Articles tagged with Hepatitis C
A new algorithm can determine patients' liver cancer risk in a single examination, providing an efficient screening method for those at high risk. The tool uses blood values and liver stiffness to identify individuals with a higher likelihood of developing hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis C treatment.
A study of 1,000 patients found that some recoverees from hepatitis C still face liver cancer risks after treatment. Researchers propose a 2-step strategy combining FIB-4 and transient elastography/ultrasound to predict high-risk cases.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis had significantly higher post-ICU death rates and mortality at 30 days after ICU discharge compared to those with cirrhosis attributed to other causes. The study, which analyzed case files of 1,174 patients, suggests that early diagno...
The THINKER-NEXT trial will transplant 200 kidneys from HCV-positive donors into new patients to assess long-term outcomes and risks. The study aims to increase adoption of this practice nationwide and provide hope for those waiting on the kidney transplant list.
A study led by New York University researchers found that the FDA-approved hepatitis C treatment telaprevir can increase bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics and reduce antibiotic resistance. The antiviral blocks the function of essential proteins in bacteria, revealing an opportunity to repurpose the drug to use alongside antibiotics.
A new study reveals that memory T helper cells can work with memory B cells to effectively defend the body against chronic viruses. This finding has direct relevance to developing new vaccines for HIV and hepatitis C, as it suggests a more sustained immune response.
A new study found that chronic hepatitis C patients in hospital clinics spent five times more on out-of-pocket costs than those treated in community clinics. Patients lost an average of $743 in time over three months due to CHC, while caregivers also bear a significant financial burden.
The rate of HCV in pregnant people increased from 1.8 to 5.1 per 1,000 live births between 2009 and 2019. Researchers found that rural residence, higher rates of employment, and a greater density of obstetricians were associated with a lower risk of developing HCV during pregnancy.
Researchers found that hepatitis C treatment reduces the activity of proteins involved in cirrhosis, potentially indicating an early sign of liver recovery. The study suggests a possible pathway toward healing scarred liver tissue after virus elimination.
A new study reveals that high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in liver cells are associated with resistance to hepatitis C virus infection. Lipid peroxidation occurs on PUFA-enriched membranes where viral replication machinery is anchored, ultimately shutting off its ability to replicate the viral genome.
Researchers identify structure and interaction between HCV E2 protein and CD81 receptor, revealing acidic conditions enhance binding and facilitate cell entry. This discovery provides new leads for developing an HCV vaccine by targeting specific antibodies against the virus.
West Virginia University researcher Judith Feinberg is integrating services for opioid use disorder, the hepatitis C virus and HIV in 20 primary care clinics across the state. The project aims to address the intertwined opioid and HIV epidemics through efficient and comprehensive care.
A new study found that subscription-based payment models increased HCV prescription fills by 534% in Louisiana and improved population health. The model incentivizes states to treat as many individuals who benefit from HCV treatment, aligning with the WHO's goal to eradicate the virus by 2030.
Researchers have found that viruses like hepatitis B and C do not always kill infected cells, but instead cause long-term changes. These changes can affect genes related to cell division and metabolism, potentially contributing to increased risk of liver cancer in cured patients.
Researchers in New Delhi identified a network of 2,512 people who inject drugs, revealing the importance of social interactions and spatial connections on disease transmission. The study found that injecting at popular venues increased HIV and hepatitis C infection risk, and indirect networks also played a significant role.
A vaccine to protect against hepatitis C could be developed and rolled out within five years, according to Professor Sir Michael Houghton. The development of a vaccine is crucial for reducing new infections and mortality rates by 90% and 65%, respectively, by 2030.
The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency of Malaysia has granted conditional registration to a new hepatitis C treatment combination developed through public-private partnership. The treatment, ravidasvir, was shown to be effective and well-tolerated in clinical trials, with cure rates of up to 97%.
The West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute Project ECHO program has been recognized as an ECHO Superhub, enabling outreach support to healthcare providers nationwide. With this designation, WVCTSI can offer training and expertise to establish new ECHO programs, reducing health disparities in underserved areas.
A new study from the University of Southern California finds that a Medicaid-Medicare partnership could save $1 to $1.1 billion over 25 years while treating hepatitis C cases. The model suggests that joint coverage of treatment would improve patient outcomes and reduce future healthcare costs.
Researchers found that patients were more likely to complete hepatitis C screenings when the test was already ordered for them, with completion rates doubling. The study also showed that traditional mail notifications resulted in higher screening rates than online patient portals, particularly among Black patients.
A single-center retrospective study found that 1-year kidney transplant outcomes are similar for HCV-negative recipients from HCV-positive or negative donors. The results suggest that transplantation of kidneys from HCV-infected donors to HCV-negative recipients is a viable option.
A team of Canadian virologists identified a critical role played by the RTN3 protein in the progression of Hepatitis C virus infection. This discovery could lead to better treatments and potentially effective vaccines for the disease, which affects over 130 million people worldwide.
A phase I clinical trial found that the antiviral drug cocktail ledipasvir/sofosbuvir resulted in a 100% hepatitis C cure rate among nine pregnant volunteers, with none of their babies contracting the virus. The study suggests that pregnancy could be an excellent time to diagnose and cure hepatitis C infection.
Routine Hepatitis C testing at federally qualified health centers (FQHC) has been shown to improve diagnosis rates and health outcomes for people with HCV infections in the US. This approach is cost-effective compared to targeted testing, resulting in better health outcomes and reduced financial burden.
A study from the University of Cincinnati found that HCV-positive livers can be safely transplanted into patients without the infection, and the virus can be eradicated. This breakthrough increases the chances of vital organ transplants for patients in need, addressing the shortage of available organs during the opioid crisis.
The hepatitis C virus exploits an immune protein called cyclophilin A to evade the immune system's defenses. Blocking this protein can impair the virus's ability to replicate and boost the immune response.
Several hepatitis C drugs and a natural substance from Japanese honeysuckle have shown high affinity to bind SARS-CoV-2, potentially preventing infection. The study's results need to be verified in laboratory experiments and clinical studies.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found similar changes in the immune cells of both infected and exposed infants, suggesting a possible explanation for the low infection risk. The study aims to understand how the immune system can be protected against hepatitis C in the future.
Researchers discovered that hepatitis C virus interacts with the immune system through the interferon-stimulated gene C19orf66, disrupting viral replication machinery and inhibiting its ability to replicate. The study found increased production of C19orf66 in hepatitis C patients, suggesting a potential antiviral effect.
Research found that regular screening and access to new treatments have significantly reduced new hepatitis C infections among HIV-positive men in London and Brighton. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 men at risk of hepatitis C and showed a decline in new cases, with the lowest recorded since 2008.
A systematic evidence review by OHSU researchers found that new direct-acting antiviral therapies are highly effective in eliminating the Hepatitis C virus infection. The review informed a new recommendation for universal screening of Hepatitis C, with the therapy being more than 95% effective even in young people.
The USPSTF now recommends screening for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in adults aged 18-79, following a decade of rising cases linked to increased injection drug use. This updated guidance aims to reduce deaths from HCV, which exceeds those of other reportable infectious diseases.
A UK clinical trial has found an effective intervention to increase hepatitis C testing and treatment in primary care. The HepCATT study increased HCV testing by 59% and treatment assessments by five times in intervention practices compared to control.
Four research teams at Columbia University will pursue four different approaches to develop drugs and antibodies against the new coronavirus. They aim to identify protease inhibitors, polymerase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies, with the goal of advancing at least one compound into clinical trials within a year.
A study estimates that Pakistan needs a significant investment of $3.9 billion to achieve the World Health Organization's target for eliminating Hepatitis C virus (HCV) by 2030. This would involve screening or re-screening 36 million people annually and treating 660,000 each year, with regular follow-ups to identify new infections.
Using HCV-infected donor kidneys can reduce average wait time for dialysis patients from four years to 1.56 years and improve quality of life. Patients receiving transplants with HCV-infected kidneys gain nearly 10 months in quality-adjusted life expectancy compared to those who waited longer.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that fewer than 1 in 4 Tennessee infants exposed to hepatitis C at birth were tested, highlighting inadequate testing rates. The study also revealed disparities in testing rates based on the mother's racial background, with African American mothers being tested less frequently.
A case series of 80 heart transplant patients reveals that donors positive for hepatitis C pose a risk to recipients, who developed chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.
A recent study found that under 30% of young patients with substance use history were tested for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), emphasizing the importance of improved screening and treatment. The study highlights the need to connect those found to have current infection to treatment, particularly among young people who inject drugs.
A new study found that an existing antiviral treatment is effective against both the hepatitis C virus and potentially fatal complications such as reduced liver functioning and cirrhosis. The treatment also improves cognitive function, with patients experiencing improved reaction times.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that interferon-free direct-acting antivirals are effective in treating hepatitis C in older adults, with high cure rates reported despite comorbid conditions. The treatment offers similar effectiveness as it does in younger patients.
A new mathematical model is comparing the spread of Hepatitis C virus to that of mosquito-borne malaria, sparking creative ideas for reducing transmission. The study suggests replacing infected needles with new ones or changing the ratio of infected to uninfected needles could be effective in preventing the spread.
A new study demonstrates that antiviral drugs for hepatitis C reduce liver-related deaths by nearly 50% in patients with a history of liver cancer. The finding reverses prior misconceptions about the relationship between hepatitis C and liver cancer recurrence.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that early access to needle-exchange programs can significantly reduce the risk of hepatitis C infection among people who inject drugs. The program helped prevent the spread of the disease by providing treatment and harm-reducing interventions.
Researchers found that testing all persons entering prison for Hepatitis C, treating those with at least 12 months remaining in their sentence, and linking individuals to care upon release improves health outcomes. The strategy was cost-effective but associated with an additional annual cost of $1,440 per prisoner.
A study by West Virginia University researchers found that fear of arrest is a major barrier to obtaining clean needles and safely disposing of used ones. Nearly three-fourths of respondents cited this concern, highlighting the need for clearer laws on syringe possession and exchange programs.
Two large real-world studies confirm the efficacy of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in a broad range of individuals with HCV infection, including those with comorbidities. The treatment showed significant improvements in physical and mental well-being, with high sustained virological response rates.
Researchers at Kanazawa University discovered that a host mRNA, selenoprotein P (SeP), specifically regulates the RIG-I pathway-dependent innate immune responses. SeP mRNA inhibits the activation of RIG-I by binding to its regulatory domain and negatively regulating innate immunity.
Hepatitis C transmissions in high-income countries could be reduced by up to 79%, with lower rates in low- and middle-income nations. New antiviral treatments have become available, but widespread adoption of prevention measures is crucial for meeting the World Health Organization's elimination targets.
Researchers successfully transplanted hepatitis C-infected hearts and lungs, detecting no signs of the disease and good outcomes for patients treated with a short course of antivirals. The study found that nearly all patients cleared the virus within two weeks, and graft survival was comparable to non-HCV positive donors.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reports a 10% decrease in newly diagnosed hepatitis C cases between 2016 and 2017, with over 31,000 cases reported in 2017. However, diagnoses remain high due to under-reporting and variation in national testing practices.
A new study from The Westmead Institute for Medical Research identified a genetic variant associated with liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C patients. This finding is crucial for preventing health complications and reducing the number of patients requiring liver transplants.
Researchers identified a new protocol to prioritize HCV treatment in US prisons, considering factors like liver health state, sentence length, and injection drug use. The approach aims to reduce hepatitis C-caused mortality and infections, both in prisons and the community.
Regular screening and access to new treatments have significantly reduced the transmission of hepatitis C among HIV-positive men in London. The study, which analyzed data from over 6,000 patients, found that cases of newly acquired acute hepatitis C fell sharply between 2013 and 2018.
A large study found that direct-acting antiviral treatment is associated with reduced risk of mortality and hepatocellular cancer, but not decompensation of cirrhosis. Patients treated with direct-acting antivirals were 52% less likely to die prematurely than those who were untreated.
A study by RAND Corporation finds that OxyContin reformulation in 2010 led to a large rise in hepatitis C infections as drug abusers switched to injectable heroin. States with higher rates of OxyContin misuse prior to the reformulation saw a three-fold increase in hepatitis C infections.
A comprehensive package of interventions could avert 15.1 million new hepatitis C infections and 1.5 million cirrhosis and liver cancer deaths globally by 2030. Implementing comprehensive blood safety and infection control measures was estimated to reduce the number of new infections in 2030 by 58%.
A recent study found that needle and syringe programs are a cost-effective way to prevent hepatitis C (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs. The research, funded by the National Institute for Health Research, estimated that these programs would save millions of pounds in infection treatment costs in the UK. In addition to re...
The proportion of U.S. liver transplants for alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) has doubled in the last 15 years, with a shift away from the six-month abstinence rule contributing to the increase. Despite this, ALD patients still appear to be disadvantaged in transplant access.
A large study found no significant difference in liver cancer recurrence between patients treated with direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C. The treatment was also shown to reduce the aggressiveness of cancer when it did recur. This new data reassures providers that treating Hep C is safe and beneficial for these patients.