Theme: Epidemiology & Public Health Research Year: 2019
Background: Use of IVDU drugs is a major cause of CHC infection. IVDU with CHC patients who
participate to drug substitution programs are estimated at around 7,000-8,000 patients in our
country(Hellas). The purpose of our study is the recording of IVDU/CHC users characteristics and the
opportunity to start treatment with the newer antivirals (DAAs) according to the criteria of National
Department of Health.
Description of model of care/intervention: The analysis of 220 IVDU- CHC patients epidemiological,
virological and clinical data who have been treated or not with the newer antiviral drugs (DAAs).
Effectiveness: We analyzed the data of 220 CHC patients (72.5% men, mean age 38 ± 10 years), 52%
who had a previous history of PEG IFN and RIB without achieving SVR. Substitution programs (62%
methadone, 34% buprenorphine) followed 60% and 38% reported sporadic or systemic use of
substances. 1/3 had coexistence (hypertension, diabetes, psychiatric history). Adherence to HIV and
HBV was observed in 1.1% and 3.2%, respectively. The genotypes of HCV infection were: GT3: 71%,
GT1a: 20.7%, GT1b: 5.8%, GT2: 2.2%, GT4: 1.4%. The mean HCV-RNA PCR was 1,3 x10⁶ IU / ml ± 3.1 ×
10⁶, and 75% of patients with GT1a had HCV-RNA levels> 800,000 IU / ml. The average elastography
value was 8.5 ± 7 kpa (2.1-58 kpa). 17% of patients had evidence of liver cirrhosis (5%
decompensated cirrhosis, 1 with liver cancer). Elastography value <7 kpa (F0-F1) had 58% of
patients.
Conclusion and next steps: HCV patients with CHC infection have significant viral load of morbidity
(1/3 co-morbidity). Most IVDU patients with co-morbidity with CHC infection are excluded from
newer antiviral therapies because they do not meet the National Department of Health access
criteria.
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