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Levinsson A, Zolopa C, Vakili F, Udhesister S, Kronfli N, Maheu-Giroux M, Bruneau J, Valerio H, Bajis S, Read P, Martró E, Boucher L, Morris L, Grebely J, Artenie A, Stone J, Vickerman P, Larney S. Sex and gender differences in hepatitis C virus risk, prevention, and cascade of care in people who inject drugs: systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 72:102596. [PMID: 38633576 PMCID: PMC11019099 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are a priority population in HCV elimination programming. Overcoming sex and gender disparities in HCV risk, prevention, and the cascade of care is likely to be important to achieving this goal, but these have not yet been comprehensively reviewed. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched Pubmed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 1 January 2012-22 January 2024 for studies of any design reporting sex or gender differences among PWID in at least one of: sharing of needles and/or syringes, incarceration history, injection while incarcerated, participation in opioid agonist treatment or needle and syringe programs, HCV testing, spontaneous HCV clearance, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment initiation or completion, and sustained virological response (SVR). Assessment of study quality was based on selected aspects of study design. Additional data were requested from study authors. Data were extracted in duplicate and meta-analysed using random effects models. PROSPERO registration CRD42022342806. Findings 9533 studies were identified and 92 studies were included. Compared to men, women were at greater risk for receptive needle and syringe sharing (past 6-12 months: risk ratio (RR) 1.12; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.23; <6 months: RR 1.38; 95% CI 1.09-1.76), less likely to be incarcerated (lifetime RR 0.64; 95% CI 0.57-0.73) more likely to be tested for HCV infection (lifetime RR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01, 1.14), more likely to spontaneously clear infection (RR1.58; 95% CI 1.40-1.79), less likely to initiate DAA treatment (0.84; 95% CI 0.78-0.90), and more likely to attain SVR after completing DAA treatment (RR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.04). Interpretation There are important differences in HCV risk and cascade of care indicators among people who inject drugs that may impact the effectiveness of prevention and treatment programming. Developing and assessing the effectiveness of gender-specific and gender-responsive HCV interventions should be a priority in elimination programming. Funding Réseau SIDA-MI du Québec.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Levinsson
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Camille Zolopa
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Farzaneh Vakili
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sasha Udhesister
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nadine Kronfli
- Division of Infectious Disease and Chronic Viral Illness Service, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Maheu-Giroux
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population and Global Health, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Heather Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elisa Martró
- Microbiology Department, Laboratori Clínic Metropolitana Nord, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lisa Boucher
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leith Morris
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Univerity of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adelina Artenie
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Larney
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Farooq A, Valerio H, Wheeler A, Martinello M, Henderson C, Silk D, Degenhardt L, Read P, Dore GJ, Grebely J, Cunningham EB. Needle and syringe sharing among people who have recently injected drugs in Australia: The ETHOS Engage Study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024. [PMID: 38630939 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding needle/syringe sharing is crucial for reducing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and reinfection. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with needle/syringe sharing among people who inject drugs in Australia, including those previously receiving HCV treatment. METHODS The ETHOS Engage study was an observational cohort study which collected self-reported survey data on demographic and drug use information from people who inject drugs attending drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs over two waves between May 2018 and June 2021. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with needle/syringe sharing. RESULTS Overall, 1555/2395 people enrolled in ETHOS Engage (65%) injected drugs in the past month. Among these, 432 (28%) reported needle/syringe sharing in the past month and 276 (18%) reported receptive sharing. Factors associated with receptive sharing included younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28-2.30), recent incarceration (aOR 2.04; 95% CI 1.40-2.94), more frequent injecting (≥daily vs. less than weekly; aOR 2.59; 95% CI 1.75-3.84) and unstable housing (aOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.26-2.52). Among 560 participants with prior HCV treatment, 87 (16%) reported receptive sharing with younger age (aOR 2.42; 95% CI 1.45-4.05) and daily or greater injection frequency (aOR 2.51; 95% CI 1.31-4.83) associated with receptive sharing. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Needle/syringe sharing was common among this population accessing harm reduction services. This study identifies high-risk populations with needle/syringe sharing. Research is needed to optimise HCV treatment to ensure people with ongoing risk behaviours receive adequate harm reduction following treatment to prevent reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Phillip Read
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, Australia
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Valerio H, Marshall AD, Conway A, Treloar C, Carter L, Martinello M, Henderson C, Amin J, Read P, Silk D, Degenhardt L, Prain B, Alavi M, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Factors associated with hepatitis C testing, treatment, and current hepatitis C infection among men and women who inject drugs: The ETHOS engage study. Int J Drug Policy 2024; 127:104394. [PMID: 38608357 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluating gender-specific trends in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment uptake among men and women who inject drugs is crucial for ensuring equitable progress towards HCV elimination. This study aimed to quantify differences in testing, treatment, and current HCV infection between men and women who inject drugs. METHOD ETHOS Engage is an observational cohort study of people who inject drugs attending drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs in Australia recruited from May 2018-September 2019 (wave 1) and November 2019-April 2021 (wave 2). Participants completed a questionnaire including self-reported HCV testing and treatment history and underwent point-of-care HCV RNA testing (Xpert® HCV Viral Load Fingerstick). Logistic regression was used to compare the factors associated with self-reported HCV testing and treatment and current HCV infection for men and women who inject drugs. RESULTS Among 2,395 participants enrolled in ETHOS Engage, 66% (n = 1,591) were men, 33% (n = 786) women, and <1% (n = 18) did not identify as a man or woman. HCV testing history and current infection were similar among men and women. Among men or women ever eligible for HCV treatment (ever chronic HCV) (n = 1,242), women were less likely to report a history of HCV treatment compared to men (227/352, 64% vs. 631/890, 71%; p = 0.03). Among women, those aged <45 were less likely to report HCV testing (aOR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.36, 0.90), treatment (aOR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.29, 0.77), and more likely to have HCV infection (aOR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.00, 2.20) CONCLUSION: Among women, those of childbearing age (<45) were less likely to report testing and treatment and were more likely to have current HCV infection. Women <45 years old should be a priority population for HCV care. Services that interface with these women should be optimised to enhance HCV testing and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Alison D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anna Conway
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa Carter
- Hepatitis SA, Hackney, South Australia, Australia
| | - Marianne Martinello
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Janaki Amin
- Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bianca Prain
- Population Health Strategy & Performance, NSW Health, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Cheng Q, Valerio H, Cunningham EB, Shih STF, Silk D, Conway A, Treloar C, Murray C, Henderson C, Amin J, Read P, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Health-Related Quality of Life of People Who Inject Drugs: The Enhancing Treatment of Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings Engage Study. Value Health 2024; 27:216-225. [PMID: 37951538 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is limited research on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people who inject drugs (PWID). We evaluated the HRQoL and associated factors among a cohort of PWID in Australia. METHODS Participants were enrolled in an observational cohort study (the Enhancing Treatment of Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings Engage Study) from May 2018 to September 2019 (wave 1) and November 2019 to June 2021 (wave 2). Participants completed the EQ-5D-5L survey at enrolment. Two-part models were used to assess the association of clinical and socioeconomic characteristics with EQ-5D-5L scores. RESULTS Among 2395 participants (median age, 43 years; 66% male), 65% reported injecting drug use in the past month, 20% had current hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and 68% had no/mild liver fibrosis (F0/F1). Overall, the mean EQ-5D-5L and EQ-visual analog scale scores were 0.78 and 57, respectively. In adjusted analysis, factors associated with significantly lower EQ-5D-5L scores include older ages, female (marginal effect = -0.03, P = .014), being homeless (marginal effect = -0.04, P = .040), and polysubstance use (marginal effect = -0.05, P < .001). Factors associated with significantly higher EQ-5D-5L scores were being Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander (marginal effect = 0.03, P = .021) and recent injecting drug use in the past 12 months. Current HCV infection and liver fibrosis stage were not associated with reduced HRQoL among the study participants. CONCLUSIONS PWID experienced a lower HRQoL compared with the general population. Further research is needed to understand HRQoL in this population to facilitate the development of multifaceted care models for PWID beyond HCV cure and inform health economic analyses for identifying optimal health strategies for PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglu Cheng
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Heather Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Evan B Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophy T F Shih
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna Conway
- 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
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carolyn Murray
- Population Health Strategy and Performance, NSW Health, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Department of Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, 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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Shah SHBU, Valerio H, Hajarizadeh B, Matthews G, Alavi M, Dore GJ. Cascade of care among people with hepatitis B in New South Wales, Australia. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:926-938. [PMID: 37553801 PMCID: PMC10946799 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) care cascade characterisation is important for monitoring HBV elimination progress. This study evaluated care cascade and factors associated with HBV DNA testing and treatment in New South Wales, Australia. HBV care cascade were determined through linkage of HBV notifications (1993-2017) to Medicare and pharmaceutical benefits schemes (2010-2018). Timely HBV DNA testing was within 4 weeks of HBV notification. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression evaluated factors associated with HBV DNA testing and treatment. Among 15,202 people with HBV notification, 10,479 (69%) were tested for HBV DNA. A total of 3179 (21%) initiated HBV treatment. HBV DNA testing was more likely among age ≥45 years (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.12), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (aHR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.50), coinfection (aHR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.09), later notification (2014-2017) (aHR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.26) and less likely among females (aHR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.99), history of alcohol use disorder (AUD) (aHR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.89), HCV coinfection (aHR .62, 95% CI: 0.55, 0.70) and Indigenous peoples (aHR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.98). HBV treatment was associated with age ≥45 years (aHR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.48), decompensated cirrhosis (aHR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.62, 2.65), HCC (aHR 2.96, 95% CI: 2.35, 3.74), HIV coinfection (aHR 4.27, 95% CI: 3.43, 5.31) and later notification (2014-2017) (aHR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.47). HBV treatment was less likely among females (aHR 0.68, 95% CI: 0.63, 0.73) and Indigenous peoples (aHR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.42, 0.80). HBV DNA testing and treatment coverage have increased, but remain sub-optimal among some key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather Valerio
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program (VHCRP)The Kirby Institute, UNSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Behzad Hajarizadeh
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program (VHCRP)The Kirby Institute, UNSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Gail Matthews
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program (VHCRP)The Kirby Institute, UNSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Maryam Alavi
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program (VHCRP)The Kirby Institute, UNSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Gregory J. Dore
- Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program (VHCRP)The Kirby Institute, UNSWSydneyAustralia
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Hobday S, Valerio H, Combo T, Monaghan R, Scott C, Silk D, Murray C, Read P, Henderson C, Degenhardt L, Treloar C, Dore GJ, Grebely J, Martinello M. Evaluating the prevalence of current hepatitis C infection and treatment among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who inject drugs in Australia: The ETHOS engage study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:1617-1632. [PMID: 37556376 PMCID: PMC10946462 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evaluating progress towards hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is critical given the disproportionate burden of infection. We examined factors associated with current HCV infection and self-reported treatment among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter referred to as Aboriginal peoples) and non-Aboriginal peoples who inject drugs (PWID) in Australia. METHODS ETHOS Engage is an observational cohort study of PWID attending drug treatment and needle and syringe programs in Australia. Participants underwent point-of-care HCV RNA testing (Xpert HCV RNA Viral Load Fingerstick) and completed a questionnaire including self-reported history of HCV treatment. RESULTS Between May 2018 and June 2021, 2395 participants were enrolled and 555 (23%) identified as Aboriginal (median age 42 years, 58% were men, 63% injected drugs in last month, 76% ever incarcerated). HCV RNA prevalence was 23% among Aboriginal PWID (24% in 2018-2019 and 21% in 2019-2021; p = 0.44), and 21% among non-Aboriginal PWID (24% in 2018-2019 and 16% in 2019-2021; p < 0.001). Self-reported HCV treatment was 65% among Aboriginal PWID (63% in 2018-2019 and 69% in 2019-2021; p = 0.30), and 70% among non-Aboriginal PWID (67% in 2018-2019 and 75% in 2019-2021; p < 0.001). Among Aboriginal PWID, current HCV infection was associated with recently injecting drugs and receiving opioid agonist treatment, and self-reported HCV treatment was negatively associated with younger age, homelessness and recently injecting drugs. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Equitable access to HCV care and prevention is needed to ensure Australia meets its elimination targets among Aboriginal PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Hobday
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Heather Valerio
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Troy Combo
- Infectious Disease Implementation Science GroupBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Robert Monaghan
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Clarke Scott
- Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, NSW HealthPenrithAustralia
| | - David Silk
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | | | - Phillip Read
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
- Kirketon Road CentreSydneyAustralia
| | | | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Gregory J. Dore
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby InstituteUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
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Shah SHBU, Alavi M, Hajarizadeh B, Matthews G, Valerio H, Dore GJ. Liver-related mortality among people with hepatitis B and C: Evaluation of definitions based on linked healthcare administrative datasets. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:520-529. [PMID: 36843500 PMCID: PMC10946991 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
Routinely collected and linked healthcare administrative datasets could be used to monitor mortality among people with hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV). This study aimed to evaluate the concordance in records of liver-related mortality among people with an HBV or HCV notification, between data on hospitalization for end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and death certificates. In New South Wales, Australia, HBV and HCV notifications (1993-2017) were linked to hospital admissions (2001-2018), all-cause mortality (1993-2018) and cause-specific mortality (1993-2016) datasets. Hospitalization for ESLD was defined as a first-time hospital admission due to decompensated cirrhosis (DC) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Consistency of liver death definition of mortality following hospitalization for ESLD was compared with two death certificate-based definitions of liver deaths coded among primary and secondary cause-specific mortality data, including ESLD-related (deaths due to DC and HCC) and all-liver deaths (ESLD-related and other liver-related causes). Of 63,292 and 107,430 individuals with an HBV and HCV notification, there were 4478 (2.6%) post-ESLD hospitalization deaths, 5572 (3.3%) death certificate liver disease deaths and 2910 (1.7%) death certificate ESLD deaths. Between 2001 and 2016, among HBV post-ESLD hospitalization deaths (n = 891), 63% (562) had death certificate ESLD recorded, and 83% (741) had death certificate liver disease recorded. Between 2001 and 2016, among HCV post-ESLD hospitalization deaths (n = 3587), 58% (2082) had death certificate ESLD recorded, and 87% (3135) had death certificate liver disease recorded. At least one-third of death certificates with DC and HCC as cause of death had no mention of HBV, HCV or viral hepatitis. Our study identified limitations in estimating and tracking HBV and HCV liver disease mortality using death certificate-based data only. The optimum data for this purpose is either ESLD hospitalisations with vital status information or a combination of these with cause-specific death certificate data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Gail Matthews
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Heather Valerio
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Gregory J. Dore
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Valerio H, Alavi M, Marshall AD, Hajarizadeh B, Amin J, Law M, Tillakeratne S, George J, Degenhardt L, Grebely J, Matthews GV, Dore GJ. Factors associated with hepatitis C treatment uptake among females of childbearing age in New South Wales, Australia: A population-based study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023. [PMID: 37254644 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Females of childbearing age with hepatitis C virus (HCV) face increased marginalisation with intersecting, sex-specific barriers to direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. We assessed the factors associated with uptake of DAA therapy among females of childbearing age, including those with evidence of recent drug dependence. METHODS HCV notifications in New South Wales, Australia (1995-2017) were linked to opioid agonist therapy (OAT), hospitalisations, incarcerations, perinatal, HIV notifications, deaths and prescription databases. Recent drug dependence was defined as hospitalisation due to injectable drugs or receipt of OAT occurring in the DAA era (2016-2018). Logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with DAA uptake among females of childbearing age (18-44), including those with recent drug dependence. RESULTS Among 57,467 people with evidence of chronic HCV in the DAA era (2016-2018), 20,161 (35%) were female, including 33% (n = 6563/20,161) of childbearing age (18-44). Among all females of childbearing age (n = 6563) and those with evidence of recent drug dependence (n = 2278/6563, 35%), DAA uptake was lower among those who had given birth in the DAA era (vs. no birth record, all females of childbearing age; aOR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.61, 0.89; those with recent drug dependence; aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51, 0.93) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (all females of childbearing age; aOR 0.81, 95% CI 0.71, 0.93; those with recent drug dependence aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62, 0.90). CONCLUSION Females of childbearing age should be considered a key population for DAA therapy. Enhancing antenatal and postnatal HCV care may be critical in the pursuit towards elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alison D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Health Systems and Population Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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9
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Shih ST, Cheng Q, Carson J, Valerio H, Sheehan Y, Gray RT, Cunningham EB, Kwon JA, Lloyd AR, Dore GJ, Wiseman V, Grebely J. Optimizing point-of-care testing strategies for diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in Australia: a model-based cost-effectiveness analysis. The Lancet Regional Health - Western Pacific 2023. [PMID: 37547040 PMCID: PMC10398594 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Timely diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is critical to achieve elimination goals. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of point-of-care testing strategies for HCV compared to laboratory-based testing in standard-of-care. Methods Cost-effectiveness analyses were undertaken from the perspective of Australian Governments as funders by modelling point-of-care testing strategies compared to standard-of-care in needle and syringe programs, drug treatment clinics, and prisons. Point-of-care testing strategies included immediate point-of-care HCV RNA testing and combined point-of-care HCV antibody and reflex RNA testing for HCV antibody positive people (with and without consideration of previous treatment). Sensitivity analyses were performed to investigate the cost per treatment initiation with different testing strategies at different HCV antibody prevalence levels. Findings The average costs per HCV treatment initiation by point-of-care testing, from A$890 to A$1406, were up to 35% lower compared to standard-of-care ranging from A$1248 to A$1632 depending on settings. The average costs per treatment initiation by point-of-care testing for three settings ranged from A$1080 to A$1406 for RNA, A$960-A$1310 for combined antibody/RNA without treatment history consideration, and A$890-A$1189 for combined antibody/RNA with treatment history consideration. When HCV antibody prevalence was <74%, combined point-of-care HCV antibody and point-of-care RNA testing were the most cost-effective strategies. Modest increases in treatment uptake by 8%-31% were required for immediate point-of-care HCV RNA testing to achieve equivalent cost per treatment initiation compared to standard-of-care. Interpretation Point-of-care testing is more cost-effective than standard of care for populations at risk of HCV. Testing strategies combining point-of-care HCV antibody and RNA testing are likely to be cost-effective in most settings. Funding National Health and Medical Research Council.
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10
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Stone J, Lim AG, Dore GJ, Borquez A, Geddes L, Gray R, Grebely J, Hajarizadeh B, Iversen J, Maher L, Valerio H, Martin NK, Hickman M, Lloyd AR, Vickerman P. Prison-based interventions are key to achieving HCV elimination among people who inject drugs in New South Wales, Australia: A modelling study. Liver Int 2023; 43:569-579. [PMID: 36305315 PMCID: PMC10308445 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS People who inject drugs (PWID) experience high incarceration rates which are associated with increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission risk. We assess the importance of prison-based interventions for achieving HCV elimination among PWID in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. METHODS A model of incarceration and HCV transmission among PWID was calibrated in a Bayesian framework to epidemiological and incarceration data from NSW, incorporating elevated HCV acquisition risk among recently released PWID. We projected the contribution of differences in transmission risk during/following incarceration to HCV transmission over 2020-2029. We estimated the past and potential future impact of prison-based opioid agonist therapy (OAT; ~33% coverage) and HCV treatment (1500 treatments in 2019 with 32.9%-83.3% among PWID) on HCV transmission. We estimated the time until HCV incidence reduces by 80% (WHO elimination target) compared to 2016 levels with or without prison-based interventions. RESULTS Over 2020-2029, incarceration will contribute 23.0% (17.9-30.5) of new HCV infections. If prison-based interventions had not been implemented since 2010, HCV incidence in 2020 would have been 29.7% (95% credibility interval: 22.4-36.1) higher. If current prison and community HCV treatment rates continue, there is an 98.8% probability that elimination targets will be achieved by 2030, with this decreasing to 10.1% without current prison-based interventions. CONCLUSIONS Existing prison-based interventions in NSW are critical components of strategies to reduce HCV incidence among PWID. Prison-based interventions are likely to be pivotal for achieving HCV elimination targets among PWID by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Aaron G. Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Gregory J. Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Annick Borquez
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Louise Geddes
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Richard Gray
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | | | - Jenny Iversen
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Heather Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Natasha K. Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public HealthUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of BristolBristolUK
| | - Andrew R. Lloyd
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW SydneyNew South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation at University of BristolBristolUK
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11
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Yousafzai MT, Alavi M, Valerio H, Hajarizadeh B, Grebely J, Dore GJ. Hepatitis C care cascade before and during the direct-acting antiviral eras in New South Wales, Australia: A population-based linkage study. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:250-261. [PMID: 36537024 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) care cascade characterization is important for monitoring progress towards HCV elimination. This study evaluated HCV care cascade and factors associated with treatment during pre-DAA (2011-2012 and 2013-2015) and DAA (2016-2018) eras in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. We conducted a cohort study of people with an HCV notification (1993 to 2017) through end 2018, linked to administrative datasets, including HCV treatment and non-hospital services. Those aged <18 years, died within first 6 months of study period or notification, and who had successful HCV treatment in period before were excluded. Sex-specific spontaneous viral clearance was incorporated to estimate treatment-eligible population. The study population in each period were cumulative and brought forward from one period to the next. Among 115,667 people with HCV notification, 87,063 fulfilled eligibility criteria. During 2011 to 2012, 2013 to 2015, and 2016 to 2018, cumulative HCV notifications were 71,677, 77,969, and 80,017; 52,016, 56,793, and 57,467 were eligible for treatment; 29%, 48%, and 64% confirmed HCV RNA positive; and 0.6%, 5%, and 38% initiated HCV treatment, respectively. Birth cohort 1945 to 1964 (vs. ≥1965), males, non-Aboriginal ethnicity, regional/rural area of residence, and HCV/HIV co-infection were associated with higher treatment uptake. Incarceration and drug dependence were associated with higher treatment uptake during the DAA era. In Australia, many marginalized populations including those incarcerated and those with drug dependence have equitable treatment uptake in the DAA era. Targeted strategies are required to enhance treatment uptake for females and Aboriginal populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Valerio H, Conway A, Alavi M, Treloar C, Silk D, Murray C, Henderson C, Amin J, Read P, Degenhardt L, Christmass M, Montebello M, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Awareness of hepatitis C virus infection status among people who inject drugs in a setting of universal direct-acting antiviral therapy: The ETHOS Engage study. Int J Drug Policy 2022; 110:103876. [PMID: 36240657 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Awareness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection status among people who inject drugs (PWID) can empower people with diagnosis, enable treatment uptake, and facilitate elimination. We aimed to evaluate awareness of HCV infection status among a large national cohort of PWID in an era of unrestricted HCV treatment. METHODS ETHOS Engage is an observational cohort study of PWID attending drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs in Australia. Participants completed a questionnaire containing self-reported HCV data (including infection status: never tested, tested/unknown, no current HCV infection [HCV RNA not detectable], current HCV infection [HCV RNA detectable]) and underwent point-of-care HCV RNA testing (Xpert® HCV Viral Load Fingerstick). Awareness was defined as concordant self-reported HCV status and test result. Awareness was assessed among all participants, those with current HCV infection, and participants who reported a lifetime history of HCV treatment. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with awareness in these three populations. RESULTS Among 2,305 PWID, 65% (n=1,506) were aware of their HCV infection status (self-reported HCV status matched HCV point-of-care result). Awareness of infection status was higher among those who were not currently infected (70%, n=1,281/1,818) compared to those with current HCV infection (46%, n=225/487). After adjusting, those with current HCV infection were less likely to be aware of infection status (aOR: 0.40, 95%CI: 0.30, 0.45). Among those who reported a lifetime history of HCV treatment, 71% (n=592/829) were aware of their HCV infection status. CONCLUSION Among a large cohort of PWID in Australia, awareness of HCV infection status is sub-optimal, with particularly concerning levels among those with active infection. Increased and simplified testing, post-test counselling, and post-treatment monitoring is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Anna Conway
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carolyn Murray
- Population Health Strategy & Performance, NSW Health, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Janaki Amin
- Department of Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Christmass
- Next Step Drug and Alcohol Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark Montebello
- North Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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13
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Yousafzai MT, Alavi M, Valerio H, Hajarizadeh B, Grebely J, Dore GJ. Timely Hepatitis C RNA Testing and Treatment in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy among People with Hepatitis C in New South Wales, Australia. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071496. [PMID: 35891474 PMCID: PMC9319806 DOI: 10.3390/v14071496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the factors associated with timely (within four weeks) HCV RNA testing and timely (within six months) DAA initiation following HCV notification in the DAA era. We conducted a cohort study of people with an HCV notification in NSW, Australia. Notifications of positive HCV serology were linked to administrative datasets. Weights were applied to account for spontaneous clearance. Logistic regression analyses were performed. Among 5582 people with an HCV notification during 2016–2017, 3867 (69%) were tested for HCV RNA, including 2770 (50%) who received timely testing. Among an estimated 3925 people with chronic HCV infection, 2372 (60%) initiated DAA therapy, including 1370 (35%) who received timely treatment. Factors associated with timely HCV RNA testing included age (≥30 years), female sex, non-Aboriginal ethnicity, country of birth being Australia, and no history of drug dependence. Factors associated with timely treatment were age (≥30 years), male sex, non-Aboriginal ethnicity, country of birth being Australia, no history of drug dependence, and HCV/HIV co-infection. In the DAA era, 50% of people with an HCV notification did not receive timely HCV RNA testing. Most people with an HCV infection received therapy; however, DAA initiation was delayed among many.
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14
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Hosseini‐Hooshyar S, Alavi M, Martinello M, Valerio H, Tillakeratne S, Matthews GV, Dore GJ. Evaluation of the hepatitis C cascade of care among people living with HIV in New South Wales, Australia: A data linkage study. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:271-279. [PMID: 35175671 PMCID: PMC9306975 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLHIV) are a priority population to receive hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and treatment. We aimed to characterize the HCV care cascade among PLHIV between 2010 and 2018 and to compare HCV testing and treatment uptake pre- and post-availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Records of all HCV notifications (1993-2017) were linked to HIV notifications, deaths, hospitalizations, incarcerations, opioid agonist therapy, HCV RNA testing and treatment databases. Numbers and proportions were calculated for all stages of the care cascade and factors associated with HCV testing, and DAA treatment uptake were evaluated using logistic regression. From 383 individuals with HCV notification (2009-2017), 349 (91%) were ever HCV RNA tested, 285 (74%) had an indicator of chronic HCV infection, and from those eligible for treatment, 210 (74%) received HCV treatment. HCV testing was recorded for 85% pre-DAA era and reached a cumulative proportion of 90% post-DAA while treatment uptake had a 10-fold increase from 7% pre- to 73% post-DAA era. Younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.98; 95% CI 0.96-0.99), female gender (aOR 1.87; 95% CI 1.10-3.19), and rural region residence at notification (aOR 1.56; 95% CI 1.03-2.36) were associated with not receiving HCV testing. No identified factor was associated with not receiving treatment post-DAA era. Removing barriers to HCV testing, expanding treatment to a variety of settings and continuous education and harm reduction are essential to achieve HCV elimination among PLHIV in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - Heather Valerio
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | | | - Gregory J. Dore
- The Kirby InstituteUNSW SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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15
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Conway A, Valerio H, Peacock A, Degenhardt L, Hayllar J, Harrod ME, Henderson C, Read P, Gilliver R, Christmass M, Dunlop A, Montebello M, Whitton G, Reid D, Lam T, Alavi M, Silk D, Marshall AD, Treloar C, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Non-fatal opioid overdose, naloxone access, and naloxone training among people who recently used opioids or received opioid agonist treatment in Australia: The ETHOS Engage study. Int J Drug Policy 2021; 96:103421. [PMID: 34452808 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overdose is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among people who use opioids. Naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses and can be distributed and administered with minimal training. People with experience of overdose are a key population to target for overdose prevention strategies. This study aims to understand if factors associated with recent non-fatal opioid overdose are the same as factors associated with naloxone access and naloxone training in people who recently used opioids or received opioid agonist treatment (OAT). METHODS ETHOS Engage is an observational study of people who inject drugs in Australia. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios for non-fatal opioid overdose, naloxone access and naloxone training. RESULTS Between May 2018-September 2019, 1280 participants who recently used opioids or received OAT were enrolled (62% aged >40 years; 35% female, 80% receiving OAT, 62% injected drugs in the preceding month). Recent opioid overdose (preceding 12 months) was reported by 7% of participants, lifetime naloxone access by 17%, and lifetime naloxone training by 14%. Compared to people receiving OAT with no additional opioid use, recent opioid, benzodiazepine (preceding six months), and hazardous alcohol use was associated with recent opioid overdose (aOR 3.91; 95%CI: 1.68-9.10) and lifetime naloxone access (aOR 2.12; 95%CI 1.29-3.48). Among 91 people who reported recent overdose, 65% had never received take-home naloxone or naloxone training. CONCLUSIONS Among people recently using opioids or receiving OAT, benzodiazepine and hazardous alcohol use is associated with non-fatal opioid overdose. Not all factors associated with non-fatal overdose correspond to factors associated with naloxone access. Naloxone access and training is low across all groups. Additional interventions are needed to scale up naloxone provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Conway
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - H Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - L Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J Hayllar
- Alcohol and Drug Service, Metro North Mental Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - M E Harrod
- NSW Users and AIDS Association, NSW, Australia
| | - C Henderson
- NSW Users and AIDS Association, NSW, Australia
| | - P Read
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R Gilliver
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M Christmass
- Next Step Drug and Alcohol Services, Mental Health Commission, WA, Australia; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, WA, Australia
| | - A Dunlop
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute & University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia; Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - M Montebello
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Drug and Alcohol Services, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia; University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - G Whitton
- Drug Health Service, South West Sydney LHD, NSW, Australia
| | - D Reid
- Drug and Alcohol Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - T Lam
- Drug Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - M Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - D Silk
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A D Marshall
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - G J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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16
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Valerio H, Alavi M, Silk D, Treloar C, Martinello M, Milat A, Dunlop A, Holden J, Henderson C, Amin J, Read P, Marks P, Degenhardt L, Hayllar J, Reid D, Gorton C, Lam T, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Progress Towards Elimination of Hepatitis C Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs in Australia: The ETHOS Engage Study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e69-e78. [PMID: 32421194 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evaluating progress towards hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination is critical. This study estimated prevalence of current HCV infection and HCV treatment uptake among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Australia. METHODS The Enhancing Treatment of Hepatitis C in Opioid Substitution Settings Engage is an observational study of PWID attending drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs (NSPs). Participants completed a questionnaire including self-reported treatment history and underwent point-of-care HCV RNA testing (Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick; Cepheid). RESULTS Between May 2018 and September 2019, 1443 participants were enrolled (64% injected drugs in the last month, 74% receiving opioid agonist therapy [OAT]). HCV infection status was uninfected (28%), spontaneous clearance (16%), treatment-induced clearance (32%), and current infection (24%). Current HCV was more likely among people who were homeless (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.16), incarcerated in the previous year (2.04; 1.38-3.02), and those injecting drugs daily or more (2.26; 1.43-2.42). Among those with previous chronic or current HCV, 66% (n = 520/788) reported HCV treatment. In adjusted analysis, HCV treatment was lower among females (.68; .48-.95), participants who were homeless (.59; .38-.96), and those injecting daily or more (.51; .31-.89). People aged ≥45 years (1.46; 1.06-2.01) and people receiving OAT (2.62; 1.52-4.51) were more likely to report HCV treatment. CONCLUSIONS Unrestricted direct-acting antiviral therapy access in Australia has yielded high treatment uptake among PWID attending drug treatment and NSPs, with a marked decline in HCV prevalence. To achieve elimination, PWID with greater marginalization may require additional support and tailored strategies to enhance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Andrew Milat
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, NSW Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adrian Dunlop
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jo Holden
- Population Health Strategy and Performance, NSW Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philippa Marks
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeremy Hayllar
- Alcohol and Drug Service, Metro North Mental Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Reid
- The Orana Centre, Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carla Gorton
- Cairns Sexual Health Service, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thao Lam
- Drug Health, Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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17
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Grebely J, Tran L, Degenhardt L, Dowell-Day A, Santo T, Larney S, Hickman M, Vickerman P, French C, Butler K, Gibbs D, Valerio H, Read P, Dore GJ, Hajarizadeh B. Association Between Opioid Agonist Therapy and Testing, Treatment Uptake, and Treatment Outcomes for Hepatitis C Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e107-e118. [PMID: 32447375 PMCID: PMC8246796 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) experience barriers to accessing testing and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) may provide an opportunity to improve access to HCV care. This systematic review assessed the association of OAT and HCV testing, treatment, and treatment outcomes among PWID. METHODS Bibliographic databases and conference presentations were searched for studies that assessed the association between OAT and HCV testing, treatment, and treatment outcomes (direct-acting antiviral [DAA] therapy only) among PWID (in the past year). Meta-analysis was used to pool estimates. RESULTS Of 9877 articles identified, 22 studies conducted in Australia, Europe, North America, and Thailand were eligible and included. Risk of bias was serious in 21 studies and moderate in 1 study. Current/recent OAT was associated with an increased odds of recent HCV antibody testing (4 studies; odds ratio (OR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-2.39), HCV RNA testing among those who were HCV antibody-positive (2 studies; OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.27-2.62), and DAA treatment uptake among those who were HCV RNA-positive (7 studies; OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.07-2.20). There was insufficient evidence of an association between OAT and treatment completion (9 studies) or sustained virologic response following DAA therapy (9 studies). CONCLUSIONS OAT can increase linkage to HCV care, including uptake of HCV testing and treatment among PWID. This supports the scale-up of OAT as part of strategies to enhance HCV treatment to further HCV elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lucy Tran
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Santo
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Clare French
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Kerryn Butler
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daisy Gibbs
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Valerio H, Alavi M, Law M, McManus H, Tillakeratne S, Bajis S, Martinello M, Matthews GV, Amin J, Janjua NZ, Krajden M, George J, Degenhardt L, Grebely J, Dore GJ. Opportunities to enhance linkage to hepatitis C care among hospitalised people with recent drug dependence in New South Wales, Australia: A population-based linkage study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:2037-2044. [PMID: 34107022 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs are at greater risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and hospitalisation, yet admissions are not utilised for HCV treatment initiation. We aimed to assess the extent to which people with HCV notification, including those with evidence of recent drug dependence, are hospitalised while eligible for direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, and treatment uptake according to hospitalisation in the DAA era. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal, population-based cohort study of people living with HCV in the DAA era (March 2016-December 2018) through analysis of linked databases in New South Wales, Australia. Kaplan Meier estimates were used to report HCV treatment uptake by frequency, length, and cause-specific hospitalisation. RESULTS Among 57,467 people, 14,938 (26%) had evidence of recent drug dependence, 50% (n=7,506) of whom were hospitalised while DAA eligible. Incidence of selected cause-specific hospitalisation was highest for mental health-related (15.84 per 100 person-years [PY]), drug-related (15.20 per 100PY), and injection-related infectious disease (9.15 per 100PY) hospitalisations, and lowest for alcohol use disorder (4.58 per 100PY) and liver-related (3.13 per 100PY). 65% (n=4,898) of those hospitalised had been admitted >2 times and 46% (n=3,437) were hospitalised >7 days. By the end of 2018, DAA therapy was lowest for those hospitalised >2 times, for >7 days, and those whose first admission was for injection-related infectious disease, mental health disorders, and drug-related complications. CONCLUSIONS Among people who have evidence of recent drug dependence, frequent hospitalisation-particularly mental health, drug, and alcohol admissions-presents an opportunity for engagement in HCV care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Health Systems and Populations, Maquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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19
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Valerio H, Alavi M, Law M, Tillakeratne S, Amin J, Janjua NZ, Krajden M, George J, Matthews GV, Hajarizadeh B, Degenhardt L, Grebely J, Dore GJ. High hepatitis C treatment uptake among people with recent drug dependence in New South Wales, Australia. J Hepatol 2021; 74:293-302. [PMID: 32931879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS High HCV treatment uptake among people at most risk of transmission is essential to achieve elimination. We aimed to characterise subpopulations of people with HCV based on drug dependence, to estimate direct-acting antiviral (DAA) uptake in an unrestricted treatment era, and to evaluate factors associated with treatment uptake among people with recent drug dependence. METHODS HCV notifications in New South Wales, Australia (1995-2017) were linked to opioid agonist therapy (OAT), hospitalisations, incarcerations, HIV notifications, deaths, and prescription databases. Drug dependence was defined as hospitalisation due to injectable drugs or receipt of OAT, with indicators in 2016-2018 considered recent. Records were weighted to account for spontaneous clearance. Logistic regression was used to analyse factors associated with treatment uptake among those with recent drug dependence. RESULTS 57,467 people were estimated to have chronic HCV throughout the DAA era. Treatment uptake was highest among those with recent (47%), compared to those with distant (38%), and no (33%) drug dependence. Among those with recent drug dependence, treatment was more likely among those with HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.71; 95% CI 1.24-2.36), recent incarceration (aOR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01-1.19), and history of alcohol use disorder (aOR 1.22; 95% CI 1.13-1.31). Treatment was less likely among women (aOR 0.78; 95% CI 0.72-0.84), patients of Indigenous ethnicity (aOR 0.75; 95% CI 0.69-0.81), foreign-born individuals (aOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.78-0.96), those with outer-metropolitan notifications (aOR 0.90; 95% CI 0.82-0.98), HBV coinfection (aOR 0.69; 95% CI 0.59-0.80), and >1 recent hospitalisation (aOR: 0.91; 95% CI 0.84-0.98). CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence of high DAA uptake among people with recent drug dependence, including those who are incarcerated. Enhancing this encouraging initial uptake among high-risk populations will be essential to achieve HCV elimination. LAY SUMMARY To facilitate HCV elimination, those at highest risk of infection and transmission are a treatment priority. This study shows the successes of Australia's universal provision of DAA therapy in reducing the barriers to treatment which have historically persisted among people who inject drugs. Despite higher DAA therapy uptake among those with recent drug dependence, gaps remain. Strategies which aim to reduce marginalisation and increase treatment uptake to ensure equitable HCV elimination must be advanced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Health Systems and Populations, Maquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | | | | | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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20
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Hutchinson SJ, Valerio H, McDonald SA, Yeung A, Pollock K, Smith S, Barclay S, Dillon JF, Fox R, Bramley P, Fraser A, Kennedy N, Gunson RN, Templeton K, Innes H, McLeod A, Weir A, Hayes PC, Goldberg D. Population impact of direct-acting antiviral treatment on new presentations of hepatitis C-related decompensated cirrhosis: a national record-linkage study. Gut 2020; 69:2223-2231. [PMID: 32217640 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2019-320007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Population-based studies demonstrating the clinical impact of interferon-free direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies are lacking. We examined the impact of the introduction of DAAs on HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis (DC) through analysis of population-based data from Scotland. DESIGN Through analysis of national surveillance data (involving linkage of HCV diagnosis and clinical databases to hospital and deaths registers), we determined i) the scale-up in the number of patients treated and achieving a sustained viral response (SVR), and ii) the change in the trend of new presentations with HCV-related DC, with the introduction of DAAs. RESULTS Approximately 11 000 patients had been treated in Scotland over the 8-year period 2010/11 to 2017/18. The scale-up in the number of patients achieving SVR between the pre-DAA and DAA eras was 2.3-fold overall and 5.9-fold among those with compensated cirrhosis (the group at immediate risk of developing DC). In the pre-DAA era, the annual number of HCV-related DC presentations increased 4.6-fold between 2000 (30) and 2014 (142). In the DAA era, presentations decreased by 51% to 69 in 2018 (and by 67% among those with chronic infection at presentation), representing a significant change in trend (rate ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.90). With the introduction of DAAs, an estimated 330 DC cases had been averted during 2015-18. CONCLUSIONS National scale-up in interferon-free DAA treatment is associated with the rapid downturn in presentations of HCV-related DC at the population-level. Major progress in averting HCV-related DC in the short-term is feasible, and thus other countries should strive to achieve the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon J Hutchinson
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK .,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Heather Valerio
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Scott A McDonald
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alan Yeung
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kevin Pollock
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shanley Smith
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephen Barclay
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Andrew Fraser
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK.,Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Rory N Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kate Templeton
- East of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hamish Innes
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Allan McLeod
- Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Amanda Weir
- Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - David Goldberg
- Centre for Living, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Blood Borne Virus & Sexually Transmitted Infections Team, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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21
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Dore GJ, Valerio H, Grebely J. Creating an environment for equitable access to direct-acting antiviral therapy for people who inject drugs with hepatitis C. Liver Int 2020; 40:2353-2355. [PMID: 33021345 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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22
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Hajarizadeh B, Cunningham EB, Valerio H, Martinello M, Law M, Janjua NZ, Midgard H, Dalgard O, Dillon J, Hickman M, Bruneau J, Dore GJ, Grebely J. Hepatitis C reinfection after successful antiviral treatment among people who inject drugs: A meta-analysis. J Hepatol 2020; 72:643-657. [PMID: 31785345 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS HCV reinfection following successful treatment can compromise treatment outcomes. This systematic review assessed the rate of HCV reinfection following treatment among people with recent drug use and those receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT). METHODS We searched bibliographic databases and conference abstracts for studies assessing post-treatment HCV reinfection rates among people with recent drug use (injecting or non-injecting) or those receiving OAT. Meta-analysis was used to cumulate reinfection rates and meta-regression was used to explore heterogeneity across studies. RESULTS Thirty-six studies were included (6,311 person-years of follow-up). The overall rate of HCV reinfection was 5.9/100 person-years (95% CI 4.1-8.5) among people with recent drug use (injecting or non-injecting), 6.2/100 person-years (95% CI 4.3-9.0) among people recently injecting drugs, and 3.8/100 person-years (95% CI 2.5-5.8) among those receiving OAT. Reinfection rates were comparable following interferon-based (5.4/100 person-years; 95% CI 3.1-9.5) and direct-acting antiviral (3.9/100 person-years; 95% CI 2.5-5.9) therapy. In stratified analysis, reinfection rates were 1.4/100 person-years (95% CI 0.8-2.6) among people receiving OAT with no recent drug use, 5.9/100 person-years (95% CI 4.0-8.6) among people receiving OAT with recent drug use, and 6.6/100 person-years (95% CI 3.4-12.7) among people with recent drug use not receiving OAT. In meta-regression analysis, longer follow-up was associated with lower reinfection rate (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] per year increase in mean/median follow-up 0.77; 95% CI 0.69-0.86). Compared with people receiving OAT with no recent drug use, those with recent drug use receiving OAT (aRR 3.50; 95% CI 1.62-7.53), and those with recent drug use not receiving OAT (aRR 3.96; 95% CI 1.82-8.59) had higher reinfection rates. CONCLUSION HCV reinfection risk following treatment was higher among people with recent drug use and lower among those receiving OAT. The lower rates of reinfection observed in studies with longer follow-up suggested higher reinfection risk early post-treatment. LAY SUMMARY Our findings demonstrate that although reinfection by hepatitis C virus occurs following successful treatment in people with recent drug use, the rate of hepatitis C reinfection is lower than the rates of primary infection reported in the literature for this population - reinfection should not be used as a reason to withhold therapy from people with ongoing injecting drug use. The rate of hepatitis C reinfection was lowest among people receiving opioid agonist therapy with no recent drug use. These data illustrate that harm reduction services are required to reduce the reinfection risk, while regular post-treatment hepatitis C assessment is required for early detection and retreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Matthew Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Håvard Midgard
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - John Dillon
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, The United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, The United Kingdom
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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23
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Grebely J, Catlett B, Jayasinghe I, Valerio H, Hajarizadeh B, Verich A, Cunningham P, Martinello M, Tillakeratne S, Silk D, Dore GJ, Applegate TL. Time to Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Infection With the Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick Point-of-Care Assay: Facilitating a More Rapid Time to Diagnosis. J Infect Dis 2020; 221:2043-2049. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Xpert HCV Viral Load Fingerstick assay (Xpert HCV VL FS) is a point-of-care test quantifying HCV RNA in <1 hour, enabling same-visit diagnosis and treatment.
Methods
This study evaluated time to HCV RNA detection using the Xpert HCV VL FS assay. Fingerstick whole-blood samples were collected from participants in an observational cohort in Australia.
Results
In May 2018–2019, 1468 participants were enrolled, 1426 had Xpert HCV VL FS testing performed, and 1386 had a valid result. HCV RNA was detected in 23% (325/1386). Among people with undetectable HCV RNA (n = 1061), median time to result was 57 minutes. Among people with detectable HCV RNA (n = 325), median time to HCV RNA detection was 32 minutes and 80% (261/325) had a detectable HCV RNA result in ≤40 minutes. Median time to HCV RNA detection was dependent on HCV RNA level.
Conclusions
A quicker HCV diagnosis could be achieved by monitoring the time when HCV RNA is first detected with the Xpert HCV VL FS test, rather than HCV RNA quantification, although the current platform does not allow for this. These findings could facilitate new strategies to reduce waiting times for an HCV diagnosis and improve linkage to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beth Catlett
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip Cunningham
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent’s Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
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24
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Alavi M, Law MG, Valerio H, Grebely J, Amin J, Hajarizadeh B, Selvey C, George J, Dore GJ. Declining hepatitis C virus-related liver disease burden in the direct-acting antiviral therapy era in New South Wales, Australia. J Hepatol 2019; 71:281-288. [PMID: 31078544 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Population-level evidence for the impact of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy on hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related disease burden is lacking. We aimed to evaluate trends in HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) hospitalisation, and liver-related and all-cause mortality in the pre-DAA (2001-2014) and DAA therapy (2015-2017) eras in New South Wales, Australia. METHODS HCV notifications (1993-2016) were linked to hospital admissions (2001-2017) and mortality (1995-2017). Segmented Poisson regressions and Poisson regression were used to assess the impact of DAA era and factors associated with liver-related mortality, respectively. RESULTS Among 99,910 people with an HCV notification, 3.8% had a decompensated cirrhosis diagnosis and 1.8% had an HCC diagnosis, while 3.3% and 10.5% died of liver-related and all-cause mortality, respectively. In the pre-DAA era, the number of decompensated cirrhosis and HCC diagnoses, and liver-related and all-cause mortality consistently increased (incidence rate ratios 1.04 [95% CI 1.04-1.05], 1.08 [95% CI 1.07-1.08], 1.07 [95% CI 1.06-1.07], and 1.05 [95% CI 1.04-1.05], respectively) over each 6-monthly band. In the DAA era, decompensated cirrhosis diagnosis and liver-related mortality numbers declined (incidence rate ratios 0.97 [95% CI 0.95-0.99] and 0.96 [95% CI 0.94-0.98], respectively), and HCC diagnosis and all-cause mortality numbers plateaued (incidence rate ratio 1.00 [95% CI 0.97-1.03] and 1.01 [95% CI 1.00-1.02], respectively) over each 6-monthly band. In the DAA era, alcohol-use disorder (AUD) was common in patients diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis and HCC (65% and 46% had a history of AUD, respectively). AUD was independently associated with liver-related mortality (incidence rate ratio 3.35; 95% CI 3.14-3.58). CONCLUSIONS In the DAA era, there has been a sharp decline in liver disease morbidity and mortality in New South Wales, Australia. AUD remains a major contributor to HCV-related liver disease burden, highlighting the need to address comorbidities. LAY SUMMARY Rising hepatitis C-related morbidity and mortality is a major public health issue. However, development of highly effective medicines against hepatitis C (called direct-acting antivirals or DAAs) means hepatitis C could be eliminated as a public health threat by 2030. This study shows a sharp decline in liver disease morbidity and mortality since the introduction of DAAs in New South Wales, Australia. Despite this, heavy alcohol use remains an important risk factor for liver disease among people with hepatitis C. To ensure that the benefits of new antiviral treatments are not compromised, management of major comorbidities, including heavy alcohol use must improve among people with hepatitis C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Matthew G Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Janaki Amin
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Christine Selvey
- Communicable Diseases Branch, Health Protection NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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25
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Aspinall EJ, Hutchinson SJ, Goldberg DJ, Valerio H, Mozalevskis A, Noori T, Duffell E, Tavoschi L. Monitoring response to hepatitis B and C in EU/EEA: testing policies, availability of data on care cascade and chronic viral hepatitis-related mortality - results from two surveys (2016). HIV Med 2019; 19 Suppl 1:11-15. [PMID: 29488708 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The World Health Organization (WHO) developed a European Regional Action Plan (EAP) to fast-track action towards the goal of eliminating viral hepatitis. Robust monitoring is essential to assess national programme performance. The purpose of this study was to assess the availability of selected monitoring data sources in European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) Member States (MS). METHODS Availability of data sources at EU/EEA level was assessed using two surveys distributed to 31 EU/EEA MS in 2016. The two surveys covered (A) availability of policy documents on testing; testing practices and monitoring; monitoring of diagnosis and treatment initiation, and; (B) availability of data on mortality attributable to chronic viral hepatitis. RESULTS Just over two-thirds of EU/EEA MS responded to the surveys. 86% (18/21) reported national testing guidance covering HBV, and 81% (17/21) covering HCV; while 33% (7/21) and 38% (8/21) of countries, respectively, monitored the number of tests performed. 71% (15/21) of countries monitored the number of chronic HBV cases diagnosed and 33% (7/21) the number of people treated. Corresponding figures for HCV were 48% (10/21) and 57% (12/21). 27% (6/22) of countries reported availability of data on mortality attributable to chronic viral hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that sources of information in EU/EEA Member States to monitor the progress towards the EAP milestones and targets related to viral hepatitis diagnosis, cascade of care and attributable mortality are limited. Our analysis should raise awareness among EU/EEA policy makers and stimulate higher prioritisation of efforts to improve the monitoring of national viral hepatitis programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Aspinall
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - S J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - D J Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Mozalevskis
- World health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T Noori
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - E Duffell
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L Tavoschi
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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McDonald SA, Innes HA, Aspinall EJ, Hayes PC, Alavi M, Valerio H, Goldberg DJ, Hutchinson SJ. Inpatient hospital burden of hepatitis C-diagnosed patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Liver Int 2018; 38:1402-1410. [PMID: 29288595 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS To describe the burden on inpatient hospital resources over time from patients diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and who have reached the decompensated stage of cirrhosis (DC), as existing estimates of hospital stay in these patients are limited. METHODS A retrospective longitudinal dataset was formed via record-linkage between the national HCV diagnosis database and inpatient/daycase hospitalisation and death registers in Scotland. The study population consisted of HCV-diagnosed patients with a first DC admission in 1996-2013, with follow-up available until 31 May 2014. We investigated and quantified the mean cumulative length of hospital stay, distributions over discharge diagnosis categories, and trends in admission rates. RESULTS Among our study population (n = 1543), we identified 10 179 admissions with any diagnosis post-first DC admission. Between 1996 and 2013 there was a 16-fold rise in annual total admissions (from 112 to 1791) and an 11-fold rise in hospital stay (719-8045). When restricting minimum possible follow-up to 2 years, DC patients (n = 1312) had an overall admission rate of 7.3 per person-year, and spent on average 43 days (26 days during first 6 months) in hospital; for all liver-related, liver-related other than HCC/DC, and non-liver related only admissions, this was 39, 14, and 5 days respectively. CONCLUSIONS HCV-infected DC patients impose a considerable inpatient hospital burden, mostly from DC- and other liver-related admissions, but also from admissions associated with non-liver comorbidities. Estimates will be useful for monitoring the impact of prevention and treatment, and for computing the cost-effectiveness of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A McDonald
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Hamish A Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Esther J Aspinall
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Peter C Hayes
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Maryam Alavi
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Heather Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - David J Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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27
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Wang H, Swann R, Thomas E, Innes HA, Valerio H, Hayes PC, Allen S, Barclay ST, Wilks D, Fox R, Bhattacharyya D, Kennedy N, Morris J, Fraser A, Stanley AJ, Gunson R, Mclntyre PG, Hunt A, Hutchinson SJ, Mills PR, Dillon JF. Impact of previous hepatitis B infection on the clinical outcomes from chronic hepatitis C? A population-level analysis. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:930-938. [PMID: 29577515 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with adverse liver outcomes. The clinical impact of previous HBV infection on liver disease in HCV infection is unknown. We aimed at determining any association of previous HBV infection with liver outcomes using antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb) positivity as a marker of exposure. The Scottish Hepatitis C Clinical Database containing data for all patients attending HCV clinics in participating health boards was linked to the HBV diagnostic registry and mortality data from Information Services Division, Scotland. Survival analyses with competing risks were constructed for time from the first appointment to decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver-related mortality. Records of 8513 chronic HCV patients were included in the analyses (87 HBcAb positive and HBV surface antigen [HBsAg] positive, 1577 HBcAb positive and HBsAg negative, and 6849 HBcAb negative). Multivariate cause-specific proportional hazards models showed previous HBV infection (HBcAb positive and HBsAg negative) significantly increased the risks of decompensated cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.01-1.65) and HCC (HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.09-2.49), but not liver-related death (HR: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.80-1.30). This is the largest study to date showing an association between previous HBV infection and certain adverse liver outcomes in HCV infection. Our analyses add significantly to evidence which suggests that HBV infection adversely affects liver health despite apparent clearance. This has important implications for HBV vaccination policy and indications for prioritization of HCV therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wang
- Dundee Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Population Health Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - R Swann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gartnavel General Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - E Thomas
- Department of Medicine for the Elderly, North Middlesex Hospital, London, UK
| | - H A Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - P C Hayes
- Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Allen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock, UK
| | - S T Barclay
- Department of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - D Wilks
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - R Fox
- The Brownlee Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - J Morris
- Department of Gastroenterology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Fraser
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
| | - A J Stanley
- Department of Gastroenterology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - R Gunson
- West of Scotland Virology Centre, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - P G Mclntyre
- Department of Microbiology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - A Hunt
- Department of Virology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
| | - S J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - P R Mills
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gartnavel General Hospital, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - J F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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28
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Alavi M, Janjua NZ, Chong M, Grebely J, Aspinall EJ, Innes H, Valerio H, Hajarizadeh B, Hayes PC, Krajden M, Amin J, Law MG, George J, Goldberg DJ, Hutchinson SJ, Dore GJ. Trends in hepatocellular carcinoma incidence and survival among people with hepatitis C: An international study. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:473-481. [PMID: 29194861 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates trends in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence and survival in three settings, prior to introduction of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies. HCV notifications from British Columbia (BC), Canada; New South Wales (NSW), Australia; and Scotland (1995-2011/2012/2013, respectively) were linked to HCC diagnosis data via hospital admissions (2001-2012/2013/2014, respectively) and mortality (1995-2013/2014/2015, respectively). Age-standardized HCC incidence rates were evaluated, associated factors were assessed using Cox regression, and median survival time after HCC diagnosis was calculated. Among 58 487, 84 529 and 31 924 people with HCV in BC, NSW and Scotland, 734 (1.3%), 1045 (1.2%) and 345 (1.1%) had an HCC diagnosis. Since mid-2000s, HCC diagnosis numbers increased in all jurisdictions. Age-standardized HCC incidence rates remained stable in BC and Scotland and increased in NSW. The strongest predictor of HCC diagnosis was older age [birth <1945, aHR in BC 5.74, 95% CI 4.84, 6.82; NSW 9.26, 95% CI 7.93, 10.82; Scotland 12.55, 95% CI 9.19, 17.15]. Median survival after HCC diagnosis remained stable in BC (0.8 years in 2001-2006 and 2007-2011) and NSW (0.9 years in 2001-2006 and 2007-2013) and improved in Scotland (0.7 years in 2001-2006 to 1.5 years in 2007-2014). Across the settings, HCC burden increased, individual-level risk of HCC remained stable or increased, and HCC survival remained extremely low. These findings highlight the minimal impact of HCC prevention and management strategies during the interferon-based HCV treatment era and form the basis for evaluating the impact of DAA therapy in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - N 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
| | - M Chong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - E J Aspinall
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - B Hajarizadeh
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P C Hayes
- Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M G Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - D J Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - S J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - G J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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29
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Innes H, Barclay ST, Hayes PC, Fraser A, Dillon JF, Stanley A, Bathgate A, McDonald SA, Goldberg D, Valerio H, Fox R, Kennedy N, Bramley P, Hutchinson SJ. The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C and sustained viral response: Role of the treatment regimen. J Hepatol 2018; 68:646-654. [PMID: 29155019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Previous studies have reported a high frequency of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence in patients with advanced liver disease, after receipt of interferon (IFN)-free therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Our objective was to verify and account for this phenomenon using data from the Scottish HCV clinical database. METHODS We identified HCC-naïve individuals with liver cirrhosis receiving a course of antiviral therapy in Scotland from 1997-2016 resulting in a sustained virologic response. Patients were followed-up from their treatment start date to the earliest of: date of death, date of HCC occurrence, or 31 January 2017. We used Cox regression to compare the risk of HCC occurrence according to treatment regimen after adjusting for relevant co-factors (including: demographic factors; baseline liver disease stage; comorbidities/health behaviours, virology, and previous treatment experience). HCC occurrence was ascertained through both the HCV clinical database and medical chart review. For our main analysis, treatment regimen was defined as IFN-free vs. IFN-containing. RESULTS A total of 857 patients met the study criteria, of whom 31.7% received an IFN-free regimen. Individuals receiving IFN-free therapy were more likely to be: older; of white ethnicity, Child-Turcotte-Pugh B/C vs. Child-Turcotte-Pugh A; thrombocytopenic; non-genotype 3; and treatment experienced. HCC occurrence was observed in 46 individuals during follow-up. In univariate analysis, IFN-free therapy was associated with a significantly increased risk of HCC (HR: 2.48; p = 0.021). However, after multivariate adjustment for baseline factors, no significant risk attributable to IFN-free therapy persisted (aHR: 1.15, p = 0.744). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that the higher incidence of HCC following sustained virologic response with IFN-free therapy relates to baseline risk factors/patient selection, and not the use of IFN-free therapy per se. LAY SUMMARY We examined the risk of liver cancer in 857 patients with cirrhosis in Scotland who received hepatitis C antiviral therapy and achieved a cure. We compared the risk of first-time liver cancer in patients treated with the newest interferon-free regimens, to patients treated with interferon. After accounting for the different characteristics of these two treatment groups, we found no evidence that interferon-free therapy is associated with a higher risk of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Scott A McDonald
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - David Goldberg
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK; School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Heather Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ray Fox
- The Brownlee Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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30
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Innes H, McAuley A, Alavi M, Valerio H, Goldberg D, Hutchinson SJ. The contribution of health risk behaviors to excess mortality in American adults with chronic hepatitis C: A population cohort-study. Hepatology 2018; 67:97-107. [PMID: 28777874 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In resource-rich countries, chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection is associated with a sizeable excess mortality risk. The extent to which this is due to (1) the biological sequelae of CHC infection versus (2) a high concomitant burden of health risk behaviors (HRBs) is unclear. We used data from the 1999-2010 U.S. National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES), which include detailed information on HRBs and CHC infection status. We calculated the prevalence of the five major HRBs-alcohol use; cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and illicit drug use-according to CHC after adjusting for sociodemographic differences. Mortality status after survey interview was ascertained by linkage to the U.S. National Death Index. To assess the contribution of HRBs to the excess mortality risk, we determined the all-cause mortality rate ratio (MRR) for individuals with CHC relative to individuals without, and then calculated the attenuation in this MRR following adjustment for HRBs. This analysis included 27,468 adult participants of NHANES of which 363 tested positive for CHC. All HRBs were markedly more prevalent among individuals with CHC versus individuals without. CHC was associated with a 2.4-fold higher mortality rate after adjustment for sociodemographic factors (MRR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.60-3.49). Subsequent adjustment for all five HRBs attenuated this ratio by 50.7% to MRR 1.67 (95% CI, 1.14-2.44). Higher levels of attenuation (69.1%) were observed among individuals aged 45-70 years, who form the target demographic for U.S. birth cohort screening. CONCLUSION At least half the excess mortality risk for individuals with CHC in the United States may be attributed to HRBs rather than CHC. The remedial response to hepatitis C must not neglect action on HRBs if it is to fully resolve the high mortality problem in this population. (Hepatology 2018;67:97-107).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew McAuley
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Alavi
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,The Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Heather Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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31
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McDonald SA, Innes HA, Aspinall E, Hayes PC, Alavi M, Valerio H, Goldberg DJ, Hutchinson SJ. Prognosis of 1169 hepatitis C chronically infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis in the predirect-acting antiviral era. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:295-303. [PMID: 27885753 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
At a population level, little is known regarding the risk of liver- and nonliver-related mortality and hospitalization and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis (DC). This large-scale national record-linkage study estimates these outcomes following first hospital admission for DC. Record-linkages between national HCV diagnosis and clinical databases and the national inpatient hospital episode database and mortality register were conducted to follow-up the disease course of all identified HCV-diagnosed and chronically infected persons. The study population consisted of 1169 HCV chronically infected persons who had a first hospital admission for DC within the period 1994-2013. We observed an overall average annual percentage change of 12.6% in new DC patients (from 63 in 1994-1999 to 541 in 2009-2013), with no evidence for any improvement in the relative risks of liver-related or all-cause death over time. Between 1 January 1994 and 31 May 2014, 722 and 95 DC patients had died of a liver- and a nonliver-related cause, respectively, and 106 patients had a subsequent first admission for HCC. The 5-year cumulative incidence of liver-related mortality, nonliver-related mortality and first subsequent HCC admission was 61.3%, 8.2% and 8.8%, respectively. The health burden in HCV-infected patients associated with development of decompensated cirrhosis has increased dramatically over the last 20 years. Our findings establish the baseline mortality and HCC progression rates in DC patients against which the impact of new antiviral therapies can be measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A McDonald
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - H A Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - E Aspinall
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - P C Hayes
- Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Alavi
- Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - H Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - D J Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - S J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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32
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Innes H, McDonald S, Hayes P, Dillon JF, Allen S, Goldberg D, Mills PR, Barclay ST, Wilks D, Valerio H, Fox R, Bhattacharyya D, Kennedy N, Morris J, Fraser A, Stanley A, Bramley P, Hutchinson SJ. Mortality in hepatitis C patients who achieve a sustained viral response compared to the general population. J Hepatol 2017; 66:19-27. [PMID: 27545496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The number of people living with previous hepatitis C infection that have attained a sustained viral response (SVR) is expected to grow rapidly. So far, the prognosis of this group relative to the general population is unclear. METHODS Individuals attaining SVR in Scotland in 1996-2011 were identified using a national database. Through record-linkage, we obtained cause-specific mortality data complete to Dec 2013. We calculated standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) to compare the frequency of mortality in SVR patients to the general population. In a parallel analysis, we used Cox regression to identify modifiable patient characteristics associated with post-SVR mortality. RESULTS We identified 1824 patients, followed on average for 5.2years after SVR. In total, 78 deaths were observed. Overall, all-cause mortality was 1.9 times more frequent for SVR patients than the general population (SMR: 1.86; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49-2.32). Significant cause-specific elevations were seen for death due to primary liver cancer (SMR: 23.50; 95% CI: 12.23-45.16), and death due to drug-related causes (SMR: 6.58, 95% CI: 4.15-10.45). Together these two causes accounted for 66% of the total excess death observed. All of the modifiable characteristics associated with increased mortality were markers either of heavy alcohol use or injecting drug use. Individuals without these behavioural markers (32.8% of cohort) experienced equivalent survival to the general population (SMR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.41-1.18) CONCLUSIONS: Mortality in Scottish SVR patients is higher overall than the general population. The excess was driven by death from drug-related causes and liver cancer. Health risk behaviours emerged as important modifiable determinants of mortality in this population. LAY SUMMARY Patients cured of hepatitis C through treatment had a higher mortality rate overall than the general population. Most of the surplus mortality was due to drug-related causes and death from liver cancer. A history of heavy alcohol and injecting drug use were associated with a higher mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Scott McDonald
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - David Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Heather Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ray Fox
- The Brownlee Centre, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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33
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Aspinall EJ, Mitchell W, Schofield J, Cairns A, Lamond S, Bramley P, Peters SE, Valerio H, Tomnay J, Goldberg DJ, Mills PR, Barclay ST, Fraser A, Dillon JF, Martin NK, Hickman M, Hutchinson SJ. A matched comparison study of hepatitis C treatment outcomes in the prison and community setting, and an analysis of the impact of prison release or transfer during therapy. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:1009-1016. [PMID: 27509844 PMCID: PMC5558600 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Prisoners are a priority group for hepatitis C (HCV) treatment. Although treatment durations will become shorter using directly acting antivirals (DAAs), nearly half of prison sentences in Scotland are too short to allow completion of DAA therapy prior to release. The purpose of this study was to compare treatment outcomes between prison- and community-based patients and to examine the impact of prison release or transfer during therapy. A national database was used to compare treatment outcomes between prison treatment initiates and a matched community sample. Additional data were collected to investigate the impact of release or transfer on treatment outcomes. Treatment-naïve patients infected with genotype 1/2/3/4 and treated between 2009 and 2012 were eligible for inclusion. 291 prison initiates were matched with 1137 community initiates: SVRs were 61% (95% CI 55%-66%) and 63% (95% CI 60%-66%), respectively. Odds of achieving a SVR were not significantly associated with prisoner status (P=.33). SVRs were 74% (95% CI 65%-81%), 59% (95% CI 42%-75%) and 45% (95% CI 29%-62%) among those not released or transferred, transferred during treatment, or released during treatment, respectively. Odds of achieving a SVR were significantly associated with release (P<.01), but not transfer (P=.18). Prison-based HCV treatment achieves similar outcomes to community-based treatment, with those not released or transferred during treatment doing particularly well. Transfer or release during therapy should be avoided whenever possible, using anticipatory planning and medical holds where appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Aspinall
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - W Mitchell
- NHS Forth Valley Viral Hepatitis Service, Stirling, UK
| | - J Schofield
- Public Health Protection Unit, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Cairns
- Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - S Lamond
- Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - P Bramley
- NHS Forth Valley Viral Hepatitis Service, Stirling, UK
| | | | - H Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Tomnay
- Crosshouse Hospital, Kilmarnock, UK
| | - D J Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - P R Mills
- Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - S T Barclay
- Walton Liver Clinic, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Fraser
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, NHS Grampian, Aberdeen, UK
| | - J F Dillon
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - N K Martin
- Division of Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M Hickman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - S J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
- Health Protection Scotland, NHS National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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34
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Weir A, McLeod A, Innes H, Valerio H, Aspinall EJ, Goldberg DJ, Barclay ST, Dillon JF, Fox R, Fraser A, Hayes PC, Kennedy N, Mills PR, Stanley AJ, Aitken C, Gunson R, Templeton K, Hunt A, McIntyre P, Hutchinson SJ. Hepatitis C reinfection following treatment induced viral clearance among people who have injected drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 165:53-60. [PMID: 27268294 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although people who inject drugs (PWID) are an important group to receive Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antiviral therapy, initiation onto treatment remains low. Concerns over reinfection may make clinicians reluctant to treat this group. We examined the risk of HCV reinfection among a cohort of PWID (encompassing all those reporting a history of injecting drug use) from Scotland who achieved a sustained virological response (SVR). METHODS Clinical and laboratory data were used to monitor RNA testing among PWID who attained SVR following therapy between 2000 and 2009. Data were linked to morbidity and mortality records. Follow-up began one year after completion of therapy, ending on 31st December, 2012. Frequency of RNA testing during follow-up was calculated and the incidence of HCV reinfection estimated. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine factors associated with HCV reinfection. RESULTS Among 448 PWID with a SVR, 277 (61.8%) were tested during follow-up, median 4.5 years; 191 (69%) received one RNA test and 86 (31%) received at least two RNA tests. There were seven reinfections over 410 person years generating a reinfection rate of 1.7/100py (95% CI 0.7-3.5). For PWID who have been hospitalised for an opiate or injection related cause post SVR (11%), the risk of HCV reinfection was greater [AHR=12.9, 95% CI 2.2-76.0, p=0.002] and the reinfection rate was 5.7/100py (95% CI 1.8-13.3). CONCLUSION PWID who have been tested, following SVR, for HCV in Scotland appear to be at a low risk of reinfection. Follow-up and monitoring of this population are warranted as treatment is offered more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Weir
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | - Hamish Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Heather Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Esther J Aspinall
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | - David J Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | | | - Ray Fox
- Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Celia Aitken
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Rory Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Kate Templeton
- East of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Edinburgh, UK.
| | | | | | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
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Bulteel N, Partha Sarathy P, Forrest E, Stanley AJ, Innes H, Mills PR, Valerio H, Gunson RN, Aitken C, Morris J, Fox R, Barclay ST. Factors associated with spontaneous clearance of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. J Hepatol 2016; 65:266-72. [PMID: 27155531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Spontaneous clearance of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (CHC) is rare. We conducted a retrospective case-control study to identify rates and factors associated with spontaneous clearance of CHC. METHODS We defined cases as individuals who spontaneously resolved CHC, and controls as individuals who remained chronically infected. We used data obtained on HCV testing between 1994 and 2013 in the West of Scotland to infer case/control status. Specifically, untreated patients with ⩾2 sequential samples positive for HCV RNA ⩾6months apart followed by ⩾1 negative test, and those with ⩾2 positive samples ⩾6months apart with no subsequent negative samples were identified. Control patients were randomly selected from the second group (4/patient of interest). Case notes were reviewed and patient characteristics obtained. RESULTS 25,113 samples were positive for HCV RNA, relating to 10,318 patients. 50 cases of late spontaneous clearance were identified, contributing 241 person-years follow-up. 2,518 untreated, chronically infected controls were identified, contributing 13,766 person-years follow-up, from whom 200 controls were randomly selected. The incidence rate of spontaneous clearance was 0.36/100 person-years follow-up, occurring after a median 50months' infection. Spontaneous clearance was positively associated with female gender, younger age at infection, lower HCV RNA load and co-infection with hepatitis B virus. It was negatively associated with current intravenous drug use. CONCLUSIONS Spontaneous clearance of CHC occurs infrequently but is associated with identifiable host and viral factors. More frequent HCV RNA monitoring may be appropriate in selected patient groups. LAY SUMMARY Clearance of hepatitis C virus infection without treatment occurs rarely once chronic infection has been established. We interrogated a large Scottish patient cohort and found that it was more common in females, patients infected at a younger age or with lower levels of HCV in the blood, and patients co-infected with hepatitis B virus. Patients who injected drugs were less likely to spontaneously clear chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Bulteel
- MRC, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | - Ewan Forrest
- The Walton Liver Clinic, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Hamish Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Heather Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Blood-borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Rory N Gunson
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Celia Aitken
- West of Scotland Specialist Virology Centre, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jude Morris
- Department of Gastroenterology, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ray Fox
- Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
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Valerio H, Goldberg DJ, Lewsey J, Weir A, Allen S, Aspinall EJ, Barclay ST, Bramley P, Dillon JF, Fox R, Fraser A, Hayes PC, Innes H, Kennedy N, Mills PR, Stanley AJ, Hutchinson SJ. Evidence of continued injecting drug use after attaining sustained treatment-induced clearance of the hepatitis C virus: Implications for reinfection. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 154:125-31. [PMID: 26183402 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at the greatest risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, yet are often denied immediate treatment due to fears of on-going risk behaviour. Our principal objective was to examine evidence of continued injecting drug use among PWID following successful treatment for HCV and attainment of a sustained viral response (SVR). METHODS PWID who attained SVR between 1992 and June 2012 were selected from the National Scottish Hepatitis C Clinical Database. Hospitalisation and mortality records were sourced for these patients using record linkage techniques. Our primary outcome variable was any hospitalisation or death, which was indicative of injecting drugs post-SVR. RESULTS The cohort comprised 1170 PWID (mean age at SVR 39.6y; 76% male). The Kaplan Meier estimate of incurring the primary outcome after three years of SVR was 10.59% (95% CI, 8.75-12.79) After adjusting for confounding, the risk of an injection related hospital episode or death post-SVR was significantly increased with advancing year of SVR: AHR:1.07 per year (95% CI, 1.01-1.14), having a pre-SVR acute alcohol intoxication-related hospital episode: AHR:1.83 (95% CI, 1.29-2.60), and having a pre-SVR opiate or injection-related hospital episode: AHR:2.59 (95% CI, 1.84-3.64). CONCLUSION Despite attaining the optimal treatment outcome, these data indicate that an increasing significant minority of PWID continue to inject post-SVR at an intensity which leads to either hospitalisation or death and increased risk of reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Blood-borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK.
| | - David J Goldberg
- Blood-borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK; School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - James Lewsey
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Amanda Weir
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Blood-borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Esther J Aspinall
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Blood-borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ray Fox
- Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | - Hamish Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Blood-borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | | | | | | | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Blood-borne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections Section, Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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Innes HA, McDonald SA, Dillon JF, Allen S, Hayes PC, Goldberg D, Mills PR, Barclay ST, Wilks D, Valerio H, Fox R, Bhattacharyya D, Kennedy N, Morris J, Fraser A, Stanley AJ, Bramley P, Hutchinson SJ. Toward a more complete understanding of the association between a hepatitis C sustained viral response and cause-specific outcomes. Hepatology 2015; 62:355-64. [PMID: 25716707 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Sustained viral response (SVR) is the optimal outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, yet more detailed data are required to confirm its clinical value. Individuals receiving treatment in 1996-2011 were identified using the Scottish HCV clinical database. We sourced data on 10 clinical events: liver, nonliver, and all-cause mortality; first hospitalisation for severe liver morbidity (SLM); cardiovascular disease (CVD); respiratory disorders; neoplasms; alcohol-intoxication; drug intoxication; and violence-related injury (note: the latter three events were selected a priori to gauge ongoing chaotic lifestyle behaviours). We determined the association between SVR attainment and each outcome event, in terms of the relative hazard reduction and absolute risk reduction (ARR). We tested for an interaction between SVR and liver disease severity (mild vs. nonmild), defining mild disease as an aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) <0.7. Our cohort comprised 3,385 patients (mean age: 41.6 years), followed-up for a median 5.3 years (interquartile range: 3.3-8.2). SVR was associated with a reduced risk of liver mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]: 0.24; P < 0.001), nonliver mortality (AHR, 0.68; P = 0.026), all-cause mortality (AHR, 0.49; P < 0.001), SLM (AHR, 0.21; P < 0.001), CVD (AHR, 0.70; P = 0.001), alcohol intoxication (AHR, 0.52; P = 0.003), and violence-related injury (AHR, 0.51; P = 0.002). After 7.5 years, SVR was associated with significant ARRs for liver mortality, all-cause mortality, SLM, and CVD (each 3.0%-4.7%). However, we detected a strong interaction, in that ARRs were considerably higher for individuals with nonmild disease than for individuals with mild disease. CONCLUSIONS The conclusions are 3-fold: (1) Overall, SVR is associated with reduced hazard for a range of hepatic and nonhepatic events; (2) an association between SVR and behavioral events is consistent with SVR patients leading healthier lives; and (3) the short-term value of SVR is greatest for those with nonmild disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish A Innes
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Scott A McDonald
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - John F Dillon
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Allen
- University Hospital, Crosshouse, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C Hayes
- Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - David Wilks
- Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Valerio
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Ray Fox
- The Brownlee Center, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This research provides an estimate of the frequency of company-sponsored alcohol brand-related sites on Facebook™. OBJECTIVES We conducted a systematic overview of the extent of alcohol brand-related sites on Facebook™ in 2012. METHODS We conducted a 2012 Facebook™ search for sites specifically related to 898 alcohol brands across 16 different alcoholic beverage types. Descriptive statistics were produced using Microsoft SQL Server. RESULTS We identified 1,017 company-sponsored alcohol-brand related sites on Facebook™. CONCLUSIONS Our study advances previous literature by providing a systematic overview of the extent of alcohol brand sites on Facebook™.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siphannay Nhean
- 1Community Health Sciences Department, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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DiLoreto JT, Siegel M, Hinchey D, Valerio H, Kinzel K, Lee S, Chen K, Shoaff JR, Kenney J, Jernigan DH, DeJong W. Assessment of the average price and ethanol content of alcoholic beverages by brand--United States, 2011. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2012; 36:1288-97. [PMID: 22316218 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01721.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no existing data on alcoholic beverage prices and ethanol (EtOH) content at the level of alcohol brand. A comprehensive understanding of alcohol prices and EtOH content at the brand level is essential for the development of effective public policy to reduce alcohol use among underage youth. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively assess alcoholic beverage prices and EtOH content at the brand level. METHODS Using online alcohol price data from 15 control states and 164 online alcohol stores, we estimated the average alcohol price and percent alcohol by volume for 900 brands of alcohol, across 17 different alcoholic beverage types, in the United States in 2011. RESULTS There is considerable variation in both brand-specific alcohol prices and EtOH content within most alcoholic beverage types. For many types of alcohol, the within-category variation between brands exceeds the variation in average price and EtOH content among the several alcoholic beverage types. Despite differences in average prices between alcoholic beverage types, in 12 of the 16 alcoholic beverage types, customers can purchase at least 1 brand of alcohol that is under $1 per ounce of EtOH. CONCLUSIONS Relying on data or assumptions about alcohol prices and EtOH content at the level of alcoholic beverage type is insufficient for understanding and influencing youth drinking behavior. Surveillance of alcohol prices and EtOH content at the brand level should become a standard part of alcohol research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna T DiLoreto
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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