To Eliminate HCV Among Persons Who Use Drugs: Embrace The Complexity
“According to a recent report from Harvard’s Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation and the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable, since 2017, many states have removed restrictions to treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) for persons enrolled in state Medicaid programs. The title of the report’s press release enthusiastically refers to “a tide of momentum washing away barriers to hepatitis C treatment” but cautions that improvements in health care infrastructure will be necessary to “ride this wave” forward to achieving HCV elimination.”
NHS England launches new hepatitis C self-testing kits
“The National Health Service (NHS) England has launched new self-testing kits as part of its Hepatitis C elimination programme. To conduct the test, a small blood sample is obtained through a finger prick and placed in a test tube. The test tube is then sent to a lab for analysis. The primary objective of the new self-testing kits is to target individuals who may not be engaged with other services such as prison and probation services and drug and alcohol support.”
Enhancing Linkage to Care by Integrating Prenatal and HCV Care
“Although universal hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing is advised for pregnant patients, there is little connection between HCV care and postpartum HCV treatment. Therefore, for a retrospective cohort study, researchers sought to assess the impact of an innovative healthcare delivery model for pregnant patients with active HCV infection on engagement with HCV treatment.”
Rapid hepatitis C virus point-of-care RNA testing and treatment at an integrated supervised consumption service in Toronto, Canada: a prospective, observational cohort study
“Despite high burden of Hepatitis C (HCV) among people who inject drugs, significant barriers to care persist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the provision of rapid, low-barrier point-of-care (POC) HCV RNA testing and linkage to care among clients of a supervised consumption service (SCS) located within a community health centre in Toronto, Canada. Secondary aims included measuring HCV RNA prevalence at baseline, HCV incidence during follow-up and exploring factors associated with HCV RNA positivity and treatment uptake.”
Getting tested for Hepatitis C can be a life saver
“Please consider asking your doctor to test for Hepatitis C. The CDC recommends that every citizen be tested at least once in their life. In 1978, when I was 15, I had open heart surgery when a transfusion gave me Hepatitis C. In my 40s, we started regular blood labs because I felt fatigued. For many years, doctors in our town noted my unchanging mildly elevated ALT and AST liver values, but never tested for Hepatitis C. Mild elevation of ALT and AST is associated with many health problems, but it’s also a signature calling card of Hepatitis C attacking the liver! I was 58 before scary sickness finally forced me to seek health care outside of our community. My new doctor took one look at my long unbroken record of elevated ALT and AST and ran the Hep C test that diagnosed my condition. The anti-viral treatment was simple and my ALT/AST returned to normal instantly. I am now clear of Hepatitis C, but I will live with damage from those many untreated years before that easy test. I am thankful for the scientists who discovered the effective cure and for the health care worker who ran the test. Ask for a Hepatitis C test. The liver you save may be your own.”
How to Talk to Your Partner About Your Hep C Diagnosis
“Sexually transmitted diseases, infections and other bloodborne viruses can often be an awkward topic of discussion. Unfortunately, there are stigmas that surround them, drawing from bigger, systemic issues like gender expectations and how we should feel about our bodies. If you have feelings of shame or fear around your diagnosis—take a deep breath. A diagnosis does not determine your value as a human being or a partner.”
A Proclamation on National Hepatitis Testing Day, 2023
“Thousands of Americans die every year of viral hepatitis — infections of the liver that can be managed or cured if patients know they are infected and can get treatment. On National Hepatitis Testing Day, we urge Americans to get tested and recommit to ensuring that those who are diagnosed can receive lifesaving care.”
What doctors wish patients knew about hepatitis A, B and C
“Viral hepatitis is a global epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. But the tricky part is that infections with the hepatitis viruses may not show symptoms, causing many to be unaware they have this condition. In fact, many people who have acquired viral hepatitis do not realize they are infected.”
Hepatitis Awareness Month: Recognizing HIV and Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection
“During the month of May, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) recognizes Hepatitis Awareness Month and Hepatitis Testing Day on May 19. It is a time to raise awareness about the impact of viral hepatitis among people with HIV and encourage those with HIV to get tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV). HIV and viral hepatitis are syndemic conditions, or a set of linked health conditions, that adversely interact with each other and contribute to a greater impact of disease. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HCV is one of the primary causes of chronic liver disease in the U.S., and approximately 21 percent of people with HIV also have HCV.”
Expanding HCV Care: Effectiveness of Accessible Testing and Treatment for People Who Inject Drugs
“By implementing rapid point-of-care HCV RNA testing in supervised consumption services, a study achieved high testing acceptance and successful engagement with HCV care among individuals who inject drugs.”
