Management of hepatitis C in opioid agonist therapy patients of the Swiss canton Aargau within and outside the cohort study

Swiss Med Wkly. 2020 Aug 6:150:w20317. doi: 10.4414/smw.2020.20317. eCollection 2020 Jul 27.

Abstract

With regard to HCV elimination in opioid agonist therapy patients by 2030, case finding and regular screening for new and re-infections remain a challenge, especially for non-cohort patients in a decentralised setting. Documentation of the HCV sero- and RNA status of each opioid agonist therapy  patient by the cantonal physician and a yearly HCV screening reminder sent to the opioid agonist therapy prescriber combined with capillary HCV antibody and HCV RNA testing might facilitate the implementation of the FOPH guidelines. Prescription of direct-acting antivirals directly by the opioid agonist therapy prescriber could increase awareness and improve linkage to care.

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cohort Studies
  • Hepatitis C* / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Switzerland

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Antiviral Agents