Pilot study of microelimination in hepatitis C: direct derivation between drug centers and the hepatology unit in a university hospital.

Pinazo‐Bandera, José; García-García, Alberto; Rodríguez, J Cobos; Bautista, Josef; Benítez, JJ; Ruiz, JJ; Alonso, A Ortega; Bellido, RJ Andrade; Cortés, Miren García

doi:10.37352/2020435.1

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 7 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Several barriers that hinder access to treatments in these populations have been described [ 20 , 26 , 27 ]. Social stigma, complex lifestyles, HCV not being a priority, unawareness of available effective antiviral treatments, and the need for multiple appointments and analytical tests to access HCV treatment can make the usual healthcare process difficult.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hepatitis C virus point-of-care microelimination approach in a vulnerable population in the South of Spain

Pinazo-Bandera,

Aranda,

García-García

et al. 2023

Gastroenterology Report

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background Since the introduction of direct-acting antivirals, thousands of chronic hepatitis C patients have been successfully treated. However, vulnerable populations have a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and face barriers that impede their access to antivirals. We carried out an HCV microelimination program focused on vulnerable population groups in Malaga. Methods People in drug addiction treatment centers and homeless shelters in Malaga who participated in the program between October 2020 and October 2021 were included. After providing participants with educational information on HCV, a dry drop test (DDT) was used to collect blood for subsequent screening for HCV infection. The participants who were diagnosed with HCV infection were scheduled for comprehensive healthcare assessments, including blood tests, ultrasonography, elastography, and the prescription of antivirals, all conducted in a single hospital visit. Sustained viral response (SVR) was analysed 12 weeks after end of treatment. Results Of the 417 persons invited to participate, 271 (65%) agreed to participate in the program. These participants were screened for HCV infection and 28 of them were diagnosed with HCV infection (10%). These hepatitis C-infected patients had a mean age of 53 ± 9 years; 86% were males and 93% were or had been drug users. Among 23 patients with HCV infection, HCV genotype 1a predominated (74%). Medical exams showed that 19% (4/21) had advanced fibrosis (F3–4), and 5% (1/21) had portal hypertension. Finally, 23 infected patients received treatment with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and SVR was confirmed in 22 patients (96%). Conclusions Drug users and homeless people have a higher prevalence of HCV infection than the general population. The microelimination program with educational activity and screening tools achieved a high participation rate, easy healthcare access, and a high rate of SVR despite the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%