[Epidemiology and management of care of hepatitis C infection in the Poitou-Charentes region in 1997 and 2000]. / Epidémiologie et prise en charge de l'infection par le virus de l'hépatite C dans la Région Poitou-Charentes.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: A repeat cross-sectional survey was performed in 1997 and 2000 in the Poitou-Charentes district of France to compare screening and management of hepatitis C virus infection. METHODS: The "Hepatitis C Network" asked the biological laboratories in the region to provide anonymous results of serology tests performed during two two month periods at a 3 year interval. An epidemiological and follow-up questionnaire was sent to the medical practitioner who prescribed the test for all positive tests. RESULTS: More serology tests were prescribed in 2000 (7074) than in 1997 (6168). The access to screening differed significantly between the 4 counties of the district (P<0.0001). Sixty-nine and 58 patients were first diagnosed respectively in 1997 and 2000. In 2000, these patients were younger (P=0.05) and were infected later (P=0.03). The risk factors were similar for the two periods. Respectively 23% and 26% underwent a liver biopsy, and 12% were treated. CONCLUSION: Screening improved after a press campaign, but there was no increase in the number of newly detected patients. In 2000, one third of patients were still inadequately cared for.