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ABSTRACT: Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment regimens (DAAs) are well tolerated, efficacious but costly. Their high cost and restricted availability, raises concerns about the outcome of treatment in uninsured patients. This study investigated sustained virologic response (SVR) outcomes in a predominately uninsured patient population and completion of four steps along the HCV treatment cascade.Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted to characterize the patient population and analyze covariates to determine association with insurance status, attainment of SVR and progression through the HCV treatment cascade.Results
Out of a total of 216 patients, 154 (71%) were uninsured. Approximately 50% of patients (109 of 216 patients) were male and 57% were Hispanic (123 of 216 patients). Sex, race, ethnicity, treatment compliance, and rates of complications were not associated with insurance status. Insured patients were older (median 60 years vs 57 years, p-value?ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that insured and uninsured patients with chronic HCV infection, with access to patient assistance programs, can be treated and have comparable clinical outcomes. In addition, testing for SVR remains an important obstacle in completion of the HCV treatment cascade. Nevertheless, patient assistance programs remove a significant barrier for treatment access in real-world HCV infected populations.
SUBMITTER: DeBose-Scarlett A
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6027772 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
DeBose-Scarlett Alexandra A Balise Raymond R Kwon Deukwoo D Vadaparampil Susan S Chen Steven Xi SX Schiff Eugene R ER Ayala Gladys Patricia GP Thomas Emmanuel E
Journal of translational medicine 20180628 1
<h4>Background</h4>Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment regimens (DAAs) are well tolerated, efficacious but costly. Their high cost and restricted availability, raises concerns about the outcome of treatment in uninsured patients. This study investigated sustained virologic response (SVR) outcomes in a predominately uninsured patient population and completion of four steps along the HCV treatment cascade.<h4>Methods</h4>A retrospective chart review was conducted to characterize the patient populati ...[more]