Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
FLORA INFEKSIYON HASTALIKLARI VE KLINIK MIKROBIYOLOJI DERGISI, cilt.30, sa.1, ss.71-78, 2025 (ESCI)
Introduction: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus positivity among individuals monitored for alcohol and drug addiction at the Alcohol and Substance Dependency Research, Treatment, and Education Center (AMATEM) outpatient clinic of a tertiary healthcare institution. The factors associated with referral rates to the infectious diseases (ID) clinic were evaluated. Materials and Methods: This single-center, retrospective, observational study retrospectively evaluated the data of cases monitored for alcohol and drug addiction at the AMATEM outpatient clinic of a tertiary healthcare institution between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2021, using the hospital information system. Results: A total of 9974 cases visited the AMATEM clinic, but anti-HCV testing was requested for only 495 (4.96%) of these cases. Among them, 53 (10.7%) tested positive for anti-HCV. It was observed that consultation with the ID department was requested for 24 (45.28%) of the 53 patients, but only 10 (18.86%) presented to the ID outpatient clinic. Among the referred cases, four individuals (40%) were found to be HCV RNA positive, and only one of these patients completed an eight-week course of glecaprevir-pibrentasvir treatment and achieved sustained virological response. The referral rate to the ID outpatient clinic was significantly higher in cases where a formal ID consultation was requested compared to those where no consultation was requested. Using a logistic regression prediction model, it was estimated that if all 53 patients who tested positive for anti-HCV had presented to the ID clinic, the number of patients receiving treatment would have been tenfold higher. Conclusion: Enhancing the awareness and knowledge of AMATEM clinicians regarding HCV and facilitating patient referrals to the ID department are crucial. Establishing specialized units to monitor HCV treatment adherence in this high-risk, challenging population and, when necessary, administering treatment under direct supervision will accelerate progress toward national HCV elimination goals.