308 participants (85% male, median age 42 [IQR: 33, 50]), 80 (26%) initiated HCV treatment during 915 person-years (PY). Incidence rates increased from 1.6 /100 PY (95%CI:0.9-2.6) in 2011 to 12.7 (10.6-15.1) in 2017 (p-trend = 0.0012). In multivariate analyses, visiting a primary care physician (2011-2013: aHR = 3.63[1.21-10.9]; 2014-2017: 2.52[1.10-5.77]) and frequent injection (0.23[0.05-0.99] and 0.49[0.24-0.99]) were consistently associated with treatment initiation. Participants aged >40 (2.27[1.24-4.13]), receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) (2.17[1.19-3.94]), and reporting prior HCV treatment (3.00[1.75-5.15]) were more likely to initiate treatment in the all-oral DAA period. CONCLUSION Treatment initiation increased between 2011 and 2017, but still remains low among PWID. Primary care visiting was a key facilitator regardless of the period, while engagement in OAT and health services, indicated by prior HCV treatment, increased the likelihood of treatment initiation in the DAA era. These findings suggest that access to health services is essential but not enough to scale up treatment in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliia Makarenko
- McGill University, Department of Family Medicine, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Adelina Artenie
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Stine Hoj
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Nanor Minoyan
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Brendan Jacka
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Geng Zang
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gillian Barlett
- McGill University, Department of Family Medicine, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Valerie Martel-Laferriere
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Høj SB, Jacka B, Minoyan N, Artenie AA, Bruneau J. Conceptualising access in the direct-acting antiviral era: An integrated framework to inform research and practice in HCV care for people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 72:11-23. [PMID: 31003825 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
As direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy costs fall and eligibility criteria are relaxed, people who inject drugs (PWID) will increasingly become eligible for HCV treatment. Yet eligibility does not necessarily equate to access. Amidst efforts to expand treatment uptake in this population, we seek to synthesise and clarify the conceptual underpinnings of access to health care for PWID, with a view to informing research and practice. Integrating dominant frameworks of health service utilisation, care seeking processes, and ecological perspectives on health promotion, we present a comprehensive theoretical framework to understand, investigate and intervene upon barriers and facilitators to HCV care for PWID. Built upon the concept of Candidacy, the framework describes access to care as a continually negotiated product of the alignment between individuals, health professionals, and health systems. Individuals must identify themselves as candidates for services and then work to stake this claim; health professionals serve as gatekeepers, adjudicating asserted candidacies within the context of localised operating conditions; and repeated interactions build experiential knowledge and patient-practitioner relationships, influencing identification and assertion of candidacy over time. These processes occur within a complex social ecology of interdependent individual, service, system, and policy factors, on which other established theories provide guidance. There is a pressing need for a deliberate and nuanced theory of health care access to complement efforts to document the HCV 'cascade of care' among PWID. We offer this framework as an organising device for observational research, intervention, and implementation science to expand access to HCV care in this vulnerable population. Using practical examples from the HCV literature, we demonstrate its utility for specifying research questions and intervention targets across multiple levels of influence; describing and testing plausible effect mechanisms; and identifying potential threats to validity or barriers to research translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Bordier Høj
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada.
| | - Brendan Jacka
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Nanor Minoyan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada; École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Andreea Adelina Artenie
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada; École de Santé Publique de l'Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, Québec, H3N 1X9, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 0A9, Canada; Département de Médicine Familiale et Médecine d'Urgence, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec, H3C 3J7, Canada.
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Martinello M, Dore GJ, Matthews GV, Grebely J. Strategies to Reduce Hepatitis C Virus Reinfection in People Who Inject Drugs. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2019; 32:371-393. [PMID: 29778261 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Reinfection after direct-acting antiviral therapy may pose a challenge to hepatitis C virus elimination efforts. Reinfection risk is cited as a reason for not offering treatment to people who inject drugs. As treatment scale-up expands among populations with risks for reacquisition, acknowledgment that reinfection can and will occur is essential. Efforts to prevent and manage reinfection should be incorporated into individual- and population-level strategies. The risk of reinfection after successful treatment emphasises the need for education, harm reduction, and posttreatment surveillance. Reinfection must not be considered an impediment to treatment, if hepatitis C virus elimination is to be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Martinello
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, Kirby Institute, Level 5, Wallace Wurth Building, High Street, UNSW Sydney, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Gregory J Dore
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, Kirby Institute, Level 5, Wallace Wurth Building, High Street, UNSW Sydney, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, Kirby Institute, Level 5, Wallace Wurth Building, High Street, UNSW Sydney, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program, Kirby Institute, Level 5, Wallace Wurth Building, High Street, UNSW Sydney, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia
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Boucher LM, Bayoumi AM, Mark AE, Cooper C, Martin A, Marshall Z, Boyd R, Oickle P, Diliso N, Pineau D, Renaud B, LeBlanc S, Tyndall M, Lee OM, Kendall CE. Hepatitis C Testing, Status and Treatment among Marginalized People Who Use Drugs in an Inner City Setting: An Observational Cohort Study. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:18-30. [PMID: 29932800 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2018.1485699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among people who inject drugs (PWID) and is associated with morbidity and premature death. Although HCV can be cured, treatment may be inaccessible. We studied HCV testing, status and treatment among marginalized people who use drugs in Ottawa, Canada, a setting with universal insurance coverage for physician services. METHODS We analyzed data from the Participatory Research in Ottawa: Understanding Drugs study, a cross-sectional, peer-administered survey of people who use drugs from 2012 to 2013. We linked responses to population-based health administrative databases and used multivariable Poisson regression to identify factors independently associated with self-reported HCV testing, self-reported positive HCV status, and database-determined engagement in HCV treatment. RESULTS Among 663 participants, 562 (84.8%) reported testing for HCV and 258 (45.9%) reported HCV-positive status. In multivariable analysis, HCV-positive status was associated with female gender (RR 1.27; 95%CI 1.04 to 1.55), advancing age (RR 1.03/year; 95%CI 1.02 to 1.04), receiving disability payments (RR 1.42; 95%CI 1.06 to 1.91), injecting drugs (RR 5.11; 95%CI 2.64 to 9.91), ever injecting with a used needle (RR 1.30; 95%CI 1.12 to 1.52), and ever having taken methadone (RR 1.26; 95%CI 1.05 to 1.52). Of HCV positive participants, 196 (76%) were engaged in primary care but only 23 (8.9%) had received HCV therapy. Conclusions/Importance: Although HCV testing and positive status rates are high among PWID in our study, few have received HCV treatment. Innovative initiatives to increase access to HCV treatment for PWID are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Boucher
- a Bruyere Research Institute , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.,b Department of Epidemiology and Public Health , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Ahmed M Bayoumi
- c Division of General Internal Medicine , St. Michael's Hospital , Ontario , Canada.,d Department of Medicine and Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
| | - Amy E Mark
- e Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences , Toronto , Canada
| | - Curtis Cooper
- f Clinical Epidemiology Program , Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Alana Martin
- f Clinical Epidemiology Program , Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Zack Marshall
- g School of Social Work , McGill University , Montreal , Quebec , Canada
| | - Rob Boyd
- h Sandy Hill Community Health Centre , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Pam Oickle
- i Ottawa Public Health , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Nicola Diliso
- j PROUD Community Advisory Committee , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Dave Pineau
- j PROUD Community Advisory Committee , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Brad Renaud
- j PROUD Community Advisory Committee , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Sean LeBlanc
- k Drug Users Advocacy League , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Mark Tyndall
- l BC Centre for Disease Control , Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada
| | - Olivia M Lee
- b Department of Epidemiology and Public Health , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada
| | - Claire E Kendall
- a Bruyere Research Institute , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.,b Department of Epidemiology and Public Health , University of Ottawa , Ottawa , Ontario , Canada.,m Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital , Ontario , Canada
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Nitulescu R, Young J, Saeed S, Cooper C, Cox J, Martel-Laferriere V, Hull M, Walmsley S, Tyndall M, Wong A, Klein MB. Variation in hepatitis C virus treatment uptake between Canadian centres in the era of direct-acting antivirals. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 65:41-49. [PMID: 30594080 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are a priority target for HCV treatment. The simplicity and efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) should help overcome patient, provider, and structural barriers to scaling up treatment. METHODS We estimated between-centre variation in DAA treatment uptake among 1734 patients enrolled at the 18 centres of the Canadian Co-Infection Cohort-a prospective cohort of adults co-infected with HIV and HCV. We then compared this variation to that observed during the interferon era. Time to treatment uptake was modeled using a Weibull time-to-event model adjusting for centre and patient characteristics thought to have an impact on treatment initiation in the DAA era. RESULTS At the time of administrative censoring (December 31, 2016), 981 cohort participants were eligible for second-generation DAA therapy (HCV RNA positive after November 21, 2013) of whom 278 initiated DAAs (16 patients per 100 person-years). Patients with low monthly income, Indigenous ethnicity, recent injection drug use, HCV genotype 3, or unknown HCV genotype were less likely to start treatment. After adjusting for patient characteristics, the estimated between-centre variance (σ2) was 0.29 (95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.09-0.89), considerably lower than during the interferon era (σ2 = 0.87, 95% CrI: 0.49-1.5). This between-centre variance was further reduced by the addition of centre-level effects for jurisdiction (σ2 = 0.15, 95% CrI: 0.02-0.60). CONCLUSION Much of the variation in treatment uptake between centres can now be attributed to regional differences. This suggests that after the introduction of DAAs, treatment barriers have shifted towards prescribing and reimbursement restrictions based on liver fibrosis, which vary by jurisdiction. The removal of these restrictions, however, will need to be paired with strategies to overcome patient-level barriers, which continue to prevent marginalized people and active substance users from accessing treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Nitulescu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness Service, Glen site, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jim Young
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness Service, Glen site, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sahar Saeed
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness Service, Glen site, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Mark Hull
- Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sharon Walmsley
- University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mark Tyndall
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Alexander Wong
- Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Canada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness Service, Glen site, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada; CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, Canada.
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Chan J, Young J, Cox J, Nitulescu R, Klein MB. Patterns of practice and barriers to care for hepatitis C in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era: A national survey of Canadian infectious diseases physicians. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:231-239. [PMID: 35992622 PMCID: PMC9202762 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2018-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious diseases (ID) physicians are important for hepatitis C virus (HCV) care delivery in Canada. Our study describes their current and intended patterns of practice, attitudes, and barriers to care. METHODS The study population includes 372 practicing ID physicians who are members of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada. A random sample from each province was invited to participate in a web-based survey. Our outcome of interest was level of HCV care provided, and related intentions for the next 12 months. Additional survey domains included attitudes toward treatment and perceived barriers to care. RESULTS Of 205 invitations to complete the survey, 64 (31%) physicians responded to the full survey and 81 to an abbreviated survey on the main outcomes of interest (overall response rate 71%). After adjusting for non-response, we estimate that 38% (95% CI 29% to 46%) are prescribing direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, and 17% (95% CI 9% to 24%) are interested in starting to prescribe. Of full survey respondents, 100% of prescribers and 79% of non-prescribers agreed that people who inject drugs should be offered DAA therapy. Common barriers to care include patients' competing priorities, mental health comorbidities, poor access to harm reduction services, and insufficient physician training. CONCLUSIONS A large proportion of Canadian ID physicians are not currently prescribing DAA therapy for HCV. While some of these physicians are interested in starting to prescribe, we need strategies to improve physician training and address other barriers to care as provincial restrictions on DAA eligibility are being eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Chan
- Correctional Health Services, New York City Health + Hospitals, New York, New York
| | - Jim Young
- Basel Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joseph Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec
| | - Roy Nitulescu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec
| | - Marina B Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Québec
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Grebely J, Drolet M, Nwankwo C, Torrens M, Kastelic A, Walcher S, Somaini L, Mulvihill E, Ertl J, Liebert R, Litwin AH. Perceptions and self-reported competency related to testing, management and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection among physicians prescribing opioid agonist treatment: The C-SCOPE study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 63:29-38. [PMID: 30476876 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated competency related to HCV testing, management and treatment among physicians practicing in clinics offering opioid agonist treatment (OAT). METHODS C-SCOPE is a study consisting of a self-administered survey among physicians practicing at clinics providing OAT in Australia, Canada, Europe and USA between April-May 2017. A 7-point scale was used to measure < average competence (score >4 of 7) related to HCV testing, management and treatment. RESULTS Among 203 physicians (40% USA, 45% Europe, 14% Australia/Canada) 21% were addiction medicine specialists, 29% psychiatrists, and 70% were metro/urban [mean PWID managed, 51; years of experience, 11]. The majority perceived HCV testing (82%) and treatment (85%) among PWID as important. The minority reported < average competence with respect to regular screening (12%) and interpretation of HCV test results (14%), while greater proportions reported < average competence in advising patients about new HCV therapies (28%), knowledge of new treatments (37%), and treatment/management of HCV (40%). In adjusted analysis, factors independently associated with < average self-reported competency related to the ability to treat HCV and manage side effects included fewer years in medical practice, fewer numbers of patients treated for HCV infection in the past six months, not having obtained information on screening, diagnosing or treatment of HCV, not having attended any training on HCV in the past year, and not having read or consulted AASLD/IDSA, EASL or other guidelines for HCV. CONCLUSION Physicians treating HCV infection among PWID attending OAT clinics recognized the importance of HCV testing and treatment. However, self-perceived competency related to HCV management and treatment was low, highlighting the importance of improved HCV education and training among physicians practicing in clinics offering OAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | | | - Martha Torrens
- Department of Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mediques), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrej Kastelic
- National Centre for the Treatment of Drug Addiction in Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Lorenzo Somaini
- Addiction Treatment Centre - Ser.D ASL BI - Local Health Unit, Biella, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Alain H Litwin
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA; Greenville Health System, Department of Medicine, Greenville, SC, USA; Clemson University School of Health Research, Clemson, SC, USA
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Marshall AD, Pawlotsky JM, Lazarus JV, Aghemo A, Dore GJ, Grebely J. The removal of DAA restrictions in Europe - One step closer to eliminating HCV as a major public health threat. J Hepatol 2018; 69:1188-1196. [PMID: 29959953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Of ∼10.2 million people with chronic HCV infection in Europe, 6.7 million live in Eastern Europe, 2.3 million in Western Europe and 1.2 million in Central Europe. HCV transmission continues to occur in parallel with an increasing HCV-related liver disease burden, the result of an ageing population infected during peak HCV epidemics decades earlier. In 2016, the World Health Organization set targets to eliminate HCV infection as a major public health threat by 2030. Across Europe, an estimated 36% of those living with chronic HCV infection have been diagnosed and ∼5% have been treated. A major barrier to enhancing HCV treatment uptake has been restrictions set by payers, including national governments and others, in response to the initially high list prices of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies. The aims of this article are to discuss DAA restrictions in Europe, why DAA restrictions are still in place, what has facilitated the removal of DAA restrictions, and what challenges remain as we attempt to eliminate HCV as a major public health threat in the region by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean-Michel Pawlotsky
- National Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis B, C and D, Department of Virology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France; INSERM U955, Créteil, France
| | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CHIP, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
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Kronfli N, Nitulescu R, Cox J, Moodie EEM, Wong A, Cooper C, Gill J, Walmsley S, Martel‐Laferrière V, Hull MW, Klein MB. Previous incarceration impacts access to hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment among HIV-HCV co-infected patients in Canada. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25197. [PMID: 30460791 PMCID: PMC6246945 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is far higher in prison settings than in the general population; thus, micro-elimination strategies must target people in prison to eliminate HCV. We aimed to examine incarceration patterns and determine whether incarceration impacts HCV treatment uptake among Canadian HIV-HCV co-infected individuals in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. METHODS The Canadian Co-Infection Cohort prospectively follows HIV-HCV co-infected people from 18 centres. HCV RNA-positive participants with available baseline information on incarceration history were included and followed from 21 November 2013 (when second-generation DAAs were approved by Health Canada) until 30 June 2017. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the effect of time-updated incarceration status on time to treatment uptake, adjusting for patient-level characteristics known to be associated with treatment uptake in the DAA era. RESULTS Overall, 1433 participants (1032/72% men) were included; 67% had a history of incarceration and 39% were re-incarcerated at least once. Compared to those never incarcerated, previously incarcerated participants were more likely to be Indigenous, earn <$1500 CAD/month, report current or past injection drug use and have poorly controlled HIV. There were 339 second-generation DAA treatment initiations during follow-up (18/100 person-years). Overall, 48% of participants never incarcerated were treated (27/100 person-years) compared to only 31% of previously incarcerated participants (15/100 person-years). Sustained virologic response (SVR) rates at 12 weeks were 95% and 92% respectively. After adjusting for other factors, participants with a history of incarceration (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5 to 0.9) were less likely to initiate treatment, as were those with a monthly income <$1500 (aHR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5 to 0.9) or who reported current injection drug use (aHR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.4 to 1.0). Participants with undetectable HIV RNA (aHR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6 to 2.9) or significant fibrosis (aHR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2 to 1.9) were more likely to initiate treatment. CONCLUSIONS The majority of HIV-HCV co-infected persons had a history of incarceration. Those previously incarcerated were 30% less likely to access treatment in the DAA era even after accounting for several patient-level characteristics. With SVR rates above 90%, HCV elimination may be possible if treatment is expanded for this vulnerable and neglected group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kronfli
- Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness ServiceDepartment of MedicineGlen siteMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQCCanada
| | - Roy Nitulescu
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health CentreMontrealQCCanada
| | - Joseph Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness ServiceDepartment of MedicineGlen siteMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQCCanada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational HealthMcGill UniversityMontrealQCCanada
| | - Erica EM Moodie
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Occupational HealthMcGill UniversityMontrealQCCanada
| | - Alexander Wong
- Department of MedicineUniversity of SaskatchewanReginaSKCanada
| | - Curtis Cooper
- Department of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - John Gill
- Department of MedicineUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryABCanada
| | - Sharon Walmsley
- University Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials NetworkVancouverBCCanada
| | | | - Mark W Hull
- Department of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSVancouverBCCanada
| | - Marina B Klein
- Division of Infectious Diseases/Chronic Viral Illness ServiceDepartment of MedicineGlen siteMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQCCanada
- CIHR Canadian HIV Trials NetworkVancouverBCCanada
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Cheng ML, Abdel-Hakeem MS, Cousineau SE, Grebely J, Marshall AD, Saeed S, Sagan SM, Shoukry NH, Feld JJ, MacParland SA. The 7th Canadian Symposium on Hepatitis C Virus: “Toward Elimination of HCV: How to Get There”. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:139-152. [DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.2018-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects more than 268,000 people in Canada. Both the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada recognize the significant impact of HCV-related liver diseases and supported the establishment of a national hepatitis C research network, the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC). Interferon-free direct-acting antiviral regimens lead to more than 95% cure rates in almost all patients with well-tolerated short-course therapy. However, the goal of eliminating HCV in Canada cannot be fully realized until we overcome the financial, geographical, cultural, and social barriers that affect the entire continuum of care from diagnosis and linkage to care through treatment and prevention of new and reinfections. Current practices face difficulties in reversing HCV-induced immunological defects, expanding treatment to neglected communities, combating reinfections and co-infections, and expediting and simplifying the processes of diagnosis and treatment. As part of its knowledge translation mandate, CanHepC has organized the annual Canadian symposium on hepatitis C since 2012. The theme of this year’s symposium, “Toward Elimination of HCV: How to Get There?” focused on identifying the requirements of our therapeutic strategies and health policies for the elimination of HCV in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Cheng
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Mohamed S Abdel-Hakeem
- Penn Institute for Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sophie E Cousineau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison D Marshall
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sahar Saeed
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Selena M Sagan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Sonya A MacParland
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
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Nouch S, Gallagher L, Erickson M, Elbaharia R, Zhang W, Wang L, Bacani N, Kason D, Kleban H, Knebel L, Hall D, Barrios R, Hull M. Factors associated with lost to follow-up after hepatitis C treatment delivered by primary care teams in an inner-city multi-site program, Vancouver, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 59:76-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Madden A, Hopwood M, Neale J, Treloar C. Beyond cure: patient reported outcomes of hepatitis C treatment among people who inject drugs in Australia. Harm Reduct J 2018; 15:42. [PMID: 30111327 PMCID: PMC6094926 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-018-0248-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent advances in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection provide the possibility of eliminating HCV as a public health threat. This focus on HCV elimination through treatment, however, is also driving a concomitant focus on ‘achieving cure’ as the primary outcome of treatment. The aim of this paper is to explore what people who inject drugs consider to be important in relation to outcomes of HCV treatment, and whether there are outcomes ‘beyond cure’ that might be important to understand as part of improving engagement in treatment. Methods A peer researcher with experience of both HCV treatment and injecting drug use conducted interviews with 24 people in the following groups in Melbourne, Australia: (1) people who had refused or deferred HCV treatment; (2) people who were actively thinking about, planning and/or about to commence HCV treatment; (3) people currently undertaking HCV treatment and (4) people who had recently completed HCV treatment. Results The findings show that people who inject drugs are seeking outcomes ‘beyond cure’ including improved physical and mental health, positive changes in identity and social relationships and managing future health and risk. Participants indicated that these other outcomes had not been addressed within their experience of HCV treatment. Conclusion While cure is an obvious outcome of HCV treatment, patients are seeking change in other areas of their lives. This study also provides valuable insights for the development of patient-reported measures in this context, which would be an important step towards more patient-centred approaches to HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Madden
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Max Hopwood
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Joanne Neale
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.,National Addiction Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia.
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Lafferty L, Wild TC, Rance J, Treloar C. A policy analysis exploring hepatitis C risk, prevention, testing, treatment and reinfection within Australia's prisons. Harm Reduct J 2018; 15:39. [PMID: 30075728 PMCID: PMC6091068 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-018-0246-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C (HCV) is a global public health concern. There is a global prevalence of 15% among the world’s prisoner population, suggesting the need for priority HCV treatment among this population group. New highly efficacious therapies with low side effects, known as directing-acting antivirals, became available under Australia’s universal healthcare scheme on 1 March 2016. This creates an opportune time to trial treatment as prevention as an elimination strategy for HCV in prison settings. This paper examines whether policies in Australian jurisdictions support treatment scale-up to achieve elimination among this priority population. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted using Google and other web-based search functions to locate all publicly available policies in each Australian state and territory related to HCV health and HCV-related prison health. Ministers (corrections and health) were contacted from each jurisdiction to identify any additional policies. Inductive and deductive analyses were conducted for each jurisdiction, with documents being assessed against a set of four a priori criteria. Documents included in the analysis were current at 1 September 2017, or 18 months following treatment availability. Results A total of 18 documents were located, including both health (n = 12) and corrections/prison health (n = 6) documents relevant to HCV. Jurisdictions ranged in their commitments for delivering HCV harm reduction strategies and treatment availability within the prison setting. Conclusion Few jurisdictions have updated or published HCV-related health or prisoner health policies following availability of directing-acting antivirals. Current policies do not provide effective support for implementing treatment scale-up that could be possible under universal access to HCV treatment among this priority population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Lafferty
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 2, Goodsell Building, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia.
| | - T Cameron Wild
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-300 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy 11405-87 Ave, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Jake Rance
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 2, Goodsell Building, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Level 2, Goodsell Building, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
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Høj SB, Minoyan N, Artenie AA, Grebely J, Bruneau J. The role of prevention strategies in achieving HCV elimination in Canada: what are the remaining challenges? CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:4-13. [PMID: 35990720 PMCID: PMC9202798 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.1.2.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The worldwide economic, health, and social consequences of drug use disorders are devastating. Injection drug use is now a major factor contributing to hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission globally, and it is an important public health concern. METHODS This article presents a narrative review of scientific evidence on public health strategies for HCV prevention among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Canada. RESULTS A combination of public health strategies including timely HCV detection and harm reduction (mostly needle and syringe programmes and opioid substitution therapy) have helped to reduce HCV transmission among PWID. The rising prevalence of pharmaceutical opioid and methamphetamine use and associated HCV risk in several Canadian settings has prompted further innovation in harm reduction, including supervised injection facilities and low-threshold opioid substitution therapies. Further significant decreases in HCV incidence and prevalence, and in corresponding disease burden, can only be accomplished by reducing transmission among high-risk persons and enhancing access to HCV treatment for those at the greatest risk of disease progression or viral transmission. Highly effective and tolerable direct-acting antiviral therapies have transformed the landscape for HCV-infected patients and are a valuable addition to the prevention toolkit. Curing HCV-infected persons, and thus eliminating new infections, is now a real possibility. CONCLUSIONS Prevention strategies have not yet ended HCV transmission, and sharing of injecting equipment among PWID continues to challenge the World Health Organization goal of eliminating HCV as a global public health threat by 2030. Future needs for research, intervention implementation, and uptake in Canada are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Bordier Høj
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nanor Minoyan
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Andreea Adelina Artenie
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Research Centre of the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Wong WWL, Haines A, Farhang Zangneh H, Shah H. Can we afford not to screen and treat hepatitis C virus infection in Canada? CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:51-65. [PMID: 35990719 PMCID: PMC9202796 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.1.2.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) followed by direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in individuals born between 1945 and 1964 has been shown to be both effective and cost-effective, but the question of affordability remains unresolved. We looked at long-term cost and health outcomes of HCV screening for Ontario up to 2030. METHODS We used a validated state-transition model to analyze the budget and health impact of HCV screening followed by DAA treatment in individuals born between 1945 and 1964 versus current practice. We used a payer's perspective, discounting costs at an annual rate of 1.5%. Costs, liver-related deaths, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and decompensated cirrhosis (DC) cases detected were measured over a 14-year period. RESULTS By 2030, the cost of implementing a HCV screening program for individuals born between 1945 and 1964 will add an additional $845 million to the Ontario health care budget. Sensitivity analyses showed that DAA costs had the largest effect on the budget, and decreasing DAA costs to $16,000 will lead to a significantly lower budget impact of $331 million. Regarding population health, a screen-and-treat strategy will prevent 1,199 cases of HCC, 1,565 cases of DC, and 1,665 liver-related deaths by 2030. CONCLUSIONS Contrasting the budget impact of this HCV screening strategy with other recommended health services and technologies, we conclude that HCV screening should be considered affordable. If Canada is committed to meeting the targets set out by the World Health Organization, then provinces cannot afford to not expand current screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William WL Wong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Haines
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative (THETA), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hooman Farhang Zangneh
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hemant Shah
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Greenaway C, Makarenko I, Tanveer F, Janjua NZ. Addressing hepatitis C in the foreign-born population: A key to hepatitis C virus elimination in Canada. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2018; 1:34-50. [PMID: 35990716 PMCID: PMC9202799 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj.1.2.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of death from infectious disease in Canada. Immigrants are an important group who are at increased risk for HCV; they account for a disproportionate number of all HCV cases in Canada (~30%) and have approximately a twofold higher prevalence of HCV (~2%) than those born in Canada. HCV-infected immigrants are more likely to develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and are more likely to have a liver-related death during a hospitalization than HCV-infected non-immigrants. Several factors, including lack of routine HCV screening programs in Canada for immigrants before or after arrival, lack of awareness on the part of health practitioners that immigrants are at increased risk of HCV and could benefit from screening, and several patient- and health system-level barriers that affect access to health care and treatment likely contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment uptake. HCV screening and engagement in care among immigrants can be improved through reminders in electronic medical records that prompt practitioners to screen for HCV during clinical visits and implementation of decentralized community-based screening strategies that address cultural and language barriers. In conclusion, early screening and linkage to care for immigrants from countries with an intermediate or high prevalence of HCV would not only improve the health of this population but will be key to achieving HCV elimination in Canada. This article describes the unique barriers encountered by the foreign-born population in accessing HCV care and approaches to overcoming these barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Greenaway
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Iuliia Makarenko
- Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Fozia Tanveer
- CATIE (Canada’s source for HIV and hepatitis C information), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- Clinical Preventative Services, British Columbia Centers for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Popping S, Cento V, García F, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Seguin-Devaux C, Vijver DA, Boucher CA. The need for a European hepatitis C programme monitoring resistance to direct-acting antiviral agents in real life to eliminate hepatitis C. J Virus Erad 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30267-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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50
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Popping S, Cento V, García F, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Seguin-Devaux C, Vijver DAMC, Boucher CA. The need for a European hepatitis C programme monitoring resistance to direct-acting antiviral agents in real life to eliminate hepatitis C. J Virus Erad 2018; 4:179-181. [PMID: 30050681 PMCID: PMC6038130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that hepatitis C virus (HCV) should be eliminated as a public health threat. A key recommendation to reach this elimination goal, is to reduce new infections by 90% and liver-related mortality by 65%. Highly effective direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) play a major role in this elimination. Unfortunately, DAA treatment fails approximately 2.5-5% of patients, often in the presence of resistance-associated substitutions (RAS). This could eventually lead to a total number of 1.8-3.6 million first-line DAA failures. RAS may jeopardise the elimination goals for several reasons; most importantly, virus transmission and infection progression will continue. More data are required to handle RAS adequately and identify mutational patterns causing resistance. Currently, sample sizes are small, data are scattered and methods heterogenic. Collaboration is therefore key and a European collaboration, such as HEPCARE, should provide a solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Popping
- Department of Viroscience,
Erasmus Medical Center,
Rotterdam,
the Netherlands
| | - Valeria Cento
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery,
University of Rome Tor Vergata,
Rome,
Italy
| | | | | | | | - David AMC Vijver
- Department of Viroscience,
Erasmus Medical Center,
Rotterdam,
the Netherlands
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