Are RA patients from a non-endemic HCV population screened for HCV? A cross-sectional analysis of three different settings / ¿Debe de realizarse un tamizaje de VHC en pacientes con artritis reumatoide pertenecientes a un área no-endémica? Estudio transversal en tres diferentes sistemas de salud

Introduction. In Mexico, other risk factors are associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV): prior heroin users, living alone, widower, and northern region residence. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are considered immunosuppressed and HCV testing is recommended before treatment. The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of HCV testing in RA patients in three different medical care settings in a non-endemic area. Methods. A retrospective observational study was performed using medical records from 960 RA patients describing the indications for HCV testing. Results. The test was performed in 28.6% and the HCV overall frequency was 0.36%. Population characteristics were not associated with an increased risk of HCV infection; therefore, anti-HCV positivity was low. The main reason for testing was before starting biological agents. Conclusion. Due to the low pre-test probability, testing for HCV infection should be personalized; i.e., according to disease prevalence in a particular geographical location and the individual risk factors (AU)

Introducción. En México, se han descrito factores de riesgo para virus de hepatitis C (VHC), además de los conocidos como: consumo de heroína, individuos que viven solos, ser viudo y residencia en el norte del país. Los pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) son considerados inmunodeprimidos y se recomienda realizar pruebas de VHC antes del inicio del tratamiento. El objetivo fue describir las características de pacientes con AR a quienes se realizaron pruebas de VHC. Material y métodos. Estudio observacional, retrospectivo de 960 registros médicos donde se describieron las indicaciones para las prueba de VHC. Resultados. La prueba se realizó en el 28.6% y la frecuencia global de VHC fue de 0.36%. Las características de la población no se asociaron con un mayor riesgo de infección, por lo tanto la presencia de anti-VHC fue baja. La principal razón para realizar la prueba fue el inicio de tratamiento biológico. Conclusión. Debido a la baja probabilidad pre-test, las pruebas para el VHC deben ser personalizadas, es decir, según la prevalencia de la enfermedad de acuerdo a la zona geográfica y los factores de riesgo individuales (AU)

Are RA patients from a non-endemic HCV population screened for HCV? A cross-sectional analysis of three different settings.

INTRODUCTION: In Mexico, other risk factors are associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV): prior heroin users, living alone, widower, and northern region residence. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are considered immunosuppressed and HCV testing is recommended before treatment. The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of HCV testing in RA patients in three different medical care settings in a non-endemic area. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed using medical records from 960 RA patients describing the indications for HCV testing. RESULTS: The test was performed in 28.6% and the HCV overall frequency was 0.36%. Population characteristics were not associated with an increased risk of HCV infection; therefore, anti-HCV positivity was low. The main reason for testing was before starting biological agents. CONCLUSION: Due to the low pre-test probability, testing for HCV infection should be personalized; i.e., according to disease prevalence in a particular geographical location and the individual risk factors.