Epidemiologic features of a large hepatitis C cohort evaluated in a major health system in the western United States.
Publication Title
Annals of hepatology : official journal of the Mexican Association of Hepatology
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-2019
Keywords
HCV epidemiology; Infectious diseases; Public health; Public policy; Viral hepatitis
Abstract
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
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.
Clinical Institute
Digestive Health
Specialty/Research Institute
Epidemiology
Specialty/Research Institute
Hepatology
Specialty/Research Institute
Swedish Digestive Health Institute
