Characterization of patients with chronic hepatitis C attended at a hepatology clinic of a community hospital in North Brooklyn in New York City

Abstract

Background: Screening for chronic hepatitis C (C-HCV) is an important public health measure to prevent its complications. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the population of patients with C-HCV attended at a hepatology clinic in North Brooklyn in New York City. Methods: Relevant clinical data were collected retrospectively by chart review of patients with C-HCV, at least 18 years old, attended between 2005 and 2019, period chosen because of feasibility. Results: 258 patients were identified of whom 156(60%) were men, with a mean age of 59.3years (yrs) (29-87), 46(18%) being up to 50, and 172 (67%) in the baby boomer category. Risk factors were intravenous drug use (IDU) in 87(34%), blood transfusions in 29 (11%), tattoos in sixteen (6%), twelve (5%) multifactorial, and unknown in 98 (38%) patients. The majority had an abnormal serum liver profile. The most common genotype was 1a. 205 (79%) were treatment naïve (TN) and 51(20%) experienced (TE). Of the TE, 38(75%) had been treated with interferon/ribavirin, and the rest with direct acting agents (DAA). All patients treated de novo received DAAs approved in or after 2014. Sustained virological response (SVR), i.e. cure, and was documented in 176 patients (71%) at weeks 12 or 24 post-treatment. Lack of adherence to follow up was an important barrier to cure. Conclusions: Treatment of C-HCV was effective in the diverse community of North Central Brooklyn, however, programs to improve adherence to treatment are necessary. Additionally, the expansion of screening for C-HCV beyond baby boomers is paramount in its eradication.