Hepatitis C Treatment in Underserved Populations

Hepatitis C Treatment in Underserved Populations

The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of treating persons who are actively using illicit drugs for hepatitis C using a collaborative, multidisciplinary, integrated care model. We hypothesize that by maximizing facilitators and minimizing barriers to treatment we can enable drug users to receive effective treatment for hepatitis C.

This study examines the feasibility of integrated treatment for hepatitis C in active IDUs using a client-centered, multidisciplinary model that combines expert care in five domains: (a) antiviral pharmacotherapy for HCV infection; (b) substance abuse treatment; (c) psychiatric evaluation and treatment; (d) primary medical care; and (e) intensive, client-centered, case management. The Weill Cornell Medical College Center for the Study of Hepatitis C collaborates with community-based organizations providing services to injection drug users to provide multidisciplinary, integrated care using a model that combines the resources of culturally appropriate community-based agencies with those of a state-of-the-art tertiary care center.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Used heroin, cocaine, or injected other drugs for at least 1 year
• Have used heroin, cocaine and/or methamphetamine within the last 30 days
• Test positive for HCV antibody
• Are interested in being evaluated for HCV treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Persons who are obviously intoxicated, incoherent or otherwise unable to give informed consent are excluded from participation. Such persons may participate in the study if they return at a later date and are capable of providing informed consent.