Showing posts with label newsletters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label newsletters. Show all posts

Sunday, January 5, 2020

December 2019 Update -- AASLD has updated its Hepatitis C Guidance

UPDATE -- AASLD has updated its Hepatitis C Guidance
December 2019
AASLD is the leading organization of scientists and health care professionals committed to preventing and curing liver disease.
Read Updated Hepatitis C Guidance: https://www.aasld.org/publications/practice-guidelines

Of Interest

AASLD
The Liver Meeting
Boston MA
November 9-13 2019

December 24, 2019
COMMENTARY
Updated Guidance for Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in Primary Care
David E. Bernstein, MD
Achieving cure is easier now than in the past because DAA agents are highly effective, much easier to tolerate than older HCV treatments, taken for a short period of time, and have a low pill burden. Most DAA regimens can be administered as either a single tablet or three tablets taken once daily for 8, 12, or 16 weeks. Side effects are minimal, with approximately 10% of patients experiencing headache, nausea, or fatigue. Most people receiving DAA treatment report no side effects or that they feel better than before starting treatment.

Curing HCV infection reduces morbidity by slowing or halting the progression of liver diseases, including cirrhosis or liver cancer. With DAA treatment, liver health improves to the degree that many patients experience a reversal of cirrhosis. Perhaps most exciting is that curing chronic HCV infection has been associated with an overall increase in survival among patients with non–liver-related diseases, such as stroke and heart disease.
Free registration may be required: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/922855

Dec 5, 2019
Anti-hepatitis medicine Surprises
New effective treatment of hep C not only combats the virus, but is also effective against complications

Summary: A new effective treatment of hepatitis C not only combats the virus, but is also effective against potentially fatal complications such as reduced liver functioning and cirrhosis.
Read More: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/12/191205103351.htm 

For Patients
Hep Winter 2019
In every issue of Hep, you’ll find the hottest topics of interest to our readers along with cutting-edge health information.
Read it here: https://www.hepmag.com/magazine/hep-winter-2019

Support for Hepatitis C
Have a question? Ask the community! Share your story or read about others living with hepatitis C. Post in our forum boards and join the conversation! You can also participate anonymously.


For people with hepatitis C, check out Help-4-Hep, a peer counseling line.

Prescribing Information, Drug Summary, Clinical Studies, and Slide Decks

January 2020

Sunday, February 3, 2019

2019 February Hepatitis Newsletters: Finding Support

Valentine's Day is almost here, either you love it or hate, right? Me. Hate it. In any event, while you're waiting for either flowers, candy, diamonds or a sandwich, sit back and read this month's viral hepatitis newsletters, written by inspiring individuals that spread hope and love all year long.

Finding Support
Finding support online can be extremely useful when you're faced with decisions about HCV treatment or care. But remember folks, a support site, forum, or blog, should offer only personal experiences, and support, not medical advice. Understand any information you receive about HCV treatment, liver health or medications doesn't come from medical professionals and is not meant to replace your professional care. With that said, I highly suggest you check out the following support forums and my fav Facebook page.

Karen Hoyt's Facebook Page - Happy Valentine's Day!
Visiting Karen's Facebook page is like taking a class without leaving home. Karen covers it all, from tips on liver health, creating a well-balanced meal, to her own journey living with cirrhosis, liver cancer, and the emotional ups and downs of a lifesaving liver transplant. Visit her website and YouTube channel as well. Not done yet, if you haven't read her book, check it out, here.

Hep Forums 
Hep Forums  is a safe place to learn, share and exchange ideas. The forum provides moderated peer-support for people who have Hepatitis B, C or a co-infection. View all posts here, or start with this recent post: Started Epclusa today 2/1/2019.

Recommend Support Forums
Hep Forums
Hep C Warriors
Hep
Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis. Offering unparalleled editorial excellence since 2010, Hep and HepMag.com are the go-to source for educational and social support for people living with hepatitis.
Stay Updated
News 
Highlights
Want to Stop Fatty Liver Disease? Cut Back on Sugary Drinks!
Undiagnosed Hepatitis Common Among People With Cancer
Start here...

infohep.org
The aim of infohep.org is to develop a high-quality online resource to increase awareness of viral hepatitis, its treatment, and the needs of people living with viral hepatitis in Europe.
The Latest News & Research:
January Bulletin 
Highlights
Lancet Commission recommends actions to support elimination of hepatitis C
HCV modelling study
HIV/HCV co-infection and end-stage liver disease
Survival after liver cancer diagnosis is shorter in people living with HIV
Conditional cash transfers to encourage hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment in people who inject drugs
Barriers to HCV treatment in people who inject drugs
TAF for hepatitis B
AbbVie legal challenge in UK tender exercise dismissed
Begin here...

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.
What We Need to Eliminate HCV
I Heart Liver
Hepatitis Headlines

Stay Updated
What’s Up! News about the upcoming issue of our last HCV Advocate Newsletter this March, our patient HCV video and Packhealth – a patient resource.
Begin here.....

World Hepatitis Alliance
The World Hepatitis Alliance goal is to achieve a world free from viral hepatitis, World Hepatitis Alliance provides global leadership in awareness-raising, advocacy and in efforts to find the missing millions.
Newsletter
In The News

For Your Viewing Pleasure
Highlights
Describe recent advances in HCV management
Review current barriers to HCV screening, testing, and linkage to care
Discuss effective approaches to overcoming barriers to HCV elimination
Click here to read our latest newsletter.

New York City Hepatitis 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.
Hep C Elimination in People Living with HIV
NYC Hep C Task Force Meeting. February 27 (9 AM -2 PM) @ 208 W 13th St. Support Hep C Elimination in PLWH!
All - Hep Free NYC Newsletters

Hepatitis NSW
Hepatitis NSW provides information, support, referral and advocacy for people affected by viral hepatitis in NSW. We also provide workforce development and education services both to prevent the transmission of viral hepatitis and to improve services for those affected by it.
Stay Current
News Updates

'What was your journey to becoming hep C free?'
Over 40,000 Queenslanders are living with hepatitis C. Find out what it's like for those who have lived with the virus and the journey to being cured.



Hepatitis Victoria
Hepatitis Victoria is the peak not-for-profit community organisation working across the state for people affected by or at risk of viral hepatitis.
View the Latest Newsletter, or relax and listen to a short podcasts interviewing health experts and practioners on topics related to viral hepatitis - have a listen!

The British Liver Trust 
The British Liver Trust is the leading UK liver disease charity for adults – we provide information and support; increase awareness of how liver disease can be prevented and promote early diagnosis; fund and champion research and campaign for better services.
Highlights
Clare's Story
New publication: Thinking ahead - planning for your future...
Support Groups
Liver Disease Toolkit
Liver disease is one of the five most common causes of premature death in the UK and is the only major cause of death that has a year by year increasing incidence. However, more than 90% of liver disease is preventable. The three major causes of liver disease in adults are alcohol-related liver disease, obesity and metabolic syndrome leading to non-alcohol-related liver disease, and viral hepatitis.
News 
View All Newsletters, here.

The Hepatitis C Trust 
The Hepatitis C Trust is run by patients with the goal of eliminating HCV in the United Kingdom. The Trust’s mission is to reverse the rapidly increasing death toll caused by hepatitis C in the UK until no-one dies from this preventable and treatable disease and, ultimately, it is all but eradicated in this country.
Stay Updated
News
Information
Impact of hepatitis C on the liver
Hepatitis C primarily damages the liver. This can have a number of different effects.

National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable
The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) is national coalition working together to eliminate hepatitis B and C in the United States.
Strategies to Eliminate HCV in Veterans
This webinar highlighted various programs to engage U.S. Veterans in hepatitis C testing and treatment services in the VA and community settings. See the slides and access the archived webinar
Click here for the slides. Click here for the recording. (Click the link, and then enter the requested information to view the webinar).
View all NVHR newsletters

HepC Challenge - Caring Ambassadors Program
The Caring Ambassadors Program uses a unique approach in our work to address the elimination of viral hepatitis and specifically hepatitis C.
Weekly Updates: Hepatitis C News
Topics include all stories related to hepatitis C as well as personal stories and events. To sign up to receive our weekly newsletter sent to your inbox, click here.

National Institutes of Health
A monthly newsletter from the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
February Newsletter
Understanding Emerging Diseases
Protect Yourself from Heart Attack and Stroke
Begin here..

In Case You Missed It
AASLD / EASL HCV Special Conference
February 1-2, 2019
Make sure to check out coverage from this months HCV Special Conference.

The Year Of The Liver
Dr. Joe Galati outlines his recommendations to keep your liver healthy. These tips include reducing alcohol, weight loss, avoid processed foods, regular exercise, getting more sleep, and several others



Recommended Blogs 
Karen Hoyt is devoted to offering support and accurate information to people coping with the effects of hepatitis C.

Lucinda K. Porter
Lucinda Porter is a nurse, speaker, advocate and patient devoted to increasing awareness about hepatitis C.

Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide.

Hep
Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis NSW
Provides information, support, referral and advocacy for people affected by viral hepatitis in NSW. We also provide workforce development and education services both to prevent the transmission of viral hepatitis and to improve services for those affected by it.

Life Beyond Hepatitis C
Life Beyond Hep C is where faith, medical resources and patient support meet, helping Hep C patients and their families navigate through the entire journey of Hep C.

Canadian Liver Foundation
We strive to improve prevention and the quality of life of those living with liver disease by advocating for better screening, access to treatment, and patient care.

Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide.

HepatitisC.net
At HepatitisC.net we empower patients and caregivers to take control of Hepatitis C by providing a platform to learn, educate, and connect with peers and healthcare professionals.

HIV and ID Observations
An ongoing dialogue on HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, all matters medical, and some not so medical.

ADRLF (Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation)
Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources, education and information related to screening, the prevention of and treatment for the Hepatitis Virus and Liver Cancer.

CATIE 
We connect healthcare and community-based service providers with the latest science, and promote good practices for prevention and treatment programs. As Canada’s official knowledge broker for HIV and hepatitis C, you can count on us for up-to-date, accurate and unbiased information.

Kevin Pho is a practicing physician and most known for his blog KevinMD. Thousands of authors contribute to his blog: primary care doctors, surgeons, specialist physicians, nurses, medical students, policy experts. And of course, patients, who need the medical profession to hear their voices

AGA Blog
Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, written by Dr. Kristine Novak.

The goal of our publications is to bring people around the world the most current health information that is authoritative, trustworthy, and accessible, drawing on the expertise of the 10,000+ faculty physicians at Harvard Medical School.

Providing physicians with virtual access to specialists can be lifesaving to liver disease patients.

BMC
The BMC series publishes 65 subject-specific journals focused on the needs of individual research communities across all areas of biology and medicine.

Just Because Its Valentines Day
 


HepCBC
In closing may sure you check out a collection of noteworthy hepatitis C news articles in the latest issue of the Weekly Bull, published by the Canadian non-profit organization HepCBC.

Thank for stopping by!
Tina

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Blog Updates - Common Liver Tests, Overview of Hepatitis A, B, and C


Common Liver Tests, Overview of Hepatitis A, B, and C
If you’re interested in useful information about viral hepatitis, check out the following blogs written by patient bloggers and healthcare professionals. Read articles covering an array of liver topics, from the difference between hepatitis A, B and C, to a supplement commonly taken by hepatitis patients. Additional posts include today's news, common liver tests, general food tips for a healthy liver, alcoholic liver disease and a warning about fruit juices sold in the U.S.  Make sure to check out coverage from this months HCV Special Conference as well.

News & Review 
Review a collection of noteworthy hepatitis C news articles in the latest issue of the Weekly Bull, published by the Canadian non-profit organization HepCBC.

News
Feb 6 - 2019 Hepatitis C - Testing, Treatment Options, Stages of fibrosis and Care
Feb 5 - In Egypt, Viral Hepatitis Elimination Starts With a Village: An Interview With Dr. Ammal Metwally
CDC reports Oklahoma among top states with Hepatitis C deaths
Hepatitis C: Out-of-Pocket Cost Burden for Specialty Drugs in Medicare Part D in 2019
For 28 of the 30 studied specialty drugs used to treat four health conditions—cancer, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—expected annual out-of-pocket costs for a single drug in 2019 range from $2,622 for Zepatier, a treatment for hepatitis C, to $16,551 for Idhifa, a leukemia drug.
Analysis Estimates Impact of Interventions on Global HCV Epidemic
FDA accepts new drug application for liver cancer T-cell therapy
Not content with billions of dollars in profits from the potent painkiller OxyContin, its maker explored expanding into an “attractive market” fueled by the drug’s popularity — treatment of opioid addiction, according to previously secret passages in a court document filed by the state of Massachusetts. In internal correspondence beginning in 2014, Purdue Pharma executives discussed how the sale of opioids and the treatment of opioid addiction are “naturally linked” and that the company should expand across “the pain and addiction spectrum,” according to redacted sections of the lawsuit by the Massachusetts attorney general. (Armstrong, 1/30)

Don't Miss

This weeks aidsmap news bulletin
HCV Advocate's weekly special: Sleep

Blog Updates
Blogs from Doctors Without Borders 
In medical emergencies around the world Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) staff are working together to provide life-saving care. From doctors to nurses, administrators to mechanics, everyone has a role to play and a story to tell.

Pakistan: A new way of treating hepatitis C
Khurshid Ahmed
Feb 2, 2019
In Machar Colony, a slum area of Karachi, an Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF) team have been treating patients for Hepatitis C using a new line of drugs to combat the virus.

New drugs, known as Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) are now widely available in Pakistan, making it easy for primary healthcare workers like me and my colleagues – all nurses and general practitioners – to manage the majority of patients.
Read More: https://blogs.msf.org/bloggers/khurshid/pakistan-new-way-treating-hepatitis-c
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I Help C
Karen Hoyt is devoted to offering support and accurate information to people coping with the effects of hepatitis C.
Crash Landing with Cirrhosis
Mindful Meditation and Your Health
Find Karen on Facebook or watch videos on her YouTube Page.
View all blog updates here.
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Lucinda K. Porter
Lucinda Porter is a nurse, speaker, advocate and patient devoted to increasing awareness about hepatitis C.

Fear of Sickness or Sickness of Fear?
View all new blog updates, here....
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Hep
Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis. 
Karen Hoyt - My Health Care Wishes: Prognosis Declaration
It’s best to know ahead of time how your health care will be managed. Then, you will be in control of how much information you want. 
View all blog updates, here...

Support At Hep
Hep Forums: Started Epclusa today 2/1/2019
All Posts
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AGA Blog
Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Written by Dr. Kristine Novak
View all blog updates, here...
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Life Beyond Hepatitis C
Life Beyond Hep C is where faith, medical resources and patient support meet, helping Hep C patients and their families navigate through the entire journey of Hep C
.
Tests for Hepatitis C
View all updates, here...
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Canadian Liver Foundation
We strive to improve prevention and the quality of life of those living with liver disease by advocating for better screening, access to treatment, and patient care.

2019 - Canada’s Food Guide and your liver health
The Canadian Liver Foundation provided insight on this guide and how it can impact those living with liver disease. The new Food Guide also addresses concerns related to alcohol consumption and how this may impact the overall health of Canadians. This is highly relevant to Canadians with liver disease where caution should be considered. Although Health Canada’s Food Guide is restricted to diet, the Canadian Liver Foundation emphasizes that regular exercise and physical activity are essential components of the maintenance of good liver health and will enhance the benefits of a healthy diet.
View all blog updates, here...
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Hepatitis B Foundation
The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide.
What is silymarin (milk thistle), and is it helpful for managing my hepatitis B and D? - Silymarin, an herb and extract of milk thistle seeds, is a supplement commonly taken by hepatitis patients across the world, yet its proven benefits remain controversial. It is not a treatment for hepatitis B or D, nor has it been shown to have any effect against fighting the viruses.

Three-part series; This is part one
What’s the Difference: Hepatitis B vs Hepatitis C?
Part two
What’s the Difference: Hepatitis A vs Hepatitis B
View all updates, here....
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ADRLF (Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation)
Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources, education and information related to screening, the prevention of and treatment for the Hepatitis Virus and Liver Cancer. 
View all updates, here....
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HepatitisC.net
At HepatitisC.net we empower patients and caregivers to take control of Hepatitis C by providing a platform to learn, educate, and connect with peers and healthcare professionals.
Understanding Your Test Results: Liver Function Tests
If you have been diagnosed with hepatitis C, your healthcare provider may order regular blood tests to monitor your health...
View all updates, here....
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U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - Viral Hepatitis Blog
CDC, HRSA, & HHS gathered input about the next editions of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan a recent national conference. Also check out The US Department of Health & Human Services public health blog
View all news updates....
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KevinMD Blog
Kevin Pho is a practicing physician and most known for his blog KevinMD. Thousands of authors contribute to his blog: primary care doctors, surgeons, specialist physicians, nurses, medical students, policy experts. And of course, patients, who need the medical profession to hear their voices. 
If you are not in a high-risk category and feel the flu coming on, seeking treatment at an urgent care facility will not only help save you time and money, but it also keeps emergency rooms clear for those whose lives depend upon immediate treatment. Urgent cares also provide expert care for conditions such as colds, sore throats, ear infections, sprains, strains and more, often at lower costs and shorter wait times. 
View latest blog entry here...
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The goal of our publications is to bring people around the world the most current health information that is authoritative, trustworthy, and accessible, drawing on the expertise of the 10,000+ faculty physicians at Harvard Medical School.

The flu is different from the common cold, but it’s not always easy to tell them apart, especially at the beginning. The flu usually comes on suddenly, and its symptoms can include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches,
feeling tired, and generally just feeling rotten.

One of the key questions that researchers in the field of neuropsychiatry are trying to answer is why some people are more vulnerable to addiction.
All articles here....
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University of Michigan - Lab Blog
Providing physicians with virtual access to specialists can be lifesaving to liver disease patients.

In most cases, moderate drinking — one drink a day for women, two drinks a day for men — will not lead to alcoholic liver disease (ALD) but overindulging can. And for those already suffering from liver disease — some of whom may not know it — even small amounts of alcohol can exacerbate their liver damage.

Kevin Joy 
The seasonal return of two unpleasant viruses offers a reminder for good hygiene and vigilance. Here’s how to stop the spread of flu and increase norovirus prevention.
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To improve the diagnosis, treatment & support of Americans with fatty liver, NAFLD or NASH through awareness, education, screening and patient advocacy.
What I Wish I Had Known Sooner
When we finally figured out what was really going on, I found myself looking back and lamenting “If only I had known.”. Wayne and I have put together a list of some of the things we wish we had known at the start of our journey, in the hopes that it may be helpful and valuable to you.

Message Boards:
Living with Fatty Liver or NASH is a community of the Fatty Liver Foundation dedicated to supporting individuals who have been diagnosed or are at-risk of developing Fatty Liver or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

On This Blog
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
Current research & media articles available on this blog:
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Scope Blog
Scope is published by Stanford Medicine 
Stanford psychologist Ian Gotlib is examining how depression develops and working to identify potential opportunities for intervention.
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JAMA - Medical News & Perspectives
Are Probiotics Money Down the Toilet? Or Worse?
Jennifer Abbasi
JAMA.Published online January 30, 2019.
doi:10.1001/jama.2018.20798
With interest growing in natural therapies, the popularity of probiotics is on the rise. In 2012, almost 4 million US adults reported using probiotics or prebiotics—4 times more than in 2007. Probiotics were used in more than 50 000 hospitalizations in 139 US hospitals in 2012. And last year alone, US consumers spent an estimated $2.4 billion on the supplements.
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Comment and opinion from readers, authors, and editors.
Tim Spector: Breakfast—the most important meal of the day?
The mantra of breakfast being the most important meal of the day has been ingrained in most of us from an early age—from our mother’s mouth as we were late for school to government campaigns to get us to “go to work on an egg.” Over the past 50 years we have been bombarded with messages extolling the health benefits of various processed cereals and porridge oats. The British fry-up is thought by many to be the country’s main contribution to world cuisine.
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A new Consumer Reports study found that half of the fruit juices sold in the U.S. had elevated levels of arsenic, cadmium, and/or lead. Consumer Reports tested 45 drinks and found 21 contained enough of a single heavy metal or a combination of the metals to concern experts who worked with Consumer Reports on the study.

For the full list, including healthier alternatives, go to Consumer Reports' website.
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Cedars-Sinai Blog
Committed to helping you build a healthy lifestyle for you and your family.
Q&A: Rheumatoid Arthritis
We take for granted that our immune system is always looking out for us.
But in the case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—an autoimmune condition that affects over 1 million adults in the US—the body’s defense system turns on us.

What’s the difference between an NP and a doctor?
Many medical offices and hospitals offer care provided by nurse practitioners, commonly referred to as NPs. These highly trained medical professionals can provide many primary care services or be part of your specialty care team.

Check back for updates!
Tina

Tuesday, January 1, 2019

Hep C Review: 2019 Newsletters & Updates


Hep C Review: 2019 January Newsletters 
Happy New Year! Check out the best of the best viral hepatitis publications, news and research articles of 2018.

Across The Globe 
As always, brought to you by a handful of devoted people across the globe who continue to share information about viral hepatitis, its cure, and in many cases individual support. An online support community can have a profound effect on curing the whole person, not only their illness.

Thank You
Thank you to every website, publication, monthly newsletter, blogger, patient blogger, and hepatitis advocate who worked so hard in 2018 to promote access to safe, effective and affordable treatment. 

Shout-out
A special thank you to Don Crocock for caring so much, for so long, about the HCV community. Don is a sassy, kind, and determined retired addiction/EAP counsellor who tweets about HCV in Canada.
Follow Don on twitter: @dcrocock or find him on Facebook: HCV Dragon Slayer.

Elsewhere On This Site 
HCV Newsletters & Blog Updates
Read easy to understand articles covering HCV-related topics that matter most to patients.

On Twitter: Top Hepatitis Articles Of 2018 Henry E. Chang is counting down his top 10 most engaging viral hepatitis tweets of 2018. Follow the links provided to review full-text journal articles.

1 - Chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Seminar — a clinically-focused cutting-edge review of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

2 - Marked reduction in prevalence of hepatitis C viremia among people who inject drugs(PWID)during 2nd year of the Treatment as Prevention(TraPHepC) program in Iceland
Treatment: for who–when–where-which ?

3 - Hepatitis C management simplification from test to cure: a framework for primary care physicians
This article proposes a strategy for primary care providers to begin treating patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV).

4 -Is there sufficient evidence to repeal three decades of clinical research on chronic hepatitis C?
Another brilliant rebuttal to the flawed & misleading Cochrane review on DAAs for HCV

5 - Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Summary of scientific evidence that supports current recommendations for clinical practice & areas in which more research is needed.

6 - Protocol for surveillance of the fraction of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma attributable to viral hepatitis in clinical centres of excellence
WHO launches new surveillance protocol & calls for better monitoring of viral hepatitis & liver cancer by documenting mortality causes more accurately on scope of problem at regional & global levels.


8 - Who is wrong?
Authors of Cochrane HCV DAA review respond to AmJGastro Red Section commentary with their uncompromising worship for "well-designed & executed RCTs to assess the utility of DAA treatment"

Study suggests that these patients should be identified and receive a triple DAA combination regimen as first-line treatment.

Absolute denials of DAA regimens by insurers in the have remained high & increased over time, regardless of type of insurance.

Follow Henry E. Chang on twitter: 

Henry Chang is Twitter Ambassador for @EASLNews, The European Association for the Study of the Liver, Board Member @HepFreeNYC, The New York City Hepatitis C Task Force, @WIHA_NG @sylifuganda, was involved with @_MdMUSA, Doctors Of The World, @GBCHealth and @AIDSHealthcare. In 2018 his twitter feed was a must follow for patients interested in reading articles about the treatment and management of hepatitis C.

CDC 2018 In Review
CDC Looks Back at the Year’s Most Pressing Health Threats
From the opioid overdose epidemic to foodborne disease outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance to the Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), CDC worked around the clock – and around the globe – to protect Americans from health threats in 2018.

Publications
National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2017-2020
Simply stated: 
With more than 4 million Americans from every state and all walks of life infected with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV), and the number of new infections growing, we are losing ground in the battle against viral hepatitis. 
The National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan 2017-2020 (Action Plan), is a new phase in the fight against viral hepatitis in the United States. The updated plan outlines four major goals, strategies to achieve those goals, and indicators to help track progress between now and 2020. The plan was developed collaboratively by more than 20 federal partners from the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, and Veterans Affairs with input from nonfederal stakeholders. Also read; Viral Hepatitis in the U.S.: What Is the Problem and Why are We Losing Ground?

On This Blog - Quick Links
Collection of 2018 articles;
Research Articles
Fibrosis
Cirrhosis
Liver Cancer
Liver Transplants
Fatty Liver Disease
HCV-elderly
Possible Side Effects Of HCV Therapy
Other Conditions Related To HCV

Most Read 2018 Article On This Blog
November 24, 2018
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In about half of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, response-guided therapy with oral direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) can be reduced from the standard 12 weeks to as little as six weeks and still be effective, according to a new pilot study.

News & Review 
Check out a collection of noteworthy hepatitis C news articles in the latest issue of the Weekly Bull, published by the Canadian non-profit organization HepCBC.

Of Interest
8 gastrointestinal, liver cancer stories you may have missed
 January 24, 2019
 Recently published studies have demonstrated new developments in the testing, diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and liver cancers. In case you missed it, the…

Hepatitis A Outbreak Reaches 10,582 Cases During 2018
International travelers, food staff and those living in Heartland states were at risk for hepatitis A virus HAV during 2018

January 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.
JANURARY NEWSLETTER 
Topics
Top News Stories of 2018, by Alan Franciscus. It was an interesting year in HCV that was full of ups and downs but progress is being made in the fight against HCV.
Everyone Needs to Know About Liver Cancer by Lucinda Porter, RN writes about the causes, prevention, screening, treatment and cure of this life-threatening disease.
Hepatitis Headlines provides snapshots of trending news about hepatitis.
What’s Up! Features an updated Guide and four of our updated fact sheets as well as our Patient Video and Resource for patients:
HCV: A Guide to Healthy Living with HCV
One of the best strategies to prevent illness is Hand Washing: A Primer
Learn about the many different types of and benefits of Meditation
The new year is time to start eating thinking about Nutrition and HCV
One of the most important components of health is Sleep
Watch our patient video about treating and curing HCV.
Do you have hepatitis C? Get support. Get answers. A free program for patients – PackHealth.
Begin here...….

CATIE strengthens Canada’s response to HIV and hepatitis C by bridging research and practice. We connect healthcare and community-based service providers with the latest science, and promote good practices for prevention and treatment programs. As Canada’s official knowledge broker for HIV and hepatitis C, you can count on us for up-to-date, accurate and unbiased information.
2018 has been a pivotal year for HIV and hepatitis C prevention, testing and treatment. Researchers and clinicians have pioneered game-changing HIV treatment regimens, Canadian liver experts have expanded recommendations for hepatitis C testing, and the overdose crisis has triggered an unprecedented response from harm reduction workers, coast to coast. From the good news to the bad, below are the top 10 stories that made headlines in 2018, as determined by our readers.

Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis. Offering unparalleled editorial excellence since 2010, Hep and HepMag.com are the go-to source for educational and social support for people living with hepatitis.
News
High-Fat, High-Cholesterol Diet Can Lead to NASH
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, is a form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Features 
2018 Top Hep Treatment Stories
Most read treatment stories on Hep this year.
Read more here...……

HCV Action brings together hepatitis C health professionals from across the patient pathway with the pharmaceutical industry and patient representatives to share expertise and good practice.
Read the latest: HCV Action e-update
In early December The London Joint Working Group on Substance Use and Hepatitis C held its annual conference, focusing on the prospect of achieving hepatitis C elimination in London by 2025.
Review the highlights:
A news story providing a round-up of the event can be accessed here. All of the presentation and workshop slides from the event, along with a summary report, featuring key themes of the conference and main points from the workshop, are available on the London Joint Working Group website here. Videos of the presentations and three short awareness films about the impact of hepatitis C can also be viewed here.

The World Hepatitis Alliance goal is to achieve a world free from viral hepatitis, World Hepatitis Alliance provides global leadership in awareness-raising, advocacy and in efforts to find the missing millions.
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Making the Financial Case for Hepatitis C Elimination in Nigeria
WHA Board Elections
Find The Missing Millions in India
Highlights from AASLD and WISH
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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.
NYC Hep C Task Force
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Hepatitis NSW provides information, support, referral and advocacy for people affected by viral hepatitis in NSW. We also provide workforce development and education services both to prevent the transmission of viral hepatitis and to improve services for those affected by it.
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GI & Hepatology News covers the world of liver disease with breaking news, on-site medical meeting coverage, and expert perspectives both in print and online.
Biomarker algorithm may offer noninvasive look at liver fibrosis 
HCC screening linked with improved tumor detection 
View all updates here....

Hepatitis Victoria is the peak not-for-profit community organisation working across the state for people affected by or at risk of viral hepatitis.
View the Latest Newsletter, or relax and listen to a short podcast interviewing health experts and practioners on topics related to viral hepatitis.

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The British Liver Trust is the leading UK liver disease charity for adults – we provide information and support; increase awareness of how liver disease can be prevented and promote early diagnosis; fund and champion research and campaign for better services. 
Posted on 11th December 2018
In November, as part of our Love Your Liver roadshow in Wales, our mobile unit stopped in Cardiff town centre. Here, we screened hundreds of attendees and caught the attention of ITV Wales. ITV Wales reporter Richard Morgan not only visited the unit to find out more about the campaign but also undertook a liver scan to check his liver health.
View Recent Newsletters, here.

Love Your Liver



The Hepatitis C Trust is run by patients with the goal of eliminating HCV in the United Kingdom. The Trust’s mission is to reverse the rapidly increasing death toll caused by hepatitis C in the UK until no-one dies from this preventable and treatable disease and, ultimately, it is all but eradicated in this country.

The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) is national coalition working together to eliminate hepatitis B and C in the United States.
NVHR 2018 Year in Review
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Check out the latest National Institutes of Health Newsletter.
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Karen Hoyt is devoted to offering support and accurate information to people coping with the effects of hepatitis C.
Latest blog entry: Heal Your Liver with Bone Broth
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Lucinda K. Porter
Lucinda Porter is a nurse, speaker, advocate and patient devoted to increasing awareness about hepatitis C. 
Latest blog entry: Wishing All a Wabi-sabi New Year
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Hep 
Hep is an award-winning print and online brand for people living with and affected by viral hepatitis.
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By Greg Jefferys
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Gastroenterology and Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
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Life Beyond Hep C is where faith, medical resources and patient support meet, helping Hep C patients and their families navigate through the entire journey of Hep C.
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Canadian Liver Foundation
We strive to improve prevention and the quality of life of those living with liver disease by advocating for better screening, access to treatment, and patient care.
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The Hepatitis B Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide.
Latest blog entry: New Year’s Resolutions: Taking Control of Your Hepatitis B Infection
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ADRLF (Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation)
Al D. Rodriguez Liver Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides resources, education and information related to screening, the prevention of and treatment for the Hepatitis Virus and Liver Cancer. 
Energizing Ayurvedic Cleanse Tips This Winter Season
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HepatitisC.net
At HepatitisC.net we empower patients and caregivers to take control of Hepatitis C by providing a platform to learn, educate, and connect with peers and healthcare professionals.
Holiday Happiness with Hepatitis C  By Karen Hoyt
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Kevin Pho is a practicing physician and most known for his blog KevinMD. Thousands of authors contribute to his blog: primary care doctors, surgeons, specialist physicians, nurses, medical students, policy experts. And of course, patients, who need the medical profession to hear their voices. 
Seasoned medical professionals prescribe new medicines sparingly
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Harvard Health Blog
The goal of our publications is to bring people around the world the most current health information that is authoritative, trustworthy, and accessible, drawing on the expertise of the 10,000+ faculty physicians at Harvard Medical School.
Latest blog entry: 6 steps toward a successful exercise resolution
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Providing physicians with virtual access to specialists can be lifesaving to liver disease patients.
A look back on the year’s most popular Michigan Medicine stories and the groundbreaking studies that made global headlines.

In Case You Missed It
Swiss Hepatitis Strategy: Is HCV elimination possible by 2030?

Wishing you all a healthy year ahead, stay informed.
Tina

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