Welcome to the July issue of "Newsletters" with a look at today's news and this month's updates from around the web.
In The News
July 10
Hepatitis C outbreak Dr. Dipak Desai sentenced to federal prison for fraud
Las Vegas Review-Journal
After years of silence, Dr. Dipak Desai spoke publicly Thursday about the 2007 hepatitis C outbreak at his once-busy endoscopy center.
July 10
Hepatitis C outbreak Dr. Dipak Desai sentenced to federal prison for fraud
Las Vegas Review-Journal
After years of silence, Dr. Dipak Desai spoke publicly Thursday about the 2007 hepatitis C outbreak at his once-busy endoscopy center.
Early stage hepatitis C can be cured with pill that attacks virus
Stymied pill-users turning to cheaper, easier-to-get heroin
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Already, state officials have seen a rise in hepatitis C, Varney said. And the source of the drugs is more dangerous. Whereas about 70 percent of prescription drug abusers in Tennessee have gotten their pills from a family member, the heroin market is ...
KLEW LEWISTON, ID
With the rise in heroin use we've recently reported on, infection control experts have another hidden health concern.
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Already, state officials have seen a rise in hepatitis C, Varney said. And the source of the drugs is more dangerous. Whereas about 70 percent of prescription drug abusers in Tennessee have gotten their pills from a family member, the heroin market is ...
NPR
Federal Audits Of Medicare Advantage Reveal Widespread Overcharges
Government audits just released as the result of a lawsuit detail widespread billing errors in private Medicare Advantage health plans going back years, including overpayments of thousands of dollars a year for some patients.
July 9
Clinical tips: hepatitis C explained
Australian Journal of Pharmacy (registration) (blog) - Jul 9, 2015
The majority of patients (approximately 95%) acquire hepatitis C from injecting drug use. Hepatitis C virus and HIV share similar modes of transmission, therefore co-infection with both is common
The majority of patients (approximately 95%) acquire hepatitis C from injecting drug use. Hepatitis C virus and HIV share similar modes of transmission, therefore co-infection with both is common
July 8
2 new hepatitis C drugs to be available in November in Egypt
You don’t know its name – but it sends a million people to the hospital each year
Sepsis needs better awareness to tackle its toll on patients & the nation's economy
You don’t know its name – but it sends a million people to the hospital each year
Sepsis needs better awareness to tackle its toll on patients & the nation's economy
July 7
Updates Around The Web
Liver disease in menopause
An editorial published in the July issue of "World Journey of Gastroenterology," reviewed the impact of menopause on the natural history of liver disease, including both hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Medscape:
Where Next for Hepatitis B and C Surveillance?
Journal of Viral Hepatitis, July 10, 2015
AJM Hepatitis C Resource Center Hepatitis C Blog
The AJM Hepatitis C Resource Center provides both primary care providers and specialists with continually updated treatment guidelines, and an up-to-date repository of informative, freely-available, full-text articles to encourage effective HCV screening and diagnosis, and to highlight the promise of novel treatment regimens.
1. A meta-analysis is a safer starting point than a single study – but it won’t necessarily be more reliable.
A meta-analysis is usually part of a systematic review. It’s a heavy-duty effort, and it’s often described as the ultimate study, outweighing all others. The last word. A single study becomes a puny thing, to be ignored even....
Hep C Blogs
Grace Campbell
Spotlight on HIV and Aging
July Newsletters
HCV Advocate
The HCV Advocate newsletter is a valuable resource designed to provide the hepatitis C community with monthly updates on events, clinical research, and education.
July Issue
A Brief Overview of Liver Toxic Herbs
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
A recent article appeared in Gastroenterology that provided an overview of herbal products. This review will focus on the important issues regarding the lack of standardization, possible contamination, some deceptive claims and a list of the herbs that have the most potential to harm the liver.
Read more...
HealthWise: Hepatitis C and Pain—Part 2
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Part 2 of a two-part series discussing pain associated with hepatitis C, focusing on pain management techniques that have little or no risk of injuring the liver.
Read more...
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
Read about long term treatment outcomes and the benefits of achieving an SVR, and a study on methadone continuation vs. forced withdrawal in a Rhode Island prison and jail.
Read more...
Antacid, Pregnancy Categories and Herbs
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
Read about important precautions regarding HCV treatment—Proton Pump Inhibitors, antacids, pregnancy categories and herbal supplements.
Read more...
A New Powerful HCV Health Tool
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
In this age of technology, hepatitis C finally has it is own App! This technology is brought to you by Help-4-Hep which provides peer-to-peer counselling services for people with hepatitis C. It is available on the internet and mobile devices.
Read more...
Welcome to HBV Advocate’s blog where you'll find the latest news about hepatitis B.
More Updated Easy C's
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
We have just finished a complete update of our Easy C Fact Series fact sheets. Check them out!
Read more...
Save the Date: Patient Community Forum on Hepatitis C - Fresno, CA, August 20, 2015
In Case You Missed It
HCV Advocate Mid-Month Newsletter
NYC Hep C Task Force
The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force is a city-wide network of service providers and advocates concerned with hepatitis C and related issues. The groups come together to learn, share information and resources, network, and identify hepatitis C related needs in the community. Committees form to work on projects in order to meet needs identified by the community
July Newsletter
July 2015 Hep Free NYC Newsletter
Upcoming Events
HepCure Webinar | Hep C Treatment Activism. July 7th (4:30-5:30). Presentation by Tracy Swan, Hepatitis/HIV Project Director, Treatment Action Group. HepCure is a Mount Sinai production.
Webinar | Why Integrated Care Providers Must Address Viral Hepatitis. July 8 (2:00 - 3:30 PM). SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions.
Hep-SBIRT Training: Alcohol Screening and Counseling for Hepatitis Patients. July 9 (1 PM-5 PM). 4 Hour SBIRT certification program for MD, NP, PA, LMSW/LCSW, RN. NYC Health Dept, Long Island City. Register here
Webinar | 2015 CDC STD Guidelines: New Testing, Treatment and Disease. July 17 (12 - 1 PM).
Webinar | Consequences for Young People Who Inject Drugs: Hep C on the Rise. July 22 (10:30 - 11:45 AM).
News
Louis Jones: HIV undetectable, Hep C cured!
July 9, 2015
Louis Jones is a peer navigator at Harlem United FROSTD and he participated in the IDUHA Hep C Peer Navigation Program. His story is one of resilience, advocacy and attaining a goal he never imagined possible: being cured of Hep C. Louis started using heroin when he was 19 years old, and in 1986 he …
Featured Website: Alcohol Calculators
ACP Internist provides news and information for internists about the practice of medicine and reports on the policies, products and activities of ACP
July Issue
Prescribe opioids, but with caution
By Ryan DuBosar
Use of opioids for chronic pain quadrupled in a 10-year span, despite scant evidence that they are effective for noncancer pain and ample evidence of harm. Learn more about how to prescribe them safely.
MORE
Women's health
SSRIs may be associated with increased fracture risk in middle-aged women without mental disorders
Women without mental illness who started SSRIs and a cohort of women who started H2 antagonists or proton-pump inhibitors (without SSRIs) were compared, with a main study outcome of hip, humerus, radius, or ulna fractures 1 or more days after starting therapy.
Michael Manns, MD Published Online: Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Updates Around The Web
Liver disease in menopause
An editorial published in the July issue of "World Journey of Gastroenterology," reviewed the impact of menopause on the natural history of liver disease, including both hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Excerpt; Liver disease in menopause
UPDATED
Must Watch: HCV Virtual Patient - Cases 7-10 are now available
Check out "ViralEd" to view "HCV Virtual Patient" an easy to follow video CME with a look at different case scenarios.
Data have clearly shown unique issues in the development and natural history of liver disease in menopause. As there is ongoing concern about the progression of liver injury with liver disease in the menopausal state, this also raises concern about the possible need for specialized approaches to liver disease management among women with chronic liver disease who are in menopause or approaching menopause. Previous therapy for HCV liver disease, namely pegylated interferon, carried a substantial side effect profile, and thus, recommendations often suggested consideration for use of pegylated interferon in the setting of patients with more advanced levels of fibrosis[53]. Historically, many HCV-infected patients waited until achieving this level of fibrosis before consideration for treatment. Concern regarding a more accelerated progression of fibrosis in postmenopausal women with HCV liver disease suggests a need for consideration for a more aggressive treatment approach in women, particularly among those who are peri-menopausal or in their younger years of menopause, so as to avoid accelerated progression toward advanced HCV liver disease. Presently, newer HCV treatments, including sofosbuvir, simeprevir, sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, and paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir/dasabuvir, have minimal side effect profiles, and thus, issues regarding timing of HCV treatment are no longer influenced by concerns about side effects. As these drugs are relatively new and markedly superior in the ability to eradicate HCV infection, there are no data regarding whether there is a reduced likelihood of response to treatment in menopause as has previously been demonstrated in interferon-based treatment. However, there should continue to be concern about ensuring that HCV infection is aggressively managed in all populations and particularly in women who are at risk for acceleration of the severity of HCV liver disease....Continue reading ...
Must Watch: HCV Virtual Patient - Cases 7-10 are now available
Check out "ViralEd" to view "HCV Virtual Patient" an easy to follow video CME with a look at different case scenarios.
After each detailed case is discussed a list of multiple choice questions will appear, in order to move forward the question must be answered correctly, if you don't know the answer click on the "curbside consult" button located in the bottom corner of the presentation. Instructions will be explained after launching the program.
Cases 1-4 include HCV recurrence after liver transplantation, HCV/HIV co-infection, in addition an explanation of blood tests used in HCV is also featured.
Medscape:
Where Next for Hepatitis B and C Surveillance?
Journal of Viral Hepatitis, July 10, 2015
Hepatitis B Foundation
Hepatic ALT Flares Linked to HBsAg Clearance
July 6 – Hepatic alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flares are associated with rapid decline and greater annual reductions of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus who achieve HBsAg seroclearance, say Japanese researchers.
Hepatic ALT Flares Linked to HBsAg Clearance
July 6 – Hepatic alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flares are associated with rapid decline and greater annual reductions of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus who achieve HBsAg seroclearance, say Japanese researchers.
Read more.
dlDNA Marks Progression of HBV-Related Liver Disease
July 6 – The level of serum duplex-linear DNA (dlDNA) increases markedly with liver disease progression and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B, suggests research published in Gut.
dlDNA Marks Progression of HBV-Related Liver Disease
July 6 – The level of serum duplex-linear DNA (dlDNA) increases markedly with liver disease progression and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B, suggests research published in Gut.
Read more.
Syringe Exchange Program Highlights Infectious Disease Levels in West Virginia
July 6 – West Virginia (WV) unveils the state’s first syringe exchange program in an effort to reduce overdose deaths and the spread of infectious diseases. WA has the highest rate of new hepatitis B cases in the country, and the second highest rate of hepatitis C cases.
Syringe Exchange Program Highlights Infectious Disease Levels in West Virginia
July 6 – West Virginia (WV) unveils the state’s first syringe exchange program in an effort to reduce overdose deaths and the spread of infectious diseases. WA has the highest rate of new hepatitis B cases in the country, and the second highest rate of hepatitis C cases.
Read more.
Unhygienic Dental Practices Puts 12,000 Australians at HIV & Hepatitis Risk
July 6 – More than 11,000 dental patients in the Australian city of Sydney may have been exposed to HIV and viral hepatitis because of unhygienic practices at four clinics across the city over a number of years.
Unhygienic Dental Practices Puts 12,000 Australians at HIV & Hepatitis Risk
July 6 – More than 11,000 dental patients in the Australian city of Sydney may have been exposed to HIV and viral hepatitis because of unhygienic practices at four clinics across the city over a number of years.
AJM Hepatitis C Resource Center Hepatitis C Blog
The AJM Hepatitis C Resource Center provides both primary care providers and specialists with continually updated treatment guidelines, and an up-to-date repository of informative, freely-available, full-text articles to encourage effective HCV screening and diagnosis, and to highlight the promise of novel treatment regimens.
Addressing the Restricted Use of DAA therapies
Posted on July 6, 2015
Results of a new US cost effectiveness study indicate that effective direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapies should be not be restricted to only those HCV-infected patients with advanced fibrosis. Authors note that as a society, we have an opportunity to eliminate hepatitis C by taking appropriate and timely steps, and we should be willing to pay for the current HCV therapies by providing additional resources and giving hepatitis C the attention it deserves.
Posted on July 6, 2015
Results of a new US cost effectiveness study indicate that effective direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapies should be not be restricted to only those HCV-infected patients with advanced fibrosis. Authors note that as a society, we have an opportunity to eliminate hepatitis C by taking appropriate and timely steps, and we should be willing to pay for the current HCV therapies by providing additional resources and giving hepatitis C the attention it deserves.
Continue reading...
Recent Posts
Addressing the Restricted Use of DAA therapies
HCV DAAs and Severe Renal Impairment
Interventions in the HCV care continuum
Liver transplant failure risk: Females with HCV
Coffee Decreases HCV Advanced Fibrosis Risk
Recent Posts
Addressing the Restricted Use of DAA therapies
HCV DAAs and Severe Renal Impairment
Interventions in the HCV care continuum
Liver transplant failure risk: Females with HCV
Coffee Decreases HCV Advanced Fibrosis Risk
Absolutely Maybe
Hilda Bastian, an editor for PLOS Medicine, PubMed Health and PubMed Commons, explains in detail the downside of Meta-analysis on her blog "Absolutely Maybe," hosted on the "PLOS BLOGS Network."
In short, Meta-analysis is a combination of results from several independent studies, click here for a few examples related to HCV, published on PubMed.
Another 5 Things to Know About Meta-Analysis
Hilda Bastian, an editor for PLOS Medicine, PubMed Health and PubMed Commons, explains in detail the downside of Meta-analysis on her blog "Absolutely Maybe," hosted on the "PLOS BLOGS Network."
In short, Meta-analysis is a combination of results from several independent studies, click here for a few examples related to HCV, published on PubMed.
Another 5 Things to Know About Meta-Analysis
By Hilda Bastian
Posted: June 30, 2015
Posted: June 30, 2015
Last year I wrote a post of “5 Key Things to Know About Meta-Analysis”. It was a great way to focus – but it was hard keeping to only 5. With meta-analyses booming, including many that are poorly done or misinterpreted, it’s definitely time for a sequel!
Meta-analysis is combining and analyzing data from more than one study at a time. Using a variety of statistical methods, some of which were purpose-built, you can condense a vast amount of information into a single summary statistic.
Meta-analysis is combining and analyzing data from more than one study at a time. Using a variety of statistical methods, some of which were purpose-built, you can condense a vast amount of information into a single summary statistic.
1. A meta-analysis is a safer starting point than a single study – but it won’t necessarily be more reliable.
A meta-analysis is usually part of a systematic review. It’s a heavy-duty effort, and it’s often described as the ultimate study, outweighing all others. The last word. A single study becomes a puny thing, to be ignored even....
HepMag.com
HepMag.com is the go-to source for educational and social support for people living with hepatitis.
Hep C Blogs
Grace Campbell
July 8
Hepatitis C: Ain't nothin' gonna slow me down ...
click here to enter
click here to enter
July 6
The Benefits of Hepatitis C Treatment: Let me Count the Ways
Hepatitis C Treatment and Drug Interactions
June 29
July 8
When is "Worrying" ok?
When is "Worrying" ok?
Hep Forums, is a round-the-clock discussion area for people who have Hepatitis B, C or a co-infection, their friends and family and others with questions about hepatitis and liver health. Check in frequently to read what others have to say, post your comments, and hopefully learn more about how you can reach your own health goals.
Spotlight on HIV and Aging
Lung disease, certain cancers, HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND), and liver disease (including hepatitis B and hepatitis C), among others.
July Newsletters
The HCV Advocate newsletter is a valuable resource designed to provide the hepatitis C community with monthly updates on events, clinical research, and education.
July Issue
A Brief Overview of Liver Toxic Herbs
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
A recent article appeared in Gastroenterology that provided an overview of herbal products. This review will focus on the important issues regarding the lack of standardization, possible contamination, some deceptive claims and a list of the herbs that have the most potential to harm the liver.
Read more...
HealthWise: Hepatitis C and Pain—Part 2
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Part 2 of a two-part series discussing pain associated with hepatitis C, focusing on pain management techniques that have little or no risk of injuring the liver.
Read more...
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
Read about long term treatment outcomes and the benefits of achieving an SVR, and a study on methadone continuation vs. forced withdrawal in a Rhode Island prison and jail.
Read more...
Antacid, Pregnancy Categories and Herbs
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
Read about important precautions regarding HCV treatment—Proton Pump Inhibitors, antacids, pregnancy categories and herbal supplements.
Read more...
A New Powerful HCV Health Tool
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
In this age of technology, hepatitis C finally has it is own App! This technology is brought to you by Help-4-Hep which provides peer-to-peer counselling services for people with hepatitis C. It is available on the internet and mobile devices.
Read more...
Welcome to HBV Advocate’s blog where you'll find the latest news about hepatitis B.
More Updated Easy C's
Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-Chief
We have just finished a complete update of our Easy C Fact Series fact sheets. Check them out!
Read more...
Save the Date: Patient Community Forum on Hepatitis C - Fresno, CA, August 20, 2015
In Case You Missed It
HCV Advocate Mid-Month Newsletter
HCV Advocate Eblast
NYC Hep C Task Force
The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force is a city-wide network of service providers and advocates concerned with hepatitis C and related issues. The groups come together to learn, share information and resources, network, and identify hepatitis C related needs in the community. Committees form to work on projects in order to meet needs identified by the community
July Newsletter
July 2015 Hep Free NYC Newsletter
Upcoming Events
HepCure Webinar | Hep C Treatment Activism. July 7th (4:30-5:30). Presentation by Tracy Swan, Hepatitis/HIV Project Director, Treatment Action Group. HepCure is a Mount Sinai production.
Webinar | Why Integrated Care Providers Must Address Viral Hepatitis. July 8 (2:00 - 3:30 PM). SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions.
Hep-SBIRT Training: Alcohol Screening and Counseling for Hepatitis Patients. July 9 (1 PM-5 PM). 4 Hour SBIRT certification program for MD, NP, PA, LMSW/LCSW, RN. NYC Health Dept, Long Island City. Register here
Webinar | 2015 CDC STD Guidelines: New Testing, Treatment and Disease. July 17 (12 - 1 PM).
Webinar | Consequences for Young People Who Inject Drugs: Hep C on the Rise. July 22 (10:30 - 11:45 AM).
News
Louis Jones: HIV undetectable, Hep C cured!
July 9, 2015
Louis Jones is a peer navigator at Harlem United FROSTD and he participated in the IDUHA Hep C Peer Navigation Program. His story is one of resilience, advocacy and attaining a goal he never imagined possible: being cured of Hep C. Louis started using heroin when he was 19 years old, and in 1986 he …
Join Us
Healthy You
July 2015
Minding Your Metabolism
Can You Avoid Middle-Age Spread?
As you age, you may notice you have less muscle and energy and more fat. You can take steps to help fight the flab that can come with age.
Healthy You
July 2015
Minding Your Metabolism
Can You Avoid Middle-Age Spread?
As you age, you may notice you have less muscle and energy and more fat. You can take steps to help fight the flab that can come with age.
ACP Internist provides news and information for internists about the practice of medicine and reports on the policies, products and activities of ACP
July Issue
Prescribe opioids, but with caution
By Ryan DuBosar
Use of opioids for chronic pain quadrupled in a 10-year span, despite scant evidence that they are effective for noncancer pain and ample evidence of harm. Learn more about how to prescribe them safely.
MORE
SSRIs may be associated with increased fracture risk in middle-aged women without mental disorders
Women without mental illness who started SSRIs and a cohort of women who started H2 antagonists or proton-pump inhibitors (without SSRIs) were compared, with a main study outcome of hip, humerus, radius, or ulna fractures 1 or more days after starting therapy.
See you soon
Tina
Tina
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