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Pirlog MC, Danilescu CM, Alexandru DO, Streba CT, Rogoveanu I. The Role of Direct-Acting Antivirals in Enhancing Quality of Life Among Individuals with Chronic Hepatitis C. Healthcare (Basel) 2025; 13:878. [PMID: 40281827 PMCID: PMC12027255 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13080878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2025] [Revised: 04/03/2025] [Accepted: 04/10/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection significantly impairs health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and poses a substantial global health concern. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies have revolutionized HCV treatment, but their impact on HRQoL, particularly considering clinical and psychological factors, requires further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of DAA therapy on HRQoL in Romanian patients with chronic HCV infection, analyzing the effects of treatment on HRQoL and the role of associated factors. Methods: A prospective, single-center study was conducted on 90 HCV-infected patients treated with a 12-week DAA regimen (Ombitasvir/Paritaprevir/Ritonavir/Dasabuvir). HRQoL was assessed at baseline (BSL), end of treatment (EOT), and 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR) using the WHOQOL BREF questionnaire. Clinical data, including fibrosis degree, prior PegIFN treatment, and psychological assessments (HADS, PSS), were collected. Statistical analyses examined HRQoL trends and associations with clinical and psychological parameters. Results: Significant improvements in HRQoL were observed across all domains over time (p < 0.0001). Gender and residence did not significantly influence HRQoL changes. Fibrosis severity and prior PegIFN treatment had no significant impact on HRQoL progression. However, comorbidities such as anemia and chronic kidney disease moderated improvements in specific HRQoL domains. Anxiety also affected HRQoL, while perceived stress and depression did not show significant effects. Conclusions: DAA therapy significantly enhances HRQoL in HCV-infected patients. While clinical and treatment-related factors had limited influence, comorbidities and anxiety played a moderating role. These findings underscore the importance of personalized care and integrated mental health assessments in HCV management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihail Cristian Pirlog
- Medical Sociology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | | | - Dragos Ovidiu Alexandru
- Biostatistics Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Costin Teodor Streba
- Department of Scientific Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
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Nakatani MM, Robbins-Welty GA. Mind the Virus: Commentary on "Association of Cognitive Impairment with Chronic Viral Hepatitis Among Older Adults in Taiwan" by Yeh et al. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 32:192-194. [PMID: 37949804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregg A Robbins-Welty
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine (G.A.R.-W.), Durham, NC; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine (G.A.R.-W.), Durham, NC.
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Gutiérrez-Rojas L, de la Gándara Martín JJ, García Buey L, Uriz Otano JI, Mena Á, Roncero C. Patients with severe mental illness and hepatitis C virus infection benefit from new pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals: Results of a literature review. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2023; 46:382-396. [PMID: 35718017 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem that can results in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and even death. HCV infection is 3-20-fold more prevalent among patients with versus without severe mental illness (SMI), such as major depressive disorder, personality disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Treatment options for HCV were formerly based on pegylated interferon alpha, which is associated with neuropsychiatric adverse events, and this contributed to the exclusion of patients with SMI from HCV treatment, elimination programmes, and clinical trials. Moreover, the assumption of poor adherence, scant access to healthcare and the stigma and vulnerability of this population emerged as barriers and contributed to the low rates of treatment and efficacy. METHODS This paper reviews the literature published between December 2010 and December 2020 exploring the epidemiology of HCV in patients with SMI, and vice versa, the effect of HCV infection, barriers to the management of illness in these patients, and benefits of new therapeutic options with pangenotypic direct antiviral agents (DAAs). RESULTS The approval of DAAs has changed the paradigm of HCV infection treatment. DAAs have proven to be an equally efficacious and safe option that improves quality of life (QoL) in patients SMI. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the consequences of the HCV infection and the benefits of treatment with new pangenotypic DAAs among psychiatrists can increase screening, referral and treatment of HCV infection in patients with SMI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luisa García Buey
- Gastroenterology Department, Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan I Uriz Otano
- Gastroenterology Department, Liver Unit, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Mena
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Service, Clinical Virology Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC)-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Universidade da Coruña, Coruña, Spain
| | - Carlos Roncero
- Psychiatry Service, University of Salamanca Health Care Complex and Psychiatric Unit, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Shaheen AA, Kaplan GG, Sharkey KA, Lethebe BC, Swain MG. Impact of depression and antidepressant use on clinical outcomes of hepatitis B and C: a population-based study. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0062. [PMID: 36790342 PMCID: PMC9931033 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is common in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. We evaluated the impact of major depressive disorder (MDD) and antidepressant use on survival among patients with HBV and HCV. METHODS We used The Health Improvement Network database, the largest medical database in the UK, to identify incident HBV (n=1401) and HCV (n=1635) in patients between 1986 and 2017. Our primary composite outcome was the development of decompensated cirrhosis or death. MDD and each class of antidepressants were assessed in multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and clinical comorbidities. RESULTS The prevalence of MDD among HCV patients was higher compared with HBV patients (23.5% vs. 9.0%, p<0.001, respectively). Similarly, HCV patients were more likely to use antidepressants (59.6%) compared with HBV patients (27.1%), p>0.001. MDD was not an independent predictor for decompensated cirrhosis-free survival or mortality. However, the use of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs) was associated with poor decompensated cirrhosis-free survival in HBV and HCV cohorts (adjusted HR: 1.80, 95% CI, 1.00-3.26 and 1.56, 95% CI, 1.13-2.14, respectively). Both TCAs in the HBV cohort and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors among the HCV cohort were associated with poor overall survival (adjusted HR: 2.18, 95% CI, 1.16-4.10; 1.48, 95% CI, 1.02-2.16, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Although prevalent among viral hepatitis patients, MDD did not affect disease progression or survival in either HBV or HCV cohorts. TCA use was associated with poor decompensated cirrhosis-free survival. Therefore, its use should be further studied among viral hepatitis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Aziz Shaheen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gilaad G. Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Keith A. Sharkey
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - B. Cord Lethebe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mark G. Swain
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Danilescu CM, Ionescu M, Sandulescu DL, Pirlog MC, Streba CT, Rogoveanu I. Perceived Stress in Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients under the DAA-Based Therapy. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:1177. [PMID: 35626332 PMCID: PMC9139880 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection often associates medical and mental health conditions which lead to increased levels of distress. Our study aimed at assessing the level of perceived stress on a sample of 90 HCV infected patients treated with Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) agents for 12 weeks, and its possible correlations with clinical and evolutionary elements. The evaluation was conducted in three phases: before administration of the DAAs (BSL), at the End of the Treatment (EOT), and 24 weeks after the BSL (Sustained Viral Response—SVR). The perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The efficiency of the DAA treatment reduced the levels of stress (98.99% moderate and high stress at BSL to 70.00% at SVR). It was observed, for the entire study period (BSL to SVR), that the decrease in the perceived stress severity was significantly associated with demographic items such as gender (p < 0.01), urban environment (p < 0.001), the age of the subjects (p < 0.05), and clinical data such as F4 degree of fibrosis (p = 0.001) and overweight or obesity class II (p < 0.01). The perceived stress is directly associated with the severity of the HCV infection, and it could be significantly lowered by an efficient therapeutic approach, as DAAs are nowadays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mihaela Ionescu
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Daniela Larisa Sandulescu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Mihail Cristian Pirlog
- Department of Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Costin Teodor Streba
- Department of Scientific Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
| | - Ion Rogoveanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania;
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Rafique S, Khan MS, Unar R, Wajid M, Waheed A, Umar A. Evaluation of mental health and anxiety level among hepatitis C patients during COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2021; 11:50. [PMID: 34777869 PMCID: PMC8197598 DOI: 10.1186/s43066-021-00120-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study was conducted to check anxiety level and mental stress in the 200 confirmed hepatitis C patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) score index was used to measure the anxiety level of HCV-positive patients. BAI score index of different demographic factors such as gender, age, occupation, and education of all the sampled population was calculated. Results The highest BAI score was recorded in people in the age group of 25–45 years (54.5%). Respondents from public sector employees, own businesses, and postgraduates were highly anxious. A significant difference in BAI score was also recorded between male and female respondents as 33.77% of females were at a severe level of anxiety compared to 17.07% of males. Furthermore, quarantined hepatitis C patients had a significantly higher BAI score (39.5) as compared to non-quarantined patients (27.12), and respondents with HCV infection also had a high BAI score of 37.25 compared to healthy individuals (4.1). Most of the respondents were willing to adopt protective measures against COVID-19. Conclusion This study concluded that people with infectious diseases like hepatitis C had high anxiety levels and mental stress in the COVID-19 pandemic and needed psychological aids for better mental health to handle pandemic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Rafique
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara, 56130 Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Saleem Khan
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara, 56130 Pakistan
| | - Rabia Unar
- Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Wajid
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara, 56130 Pakistan
| | - Ahmad Waheed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara, 56130 Pakistan
| | - Ali Umar
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Okara, Okara, 56130 Pakistan
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Can successful treatment by direct-acting antivirals improve depression in chronic HCV patients? Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:727-730. [PMID: 32558698 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is the most common extrahepatic neuropsychiatric manifestation in chronic hepatitis C (CHCV) and is due to direct neuropathogenic mechanisms. Our aim is to evaluate the effect of viral clearance by directly acting antivirals (DAAs) on depression in CHCV patients. METHODS One hundred fifty chronic HCV patients eligible for DAAs were assessed for depression using the Beck depression inventory (BDI) scale at baseline, 1 and 3 months after end of treatment (EOT). BDI ≥10 reliable in detecting depression in CHCV. RESULTS All included patients received Sofosbuvir/Dacltasvir ± Ribavirin for 12 weeks and all achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Baseline BDI of all included patients was 10 ± 5 then decreased to 5.3 ± 5 and 3.5 ± 4.5 at 1 and 3 months after EOT (P = 0.001), respectively. After EOT, 20 patients (13.3%) had BDI >10 which were 11.35 ± 6.5 and 13.3 ± 3.2 at 1 and 3 months (SVR), respectively. A comparison between patients with high and low BDI after EOT showed that patients with persistent high score were older (60.6 ± 9.5vs 52.2 ± 10.6, P = 0.001) and included higher percentage of females (50% vs 22.3%, P = 0.01). Also high BDI patients had higher baseline FIB4 (3 ± 1.6 vs 2 ± 1.3, P = 0.006) and included more patients with significant fibrosis (40% vs 17.7%, P = 0.05), as well as lower baseline hemoglobin (13.6 ± 1.5 vs 14.4 ± 1.65, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Depression associated with CHCV improves after successful treatment with DAAs; however, it may persist in elderly females with significant fibrosis and low hemoglobin.
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Knowledge, attitude and psychological status of patients living with hepatitis C in five provinces in China: a cross-sectional survey. BMJ Open 2021. [PMCID: PMC8039223 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and psychological status of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients through a cross-sectional survey to provide scientific strategies for improving their treatment compliance and quality of life. Setting The research was conducted in nine hospitals in five provincial administrative regions in China, namely Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Beijing, Hebei and Sichuan. Participants A total of 457 patients were recruited for this study and 409 patients were included in the final analysis. The participants were 215 men and 194 women, with an average age of 59 years. Primary and secondary outcome measures The primary outcomes were scores on scales assessing knowledge, attitudes and psychological status. The secondary outcomes were transmission of HCV, preference regarding the mode in which information about HCV was provided and factors affecting treatment. Results Blood transfusion was the most common route of HCV transmission (42.7%), followed by surgery (15.9%) and blood donation/sale (8.7%). The misunderstanding of HCV and negative attitudes towards other HCV-positive patients were relatively common among HCV-positive patients and were more pronounced among rural and ethnic minority populations. HCV-positive patients were generally categorised as possibly having symptoms of depression. Patients with negative attitudes were more likely to have symptoms of depression (OR=0.6, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.8). Conclusions HCV-positive patients had a poor understanding of HCV and a negative attitude towards other HCV-positive patients. It is very important to develop effective health education strategies to improve the knowledge, attitudes and mental health of HCV-positive patients and enhance treatment compliance.
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Gray-Renfrew A, Kimbell B, Finucane A. Emotional experience of people with advanced liver disease: Secondary data analysis. Chronic Illn 2020; 16:284-295. [PMID: 30286621 DOI: 10.1177/1742395318803668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with advanced liver disease live mainly in the community with treatment of complications provided for in-hospital. The illness trajectory of advanced liver disease is uncertain and most do not have access to end of life care. Gaps in knowledge and understanding of the patient experience of this condition have been identified. METHODS Secondary analysis of 15 transcripts from in-depth interviews with people with advanced liver disease collected as part of a previous longitudinal study on the experience of liver disease. Transcripts were thematically analysed for emotional content. RESULTS Fear, anger, sadness and guilt clearly featured in the person's experience of advanced liver disease. Certain causal factors were identified as provoking these emotional responses, including shock of diagnosis, uncertainty concerning illness, lack of coordinated care, worrying symptoms and sudden death. Humour emerged as a coping mechanism. CONCLUSION People living with advanced liver disease experience distressing emotions. It is helpful for clinicians, nurses and other healthcare support staff to have an appreciation of the person's emotional concerns in order to provide holistic care typical of a palliative approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Kimbell
- Primary Palliative Care Research Group, Centre for Population Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Anne Finucane
- Marie Curie Hospice Edinburgh, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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Fabrazzo M, Zampino R, Vitrone M, Sampogna G, Del Gaudio L, Nunziata D, Agnese S, Santagata A, Durante-Mangoni E, Fiorillo A. Effects of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents on the Mental Health of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Prospective Observational Study. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E483. [PMID: 32726940 PMCID: PMC7463817 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10080483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, interferon-based treatments showed toxicity, limited efficacy, and psychiatric manifestations. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents appeared safer, though it remains unclear if they may exacerbate or foster mood symptoms in drug-naïve CHC patients. We evaluated 62 CHC patients' mental status, before and 12 weeks after DAA therapy, by assessment scales and psychometric instruments. We subdivided patients into two groups, CHC patients with (Group A) or without (Group B) a current and/or past psychiatric history. After DAA treatment, Group A patients showed low anxiety and improved depression, no variation in self-report distress, but worse general health perceptions. No significant difference emerged from coping strategies. Depression and anxiety improved in Group B, and no change emerged from total self-reported distress, except for somatization. Moreover, Group B increased problem-focused strategies for suppression of competing activities, and decreased strategies of instrumental social support. Contrarily, Group B reduced significantly emotion-focused strategies, such as acceptance and mental disengagement, and improved vitality, physical and social role functioning. DAA therapy is safe and free of hepatological and psychiatric side effects in CHC patients, regardless of current and/or past psychiatric history. In particular, patients without a psychiatric history also remarkably improved their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Fabrazzo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Largo Madonna delle Grazie 1, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.S.); (L.D.G.); (D.N.); (S.A.); (A.F.)
| | - Rosa Zampino
- Division of Internal Medicine, Unit of Infectious and Transplant Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Monaldi Hospital, Piazzale Ettore Ruggieri, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.Z.); (M.V.); (A.S.); (E.D.-M.)
- Internal Medicine, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Piazza Miraglia 1, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Vitrone
- Division of Internal Medicine, Unit of Infectious and Transplant Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Monaldi Hospital, Piazzale Ettore Ruggieri, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.Z.); (M.V.); (A.S.); (E.D.-M.)
| | - Gaia Sampogna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Largo Madonna delle Grazie 1, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.S.); (L.D.G.); (D.N.); (S.A.); (A.F.)
| | - Lucia Del Gaudio
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Largo Madonna delle Grazie 1, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.S.); (L.D.G.); (D.N.); (S.A.); (A.F.)
| | - Daniela Nunziata
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Largo Madonna delle Grazie 1, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.S.); (L.D.G.); (D.N.); (S.A.); (A.F.)
| | - Salvatore Agnese
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Largo Madonna delle Grazie 1, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.S.); (L.D.G.); (D.N.); (S.A.); (A.F.)
| | - Anna Santagata
- Division of Internal Medicine, Unit of Infectious and Transplant Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Monaldi Hospital, Piazzale Ettore Ruggieri, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.Z.); (M.V.); (A.S.); (E.D.-M.)
| | - Emanuele Durante-Mangoni
- Division of Internal Medicine, Unit of Infectious and Transplant Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, AORN Ospedali dei Colli, Monaldi Hospital, Piazzale Ettore Ruggieri, 80131 Naples, Italy; (R.Z.); (M.V.); (A.S.); (E.D.-M.)
| | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Largo Madonna delle Grazie 1, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.S.); (L.D.G.); (D.N.); (S.A.); (A.F.)
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Negro F. Natural History of Hepatic and Extrahepatic Hepatitis C Virus Diseases and Impact of Interferon-Free HCV Therapy. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a036921. [PMID: 31636094 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects 71.1 million persons and causes 400,000 deaths annually worldwide. HCV mostly infects the liver, causing acute and chronic necroinflammatory damage, which may progress toward cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, HCV has been associated with several extrahepatic manifestations. The advent of safe and effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has made the dream of eliminating this public health scourge feasible in the medium term. Prospective studies using DAA-based regimens have shown the benefit of HCV clearance in terms of both liver- and non-liver-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Negro
- Divisions of Clinical Pathology and of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland
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12
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Lin CY, Guu TW, Lai HC, Peng CY, Chiang JYJ, Chen HT, Li TC, Yang SY, Su KP, Chang JPC. Somatic pain associated with initiation of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy in chronic HCV patients: A prospective study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 2:100035. [PMID: 34589826 PMCID: PMC8474510 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2019.100035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study is aimed to investigate the association between interferon-alpha (IFN-α) plus ribavirin (RBV) treatment and emergence of somatic pain symptoms in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) over a 24-week treatment. Method In this prospective cohort study, 297 patients with HCV were evaluated at baseline and 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, 20th, and 24th week with structured Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) diagnosis and the Neurotoxicity Rating Scale (NRS) for somatic symptoms. Results Eighty-seven out of the 297 patients (29%) developed IFN-α induced depression and had significantly higher somatic pain symptoms as early as the 2nd week and at all the assessment time points (p < .001). Most depressed patients perceived greatest somatic pain at the 8th week of treatment. Moreover, NRS somatic pain scores after initial therapy strongly correlated with NRS somatic pain scores at all other assessment time points (p < .001). Conclusion IFN-α therapy induce significant somatic pain as early as the 2nd week of treatment in HCV patients who later developed MDD. Thus, initial NRS somatic pain score after initiation of IFN-α treatment may serve as a reference for the susceptibility of the individual to IFN-α induced depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih Ying Lin
- School of Medicine, China Medical University (CMU), Taichung, Taiwan
- Mind-Body Interface Lab (MBI-Lab) and Department of Psychiatry, CMUH, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Wei Guu
- Department Psychiatry, CMU Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
- Mind-Body Interface Lab (MBI-Lab) and Department of Psychiatry, CMUH, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- School of Medicine, China Medical University (CMU), Taichung, Taiwan
- Departement of Hepatogastroenterology, China Medial University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- School of Medicine, China Medical University (CMU), Taichung, Taiwan
- Departement of Hepatogastroenterology, China Medial University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jill Yi-Ju Chiang
- Mind-Body Interface Lab (MBI-Lab) and Department of Psychiatry, CMUH, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ting Chen
- Mind-Body Interface Lab (MBI-Lab) and Department of Psychiatry, CMUH, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Chung Li
- School of Medicine, China Medical University (CMU), Taichung, Taiwan
- China Medical University Graduate Institute of Biostatistics, Taiwan
| | - Shing-Yu Yang
- School of Medicine, China Medical University (CMU), Taichung, Taiwan
- China Medical University Graduate Institute of Biostatistics, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- School of Medicine, China Medical University (CMU), Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Mind-Body Interface Lab (MBI-Lab) and Department of Psychiatry, CMUH, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jane Pei-Chen Chang
- School of Medicine, China Medical University (CMU), Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- Mind-Body Interface Lab (MBI-Lab) and Department of Psychiatry, CMUH, Taichung, Taiwan
- Corresponding author. Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2 Yu-Der Road, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
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13
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Psychological Disorders and Quality of Life Among Patients With Chronic Viral Hepatitis: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study With Pair-Matched Healthy Controls. Gastroenterol Nurs 2018; 41:206-218. [PMID: 29847395 DOI: 10.1097/sga.0000000000000339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent research evidence has shown that patients with chronic viral hepatitis develop symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, which has a strong impact on their health-related quality of life. This study aimed to assess the levels of anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life among patients with chronic hepatitis B or C in Greece. It was a cross-sectional study among 111 patients with chronic viral hepatitis, evaluated at a tertiary General Hospital of Athens from March to September of 2014. Anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life were assessed by the use of specially designed questionnaires. For the comparison between patients' population and general population, a pair-matched population of 111 healthy participants was recruited. Mean age of patients was 44.85 years (SD = 14.4). Fifty-nine patients were infected by hepatitis B virus and 52 by hepatitis C virus. Levels of anxiety and depression were higher among patients than among controls and the overall health-related quality of life was poorer (p < .001). Female gender and liver parenchyma damage were associated with higher levels of anxiety (p < .05). Certain demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical-serological factors were related with higher levels of depression. Poorer health-related quality of life was reported by patients with liver cirrhosis and alanine aminotransferase of 40 IU/L or more. Patients with chronic viral hepatitis demonstrate psychological and physical impairment, especially those with advance liver disease and/or active viral activity.
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Forton D, Weissenborn K, Bondin M, Cacoub P. Expert opinion on managing chronic HCV in patients with neuropsychiatric manifestations. Antivir Ther 2018; 23:47-55. [PMID: 30451150 DOI: 10.3851/imp3245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Neurological manifestations of HCV infection appear to be under-recognized in clinical practice despite the majority of HCV-infected patients experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, depression and cognitive dysfunction. There is also growing evidence for a link between HCV infection and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The mechanism underpinning the association between HCV and these neuropsychiatric syndromes still requires further investigation. Here we review the pre-clinical and clinical evidence for a link between HCV and effects on the central nervous system leading to neuropsychiatric syndromes. Lastly, we describe how improvements in neuropsychiatric manifestations of HCV following treatment have been observed, which is subsequently reflected in an overall improvement in health-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Forton
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George's Hospital London, London, UK
- St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Patrice Cacoub
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR 7211, and Inflammation-Immunopathology-Biotherapy Department (DHU i2B), Paris, France
- INSERM, UMR_S 959, Paris, France
- CNRS, FRE3632, F-75005, Paris, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Paris, France
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15
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Mikhael VS, El-Sheikh HE, Atta MM, El-Hamady MM, Abd-Elmksoud SF. A longitudinal study of psychiatric consequences of hepatitis C virus patients receiving interferon therapy. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2017. [DOI: 10.1097/01.xme.0000457199.25746.9a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
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16
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Adinolfi LE, Nevola R, Rinaldi L, Romano C, Giordano M. Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Depression. Clin Liver Dis 2017; 21:517-534. [PMID: 28689590 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a systemic disease with hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations, including neuropsychiatric conditions. Depression is a frequent disorder, which has been reported in one-third of patients with HCV infection and has an estimated prevalence of 1.5 to 4.0 times higher than that observed in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection or the general population. HCV seems to play a direct and indirect role in the development of depression. Impaired quality of life and increasing health care costs have been reported for patients with HCV infection with depression. Treatment-induced HCV clearance has been associated with improvement of depression and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Elio Adinolfi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolism, and Aging Sciences, University of Study of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Piazza Miraglia, Naples 80100, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Nevola
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolism, and Aging Sciences, University of Study of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Piazza Miraglia, Naples 80100, Italy
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolism, and Aging Sciences, University of Study of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Piazza Miraglia, Naples 80100, Italy
| | - Ciro Romano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolism, and Aging Sciences, University of Study of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Piazza Miraglia, Naples 80100, Italy
| | - Mauro Giordano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Metabolism, and Aging Sciences, University of Study of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Piazza Miraglia, Naples 80100, Italy
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17
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Yarlott L, Heald E, Forton D. Hepatitis C virus infection, and neurological and psychiatric disorders - A review. J Adv Res 2016; 8:139-148. [PMID: 28149649 PMCID: PMC5272938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2016.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
An association between hepatitis C virus infection and neuropsychiatric symptoms has been proposed for some years. A variety of studies have been undertaken to assess the nature and severity of these symptoms, which range from fatigue and depression to defects in attention and verbal reasoning. There is evidence of mild neurocognitive impairment in some patients with HCV infection, which is not fully attributable to liver dysfunction or psychosocial factors. Further evidence of a biological cerebral effect has arisen from studies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy; metabolic abnormalities correlate with cognitive dysfunction and resemble the patterns of neuroinflammation that have been described in HIV infection. Recent research has suggested that, in common with HIV infection, HCV may cross the blood brain barrier leading to neuroinflammation. Brain microvascular endothelial cells, astrocytes and microglia may be minor replication sites for HCV. Importantly, patient reported outcomes improve following successful antiviral therapy. Further research is required to elucidate the molecular basis for HCV entry and replication in the brain, and to clarify implications and recommendations for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Yarlott
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Rd, London SW17 0QT, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Heald
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Rd, London SW17 0QT, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Forton
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackshaw Rd, London SW17 0QT, United Kingdom; St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, United Kingdom
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18
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Assessment of factors associated with the quality of life of patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection. J Behav Med 2016; 39:767-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s10865-016-9778-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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19
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Scott J, Gilles L, Fu M, Brohan E, Panter C, Arbuckle R, Jessner W, Beumont M. Simeprevir added to peginterferon and ribavirin lessens time with fatigue, depressive symptoms and functional limitations in patients with chronic hepatitis C compared with peginterferon and ribavirin: results from 1161 patients in the QUEST-1, QUEST-2 and PROMISE studies. J Viral Hepat 2015; 22:639-50. [PMID: 25487355 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The value of adding simeprevir (SMV) vs placebo (PBO) to peginterferon and ribavirin (PR) for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection was examined using patient-reported outcomes (PROs); further, concordance of PROs with virology endpoints and adverse events (AEs) was explored. Patients (n = 768 SMV/PR, n = 393 PBO/PR) rated fatigue (FSS), depressive symptoms (CES-D) and functional impairment (WPAI: Hepatitis C Productivity, Daily Activity and Absenteeism) at baseline and throughout treatment in three randomised, double-blind trials comparing the addition of SMV or PBO during initial 12 weeks of PR. PR was administered for 48 weeks (PBO group) and 24/48 weeks (SMV group) using a response-guided therapy (RGT) approach. Mean PRO scores (except Absenteeism) worsened from baseline to Week 4 to the same extent in both groups but reverted after Week 24 for SMV/PR and only after Week 48 for PBO/PR. Accordingly, there was a significantly lower area under the curve (baseline-Week 60, AUC60 ) and fewer weeks with clinically important worsening of scores in the SMV/PR group at any time point. Incidences of patients with fatigue and anaemia AEs were similar in both groups, but FSS scores showed that clinically important increases in fatigue lasted a mean of 6.9 weeks longer with PBO/PR (P < 0.001). PRO score subgroup analysis indicated better outcomes for patients who met the criteria for RGT or achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12); differences in mean PRO scores associated with fibrosis level were only observed with PBO/PR. Greater efficacy of SMV/PR enabled reduced treatment duration and reduced time with PR-related AEs without adding to AE severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Scott
- Janssen Global Services, LLC, High Wycombe, UK
| | - L Gilles
- Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - M Fu
- Janssen Research and Development, Raritan, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | - W Jessner
- Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - M Beumont
- Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
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20
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Mirabdolhagh Hazaveh M, Dormohammadi Toosi T, Nasiri Toosi M, Tavakoli A, Shahbazi F. Prevalence and severity of depression in chronic viral hepatitis in Iran. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2015; 3:234-7. [PMID: 25663386 PMCID: PMC4527264 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/gou091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and severity of depression in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, and healthy participants. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-three persons participated in this cross-sectional study between 2011 and 2012 in Imam Khomeini Hospital. The prevalence and severity of depression were assessed using the Hamilton Scale. Results: There was significantly higher prevalence of depression in CHC patients (35.9%) than in healthy participants (11.3%) and CHB patients (19.8%) (both P < 0.01). However, CHB and CHC patients did not differ significantly in their depression prevalence after excluding inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers (29.3% vs. 35.9%; P > 0.05). Inactive HBsAg carriers differed significantly from CHB patients—excluding inactive HBsAg carriers—in depression prevalence (10.0% vs. 29.3%; P < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in depression severity between all groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Depression screening in chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C patients may be beneficial in disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojgan Mirabdolhagh Hazaveh
- Rheumatology Research Centre, Vali-asr Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taraneh Dormohammadi Toosi
- Rheumatology Research Centre, Vali-asr Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nasiri Toosi
- Gastrointestinal Research Department, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Tavakoli
- Rheumatology Research Centre, Vali-asr Hospital, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Colagreco JP, Bailey DE, Fitzpatrick JJ, Musil CM, Afdhal NH, Lai M. Watchful waiting: role of disease progression on uncertainty and depressive symptoms in patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2014; 21:727-33. [PMID: 25280230 PMCID: PMC4185928 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS New therapies for HCV are rapidly emerging and providers are advising select patients to defer treatment and elect 'watchful waiting'. During the watchful waiting period, patients have been shown to have high rates of illness uncertainty and depression. We sought to answer the question of whether reassuring histological data (showing minimal fibrosis or no fibrosis progression over time) is associated with less illness uncertainty and depressive symptoms. METHODS This was a single-centre outpatient prospective cohort study to determine whether stage of fibrosis, fibrosis progression and reasons for treatment deferral were related to illness uncertainty and depressive symptoms in patients following watchful waiting. RESULTS Illness uncertainty was significantly related to depressive symptoms (r = 0.49, P < 0.01). More than half of the participants (54%) had moderate levels of uncertainty. About 40% of the participants were at risk for clinical depression (21.7% at mild to moderate risk and 18.5% at high risk). Treatment naïve subjects had lower mean scores on both the CES-D (depressive symptoms measure) and the MUIS-A (illness uncertainty measure) total score, MUIS-A Ambiguity subscale and MUIS-A Inconsistency subscale than subjects who failed treatment or were interferon intolerant or ineligible. Surprisingly, liver fibrosis stage and progression were not significantly associated with overall illness uncertainty or depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Patients with chronic hepatitis C on watchful waiting are at high risk for significant illness uncertainty and depressive symptoms. Reassuring histological data does not seem to correlate with less uncertainty or depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Carol M. Musil
- Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University
| | | | - Michelle Lai
- Harvard University, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
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22
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Pereira M, Fialho R, Canavarro MC. Prevalence and correlates of emotional distress in HIV/HCV coinfection. AIDS Care 2014; 26 Suppl 1:S56-64. [DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.906549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pereira
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Renata Fialho
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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23
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Measuring the response of extrahepatic symptoms and quality of life to antiviral treatment in patients with hepatitis C. HEPATITIS RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2013; 2013:910519. [PMID: 24223303 PMCID: PMC3816051 DOI: 10.1155/2013/910519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background. HCV infection is associated with musculoskeletal manifestations such as chronic widespread pain, sicca syndrome, polyarthritis, and a reduced HRQOL. Little data is available on the effect of treatment on these manifestations. This study measured changes in extrahepatic symptoms and HRQOL before and after antiviral treatment in a large UK patient cohort. Methods. 118 patients completed HQLQ and rheumatological questionnaires before and after treatment with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin, with specific regard to chronic widespread pain, sicca syndrome, and sustained virological response. Results. There was significant improvement in HQLQ domains of physical functioning, physical disability, social functioning, limitations and health distress due to hepatitis, and general health. There was significant deterioration in domains of positive well-being, health distress, and mental health. There was a significant decline prevalence of CWP (26.3% versus 15.3%, P = 0.015). Sicca syndrome prevalence fell insignificantly (12.7% versus 11%). SVR was associated positively with all HRQOL changes and significantly with CWP remission. Conclusions. HCV antivirals significantly improve poor HRQOL scores and CWP. Before treatment, both were common, coassociated, and unaccounted for through mixed cryoglobulinemia alone. Although a role of the hepatitis C virus in CWP cannot be deduced by these results, symptomatic improvement via antiviral treatment exists for this subset of patients.
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24
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Modabbernia A, Poustchi H, Malekzadeh R. Neuropsychiatric and psychosocial issues of patients with hepatitis C infection: a selective literature review. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e8340. [PMID: 23550100 PMCID: PMC3582302 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.8340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT We briefly reviewed the evidence on the association of hepatitis C (HCV) infection with several aspects of mental and psychosocial health. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Medline was searched with appropriate keywords. The primary sources were the systematic reviews. If systematic reviews were not available for a subject, then the most relevant and methodologically sound original studies were selected. RESULTS HCV infection is associated with poorer health-related quality of life, and physical, mental, and social health. A part of impaired health of these patients is related to cirrhosis, intravenous drug use, co morbid psychiatric disorders, stigmatization, poor social support, alcohol abuse, and interferon treatment. However, HCV itself is also associated with poorer health status particularly in the physical and cognitive domains, which might be related to brain alterations induced by the virus. Interferon treatment is an important cause of depression in HCV patients and sometimes is associated with irritability, manic episode, or acute confusional state. Social health of HCV patients is significantly impaired by stigmatization, poor social support, psychiatric comorbidties, and impaired coping. Psychosocial impairment of HCV patients significantly impairs their treatment adherence. A supportive and nonjudgmental multidisciplinary team is required for optimal management of these patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with HCV infection had complex neuropsychiatric and psychosocial problems. These problems are challenges for management of HCV infection, affect the patient's care significantly, and might alter the course of the disease. A multidisciplinary approach, a supportive environment, and a nonjudgmental healthcare team are required for optimal medical and psychosocial management of patients with HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Modabbernia
- Digestive Disease Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Psychiatric Research Centre, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- Digestive Disease Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Digestive Disease Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
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25
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Carta MG, Angst J, Moro MF, Mura G, Hardoy MC, Balestrieri C, Chessa L, Serra G, Lai ME, Farci P. Association of chronic hepatitis C with recurrent brief depression. J Affect Disord 2012; 141:361-6. [PMID: 22609196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2012.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive syndromes, including recurrent brief depression (RBD), have frequently been observed in association with chronic diseases characterized by immune activation, such as autoimmune thyroiditis or celiac disease. However, the association of RBD with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), a disease with an increased incidence of major depressive disorders, is unknown. CASES 135 (83 males, 52 females) consecutive treatment-naïve patients with CHC. EXCLUSION CRITERIA previous treatment with IFN-alpha, co-infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus, infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), drug or alcohol abuse, or malignancy. CONTROLS 540 (332 males, 208 females) subjects without evidence of hepatitis, randomly extracted from the database of a previous epidemiological study. The psychiatric diagnosis was based on the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Simplified (CIDI-S), containing a specific section on RBD. RESULTS A significantly higher rate of RBD was observed among both male and female patients with CHC (n=21, 15.5%) as compared to controls (n=34, 6.3%) (OR=2.6, CI 95% from 1.37 to 4.93). CONCLUSION The present study provides the first evidence of an association between CHC and RBD, independent of treatment with IFN-alpha and not influenced by substance or alcohol abuse. The results are similar to those found in other conditions with immune activation. RBD may be another expression of mood disorders in such conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro G Carta
- Department of Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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26
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Miller ER, McNally S, Wallace J, Schlichthorst M. The ongoing impacts of hepatitis c--a systematic narrative review of the literature. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:672. [PMID: 22900973 PMCID: PMC3505729 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many countries have developed, or are developing, national strategies aimed at reducing the harms associated with hepatitis C infection. Making these strategies relevant to the vast majority of those affected by hepatitis C requires a more complete understanding of the short and longer term impacts of infection. We used a systematic approach to scope the literature to determine what is currently known about the health and psychosocial impacts of hepatitis C along the trajectory from exposure to ongoing chronic infection, and to identify what knowledge gaps remain. METHODS PubMed, Current Contents and PsychINFO databases were searched for primary studies published in the ten years from 2000-2009 inclusive. Two searches were conducted for studies on hepatitis C in adult persons focusing on: outcomes over time (primarily cohort and other prospective designs); and the personal and psychosocial impacts of chronic infection. All retrieved studies were assessed for eligibility according to specific inclusion/exclusion criteria, data completeness and methodological coherence. Outcomes reported in 264 included studies were summarized, tabulated and synthesized. RESULTS Injecting drug use (IDU) was a major risk for transmission with seroconversion occurring relatively early in injecting careers. Persistent hepatitis C viraemia, increasing age and excessive alcohol consumption independently predicted disease progression. While interferon based therapies reduced quality of life during treatment, improvements on baseline quality of life was achieved post treatment--particularly when sustained viral response was achieved. Much of the negative social impact of chronic infection was due to the association of infection with IDU and inflated assessments of transmission risks. Perceived discrimination was commonly reported in health care settings, potentially impeding health care access. Perceptions of stigma and experiences of discrimination also had direct negative impacts on wellbeing and social functioning. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis C and its management continue to have profound and ongoing impacts on health and social well being. Biomedical studies provided prospective information on clinical aspects of infection, while the broader social and psychological studies presented comprehensive information on seminal experiences (such as diagnosis and disclosure). Increasing the focus on combined methodological approaches could enhance understanding about the health and social impacts of hepatitis C along the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R Miller
- Discipline of General Practice, School of Population Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, South Australia
| | - Stephen McNally
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jack Wallace
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Prospective study of psychiatric side effects during antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C in an Egyptian sample. MIDDLE EAST CURRENT PSYCHIATRY 2012. [DOI: 10.1097/01.xme.0000407891.12614.d0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Tsui JI, Cheng DM, Libman H, Bridden C, Samet J. Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with painful symptoms in HIV-infected adults. AIDS Care 2012; 24:820-7. [PMID: 22272656 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2011.642989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The study aim was to assess whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) was associated with painful symptoms among patients with HIV. Using data from a prospective cohort of HIV-infected adults with alcohol problems, we assessed the effects of HCV on pain that interfered with daily living and painful symptoms (muscle/joint pain, headache and peripheral neuropathy). Exploratory analyses assessed whether depressive symptoms and inflammatory cytokines mediated the relationship between HCV and pain. HCV-infected participants (n = 200) had higher odds of pain that interfered with daily living over time (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.43; 95% CI: 1.02-2.01; p = 0.04) compared to those not infected with HCV. HIV/HCV co-infected participants had higher odds of muscle or joint pain (AOR 1.45; 95% CI: 1.06-1.97; p = 0.02) and headache (AOR 1.57; 95% CI: 1.18-2.07; p<0.01). The association between HCV and peripheral neuropathy did not reach statistical significance (AOR 1.33; 95% CI: 0.96-1.85; p = 0.09). Depressive symptoms and inflammatory cytokines did not appear to mediate the relationship between HCV and pain. Adults with HIV who are also co-infected with HCV are more likely to experience pain that interfered with daily living, muscle or joint pain, and headaches compared to those not co-infected. Research is needed to explore the association between HCV infection and pain, and to determine whether HCV treatment is an effective intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith I Tsui
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Karaivazoglou K, Iconomou G, Triantos C, Hyphantis T, Thomopoulos K, Lagadinou M, Gogos C, Labropoulou-Karatza C, Assimakopoulos K. Fatigue and depressive symptoms associated with chronic viral hepatitis patients. health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Ann Hepatol 2010; 9:419-427. [PMID: 21057161 DOI: 10.1016/s1665-2681(19)31618-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE It is well established that chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) negatively affects patients . health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of the present study was to assess the extent to which fatigue and depressive symptoms are associated with CVH patients. HRQOL. METHODS Eighty-four adult CVH outpatients [45 with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 39 with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection] participated in the study. The Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Fatigue subscale of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia Scale (FACT-F) were used to assess HRQOL, depression and fatigue, respectively. RESULTS All aspects of HRQOL perceived by CVH patients were significantly impaired compared to the general population, as a comparison with Greek population-based normative data revealed. HBV patients presented similar HRQOL with HCV patients. Clinical parameters including infection activity, fibrosis stage or inflammation grade, as well as depressive symptoms and fatigue were found to be significantly associated with HRQOL. Multivariate analyses showed that older age (p <0.001) and higher fatigue scores (p <0.001) were the variables most closely associated with the physical HRQOL, whereas higher rates on depressive symptoms (p <0.0005) and fatigue (p <0.020) scales were the variables most closely associated with the mental HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, CVH is associated with impaired HRQOL. Fatigue and impaired psychological functioning is associated with diminished HRQOL in CHV, independent of the disease etiology. Consequently, management of fatigue and depressive symptoms should be considered a priority, in order to improve HRQOL in CVH patients.
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Jafferbhoy H, Gashau W, Dillon J. Cost effectiveness and quality of life considerations in the treatment of hepatitis C infection. CLINICOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2010; 2:87-96. [PMID: 21935317 PMCID: PMC3169967 DOI: 10.2147/ceor.s7283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C1 is a common cause of liver disease worldwide. It is a slow and progressive condition which can lead to decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C virus1 impairs quality of life (QOL) even in the absence of chronic liver disease, but its relative silent nature can lead to a delay in diagnosis. The current standard of care of treatment is pegylated interferon and ribavarin. This achieves a sustained virological response (SVR), which is a cure of infection, in up to 80% of patients depending on viral genotype. The attainment of SVR improves survival, avoids long-term complications, and improves QOL. But treatment is not only expensive; there are issues of tolerability and adverse effects. This has led to a multitude of cost effective analysis and health technology assessment on HCV treatment. This overview discusses the natural history of the virus infection and its effect on the patients’ QOL. It focuses on the treatment options available, their efficacy, and cost effectiveness. It reviews the evaluations that suggest combination therapy is cost effective and explores the assumptions and limitations of these studies in real world treatment arenas.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Jafferbhoy
- Gut Group, Biomedical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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Snow KK, Bonkovsky HL, Fontana RJ, Kim HY, Sterling RK, Di Bisceglie AM, Morgan TR, Dienstag JL, Ghany MG, The HALT-C Trial Group. Changes in quality of life and sexual health are associated with low-dose peginterferon therapy and disease progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 31:719-34. [PMID: 20070284 PMCID: PMC2923484 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04235.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary analysis of the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial showed long-term peginterferon therapy did not reduce complications in patients with chronic hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. AIM To assess the effects of long-term peginterferon therapy and disease progression on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), symptoms and sexual health in HALT-C patients. METHODS A total of 517 HALT-C patients received peginterferon alfa-2a (90 microg/week); 532 received no additional treatment for 3.5 years. Patients were followed up for outcomes of death, hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic decompensation. Sexual health, SF-36 scores and symptoms were serially assessed by repeated-measures analyses of covariance. RESULTS Patients with cirrhosis (n = 427) reported lower general well-being and more fatigue (P < 0.001) than patients with fibrosis (n = 622). Physical scores declined significantly over time, independent of treatment, and patients with cirrhosis reported lower scores. Vitality scores were lower in those with cirrhosis, and treated patients experienced a greater decline over time than untreated patients; HRQOL rebounded after treatment ended. Patients with a clinical outcome had significantly greater declines in all SF-36 and symptom scores. Among men, Sexual Health scores were significantly worse in treated patients and in those with a clinical outcome. CONCLUSION Clinical progression of chronic hepatitis C and maintenance peginterferon therapy led to worsening of symptoms, HRQOL and, in men, sexual health in a large patient cohort followed up over 4 years (NCT00006164).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Herbert L. Bonkovsky
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular & Structural Biology and The Liver-Biliary-Pancreatic Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Robert J. Fontana
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Richard K. Sterling
- Hepatology Section, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA
| | - Adrian M. Di Bisceglie
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Timothy R. Morgan
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA and Gastroenterology Service, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA
| | - Jules L. Dienstag
- Gastrointestinal Unit (Medical Services), Massachusetts General Hospital and the Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Marc G. Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD
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Erim Y, Tagay S, Beckmann M, Bein S, Cicinnati V, Beckebaum S, Senf W, Schlaak JF. Depression and protective factors of mental health in people with hepatitis C: A questionnaire survey. Int J Nurs Stud 2010; 47:342-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2009.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2009] [Revised: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 08/13/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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John-Baptiste AA, Tomlinson G, Hsu PC, Krajden M, Heathcote EJ, Laporte A, Yoshida EM, Anderson FH, Krahn MD. Sustained responders have better quality of life and productivity compared with treatment failures long after antiviral therapy for hepatitis C. Am J Gastroenterol 2009; 104:2439-48. [PMID: 19568230 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2009.346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to compare the health status of patients with a sustained response to antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with that of treatment failures, using health-related quality of life and preference (utility) measures. METHODS Sustained responders had undetectable HCV viral levels 6 months after antiviral therapy. After antiviral therapy, participants completed, by mail or interview, the hepatitis-specific Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36), the Health Utilities Index Mark 2/3 (HUI2/3), and time trade-off (TTO) for current health. The respondents provided information on demographics, history of substance abuse, comorbidities, and health history. Detailed clinical information was obtained by chart review. The respondents also indicated whether they missed work, volunteer opportunities, or household activities during the previous 3 months because of hepatitis C infection or its treatment. RESULTS A total of 235 patients (133 responders and 102 treatment failures) completed questionnaires at an average of 3.7 years after the end of treatment. Treatment failures had significantly lower scores on the eight SF-36 domains (P<0.01), lower scores on the hepatitis-specific domains (P<0.0001), and lower physical (42.5 vs. 49.2) and mental (40.5 vs. 46.1) component summary scores (P<0.01). HUI3 (0.57 vs. 0.70), HUI2 (0.74 vs. 0.80), SF-6D (0.65 vs. 0.71), and TTO (0.84 vs. 0.89) were lower for treatment failures (P<0.05). The regression-adjusted difference in HUI3, SF-6D, physical summary score, and mental summary score was 0.08 (P=0.04), 0.05 (P=0.004), 5.22 (P=0.001), and 5.73 (P<0.0001), respectively. Differences in the HUI2 and TTO scores were not significant after adjustment for demographic and clinical variables. Treatment failures were more likely to have missed work, volunteer opportunities, or household activities in the previous 3 months because of hepatitis C infection or its treatment (44 vs. 9%, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients with a sustained response to antiviral therapy for chronic HCV infection have better quality of life than treatment failures do. Our study validates the benefits associated with the sustained response to antiviral therapy in a real-world clinic population and shows that these benefits are maintained over the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava A John-Baptiste
- Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto General Hospital, EN13-239, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada.
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Psychiatric and substance use disorders comorbidities in veterans with hepatitis C virus and HIV coinfection. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2009; 22:401-8. [PMID: 19436202 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0b013e32832cadb9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A growing number of veterans in the Veterans Health Administration are coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus. This review covers timely research relative to comorbid conditions that are common in this population including psychiatric diagnoses, substance use disorders and neurocognitive problems. RECENT FINDINGS Current literature on the psychiatric, substance use disorders and cognitive problems of the coinfected population show that not only are rates of morbidity higher in the coinfected population but that this affects antiviral treatments as well. There is new evidence that brain injuries and infiltration of the virus into the central nervous system may be responsible for cognitive dysfunction. Cotesting, particularly in hepatitis C infected individuals, is not done routinely despite shared risk factors. SUMMARY With this understanding of the comorbidities of the coinfected population, integrated healthcare models involving mental health, internal medicine, substance abuse treatment and internal medicine are crucial to work with these medically and psychologically complex patients.
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Bailey DE, Landerman L, Barroso J, Bixby P, Mishel MH, Muir AJ, Strickland L, Clipp E. Uncertainty, symptoms, and quality of life in persons with chronic hepatitis C. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2009; 50:138-46. [PMID: 19377022 PMCID: PMC3525322 DOI: 10.1176/appi.psy.50.2.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States, but little is known about illness uncertainty in these patients. OBJECTIVE The authors examined the constructs of illness uncertainty. METHOD In this cross-sectional study, Mishel's Uncertainty in Illness Scale was used to examine these constructs (ambiguity, complexity, inconsistency, unpredictability) and their relationships with fatigue, pain, depressive symptoms, comorbidity, and quality of life (QOL) in 126 CHC patients undergoing a watchful-waiting protocol. RESULTS The Ambiguity subscale had the strongest relationships with depressive symptoms, QOL, and fatigue, and three of the four subscales were significantly correlated with pain. CONCLUSION The results suggest targets for patient self-management interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E. Bailey
- Duke University School of Nursing, DUMC P. O. Box 3322, Durham, NC 27710; Phone: 919 681-3003; Fax: 919 681-8899
| | - Lawrence Landerman
- Duke University School of Nursing, DUMC P. O. Box 3322, Durham, NC 27710; Phone: 919 681-3003; Fax: 919 681-8899
| | - Julie Barroso
- Duke University School of Nursing, DUMC P. O. Box 3322, Durham, NC 27710; Phone: 919 681-3003; Fax: 919 681-8899
| | - Patricia Bixby
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC P. O. Box 3913, Durham NC, 27710; Phone: 919 684-2052; Fax 919 668-6110
| | - Merle H. Mishel
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Nursing, Carrington Hall, CB #7460 Chapel Hill, NC 27599; Phone: 919-966-5294; Fax: 919 843-8240
| | - Andrew J. Muir
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC P. O. Box 3913, Durham NC, 27710; Phone: 919 684-2052; Fax 919 668-6110
| | - Lisa Strickland
- Duke University School of Nursing, DUMC P. O. Box 3322, Durham, NC 27710; Phone: 919 681-3003; Fax: 919 681-8899
| | - Elizabeth Clipp
- Duke University School of Nursing, DUMC P. O. Box 3322, Durham, NC 27710; Phone: 919 681-3003; Fax: 919 681-8899
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Inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways underpinning chronic fatigue, somatization and psychosomatic symptoms. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2009; 22:75-83. [PMID: 19127706 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0b013e32831a4728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this paper is to review recent findings on inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress (IO&NS) pathways in chronic fatigue and somatization disorder. RECENT FINDINGS Activation of IO&NS pathways is the key phenomenon underpinning chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): intracellular inflammation, with an increased production of nuclear factor kappa beta (NFkappabeta), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible NO synthase (iNOS); and damage caused by O&NS to membrane fatty acids and functional proteins. These IO&NS pathways are induced by a number of trigger factors, for example psychological stress, strenuous exercise, viral infections and an increased translocation of LPS from gram-bacteria (leaky gut). The 'psychosomatic' symptoms experienced by CFS patients are caused by intracellular inflammation (aches and pain, muscular tension, fatigue, irritability, sadness, and the subjective feeling of infection); damage caused by O&NS (aches and pain, muscular tension and fatigue); and gut-derived inflammation (complaints of irritable bowel). Inflammatory pathways (monocytic activation) are also detected in somatizing disorder. SUMMARY 'Functional' symptoms, as occurring in CFS and somatization, have a genuine organic cause, that is activation of peripheral and central IO&NS pathways and gut-derived inflammation. The development of new drugs, aimed at treating those disorders, should target these IO&NS pathways.
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Janke EA, McGraw S, Garcia-Tsao G, Fraenkel L. Psychosocial issues in hepatitis C: a qualitative analysis. PSYCHOSOMATICS 2008; 49:494-501. [PMID: 19122126 PMCID: PMC2743862 DOI: 10.1176/appi.psy.49.6.494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite demonstrated prevalence of psychosocial problems among hepatitis C (HCV) patients, little is known about how these problems develop, why they are sustained, and how clinical providers can effectively intervene. OBJECTIVE The authors used a qualitative approach to investigate the nature of psychosocial issues in HCV. METHOD Focus groups were conducted with HCV patients. RESULTS Participants discussed significant feelings of anger, depression, and stigma associated with the diagnosis and noted that these feelings/experiences isolated them from potential sources of social support. CONCLUSION Results have important implications for clinical providers and suggest pathways by which HCV-related psychosocial factors may interact with and affect quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Amy Janke
- Center for Management of Complex Chronic Care (151H), Hines VA Hospital, P.O. Box 5000, Hines, IL 60141, USA.
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Abdo AA. Hepatitis C and poor quality of life: is it the virus or the patient? Saudi J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:109-13. [PMID: 19568517 PMCID: PMC2702919 DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.41727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2008] [Accepted: 06/10/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C is a systemic disease that has many extrahepatic manifestations in addition to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, some of which may result in a poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Fatigue is perhaps the most frequent and disabling extrahepatic symptom of hepatitis C virus (HCV), reported in almost one-half of all chronically infected individuals. Many other factors are associated with a poor quality of life in patients with HCV, including a number of physical and psychological factors. The objective of this article is to review the association between HCV and impaired HRQOL due to fatigue and psychological disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman A Abdo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Perry W, Hilsabeck RC, Hassanein TI. Cognitive dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C: a review. Dig Dis Sci 2008; 53:307-21. [PMID: 17703362 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-007-9896-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2006] [Accepted: 06/04/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common blood-borne illness that affects up to 2% of the world's population and almost 4 million Americans. Cognitive impairment, or difficulty with thinking, has become a well-established symptom in persons with end stage liver disease. It was previously assumed that cognitive impairment was a consequence of cirrhosis-associated hepatic encephalopathy. Recent evidence, however, suggests that approximately one-third of people with chronic HCV experience cognitive impairment even in the absence of cirrhosis and that its occurrence is unrelated to other indices of liver function, such as laboratory values, viral load, and genotype. In the present review, evidence outlining the presence of cognitive deficits associated with HCV, possible etiological factors, effects of antiviral therapy, and co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is presented. Implications of these findings and directions for future work are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Perry
- Department of Psychiatry, Hepatology Neurobehavioral Research Program, UCSD Liver Center, University of California, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92108-8707, USA
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Quarantini LC, Miranda-Scippa Â, Batista-Neves S, Galvão-de-Almeida A, Lacerda AL, Moriyama TS, Sampaio AS, Melcop AC, Schinoni MI, de Oliveira IR, Paraná R, Bressan RA. The effect of early virological response in health-related quality of life in HCV-infected patients. J Med Virol 2008; 80:419-23. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Rowan PJ, Dunn NJ, El-Serag HB, Kunik ME. Views of hepatitis C virus patients delayed from treatment for psychiatric reasons. J Viral Hepat 2007; 14:883-9. [PMID: 18070292 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2893.2007.00884.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
For patients with chronic hepatitis C virus, certain psychiatric disorders are contraindications for antiviral therapy with interferon-alpha (IFN). Although these conditions delay a significant portion of patients from beginning therapy, no one has yet portrayed the views of these patients. A qualitative analysis, drawing upon semi-structured interviews, was developed to generate hypotheses regarding patient views of the treatment disposition process, and to generate strategies for increasing the portion of treatment-eligible patients. Two focus groups were conducted: one for patients delayed from treatment due to current or recent depression, and one for patients delayed due to current or recent alcohol use. A grounded theory analysis of the interview data were conducted. Patients were generally satisfied with the decision-making process, based largely on education from, and trust in, physicians. Upon learning their diagnosis, patients reported making healthy behaviour changes regarding alcohol, diet, exercise and herbal remedies. Some patients reported that requiring a period of alcohol abstinence was excessive, as they believed that they could discontinue alcohol use immediately, if so instructed by a physician. Patients seemed to over-interpret the likelihood of suicide during interferon-alpha (IFN) therapy. Current or recent psychiatric morbidity delays many patients from beginning interferon therapy. Nonetheless, this may be an optimal time for physicians to encourage healthy behaviours including abstinence from alcohol. Also, physicians may need to extensively assess the use of herbal remedies by patients. To help patients make judgments about beginning therapy, physicians should focus upon risk communication regarding the likelihood of suicide on therapy with interferon.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Rowan
- Division of Management, Policy, and Community Health, University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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Carta MG, Hardoy MC, Garofalo A, Pisano E, Nonnoi V, Intilla G, Serra G, Balestrieri C, Chessa L, Cauli C, Lai ME, Farci P. Association of chronic hepatitis C with major depressive disorders: irrespective of interferon-alpha therapy. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2007; 3:22. [PMID: 17956625 PMCID: PMC2203967 DOI: 10.1186/1745-0179-3-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2006] [Accepted: 10/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Mood and anxiety symptoms in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) may be related to the patient awareness of the diagnosis and prognosis, to side effects induced by interferon (IFN)-alpha treatment, as well as to substance abuse. However, the observation of metabolic alterations in patients with CHC has led to hypothesize a direct effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) on brain function. This study was aimed at elucidating whether CHC is associated with specific anxiety or mood disorders independently of confounding factors. Methods Patient cohort: consecutive patients, 135 with CHC and 76 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Exclusion criteria: previous treatment with IFN-alpha, co-infection with HCV and hepatitis B virus, infection with human immunodeficiency virus, drug or alcohol abuse, or malignancies. Controls: subjects without evidence of hepatitis randomly extracted from the database of a previous epidemiological study; they were divided into two groups of 540 (332 males) and 304 (220 males) as controls for patients with CHC and CHB, respectively. The psychiatric diagnosis was formulated by means of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview Simplified carried out by a physician according to DSM-IV criteria. Results A higher lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) was observed among CHC compared to CHB or controls. The risk of MDD was not statistically different between CHB and controls. Both the CHC and CHB groups showed a significantly higher frequency of panic disorder when compared to controls. No statistical differences were observed in the prevalence of general anxiety disorder and social phobia when CHC or CHB were compared to controls. Conclusion The present study provides the first evidence of an association between CHC and MDD, diagnosed on the basis of well-defined international criteria. This association is independent of treatment with IFN-alpha and is not influenced by substance or alcohol abuse. By contrast, anxiety disorders do not appear to be specifically associated with CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro G Carta
- Department of Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy.
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Herrera JL. Patients with hepatitis C are best managed by a specialist in liver diseases. PRO: Management of hepatitis C by liver disease specialists. Am J Gastroenterol 2007; 102:1837-9. [PMID: 17727424 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01433_2.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge L Herrera
- University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, USA
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Tsui JI, Bangsberg DR, Ragland K, Hall CS, Riley ED. The impact of chronic hepatitis C on health-related quality of life in homeless and marginally housed individuals with HIV. AIDS Behav 2007; 11:603-10. [PMID: 17028996 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-006-9157-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Although infection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) frequently co-exist, there has been little research to determine the effects of HIV/HCV co-infection on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We performed a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from 216 participants enrolled in a community based study of HIV-infected homeless and marginally housed individuals, using multivariable linear regression analysis to determine if co-infection with HCV was independently associated with lower short-form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire scores. We found that individuals with HCV had significantly lower mean SF-36 scores in the domains of physical functioning, bodily pain, social functioning and role limitation due to emotional health, and that HIV/HCV co-infection was independently associated with a lower physical component score but not a lower mental component score after controlling for numerous covariates. These results suggest that co-infection with HCV may have an adverse effect on HRQOL among homeless and marginally housed individuals with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith I Tsui
- San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA.
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Ozkan M, Corapçioglu A, Balcioglu I, Ertekin E, Khan S, Ozdemir S, Karayün D, Unsalver BO, Kocaman N, Kaymakglu S, Köroglu G. Psychiatric morbidity and its effect on the quality of life of patients with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Int J Psychiatry Med 2007; 36:283-97. [PMID: 17236696 DOI: 10.2190/d37y-x0jy-39mj-pvxq] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The primary aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in a cohort of consecutive chronic hepatitis patients not receiving antiviral therapy. The secondary aim of our study was to determine if psychiatric morbidity, type of hepatitis, and the level of depression correlated with health-related quality of life (HRQL). METHODS The study was conducted in collaboration with Hepatology and Infectious Disease Clinics at three-major university hospitals. One hundred seven patients who met the criteria for being diagnosed with either chronic hepatitis B or C, had non-cirrhotic compensated liver disease, had not received antiviral treatment in the preceding 6 months, and had no accompanying physical illness were included in the study. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, the Short Form--36 for measuring HRQL, and semi-structured interviews for assessing psychosocial variables were used. Sixty-seven healthy adults formed the control group. RESULTS 43.9% of the patients had hepatitis B, 56.1% hepatitis C. A psychiatric diagnosis was made in 48.6%, of which 15% was depression. No significant difference was found in the rate of psychiatric diagnosis between hepatitis B and hepatitis C patients. Hepatitis B and C patients were found to vary significantly (p < 0.001) from the control group on all subcategories of quality of life criteria. Psychiatric morbidity (mainly depression) was the major variable on lowering HRQL (p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS Chronic hepatitis B and C patients presented a high rate of psychiatric disorder. HRQL was significantly decreased in patients with psychiatric morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mine Ozkan
- Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Universitesi, Turkey.
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48
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Bonkovsky HL, Snow KK, Malet PF, Back-Madruga C, Fontana RJ, Sterling RK, Kulig CC, Di Bisceglie AM, Morgan TR, Dienstag JL, Ghany MG, Gretch DR. Health-related quality of life in patients with chronic hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis. J Hepatol 2007; 46:420-31. [PMID: 17196293 PMCID: PMC1995129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2006.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2006] [Revised: 10/02/2006] [Accepted: 10/20/2006] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Although the antiviral and histological benefits of peginterferon/ribavirin therapy are well established, the effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and sexual health are less certain. This study assessed HRQOL and sexual health in patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis in the HALT-C Trial. METHODS Subjects completed SF-36 and sexual health questionnaires prior to and after 24 weeks of peginterferon/ribavirin therapy (n=1144). Three hundred and seventy-three (33%) subjects were HCV RNA negative at week 20 and continued therapy through week 48; 258 were seen at week 72. One hundred and eighty achieved sustained virological responses (SVR) and 78 relapsed. RESULTS At baseline, patients had poorer scores for all eight SF-36 domains compared to healthy controls. Patients with cirrhosis had lower HRQOL scores than those with bridging fibrosis, as did patients with higher depression scores. SVR patients had significant improvements in seven domains, whereas relapsers had significant worsening in one domain. Sexual scores improved in SVR patients and decreased in relapsers (p=0.03). In multivariate analyses, improvements in HRQOL and sexual scores were significantly associated with SVR but were less striking in patients with lower depression scores. CONCLUSIONS Achievement of SVR after peginterferon/ribavirin therapy improves HRQOL and sexual health in chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert L Bonkovsky
- Liver-Biliary-Pancreatic Center and the Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA.
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49
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Bieliauskas LA, Back-Madruga C, Lindsay KL, Snow KK, Kronfol Z, Lok AS, Padmanabhan L, Fontana RJ. Clinical Relevance of Cognitive Scores in Hepatitis C Patients with Advanced Fibrosis. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2007; 28:1346-61. [PMID: 17050262 DOI: 10.1080/13803390500473720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mild neuropsychological impairment has previously been reported in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and severity of cognitive impairment among a cohort of CHC patients with advanced fibrosis using clinician ratings compared to classification based upon statistical methods. In addition, we set out to determine the relationship between cognitive scores and functional status. Two experienced neuropsychologists provided "clinician ratings" on a battery of 10 neuropsychological tests performed in 100 randomly selected patients participating in the HALT-C clinical trial. The overall kappa between the 2 graders on level of impairment was 0.59. Clinician ratings (the gold standard) were similarly sensitive to identifying cognitive impairment as was classification based on standard scores (44% vs. 40%). Global Deficit Scores (GDS), derived from pooling standard scores, also identified 44% of patients as having mild impairment and were highly correlated with clinician ratings (r = .81 p = < 0.0001). Neither clinician ratings nor deficit scores correlated with SF-36 subscale or summary scores but did correlate with depression scores (p < .0007). In summary, clinician ratings and deficit scores identified a similar prevalence of cognitive impairment amongst CHC patients with advanced fibrosis. There was a significant correlation between cognitive impairment and self-reported depression.
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50
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Castera L, Constant A, Henry C, Champbenoit P, Bernard PH, De Ledinghen V, Demotes-Mainard J, Couzigou P. Impact on adherence and sustained virological response of psychiatric side effects during peginterferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2006; 24:1223-30. [PMID: 17014581 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2006.03107.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The psychiatric side effects of interferon, often responsible for dose reduction or treatment discontinuation, represent a major limitation in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). AIM To prospectively assess the impact on adherence and sustained virological response (SVR) of the occurrence of psychiatric side effects during peginterferon and ribavirin therapy for CHC. METHODS Ninety-eight consecutive treatment-naïve CHC patients receiving a standard course of peginterferon plus ribavirin were systematically screened for psychiatric side effects, using DSM-IV, at baseline and both during and after treatment. RESULTS Psychiatric side effects occurred in 38 patients (39%), mostly within the first 12 weeks (87%), and always consisted of mood disorders. Overall, 68% of patients achieved an SVR (71% of patients with mood disorders and 68% of those without; P = N.S.). Peginterferon and ribavirin dose reductions did not differ between patients with mood disorders and those without (46% vs. 37%, respectively; P = N.S. and 13% vs. 22%, respectively; P = N.S.). Anti-viral therapy had to be discontinued in four patients (nonresponse: two, hyperthyroidism: one, psychiatric event: one). CONCLUSION Early detection and appropriate management of psychiatric side effects during peginterferon and ribavirin therapy for CHC allow optimizing adherence and virological efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Castera
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroenterologie, C.H.U. Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, Avenue Magellan, 33604 Pessac, France.
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