Posted: 27-Sep-2005 << BACK
New hope is on the way for intravenous drug users who are, unknowingly, suffering
from the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) according to the preliminary results of a pilot project
in Lincolnshire launched on Monday 26 September 2005 at the British
Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester.
A new four month pilot project, commissioned by the Lincolnshire Drug Alcohol
Action Team, offered HCV testing to all clients who attended substance misuse
services in two pharmacies. The pharmacies were one setting as part of a multiagency
approach for the delivery of HCV antibody testing within different settings.
The results showed that, of those tested, more than a third (32%) tested HCV
antibody positive. These clients were referred on to specialist treatment services if
required. They were also offered counselling and advice on safer injecting and how
to minimise self-harm.
The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a highly infectious blood borne virus. Left untreated it
can lead to serious liver disease including cirrhosis and liver cancer and, potentially,
can lead to death(1). However, worryingly, symptoms may not present themselves until
the disease develops into a chronic infection.
It is thought that the main transmission route of HCV is through the sharing of blood
contaminated drug injecting paraphernalia by intravenous drug users. Previous
studies have shown a 30% prevalence rate amongst this group(2). According to the
Pharmacy Based Substance Misuse Services Co-ordinator Debbie Newton,
who project managed this new initiative on behalf of Lincolnshire NHS, in-pharmacy
detection of HCV is vital for this hidden group who may not access any other
treatment services.
Of those clients, who tested HCV positive, they all appear to have contracted the
disease within the last two years, she explains. Thanks to this new project 78%
were referred to secondary services for treatment. Failing to detect and treat HCV
could have had serious health consequences for these people.
Mrs Newton concludes:, This pilot project strongly suggests that it is feasible to
deliver a new care pathway for HCV sufferers from a community pharmacy setting,
directly into a secondary care service.
In October 2003, the Department of Health allocated 1million in support of the
National HCV Strategy, to improve the evidence base on prevalence and incidence
rates. Lincolnshire Drug Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) made a successful bid.
The pharmacy was just one setting as part of a multi-agency approach for the
delivery of HCV antibody testing within different settings. Results are to be compared
at a later date.
Project results
61 clients enquired in pharmacies about the HCV antibody testing service. 28 (46%)
were tested and 9 (32%) tested HCV antibody positive. 23 (82%) returned for their
results. 11 (39%) were aged 20 24 years, 7 (25%) aged 25 29 years, 9 (32%)
aged 30 34 years and 1 aged 42 years. Of the 28 (46%) tested, 16 (57%) had
previously been tested HCV antibody negative during the past 2 years and 9 (56%)
of those have since tested HCV antibody positive. 4 (44%) were female and 5 (56%)
were male, with 2 couples identified with both partners being infected. 7 (78%) of the
9 HCV antibody positives consented to onward referral to a specialist consultant.
The British Pharmaceutical Conference is being held Monday 26 Wednesday
28 September 2005 at the Manchester International Convention Centre. The
conference theme is A common vision for health: Linking science with practice.
1. Department of Health. July 2004. Hepatitis C Action Plan for England.
2. Department of Health. August 2002. Hepatitis C Strategy for England.
