HepCInfo Update 3.1

Welcome to HepCInfo Update 3.1 for January 1 – 13, 2012. Read on to learn more about new and updated scientific findings in hepatitis C prevention, care, treatment and support.

New and newsworthy

France: Is more frequent monitoring for liver cancer among co-infected people needed?

One complication of infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) is liver cancer, and researchers in France continue to study this cancer both in people with either HCV or HBV or HIV co-infection. Their most recent study suggests that liver cancer occurs earlier and is more severe in some co-infected people who are at high risk for liver cancer. If the findings are confirmed, increased liver monitoring of co-infected people at high risk for liver cancer may be necessary.

International liver cancer management guidelines suggest that people with cirrhosis (who are at high risk for liver cancer) should have ultrasound scans of their liver and have alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tests to help their doctors look for tumours. If another team confirms the French results, more frequent monitoring of HIV-HCV co-infected people at high risk for liver cancer may be important. For instance, the French team suggests that ultrasound scans and other tests could be done every three months. This shorter time span might allow technicians and doctors to detect liver cancer when it is at an early stage. (CATIE, January 2012, in English)

Crack pipe distribution pilot project in Vancouver

Through this pilot project, Vancouver Coastal Health will evaluate whether or not we can use distribution of crack kits as an effective way to engage people and help them access other health services including addiction treatment. This turned out to be one of the major benefits of Insite, the supervised injection site. At the street level, introduction of this pilot project will prevent the type of harms associated with makeshift crack pipes that are in use right now by people who can't afford to buy a suitable pipe, which frequently explode, leading to cuts, burns, and infections. (Huffington Post, January 2012, in English)

Health authority weighs adding more supervised injection sites

Vancouver Coastal Health is looking at offering supervised injection services for people who inject heroin at several of its clinics. Health officials are talking to potential partners in the medical community about a new way to provide the harm-reduction service, Chief Medical Officer Patricia Daly said Monday in an interview. The health authority has no plans in place at this time, she said, but offering supervised injection services at several facilities is the direction the health authority wants to go. "We want to really normalize it, so it becomes just another one of the harm-reduction services that you can offer to this group," she said. "We need to be able to provide services throughout the region, wherever injection drug users may live." (Globe and Mail, January 2012, in English)

Researchers identify liver cancer risk factors

Two new studies from the Mayo Clinic in the United States find that hepatitis C infection and obesity could be to blame for an increase in liver cancer cases, which have tripled over the last 30 years. "The studies illuminate the importance of identifying people with risk factors in certain populations to help catch the disease in its early, treatable stages," said W. Ray Kim, principal investigator of one study. Two decades ago, liver cancer tended to be caused by liver-scarring diseases such as cirrhosis from alcohol consumption. The researchers say their findings could help doctors diagnose the disease earlier and save lives. (Mayo Clinic News, January 2012, in English)

CDC reminder: Insulin pens are not for use on more than one person

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a reminder for healthcare providers reusing insulin pens on multiple people places people at risk for hepatitis viruses and HIV. Insulin pens are designed to be used multiple times, for a single person, using a new needle for each injection. The CDC recommends clearly labeling insulin pens with the person's name or other identifying information to ensure that the correct pen is used only with the correct individual. (CDC, January 2012, in English)

Straight to the source for new science

An integrated alcohol abuse and medical treatment model for patients with hepatitis C - Digestive Diseases and Sciences, December 2011, in English

Help-seeking and coping with the psychosocial burden of chronic hepatitis C: A qualitative study of patient, hepatologist, and counsellor perspectives - International Journal of Nursing Studies, January 2012, in English

Neurocognitive effects of HIV, hepatitis C, and substance use history - Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, January 2012, in English