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A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Estimation of the number of HCV-positive patients in Italy
Ivan Gardini1, Marco Bartoli1, Massimiliano Conforti1
1EpaC Onlus, Italian Liver Patient Association, Rome, Italy.
Insights
This study estimates over 680,000 living individuals in Italy have or had Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). It highlights 240,043 individuals still require treatment for this liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant cause of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver transplantation.
- Accurate estimations of HCV prevalence are crucial for public health strategies and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the number of living individuals diagnosed with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in Italy.
- To stratify the HCV-positive population into diagnosed and cured, diagnosed and awaiting cure, and undiagnosed categories.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based inquiry was conducted in three representative Italian regions (Campania, Lazio, Piemonte).
- Data collected from 2,860 patients included demographics, disease status, and exemption categories.
- Face-to-face interviews were conducted by specialized personnel between September 2017 and January 2018.
Main Results:
- Analysis of 2,860 questionnaires revealed 54% were still infected with HCV.
- The study estimates 443,491 cured HCV-positive individuals and 240,043 ill patients awaiting treatment in Italy.
- Exemption data indicated 46.6% had chronic hepatitis (016 exemption).
Conclusions:
- This study provides a significant improvement in estimating the HCV-positive population in Italy.
- Findings can inform decision-makers for more effective strategic planning towards HCV elimination.
- Addressing the 240,043 untreated individuals is critical for reducing the burden of HCV.
Background:
HCV is one of the main causes of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver transplantation.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to estimate the number of living individuals diagnosed with hepatitis C in Italy. This study also aimed to stratify these subjects as diagnosed and cured, diagnosed awaiting a cure, and undiagnosed (individuals who were not diagnosed, living or lived with hepatitis C).
Methods:
To quantify the number of ill patients in Italy, an inquiry was conducted based on questionnaires submitted to three nationally representative regions, namely, Campania, Lazio and Piemonte, as representatives of the three main areas of Italy (North, Centre and South regions). The data were collected through a questionnaire to acquire demographic and clinical information on patients in the participating hospitals. The questionnaires contained 6 questions on sex, age, region of residence, disease condition, type of exemption and category. The questionnaires were administered individually to consecutive patients through face-to-face interviews conducted by specialised personnel in each centre. Data were collected between September 2017 and January 2018.
Results:
In total, 2,860 questionnaires were analysed. They were completed by the patients (55% male), who had an average age of 61 years (64 years for women and 59 years for men). In total, 54% of the sample declared that they were still infected with HCV (1,548 patients out of 2,860 respondents), while the remaining subjects declared that they had been cured. The inquiry showed that 46.6% of the sample had at least a 016 exemption (chronic hepatitis), while more than 51% (1,469 interviewed patients out of 2,860 respondents) had a different type of exemption. Only 2% of the respondents declared that they had no exemption. Assuming that the analysed sample is representative of the actual HCV-positive population in Italy and considering the number of 016 exempt patients in the regional data, the model estimates that there are 443,491 cured and HCV-positive living patients and 240,043 ill patients who have yet to be treated.
Conclusions:
Although this study has limitations, it represents a considerable improvement over the previously available studies. This study can help decision-makers implement more effective strategic planning to eliminate hepatitis C.
