The Hepatitis C virus treatment cascade at an urban postincarceration transitions clinic

L. Hawks, B. L. Norton, C. O. Cunningham, Aaron D. Fox

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transitions clinics, which provide medical care to individuals who have been released from incarceration, reach a population at high risk for hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. We used the HCV treatment cascade to describe HCV care at an urban postincarceration transitions clinic, identifying gaps in care and determining reasons for lapses in care. In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed electronic health records for all formerly incarcerated individuals receiving care at the Bronx Transitions Clinic. HCV treatment cascade measures included the following: detection of HCV antibodies, confirmation of chronic infection, specialist referral, specialist evaluation, initiation of treatment, completion of treatment and achievement of SVR. We recorded reasons for lapses in care. Of 451 patients accessing care, 317 (70%) were screened for HCV antibodies, and 106 (33%) tested positive. Of the 106 antibody-positive patients, 93 (88%) were evaluated for HCV viremia and 84 (79%) were confirmed to have chronic HCV infection; 19% of the total sample had chronic HCV infection. Of these 84 with chronic HCV, 48 (57%) received specialist referral, 30 (36%) were evaluated, 8 (10%) initiated treatment, and 5 (6%) completed treatment and achieved SVR. Some treatment lapses occurred because patients were deemed unstable for treatment (12%) or were re-incarcerated (5%). Chronic HCV infection was common among transitions clinic patients. Few were treated and cured. Patients lost contact with providers before consideration for antiviral therapy. Referral to specialty providers was a gap in care. Increasing HCV treatment in this population will likely require intensive delivery models.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)473-478
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Viral Hepatitis
Volume23
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2016

Keywords

  • cascade of care
  • hepatitis C
  • incarceration
  • transitions clinics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Hepatology

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