Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
Records 1-14 (of 14 Records) |
Query Trace: Thomas DL[original query] |
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Multi-ancestry fine mapping of interferon lambda and the outcome of acute hepatitis C virus infection.
Vergara C , Duggal P , Thio CL , Valencia A , Brien TRO , Latanich R , Timp W , Johnson EO , Kral AH , Mangia A , Goedert JJ , Piazzola V , Mehta SH , Kirk GD , Peters MG , Donfield SM , Edlin BR , Busch MP , Alexander G , Murphy EL , Kim AY , Lauer GM , Chung RT , Cramp ME , Cox AL , Khakoo SI , Rosen HR , Alric L , Wheelan SJ , Wojcik GL , Thomas DL , Taub MA . Genes Immun 2020 21 (5) 348-359 Clearance of acute infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with the chr19q13.13 region containing the rs368234815 (TT/ΔG) polymorphism. We fine-mapped this region to detect possible causal variants that may contribute to HCV clearance. First, we performed sequencing of IFNL1-IFNL4 region in 64 individuals sampled according to rs368234815 genotype: TT/clearance (N = 16) and ΔG/persistent (N = 15) (genotype-outcome concordant) or TT/persistent (N = 19) and ΔG/clearance (N = 14) (discordant). 25 SNPs had a difference in counts of alternative allele >5 between clearance and persistence individuals. Then, we evaluated those markers in an association analysis of HCV clearance conditioning on rs368234815 in two groups of European (692 clearance/1 025 persistence) and African ancestry (320 clearance/1 515 persistence) individuals. 10/25 variants were associated (P < 0.05) in the conditioned analysis leaded by rs4803221 (P value = 4.9 × 10(-04)) and rs8099917 (P value = 5.5 × 10(-04)). In the European ancestry group, individuals with the haplotype rs368234815ΔG/rs4803221C were 1.7× more likely to clear than those with the rs368234815ΔG/rs4803221G haplotype (P value = 3.6 × 10(-05)). For another nearby SNP, the haplotype of rs368234815ΔG/rs8099917T was associated with HCV clearance compared to rs368234815ΔG/rs8099917G (OR: 1.6, P value = 1.8 × 10(-04)). We identified four possible causal variants: rs368234815, rs12982533, rs10612351 and rs4803221. Our results suggest a main signal of association represented by rs368234815, with contributions from rs4803221, and/or nearby SNPs including rs8099917. |
Sharing the cure: Building primary care and public health infrastructure to improve the hepatitis C care continuum in Maryland
Irvin R , Ntiri-Reid B , Kleinman M , Agee T , Hitt J , Anaedozie O , Arowolo T , Cassidy-Stewart H , Bush C , Wilson LE , Millman AJ , Nelson NP , Canary L , Brinkley S , Moon J , Falade-Nwulia O , Sulkowski MS , Thomas DL , Melia MT . J Viral Hepat 2020 27 (12) 1388-1395 In 2014, trained health care provider capacity was insufficient to deliver care to an estimated 70,000 persons in Maryland with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The goal of Maryland Community Based Programs to Test and Cure Hepatitis C, a public health implementation project, was to improve HCV treatment access by expanding the workforce. Sharing the Cure (STC) was a package of services deployed 10/1/14 to 9/30/18 that included enhanced information technology and public health infrastructure, primary care provider training, and practice transformation. Nine primary care sites enrolled. HCV clinical outcomes were documented among individuals who presented for care at sites and met criteria for HCV testing including risk factor or birth cohort (born between 1945 and 1965) based testing. Fifty-three providers completed the STC training. STC providers identified 3,237 HCV antibody positive patients of which 2,624 (81%) were RNA+. Of those HCV RNA+, 1,739 (66%) were staged, 932 (36%) were prescribed treatment, 838 (32%) started treatment, 721 (28%) completed treatment, and 543 (21%) achieved cure. Among 1,739 patients staged, 693 (40%) patients had a liver fibrosis assessment score < F2, rendering them ineligible for treatment under Maryland Medicaid guidelines. HCV RNA testing among HCV antibody positive people increased from 40% (baseline) to 95% amongst STC providers. Of 554 patients with virologic data reported, 543 (98%) achieved cure. Primary care practices can effectively serve as HCV treatment centers to expand treatment access. However, criteria by insurance providers in Maryland was a major barrier to treatment. |
Accelerating the elimination of viral hepatitis: a Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology Commission
Cooke GS , Andrieux-Meyer I , Applegate TL , Atun R , Burry JR , Cheinquer H , Dusheiko G , Feld JJ , Gore C , Griswold MG , Hamid S , Hellard ME , Hou J , Howell J , Jia J , Kravchenko N , Lazarus JV , Lemoine M , Lesi OA , Maistat L , McMahon BJ , Razavi H , Roberts TR , Simmons B , Sonderup MW , Spearman CW , Taylor BE , Thomas DL , Waked I , Ward JW , Wiktor SZ . Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 4 (2) 135-184 Viral hepatitis is a major public health threat and a leading cause of death worldwide. Annual mortality from viral hepatitis is similar to that of other major infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. Highly effective prevention measures and treatments have made the global elimination of viral hepatitis a realistic goal, endorsed by all WHO member states. Ambitious targets call for a global reduction in hepatitis-related mortality of 65% and a 90% reduction in new infections by 2030. This Commission draws together a wide range of expertise to appraise the current global situation and to identify priorities globally, regionally, and nationally needed to accelerate progress. We identify 20 heavily burdened countries that account for over 75% of the global burden of viral hepatitis. Key recommendations include a greater focus on national progress towards elimination with support given, if necessary, through innovative financing measures to ensure elimination programmes are fully funded by 2020. In addition to further measures to improve access to vaccination and treatment, greater attention needs to be paid to access to affordable, high-quality diagnostics if testing is to reach the levels needed to achieve elimination goals. Simplified, decentralised models of care removing requirements for specialised prescribing will be required to reach those in need, together with sustained efforts to tackle stigma and discrimination. We identify key examples of the progress that has already been made in many countries throughout the world, demonstrating that sustained and coordinated efforts can be successful in achieving the WHO elimination goals. |
Implementation and Evaluation of Guillain-Barre Syndrome Surveillance in Puerto Rico during the 2016 Zika Virus Epidemic
Major CG , Dirlikov E , Medina NA , Lugo-Robles R , Matos D , Munoz-Jordan J , Colon-Sanchez C , Garcia-Negron M , Olivero-Segarra M , Malave-Gonzalez G , Thomas DL , Luciano CA , Waterman SH , Sejvar J , Sharp TM , Rivera-Garcia B . P R Health Sci J 2018 37 S85-s92 OBJECTIVE: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an uncommon autoimmune disorder that follows infection or vaccination, and increased incidence has been reported during Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission. During the 2016 ZIKV epidemic, the Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH) implemented the Enhanced GBS Surveillance System (EGBSSS). Here, we describe EGBSSS implementation and evaluate completeness, validity, and timeliness. METHODS: GBS cases were identified using passive surveillance and discharge diagnostic code for GBS. Completeness was evaluated by capture-recapture methods. Sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) for confirmed GBS cases were calculated for both case identification methods. Median time to completion of key time steps were compared by quarter (Q1-4) and hospital size. RESULTS: A total of 122 confirmed GBS cases with onset of neurologic illness in 2016 were identified. Capture-recapture methodology estimated that four confirmed GBS cases were missed by both identification methods. Identification of cases by diagnostic code had a higher sensitivity than passive surveillance (89% vs. 80%), but a lower PPV (60% vs. 72%). There was a significant decrease from Q1 to Q3 in median time from hospital admission to case reporting (11 days vs. 2 days, p = 0.032) and from Q2 to Q3 in median time from specimen receipt to arbovirus laboratory test reporting (35 days vs. 26 days, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: EGBSSS provided complete, valid, and increasingly timely surveillance data, which guided public health action and supported healthcare providers during the ZIKV epidemic. This evaluation provides programmatic lessons for GBS surveillance and emergency response surveillance. |
Comparison of hepatitis C virus testing recommendations in high-income countries
Irvin R , Ward K , Agee T , Nelson NP , Vellozzi C , Thomas DL , Millman AJ . World J Hepatol 2018 10 (10) 743-751 AIM: To investigate hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing recommendations from the United States and other high-income countries. METHODS: A comprehensive search for current HCV testing recommendations from the top quartile of United Nations Human Development Index (HDI) countries (very high HDI) was performed using Google and reviewed from May 1 - October 30, 2014 and re-reviewed April 1 - October 2, 2017. RESULTS: Of the 51 countries identified, 16 had HCV testing recommendations from a government body or recommendations issued collaboratively between a government and a medical organization. Of these 16 countries, 15 had HCV testing recommendations that were primarily risk-based and highlight behaviors, exposures, and conditions that are associated with HCV transmission in that region. In addition to risk-based testing, the HCV Guidance Panel (United States) incorporates recommendations for a one-time test for individuals born during 1945-1965 (the birth cohort) without prior ascertainment of risk into their guidance. In addition to the United States, six other countries either have an age-based testing recommendation or recommend one-time testing for all adults independent of risk factors typical of the region. CONCLUSION: This review affirmed the similarities of the HCV Guidance Panel's guidance with those of recommendations from very high HDI countries. |
Clinical features of Guillain-Barre syndrome with vs without Zika virus infection, Puerto Rico, 2016
Dirlikov E , Major CG , Medina NA , Lugo-Robles R , Matos D , Munoz-Jordan JL , Colon-Sanchez C , Garcia M , Olivero-Segarra M , Malave G , Rodriguez-Vega GM , Thomas DL , Waterman SH , Sejvar JJ , Luciano CA , Sharp TM , Rivera-Garcia B . JAMA Neurol 2018 75 (9) 1089-1097 Importance: The pathophysiologic mechanisms of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) infection may be indicated by differences in clinical features. Objective: To identify specific clinical features of GBS associated with ZIKV infection. Design, Setting, and Participants: During the ZIKV epidemic in Puerto Rico, prospective and retrospective strategies were used to identify patients with GBS who had neurologic illness onset in 2016 and were hospitalized at all 57 nonspecialized hospitals and 2 rehabilitation centers in Puerto Rico. Guillain-Barre syndrome diagnosis was confirmed via medical record review using the Brighton Collaboration criteria. Specimens (serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and saliva) from patients with GBS were tested for evidence of ZIKV infection by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction; serum and cerebrospinal fluid were also tested by IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In this analysis of public health surveillance data, a total of 123 confirmed GBS cases were identified, of which 107 had specimens submitted for testing; there were 71 patients with and 36 patients without evidence of ZIKV infection. Follow-up telephone interviews with patients were conducted 6 months after neurologic illness onset; 60 patients with and 27 patients without evidence of ZIKV infection participated. Main Outcomes and Measures: Acute and long-term clinical characteristics of GBS associated with ZIKV infection. Results: Of 123 patients with confirmed GBS, the median age was 54 years (age range, 4-88 years), and 68 patients (55.3%) were male. The following clinical features were more frequent among patients with GBS and evidence of ZIKV infection compared with patients with GBS without evidence of ZIKV infection: facial weakness (44 [62.0%] vs 10 [27.8%]; P < .001), dysphagia (38 [53.5%] vs 9 [25.0%]; P = .005), shortness of breath (33 [46.5%] vs 9 [25.0%]; P = .03), facial paresthesia (13 [18.3%] vs 1 [2.8%]; P = .03), elevated levels of protein in cerebrospinal fluid (49 [94.2%] vs 23 [71.9%]; P = .008), admission to the intensive care unit (47 [66.2%] vs 16 [44.4%]; P = .03), and required mechanical ventilation (22 [31.0%] vs 4 [11.1%]; P = .02). Six months after neurologic illness onset, patients with GBS and evidence of ZIKV infection more frequently reported having excessive or inadequate tearing (30 [53.6%] vs 6 [26.1%]; P = .03), difficulty drinking from a cup (10 [17.9%] vs 0; P = .03), and self-reported substantial pain (15 [27.3%] vs 1 [4.3%]; P = .03). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, GBS associated with ZIKV infection was found to have higher morbidity during the acute phase and more frequent cranial neuropathy during acute neuropathy and 6 months afterward. Results indicate GBS pathophysiologic mechanisms that may be more common after ZIKV infection. |
Clinician survey to determine knowledge of dengue and clinical management practices, Texas, 2014
Adam JK , Abeyta R , Smith B , Gaul L , Thomas DL , Han G , Sharp TM , Waterman SH , Tomashek KM . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017 96 (3) 708-714 Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease, is increasingly being identified as a cause of outbreaks in the United States. During July-December 2013, a total of three south Texas counties reported 53 laboratory-confirmed dengue cases; 26 were locally acquired, constituting the largest outbreak in Texas since 2005. Because dengue outbreaks are expected to continue in south Texas and early case identification and timely treatment can reduce mortality, we sought to determine clinicians' knowledge of dengue and its clinical management. A survey was sent to 2,375 south Texas clinicians; 217 (9%) completed the survey. Approximately half of participants demonstrated knowledge needed to identify dengue cases, including symptoms (56%), early indicators of shock (54%), or timing of thrombocytopenia (48%). Fewer than 20% correctly identified all prevention messages, severe dengue warning signs, or circumstances in which a dengue patient should return for care. Knowledge of clinical management was limited; few participants correctly identified scenarios when plasma leakage occurred (10%) or a crystalloid solution was indicated (7%); however, 45% correctly identified when a blood transfusion was indicated. Because of the ongoing threat of dengue, we recommend clinicians in south Texas receive dengue clinical management training. |
Guillain-Barre syndrome during ongoing Zika virus transmission - Puerto Rico, January 1-July 31, 2016
Dirlikov E , Major CG , Mayshack M , Medina N , Matos D , Ryff KR , Torres-Aponte J , Alkis R , Munoz-Jordan J , Colon-Sanchez C , Salinas JL , Pastula DM , Garcia M , Segarra MO , Malave G , Thomas DL , Rodriguez-Vega GM , Luciano CA , Sejvar J , Sharp TM , Rivera-Garcia B . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016 65 (34) 910-914 Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a postinfectious autoimmune disorder characterized by bilateral flaccid limb weakness attributable to peripheral nerve damage. Increased GBS incidence has been reported in countries with local transmission of Zika virus, a flavivirus transmitted primarily by certain Aedes species mosquitoes. In Puerto Rico, three arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are currently circulating: Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. The first locally acquired Zika virus infection in Puerto Rico was reported in December 2015. In February 2016, the Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH), with assistance from CDC, implemented the GBS Passive Surveillance System (GBPSS) to identify new cases of suspected GBS). Fifty-six suspected cases of GBS with onset of neurologic signs during January 1-July 31, 2016, were identified. Thirty-four (61%) patients had evidence of Zika virus or flavivirus infection; the median age of these patients was 55 years (range = 21-88 years), and 20 (59%) patients were female. These 34 patients were residents of seven of eight PRDH public health regions. All 34 patients were hospitalized and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIg), the standard treatment for GBS; 21 (62%) required intensive care unit admission, including 12 (35%) who required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. One patient died of septic shock after treatment for GBS. Additionally, 26 cases of neurologic conditions other than GBS were reported through GBPSS, including seven (27%) in patients with evidence of Zika virus or flavivirus infection. Residents of and travelers to Puerto Rico and countries with active Zika virus transmission should follow recommendations for prevention of Zika virus infections. Persons with signs or symptoms consistent with GBS should promptly seek medical attention. Health care providers in areas with ongoing local transmission seeing patients with neurologic illnesses should consider GBS and report suspected cases to public health authorities. |
Reemergence of Dengue in Southern Texas, 2013.
Thomas DL , Santiago GA , Abeyta R , Hinojosa S , Torres-Velasquez B , Adam JK , Evert N , Caraballo E , Hunsperger E , Munoz-Jordan JL , Smith B , Banicki A , Tomashek KM , Gaul L , Sharp TM . Emerg Infect Dis 2016 22 (6) 1002-7 During a dengue epidemic in northern Mexico, enhanced surveillance identified 53 laboratory-positive cases in southern Texas; 26 (49%) patients acquired the infection locally, and 29 (55%) were hospitalized. Of 83 patient specimens that were initially IgM negative according to ELISA performed at a commercial laboratory, 14 (17%) were dengue virus positive by real-time reverse transcription PCR performed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dengue virus types 1 and 3 were identified, and molecular phylogenetic analysis demonstrated close identity with viruses that had recently circulated in Mexico and Central America. Of 51 household members of 22 dengue case-patients who participated in household investigations, 6 (12%) had been recently infected with a dengue virus and reported no recent travel, suggesting intrahousehold transmission. One household member reported having a recent illness consistent with dengue. This outbreak reinforces emergence of dengue in southern Texas, particularly when incidence is high in northern Mexico. |
Update: Ongoing Zika virus transmission - Puerto Rico, November 1, 2015 - April 14, 2016
Dirlikov E , Ryff KR , Torres-Aponte J , Thomas DL , Perez-Padilla J , Munoz-Jordan J , Caraballo EV , Garcia M , Segarra MO , Malave G , Simeone RM , Shapiro-Mendoza CK , Reyes LR , Alvarado-Ramy F , Harris AF , Rivera A , Major CG , Mayshack M , Alvarado LI , Lenhart A , Valencia-Prado M , Waterman S , Sharp TM , Rivera-Garcia B . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016 65 (17) 451-5 Zika virus is a flavivirus transmitted primarily by Aedes species mosquitoes, and symptoms of infection can include rash, fever, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis. Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other severe brain defects. Infection has also been associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome. In December 2015, Puerto Rico became the first U.S. jurisdiction to report local transmission of Zika virus, with the index patient reporting symptom onset on November 23, 2015. This report provides an update to the epidemiology of and public health response to ongoing Zika virus transmission in Puerto Rico. During November 1, 2015-April 14, 2016, a total of 6,157 specimens from suspected Zika virus-infected patients were evaluated by the Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH) and CDC Dengue Branch (which is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico), and 683 (11%) had laboratory evidence of current or recent Zika virus infection by one or more tests: reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or immunoglobulin M (IgM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Zika virus-infected patients resided in 50 (64%) of 78 municipalities in Puerto Rico. Median age was 34 years (range = 35 days-89 years). The most frequently reported signs and symptoms were rash (74%), myalgia (68%), headache (63%), fever (63%), and arthralgia (63%). There were 65 (10%) symptomatic pregnant women who tested positive by RT-PCR or IgM ELISA. A total of 17 (2%) patients required hospitalization, including 5 (1%) patients with suspected Guillain-Barre syndrome. One (<1%) patient died after developing severe thrombocytopenia. The public health response to the outbreak has included increased laboratory capacity to test for Zika virus infection (including blood donor screening), implementation of enhanced surveillance systems, and prevention activities focused on pregnant women. Vector control activities include indoor and outdoor residual spraying and reduction of mosquito breeding environments focused around pregnant women's homes. Residents of and travelers to Puerto Rico should continue to employ mosquito bite avoidance behaviors, take precautions to reduce the risk for sexual transmission, and seek medical care for any acute illness with rash or fever. |
Local transmission of Zika Virus - Puerto Rico, November 23, 2015-January 28, 2016
Thomas DL , Sharp TM , Torres J , Armstrong PA , Munoz-Jordan J , Ryff KR , Martinez-Quinones A , Arias-Berrios J , Mayshack M , Garayalde GJ , Saavedra S , Luciano CA , Valencia-Prado M , Waterman S , Rivera-Garcia B . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016 65 (6) 154-158 Zika virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, spread to the Region of the Americas (Americas) in mid-2015, and appears to be related to congenital microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome (1,2). On February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the occurrence of microcephaly cases in association with Zika virus infection to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.* On December 31, 2015, Puerto Rico Department of Health (PRDH) reported the first locally acquired (index) case of Zika virus disease in a jurisdiction of the United States in a patient from southeastern Puerto Rico. During November 23, 2015-January 28, 2016, passive and enhanced surveillance for Zika virus disease identified 30 laboratory-confirmed cases. Most (93%) patients resided in eastern Puerto Rico or the San Juan metropolitan area. The most frequently reported signs and symptoms were rash (77%), myalgia (77%), arthralgia (73%), and fever (73%). Three (10%) patients were hospitalized. One case occurred in a patient hospitalized for Guillain-Barre syndrome, and one occurred in a pregnant woman. Because the most common mosquito vector of Zika virus, Aedes aegypti, is present throughout Puerto Rico, Zika virus is expected to continue to spread across the island. The public health response in Puerto Rico is being coordinated by PRDH with assistance from CDC. Clinicians in Puerto Rico should report all cases of microcephaly, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and suspected Zika virus disease to PRDH. Other adverse reproductive outcomes, including fetal demise associated with Zika virus infection, should be reported to PRDH. To avoid infection with Zika virus, residents of and visitors to Puerto Rico, particularly pregnant women, should strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites, including wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts, using permethrin-treated clothing and gear, using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent, and ensuring that windows and doors have intact screens. |
Disaster-related exposures and health effects among US Coast Guard responders to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: a cross-sectional study
Rusiecki JA , Thomas DL , Chen L , Funk R , McKibben J , Dayton MR . J Occup Environ Med 2014 56 (8) 820-33 OBJECTIVE: Disaster responders work among poorly characterized physical and psychological hazards with little understood regarding health consequences of their work. METHODS: A survey administered to 2834 US Coast Guard responders to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita provided data on exposures and health effects. Prevalence odds ratios (PORs) evaluated associations between baseline characteristics, missions, exposures, and health effects. RESULTS: Most frequent exposures were animal/insect vector (n = 1309; 46%) and floodwater (n = 817; 29%). Most frequent health effects were sunburn (n = 1119; 39%) and heat stress (n = 810; 30%). Significant positive associations were for mold exposure and sinus infection (POR = 10.39); carbon monoxide and confusion (POR = 6.27); lack of sleep and slips, trips, falls (POR = 3.34) and depression (POR = 3.01); being a Gulf-state responder and depression (POR = 3.22). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing protection for disaster responders requires provisions for adequate sleep, personal protective equipment, and access to medical and psychological support. |
The new paradigm of hepatitis C therapy: integration of oral therapies into best practices
Afdhal NH , Zeuzem S , Schooley RT , Thomas DL , Ward JW , Litwin AH , Razavi H , Castera L , Poynard T , Muir A , Mehta SH , Dee L , Graham C , Church DR , Talal AH , Sulkowski MS , Jacobson IM . J Viral Hepat 2013 20 (11) 745-60 Emerging data indicate that all-oral antiviral treatments for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) will become a reality in the near future. In replacing interferon-based therapies, all-oral regimens are expected to be more tolerable, more effective, shorter in duration and simpler to administer. Coinciding with new treatment options are novel methodologies for disease screening and staging, which create the possibility of more timely care and treatment. Assessments of histologic damage typically are performed using liver biopsy, yet noninvasive assessments of histologic damage have become the norm in some European countries and are becoming more widespread in the United States. Also in place are new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiatives to simplify testing, improve provider and patient awareness and expand recommendations for HCV screening beyond risk-based strategies. Issued in 2012, the CDC recommendations aim to increase HCV testing among those with the greatest HCV burden in the United States by recommending one-time testing for all persons born during 1945-1965. In 2013, the United States Preventive Services Task Force adopted similar recommendations for risk-based and birth-cohort-based testing. Taken together, the developments in screening, diagnosis and treatment will likely increase demand for therapy and stimulate a shift in delivery of care related to chronic HCV, with increased involvement of primary care and infectious disease specialists. Yet even in this new era of therapy, barriers to curing patients of HCV will exist. Overcoming such barriers will require novel, integrative strategies and investment of resources at local, regional and national levels. |
Report on a single topic conference on "chronic viral hepatitis - strategies to improve effectiveness of screening and treatment"
Ward JW , Lok AS , Thomas DL , El-Serag HB , Kim WR . Hepatology 2011 55 (1) 307-15 The 2010 Institute of Medicine Report on "Hepatitis and Liver Cancer" indicated that lack of knowledge and awareness about chronic hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) infections and insufficient understanding about the extent and seriousness of this public health problem impeded current efforts to prevent and control hepatitis B and C. A single topic conference was held in June 2011 to discuss strategies to improve the effectiveness of screening, care referral and clinical management of chronic HBV and HCV infections with the ultimate goal of reducing morbidity and mortality from these infections. Various models that have been shown to improve hepatitis screening and effectiveness of hepatitis treatment in the community including rural settings and populations that have traditionally been excluded due to comorbidities were presented. Recent advances in laboratory testing, medical management, and new antiviral therapies will not decrease the burden of viral hepatitis if persons at risk for or are living with viral hepatitis are not aware of the risks, have not been diagnosed, or have no access to care. Systematic changes in our health care delivery system and enhanced coordination of prevention and care services with partnerships between public health leaders and clinicians through education of the public and health care providers and linkage of infected persons with care and treatment services can increase the success of preventing viral hepatitis and the effectiveness of hepatitis treatment in the real-world. Implementation of these changes is feasible and will require policy changes, coordination among government agencies, and collaboration between government agencies, health care providers, community organizations, and advocacy groups. (HEPATOLOGY 2011). |
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