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Ferreira J, Sheflin-Findling S. Update on Pediatric Hepatitis C Infection. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2025; 27:18. [PMID: 40019674 PMCID: PMC11870864 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-024-00955-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSEOF REVIEW Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections continue to steadily increase in the United States and remain a major public health challenge. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of HCV infection in children, focusing on recent advancements in screening, diagnosis, and treatment. RECENT FINDINGS Effective screening strategies, including universal screening of pregnant women and nucleic acid testing for all perinatally exposed infants at 2 to 6 months of age, have been implemented to identify infected individuals early. Direct-acting antiviral agents have revolutionized treatment, offering high cure rates for children of all ages. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in achieving HCV elimination. These include the need for improved access to testing and treatment, as well as ongoing efforts to develop a preventive vaccine. Continued research and implementation of effective strategies are essential to reduce the burden of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Ferreira
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Liver Disease and Nutrition, Cohen Children's Medical Center/Northwell, The Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra, 1991 Marcus Avenue, Suite M100 , Lake Success, NY, 11042, USA.
| | - Shari Sheflin-Findling
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Liver Disease and Nutrition, Cohen Children's Medical Center/Northwell, The Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra, 1991 Marcus Avenue, Suite M100 , Lake Success, NY, 11042, USA
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Wilson AM, Jacobs MM, Lambert TY, Valada A, Meloni G, Gilmore E, Murray J, Morgello S, Akbarian S. Transcriptional impacts of substance use disorder and HIV on human ventral midbrain neurons and microglia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.02.05.636667. [PMID: 39974894 PMCID: PMC11838593 DOI: 10.1101/2025.02.05.636667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2025]
Abstract
For people with HIV (PWH), substance use disorders (SUDs) are a prominent neurological risk factor, and the impacts of both on dopaminergic pathways are a potential point of deleterious convergence. Here, we profile, at single nucleus resolution, the substantia nigra (SN) transcriptomes of 90 postmortem donors in the context of chronic HIV and opioid/cocaine SUD, including 67 prospectively characterized PWH. We report altered microglial expression for hundreds of pro- and anti-inflammatory regulators attributable to HIV, and separately, to SUD. Stepwise, progressive microglial dysregulation, coupled to altered SN dopaminergic and GABAergic signaling, was associated with SUD/HIV dual diagnosis and further with lack of viral suppression in blood. In virologically suppressed donors, SUD comorbidity was associated with microglial transcriptional changes permissive for HIV infection. We report HIV-related downregulation of monoamine reuptake transporters specifically in dopaminergic neurons regardless of SUD status or viral load, and additional transcriptional signatures consistent with selective vulnerability of SN dopamine neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M. Wilson
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michelle M. Jacobs
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Tova Y. Lambert
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Aditi Valada
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Gregory Meloni
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Evan Gilmore
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jacinta Murray
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Susan Morgello
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Schahram Akbarian
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Kristensen K, Boodram B, Avila W, Pineros J, Latkin C, Mackesy-Amiti ME. Perceptions of access to harm reduction services during the COVID-19 pandemic among people who inject drugs in metropolitan Chicago. PLoS One 2025; 20:e0293238. [PMID: 39774394 PMCID: PMC11706470 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the risk environment for people who inject drugs (PWID), making continued access to harm reduction services imperative. Research has shown that some harm reduction service providers were able to continue to provide services throughout the pandemic. Most of these studies, however, focused on staff perspectives, not those of PWID. Our study examines changes in perceptions of access to harm reduction services (e.g., participant reported difficulty in accessing syringes and naloxone) among PWID participating in a longitudinal study conducted through the University of Illinois-Chicago's Community Outreach Intervention Projects field sites during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A COIVD-19 survey module was administered from March 2020-February 2022 to participants of an ongoing longitudinal study of PWID ages 18-30, who were English-speaking, and were residing in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Responses to the COVID-19 survey module were analyzed to understand how study participants' self-reported access to harm reduction services changed throughout the pandemic. Baseline responses to the survey were analyzed to compare participant-reported drug use behaviors and perceived access to harm reduction services across COIVD-19 time periods. Mixed effects logistic regression was used to examine difficulty in syringe access as an outcome of COVID-19 time period. RESULTS Participants had significantly lower odds (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI 0.12-0.65) of reporting difficulty in accessing syringes later in the pandemic. However, the majority of participants reported access to syringes and naloxone remained the same as before the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The lack of perceived changes in harm reduction access by PWID and the decrease in those reporting difficulty accessing syringes as the pandemic progressed suggests the efficacy of adaptations to harm reduction service provision (e.g., window and mobile service) during the pandemic. Further research is needed to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted PWIDs' engagement with harm reduction services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Kristensen
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Basmattee Boodram
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Wendy Avila
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Juliet Pineros
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mary-Ellen Mackesy-Amiti
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Lee E, Piñeros J, Williams LD, Mackesy-Amiti ME, Molina Y, Boodram B. Network ethnic homophily and injection equipment sharing among Latinx and White non-Latinx people who inject drugs. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2024; 23:1080-1099. [PMID: 36853193 PMCID: PMC10460831 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2023.2181259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Latinx people who inject drugs (PWID) are less likely to engage in injection equipment sharing, but are more vulnerable to injection drug use (IDU)-related morbidity and mortality than Whites. Identifying subgroups of Latinx PWID who do engage in equipment sharing and likely bear the brunt of this health burden is a priority. Ethnic disparities may reflect contextual drivers, including injection networks. Latinx PWID with low ethnic homophily (the proportion of individuals with the same ethnic background) may be more likely to share equipment due to forced distancing from health-protective ethnocultural resources and power imbalances within injection networks. The current study offers a framework and examines how associations between network ethnic homophily and injection equipment sharing differ among 74 Latinx and 170 non-Latinx White PWID in the Chicagoland area (N = 244). Latinx had less homophilous than non-Latinx Whites (p <.001). Ethnic homophily was protective for equipment sharing among Latinx (OR = 0.17, 95%CI [0.77, 0.04], p = .02), but not non-Latinx Whites (OR = 1.66, 95%CI [0.40, 6.93], p = .49). Our findings implicate the need for targeted cultured interventions that focus on Latinx PWID who are more vulnerable to morbidity and mortality, potentially due to less access to ethnic peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhye Lee
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Juliet Piñeros
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago
| | - Leslie D. Williams
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Mary-Ellen Mackesy-Amiti
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yamilé Molina
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Basmattee Boodram
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL, United States
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Romo E, Bianchet E, Dowd P, Mazor KM, Stopka TJ, Friedmann PD. Syringe Access, Syringe Sharing, and Perceptions of HCV: A Qualitative Study Exploring the HCV Risk Environment in Rural Northern New England, United States. Viruses 2024; 16:1364. [PMID: 39339841 PMCID: PMC11605231 DOI: 10.3390/v16091364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The ongoing hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic in the United States disproportionately affects rural people who inject drugs (PWID). This study explores the HCV risk environment in rural northern New England by examining PWID experiences and perceptions of HCV and injection equipment-sharing practices. We performed a thematic analysis on semi-structured interviews conducted with 21 adults with a history of injection drug use from rural New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts between April 2018 and August 2019. Salient themes included: (1) limited and varied access to sterile syringe sources; (2) syringe scarcity contributing to the use of informal syringe sources (e.g., secondary syringe exchange or syringe sellers who purchased syringes from out-of-state pharmacies); (3) syringe scarcity contributing to syringe sharing; (4) linkages among decisions about syringe sharing and perceptions of HCV risk, HCV status, and interpersonal trust; and (5) confusion and misconceptions about HCV, including difficulty learning one's HCV status, inadequate HCV education, and misconceptions regarding HCV transmission and treatment. Efforts to prevent and eliminate HCV among rural PWID should expand syringe access, increase awareness of HCV as a serious but preventable risk, and acknowledge social connections as potential influences on syringe access and syringe-sharing decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Romo
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Elyse Bianchet
- Office of Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School—Baystate, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - Patrick Dowd
- Office of Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School—Baystate, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
| | - Kathleen M. Mazor
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Thomas J. Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Peter D. Friedmann
- Office of Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School—Baystate, Springfield, MA 01199, USA
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O'Brien SF, Ehsani-Moghaddam B, Osmond L, Fan W, Goldman M, Drews SJ. Epidemiology of Hepatitis C over 28 years of monitoring Canadian blood donors: Insight into a low-risk undiagnosed population. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2319. [PMID: 39192303 PMCID: PMC11348590 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C is a blood-borne infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. About 70% (50-80%) of infections become chronic and exhibit anti-HCV and HCV nucleic acid (NAT) positivity. Direct acting oral pan genotypic antiviral treatment became available in 2014 and was free for most Canadians in 2018. Clinical screening for HCV infection is risk-based. About 1% of Canadians have been infected with HCV, with 0.5% chronically infected (about 25% unaware) disproportionately impacting marginalized groups. Blood donors are in good health, are deferred for risks such as injection drug use and can provide insight into the low-risk undiagnosed population. Here we describe HCV epidemiology in first-time blood donors over 28 years of monitoring. METHODS All first-time blood donors in all Canadian provinces except Quebec (1993 to 2021) were analyzed. All blood donations were tested for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) and since late 1999 also HCV NAT. A case-control study was also included. All HCV positive donors (cases) since 2005 and HCV negative donors (1:4 ratio controls) matched for age, sex and location were invited to complete a risk factor interview. Separate logistic regression models for anti-HCV positivity and chronic HCV assessed the association between age cohort, sex, region and neighbourhood material deprivation and ethnocultural concentration. CASE control data were analysed by logistic regression. RESULTS There were 2,334,238 donors from 1993 to 2021 included. Prevalence for anti-HCV was 0.33% (0.30,0.37) in 1993 and 0.07% (0.05,0.09) in 2021 (p < 0.0001). In 2021 0.03% (0.01,0.04) had chronic HCV. Predictors for both anti-HCV positivity and chronic HCV were similar, for chronic HCV were male sex (OR 1.8, 1.6,2.1), birth between 1945 and 1975 (OR 7.1, 5.9,8.5), living in the western provinces (OR 1.4, 1.2,1.7) and living in material deprived (OR 2.7, 2.1,3.5) and more ethnocultural concentrated neighbourhoods (OR 1.8, 1.3,2.5). There were 318 (35.4%) of chronic HCV positive and 1272 (39.6%) of controls who participated in case control interviews. The strongest risks for acquisition were injection drug use (OR 96.9, 22.3,420.3) and birth in a high prevalence country (OR 24.5, 11.2,53.6). CONCLUSIONS Blood donors have 16 times lower HCV prevalence then the general population. Donors largely mirror population trends and highlight the ongoing prevalence of untreated infections in groups without obvious risks for acquisition missed by risk-based patient screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila F O'Brien
- Epidemiology & Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1G 4J5, Canada.
- School of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 4J5, Canada.
| | - Behrouz Ehsani-Moghaddam
- Epidemiology & Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1G 4J5, Canada
- Centre for Studies in Primary Care, Department of Family Medicine, Queens University, 220 Bagot Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3G2, Canada
| | - Lori Osmond
- Epidemiology & Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1G 4J5, Canada
| | - Wenli Fan
- Epidemiology & Surveillance, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1G 4J5, Canada
| | - Mindy Goldman
- Donation and Policy Studies, Canadian Blood Services, 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1G 4J5, Canada
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Steven J Drews
- Microbiology, Canadian Blood Services, 8249-114 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 118 Street & 86 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3, Canada
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Pedro M, Seanna P, Honoria G, Renee H, Chunki F, Ben E. HCV prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics in a cross-sectional, community study of young people who inject drugs in New York City: Opportunity for and threats to HCV elimination. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2211. [PMID: 38957862 PMCID: PMC11217018 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims In the United States, the opioid epidemic has led many young people who use opioids to initiate injection drug use, putting them at risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, community surveys to monitor HCV prevalence among young people who inject drugs (YPWID) are rare. Methods As part of Staying Safe (Ssafe), a trial to evaluate an HCV-prevention intervention, a community-recruited sample of 439 young people who use opioids (ages 18-30) in New York City (NYC) were screened from 2018 to 2021. Screening procedures included a brief verbal questionnaire, a visual check for injection marks, onsite urine drug testing, rapid HCV antibody (Ab) testing, and dried blood spot (DBS) collection. DBS specimens were sent to a laboratory for HCV RNA testing and phylogenetic analysis to identify genetic linkages among HCV RNA-positive specimens. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations between HCV status (Ab and RNA) and demographics and drug use patterns. Results Among the 330 participants who reported injecting drugs (past 6 months), 33% (n = 110) tested HCV Ab-positive, 58% of whom (n = 64) had HCV RNA-positive DBS specimens, indicating active infection. In multivariable analysis, visible injection marks (AOR = 3.02; p < 0.001), older age (AOR = 1.38; p < 0.05), and female gender (AOR = 1.69; p = 0.052) were associated with HCV Ab-positive status. Visible injection marks were also associated with HCV RNA-positive status (AOR = 5.24; p < 0.01). Twenty-five percent of RNA-positive specimens (14/57) were genetically linked. Conclusion The relatively low prevalence of active infection suggests the potential impact of treatment-as-prevention in reducing HCV prevalence among YPWID. Targeted community serosurveys could help identify actively infected YPWID for treatment, thereby reducing HCV incidence and future transmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pratt Seanna
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Guarino Honoria
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyNew York CityNew YorkUSA
| | - Hallack Renee
- NYS Department of HealthWadsworth CenterAlbanyNew YorkUSA
| | - Fong Chunki
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyNew York CityNew YorkUSA
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Anouti A, Seif El Dahan K, Rich NE, Louissaint J, Lee WM, Lieber SR, Arab JP, Zhang BY, Patel MJ, Thimphittaya C, Díaz LA, Gregory DL, Kozlitina J, VanWagner LB, King AC, Mitchell MC, Singal AG, Cotter TG. Racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol-associated liver disease in the United States: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0409. [PMID: 38497931 PMCID: PMC10948135 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), encompassing alcohol-associated hepatitis and alcohol-associated cirrhosis, is rising in the United States. Racial and ethnic disparities are evident within ALD; however, the precise nature of these disparities is poorly defined. METHODS We conducted a search of the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies published from inception through September 2023 that reported ALD incidence, prevalence, and mortality within the United States, stratified by race and ethnicity. We calculated pooled prevalence and incidence by race and ethnicity, including risk ratios and ORs for ALD pooled prevalence and alcohol-associated hepatitis/alcohol-associated cirrhosis pooled proportions, and OR for ALD mortality using the DerSimonian and Laird method for random-effect models. RESULTS We identified 25 relevant studies (16 for quantitative meta-analysis), comprising 76,867,544 patients. ALD prevalence was highest in Hispanic (4.5%), followed by White (3.1%) and Black (1.4%) individuals. Pooled risk ratios of ALD prevalence were 1.64 (95% CI: 1.12-2.39) for Hispanic and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.35-0.87) for Black compared to White individuals. Mortality among those with ALD did not significantly differ between White and Hispanic (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.9-2.5; I2=0%), Black (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.8-1.6; I2=0%), or Native American (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 0.9-2.9) individuals, while there was a significant difference between White and Asian (OR: 0.1; 95% CI: 0.03-0.5) individuals. Most data were cross-sectional and assessed to be of poor or fair quality. CONCLUSIONS Differences were observed in ALD epidemiology, including higher prevalence among Hispanic and lower prevalence among Black individuals, although there were smaller differences in ALD mortality. Differences in ALD prevalence and prognosis remain poorly defined based on existing data, highlighting a need for higher-quality epidemiological studies in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Anouti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Karim Seif El Dahan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Nicole E. Rich
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jeremy Louissaint
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - William M. Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah R. Lieber
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Juan Pablo Arab
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University & London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Bill Y. Zhang
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Mausam J. Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Chanattha Thimphittaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Luis Antonio Díaz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Dyanna L. Gregory
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Julia Kozlitina
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lisa B. VanWagner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Andrea C. King
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mack C. Mitchell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas G. Cotter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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9
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Nadeau M, Wise K, Sabbella RB, Olson D. A comparison of the substance use related risk and protective factor profiles for American Indian and White American youth: a mixed studies review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1046655. [PMID: 38356950 PMCID: PMC10864645 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1046655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background American Indian youth are disproportionately impacted by substance use compared to White American youth in the United States. This mixed studies review focused on gathering data to examine the similarities and differences between the risk and protective factor profiles for substance use among American Indian and White American youth aged 10-21. Methods A scan of the existing literature was needed to review substance use related risk and protective factors for American Indian and White American youth. Search phrases were created to ensure maximum relevant results from existing literature through 2021. After deduplication, an appraisal tool was utilized to review 343 records. A total of 19 articles were deemed relevant. Data from relevant articles was recorded and categorized into the levels of the Social Ecological Model. Results Significant and salient risk and protective factors of substance use for both American Indian and White American youth presented at the individual, interpersonal (family/non-family), and community levels of the Social Ecological Model. A total of 84 factors were found from relevant articles, 55 risk factors and 29 protective factors. When comparing the American Indian and White American youth profiles, a total of 29 unique differences between American Indian (n = 21) and White American youth (n = 8) were identified. Discussion Results from this review can be utilized to inform Tribal leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers, which will ultimately influence health intervention strategies and prioritizations. Given the limited evidence though, researchers should be responsive to Tribal communities' call to action for utilizing a culturally rooted approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Nadeau
- Department of Indigenous Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Kathryn Wise
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Revathi B. Sabbella
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Devon Olson
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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10
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Romo E, Stopka TJ, Jesdale BM, Wang B, Mazor KM, Friedmann PD. Association of spatial proximity to fixed-site syringe services programs with HCV serostatus and injection equipment sharing practices among people who inject drugs in rural New England, United States. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:23. [PMID: 38282000 PMCID: PMC10822149 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00916-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) disproportionately affects rural communities, where health services are geographically dispersed. It remains unknown whether proximity to a syringe services program (SSP) is associated with HCV infection among rural people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS Data are from a cross-sectional sample of adults who reported injecting drugs in the past 30 days recruited from rural counties in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts (2018-2019). We calculated the road network distance between each participant's address and the nearest fixed-site SSP, categorized as ≤ 1 mile, 1-3 miles, 3-10 miles, and > 10 miles. Staff performed HCV antibody tests and a survey assessed past 30-day injection equipment sharing practices: borrowing used syringes, borrowing other used injection equipment, and backloading. Mixed effects modified Poisson regression estimated prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Analyses were also stratified by means of transportation. RESULTS Among 330 PWID, 25% lived ≤ 1 mile of the nearest SSP, 17% lived 1-3 miles of an SSP, 12% lived 3-10 miles of an SSP, and 46% lived > 10 miles from an SSP. In multivariable models, compared to PWID who lived within 1 mile of an SSP, those who lived 3 to 10 miles away had a higher prevalence of HCV seropositivity (aPR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.06-1.46), borrowing other used injection equipment (aPR: 1.23, 95% CI 1.04-1.46), and backloading (aPR: 1.48, 95% CI 1.17-1.88). Similar results were observed for PWID living > 10 miles from an SSP: aPR [HCV]: 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.40; aPR [borrowing other used equipment]:1.45, 95% CI 1.29-1.63; and aPR [backloading]: 1.59, 95% CI 1.13-2.24. Associations between living 1 to 3 miles of an SSP and each outcome did not reach statistical significance. When stratified by means of transportation, associations between distance to SSP and each outcome (except borrowing other used injection equipment) were only observed among PWID who traveled by other means (versus traveled by automobile). CONCLUSIONS Among PWID in rural New England, living farther from a fixed-site SSP was associated with a higher prevalence of HCV seropositivity, borrowing other used injection equipment, and backloading, reinforcing the need to increase SSP accessibility in rural areas. Means of transportation may modify this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Romo
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bill M Jesdale
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen M Mazor
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Peter D Friedmann
- Office of Research, University of MA Chan Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA
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11
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Panagiotakopoulos L, Sandul AL, Conners EE, Foster MA, Nelson NP, Wester C. CDC Recommendations for Hepatitis C Testing Among Perinatally Exposed Infants and Children - United States, 2023. MMWR Recomm Rep 2023; 72:1-21. [PMID: 37906518 PMCID: PMC10683764 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7204a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The elimination of hepatitis C is a national priority (https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/Viral-Hepatitis-National-Strategic-Plan-2021-2025.pdf). During 2010-2021, hepatitis C virus (HCV) acute and chronic infections (hereinafter referred to as HCV infections) increased in the United States, consequences of which include cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. Rates of acute infections more than tripled among reproductive-aged persons during this time (from 0.8 to 2.5 per 100,000 population among persons aged 20-29 years and from 0.6 to 3.5 among persons aged 30-39 years). Because acute HCV infection can lead to chronic infection, this has resulted in increasing rates of HCV infections during pregnancy. Approximately 6%-7% of perinatally exposed (i.e., exposed during pregnancy or delivery) infants and children will acquire HCV infection. Curative direct-acting antiviral therapy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for persons aged ≥3 years. However, many perinatally infected children are not tested or linked to care. In 2020, because of continued increases in HCV infections in the United States, CDC released universal screening recommendations for adults, which included recommendations for screening for pregnant persons during each pregnancy (Schillie S, Wester C, Osborne M, Wesolowski L, Ryerson AB. CDC recommendations for hepatitis C screening among adults-United States, 2020. MMWR Recomm Rep 2020;69[No. RR-2]:1-17). This report introduces four new CDC recommendations: 1) HCV testing of all perinatally exposed infants with a nucleic acid test (NAT) for detection of HCV RNA at age 2-6 months; 2) consultation with a health care provider with expertise in pediatric hepatitis C management for all infants and children with detectable HCV RNA; 3) perinatally exposed infants and children with an undetectable HCV RNA result at or after age 2 months do not require further follow-up unless clinically warranted; and 4) a NAT for HCV RNA is recommended for perinatally exposed infants and children aged 7-17 months who previously have not been tested, and a hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) test followed by a reflex NAT for HCV RNA (when anti-HCV is reactive) is recommended for perinatally exposed children aged ≥18 months who previously have not been tested. Proper identification of perinatally infected children, referral to care, and curative treatment are critical to achieving the goal of hepatitis C elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amy L Sandul
- Division
of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB
prevention, CDC; Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global
Health, CDC
| | - DHSc1
- Division
of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB
prevention, CDC; Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global
Health, CDC
| | | | | | | | | | - Collaborators
- Division
of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB
prevention, CDC; Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global
Health, CDC
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12
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Carmody MD, Wagner K, Bizstray B, Thornton K, Fiuty P, Rosario AD, Teshale E, Page K. Cascade of Care for Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Young Adults Who Inject Drugs in a Rural County in New Mexico. Public Health Rep 2023; 138:936-943. [PMID: 36633367 PMCID: PMC10576476 DOI: 10.1177/00333549221143086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly effective; however, people who inject drugs (PWID), the population most affected by HCV, may encounter barriers to treatment. We examined the cascade of care for HCV infection among young adult PWID in northern New Mexico, to help identify gaps and opportunities for HCV treatment intervention. METHODS Young adults (aged 18-29 y) who self-reported injection drug use in the past 90 days were tested for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA. We asked participants with detectable RNA to participate in an HCV education session, prior to a referral to a local health care provider for treatment follow-up, and to return for follow-up HCV testing quarterly for 1 year. We measured the cascade of care milestones ranging from the start of screening to achievement of sustained virologic response (SVR). RESULTS Among 238 participants, the median age was 26 years and 133 (55.9%) were men. Most (90.3%) identified as Hispanic. Of 109 RNA-positive participants included in the cascade of care assessment, 84 (77.1%) received their results, 82 (75.2%) participated in the HCV education session, 61 (56.0%) were linked to care through a medical appointment, 27 (24.8%) attended the HCV treatment appointment, 13 (11.9%) attended their follow-up appointment, 6 (5.5%) initiated treatment, 3 (2.8%) completed treatment, and 1 (0.9%) achieved SVR. CONCLUSIONS We observed a steeply declining level of engagement at each milestone step of the cascade of care after detection of HCV infection, resulting in a suboptimal level of HCV treatment and cure. Programs that can streamline testing and expand access to treatment from trusted health care providers are needed to improve the engagement of PWID in HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary D. Carmody
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Katherine Wagner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Birgitta Bizstray
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Karla Thornton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Aubrey Del Rosario
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Eyasu Teshale
- Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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13
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Gupta A, Ashour D, Shebl FM, Platt L, Chiosi JJ, Nelson SB, Ard KL, Kim AY, Bassett IV. Evaluation of Hepatitis C Treatment Outcomes Among Patients Enrolled in Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy-Boston, Massachusetts, 2016-2021. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad342. [PMID: 37496604 PMCID: PMC10368317 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In our Boston-based outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) program between 2016 and 2021, we found that a low proportion of patients with active hepatitis C virus (HCV) were prescribed HCV treatment by their OPAT provider and few achieved sustained virologic response. Clinicians should consider concurrent HCV treatment during OPAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Gupta
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dina Ashour
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fatma M Shebl
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Laura Platt
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - John J Chiosi
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sandra B Nelson
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kevin L Ard
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Arthur Y Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Mark TL, Parish WJ, Weber EM, Steinberg DG, Henretty K. The cost of opioid use disorder-related conditions in Medicare. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 244:109778. [PMID: 36701935 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medicare coverage excludes some levels of substance use disorder (SUD) care, such as intensive outpatient and residential treatment. Expanding access to SUD treatment could increase Medicare spending. However, these costs could be offset if SUD treatment resulted in cost savings from reducing SUD-related medical events and SUD-related medical comorbidities. METHODS This study estimated cost savings from expanding access to SUD treatment for persons with opioid use disorders (OUD) using three methods. First, we compared total Medicare fee-for-service spending on individuals with OUD and no treatment with OUD medications (MOUD) to Medicare spending on individuals without OUD after matching on age/sex/Medicare-Medicaid eligibility status. Second, we compared Medicare spending on individuals with OUD who received MOUD to spending individuals with OUD who did not receive MOUD. Third, we determined OUD-attributable Medicare spending for comorbid physical and mental conditions with a strong association with OUD. RESULTS Beneficiaries with OUD but no MOUD totaled $15.8 billion more than beneficiaries without OUD. Beneficiaries with OUD but no MOUD totaled $12.1 billion more than individuals with OUD and MOUD. Lastly, Medicare spending on OUD-attributable comorbidities was $4.7 billion if all medical and mental health comorbidities were included and $3.0 billion with only medical comorbidities. The totals could be 1.7 times higher if Medicare Advantage enrollees were included. CONCLUSION Expanding Medicare coverage of appropriate levels of care could improve access to effective treatment and reduce the costs associated with untreated OUD. This will likely result in substantial Medicare cost savings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tami L Mark
- RTI International, 701 13th Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20005, USA.
| | - William J Parish
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Rd, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Ellen M Weber
- Legal Action Center, 810 1st Street, NE, Suite 200, Washington DC 20002, USA.
| | - Deborah G Steinberg
- Legal Action Center, 810 1st Street, NE, Suite 200, Washington DC 20002, USA.
| | - Kristen Henretty
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Rd, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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15
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Pettit Bruns D, Kraguljac NV. Co-occurring opioid use disorder and serious mental illness: A selective literature review. J Nurs Scholarsh 2023; 55:646-654. [PMID: 36734070 DOI: 10.1111/jnu.12879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The overarching goal of this review is to provide a clinical overview of epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment, and to discuss the public health impact, social determinants including access to care, and implications for health care delivery and research. It is estimated that approximately 1 in 4 individuals suffering from a serious mental illness (SMI) may have a co-occurring opioid use disorder (OUD). In these individuals, the overall disease burden is higher and clinical outcomes are worse compared to those without a co-occurring illness, making an integrated approach to diagnosis and treatment an urgent priority. METHODS We conducted a selective review of the literature to investigate prevalence, etiology for co-occurring OUD and SMI, and diagnostic and clinical guidelines in the United States, and consideration special populations. FINDINGS Our findings suggest that, despite the high prevalence of co-occurring OUD and SMI, contemporary diagnostics and treatment approaches are underutilized in this patient population. The literature also suggests that both pharmacological and psychosocial treatment approaches need to be tailored to optimize clinical management, and that integrated treatment is pivotal for improving overall outcomes, yet comprehensive clinical guidelines for co-occurring OUD and SMI are lacking at this time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debra Pettit Bruns
- Capstone College of Nursing, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Nina V Kraguljac
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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16
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Romo E, Rudolph AE, Stopka TJ, Wang B, Jesdale BM, Friedmann PD. HCV serostatus and injection sharing practices among those who obtain syringes from pharmacies and directly and indirectly from syringe services programs in rural New England. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2023; 18:2. [PMID: 36597153 PMCID: PMC9809047 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00358-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among people who inject drugs (PWID), obtaining syringes via syringe services programs (SSPs) and pharmacies reduces injection sharing practices associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Whether indirect use of SSPs via secondary exchange confers a similar benefit remains unknown, particularly in rural settings. We compared HCV serostatus and injection sharing practices by primary syringe source among a sample of rural PWID. METHODS Data are from a cross-sectional study of adults who use drugs recruited from eleven rural counties in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts using respondent-driven sampling (2018-2019). Study staff performed HCV antibody testing. An audio computer-assisted self-interview assessed sociodemographic characteristics, past 30-day injection practices, and past 30-day primary syringe source. Primary syringe source was classified as direct SSP, pharmacy, indirect SSP (secondary exchange), or "other" (friend/acquaintance, street seller, partner/relative, found them). Mixed effects modified Poisson models assessed the association of primary syringe source with HCV seroprevalence and injection sharing practices. RESULTS Among 397 PWID, the most common primary syringe source was "other" (33%), then pharmacies (27%), SSPs (22%), and secondary exchange (18%). In multivariable models, compared with those obtaining most syringes from "other" sources, those obtaining most syringes from pharmacies had a lower HCV seroprevalence [adjusted prevalence ratio (APR):0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73-0.9985]; however, the upper bound of the 95% CI was close to 1.0. Compared with those obtaining most syringes from other sources, PWID obtaining most syringes directly from SSPs or pharmacies were less likely to report borrowing used syringes [APR(SSP):0.60, 95% CI 0.43-0.85 and APR(Pharmacies):0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.93], borrowing used injection equipment [APR(SSP):0.59, 95% CI 0.50-0.69 and APR (Pharmacies):0.81, 95% CI 0.68-0.98], and backloading [APR(SSP):0.65, 95% CI 0.48-0.88 and APR(Pharmacies):0.78, 95% CI 0.67-0.91]. Potential inverse associations between obtaining most syringes via secondary exchange and injection sharing practices did not reach the threshold for statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS PWID in rural New England largely relied on informal syringe sources (i.e., secondary exchange or sources besides SSPs/pharmacies). Those obtaining most syringes from an SSP or pharmacy were less likely to share injection equipment/syringes and had a lower HCV seroprevalence, which suggests using these sources reduces the risk of new HCV infections or serves as proxy for past injection behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Romo
- grid.168645.80000 0001 0742 0364Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA USA
| | - Abby E. Rudolph
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Thomas J. Stopka
- grid.67033.310000 0000 8934 4045Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Bo Wang
- grid.168645.80000 0001 0742 0364Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA USA
| | - Bill M. Jesdale
- grid.168645.80000 0001 0742 0364Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA USA
| | - Peter D. Friedmann
- grid.266683.f0000 0001 2166 5835Office of Research, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate, Springfield, MA USA
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17
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Levin JS, Landis RK, Sorbero M, Dick AW, Saloner B, Stein BD. Differences in buprenorphine treatment quality across physician provider specialties. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 237:109510. [PMID: 35753279 PMCID: PMC10105978 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number and types of clinicians prescribing buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) have increased over the past two decades, but there is little information on how potential indicators of quality of care to patients receiving buprenorphine vary by provider specialty. METHODS We used the Medicaid Analytic eXtract from 2009 to 2014 to identify buprenorphine treatment episodes. We assigned physician specialties to episodes based on whether an episode had at least one outpatient claim linked to specialists in addiction, behavioral health, opioid treatment program (OTP), pain, or primary care provider (PCP). We then used logistic regressions to estimate the association of linked physician specialty and achievement of the following process of care measures: at least 180-day duration, no co-occurring opioid analgesics, no co-occurring benzodiazepines, infectious disease screening, liver function test, drug and toxicology screenings, evaluation and management visits, and counseling. RESULTS Episodes linked to PCPs had significantly lower odds of achieving 180-day duration, an absence of opioid analgesics, an absence of benzodiazepines, drug and toxicology screenings, and counseling compared to addiction, behavioral health, and/or OTPs. Episodes linked to PCPs had significantly higher odds of undergoing infectious disease screenings, liver function tests, and evaluation and management visits compared to all specialty categories. CONCLUSIONS Episodes were more likely to achieve process of care measures related to the specialties of their physicians, but no specialty consistently demonstrated better performance compared to PCPs. Our findings highlight the need for models that can better integrate physical and behavioral health services for OUD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel K Landis
- RAND Corporation, 1200 South Hayes Street, Arlington, VA, USA; George Washington University Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mark Sorbero
- RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew W Dick
- RAND Corporation, 20 Park Plaza, Suite 920, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brendan Saloner
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bradley D Stein
- RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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18
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Nolan NS, Gleason E, Marks LR, Habrock-Bach T, Liang SY, Durkin MJ. Experiences Using a Multidisciplinary Model for Treating Injection Drug Use Associated Infections: A Qualitative Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:924672. [PMID: 35800016 PMCID: PMC9253819 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.924672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the past two decades, the United States has experienced a dramatic increase in the rate of injection drug use, injection associated infections, and overdose mortality. A hospital-based program for treating opioid use disorder in people who inject drugs presenting with invasive infections was initiated at an academic tertiary care center in 2020. The goal of this program was to improve care outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and facilitate transition from the hospital to longer term addiction care. The purpose of this study was to interview two cohorts of patients, those admitted before vs. after initiation of this program, to understand the program's impact on care from the patient's perspective and explore ways in which the program could be improved. Methods Thirty patients admitted to the hospital with infectious complications of injection drug use were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Interviews were transcribed and coded. Emergent themes were reported. Limited descriptive statistics were reported based on chart review. Results Thirty interviews were completed; 16 participants were part of the program (admitted after program implementation) while 14 were not participants (admitted prior to implementation). Common themes associated with hospitalization included inadequate pain control, access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), loss of freedom, stigma from healthcare personnel, and benefits of having an interprofessional team. Participants in the program were more likely to report adequate pain control and access to MOUD and many cited benefits from receiving care from an interprofessional team. Conclusions Patients with opioid use disorder admitted with injection related infections reported improved experiences when receiving care from an interprofessional team focused on their addiction. However, perceived stigma from healthcare personnel and loss of freedom related to hospitalization were continued barriers to care before and after implementation of this program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathanial S. Nolan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Louis School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Emily Gleason
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Laura R. Marks
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Louis School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Tracey Habrock-Bach
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Louis School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Stephen Y. Liang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Louis School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Louis School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Michael J. Durkin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Louis School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
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19
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Groves J, Dodd RY, Foster GA, Stramer SL. Genotype Distribution and Demographic Characteristics of Hepatitis C Virus NAT Yield Cases among US Blood Donors. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:1714-1722. [PMID: 35404410 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HCV infection rates among U.S. blood donors have been well characterized; however, few studies evaluate HCV genotypes among blood donors. Monitoring trends in disease and demographic patterns contribute to understanding the safety of the blood supply. Here we examined the demographic characteristics and the distribution of HCV genotypes/subgenotypes for nearly a 16-year period among blood donors confirmed positive for HCV RNA but antibody negative (defined as NAT yield). METHODS A retrospective assessment of demographic characteristics and testing data was used to determine temporal trends and geographical distribution of HCV genotypes/subgenotypes among American Red Cross blood donors confirmed positive as HCV-NAT yield. RESULTS From 2003-2018, 343 donors (0.38 per 100,000 donations; 95% CI, 0.35-0.43) confirmed positive as HCV-NAT-yield cases. Temporal analysis revealed a significant increase in HCV-NAT-yield cases of 54.1% between 2009-2014 (p=0.014), followed by a significant decline of 31.4% between 2015-2018 (p=0.002). Significantly more HCV-NAT-yield cases were detected among first-time donors, non-Hispanic Whites, donors aged 20-29 years, equally likely to be males as females, with the highest frequency in the South (0.52/100,000 donations). Subgenotype 1a (49.6%) was most frequent, followed by 3a (18.7%), 2b (12.5%), 1b (8.5%) and 2a (1.7%). CONCLUSION Voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are at low risk for HCV infection. Since 2015, the frequency of HCV-NAT-yield cases decreased despite an increase of acute HCV infection in the general population. HCV subgenotypes 1a and 3a continue to remain predominant among U.S. blood donors with recent HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamel Groves
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Roger Y Dodd
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Gregory A Foster
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Susan L Stramer
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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20
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Wilton J, Wong S, Purssell R, Abdia Y, Chong M, Karim ME, MacInnes A, Bartlett SR, Balshaw RF, Gomes T, Yu A, Alvarez M, Dart RC, Krajden M, Buxton JA, Janjua NZ. Association Between Prescription Opioid Therapy for Noncancer Pain and Hepatitis C Virus Seroconversion. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2143050. [PMID: 35019983 PMCID: PMC8756332 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.43050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Initiation of injection drug use may be more frequent among people dispensed prescription opioid therapy for noncancer pain, potentially increasing the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) acquisition. OBJECTIVE To assess the association between medically dispensed long-term prescription opioid therapy for noncancer pain and HCV seroconversion among individuals who were initially injection drug use-naive. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A population-based, retrospective cohort study of individuals tested for HCV in British Columbia, Canada, with linkage to outpatient pharmacy dispensations, was conducted. Individuals with an initial HCV-negative test result followed by 1 additional test between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2017, and who had no history of substance use at baseline (first HCV-negative test), were included. Participants were followed up from baseline to the last HCV-negative test or estimated date of seroconversion (midpoint between HCV-positive and the preceding HCV-negative test). EXPOSURES Episodes of prescription opioid use for noncancer pain were defined as acute (<90 days) or long-term (≥90 days). Prescription opioid exposure status (long-term vs prescription opioid-naive/acute) was treated as time-varying in survival analyses. In secondary analyses, long-term exposure was stratified by intensity of use (chronic vs. episodic) and by average daily dose in morphine equivalents (MEQ). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Multivariable Cox regression models were used to assess the association between time-varying prescription opioid status and HCV seroconversion. RESULTS A total of 382 478 individuals who had more than 1 HCV test were included, of whom more than half were female (224 373 [58.7%]), born before 1974 (201 944 [52.8%]), and younger than 35 years at baseline (196 298 [53.9%]). Participants were followed up for 2 057 668 person-years and 1947 HCV seroconversions occurred. Of the participants, 41 755 people (10.9%) were exposed to long-term prescription opioid therapy at baseline or during follow-up. The HCV seroconversion rate per 1000 person-years was 0.8 among the individuals who were prescription opioid-naive/acute (1489 of 1947 [76.5%] seroconversions; 0.4% seroconverted within 5 years) and 2.1 with long-term prescription opioid therapy (458 of 1947 [23.5%] seroconversions; 1.1% seroconverted within 5 years). In multivariable analysis, exposure to long-term prescription opioid therapy was associated with a 3.2-fold (95% CI, 2.9-3.6) higher risk of HCV seroconversion (vs prescription opioid-naive/acute). In separate Cox models, long-term chronic use was associated with a 4.7-fold higher risk of HCV seroconversion (vs naive/acute use 95% CI, 3.9-5.8), and long-term higher-dose use (≥90 MEQ) was associated with a 5.1-fold higher risk (vs naive/acute use 95% CI, 3.7-7.1). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study of people with more than 1 HCV test, long-term prescription opioid therapy for noncancer pain was associated with a higher risk of HCV seroconversion among individuals who were injection drug use-naive at baseline or at prescription opioid initiation. These results suggest injection drug use initiation risk is higher among people dispensed long-term therapy and may be useful for informing approaches to identify and prevent HCV infection. These findings should not be used to justify abrupt discontinuation of long-term therapy, which could increase risk of harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Wilton
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stanley Wong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Roy Purssell
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Younathan Abdia
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mei Chong
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mohammad Ehsanul Karim
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aaron MacInnes
- Pain Management Clinic, Jim Pattison Outpatient Care & Surgical Centre, Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sofia R. Bartlett
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rob F. Balshaw
- George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Tara Gomes
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda Yu
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Maria Alvarez
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Richard C. Dart
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, Colorado
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver
| | - Mel 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
| | - Jane A. Buxton
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Naveed Z. Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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21
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Gupta A, Shebl FM, Tong Y, Wagner K, Bassett IV, Page K, Winstanley EL. Association of co-occurring mental health problems with hepatitis C status among young people who inject drugs in rural New Mexico, 2016-2018. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:58. [PMID: 36266666 PMCID: PMC9583516 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00340-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use (IDU) remains the strongest risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States. HCV rates are increasing in rural areas among young adult people who inject drugs (PWID). People with HCV and PWID have disproportionate rates of mental health problems; however, it is unclear whether risky injection behaviors mediate the association between mental health problems and HCV. We examined the association between mental health problems and HCV in a rural cohort of young adult PWID, with the goal of informing rural service delivery. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from a convenience sample of young adult PWID in 2 rural counties in New Mexico. Participants were recruited from 2 community venues between September 2016 and May 2018. Associations between mental health problems and HCV were examined using bivariate (Fisher's exact) and multivariable modified Poisson regression analyses (with robust standard errors). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we assessed duration of IDU and receptive syringe sharing (RSS) as mediators of this relationship. RESULTS A total of 263 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 26.1 years. The majority were male (66.3%) and Hispanic/Latino (a) (87.6%). The median age first injected was 19 years, and over half reported having ever engaged in RSS (53.4%). At least one mental health problem was reported by 60.1% of participants, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being the most prevalent condition (42.2%). A majority (60.9%) tested positive for HCV antibody, and just under half (45.7%) of all participants tested positive for HCV ribonucleic acid. In SEM, PTSD had a significant total effect on HCV (τ = 0.230, P = 0.05), and this relationship was partially mediated by duration of IDU (αβ = 0.077, P = 0.03). The association between mental health problems and HCV was partially mediated by duration of IDU and the sequential mediation of duration of IDU and RSS (αβ + αββ = 0.091, P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS High HCV rates among young adult PWID in rural New Mexico may be partly explained by mental health problems, duration of IDU and RSS. Mental health services for young adult PWID in rural areas may help decrease HCV transmission in rural areas. Trial Registration N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Gupta
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St, 16th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Fatma M. Shebl
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Yao Tong
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Katherine Wagner
- grid.266832.b0000 0001 2188 8502University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Ingrid V. Bassett
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 100 Cambridge St, 16th Floor, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- grid.266832.b0000 0001 2188 8502University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Erin L. Winstanley
- grid.268154.c0000 0001 2156 6140West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV USA
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22
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Mohammadi Z, Eghtesad S, Hashemi-Shahri SM, Tabatabaei SM, Sharafkhah M, Poustchi H. The Seroprevalence of COVID-19 in Intravenous Drug Users in Comparison to Non-drug Users. Middle East J Dig Dis 2021; 13:67-70. [PMID: 34712441 PMCID: PMC8531943 DOI: 10.34172/mejdd.2021.206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 infection has led to a worldwide pandemic, and new cases are on the rise. Intravenous drug users (IVDU) are presumably at a higher risk of being infected since they have poor personal hygiene, live in groups, and have risky behaviors. The current study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of COVID-19 in IVDU in comparison with non-drug users (N-DU). METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 167 IVDU and 134 N-DU. A questionnaire gathering data on demographics, comorbidities, and use of personal protective equipment was administered to all participants. In addition, 5 cc of blood was taken from each individual to test for SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies (Pishtaz Teb SARS-Cov-2 ELISA kits). RESULTS The mean age of N-DU and IVDU were 38.9 ± 12.9 and 40.38 ± 10.24 years, respectively. COVID-19 seroprevalence in IVDU was 9.7%, and 4.8% in N-DU, but this finding was not statistically significant (p = 0.096). CONCLUSION While the seroprevalence of COVID-19 was not significantly different among the two groups, IVDU should still be considered by policymakers as a high-risk group due to their lifestyle and risky behaviors. Providing personal protective equipment and other means of protection and treatment to this population can help mitigate the spread of and mortality from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Mohammadi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sareh Eghtesad
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Maryam Sharafkhah
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- Liver and Pancreatobiliary Diseases Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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Lee YT, Wang JJ, Luu M, Tseng HR, Rich NE, Lu SC, Nissen NN, Noureddin M, Singal AG, Yang JD. State-Level HCC Incidence and Association With Obesity and Physical Activity in the United States. Hepatology 2021; 74:1384-1394. [PMID: 33728665 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with a disproportionate impact on racial/ethnic minority groups. However, state-level variation in racial/ethnic disparities and temporal trends of HCC incidence remain unknown. Therefore, we aimed to characterize (1) state-level racial/ethnic disparity in HCC incidence, (2) state-level temporal changes in HCC incidence, and (3) the ecological correlation between HCC incidence and obesity/physical activity levels in the USA. APPROACH AND RESULTS Trends in HCC incidence between 2001 and 2017 were calculated using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries and the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results, and annual percent change in rates were calculated. State-level percent of obesity and level of physical activity were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the correlation among obesity, physical activity, and state-specific average annual percent change was tested by Pearson correlation coefficient. There were striking state-level racial/ethnic disparities in HCC incidence; incidence rate ratios ranged between 6.3 and 0.9 in Blacks, 6.1 and 1.7 in Asians/Pacific Islanders, 3.8 and 0.9 in Hispanics, and 6.0 and 0.9 in American Indians/Alaska Natives (compared with Whites as reference). Despite overall decreasing HCC incidence rates after 2015, HCC incidence continued increasing in 26 states over recent years. HCC incidence trends had a moderate correlation with state-level obesity (r = 0.45, P < 0.001) and a moderate inverse correlation with state-level physical activity (r = -0.40, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS There is wide state-level variation in racial/ethnic disparity of HCC incidence. There are also disparate incidence trends across states, with HCC incidence continuing to increase in over half of the states. Regional obesity and lack of physical activity have moderate correlations with HCC incidence trends, suggesting that interventions targeting these factors may help curb rising HCC incidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Te Lee
- California Nano Systems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jasmine J Wang
- California Nano Systems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Michael Luu
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Hsian-Rong Tseng
- California Nano Systems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Nicole E Rich
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Shelly C Lu
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.,Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Nicholas N Nissen
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.,Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.,Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Amit G Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.,Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA.,Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
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24
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Tsui JI, Barry MP, Austin EJ, Sweek EW, Tung E, Hansen RN, Ninburg M, Scott JD, Glick SN, Williams EC. 'Treat my whole person, not just my condition': qualitative explorations of hepatitis C care delivery preferences among people who inject drugs. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2021; 16:52. [PMID: 34384494 PMCID: PMC8358259 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-021-00260-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)—a form of hepatitis C (HCV) treatment associated with shorter treatment course and greater efficacy—offers an unprecedented opportunity to eliminate HCV, but only if care delivery systems are developed to extend treatment to people who inject drugs (PWID). To support the design of a community-pharmacy program, we explored perspectives of PWID with chronic HCV with regard to barriers, motivators, preferences, and prior experiences related to HCV treatment and pharmacists. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with people living with HCV who reported active injection drug use. Participants were recruited from local community service and clinical organizations in the Seattle, Washington region, and focus groups and interviews were conducted in-person or via phone/video-conference. Rapid Assessment Process was used to analyze qualitative data. Dual coders used structured templates to summarize findings and engaged in iterative review to identify themes. Results Among the 40 participants, 65% were male, 52.5% were white, and 80% were not stably housed. On average, participants had been injecting drugs for 14 years and living with HCV for 6 years. Analyses revealed 3 themes: (1) limited knowledge regarding HCV and DAA treatments; (2) barriers/motivators for receiving treatment included fear of side effects, prior stigmatizing behaviors from physicians, and desire to protect relatives and the PWID community from HCV transmission; and (3) preferences for HCV care delivery, including a need for person-centered, low-barrier, and collaborative treatment integrated with other care (e.g. primary care and addiction treatment) for PWID. Participants were generally receptive to a community-pharmacy model for HCV treatment, but prior interactions with pharmacists were mixed and there were some concerns expressed that care delivered by pharmacists would not be equivalent to that of physicians. Conclusions Even in the direct-acting antivirals era, people who inject drugs still face major barriers to hepatitis C treatment which may be reduced by providing low-barrier points of access for care through pharmacists. Key recommendations for community-pharmacy design included providing care team training to reduce stigma and ensuring care team structures and culture target PWID-specific needs for education and engagement. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13722-021-00260-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith I Tsui
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Box 359780 - 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | - Michael P Barry
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Austin
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elsa W Sweek
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elyse Tung
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryan N Hansen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - John D Scott
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Box 359780 - 325 9th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| | - Sara N Glick
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,HIV/STD Program, Public Health - Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily C Williams
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research & Development, VA Puget Sound, Seattle, WA, USA
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25
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Wurcel AG, Reyes J, Zubiago J, Koutoujian PJ, Burke D, Knox TA, Concannon T, Lemon SC, Wong JB, Freund KM, Beckwith CG, LeClair AM. "I'm not gonna be able to do anything about it, then what's the point?": A broad group of stakeholders identify barriers and facilitators to HCV testing in a Massachusetts jail. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250901. [PMID: 34038430 PMCID: PMC8153419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite national guidelines promoting hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing in prisons, there is substantial heterogeneity on the implementation of HCV testing in jails. We sought to better understand barriers and opportunities for HCV testing by interviewing a broad group of stakeholders involved in HCV testing and treatment policies and procedures in Massachusetts jails. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with people incarcerated in Middlesex County Jail (North Billerica, MA), clinicians working in jail and community settings, corrections administrators, and representatives from public health, government, and industry between November 2018-April 2019. RESULTS 51/120 (42%) of people agreed to be interviewed including 21 incarcerated men (mean age 32 [IQR 25, 39], 60% non-White). Themes that emerged from these interviews included gaps in knowledge about HCV testing and treatment opportunities in jail, the impact of captivity and transience, and interest in improving linkage to HCV care after release. Many stakeholders discussed stigma around HCV infection as a factor in reluctance to provide HCV testing or treatment in the jail setting. Some stakeholders expressed that stigma often led decisionmakers to estimate a lower "worth" of incarcerated individuals living with HCV and therefore to decide against paying for HCV testing.". CONCLUSION All stakeholders agreed that HCV in the jail setting is a public health issue that needs to be addressed. Exploring stakeholders' many ideas about how HCV testing and treatment can be approached is the first step in developing feasible and acceptable strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alysse G. Wurcel
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Jessica Reyes
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Julia Zubiago
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Deirdre Burke
- Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Tamsin A. Knox
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Thomas Concannon
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Stephenie C. Lemon
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States of America
| | - John B. Wong
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Karen M. Freund
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Curt G. Beckwith
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Amy M. LeClair
- Department of Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States of America
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26
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Hussein NR, Daniel S, Mirkhan SA, Saleem ZSM, Musa DH, Ibrahim N, Naqid IA. Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the elimination of hepatitis C virus in Duhok, Kurdistan, Iraq: A retrospective cross-sectional study. J Family Med Prim Care 2021; 9:6213-6216. [PMID: 33681066 PMCID: PMC7928153 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1675_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a public health threat worldwide. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate HCV. However, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a severe compromise in health services, and this has halted efforts to eliminate HCV. Herein, we report our experience with the initiative of HCV elimination in Duhok city, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with a focus on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HCV elimination plan. Materials and Methods An anti-HCV antibody test was used to screen subjects. All positive results were then confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. All patients with current HCV infection were treated with direct-acting antiviral regimens. Results During the study period, 459,015 subjects were tested for anti-HCV antibody positivity, with a monthly average of 9,562 tests for HCV. This number dropped to zero during the lockdown period between 1March and 31May 2020. Among the tested samples, 0.29% (1350/459015) tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. RT-PCR testing of all positive samples revealed that 0.020% (93/459015) were positive. Of the 93 recruited subjects, 3 patients did not complete the treatment course due to the lockdown. All patients who finished the treatment course were cured as determined by sustained virologic response 12 (SVR12) weeks after finishing the treatment course. Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, reductions in health facility utilisation led to a significant decrease in services offered for HCV screening and treatment. Such a decrease in services has had a negative impact on HCV elimination. An urgent plan is needed to resume the services, and strict follow-up is needed for patients whose treatment was interrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawfal R Hussein
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Shameran Daniel
- Basic Sciences Department, College of Dentistry, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | | | | | - Dildar H Musa
- College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Nashwan Ibrahim
- College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Ibrahim A Naqid
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Zakho, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
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27
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Wagner K, Zhong Y, Teshale E, White K, Winstanley EL, Hettema J, Thornton K, Bisztray B, Fiuty P, Page K. Hepatitis C virus infection and polysubstance use among young adult people who inject drugs in a rural county of New Mexico. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 220:108527. [PMID: 33465605 PMCID: PMC7889731 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We assessed prevalence and correlates for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in young adult people who inject drugs (PWID) in rural New Mexico, where opioid use has been historically problematic. METHODS Participants were 18-29 years old with self-reported injection drug use in the past 90 days. We conducted testing for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) and HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) and assessed sociodemographic and risk exposures. We provided counseling and referrals to prevention services and drug treatment. We estimated prevalence ratios (PR) to assess bivariate associations with HCV infection; and adjusted PRs using modified Poisson regression methods. RESULTS Among 256 participants tested for anti-HCV, 156 (60.9 %) had been exposed (anti-HCV positive), and of 230 tested for both anti-HCV and HCV RNA, 103 (44.8 %) had current infection (RNA-positive). The majority (87.6 %) of participants were Hispanic. Almost all (96.1 %) had ever injected heroin; 52.4 % and 52.0 % had ever injected methamphetamine or cocaine, respectively. Polysubstance injecting (heroin and any other drug) was associated with significantly higher prevalence of HCV infection (76.0 %) compared to injecting only heroin (24.0 %) (PR: 3.17 (95 % CI:1.93, 5.23)). Years of injecting, history of non-fatal opioid-involved overdose, polysubstance injecting, and stable housing were independently associated with HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS HCV is highly prevalent among young adult PWID in rural NM. The high reported prevalence of polysubstance injecting and its association with HCV infection should be considered in prevention planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Wagner
- Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 84131, USA
| | - Yuna Zhong
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eyasu Teshale
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kirsten White
- Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 84131, USA
| | - Erin L Winstanley
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jennifer Hettema
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Karla Thornton
- Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 84131, USA; ECHO Institute University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Birgitta Bisztray
- Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 84131, USA
| | | | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 84131, USA.
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Jung J, Du P, Feldman R, Riley T. Discontinuation of new hepatitis C drugs among Medicare patients. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MANAGED CARE 2021; 26:84-88. [PMID: 32059096 DOI: 10.37765/ajmc.2020.42397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine factors associated with discontinuation of new hepatitis C drugs-second-generation direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)-among Medicare beneficiaries with chronic hepatitis C. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective analysis using 2014-2016 Medicare claims. METHODS The study population was patients with chronic hepatitis C in fee-for-service Medicare with Part D who initiated a DAA therapy between January 1, 2014, and September 1, 2016. We defined discontinuation of DAA therapy as filling prescriptions for fewer weeks than the expected duration of the DAA identified. We estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of DAA discontinuation by patient characteristics using multivariable logistic regression. We estimated the model separately for patients with a Part D low-income subsidy (LIS) and those without an LIS. RESULTS Of 82,056 patients who initiated a DAA therapy during the study period, 5171 (6.3%) did not complete the therapy. Discontinuation rates varied across DAAs, ranging from 4.7% (elbasvir/grazoprevir) to 11.8% (ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir). Women with an LIS were more likely to discontinue DAA therapy than men with an LIS (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08-1.25; P <.01). Non-LIS black and Hispanic patients had higher odds of discontinuation than non-LIS white patients (black: aOR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.28-1.73; P <.01; Hispanic: aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.01-2.44; P <.05). High comorbidity index score increased the odds of DAA discontinuation among patients with an LIS. CONCLUSIONS Real-world discontinuation of DAA therapy was low, but it was 3 times more likely than in clinical trials and varied by patient characteristics. Efforts to increase DAA adherence would help lower patients' risk of developing resistance to future treatments and reduce potential waste of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeah Jung
- Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, 601E Ford Bldg, University Park, PA 16801.
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Sulkowski M, Cheng WH, Marx S, Sanchez Gonzalez Y, Strezewski J, Reau N. Estimating the Year Each State in the United States Will Achieve the World Health Organization's Elimination Targets for Hepatitis C. Adv Ther 2021; 38:423-440. [PMID: 33145648 PMCID: PMC7609357 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01535-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Although hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major clinical, economic, and societal burden, the development of curative antiviral therapy may accelerate the path toward elimination. This analysis assessed the progress of United States (US) states towards achieving the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2030 HCV elimination targets for incidence, mortality, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods A previously published Markov model was used to simulate HCV progression over time to estimate the path to HCV elimination in each state based on prevalence, annual treatment, and diagnosis inputs from two large US laboratory datasets from January 2013 to December 2017. State-specific fibrosis stage restrictions on treatment in 2017 were included. The model estimated the year individual states would meet the WHO targets for diagnosing 90% of the HCV-infected population, treating 80% of the eligible population, reducing new HCV infections by 80%, and reducing HCV-related deaths by 65%. The minimum number of annual treatments needed between 2020 and 2030 to achieve the WHO treatment target was also calculated. Results Overall, the USA is projected to achieve HCV elimination by 2037, with individual targets related to mortality, diagnosis, treatment, and incidence being achieved by 2020, 2027, 2033, and 2037, respectively. Three states (Connecticut, South Carolina, and Washington) are on track to meet all four elimination targets by 2030, and 18 states are not expected to meet these targets before 2040. The estimated annual number of treatments required during 2020–2030 nationally to reach the WHO treatment target is 173,514. Conclusion With the exception of three states, the USA is not on target to meet the WHO 2030 elimination targets and 35% are off track by 10 years or more. Strategies must be implemented to reduce overall prevalence by preventing new infections, increasing rates of screening, improving linkage to care, and implementing unfettered access to curative therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-020-01535-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Dimova RB, Rude E, Talal AH. Age- and risk factor-based serologic screening for Hepatitis C virus among an Urban, high-risk population. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:1369-1387. [PMID: 32615009 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening among individuals born between 1945 and 1965 (ie birth cohort) may augment risk factor-based screening. We assessed HCV seropositivity among injection drug users (IDUs) and birth cohort members from New York City. We assessed HCV risk factors and seropositivity in 7722 participants from community health, HIV prevention, syringe exchange and drug treatment programmes. A total of 26.6% were HCV seropositive, 55.8% were born between 1945 and 1965, and 82.2% had ever injected drugs. Among all participants, HCV seropositivity was higher among IDUs compared to non-IDUs (60.5% versus 7.7%, odds ratio (OR) = 18.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) [16.2, 21.1], P < .0001) and among birth cohort members compared to non-birth cohort members (31.3% versus 22.3%, OR = 1.6, 95%CI [1.4, 1.8], P < .0001). Within the birth cohort, HCV seroprevalence among IDUs was 68.5% versus 11.8%, OR = 16.2, 95%CI [13.7, 19.3]. After adjustment, HCV seroprevalence was higher in IDUs, previously incarcerated, whites (<42 years) and 'other races' (versus blacks), HIV-infected, those who snorted heroin, those with liver disease history, and those who had sex with an HCV-seropositive partner. HCV seroprevalence among IDU, birth cohort members, was considerably higher than among the general population. In this high-risk, urban population, the association between IDU and HCV seropositivity was approximately ten times that between birth cohort membership and HCV seropositivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rositsa B Dimova
- Department of Biostatistics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Eric Rude
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew H Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Chen YC, Thio CL, Kamangar F, Cox AL, Wiberg KJ. Evolving trends in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody positivity among HIV-infected men in a community-based primary care setting. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:1202-1213. [PMID: 32579777 PMCID: PMC7544680 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in the United States occurred mostly among those born between 1945 and 1965. However, new infections continue to increase in recent years. To understand the changes in the prevalence and risk factors of HCV infection in different age and risk groups among men living with HIV, we performed a retrospective cross-sectional analyses of 1948 HIV-infected men at a multisite community health centre in urban/suburban and rural Maryland from 2003 through 2014. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine factors associated with HCV antibody (anti-HCV) positivity and restricted cubic spline method to model trends in anti-HCV prevalence over time. The overall anti-HCV prevalence was 24.2%. The annual prevalence declined in the full cohort, from 38% in 2003 to 24% in 2014, and among those ≥ 40 years old. However, the annual prevalence increased initially and then stabilized in the groups of men who were younger (<40 years old) or had injection-drug use and/or sex with men. Among the younger injection-drug users, the prevalence rose from 33% in 2003 to 79% in 2009 and then stabilized. The independent predictors for anti-HCV positivity differed between the men with and without injection-drug use and between those < 40 and ≥ 40 years old. Notably, a high prevalence of anti-HCV was observed among the younger, white injection-drug users residing in rural areas. Thus, the HCV epidemic continued unabated among high-risk individuals in this diverse population of HIV-infected men. The ongoing HCV transmission among young HIV-infected men poses a challenge en route to HCV eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Chi Chen
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD,Corresponding author: Yun-Chi Chen, D.Phil (Oxon). Department of Biology, Morgan State University, 1700 Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, 21251 MD, Phone: 1-443-885-1997,
| | - Chloe L Thio
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Farin Kamangar
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Andrea L Cox
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis in Foreign-Born Populations in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, 2009-2015. J Community Health 2020; 44:203-207. [PMID: 30259234 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-018-0573-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
While the majority of viral hepatitis is experienced in the developing world, migration of people from high prevalence countries contributes to health outcomes in the United States. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in foreign-born immigrants living in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. This study used cross-sectional data from 5982 individuals screened at community events held from 2009 to 2015. Descriptive statistics were generated to describe the screening results. Positive results for HBV infection (HBsAg+) and HCV infection (HCVAb+) were analyzed according to age, gender, and country of birth. Of 5982, the majority of participants were born in Asia (77.8%). The prevalence of infection was 6.1% for HBV and 3.8% for HCV in Asia-born immigrants compared to 3.7% for HBV and 2.8% for HCV in Africa-born immigrants. Among participants who were Asia-born, prevalence of HBV infection was highest for those from Cambodia (11.9%) compared to Vietnam (8.2%), China (8.1%), Laos (6.1%), and Korea (4.6%). Among participants who were Africa-born, prevalence of HBV was highest for those from Liberia (6.7%) and Sierra Leone (6.7%), followed by Cameroon (4.4%) and Nigeria (4.2%). The highest HCV prevalence occurred among those from Cambodia (10.8%) and Myanmar (4.9%) in Asia and those from Cameroon (11.4%) and Nigeria (4.8%) in Africa. This study suggests that screening data are disaggregated by country of birth, then improvements can be made to programs for prevention, earlier diagnosis, and linkage to care.
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Hojat L, Avery A, Greco PJ, Kaelber DC. Doubling Hepatitis C Virus Screening in Primary Care Using Advanced Electronic Health Record Tools-A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial. J Gen Intern Med 2020; 35:498-504. [PMID: 31792863 PMCID: PMC7018893 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-019-05536-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health burden, affecting over 4 million people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Preventive Services Task Force guidelines recommend screening everyone born between 1945 and 1965, but screening rates remain low. OBJECTIVE To determine whether bulk ordering and electronic messaging to patients improves guideline-based HCV screening rates. DESIGN A non-randomized controlled trial of 1024 adults from November 2016 to March 2017. PARTICIPANTS Patients due for HCV screening with at least one primary care office visit in one of three primary care clinics and enrolled in the healthcare system's tethered personal health record (tPHR). INTERVENTIONS Control patients received normal care for HCV screening, consisting of passive HCV reminders to providers during face-to-face visits and passive HCV screening notification through the patient's tPHR. Intervention patients received normal care and also had HCV antibody tests ordered for them and customized messages sent through their tPHR inviting them to go directly to the lab for HCV screening over a 12-week period. MAIN MEASURES Percentage/number of patients receiving HCV antibody tests during the intervention period. Percentage/number of intervention group patients receiving HCV screening with other blood work. KEY RESULTS In the intervention group, 33% (168 of 514) completed HCV testing, compared with 19% (97 of 510) of controls (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2-2.1). Bulk lab ordering appeared to have a large impact while bulk messaging appeared to have a less significant role. CONCLUSIONS Leveraging population analytics and bulk ordering in an electronic health record with bulk messaging to a tPHR directly engages patients in blood screening tests and can significantly improve completion. This methodology has a broad range of applications including many recommended screening or disease-specific testing. This bulk ordering and direct-to-patient messaging approach improves patient screening while decreasing provider/staff work. TRIAL REGISTRATION MetroHealth IRB16-00776 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hojat
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Department of Medicine, The MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ann Avery
- Department of Medicine, The MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Peter J Greco
- Department of Medicine, The MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Center for Clinical Informatics Research and Education, The MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - David C Kaelber
- Department of Medicine, The MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Center for Clinical Informatics Research and Education, The MetroHealth System, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics and Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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Schreiner AD, Bian J, Zhang J, Haulsee ZM, Marsden J, Durkalski-Mauldin V, Mauldin PD, Moran WP, Rockey DC. The Association of Abnormal Liver Tests with Hepatitis C Testing in Primary Care. Am J Med 2020; 133:214-221.e1. [PMID: 31369723 PMCID: PMC6980508 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As hepatitis C virus birth cohort (1945-1965) screening in primary care improves, testing patterns in response to persistently abnormal liver tests are less well known. METHODS This retrospective cohort study of a patient-centered medical home between 2007 and 2016 evaluates the association of abnormal liver chemistries and other clinical and demographic factors with hepatitis C antibody (HCV Ab) testing in patients with persistently abnormal liver tests. Patients with at least 2 consecutive abnormal liver tests were categorized by the clinical pattern of liver chemistry abnormality, including cholestatic, hepatocellular, and mixed patterns. The primary outcomes were: 1) completed HCV Ab tests; and 2) positive HCV Ab results for those patients tested. RESULTS Of 4512 patients with consecutive abnormal liver tests, only 730 (16%) underwent HCV Ab testing within 1 year of the second abnormality; 81/730 (11%) had HCV Ab detected. A logistic regression model revealed that mixed (odds ratio [OR] 2.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-2.82) and hepatocellular (OR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.15-1.79) patterns of liver test abnormality, female sex, and alcohol and tobacco abuse were associated with higher odds of HCV Ab testing. Hepatocellular (OR 7.51; 95% CI, 2.18-25.94) and mixed patterns (OR 5.88; 95% CI, 1.64-21.15) of liver test abnormalities, male sex, Medicaid enrollment, and drug and tobacco abuse had higher odds of positive HCV Ab results. CONCLUSIONS There is opportunity to improve hepatitis C diagnostic testing in patients with consecutively elevated liver tests, and hepatocellular and mixed patterns of abnormality should prompt primary care providers to action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Schreiner
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
| | - John Bian
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Z Merle Haulsee
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | | | - Patrick D Mauldin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - William P Moran
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Don C Rockey
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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Lancaster KE, Cooper HLF, Browning CR, Malvestutto CD, Bridges JFP, Young AM. Syringe Service Program Utilization, Barriers, and Preferences for Design in Rural Appalachia: Differences between Men and Women Who Inject Drugs. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 55:2268-2277. [PMID: 32748730 PMCID: PMC7584727 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1800741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background People who inject drugs (PWID) in rural areas of the United States have had limited access to syringe service programs (SSP). Rural SSP have recently surged, but accompanying research is lacking about PWID utilization, barriers, and preferences for SSP design and how those preferences vary by gender. Methods: Interviewer-administered surveys elicited information about utilization, barriers, and preferences for SSP design from 234 PWID recruited using respondent-driven sampling in Appalachian, Kentucky. Gender differences among reported barriers to utilizing SSP and preferences for program design were explored using Mantel-Haenszel chi-square tests. Results: Overall, 49% of PWID had ever utilized an SSP. The most common reasons for not utilizing an SSP were lack of awareness (23%), fear of being seen or disclosing drug use (19%), and lack of need (19%). The most preferred SSP design was located within a health department (74%) and operating during afternoon hours (66%). Men were more likely than women to prefer SSP in health departments (80% vs. 65%, p = 0.01), while more women than men preferred staffing by health department personnel (62% vs. 46%, p = 0.02). Women were less likely to favor evening hours (55% vs. 70%, p = 0.02). Fewer women wanted SSP nurses (78% vs. 90%, p = 0.01), social workers (11% vs. 24%, p = 0.01), or people who use drugs (20% vs 34%, p = 0.02) to staff SSP. Conclusions: Despite recent scale-up, SSP in Appalachia remain under-utilized. PWID were open to a range of options for SSP design and staffing, though there were variations by gender. Implementation research that identifies best strategies for tailored SSP scale-up in rural settings should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Lancaster
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Carlos D Malvestutto
- Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - John F P Bridges
- Departments of Biomedical Informatics and Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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HCV incidence is associated with injecting partner age and HCV serostatus mixing in young adults who inject drugs in San Francisco. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0226166. [PMID: 31821365 PMCID: PMC6903751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HCV incidence is increasing in the US, notably among younger people who inject drugs (PWID). In a cohort of young adult (age<30 years) PWID in San Francisco we examined whether 'injecting partner mixing' factors, i.e. age of partner and knowledge of their HCV serostatus, were associated with HCV transmission. METHODS In 448 susceptible PWID studied prospectively. All participants were asked to report characteristics and behaviors they engaged in with up to 3 injecting partners defined as "people whom you injected the most with" in the past month". These partnerships did not specify that drugs or injecting equipment was shared. HCV incidence was estimated by age of up to 3 injecting partners, categorized as: (i) all <30; (ii) mixed-age (<&≥30); and (iii) all ≥30 years and perceived knowledge of the HCV status of participants' injecting partners' HCV status. Interaction was evaluated between partnership age categories and perceived HCV status of partners. RESULTS Between 2006-2018, overall HCV incidence (/100 person years observation [pyo]) was 19.4 (95% CI: 16.4, 22.9). Incidence was highest in those with mixed-age partnerships: 28.5 (95% CI: 21.8, 37.1) and those whose partners were all <30 (23.9; 95% CI: 18.8, 30.4), and lowest if partners were ≥30 (7.5; 95% CI: 4.8, 11.8). In a multivariable analyses adjusting for age, sex (of index), injection frequency, and injection partnership 'monogamy', we found evidence for an interaction: the highest HCV incidence was seen in PWID whose partners were all <30 and who knew at least one of their partners was HCV-positive (58.9, 95% CI: 43.3, 80.0; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Younger injectors are more likely to acquire HCV from their similarly-aged peers, than older injecting partners. Protective seroadaptive behavior may contribute to reduce incidence. These findings can inform new HCV prevention approaches for young PWID needed to curb the HCV epidemic.
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Anti-HIV and Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Drugs Inhibit P-Glycoprotein Efflux Activity in Caco-2 Cells and Precision-Cut Rat and Human Intestinal Slices. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2019; 63:AAC.00910-19. [PMID: 31481446 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00910-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
P-glycoprotein (ABCB1), an ATP-binding-cassette efflux transporter, limits intestinal absorption of its substrates and is a common site of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). ABCB1 has been suggested to interact with many antivirals used to treat HIV and/or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Using bidirectional transport experiments in Caco-2 cells and a recently established ex vivo model of accumulation in precision-cut intestinal slices (PCIS) prepared from rat ileum or human jejunum, we evaluated the potential of anti-HIV and anti-HCV antivirals to inhibit intestinal ABCB1. Lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, atazanavir, maraviroc, ledipasvir, and daclatasvir inhibited the efflux of a model ABCB1 substrate, rhodamine 123 (RHD123), in Caco-2 cells and rat-derived PCIS. Lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and atazanavir also significantly inhibited RHD123 efflux in human-derived PCIS, while possible interindividual variability was observed in the inhibition of intestinal ABCB1 by maraviroc, ledipasvir, and daclatasvir. Abacavir, zidovudine, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, etravirine, and rilpivirine did not inhibit intestinal ABCB1. In conclusion, using recently established ex vivo methods for measuring drug accumulation in rat- and human-derived PCIS, we have demonstrated that some antivirals have a high potential for DDIs on intestinal ABCB1. Our data help clarify the molecular mechanisms responsible for reported increases in the bioavailability of ABCB1 substrates, including antivirals and drugs prescribed to treat comorbidity. These results could help guide the selection of combination pharmacotherapies and/or suitable dosing schemes for patients infected with HIV and/or HCV.
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Yin S, Barker L, Teshale EH, Jiles RB. Rising Trends in Emergency Department Visits Associated With Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States, 2006-2014. Public Health Rep 2019; 134:685-694. [PMID: 31577517 DOI: 10.1177/0033354919878437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emergency departments (EDs) are critical settings for hepatitis C care in the United States. We assessed trends and characteristics of hepatitis C-associated ED visits during 2006-2014. METHODS We used data from the 2006-2014 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample to estimate numbers, rates, and costs of hepatitis C-associated ED visits, defined by either first-listed diagnosis of hepatitis C or all-listed diagnosis of hepatitis C. We assessed trends by demographic characteristics, liver disease severity, and patients' disposition by using joinpoint analysis, and we calculated the average annual percentage change (AAPC) from 2006 to 2014. RESULTS During 2006-2014, the rate per 100 000 visits of first-listed and all-listed hepatitis C-associated ED visits increased significantly from 10.1 to 25.4 (AAPC = 13.0%; P < .001) and from 484.4 to 631.6 (AAPC = 3.4%; P < .001), respectively. Approximately 70% of these visits were made by persons born during 1945-1965 (baby boomers); 30% of visits were made by Medicare beneficiaries and 40% by Medicaid beneficiaries. Significant rate increases were among visits by baby boomers (first-listed: AAPC = 13.8%; all-listed: AAPC = 2.6%), persons born after 1965 (first-listed: AAPC = 14.3%; all-listed: AAPC = 9.2%), Medicare beneficiaries (first-listed: AAPC = 18.0%; all-listed: AAPC = 3.9%), and persons hospitalized after ED visits (first-listed: AAPC = 20.0%; all-listed: AAPC = 2.3%; all P < .001). Increasing proportions of compensated cirrhosis were among visits by baby boomers (first-listed: AAPC = 11.5%; all-listed: AAPC = 6.3%). Annual hepatitis C-associated total ED costs increased by 400.0% (first-listed) and 192.0% (all-listed) during 2006-2014. CONCLUSION Public health efforts are needed to address the growing burden of hepatitis C care in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoman Yin
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laurie Barker
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eyasu H Teshale
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ruth B Jiles
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Parr JB, Lodge EK, Holzmayer V, Pepin J, Frost EH, Fried MW, McGivern DR, Lemon SM, Keeler C, Emch M, Mwandagalirwa K, Tshefu A, Fwamba F, Muwonga J, Meshnick SR, Cloherty G. An Efficient, Large-Scale Survey of Hepatitis C Viremia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Using Dried Blood Spots. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 66:254-260. [PMID: 29048459 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Efficient viral load testing is needed for hepatitis C (HCV) surveillance and diagnosis. HCV viral load testing using dried blood spots (DBSs), made with a single drop of finger-prick whole blood on filter paper, is a promising alternative to traditional serum- or plasma-based approaches. Methods We adapted the Abbott Molecular m2000 instrument for high-throughput HCV viremia testing using DBSs with simple specimen processing and applied these methods to estimate the national burden of infection in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We tested DBSs collected during the 2013-2014 DRC Demographic and Health Survey, including 1309 adults ≥40 years of age. HCV-positive samples underwent targeted sequencing, genotyping, and phylogenetic analyses. Results This high-throughput screening approach reliably identified HCV RNA extracted from DBSs prepared using whole blood, with a 95% limit of detection of 1196 (95% confidence interval [CI], 866-2280) IU/mL for individual 6-mm punches and 494 (95% CI, 372-1228) IU/mL for larger 12-mm punches. Fifteen infections were identified among samples from the DRC Demographic and Health Survey; the weighted country-wide prevalence of HCV viremia was 0.9% (95% CI, 0.3%-1.6%) among adults ≥40 years of age and 0.7% (95% CI, .6%-.8%) among human immunodeficiency virus-infected subjects. All successfully genotyped cases were due to genotype 4 infection. Conclusions DBS-based HCV testing represents a useful tool for the diagnosis and surveillance of HCV viremia and can easily be incorporated into specimen referral systems. Among adults ≥40 years of age in the DRC, 100000-200000 may have active infection and be eligible for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Parr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Evans K Lodge
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | | | | | | | - Michael W Fried
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - David R McGivern
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Stanley M Lemon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Corinna Keeler
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Michael Emch
- Department of Geography, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.,Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Kashamuka Mwandagalirwa
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.,Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Antoinette Tshefu
- Kinshasa School of Public Health, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Franck Fwamba
- National AIDS Control Program, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Jérémie Muwonga
- National AIDS Control Program, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Steven R Meshnick
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
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Mahmud S, Al Kanaani Z, Abu-Raddad LJ. Characterization of the hepatitis C virus epidemic in Pakistan. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:809. [PMID: 31521121 PMCID: PMC6744714 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4403-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With one in every 20 Pakistanis already infected, Pakistan has the second largest number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections globally. The aim of this study was to present a quantitative and analytical characterization of the HCV epidemic in Pakistan. Methods A standardized database of HCV antibody incidence and prevalence and HCV genotypes in all subpopulations was systematically assembled. Random-effects meta-analyses and random-effects meta-regressions were performed. Shannon Diversity Index was calculated to determine genotype diversity. Results The database included two incidence, 309 prevalence, and 48 genotype measures. Pooled mean HCV prevalence ranged between 7.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 5.8–8.3%) in Sindh and 0.9% (95% CI: 0.1–2.4%) in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (F.A.T.A). Estimated number of chronically-infected persons ranged between 4.2 million in Punjab and 0.03 million in F.A.T.A. HCV prevalence was stable over time [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.0 (95% CI: 1.0–1.0)]. Population classification was the strongest predictor of HCV prevalence, explaining 51.8% of prevalence variation. Relative to the general population, HCV prevalence was higher in people who inject drugs [AOR of 23.8 (95% CI: 13.0–43.6)], populations with liver-related conditions [AOR of 22.3 (95% CI: 15.7–31.6)], and high-risk clinical populations [AOR of 7.8 (95% CI: 4.8–12.7)]. Low genotype diversity was observed (Shannon diversity index of 0.67 out of 1.95; 34.5%). There were only minor differences in genotype diversity by province, with genotype 3 being most common in all provinces. Conclusion Pakistan’s HCV epidemic shows homogeneity across the provinces, and over time. HCV prevalence is strikingly persistent at high level, with no evidence for a decline over the last three decades. Scale up of HCV treatment and prevention is urgently needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4403-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Mahmud
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Cornell University, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Zaina Al Kanaani
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Cornell University, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laith J Abu-Raddad
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology Group, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation - Education City, Cornell University, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, USA. .,College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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41
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Foot drop with a popliteal artery aneurysm due to heroin use: A case report. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil 2019; 64:284-287. [PMID: 31453523 DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2018.2124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction has become an important problem worldwide, and the number of heroin users has been rapidly increasing. There are serious complications related to intravenous drug use. Sharing injectors and using them multiple times cause septic and infective complications. Another important aspect of intravenous drug use is that it potentiates vascular damage. Contaminated injectors may induce pseudoaneurysms when applied directly into the vessel, endothelium, or surrounding tissues. Infected pseudoaneurysms may provoke necrosis, rupture, bleeding, and some dramatic results such as loss of extremity or death. Herein, we report a female case who had a history of long-term substance abuse in whom foot drop developed with a popliteal artery aneurysm.
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42
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Jin F, Matthews GV, Grulich AE. Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus among gay and bisexual men: a systematic review. Sex Health 2019; 14:28-41. [PMID: 27712618 DOI: 10.1071/sh16141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A systematic review was performed on the evidence of sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in gay and bisexual men (GBM). Studies conducted in industrialised countries and published in English from 2000 to 2015 with data on HCV in GBM were included. Pooled estimates of prevalence and incidence of HCV infection were stratified by study settings and participants' HIV status using random effect models. Case-series reports were summarised descriptively. Of the 38 cross-sectional studies, the pooled HCV prevalence was substantially higher in HIV-positive men (8.3%, 95% CI: 6.7-9.9) than in HIV-negative men (1.5%, 95% CI 0.8-2.1), and higher in those who reported injecting drug use (34.8%, 95% CI 26.9-42.7) than in those who did not (3.5%, 95% CI 2.4-4.5). Of the 16 longitudinal studies, the pooled HCV incidence was markedly higher in clinic-based (7.0 per 1000 person-years, 95% CI 4.6-9.5) than in community-based (1.4 per 1000 person-years, 95% CI 0.7-2.1) studies, and in HIV-positive men (6.4 per 1000 person-years, 95% CI 4.6-8.1) than in HIV-negative men (0.4 per 1000 person-years, 95% CI 0-0.9). Since the early 2000s, 15 case-series reports increasingly pointed to the importance of sexual transmission of HCV in mainly HIV-positive men. Injecting drug use remained the major transmission route of HCV in GBM. Receptive condomless intercourse and concurrent ulcerative sexually transmissible infections are likely drivers that facilitated HCV sexual transmission in HIV-positive men. HCV incidence remains very low in HIV-negative GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyi Jin
- The Kirby Institute, Wallace Wurth Building, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- The Kirby Institute, Wallace Wurth Building, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Andrew E Grulich
- The Kirby Institute, Wallace Wurth Building, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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43
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Moorman JP, Krolikowski MR, Mathis SM, Pack RP. HIV/HCV Co-infection: Burden of Disease and Care Strategies in Appalachia. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 15:308-314. [PMID: 29931466 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0404-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to address infection with HIV and hepatitis C in the Appalachian region of the USA and the driving forces underlying this epidemic. We seek to discuss epidemiology of disease and the possible interventions to reduce incidence and burden of disease in this resource-limited area. RECENT FINDINGS The rise of the opioid crisis has fueled a rise in new hepatitis C infection, and a rise in new HIV infection is expected to follow. Injection drug use has directly contributed to the epidemic and continues to remain a risk factor. Men who have sex with men remains a significant risk factor for HIV acquisition as well. Progress has been made in the battle against HIV and, to a lesser extent, hepatitis C, but much more can be done. Limited data on co-infection with HIV/HCV are currently available for this at-risk region, but it is clear that Appalachia is highly vulnerable to co-infection outbreaks. A multipronged approach that includes advances in assessment of co-infection and education for both patients and clinicians can help to recognize, manage, and ideally prevent these illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Moorman
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Diseases and Immunity, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.
| | - Matthew R Krolikowski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Stephanie M Mathis
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.,Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Robert P Pack
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.,Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
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44
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Blanco C, Volkow ND. Management of opioid use disorder in the USA: present status and future directions. Lancet 2019; 393:1760-1772. [PMID: 30878228 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(18)33078-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder is characterised by the persistent use of opioids despite the adverse consequences of its use. The disorder is associated with a range of mental and general medical comorbid disorders, and with increased mortality. Although genetics are important in opioid use disorder, younger age, male sex, and lower educational attainment level and income, increase the risk of opioid use disorder, as do certain psychiatric disorders (eg, other substance use disorders and mood disorders). The medications for opioid use disorder, which include methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone, significantly improve opioid use disorder outcomes. However, the effectiveness of medications for opioid use disorder is limited by problems at all levels of the care cascade, including diagnosis, entry into treatment, and retention in treatment. There is an urgent need for expanding the use of medications for opioid use disorder, including training of health-care professionals in the treatment and prevention of opioid use disorder, and for development of alternative medications and new models of care to expand capabilities for personalised interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Blanco
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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45
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Heimer R, Binka M, Koester S, Grund JPC, Patel A, Paintsil E, Lindenbach BD. Recovery of Infectious Hepatitis C Virus From Injection Paraphernalia: Implications for Prevention Programs Serving People Who Inject Drugs. J Infect Dis 2019; 217:466-473. [PMID: 28968665 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Controlling hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) has focused on preventing sharing syringes and drug preparation paraphernalia, but it is unclear whether HCV incidence linked to sharing paraphernalia reflects contamination of the paraphernalia or syringe-mediated contamination when drugs are shared. Methods In experiments designed to replicate real-world injection practices when drugs are shared, the residual contents of HCV-contaminated syringes with detachable or fixed needled were passed through the "cookers" and filters used by PWID in preparing drugs for injection and then introduced into a second syringe. All items were tested for the presence of infectious HCV using a chimeric HCV with a luciferase gene. Results Hepatitis C virus could not be recovered from cookers regardless of input syringe type or cooker design. Recovery was higher when comparing detachable needles to fixed needles for residue in input syringes (73.8% vs 0%), filters (15.4% vs 1.4%), and receptive syringes (93.8% vs 45.7%). Conclusions Our results, consistent with the hypothesis that sharing paraphernalia does not directly result in HCV transmission but is a surrogate for transmissions resulting from sharing drugs, have important implications for HCV prevention efforts and programs that provide education and safe injection supplies for PWID populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Heimer
- Department of the Epidemiology Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mawuena Binka
- Department of the Epidemiology Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Jean-Paul C Grund
- Addiction Research Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Department of Addictology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, the Czech Republic.,Freudenthal Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Amisha Patel
- Department of the Epidemiology Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Elijah Paintsil
- Department of the Epidemiology Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut.,Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Brett D Lindenbach
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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46
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Hepatitis C continuum of care and utilization of healthcare and harm reduction services among persons who inject drugs in Seattle. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 195:114-120. [PMID: 30611979 PMCID: PMC6440747 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe the "continuum of care" for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and related health service utilization among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the Seattle metropolitan area. METHODS The study analyzed data from the 2015 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system focused on PWID, which included local questions on HCV treatment and testing. We calculated respondent driven sampling (RDS)-adjusted percentages of participants who had completed each step of the care continuum and compared healthcare harm reduction services among participants who were HCV + vs. HCV- using bivariate analyses. RESULTS 513 PWID were screened for HCV antibodies (Ab). Of those, 59.7% were HCV Ab+. Among those HCV Ab+, 86.4% had been tested for HCV at least once; 69.9% reported a previous diagnosis. Of those diagnosed, 55.9% had received a confirmatory test, 17.2% had ever received any medications for HCV, and 7.2% had completed treatment. The majority of HCV Ab + participants had seen a health care provider in the past 12 months (85.6%). CONCLUSIONS There is a large gap between HCV screening and treatment among Seattle area PWID.
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47
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Jafri S, Gordon SC. Epidemiology of Hepatitis C. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2018; 12:140-142. [PMID: 30988931 PMCID: PMC6385933 DOI: 10.1002/cld.783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Syed‐Mohammed Jafri
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyHenry Ford Health SystemDetroitMI
| | - Stuart C. Gordon
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyHenry Ford Health SystemDetroitMI
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48
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Ganesan M, Poluektova LY, Enweluzo C, Kharbanda KK, Osna NA. Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Apoptotic Hepatocytes Program Macrophages and Hepatic Stellate Cells for Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis Development: Role of Ethanol as a Second Hit. Biomolecules 2018; 8:113. [PMID: 30322122 PMCID: PMC6316463 DOI: 10.3390/biom8040113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte apoptosis is a crucially important mechanism for liver disease pathogenesis, and the engulfment of apoptotic bodies (AB) by non-parenchymal cells serves as a leading mechanism of inflammation and fibrosis progression. Previously, we have shown that hepatitis C virus (HCV) and alcohol metabolites induce massive apoptosis in hepatocytes and the spread of HCV-infection to the neighboring uninfected cells. Here, we hypothesize that the capturing of AB by non-parenchymal cells, macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) changes their phenotype to promote inflammation and fibrosis. In this regard, we generated AB from Huh7.5CYP2E1 (RLW) cells also treated with an acetaldehyde-generating system (AGS) and incubated them with human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and HSC (LX2 cells). Activation of inflammasomes and pro-fibrotic markers has been tested by RT-PCR and linked to HCV expression and AGS-induced lipid peroxidation in RLW cells. After exposure to AB we observed activation of inflammasomes in MDMs, with a higher effect of AB HCV+, further enhanced by incubation of MDMs with ethanol. In HSC, activation of inflammasomes was modest; however, HCV and AGS exposure induced pro-fibrotic changes. We conclude that HCV as well as lipid peroxidation-adducted proteins packaged in AB may serve as a vehicle for delivery of parenchymal cell cargo to non-parenchymal cells to activate inflammasomes and pro-fibrotic genes and promote liver inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Ganesan
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Larisa Y Poluektova
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Chijioke Enweluzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Kusum K Kharbanda
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
| | - Natalia A Osna
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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49
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Cipriano LE, Liu S, Shahzada KS, Holodniy M, Goldhaber-Fiebert JD. Economically Efficient Hepatitis C Virus Treatment Prioritization Improves Health Outcomes. Med Decis Making 2018; 38:849-865. [PMID: 30132410 PMCID: PMC8826843 DOI: 10.1177/0272989x18792284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The total cost of treating the 3 million Americans chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a substantial affordability challenge requiring treatment prioritization. This study compares the health and economic outcomes of alternative treatment prioritization schedules. METHODS We developed a multiyear HCV treatment budget allocation model to evaluate the tradeoffs of 7 prioritization strategies. We used optimization to identify the priority schedule that maximizes population net monetary benefit (NMB). We compared prioritization schedules in terms of the number of individuals treated, the number of individuals who progress to end-stage liver disease (ESLD), and population total quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). We applied the model to the population of treatment-naive patients with a total annual HCV treatment budget of US$8.6 billion. RESULTS First-come, first-served (FCFS) treats the fewest people with advanced fibrosis, prevents the fewest cases of ESLD, and gains the fewest QALYs. A schedule developed from optimizing population NMB prioritizes treatment in the first year to patients with moderate to severe fibrosis who are younger than 65 years, followed by older individuals with moderate to severe fibrosis. While this strategy yields the greatest population QALYs, prioritization by disease severity alone prevents more cases of ESLD. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the differences between prioritization schedules are greater when the budget is smaller. A 10% annual treatment price reduction enabled treatment 1 year sooner to several patient subgroups, specifically older patients and those with less severe liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION In the absence of a sufficient budget to treat all patients, explicit prioritization targeting younger people with more severe disease first provides the greatest health benefits. We provide our spreadsheet model so that decision makers can compare health tradeoffs of different budget levels and various prioritization strategies with inputs tailored to their population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shan Liu
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, U.S.A
| | | | - Mark Holodniy
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, Stanford, CA, U.S.A
- Division of Infectious Diseases & Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, U.S.A
| | - Jeremy D. Goldhaber-Fiebert
- Stanford Health Policy, Center for Health Policy and Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, U.S.A
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50
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Hanna RM, So N, Kaldas M, Hou J, Arman F, Sangalang M, Yanny B, Selamet U, Saab S, Nobakht N, Rastogi A. Case Report: Patient with Hepatitis C, p-ANCA, and Cryoglobulin Antibodies Presenting with Necrotizing Crescentic p-ANCA Glomerulonephritis. Case Rep Nephrol Dial 2018; 8:161-170. [PMID: 30197905 PMCID: PMC6120379 DOI: 10.1159/000491629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C (HCV) infection has a prevalence of 3 million infected individuals in the United States, according to recent Center for Disease Control reports, and can have various renal manifestations. Cryoglobulins, antibodies that precipitate at colder temperatures in vitro, are a relatively common cause of renal disease in HCV infection. The cryoglobulin proteins can form occlusive aggregates in small glomerular capillary lumina or deposit in other areas of the glomerulus, resulting in hypocomplementemia, proteinuria, hematuria, and renal injury. The typical biopsy pattern is that of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). There are, however, other HCV-related patterns of glomerular injury. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are known to exist in HCV-infected patients. In many reported cases, ANCA serologic testing may appear positive due to cross-reactivity of the immune assays; however, the biopsy findings do not support ANCA-associated crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN)/vasculitis as the primary cause of glomerular injury. There are rare reports of microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) p-ANCA vasculitis, in patients with HCV infection. In comparison with the MPGN pattern of cryoglobulinemic glomerular injury, biopsies from these HCV-infected patients with concomitant MPA revealed a crescentic GN, associated with normal serum complement levels. We present a case of HCV-associated glomerular disease with the surprising biopsy finding of necrotizing and crescentic p-ANCA GN, with a background, low-grade mesangial immune complex GN. Thus, p-ANCA disease should also be considered in HCV-infected patients, in addition to the more typical lesions of MPGN or cryoglobulinemic GN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramy M Hanna
- UCLA-Southbay Nephrology, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, USA.,UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Westwood, California, USA
| | - Naomi So
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Westwood, California, USA
| | - Marian Kaldas
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Westwood, California, USA.,UCLA Health-Southbay Rheumatology, Torrance, California, USA
| | - Jean Hou
- Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Renal Pathology, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Farid Arman
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Westwood, California, USA
| | - Michelle Sangalang
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Westwood, California, USA.,UCLA Southbay Family Medicine, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, USA
| | - Bishoy Yanny
- UCLA-Southbay Nephrology, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, USA.,UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Westwood, California, USA
| | - Umut Selamet
- UCLA-Southbay Nephrology, Rancho Palos Verdes, California, USA.,UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Westwood, California, USA
| | - Sammy Saab
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Westwood, California, USA.,UCLA Ronald Regan Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Westwood, California, USA
| | | | - Anjay Rastogi
- UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Westwood, California, USA
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