Implementation of a Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance Program in a Community-Based Integrated Health System in Patients With Hepatitis C Cirrhosis.

INTRODUCTION: Underutilization of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) surveillance has been reported, although data evaluating interventions to improve surveillance are sparse. We assessed the effect of a population-based HCC surveillance program on HCC surveillance utilization and outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed preinclusion and postinclusion HCC surveillance patterns among 597 patients with hepatitis C virus cirrhosis enrolled in a program at an integrated health system between 2013 and 2020. Adequate surveillance was defined as at least 5 surveillance studies within 36 months pre-enrollment and postenrollment; a secondary outcome was proportion of time covered by surveillance over 36 months. Tumor size, stage, and receipt of curative therapy were compared between HCC detected on the first imaging examination (prevalent HCC) and surveillance-detected HCC (incident HCC). We performed Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariable competing risk analysis to characterize the association between surveillance and mortality. RESULTS: The surveillance program significantly improved surveillance completion (77.6% vs 5.0%, P < 0.001) and proportion time covered (80.9% vs 15.8%, P < 0.001). Compared with prevalent HCC, surveillance-detected cases were more likely unifocal (77.8% vs 44.8%, P < 0.001), early-stage (85.2% vs 44.8%, P < 0.001), with smaller maximum diameter (median 2.3 vs 3.2 cm), and more likely to undergo curative therapy (92.5% vs 72.4% P = 0.010). Survival was improved compared with prevalent cases hazard ratio (HR) 0.23 (0.11-0.51) after adjusting for age and Model for End Stage Liver Disease score. DISCUSSION: Implementation of a population-based program resulted in significant improvement in HCC surveillance use and clinical outcomes among patients with hepatitis C virus cirrhosis. These findings may inform similar interventions by other healthcare systems.

Patient Knowledge, Beliefs and Barriers to Hepatitis B Care: Results of a Multicenter, Multiethnic Patient Survey.

BACKGROUND: A greater understanding of the determinants of health behavior among those with and at-risk of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is needed for effective design and implementation of public health initiatives. AIMS: To determine factors associated with (1) willingness to accept HBV antiviral treatment and (2) satisfaction with provider communication regarding HBV care in a diverse cohort of HBV-infected patients. METHODS: Using a multifaceted model of health behavior, the Health Behavior Framework, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and barriers to HBV care. RESULTS: We enrolled 510 patients, with mean age 46 years; 53.1% men; and 71.6% Asian or Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. Patients were knowledgeable about HBV infection, but one-fifth did not think that HBV was a treatable disease; over a quarter felt it was so common among family and friends that it did not concern them, and less than half of patients believed they were likely to have liver problems or transmit HBV to others during their lifetime. Perceived susceptibility to disease risk was the only independent predictor of willingness to accept HBV treatment (ß = 0.23, p = 0.0005), and contrary to expectations, having a doctor that speaks the same language was predictive of lower patient satisfaction with provider communication about their HBV care (ß = - 0.65, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with greater perceived susceptibility to the health consequences of HBV infection are more likely to accept treatment, and patient-provider language concordance impacts patient satisfaction with communication regarding HBV care in an unexpected direction.

Epidemiologic features of a large hepatitis C cohort evaluated in a major health system in the western United States.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Real-world epidemiologic data to guide hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related public health initiatives are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of a large cohort of patients with an HCV diagnosis evaluated in one of the largest health systems in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: De-identified demographic and clinical data were extracted from the electronic health record for patients actively followed within the Providence Health & Services health care system. Rates of HCV prevalence and co-morbid illnesses among HCV-infected patients were determined. RESULTS: Among 2,735,511 active patients, 23,492 (0.86%) were found to have evidence of HCV infection, the majority of which were Caucasian (78.2%) and born between the years 1945 and 1965 (68.3%). In comparison to Caucasians, higher rates of HCV infection were found among Native Americans (2.5% vs. 0.95%, p<0.001). Compared to HCV-negative patients, a greater proportion of HCV-positive patients had diabetes mellitus (18.7 vs. 8.9%, p<0.0001), chronic kidney disease (4.4 vs. 1.8%, p<0.0001), end-stage renal disease necessitating hemodialysis (2.6 vs. 0.6%, p<0.0001), and HIV co-infection (2.4 vs. 0.2, p<0.0001). Nearly two-thirds (62.1%) of HCV patients had government-sponsored insurance, and 93.0% of treated patients resided in urban settings. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HCV infection in this large health care system serving the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and California was lower than prior population-based estimates and may reflect real-world prevalence rates among patients not selected for risk-based screening. Native Americans are disproportionately affected by HCV and may warrant targeted screening.

Provider, Patient, and Practice Factors Shape Hepatitis B Prevention and Management by Primary Care Providers.

GOALS: To evaluate provider knowledge, attitudes and barriers to hepatitis B virus (HBV) care and management practices across diverse primary care settings. BACKGROUND: Factors influencing adherence to recommended HBV screening and management guidelines are poorly defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Providers across various health care settings in San Francisco were surveyed. Multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with recommended HBV screening, vaccination, and disease monitoring. RESULTS: Of 277 (41.3%) responding providers, 42% reported performing HBV screening in >50% of at-risk patients, and 49%, HBV vaccination in >50% of eligible patients. Most reported appropriate monitoring of a majority of HBV-infected patients with alanine aminotransferase (79%) and HBV viral load (67%) every 6 to 12 months, but performed any hepatocellular carcinoma screening in 49%. Provider factors significantly associated with HBV screening were speaking an Asian language [odds ratio (OR), 3.27], offering HBV treatment (OR, 3.00), having >25% of Asian patients in practice (OR, 2.10), practicing in safety net settings (OR, 7.51) and having higher barrier score (OR, 0.74). Appropriate HBV monitoring was associated with provider speaking an Asian language (OR, 3.43) and provider age (OR, 0.68/decade). Hepatocellular carcinoma screening was associated with having >25% of patients speaking English as a second language (OR, 4.26) and practicing in safety net settings (OR, 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of adherence to HBV guidelines were suboptimal irrespective of practice setting and were influenced by certain provider, patient and practice factors. This study reinforces the importance of engaging primary care providers in development, dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based HBV practice guidelines.

Assessment of HBV preventive services in a medically underserved Asian and Pacific Islander population using provider and patient data.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B (HBV) represents a significant health disparity among medically underserved Asian and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (API) populations. Studies evaluating adherence to HBV screening and vaccination guidelines in this population are limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate HBV screening and vaccination practices using both provider self-report and patient records. DESIGN: Medical records for 20,574 API adults were reviewed retrospectively and primary care providers were surveyed to evaluate rates and adherence to HBV screening and vaccination guidelines. PARTICIPANTS: The study included primary care providers and their adult API patients in the San Francisco safety-net healthcare system. MAIN MEASURES: Patient, practice, and provider factors, as well as HBV screening and vaccination practices, were assessed using provider survey constructs and patient laboratory and clinical data. Generalized linear mixed models and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with recommended HBV screening and vaccination. KEY RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 52 years, and 63.4 % of patients were female. Only 61.5 % underwent HBV testing, and 47.4 % of HBV-susceptible patients were vaccinated. Of 148 (44.8 %) responding providers, most were knowledgeable and had a favorable attitude towards screening, but 43.2 % were unfamiliar with HBV guidelines. HBV screening was positively associated with favorable provider attitude score (OR per unit 1.80, 95 % CI 1.18-2.74) and negatively associated with female patient sex (OR 0.82, 95 % CI 0.73-0.92), a higher number of clinic patients per week (OR per 20 patients 0.46, 95 % CI 0.28-0.76), and provider barrier score (OR per unit 0.45, 95 % CI 0.24-0.87). HBV vaccination was negatively associated with provider barrier score (OR per unit 0.48, 95 % CI 0.25-0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of HBV screening and vaccination of API patients in this safety-net system are suboptimal, and provider factors play a significant role. Efforts to cultivate positive attitudes among providers and expand healthcare system resources to reduce provider barriers to HBV care are warranted.

Hepatitis B management in vulnerable populations: gaps in disease monitoring and opportunities for improved care.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B (HBV) is prevalent in certain US populations and regular HBV disease monitoring is critical to reducing associated morbidity and mortality. Adherence to established HBV monitoring guidelines among primary care providers is unknown. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate HBV disease monitoring patterns and factors associated with adherence to HBV management guidelines in the primary care setting. METHODS: Primary providers within the San Francisco safety net healthcare system were surveyed for HBV management practices, knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to HBV care. Medical records from 1,727 HBV-infected patients were also reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of 148 (45 %) responding providers, 79 % reported ALT and 44 % reported HBV viral load testing every 6-12 months. Most providers were knowledgeable about HBV but 43 % were unfamiliar with HBV management guidelines. Patient characteristics included: mean age 51 years, 54 % male and 67 % Asian. Within the past year, 75 % had ALT, 24 % viral load, 21 % HBeAg tested, and 40 % of at-risk patients had abdominal imaging for HCC. Provider familiarity with guidelines (OR 1.02, 95 % CI 1.00-1.03), Asian patient race (OR 4.18, 95 % CI 2.40-7.27), and patient age were associated with recommended HBV monitoring. Provider HBV knowledge and attitudes were positively associated, while provider age and perceived barriers were negatively associated with HCC surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive HBV disease monitoring including HCC screening with imaging were suboptimal. While familiarity with AASLD guidelines and patient factors were associated with HBV monitoring, only provider and practice factors were associated with HCC surveillance. These findings highlight the importance of targeted provider education to improve HBV care.

Insulin sensitivity and variability in hepatitis C virus infection using direct measurement.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies investigating insulin resistance (IR) in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have used surrogate measures of IR that have limited reliability. We aimed to describe the distribution and risk factors associated with IR and its change over time in HCV using direct measurement. METHODS: One hundred two non-cirrhotic, non-diabetic, HCV-infected subjects underwent clinical, histologic, and metabolic evaluation, and 27 completed repeat evaluation at 6 months. Insulin-mediated glucose uptake was measured by steady-state plasma glucose (SSPG) concentration during the insulin suppression test. RESULTS: Three subjects with diabetes were excluded and 95 completed all testing. SSPG ranged from 39 to 328 mg/dL (mean 135 mg/dL) and was stable over time (mean SSPG change -0.3 mg/dL). SSPG was associated with Latino ethnicity (Coef 67, 95 % CI 37-96), BMI (Coef 19 per 5 kg/m(2), 95 % CI 5-32), ferritin (Coef 1.4 per 10 ng/ml, 95 % CI 0.2-2.5), male gender (Coef -48, 95 % CI -80 to -16), and HDL (Coef -16, 95 % CI -28 to -5 mg/dL). Current tobacco use (Coef 55, 95 % CI 19-90), steatosis (Coef -44, 95 % CI -86 to -3), and increases in BMI (Coef 30 per 5 kg/m(2), 95 % CI 6-53) and triglyceride (Coef 3.5 per 10 mg/dL, 95 % CI 0.3-6.7) predicted change in SSPG. CONCLUSIONS: There was a wide spectrum of insulin resistance in our HCV population. Host factors, rather than viral factors, appeared to more greatly influence insulin action and its change in HCV.

Portopulmonary hypertension.

The development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in the setting of portal hypertension is known as portopulmonary hypertension. Portal hypertension is thought to predispose patients to disturbances in the homeostatic regulation of numerous neurohumoral and vasoactive mediators that induce the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Portopulmonary hypertension is pathologically indistinguishable from idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and is characterized by the development of vasoconstriction, vascular remodeling, and thrombosis within the pulmonary vasculature. Although described in patients with both cirrhotic and noncirrhotic portal hypertension, portopulmonary hypertension is most prevalent among patients with end-stage liver disease, and its severity seems to be independent of the etiology or severity of liver disease. All liver transplant candidates must be screened for the presence of portopulmonary hypertension because of the high perioperative mortality risk of liver transplantation associated with this condition. Primary screening for portopulmonary hypertension consists of Doppler-estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure measurement during echocardiography. However, the diagnosis of portopulmonary hypertension is based on unique hemodynamic criteria as determined by right heart catheterization. Untreated portopulmonary hypertension portends a poor prognosis, and the efficacy of current treatment modalities is limited. At present, the primary goals of therapy are to provide symptomatic relief, prolong survival, and improve pulmonary hemodynamics to facilitate safe and successful liver transplantation.

The HIV-1 Vif PPLP motif is necessary for human APOBEC3G binding and degradation.

The HIV-1 virion infectivity factor (Vif) is required during viral replication to inactivate the host cell anti-viral factor, APOBEC3G (A3G). Vif binds A3G and a Cullin5-ElonginBC E3 ubiquitin ligase complex which results in the proteasomal degradation of A3G. The Vif PPLP motif (amino acids 161-164) is essential for normal Vif function because mutations in this motif reduce the infectivity of virions produced in T-cells. In this report, we demonstrate that mutation of the Vif PPLP motif reduces Vif binding to A3G without affecting its interaction with ElonginC and Cullin5. We demonstrate that the failure of the Vif mutant to bind A3G resulted in A3G incorporation into assembling virions with loss of viral infectivity.