Beth Schwartzapfel

Hepatic Steatosis Is Associated with Fibrosis, Nucleoside Analogue Use, and Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 3 Infection in HIV-Seropositive Patients

BACKGROUND We conducted a study to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hepatic steatosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients with hepatitis C and to investigate whether steatosis is associated with liver fibrosis. METHODS Retrospective chart reviews were conducted in 4 hospitals that serve community-based and incarcerated HIV-infected patients who had undergone a liver biopsy for evaluation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during the period of 2000-2003. Demographic characteristics and medication and laboratory data were collected from the time of the biopsy. A pathologist blinded to all clinical data evaluated the specimens. The primary outcome was presence or absence of steatosis. RESULTS Of 260 HIV-HCV-coinfected patients, 183 met inclusion criteria and had a biopsy specimen adequate for review. Steatosis was present in 69% of patients (graded as minimal in 31%, mild in 27%, moderate in 18%, and severe in 1%). Factors associated with steatosis included use of dideoxynucleoside analogues, such as didanosine and stavudine (odds ratio [OR], 4.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55-13.82). There was a trend toward presence of steatosis and use of other nucleoside analogues or infection with HCV genotype 3 (OR, 2.65 [95% CI, 0.95-7.41] and 3.38 [95% CI, 0.86-13.28], respectively). The presence of steatosis was associated with fibrosis (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.03-1.81). CONCLUSIONS In this multiracial population of HIV-HCV-coinfected patients, steatosis was prevalent and was associated with severity of liver fibrosis. Use of nucleoside analogues (particularly didanosine and stavudine) and HCV genotype 3 infection were associated with hepatic steatosis. The development of steatosis is multifactorial in nature and may play a contributory role in the progression of liver disease in HIV-infected patients.

A review of the case for hepatitis B vaccination of high-risk adults☆

The sequelae of hepatitis B virus infection include fulminant liver failure, chronic liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. The hepatitis B vaccine is efficacious, safe, and cost-effective, but has been consistently underutilized in high-risk adults despite long-standing recommendations. Instituting routine hepatitis B vaccination for high-risk adults in settings such as prisons and jails, sexually transmitted disease clinics, drug treatment centers, and needle exchange programs could prevent up to 800 cases of hepatitis, and 10 deaths from hepatitis, per 10,000 vaccinations, with an overall cost savings. Low rates of completion of the three-dose series and lack of funding for adult immunizations have always been challenges to offering hepatitis B vaccines to high-risk adults. However, there is benefit to an incomplete vaccination series, and high-risk populations are accessible for follow-up vaccination outside of traditional medical settings. A clear national objective and federal funding for vaccinating high-risk adults are needed.

Hepatitis B vaccination practices in state and federal prisons.

OBJECTIVE Incarcerated populations are a group at high risk for hepatitis B. About 30% of people experiencing acute hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) have a history of incarceration. Offering routine HBV vaccinations to incarcerated individuals could have a significant effect on public health. The objective of this study is to identify current vaccine practices and the perceived feasibility of routine vaccinations for hepatitis B within correctional settings. METHOD The authors surveyed the medical directors of state correctional facilities in all 50 states and the federal prison system regarding current HBV vaccine practices. Surveys were faxed or mailed between July 1 and September 1, 2000. RESULTS Thirty-five states and the federal system responded (response rate = 70.6%). These systems account for 77% of all inmates in federal or state prisons and jails. Two states give hepatitis B vaccine routinely, nine states offer no hepatitis B vaccine, and 26 states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons offer hepatitis vaccine to some inmates. Most states do not spend enough money to vaccinate even those prisoners at highest risk. Under the Vaccine for Children program, 19,520 youths could receive vaccine immediately. According to the respondents, if vaccine were available at no-cost, 25 states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons would routinely offer vaccination to all inmates. CONCLUSIONS Most correctional systems do not routinely offer vaccine to their incarcerated populations, but would if funds were available. There exists now a unique public health opportunity to prevent a significant proportion of new hepatitis B infections.

Community Incidence of Hepatitis B and C among Reincarcerated Women

BACKGROUND The incarceration rate has increased 239% in the United States over the past 2 decades. This increase in incarceration has been fueled by the movement towards a criminal, rather than medical, response to the problem of drug dependence. For women in particular, incarceration and drug use are interdependent epidemics. Given that incarceration is common among drug-dependent persons, infectious diseases--including hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection--are prevalent among incarcerated persons. We sought to determine the incidence of HBV and HCV infection among recidivist women prisoners. METHODS From 1996 through 1997, excess from serum samples collected during HIV testing of female admittees to a state Department of Corrections facility were tested for HBV and HCV. Multiple samples obtained from women incarcerated multiple times during the study period were compared for incidence. RESULTS Baseline prevalences of markers of HBV and HCV were 36% and 34%, respectively. Incidence rates for HBV and HCV infection among reincarcerated women were 12.2 and 18.2 per 100 person-years, respectively. The majority of the time spent between serial intakes was not spent in the correctional facility; thus, incident infections likely occurred in the community. CONCLUSIONS Incidences of HBV and HCV infection among reincarcerated women were high. Prisons and jails can be efficient locations for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of hepatitis B and C through programs such as testing, counseling, education, vaccination, and linkage to medical and drug treatment services.

Demographic, geographic, and temporal patterns of ambulance runs for suspected opiate overdose in Rhode Island, 1997-2002

We examine ambulance runs for suspected opiate overdose from 1997 to 2002 using a Rhode Island Department of Health database. Of the 8,763 ambulance runs for overdoses, 18.6% were for suspected opiate overdoses. Most cases were males under age 54. Suspected opiate overdoses were more likely to occur in a private residence, were more frequent on Fridays and Saturdays, and peaked in incidence around 9:00 p.m. The incidence rate of suspected opiate overdose by year was similar. The study results may help identify areas for preventive intervention and demonstrate the limitation of using naloxone as a marker of opiate overdose events.

Sexual risk for hepatitis B virus infection among hepatitis C virus-negative heroin and cocaine users.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are highly prevalent, often co-occurring infections among drug users. We examined HBV prevalence and risk behaviour patterns among a group of HCV-negative heroin and/or cocaine users in order to understand HBV risk and prevention opportunities among this unique group. Of 164 people enrolled, 44% had injected drugs. Overall, 24% of participants tested positive for exposure to HBV; drug injectors (28%) were only slightly and not significantly (P=0.287) more likely to test positive than those who had never injected drugs (21%). HBV exposure was significantly associated with multiple indicators of greater sex risk. HBV status was not associated with any demographic characteristic, but participants who reported longer duration of cocaine use were significantly less likely to test positive to exposure for HBV. It appears that HBV risk among HCV-negative drug users in this cohort is primarily due to sexual behaviour.