New and Noteworthy
Health Canada approves a stand-alone ribavirin pill
Health Canada has approved a stand-alone ribavirin pill known by the brand name Ibavyr. Traditionally, ribavirin has been available for Hep C treatment in combination with peg-interferon. A stand-alone ribavirin pill is necessary for some treatments with sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) as well as other interferon-free combinations that are in clinical trials. Sofosubvir and ribavirin is approved in Canada for people with genotype 2 and 3 Hep C virus. (bidnessetc.com, July 2014, in English)
Young people who inject drugs prefer rapid Hep C tests
A majority of young adults who inject drugs said they preferred a rapid Hep C virus test over standard testing requiring a blood draw, reported researchers in BMC Public Health.
A group of 129 young people, with an average age of 25 years, who inject drugs were offered a choice between a rapid Hep C test (rapid OraQuick) and standard testing. They also filled out a survey about their perceptions of Hep C testing and their reasons for choosing one test over another.
Participants chose the rapid test for the following reasons:
- They wanted to get the test results quickly (60%)
- They thought it would be less painful (53%)
- They felt it was accurate (61%)
Of those who chose the rapid test, the majority agreed that they preferred receiving their results on the same day (84%) and said they understand their test results (98%).
The researchers noted that standard tests using a blood draw required long wait times, lab work and sometimes collection of additional blood samples for further testing, all of which are potential barriers to care.
“Rapid anti-HCV antibody testing is likely to be a preferred and accepted method of testing among young adults [who inject drugs] and has the potential to improve testing rates, enhance prevention programs, and increase access to care,” the researchers concluded. (Healio.com, July 2014, in English)
Hep C and HIV coinfection linked to increased risk for bone problems
Co-infection with Hep C and HIV is linked to increased risks of osteoporosis (weak or brittle bones) and fracture, reported researchers in PLoS ONE. The researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published before 2013 to evaluate bone health problems in people co-infected with Hep C and HIV.
People co-infected with Hep C and HIV were more likely to have low bone mineral density (which is used to define osteoporosis) compared to people with HIV. Coinfection with Hep C and HIV was also linked to an increased risk for bone fracture compared to people with HIV and people without Hep C or HIV.
More research is needed to understand the mechanisms for how Hep C and HIV coinfection affects bone health. The researchers conclude that this research “confirm[s] the importance of risk modification and DEXA screening [bone density scan] at age 50 for prevention of osteoporosis and fractures in HIV/HCV-co-infected individuals.”