AIM:To determine the prevalence of infection with hepatitis C virus(HCV) in those most at risk of advanced liver disease and to identify gaps in knowledge of HCV.METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to randomly selecte...AIM:To determine the prevalence of infection with hepatitis C virus(HCV) in those most at risk of advanced liver disease and to identify gaps in knowledge of HCV.METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected residents aged 40-59 to assess the extent of their general knowledge about HCV. The questionnaire assessed demographics, the extent of general knowledge about viral hepatitis, potential risks for infection and the prevalence of risk factors associated with increased progression of liver fibrosis. Anonymised residual laboratory blood samples from 40-59 years old people from Dunedin taken in hospital or in the community, were tested for HCV antibodies and alanine transaminase(ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT). Linear regression was performed to examine whether the demographics sex, age, socio-economic status, qualification level and occupation sector(categorical variables) were predictors of level of general knowledge about hepatitis. For the demographics that werefound to be significant predictors of score outcome, multiple regression analysis was used to determine independent effects. χ2 tests were used to compare our selected sample and our responder population demographics, to the demographics of the entire 40-59 years old population in Dunedin using the 2006 NZ census data. Exact confidence intervals for the proportion positive for HCV and HBV were calculated using the binomial distribution.RESULTS: The response rate to the mailed questionnaire was 431/1400(30.8%). On average 59.4% questions were answered correctly. Predictors for higher scores, indicating greater knowledge about symptoms and transmission included sex(female, P < 0.01), higher level of qualification(P < 0.000) and occupation sector(P < 0.000). Sharing intravenous drug utensils was a known risk factor for disease transmission(94.4%), but the sharing of common household items such as a toothbrush was not. 93% of the population were unaware that HCV infection can be asymptomatic. 25% did not know that treatment was available in New Zealand and of those who did know, only 40% assumed it was funded. Six hundred and eighty-two residual anonymised blood samples were tested for HCV antibodies, ALT, AST and GGT. The prevalence for HCV was 4.01%, 95%CI: 2.6%-5.8%. Liver function tests were not useful for identifying likelyhood of HCV infection.CONCLUSION: Prevalence of HCV in our population is high, and the majority have limited knowledge of HCV and its treatment.展开更多
Today, with the introduction of interferon-free direct-acting antivirals and outstanding progresses in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection, the elimination of HCV infection seem...Today, with the introduction of interferon-free direct-acting antivirals and outstanding progresses in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection, the elimination of HCV infection seems more achievable. A further challenge is continued transmission of HCV infection in high-risk population specially injecting drug users(IDUs) as the major reservoir of HCV infection. Considering the fact that most of these infections remain undiagnosed, unidentified HCVinfected IDUs are potential sources for the rapid spread of HCV in the community. The continuous increase in the number of IDUs along with the rising prevalence of HCV infection among young IDUs is harbinger of a forthcoming public health dilemma, presenting a serious challenge to control transmission of HCV infection. Even the changes in HCV genotype distribution attributed to injecting drug use confirm this issue. These circumstances create a strong demand for timely diagnosis and proper treatment of HCV-infected patients through risk-based screening to mitigate the risk of HCV transmission in the IDUs community and, consequently, in the society. Meanwhile, raising general awareness of HCV infection, diagnosis and treatment through public education should be the core activity of any harm reduction intervention, as the root cause of failure in control of HCV infection has been lack of awareness among young drug takers. In addition, effective prevention, comprehensive screening programs with a specific focus on high-risk population, accessibility to the new anti-HCV treatment regimens and public education should be considered as the top priorities of any health policy decision to eliminate HCV infection.展开更多
Hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and diabetes mellitus are two major public health problems that cause devastating health and financial burdens worldwide. Diabetes can be classified into two major types: type 1 diabet...Hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and diabetes mellitus are two major public health problems that cause devastating health and financial burdens worldwide. Diabetes can be classified into two major types: type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) and T2 DM. T2 DM is a common endocrine disorder that encompasses multifactorial mechanisms, and T1 DM is an immunologically mediated disease. Many epidemiological studies have shown an association between T2 DM and chronic hepatitis C(CHC) infection. The processes through which CHC is associated with T2 DM seem to involve direct viral effects, insulin resistance, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and other immunemediated mechanisms. Few data have been reported on the association of CHC and T1 DM and reports on the potential association between T1 DM and acute HCV infection are even rarer. A small number of studies indicate that interferon-α therapy can stimulate pancreatic autoim-munity and in certain cases lead to the development of T1 DM. Diabetes and CHC have important interactions. Diabetic CHC patients have an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma compared with nondiabetic CHC subjects. However, clinical trials on HCV-positive patients have reported improvements in glucose metabolism after antiviral treatment. Further studies are needed to improve prevention policies and to foster adequate and cost-effec-tive programmes for the surveillance and treatment of diabetic CHC patients.展开更多
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide due to the high prevalence of HCV infection and the high rate of HCC occurrence in patients with HCV cirrhosis. A striking increase ...Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide due to the high prevalence of HCV infection and the high rate of HCC occurrence in patients with HCV cirrhosis. A striking increase in HCC incidence has been observed during the past decades in most industrialized countries, partly related to the growing number of patients infected by HCV. HCC is currently the main cause of death in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis, a fact that justifies screening as far as curative treatments apply only in patients with small tumors. As a whole, treatment options are similar in patients with cirrhosis whatever the cause. Chemoprevention could be also helpful in the near future. It is strongly suggested that antiviral treatment of HCV infection could prevent HCC occurrence, even in cirrhotic patients, mainly when a sustained virological response is obtained.展开更多
Management of hepatitis C (HCV) in liver transplantation (LT) population presents unique challenges. Suboptimal graft survival in HCV+ LT recipients is attributable to universal HCV recurrence following LT. Although e...Management of hepatitis C (HCV) in liver transplantation (LT) population presents unique challenges. Suboptimal graft survival in HCV+ LT recipients is attributable to universal HCV recurrence following LT. Although eradication of HCV prior to LT is ideal for the prevention of HCV recurrence it is often limited by adverse events, particularly in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Antiviral therapy in LT candidates needs careful monitoring, and prophylaxis with HCV antibodies is ineffective. Early antiviral therapy after LT has been investi-gated, but no clear benefit has been demonstrated. Protocol liver biopsy is generally recommended in HCV+LT recipients, and antiviral therapy can be considered in those with severe/progressive HCV recurrence. Sustained virological response (SVR) can be achieved in approximately 30%of LT recipients with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) with sur-vival benefit, but adverse effects are common. Favorable patient characteristics for response to therapy include non-1 genotype, previously untreated, low baseline HCV-RNA, and donor IL28B genotype CC. Direct acting antiviral (DAA)-based triple therapy is associated with higher rates of SVR, but with similar or slightly higher rates of side effects, and immunosuppressive regimens need to be closely monitored and adjusted during the treatment period. Notably, the safety and efficacy of HCV treatment are very likely to improve with newer generation DAA. The benefit of immunosuppressive strategy on the natural history HCV recurrence has not been well elucidated. Based upon available evidence, cyclosporine A (CSA), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and sirolimus appear to have a neutral or small beneficial impact on HCV recurrence. Donor interleukin 28 B (IL28B) polymorphisms appear to impact the course and treatment outcomes in recurrent HCV. Retransplantation should be considered for patients with reasonable survival probability.展开更多
Although hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation has been reported in hepatitis C patients who received interferon therapy,rare cases of HBV reactivation occur in the context of direct-acting antiviral(DAA)agent therapy fo...Although hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation has been reported in hepatitis C patients who received interferon therapy,rare cases of HBV reactivation occur in the context of direct-acting antiviral(DAA)agent therapy for treatment of hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection.Recent studies observed that the reactivations were predominantly in hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)positive patients,but reactivation can rarely occur in patients who are HBsAg negative and hepatitis B core antibody(HBcAb)positive.The severity of an HBV flare varies.In some cases,severe liver injury or fulminant hepatic failure may occur.HBV reactivation may occur regardless of HCV genotype and type of DAA regimens.The onset of HBV reactivation can range from 4 to 48 weeks after initiating DAA therapy.These patients may have undetectable levels of HBV deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA)prior to DAA treatment.Pre-emptive antiviral therapy for HBV should be considered in HBsAg-positive patients with high levels of viremia who are not receiving HBV treatment.If HBV DNA viral load is less than the guideline criteria for HBV treatment,one should consider pre-emptive HBV antiviral versus HBV DNA monitoring during DAA therapy.For patients who are HBsAg negative but HBcAb positive,close monitoring of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels during/post-treatment is highly recommended.The current review summarizes the recommendations of different society guidelines and discusses the appropriate management strategies in various patient profiles.展开更多
为规范丙型肝炎的预防、诊断和抗病毒治疗,中华医学会肝病学分会和感染病学分会根据丙型肝炎病毒感染的特点,国内外的循证医学证据和药物的可及性,于2015年组织国内有关专家更新了《丙型肝炎防治指南》。完善的病毒学检测是慢性丙型肝...为规范丙型肝炎的预防、诊断和抗病毒治疗,中华医学会肝病学分会和感染病学分会根据丙型肝炎病毒感染的特点,国内外的循证医学证据和药物的可及性,于2015年组织国内有关专家更新了《丙型肝炎防治指南》。完善的病毒学检测是慢性丙型肝炎病毒（hepatitis C virus,HCV）感染筛查、监测、诊断和治疗的基础。根据我国社会和经济发展情况。展开更多
基金Supported by (in part) New Zealand Ministry of Health and the Healthcare of Otago Charitable Trust
文摘AIM:To determine the prevalence of infection with hepatitis C virus(HCV) in those most at risk of advanced liver disease and to identify gaps in knowledge of HCV.METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to randomly selected residents aged 40-59 to assess the extent of their general knowledge about HCV. The questionnaire assessed demographics, the extent of general knowledge about viral hepatitis, potential risks for infection and the prevalence of risk factors associated with increased progression of liver fibrosis. Anonymised residual laboratory blood samples from 40-59 years old people from Dunedin taken in hospital or in the community, were tested for HCV antibodies and alanine transaminase(ALT), aspartate transaminase(AST), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT). Linear regression was performed to examine whether the demographics sex, age, socio-economic status, qualification level and occupation sector(categorical variables) were predictors of level of general knowledge about hepatitis. For the demographics that werefound to be significant predictors of score outcome, multiple regression analysis was used to determine independent effects. χ2 tests were used to compare our selected sample and our responder population demographics, to the demographics of the entire 40-59 years old population in Dunedin using the 2006 NZ census data. Exact confidence intervals for the proportion positive for HCV and HBV were calculated using the binomial distribution.RESULTS: The response rate to the mailed questionnaire was 431/1400(30.8%). On average 59.4% questions were answered correctly. Predictors for higher scores, indicating greater knowledge about symptoms and transmission included sex(female, P < 0.01), higher level of qualification(P < 0.000) and occupation sector(P < 0.000). Sharing intravenous drug utensils was a known risk factor for disease transmission(94.4%), but the sharing of common household items such as a toothbrush was not. 93% of the population were unaware that HCV infection can be asymptomatic. 25% did not know that treatment was available in New Zealand and of those who did know, only 40% assumed it was funded. Six hundred and eighty-two residual anonymised blood samples were tested for HCV antibodies, ALT, AST and GGT. The prevalence for HCV was 4.01%, 95%CI: 2.6%-5.8%. Liver function tests were not useful for identifying likelyhood of HCV infection.CONCLUSION: Prevalence of HCV in our population is high, and the majority have limited knowledge of HCV and its treatment.
文摘Today, with the introduction of interferon-free direct-acting antivirals and outstanding progresses in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection, the elimination of HCV infection seems more achievable. A further challenge is continued transmission of HCV infection in high-risk population specially injecting drug users(IDUs) as the major reservoir of HCV infection. Considering the fact that most of these infections remain undiagnosed, unidentified HCVinfected IDUs are potential sources for the rapid spread of HCV in the community. The continuous increase in the number of IDUs along with the rising prevalence of HCV infection among young IDUs is harbinger of a forthcoming public health dilemma, presenting a serious challenge to control transmission of HCV infection. Even the changes in HCV genotype distribution attributed to injecting drug use confirm this issue. These circumstances create a strong demand for timely diagnosis and proper treatment of HCV-infected patients through risk-based screening to mitigate the risk of HCV transmission in the IDUs community and, consequently, in the society. Meanwhile, raising general awareness of HCV infection, diagnosis and treatment through public education should be the core activity of any harm reduction intervention, as the root cause of failure in control of HCV infection has been lack of awareness among young drug takers. In addition, effective prevention, comprehensive screening programs with a specific focus on high-risk population, accessibility to the new anti-HCV treatment regimens and public education should be considered as the top priorities of any health policy decision to eliminate HCV infection.
文摘Hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and diabetes mellitus are two major public health problems that cause devastating health and financial burdens worldwide. Diabetes can be classified into two major types: type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM) and T2 DM. T2 DM is a common endocrine disorder that encompasses multifactorial mechanisms, and T1 DM is an immunologically mediated disease. Many epidemiological studies have shown an association between T2 DM and chronic hepatitis C(CHC) infection. The processes through which CHC is associated with T2 DM seem to involve direct viral effects, insulin resistance, proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and other immunemediated mechanisms. Few data have been reported on the association of CHC and T1 DM and reports on the potential association between T1 DM and acute HCV infection are even rarer. A small number of studies indicate that interferon-α therapy can stimulate pancreatic autoim-munity and in certain cases lead to the development of T1 DM. Diabetes and CHC have important interactions. Diabetic CHC patients have an increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma compared with nondiabetic CHC subjects. However, clinical trials on HCV-positive patients have reported improvements in glucose metabolism after antiviral treatment. Further studies are needed to improve prevention policies and to foster adequate and cost-effec-tive programmes for the surveillance and treatment of diabetic CHC patients.
文摘Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide due to the high prevalence of HCV infection and the high rate of HCC occurrence in patients with HCV cirrhosis. A striking increase in HCC incidence has been observed during the past decades in most industrialized countries, partly related to the growing number of patients infected by HCV. HCC is currently the main cause of death in patients with HCV-related cirrhosis, a fact that justifies screening as far as curative treatments apply only in patients with small tumors. As a whole, treatment options are similar in patients with cirrhosis whatever the cause. Chemoprevention could be also helpful in the near future. It is strongly suggested that antiviral treatment of HCV infection could prevent HCC occurrence, even in cirrhotic patients, mainly when a sustained virological response is obtained.
文摘Management of hepatitis C (HCV) in liver transplantation (LT) population presents unique challenges. Suboptimal graft survival in HCV+ LT recipients is attributable to universal HCV recurrence following LT. Although eradication of HCV prior to LT is ideal for the prevention of HCV recurrence it is often limited by adverse events, particularly in patients with advanced cirrhosis. Antiviral therapy in LT candidates needs careful monitoring, and prophylaxis with HCV antibodies is ineffective. Early antiviral therapy after LT has been investi-gated, but no clear benefit has been demonstrated. Protocol liver biopsy is generally recommended in HCV+LT recipients, and antiviral therapy can be considered in those with severe/progressive HCV recurrence. Sustained virological response (SVR) can be achieved in approximately 30%of LT recipients with pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) with sur-vival benefit, but adverse effects are common. Favorable patient characteristics for response to therapy include non-1 genotype, previously untreated, low baseline HCV-RNA, and donor IL28B genotype CC. Direct acting antiviral (DAA)-based triple therapy is associated with higher rates of SVR, but with similar or slightly higher rates of side effects, and immunosuppressive regimens need to be closely monitored and adjusted during the treatment period. Notably, the safety and efficacy of HCV treatment are very likely to improve with newer generation DAA. The benefit of immunosuppressive strategy on the natural history HCV recurrence has not been well elucidated. Based upon available evidence, cyclosporine A (CSA), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and sirolimus appear to have a neutral or small beneficial impact on HCV recurrence. Donor interleukin 28 B (IL28B) polymorphisms appear to impact the course and treatment outcomes in recurrent HCV. Retransplantation should be considered for patients with reasonable survival probability.
文摘Although hepatitis B virus(HBV)reactivation has been reported in hepatitis C patients who received interferon therapy,rare cases of HBV reactivation occur in the context of direct-acting antiviral(DAA)agent therapy for treatment of hepatitis C virus(HCV)infection.Recent studies observed that the reactivations were predominantly in hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)positive patients,but reactivation can rarely occur in patients who are HBsAg negative and hepatitis B core antibody(HBcAb)positive.The severity of an HBV flare varies.In some cases,severe liver injury or fulminant hepatic failure may occur.HBV reactivation may occur regardless of HCV genotype and type of DAA regimens.The onset of HBV reactivation can range from 4 to 48 weeks after initiating DAA therapy.These patients may have undetectable levels of HBV deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA)prior to DAA treatment.Pre-emptive antiviral therapy for HBV should be considered in HBsAg-positive patients with high levels of viremia who are not receiving HBV treatment.If HBV DNA viral load is less than the guideline criteria for HBV treatment,one should consider pre-emptive HBV antiviral versus HBV DNA monitoring during DAA therapy.For patients who are HBsAg negative but HBcAb positive,close monitoring of serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels during/post-treatment is highly recommended.The current review summarizes the recommendations of different society guidelines and discusses the appropriate management strategies in various patient profiles.
文摘为规范丙型肝炎的预防、诊断和抗病毒治疗,中华医学会肝病学分会和感染病学分会根据丙型肝炎病毒感染的特点,国内外的循证医学证据和药物的可及性,于2015年组织国内有关专家更新了《丙型肝炎防治指南》。完善的病毒学检测是慢性丙型肝炎病毒（hepatitis C virus,HCV）感染筛查、监测、诊断和治疗的基础。根据我国社会和经济发展情况。
