A strategy to identify patients with chronic C hepatitis

Abstract:

The prevalence of HCV infection in Croatia is low; less than 2%. From 1993 to 2007, the incidence of newly diagnosed HCV-positive people in the Split-Dalmatia County (SDC) shows minor annual variations. Since 2008, as in other parts of Croatia, there has been a gradual decline in the number of reported cases in SDC. From 1993 to 2015, there were 1,434 reported cases of HCV infection in SDC. Since it is estimated that there are at least 3,000 persons with HCV infection in the SDC who are not registered, a more active approach in identifying these patients has been initiated. A multidisciplinary team has been established to initiate a number of activities aimed at groups with higher incidence of HCV. Screening for HCV infection was implemented within the therapeutic communities for the prevention and treatment of addiction. Using fibroelastography high-risk patient groups were identified. These patients were enroled into an urgent treatment program. Similar activities have been taken within the war veterans associations for those that were wounded, had a surgery or received blood transfusion until 1993. As a result of these activities, an increased number of new HCV infections in the population of SDC was identified in 2015 and the time to treatment was shortened. The same activities are planned in the local sports fan club associations, as well as in SDC prisons.

Key words:
Croatia; hepatitis; hepatitis C; identification