Optimizing assessment and treatment for hepatitis C virus infection in illicit drug users: a novel model incorporating multidisciplinary care and peer support.

摘要: Results Two hundred and four HCV antibody-positive illicit drug users accepted referral to a weekly peer-support group. Assessment for occurred in 53% of patients (n=109), with 13% (n=14) having initiated or completed treatment infection before attending the support group, evaluation ongoing 10% (n=11) deferred/not indicated 25% (n=27). The major reasons deferral included early disease (30%), dependence (37%), other medical (11%) psychiatric comorbidities (4%). Sixty-eight percent those deferred than liver showed multiple deferral. first 4 weeks group attendance predicted successful assessment (odds ratio: 6.03, 95% confidence interval: 3.27–11.12, P<0.001). Overall, 28% (n=57) received treatment. Among individuals pegylatedinterferon ribavirin therapy appropriate follow-up (n=19), rate sustained virologic response was 63% (12/19), despite use 53%.