Barriers to hepatitis C treatment in the era of direct-acting anti-viral agents.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Direct-acting anti-virals (DAA) are safe, effective treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Suboptimal linkage to specialists and access to DAAs are the leading barriers to treatment; however, data are limited.

Aim

To determine predictors of follow-up, receipt of DAAs, and reasons for the lack thereof.

Methods

We used clinical data from retrospective cohort of HCV-infected patients with previously established HCV care in the US Department of Veterans Affairs to examine predictors of follow-up in HCV clinics and DAA treatment (during 12/1/2013-4/30/2015). We then conducted a structured review of medical charts of HCV patients to determine reasons for lack of follow-up and treatment.

Results

We identified 84 221 veterans who were previously seen in HCV c

SUBMITTER: Lin M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5800315 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature