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- Title
Estimated uptake of hepatitis C direct-acting antiviral treatment among individuals with HIV co-infection in Australia: a retrospective cohort study.
- Authors
Iranpour, Nima; Dore, Gregory J.; Martinello, Marianne; Matthews, Gail V.; Grebely, Jason; Hajarizadeh, Behzad
- Abstract
Background Unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been available in Australia since March 2016. Individuals with HIV-HCV co-infection are at a greater risk of liver fibrosis progression. This study estimated DAA treatment uptake among individuals with HIV-HCV co-infection, during the first year of DAA treatment access in Australia.<bold>Methods: </bold>Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data on dispensed DAA and antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescriptions from March 2016 to March 2017 were used for analysis.<bold>Results: </bold>During March 2016 to March 2017, a total of 935 individuals with HIV-HCV co-infection were receiving ART and initiated DAA treatment, with 93% to 97% completing their prescribed course. Estimated DAA treatment uptake in the HIV-HCV-infected population was 41% (935/2290). Most were men (94%). Median age was 50 years. DAA treatment was initiated by specialists in 64% of cases (n = 602), and by general practitioners (GPs) in 25% of cases (n = 238). The proportion of individuals initiated on DAA by GPs increased from 20% in March-April 2016 to 26% in January-March 2017. Most specialists (77%) and GPs (72%) initiated DAA treatment for one to three patients. Among individuals initiated on DAA by GPs, 68% received their ART prescription from the same GP.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>A high level of DAA treatment uptake and completion was observed among individuals with HIV-HCV co-infection during the first year of DAA treatment access. The proportion of individuals prescribed DAA by GPs increased over time; this is important for broadened access.
- Subjects
AUSTRALIA; MIXED infections; HEPATITIS C virus; BLOODBORNE infections; COHORT analysis; GENERAL practitioners; HIV; HEPATITIS C
- Publication
Sexual Health (14485028), 2020, Vol 17, Issue 3, p223
- ISSN
1448-5028
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1071/SH19101