AN INNOVATIVE MODEL FOR LINKAGE TO CARE OF PWID WITH HCV INFECTION IN ITALY


Author: Vincenzo Messina, Antonio Russo, Enrico Parente, Lugi Stella, Angela Salzillo, Filomena Simeone, Mariantonietta Pisaturo, Giovanni Di Caprio, Nicola Coppola

Theme: Clinical Research Year: 2019

Background.The aim of this study was to evaluate an innovative model for eliminate HCV infection in a high-risk population of PWID. Methods.Between December 2017and June 2019 a prospective, interventional, before and after study, based on the active and close cooperation between some Services for the Dependence (SerDs) in Campania and thecorresponding 3 rd level units of Infectious Diseases in Caserta, Campania, Italy, was performed. The intervention included three periodic prospective audits conducted by the infectious disease consultants in the SerDs to improve the knowledge on HCV infection and on the need to treat. The infectious disease consultants were responsible for writing and sharing diagnostic protocols for HCV infection to do at SerD; finally, a fast lane to access the Infectious Disease Unit and to start DAA was planned and a protocol for the follow-up during and after DAA with a close collaboration between SerD and Infectious Disease Unit’ personnelwas identified. Results. In the pre-intervention period 51 PWIDs were treaded with DAA; in the post-intervention period 198 PWID were linked to care and treated with DAA. Compare with the pre-intervention period the number of subjects linked to care for HCV infection increased by 388% (51 vs 198) with no statistical difference in genotypes (genotype 1a:15 vs 65, p= 0.64; genotype 3:16 vs 55, p= 0.61). Conclusions. This innovative procedures has high rates of linkage to care in PWID with HCV infection. Disclosure of Interest: none

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