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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Sarah Jowett, Dr Kaushik Agarwal, Dr Eilish Gilvarry, Professor Alastair BurtORCiD, Professor Margaret Bassendine
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We retrospectively reviewed the provision and uptake of hospital services for 253 current and ex-intravenous drug users with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Overall, 237 attended at least one clinic (mean age 32 years, 70% male, 43% on maintenance methadone); 81% had evidence of active viral replication and 137 agreed to a liver biopsy to assess disease severity. Of these 137, 24% had mild chronic hepatitis with a low risk of progression to cirrhosis, but 9% had cirrhosis (mean age 40 years, mean time since initial intravenous drug use 15.8 years). Only 50 of the 100 patients in whom antiviral therapy was indicated, commenced treatment; 18 (36%) have had a sustained virological response. The natural history or response to treatment of chronic HCV in those who acquire it through intravenous drug use is not different to that previously reported for post-transfusion HCV. However, a substantial proportion default from follow-up or decline further intervention. As intravenous drug use is now the main risk factor for acquisition of HCV, these data have implications for future delivery of care aimed at limiting the morbidity of chronic HCV, and limiting the spread of hepatitis C virus infection amongst intravenous drug users.
Author(s): Agarwal K; Gilvarry E; Bassendine MF; Burt AD; Jowett SL; Smith BC; Craig W; Hewett M; Bassendine DR
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: QJM-An International Journal of Medicine
Year: 2001
Volume: 94
Issue: 3
Pages: 153-158
ISSN (print): 1460-2725
ISSN (electronic): 1460-2393
Publisher: Oxford University Press
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/qjmed/94.3.153
DOI: 10.1093/qjmed/94.3.153
Notes: 1460-2725 Journal Article
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