Descriptive epidemiology of hepatitis C in individuals referred for specialized HCV care in Newfoundland and Labrador, 1996–2014

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite growing awareness of the significant burden of disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection worldwide, understanding of the epidemiology and demographic distribution of HCV infection in Canada, specifically in Atlantic Canada, is limited. Currently, data on the demographic and clinical profile of HCV-infected individuals in Newfoundland and Labrador is limited. The aim of this study is to address this knowledge gap. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of HCV-positive individuals referred for specialized care in St. John’s, Newfoundland, between 1996 and 2014, was conducted. Descriptive data were obtained through chart review and access to a database consisting of individuals referred for specialized HCV care in St. John’s. Results: During the study period, 767 individuals were referred for specialized HCV care, of whom 714 were included in our analysis. These individuals represent 57.5% of HCV-positive cases identified by the province’s public health department during the same time frame. HCV infection was more common among men (68.2%) and urban dwellers (74.8%). The majority of cases were HCV genotype 1 (52.1%). Intravenous and intranasal drug use were the most common self-reported risk factors for HCV transmission. High loss-to-follow-up rates were found among those referred from the province’s correctional system. Conclusions: This study provides important insights into the demographic and clinical profile of individuals referred for HCV-related care in Newfoundland and Labrador and fills a gap in the current understanding of HCV-positive individuals in this Atlantic province. These findings can help inform future directions for HCV-related health policy, resource allocation, and clinical care initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada.

Quality of Life of Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Receiving Sovaldi Treatment Regimen at Sharq Almadina Hospital in Alexandria

“…Regarding residency, the majority of the studied CHCV patients, (81.2%) lived in urban areas. This is nearly consistent with a study conducted in Canada that showed that the majority of HCV cases (76.3%) referred to their center lived in urban areas (9) . And with that study done by Gamaleldin et al,(2016) (28) at Alexandria university showed that the prevalence of anti-HCV positive infection in urban areas was slightly higher (0.21%) than in rural areas (0.05%).…”

“…These results contradict that of a cohort's study in Canada which showed that intravenous drug intake was the most reported risk factor for HCV infection (61.1%), followed closely by intra-nasal drug intake (59.4%). Tattoos, high-risk sexual activity, and incarceration accounted for 47.8%, 44.8% and 40.2%, respectively (9) . However, Illicit drug users (IUDs), having an IUD partner, alcohol and tattooing constituted higher risks in Egypt than in her countries (12) .…”

“…The first aim of treatment is clearance of infection, and finally sustained virological response (SVR). Six months after the beginning of treatment HCV-RNA counts that reach less than 50 international units per milliliter; may show sustained treatment with recurrence only in about 5% of patients (9,12) . Therefore, with increased morbidity and mortality associated with CHCV infection, it is critical to achieving viral clearance associated with significantly reduced rates of liver failure, progression of fibrosis, and liver-related deaths among CHCV patients (13) .…”

“…The Egyptian initiative campaign of national treatment for viral hepatitis is considered one of the most fruitful and effective public health initiatives worldwide. The NCCVH showed success to implement a robust strategy to control viral hepatitis in Egypt (9) . Once the DAA was registered in Egypt, the Ministry of State for Administrative Development developed a web-based online registration system (www.nccvh.org.eg) (10,11) .…”