anti-HCV Positivity Research Articles

Combining cross-sectional survey and register data improved the estimate of hepatitis C prevalence among patients attending a psychiatric emergency department in Denmark

Background The prevalence of hepatitis C (HCV) among psychiatric patients is elevated compared to the background population in many studies, but the prevalence among Danish psychiatric patients is unknown. The aim of the study was to determine the HCV prevalence and the proportion of the psychiatric patient population that remains to be diagnosed and treated in a Danish setting. Methods During a 5-month period, patients attending the psychiatric emergency room in Vejle, Denmark, were offered point-of-care anti-HCV testing. Previous hepatitis C tests for all patients attending the Psychiatric Department in the study period were extracted from the national laboratory database (DANVIR). We combined the survey and register data in a capture–recapture estimate of undiagnosed patients with HCV. Results During the study 24.9% (589 of 2364) patients seen at the psychiatric department attended the emergency room. The prevalence of anti-HCV among those tested in the emergency room was 1.6%. The laboratory register identified 595/2364 patients previously tested for anti-HCV with a positive prevalence of 6.1%. The undiagnosed anti-HCV positives among the 1483 never tested was estimated to 1.1%. Thus the total estimated prevalence of anti-HCV was 2.3% (54/2364, 95% CI 1.7%–3.0%) in the population, of whom 70.4% had been diagnosed, and 72.2% of diagnosed patients had received treatment or cleared HCV. Conclusion Combining survey and register data showed that the WHO target of 90% diagnosed and 80% treated was not met. To eliminate HCV in the psychiatric population, both undiagnosed and untreated patients must be targeted.

Anti-hepatitis C antibody carriage and risk of liver impairment in rural-Cameroon: adapting the control of hepatocellular carcinoma for resource-limited settings

BackgroundThe Viral hepatitis elimination by 2030 is uncertain in resource-limited settings (RLS), due to high burdens and poor diagnostic coverage. This sounds more challenging for hepatitis C virus (HCV) given that antibody (HCVAb) sero-positivity still lacks wide access to HCV RNA molecular testing. This warrants context-specific strategies for appropriate management of liver impairment in RLS. We herein determine the association between anti-HCV positivity and liver impairment in an African RLS.MethodsA facility-based observational study was conducted from July-August 2021 among individuals attending the “St Monique” Health Center at Ottou, a rural community of Yaounde,Cameroon. Following a consecutive sampling, consenting individuals were tested for anti-HCV antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV antibodies (HIVAb) as per the national guidelines. After excluding positive cases for HBsAg and/or HIVAb, liver function tests (ALT/AST) were performed on eligible participants (HBsAg and HIVAb negative) and outcomes were compared according to HCVAb status; with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.ResultsOut of 306 eligible participants (negative for HBsAg and HIVAb) enrolled, the mean age was 34.35 ± 3.67 years. 252(82.35%) were female and 129 (42.17%) were single. The overall HCVAb sero-positivity was 15.68%(48/306), with 17.86% (45/252) among women vs. 5.55%(3/54) among men [OR (95%CI) = 3.69(2.11-9.29),p = 0.04]. HCVAb Carriage was greater among participants aged > 50 years compared to younger ones [38.46%(15/39) versus 12.36% (33/267) respectively, OR(95%CI) = 4.43(2.11-9.29), p < 0.000] and in multipartnership [26.67%(12/45)vs.13.79%(36/261) monopartnership, OR (95%CI) = 2.27(1.07-4.80),p = 0.03]. The liver impairment rate (abnormal ALT+AST levels) was 30.39%(93/306), with 40.19%(123/306) of abnormal ALT alone. Moreover, the burden of Liver impairment was significantly with aged> 50 versus younger ones [69.23% (27/39) versus 24.72%(66/267) respectively, p < 0.000). Interestingly, the burden of liver impairment (abnormal AST + ALAT) was significantly higher in HCVAb positive (62.5%, 30/48) versus HCVAb negative (24.42%, 63/258) participants, OR: 3.90 [1.96; 7.79], p = 0.0001.ConclusionsIn this rural health facility, HCVAb is highly endemic and the burden of liver impairment is concerning. Interestingly, HCVAb carriage is associated with abnormal liver levels of enzyme (ALT/AST), especially among the elderly populations. Hence, in the absence of nuclei acid testing, ALT/AST are relevant sentinel markers to screen HCVAb carriers who require monitoring/care for HCV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma in RLS.

Investigation of the change in seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in patients receiving hemodialysis treatment over the years: A Single-Center Study

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate HBV, HCV, and HIV seroprevalence and their 9-year changes in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) treatment in the Giresun province in Turkey. Material-Methods: A total of 607 patients over the age of 18 who received hemodialysis treatment in Giresun – Turkey, provincial and district hospitals in 2013 and 2022 were included in our study. The files of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics of the patients and serology results of HBV, HCV, HDV, and HIV were recorded. The data was evaluated using the IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 program. Results: A total of 607 patients, 385 of whom received HD treatment in 2013 and 222 who received HD treatment in 2022, were included in the study. 230 (59.7%) in 2013 and 135 (60.8%) in 2022 of male patients. While the mean age of the patients was 60.26±14 years in 2013, it was 63.08±13.18 years in 2022. In 2013, HBsAg positivity was detected in 9 (2.3%), HBV-DNA positivity in 4 (44.4%), anti-HCV positivity in 31 (8.1%), and HCV-RNA positivity in 8 (25.8%) patients. In 2022, HBsAg positivity was detected in 4 (1.8%), HBV DNA positivity in 2 (50%), and anti-HCV positivity in 31 (8.1%) patients. Compared with dialysis duration, the anti-HCV positivity rate was significantly increased in patients with long dialysis duration (p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion: In line with the health policies, the epidemiological data obtained support a decrease in the population’s seroprevalence of HBV and HCV. However, according to the results of our study, it was determined that there was no significant decrease in HBsAg seroprevalence in patients who received HD treatment over nine years. As a result, it was concluded that it would be beneficial to closely monitor the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in patients receiving HD treatment.

A rapid review of antenatal hepatitis C virus testing in the United Kingdom

BackgroundThe United Kingdom (UK) has committed to the World Health Organization’s viral hepatitis elimination targets. New case finding strategies, such as antenatal testing, may be needed to achieve these targets. We conducted a rapid review to understand hepatitis C-specific antibody (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA test positivity in antenatal settings in the United Kingdom to inform guidance.MethodsArticles and conference abstracts published between January 2000 and June 2022 reporting anti-HCV testing in antenatal settings were identified through PubMed and Web of Science searches. Results were synthesised using a narrative approach.ResultsThe search identified 2,011 publications; 10 studies were included in the final synthesis. Seven studies used anonymous testing methods and three studies used universal opt-out testing. Anti-HCV test positivity ranged from 0.1 to 0.99%, with a median value of 0.38%. Five studies reported HCV RNA positivity, which ranged from 0.1 to 0.57% of the testing population, with a median value of 0.22%. One study reported cost effectiveness of HCV and found it to be cost effective at £9,139 per quality adjusted life years.ConclusionThe relative contribution of universal opt-out antenatal testing for HCV should be reconsidered, as antenatal testing could play an important role in new case-finding and aid achieving elimination targets.

Anti-Hepatitis C (HCV) test positivity and new HCV diagnoses among women tested in antenatal services in England between 2015-2019

ObjectiveTo determine associations with hepatitis C virus (HCV) positivity, new HCV diagnoses and subsequent linkage to HCV treatment services among pregnant women in England. MethodA retrospective cohort using routine laboratory tests for HCV-specific antibody (anti-HCV) and HCV-RNA undertaken during antenatal attendances England. All women receiving at least one anti-HCV test during an antenatal clinic attendance between 2015 and 2019 were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate sociodemographic associations with anti-HCV test positivity among pregnant women who did (PWIDs) and did not (non-PWIDs) inject drugs, as well as to identify sociodemographic factors associated with being newly diagnosed during pregnancy. Linkage to antiviral treatment services and treatment outcomes were determined for those women who tested HCV-RNA positive. Results32,088 women (median age 32 years, 19,664 (61 %) UK-born, 337 (1.1 %) PWID) received an anti-HCV test among whom 814 (2.5 %) had a positive anti-HCV test (95 % confidence interval [2.4–2.7 %]). Anti-HCV test positivity was 2.1 % [2.0–2.3 %] among non-PWIDs and 40 % [35–46 %] among PWIDs. In multivariable analyses among non-PWIDs, anti-HCV test positivity was associated with older age, living in more deprived areas, and varied by ethnicity and country of birth. Among PWIDs, anti-HCV test positivity was associated with older age only. Three hundred and twenty (39 %) of the women testing anti-HCV positive were new diagnoses; those who were newly diagnosed were younger and lived in less deprived than those with a prior diagnosis whereas PWIDs were less likely to be newly diagnosed. HCV-RNA positivity was 52 % (n = 330/640, 95 %CI[47.6–55.5 %]) among those with an HCV-RNA test within 30 days, and 75 % (n = 220/293, 95 %CI[69.7–79.9 %]) of those eligible for treatment had engaged in HCV treatment services after antenatal testing. ConclusionsAntenatal testing for HCV provides an opportunity for new case findings and engagement with treatment services where needed. Therefore, universal opt-out testing for HCV antenatally should be reconsidered.

Impact of hepatitis B virus infection on the risk of gallbladder polyps: a cohort study.

We aimed to determine whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an important risk factor for gallbladder polyps (GBPs) in the current context of reduced prevalence of these infections. The cohort included 392,913 asymptomatic adults who underwent abdominal ultrasonography (US). The prevalence of GBP sized ≥ 5 mm, ≥ 10 mm, and overall (< 5, 5-9 and ≥ 10 mm) was 2.9%, 0.1%, and 12.8%, respectively. The prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) positivity was 3.2%, 26.7%, and 0.1%, respectively. The GBP risk was significantly increased in HBsAg-positive individuals, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.66 (95% confidence interval, 1.49-1.85) for GBP ≥ 5 mm, 2.39 (1.53-3.75) for GBP ≥ 10 mm, and 1.49 (1.41-1.59) for overall, whereas there was no significant association between anti-HCV positivity and GBP risk. The GBP risk did not increase significantly in individuals who tested negative for HBsAg but positive for HBcAb. The presence of HBsAg may be an independent risk factor for GBP development in the current context of a indecreasing prevalence of HBsAg positivity. A more comprehensive evaluation of GBP during abdominal US surveillance of HBsAg-positive individuals may be necessary.

The impact of concomitant hepatitis C virus infection on liver and cardiovascular risks in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with hepatic steatosis are excluded from the diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The new name and diagnostic criteria of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) were proposed in 2020 to replace the original term NAFLD. The clinical outcome of MAFLD patients with concomitant chronic HCV infection requires further investigation. The participants from Taiwan bio-bank cohort were included. MAFLD is defined as the presence of fatty liver, plus any of the following three conditions: overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic dysfunction. The patients with positive anti-HCV were considered chronic HCV infections. The severity of liver fibrosis was determined using the fibrosis-4 index and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS). The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was assessed using intima-media thickness (IMT) or plaques of carotid duplex ultrasound. A total of 18 907 participants (age 55.79 ± 10.42; males 31.9%) were included for final analysis. The prevalence of MAFLD and chronic HCV infections were 39.2% and 2.6%, respectively. According to the status of MAFLD and chronic HCV infection, they were distributed to four groups: 'dual etiology group', 'MAFLD alone', 'HCV alone', and healthy controls. Compared with the 'MAFLD alone' group, the 'dual etiology' group had a lower frequency of the male sex, reduced levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL; but overall older age, a higher percentage of hypertension history. In addition, they had higher levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, fibrosis-4 index, and NFS; but no difference in levels of alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, fatty liver index, IMT, and the percentage of carotid plaques. Using binary logistic regression, chronic HCV infection was associated with more severe liver fibrosis, but not with carotid plaques in MAFLD patients. MAFLD patients with concomitant HCV infection, a specific phenotype of MAFLD may include a higher risk of advanced liver fibrosis, but a similar risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease compared to those without.

The Effect of HCV-RNA, HCV-Genotype 1b, and Anti-HCV Positivity on Laboratory Parameters

The Effect of HCV-RNA, HCV-Genotype 1b, and Anti-HCV Positivity on Laboratory Parameters

Implementation of the HepClink test-and-treat community strategy targeting Pakistani migrants with hepatitis C living in Catalonia (Spain) compared with the current practice of the Catalan health system: budget impact analysis

ObjectivesTo perform a budget impact analysis of the HepClink test-and-treat strategy in which community health agents offer hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing, diagnosis and treatment to the Pakistani population living...

Investigating the Association between Blood Transfusion and Hepatitis C infection During Pregnancy

Objective: Aim was determine the association between blood transfusion and hepatitis C infection during pregnancy. Study Design: Descriptive study Place and Duration: Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences Nawabshah. Feb 2021-Jan 2022 Methods: Total 171 pregnant women of age 18-40 years were presented in this study. The patient's age, parity, and other risk factors such as previous operations, vaginal births, and transfusions were recorded, and a thorough physical examination was conducted. Anti HCV positivity on Immunochromatography Test (ICT) was confirmed by Elisa in patients undergoing normal prenatal evaluation. The data collection process followed a carefully crafted proforma. To examine the information, we used SPSS 22.0. Results: Among 171 patients, 82 (47.95%) females had age 18-25 years, 57 (33.3%) patients had age 26-35 years and 32 (18.7%) females had age 36-40 years. 75 (43.6%) cases had BMI &gt;25kg/m2. 49 (28.7%) cases were primigravida and rest 120 (71.3%) cases were multi-gravida. We found 15 (8.8%) cases of HCV positive. Among 15 cases, 8 cases had history of blood transfusion, 3 had history of surgery, 2 cases because of injections and 2 cases had jaundice. Among 15 positive cases, majority of the cases had age 26-35 years. Conclusion: We found in this that blood transfusion is a significantly risk factor for HCV among pregnant females. There is need to educated pregnant females at institution to avoid its prevalence during pregnancy. Keywords: Pregnant Females, Blood transfusion, HCV, Parity

Trends in hepatitis C virus coinfection and its cascade of care among adults living with HIV in Asia between 2010 and 2020.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality among adults living with HIV. Cascades of HCV care support monitoring of program performance, but data from Asia are limited. We assessed regional HCV coinfection and cascade outcomes among adults living with HIV in care from 2010-2020. Patients ≥18 years old with confirmed HIV infection on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at 11 clinical sites in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam were included. HCV- and HIV-related treatment and laboratory data were collected from those with a positive HCV antibody (anti-HCV) test after January 2010. An HCV cascade was evaluated, including proportions positive for anti-HCV, tested for HCV RNA or HCV core antigen (HCVcAg), initiated on HCV treatment, and achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). Factors associated with screening uptake, treatment initiation, and treatment response were analyzed using Fine and Gray's competing risk regression model. Of 24,421 patients, 9169 (38%) had an anti-HCV test, and 971 (11%) had a positive result. The proportion with positive anti-HCV was 12.1% in 2010-2014, 3.9% in 2015-2017, and 3.8% in 2018-2020. From 2010 to 2014, 34% with positive anti-HCV had subsequent HCV RNA or HCVcAg testing, 66% initiated HCV treatment, and 83% achieved SVR. From 2015 to 2017, 69% with positive anti-HCV had subsequent HCV RNA or HCVcAg testing, 59% initiated HCV treatment, and 88% achieved SVR. From 2018 to 2020, 80% had subsequent HCV RNA or HCVcAg testing, 61% initiated HCV treatment, and 96% achieved SVR. Having chronic HCV in later calendar years and in high-income countries were associated with increased screening, treatment initiation or achieving SVR. Older age, injecting drug use HIV exposure, lower CD4 and higher HIV RNA were associated with reduced HCV screening or treatment initiation. Our analysis identified persistent gaps in the HCV cascade of care, highlighting the need for focused efforts to strengthen chronic HCV screening, treatment initiation, and monitoring among adult PLHIV in the Asia region.

Determination of hepatitis B and hepatitis C seroprevalence in pregnant women in the Kastamonu region, Turkey

Aims: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections during pregnancy have a risk of transmission to the newborn. Therefore, pregnant women are routinely screened for HBV and HCV in many countries. This study aimed to reveal the seroprevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV in pregnant women in the Kastamonu region and to compare the obtained data with the results of studies conducted in Turkey. Methods: Pregnant women who applied to Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital Microbiology laboratory between January 2022 and January 2023 for HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV tests were included in this study. The pregnant women were separated into two groups ?24 and &gt;24 age groups. The tests were performed using the chemiluminescence microparticle immune assay method on the Abbott Architect i2000SR instrument, and the results were evaluated per the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV positivity were 0.5% (n=9/1712), 51.1% (n=874/1712), and 0.1% (n=2/1713), respectively. While there was no significant difference between age groups for HBsAg positivity (p&gt;0.05), anti-HBs positivity was found to be significantly higher in the ?24 age group than in the &gt;24 age group (p=0.002). Conclusion: The results showed that HBsAg and anti-HCV positivity was lower than in most studies conducted in recent years in Turkey, and anti-HBs positivity was higher than in most studies. It is essential to continue routine HBV and HCV screening in pregnant women’s first follow-up and encourage anti-HBs-negative individuals to be vaccinated against HBV.

A new collaborative care approach toward hepatitis C elimination in marginalized populations

BackgroundTreating marginalized populations with HCV infection for elimination is faced with the challenge for the integration of HCV screening service offered for patients often moving across multiple settings. We envisaged a novel collaborative care approach to identify to what extent HCV patients overlapped between and within these multiple institutions and reported the findings of treatment coverage of these marginalized populations after HCV care cascades. MethodsWe enrolled 7765 patients residing in the Changhua County, Taiwan offered with HCV screening from correctional institutions, HIV clinics, methadone clinics, and the existing HIV surveillance program (four subgroups including police-arrested people, probationers, non-injection drug user, and high-risk behavior people) between 2019 and 2020. The collaborative care and information were integrated through a teamwork of gastroenterologists, psychologists, infectious disease specialists, and nursing coordinators under the auspices of local health authority. ResultsThe overall participation rate in HCV screening was 92.65% (7194/7765). The prevalence rate was the highest in methadone clinics (90.17%) followed by correctional institutions (37.67%), HIV clinics (34.60%), and the surveillance program (18.14%). We found 25.41% (77/303) of methadone clinic patients, 17.65% (129/731) of HIV clinic patients, and various proportions for 44.09% (41/93) of deferred prosecuted or probationers under surveillance program were also recruited into other settings. Individuals' patient flow within setting was more frequent than that between setting. After calibrating the overlap of patient flow, a total of 1700 anti-HCV positives out of 4074 after screening were traced with available follow-up information to complete 92.52% treatment coverage of 1177 RNA-positives (77.23%) diagnosed from 1524 undergoing RNA testing with similar findings across multiple settings. ConclusionA new collaborative integrated care was adopted for elucidating patient flow between and within multiple settings in order to calibrate the accurate demand for HCV care cascades and enhance HCV treatment coverage in marginalized populations.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus among Risk Groups in MosulCity

Cross sectional study of 200 blood donors and other risk groups were conducted in Mosul city. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was (5.5%). Anti-HCV positivity was found to be more common in male at the age group of &lt; l0 years. History of blood transfusion was observed as a common risk factor related to anti-HCV positivity. History of past and present signs that are related to anti-HCV positive were, (72.7%) of cases were suffered front upper abdominal discomfort , (54.5%) of cases lvere suffered from jaundice, (54.5%) of cases u'ere suffered from loss of appetite, (27.2%) of cases were suffered from arthralgia, (18.1%) of cases w'ere suffered from skin rash.

Impact of COVID-19 fear on Hepatitis C management

Background/Aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a major cause of cirrhosis worldwide, is the most common cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in Turkey. Today, HCV infection can be treated effectively and safely using direct-acting antiviral drugs, and therefore, the World Health Organization has announced elimination targets by 2030. During the pandemic, many social and personal restrictions were applied for fear of increasing the prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Here we investigate the effects of these restrictions on managing HCV infection in internal medicine departments that deal with both infections. Methods: Patients who applied to the internal medicine departments of our hospital and tested for anti-HCV between 11 March 2020 and 09 April 2022, which was the time interval when official restrictions were applied in Turkey during the COVID-19 pandemic, were included in the study. Patients who were not tested for anti-HCV were excluded from the study. The study was planned as a retrospective cohort study, and patients’ files tested for anti-HCV were scanned. Anti-HCV positivity, HCV RNA PCR testing, and treatment status in HCV RNA-positive patients were evaluated. Results: During the official pandemic period when social restrictions were applied, anti-HCV positivity was revealed in 400 (1.9%) of 21,501 patients for whom anti-HCV tests were performed in internal medicine departments. HCV RNA was not tested in 64 of 400 patients with positive anti-HCV test (16%), and 83 (24.7%) of 336 patients tested for HCV RNA were found to be positive. It was determined that 17 (20.5%) of the HCV RNA-positive patients did not receive antiviral treatment. Conclusion: In studies conducted in Turkey in the pre-pandemic period, it was determined that HCV RNA was not tested in approximately half of the anti-HCV-positive patients, while this rate was found to be only 16% during the pandemic period. This can be explained by the fact that patients infected with the COVID-19 virus were mostly followed-up by internal medicine clinics, where the awareness of viral hepatitis was high. It was determined that 20.5% of the patients with positive HCV RNA PCR tests remained untreated. This finding suggested that the social and personal restrictions applied during the pandemic led to patient follow-up and treatment disruptions.

Keberhasilan Tatalaksana Infeksi Virus Hepatitis C di Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah dr. Zainoel Abidin Banda Aceh

Hepatitis C is a world health problem with a high mortality rate. The Indonesian Ministry of Health has been controlling hepatitis C infection since 2017 using Direct Acting Antiviral (DAA) drugs which have lower side effects and a higher cure rate. This study aims to determine incidence, patient demographic data, and liver fibrosis scores on the successful treatment of hepatitis C infection at RSUD dr. Zainoel Abidin Hospital. Inclusion criteria in this retrospective cohort design was patients with positive anti hepatitis C virus (Anti-HCV). Treatment was carried out when the viral load was detected by giving Sofosbuvir 400 mg per day and Daclatasvir 60 mg per day for 12 weeks, then patient returns to be examined to assess the successful therapy. Thirty eight out of 5002 patients (0.76%) showed positive Anti-HCV, most patients aged over 60 years (39.47%), was dominated by male (55.26%), and most of them are located in Banda Aceh (47 ,36 %). Thirty out of 38 positive anti-HCV patients (78.95%) had HCV RNA, but 15 patients (50%) were not eligible for treatment. Seven out of 15 patients (46.7%) completed DAA treatment. All HCV RNA were undetectable, improved AST values ​​and decreased aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index (APRI) scores which showed improvement in liver fibrosis, after completing therapy. Hepatitis C patients who adhere to treatment and management of hepatitis C will get good results marked by improvement in liver fibrosis and undetectable HCV RNA.

Evaluation of Clinical Findings in Patients with Lichen Planus: A retrospective study

Aim: Lichen planus is a papulosquamous disease that affects skin and mucous membranes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and demographic characteristics, treatment models, and accompanying comorbidities of patients with lichen planus. Materials and methods: Our study included 202 patients who were diagnosed with LP clinically and histopathologically between May 2018 and May 2023. Patients' age, gender, involvement features, additional systemic diseases, laboratory findings and applied treatments were recorded retrospectively. Findings: Of the 202 patients in our study, 116 (%57.4) were female and 86 (%42.6) were male. The average age of the patients was 46.42 years (13-84). The average duration of the disease was 10.40 months (1-196). The classic type (120 patients, %64.9) was observed most typically in skin involvement, while reticular pattern (60 patients, %85.7) was observed in oral involvement. Skin involvement was detected in 185 (%91.6), oral mucosa involvement in 70 (%34.7), genital involvement in 16 (%7.9), scalp involvement in 30 (%14.8), inverse involvement in 20 (%9.9), palmoplantar involvement in 5 (%2.5) and nail involvement in 21 (%10.4) of the patients, while no ocular involvement was detected. Anti-HCV positivity was found in two (%1) patients. HBsAg positivity was detected in 11 (%5.4) patients. While the most frequent accompanying comorbidity was hypertension with %20.3 (n:41), depression-anxiety was the sequent with %14.4 (n:29). While 154 (%76.2) of the patients received only topical treatment, it was seen that 5 (%2.5) patients were given only systemic treatment. In comparison of the age groups 18-45 and &gt;45, the ratio of DM, hyperlipidemia and hypertension was identified significantly high in the group &gt;45. Conclusion: Our study shows many similarities with the literature data. However, we believe that prospective cohort studies including more patients are needed to understand LP, whose clinical and epidemiology has not been sufficiently elucidated.

Substance Use Disorders and Hepatitis C: A Public Health Issue

Objective: Substance use is a gradually increasing public health problem. Viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV can be transmitted with intravenous substance use and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and syphilis test results of patients followed at the Şanlıurfa Alcohol and Drug Addiction Research Treatment and Training Center (AMATEM) clinic. Methods: The age, gender, background, information about type of substance addiction of the patients and HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, and venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test results were evaluated. Results: A total of 427 patients over 18 who were followed at the AMATEM clinic between 2021 and 2022 were included in the study. Of these, 408 (95.6%) were male, and 19 (4.4%) were female. The mean age of the participants was 27.03±5.5 years. Three hundred fifteen (73.8%) patients had intravenous substance use, and all these patients (100%) used opioids. HBsAg positivity was detected in 3 (0.71%), and Anti-HCV positivity was detected in 52 (12%) patients. While only 20 (38.46%) of these patients had applied to the relevant clinics for further testing and treatment, HCV-RNA positivity was detected in 12 (60%) of the patients. In addition, the frequency of genotype 3 was higher in HCV RNA-positive patients (66.67%). Conclusion: Opioid use was at the forefront both in the whole patient population and in patients with anti-HCV positivity. Although anti-HCV positivity was detected at a high rate compared to the general population, only one out of every three patients had applied to the relevant clinics for further testing and treatment. Thanks to the new treatment options Hepatitis C is a curable disease. Screening programs are extremely important to ensure both personal and community viral eradication by providing patients with suitable treatments.

Elektif göz cerrahisi öncesi hepatit B, hepatit C ve insan immün yetmezlik virüsü tarama sonuçlarının değerlendirilmesi

Objective: Although preoperative screening for Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in patients is a controversial issue in terms of cost-effectiveness and patient privacy, this practice is commonly carried on by surgical branches. The goals of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of preoperative HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV and anti-HIV antibodies, as well as whether seropositive patients were referred to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic.&#x0D; &#x0D; Method: In this study, blood samples from 884 patients who underwent elective eye surgery at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Medical Faculty Hospital between August 2019 and April 2021 were researched for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV positivity and seroprevalences were determined. It was also determined whether patients with seropositivity from the hospital automation system had previously been diagnosed and if newly diagnosed patients applied to the infectious diseases outpatient clinic in the subsequent period.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: The study comprised a total of 884 patients. Males comprised 457 (51.7%) of all patients, with a mean age of 63.21± 16.05. In 29/839 (3.3%) of the patients, HBsAg was positive. Anti-HCV positivity was found in 21/872 (2.4%) people. Anti-HIV positivity was not detected in any of the patients.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: It would be a more accurate and effective approach to increase compliance with standard hygiene and protection measures rather than requesting routine pre-operative testing for HBV, HCV and HIV. If these tests reveal seropositivity, the patient should be informed of the disease and referred to an infectious disease specialist.

SEROPREVALENCE OF HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HCV, and Anti-HIV IN PATIENTS WITH ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN AN AMATEM CLINIC IN EASTERN TURKIYE: A SIX-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE EVALUATION

Aim&#x0D; Substance abuse and concomitant infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality. Yet, the number of epidemiological studies regarding infectious diseases in people with substance abuse are limited in our country. In this study, the aim was to investigate the frequency of illegal alcohol and substance use in an Alcohol and Drug Research, Treatment and Training Centres (AMATEM) clinic in Turkey as well as the HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV parameters between the years of 2016-2021. &#x0D; Material and Method&#x0D; HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV tests were conducted using the ELISA technique in 6881 alcohol and substance use disorder (ASUD). Urine samples from ASUD’s were analyzed for alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine metabolites. The results were evaluated retrospectively. &#x0D; Results&#x0D; All of the 6881 ASUD’s were male with a mean age of 32.18±9.66 years. Of the 6881 ASUD’s included in the study, 4107 (59.7%) were opioid addicts; 1479 (21.5%) were mixed drug addicts; 897 (13%) were alcohol addicts; and the rest were addicts with other types of substance use. The mean age of the alcohol users was 45.33±13.03 and the mean age of opioid users was 29.90±7.13. The percentage of opioid addiction in 2016 was 71.2% which dropped to 28.7% in 2021. Meanwhile, the percentage of alcohol addiction was 13.6% in 2016 and increased to 21.4% in 2021; and the percentage of mixed drug use was 8.7% in 2016 and increased to 36.8% in 2021. HBsAg-positivity in opioid users (56.7%) was higher compared to cannabis users (2.6%) and mixed drug users (22.3%). Anti-HCV positivity of opioid users (69.4%) was found to be higher compared to alcohol (9.4%), cannabis (2%), and mixed drug (16.2%) users, and this finding was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Anti-HBs positivity of opioid users (63.1%) was found to be higher compared to alcohol (9.9%), cannabis (3%), and mixed drug (21%) users, and this finding was statistically significant (p=0.0001). Anti-HIV was determined negative in all ASUD’s. The highest rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HBs positivity were found in the 26-30 years of age. &#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; These findings indicate a high prevalence of intravenous substance abuse in the 26-30 years age group in our region as well as the high HBV and HCV rates in this patient group.