scholarly journals Factors Associated With Testing for Hepatitis C Infections Among a Commercially Insured Population of Persons With HIV, United States 2008–2016

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hope King ◽  
Lara Bull–Otterson ◽  
Karen W Hoover ◽  
Huang Ya-Lin A Huang ◽  
Weiming Zhu ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important public health problem among people with HIV. People with HIV who are coinfected with HCV infection are at increased risk for cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatitis C–related mortality; as such, national guidelines recommend that persons with HIV be tested for HCV infection. Methods Data from the 2003–2017 IBM Watson Health MarketScan database were used for this study. We used diagnostic, procedural, and drug codes to identify patients with ≥1 inpatient or outpatient medical claim of HIV diagnosis. Patients with prior HIV or hepatitis C diagnoses were excluded. We calculated hepatitis C testing rates among newly diagnosed HIV-infected persons within 12 months of the initial HIV diagnosis date (January 1, 2008–December 31, 2016). We used Poisson regression to identify the factors associated with hepatitis C testing. Lastly, we assessed hepatitis C testing trends using the Cochran-Armitage test. Results The prevalence of testing for hepatitis C in newly identified persons with HIV (n = 46 277) was 50% within 12 months of the index HIV diagnosis. From 2008 to 2017, the testing rate increased by 13%. Significant predictors of hepatitis C testing were age, sex, and urbanicity. Women with HIV were less likely to have been tested compared with men (relative risk, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.77–0.81). Only 40% of patients between 50 and 59 years of age were tested for hepatitis C within 12 months of the index HIV diagnosis, while 56% of persons with HIV aged 20–29 years were tested for hepatitis C. Conclusions Overall, 50% of newly diagnosed HIV patients were tested for hepatitis C within 12 months of HIV diagnosis. Although there were increases in hepatitis C testing rates over the study period, there were missed opportunities to detect HCV infection among people newly diagnosed with HIV.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Wei Ang ◽  
Carmen Low ◽  
Chen Seong Wong ◽  
Irving Charles Boudville ◽  
Matthias Paul Han Sim Toh ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundEarly diagnosis is crucial in securing optimal outcomes in the HIV care cascade. Recent HIV infection (RHI) serves as an indicator of early detection in the course of HIV infection. Surveillance of RHI is important in uncovering at-risk groups in which HIV transmission is ongoing. The study objectives are to estimate the proportion of RHI among persons newly-diagnosed in 2013–2017, and to elucidate epidemiological factors associated with RHI in Singapore.MethodsAs part of the National HIV Molecular Surveillance Programme, residual plasma samples of treatment-naïve HIV-1 positive individuals were tested using the biotinylated peptide-capture enzyme immunoassay with a cutoff of normalized optical density ≤ 0.8 for evidence of RHI. A recent infection testing algorithm was applied for the classification of RHI. We identified risk factors associated with RHI using logistic regression analyses.ResultsA total of 701 newly-diagnosed HIV-infected persons were included in the study. The median age at HIV diagnosis was 38 years (interquartile range, 28–51). The majority were men (94.2%), and sexual route was the predominant mode of HIV transmission (98.3%). Overall, 133/701 (19.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 16.2–22.0%) were classified as RHI. The proportions of RHI in 2015 (31.1%) and 2017 (31.0%) were significantly higher than in 2014 (11.2%). A significantly higher proportion of men having sex with men (23.4, 95% CI 19.6–27.6%) had RHI compared with heterosexual men (11.1, 95% CI 7.6–15.9%). Independent factors associated with RHI were: age 15–24 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.18, 95% CI 1.69–10.31) compared with ≥55 years; HIV diagnosis in 2015 (aOR 2.36, 95% CI 1.25–4.46) and 2017 (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.32–4.80) compared with 2013–2014; detection via voluntary testing (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.07–3.43) compared with medical care; and self-reported history of HIV test(s) prior to diagnosis (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.06–2.81).ConclusionAlthough there appears to be an increasing trend towards early diagnosis, persons with RHI remain a minority in Singapore. The strong associations observed between modifiable behaviors (voluntary testing and HIV testing history) and RHI highlight the importance of increasing the accessibility to HIV testing for at-risk groups.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 2257-2266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saulo Augusto Silva Mantovani ◽  
Alanderson Alves Ramalho ◽  
Thasciany Moraes Pereira ◽  
Fernando Luiz Cunha Castelo Branco ◽  
Humberto Oliart-Guzmán ◽  
...  

Abstract Despite the process of nutritional transition in Brazil, in some places, such as the Amazon region, stunting is still an important public health problem. We identified the prevalence and factors associated with stunting in children under five years old residing in the urban area of Assis Brasil. A survey was conducted in which a questionnaire on socioeconomic, maternal and children’s conditions was applied, and height or length was measured. The children with height for age index below -2 Z-scores were considered stunted, according to the criteria by the World Health Organization. Four hundred and twenty-eight children were evaluated. Of these, 62 were stunted. Factors associated with stunting, according to adjusted models, were: the presence of open sewer, the wealth index for households, the receipt of governmental financial aid and the mother’s height, age and education. Therefore, it was observed that family and the mother’s characteristics as well as environmental and socioeconomic factors were closely related to the occurrence of stunting in the population studied, and such nutritional disturbance is still a health problem in the Brazilian Amazon.


2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (02) ◽  
pp. 220-226
Author(s):  
GHAZANFAR ALI SINDHU, ◽  
SADAF NAZ, ◽  
FRAZ SAEED QURESHI, ◽  
Zaheer Ahmed, ◽  
Tamur Islam,

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). HCV infection and type 2 diabetes are two common disorders with a high impact on health worldwide. There is growing evidenceto support the concept that HCV infection is a risk factor for developing type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Both insulin resistance and diabetes canadversely affect the course of chronic hepatitis C, and lead to poor response to antiviral therapy and increased incidence of Hepatocellularcarcinoma. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the frequency of type 2 Diabetes mellitus in newly diagnosed chronichepatitis C patients presenting in Allied hospital Medical unit II during six month period. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Medicalunit-II, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Period: 01-08-2009 to 28-02-2010. Material and methods: All newly diagnosed patients of chronichepatitis C on the basis of PCR for HCV-RNA were included in the study. Fasting and two hours postprandial blood sample were tested.Diabetes Mellitus was labeled as per slandered. Results: Out of 180 patients with CHC 19 (10.6%) were found to have Diabetes mellituswhile 161(89.4%) were non-diabetics. Conclusions: There is close association in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patientswith chronic hepatitis C.


2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (22) ◽  
pp. 13963-13973 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhaohui Cai ◽  
Chen Zhang ◽  
Kyung-Soo Chang ◽  
Jieyun Jiang ◽  
Byung-Chul Ahn ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronically infects approximately 170 million people worldwide, with an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The study of HCV replication and pathogenesis has been hampered by the lack of an efficient stable cell culture system and small-animal models of HCV infection and propagation. In an effort to develop a robust HCV infection system, we constructed stable human hepatoma cell lines that contain a chromosomally integrated genotype 2a HCV cDNA and constitutively produce infectious virus. Transcriptional expression of the full-length HCV RNA genome is under the control of a cellular Pol II polymerase promoter at the 5′ end and a hepatitis delta virus ribozyme at the 3′ end. The resulting HCV RNA was expressed and replicated efficiently, as shown by the presence of high levels of HCV proteins as well as both positive- and negative-strand RNAs in the stable Huh7 cell lines. Stable cell lines robustly produce HCV virions with up to 108 copies of HCV viral RNA per milliliter (ml) of the culture medium. Subsequent infection of naïve Huh7.5 cells with HCV released from the stable cell lines resulted in high levels of HCV proteins and RNAs. Additionally, HCV infection was inhibited by monoclonal antibodies specific to CD81 and the HCV envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2, and HCV replication was suppressed by alpha interferon. Collectively, these results demonstrate the establishment of a stable HCV culture system that robustly produces infectious virus, which will allow the study of each aspect of the entire HCV life cycle.


Author(s):  
Boun Kim Tan ◽  
Mathieu Chalouni ◽  
Dominique Salmon Ceron ◽  
Alexandre Cinaud ◽  
Laure Esterle ◽  
...  

Abstract Background An increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was reported in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), without identifying factors associated with atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) events. Methods HIV–HCV coinfected patients were enrolled in the ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH nationwide cohort. Primary outcome was total ASCVD events. Secondary outcomes were coronary and/or cerebral ASCVD events, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) ASCVD events. Incidences were estimated using the Aalen-Johansen method. Factors associated with ASCVD were identified using cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models. Results At baseline, median age of the study population (n=1213) was 45.4 (interquartile range [IQR] 42.1−49.0) years and 70.3% were men. After a median follow-up of 5.1 (IQR 3.9−7.0) years, the incidence was 6.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.19−9.38) per 1000 person-years for total ASCVD events, 4.01 (2.78−6.00) for coronary and/or cerebral events, and 3.17 (2.05−4.92) for PAD ASCVD events. Aging (hazard ratio [HR] 1.06, 95% CI 1.01−1.12), prior CVD (HR 8.48, 95% CI 3.14−22.91), high total cholesterol (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.11−1.83), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08−0.63), statin use (HR 3.31, 95% CI 1.31−8.38), and high alcohol intake (HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.35−7.52) were independently associated with total ASCVD events, while undetectable baseline viral load (HR 0.41, 95%CI 0.18−0.96) with coronary and/or cerebral events. Conclusion HIV–HCV coinfected patients experienced a high incidence of ASCVD events. Some traditional cardiovascular risk factors were the main determinants of ASCVD. Controlling cholesterol abnormalities and maintaining undetectable HIV viral load are essential to control cardiovascular risk.


2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. M. El-Ghitany ◽  
Y. M. Alkassabany ◽  
A. G. Farghaly

Abstract We have previously shown that the Egyptian Hepatitis C Virus Risk Score (EGCRISC), an Egyptian hepatitis C virus (HCV) risk-based screening tool, to be valid and cost-effective. Certain behaviours, occupations and diseases have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of exposure to HCV infection and constitute a major population reservoir of HCV infection. This study investigated the efficacy of EGCRISC in selected high-risk groups by testing 863 participants from four groups: slaughterhouse workers, illicit drug users (IDUs), female sex workers and human immune deficiency virus (HIV) patients. Data for this study were collected on EGCRISC and another pre-designed risk factor questionnaire. Sera were tested for HCV antibodies by ELISA. EGCRISC, at lower cut-off points, showed significantly good performance (P < 0.05) in all four groups except for females <45 years, but was reliable in detecting HCV cases (sensitivity: 84.21% and negative predictive value: 94.5%). Specific scores for IDUs and HIV patients were developed that showed high accuracy (P < 0.001). A modified EGCRISC for high-risk groups (EGCRISC-HRGs) was shown to be a valid tool that is recommended for use in high-risk populations if no other specific screening tool is available or universal screening is applied. EGCRISC for IDUs (EGCRISC-IDUs) and EGCRISC for HIV patients (EGCRISC-HIV) are useful tools for preselecting potentially HCV-infected cases for further testing in settings where serological analysis is not readily available or accessible.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 2712-2712
Author(s):  
Edith Bigot-Corbel ◽  
Michelle Gassin ◽  
Isabelle Corre ◽  
Didier Le Carrer ◽  
Odile Delaroche ◽  
...  

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to B-cell malignancy via direct infection and transformation of B-lymphocytes, or via indirect transformation by chronic antigen-driven stimulation. Both mechanisms may occur simultaneously, as we previously reported in a case of HCV infection followed by plasma-cell leukemia (PCL), where blasts were infected with HCV and the monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) they produced was directed against the core protein of the virus (New Engl J Med, 2003; 348:178). Approximately 10% of HCV-positive patients develop a monoclonal Ig, the specificity of which is usually unknown. To evaluate the link between chronic HCV-antigen driven stimulation and plasma–cell transformation, we studied the specificity of monoclonal Ig developed in the context of HCV infection. Over a period of 13 months, sera from patients consulting or hospitalised at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire of Nantes found positive for monoclonal Ig, were systematically tested for the presence of HCV RNA and anti-HCV Ig. Among the 700 patients thus studied, 10 (1.4%) were found positive for HCV. Purification of the monoclonal Ig was achieved for 7/10 patients. Using immunoblotting, the purified monoclonal Ig (2 IgG, 1 IgA, 1 IgM) of 4 patients, all with HCV genotype 2, recognized the C22–3 fragment of HCV-core protein; 2 (IgG) recognized NS-4 and 1 did not recognize HCV. Among the 4 patients with anti-HCV-core monoclonal Ig, two presented with mixed (type II) cryoglobulinemia and one was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Hence, 2/5 patients with anti-HCV core monoclonal Ig developed plasma-cell malignancy. Anti-HCV treatment resulted in the disappearance of the monoclonal Ig for 3/3 treated patients. In summary, in the context of HCV infection monoclonal Ig were typically directed against the virus, and could distinguish patients with increased risk of plasma-cell malignancy. Efforts should be made to identify such patients, as anti-viral therapy should help eradicate the HCV-driven plasma-cell clone.


Author(s):  
Maria Carolina Barreto Moreira Couto ◽  
Ila Rocha Falcão ◽  
Juliana dos Santos Müller ◽  
Ivone Batista Alves ◽  
Wendel da Silva Viana ◽  
...  

Lower back musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are an important public health problem and the leading cause of disability worldwide, but with prevalence yet unknown among shellfish gatherers. To investigate the prevalence and work-related factors associated with lower back MSD in a population of female shellfish gatherers, an epidemiological cross-sectional study was carried out in Saubara, Bahia &ndash; Brazil, in 2013. The Brazilian version of the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), in addition to a questionnaire containing the physical demands adapted to the artisanal work, were applied to a random sample of 209 female shellfish gatherers. The prevalence of lower back MSD was 72.7%. Using multivariate logistic regression, the shellfish gatherers who had worked for more than 26 years in the activity showed a prevalence of 1.22 (95% CI: 1.04-1.44) times higher compared to those unexposed. Lower back MSD was 1.24 (95%CI: 1.08-1.42) times higher among those more exposed to work sitting with trunk flexion. Those performed manual handling and muscle force with the arms had a prevalence ratio of 1.18 (95%CI: 1.01-1.39). These results show the need for greater awareness of health and social welfare factors impacting workers in small-scale fisheries and will promote the elaboration of health care policies for this occupational class.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supanat Thitipatarakorn ◽  
Tanat Chinbunchorn ◽  
Jitsupa Peelay ◽  
Pich Seekaew ◽  
Sorawit Amatavete ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Viral hepatitis is highly prevalent among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and can lead to chronic liver complications. Thailand started universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth in 1992. We explored prevalence rates of hepatitis B and C and associated factors among PLHIV from same-day antiretroviral therapy (SDART) service at the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand. Methods We collected baseline characteristics from PLHIV enrolled in the SDART service between July 2017 and November 2019. Multivariate logistic regression was carried out to determine factors associated with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV). Results We included a total of 4,011 newly diagnosed PLHIV who had HBsAg or anti-HCV results at baseline. Included were 2,941 men who have sex with men (MSM; 73.3%), 851 general population (21.2%), 215 transgender women (TGW; 5.4%), and 4 transgender men (0.1%). Median age was 27 years. Overall seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV were 6.0% and 4.1%, respectively. Subgroup prevalence rates were 6.2% and 4.7% among MSM, 4.6% and 2.4% among general population, and 9.3% and 3.7% among TGW. Factors associated with HBsAg positivity were being MSM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13 to 2.40), being TGW (aOR 2.87, 95% CI 1.60 to 5.17), birth year before 1992 (aOR 2.32, 95% CI 1.69 to 3.16), CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.03, 1.86), and alanine aminotransferase ≥ 62.5 U/L (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.66 to 3.43). Factors associated with anti-HCV positivity were being MSM (aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.26 to 3.55), age > 30 years (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.17), alanine aminotransferase ≥ 62.5 U/L (aOR 7.74, 95% CI 5.48 to 10.9), creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min (aOR 5.58, 95% CI 1.95 to 16.0), and having syphilis (aOR 1.95, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.78). Conclusions Around 5–10% of newly diagnosed PLHIV in Bangkok had hepatitis B infection after 25 years of universal vaccination. Anti-HCV positivity was found in 4–5% of PLHIV who were MSM and TGW. Every PLHIV should be routinely tested for hepatitis B and C and immediately linked to appropriate prevention and treatment interventions.


2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 342-344
Author(s):  
Confederat Luminita ◽  
Stefan Roxana ◽  
Constantin Sandra ◽  
Hăncianu Monica ◽  
Profire Lenuta

AbstractDiabetes mellitus is an important public health problem because of its increased incidence and its devastating complications. In addition to this, it was observed an increase in prevalence for diabetes risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the pathophysiological and behavioral risk factors among patients treated with oral hypoglycemic sulfonylureas.Material and methods: It were analyzed the observation sheets of 200 patients ambulatory treated at the “Providența” Medical Center.Results and discussions: Most of the patients were aged over 65 years, being 48.5% women and 51.5% men. The obesity was the most frequent (88%) risk factor in patients; the majority of them were included in the “overweight” and “first- degree obesity” class (72%). Regarding associated comorbidities, hypertension was found in 77% of cases, followed by dyslipidemia. In terms of physiological and behavioral aspects, age and alcohol consumption were predominant.Conclusions: A significant percentage of diabetic patients treated with hypoglycemic sulfonylureas present a high prevalence of the risk factors and even two or three factors associated.


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