CROI 2017 Abstract e-Book

Abstract eBook

Poster and Themed Discussion Abstracts

Poster and Themed Discussion Abstracts

554 HCV TREATMENT IN PEOPLE WHO INJECT DRUGS COLOCATED WITHIN NEEDLE AND SYRINGE PROGRAM Benjamin Eckhardt 1 , Kristen M. Marks 2 , Brian Edlin 3 1 New York Univ, New York, NY, USA, 2 Weill Cornell Med, New York, NY, USA, 3 Natl Development and Rsr Insts, New York, NY, USA

Background: Hepatitis C (HCV) is a significant public health problem that disproportionately afflicts people who inject drugs. The introduction of direct acting antiviral (DAA) agents for HCV has begun the discussion about potential viral elimination. To maximize the population impact of DAAs on the HCV epidemic, more people who inject drugs need to be cured of their infection. Methods: Data from two prospective pilot programs was used to describe the clinical outcomes of treating HCV in active injection drug users on-site at a needle syringe program. Participants were eligible if they’d injected drugs within the prior 30 days and were ≥18 years of age. Those with decompensated cirrhosis were excluded for treatment at the needle syringe program and were referred to local hepatology clinics for management. Doctors’ visits, blood draws, and medication distribution all occurred within the needle syringe program. Results: 45 participants were enrolled in the HCV treatment program, 34 had prior authorizations submitted for medication, with 26 participants approved, started on therapy, and included in this analysis. Participants had an average age of 45.9 years, 92%men, 46% homeless, and all had active or were eligible for Medicaid. Participants injected a median of 25 time per month [range 4-150], and had been injecting for a mean of 19.3 years. 58%were currently receiving opioid substitution therapy, and no patients was co-

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