OBJECTIVE: This study characterized the utilization and outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment among patients with psychiatric illness. METHODS: HCV treatment evaluations were tracked among 360 patients with HCV infection and psychiatric illness (substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, affective disorders, or psychotic disorders). RESULTS: Two-thirds of patients did not receive HCV treatment, 11 percent of patients died during the study period, and 42 percent were excluded from HCV treatment because of nonadherence to the evaluation process or diagnoses of psychiatric and substance use disorders. Interferon-alpha and ribavirin treatment resulted in viral clearance in 10 percent of patients. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients with HCV and psychiatric illness did not receive HCV treatment, and HCV infection was associated with significant mortality. Study results highlight the need to develop innovative approaches to engage such patients in HCV treatment and to successfully manage psychiatric illness during HCV treatment.
OBJECTIVE: This study characterized the utilization and outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment among patients with psychiatric illness. METHODS:HCV treatment evaluations were tracked among 360 patients with HCV infection and psychiatric illness (substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, affective disorders, or psychotic disorders). RESULTS: Two-thirds of patients did not receive HCV treatment, 11 percent of patients died during the study period, and 42 percent were excluded from HCV treatment because of nonadherence to the evaluation process or diagnoses of psychiatric and substance use disorders. Interferon-alpha and ribavirin treatment resulted in viral clearance in 10 percent of patients. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of patients with HCV and psychiatric illness did not receive HCV treatment, and HCV infection was associated with significant mortality. Study results highlight the need to develop innovative approaches to engage such patients in HCV treatment and to successfully manage psychiatric illness during HCV treatment.
Authors: Maryam Alavi; Jason Grebely; Gail V Matthews; Kathy Petoumenos; Barbara Yeung; Carolyn Day; Andrew R Lloyd; Ingrid Van Beek; John M Kaldor; Margaret Hellard; Gregory J Dore; Paul S Haber Journal: J Gastroenterol Hepatol Date: 2012-05 Impact factor: 4.029
Authors: Stanley D Rosenberg; Richard W Goldberg; Lisa B Dixon; George L Wolford; Eric P Slade; Seth Himelhoch; Gerard Gallucci; Wendy Potts; Stephanie Tapscott; Christopher J Welsh Journal: Psychiatr Serv Date: 2010-09 Impact factor: 3.084
Authors: Donna M Evon; Kelly Simpson; Scott Kixmiller; Joseph Galanko; Karen Dougherty; Carol Golin; Michael W Fried Journal: Am J Gastroenterol Date: 2011-07-19 Impact factor: 10.864
Authors: William A Zule; Elizabeth C Costenbader; Curtis M Coomes; Wendee M Wechsberg Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2009-02-12 Impact factor: 9.308