Response to treatment is defined as undetected HCV RNA and normalization of ALT
levels at 24 weeks post treatment. Response rates to the 1.0 and 1.5 jlg/kg Pegylated
Interferon doses were similar (approximately 24%) to each other and were both higher
than the response rate to INTRON A (12%).
Patients infected with HCV genotype 1, and patients with high baseline levels of HCV
RNA (more than 2 million copies per ml of serum); were less likely to respond to
treatment with Pegylated Interferon.
Patients receiving Pegylated Interferon with genotype 1 had a response rate of 14%
while patients with other viral genotypes had a 45% response rate.
Ninety-six percent of the responders in the Pegylated Interferon groups and 100% of
responders in the INTRON A group first cleared their viral RNA by week 24 of
treatment.
Combination Treatment - A randomized study compared treatment with two PEGIntron/REBETOL regimens [PEG-Introm 1.5 j.Lg/kgSC once weekly (OW)/REBETOL
800 mg PO daily (in divided doses); PEG-Intron 1.5 j.Lg/kgSC OW for 4 weeks then 0.5
jlg/kg SC OW for 44 weeks/REBETOL 1000/1200 mg PO daily (in divided doses)] with
INTRON A (3 MIU SC thrice weekly (TIW)/REBETOL 1000/1200 mg PO daily (in
divided doses).
Response to treatment is defined as undetected HCV RNA and normalization of ALT
levels at 24 weeks post treatment. The response rate to the PEG-Intron 1:5j.Lg/kgplus
ribavirin 800 mg dose was higher that the response rate to INTRON A/REBETOL. The
response rate to PEG-Intron 1.5 ~ 0.5 jlg/kg/REBETOL was essentially the same as
the response to INTRON A/REBETOL.
Patients with viral genotype 1, regardless of viral load, had a lower response rate to
PEG-Intron (1.5 mg/kg)/REBETOL compared to patients with other viral genotypes.
Patients with both poor prognostic factors (genotype 1 and high viral load) had a
response rate of 30% (78/256) compared to a response rate of 29% (71/247) with
INTRON A/REBETOL.

Attachment C

HCV Evaluation and Treatment Consent Form
I
PATIENT'S

NAME

ID NUMBER

consent to the evaluation and potential medication administration, or continuation of a current treatment regimen initiated
outside of this facility, for Hepatitis C based on the information provided, explaining the risks and potential benefits
consistent with the manufacturer's recommendations.
I understand that treatment consists of injections of an interferon product up to three times per week and may include
ribavirin pills to be taken two times daily for 6 to 12 months. I understand that treatment also involves multiple visits to
obtain blood for laboratory testing necessary for ongoing monitoring. I understand that there is no data regarding whether
interferon product treatment will prevent transmission of Hepatitis C virus to others. Also, it is not known if treatment with
an interferon product will cure Hepatitis C or prevent cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer that may be the result of infection
with the Hepatitis C virus. Furthermore, I understand that even if the Hepatitis C treatment is successful in eliminating the
virus, if I engage in high-risk behaviors, I may become re-infected with Hepatitis C.
Currently, an interferon product and ribavirin combination treatment represents the best option for clearing the virus from
your blood. Many patients do not respond to this treatment. If you do not respond the medications will be discontinued.
Treatment for Hepatitis C may have serious side effects, including worsening of liver inflammation, anemia, allergic
reaction, heart attack, severe depression, suicide, pneumonia, loss of vision, or thyroid disease. Most people who are treated
for Hepatitis C have flu-like symptoms that are sometimes very uncomfortable. These symptoms include fever, headache,
chills, sore muscles, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Approximately 10% to 15% of people receiving
this treatment stop because of side effects. The side effects, however, can be severe enough to result in death. Birth defects
may occur if either parent is undergoing treatment for Hepatitis C at the time or within six months before a pregnancy
begins.
Compliance is an essential component of the treatment for Hepatitis C. I understand that I must follow the established
treatment plan and that treatment may be discontinued in do not comply. Treatment consists of directly observed therapy.
I understand that I should not initiate a pregnancy during or for at least six months following treatment. Female patients
should use two forms of birth control during treatment and for 6 months following treatment. Males should use a condom
and inform female partners of the need for a second form of contraception. Should you be released during the medication
phase of your treatment it is extremely important that you establish a physician patient relationship with a specialist in the
treatment of Hepatitis C. It is also important that you comply with the necessary life style changes to include not using
illegal drugs or practicing unsafe sex.
DETERMINING

ELIGIBILITY

0 Not applicable. Patient admitted on treatment and eligibility verified.

D I consent to eligibility testing to include blood tests and x-ray studies as well as a liver biopsy.
withdraw or cancel this consent in writing at any time.
PATIENT'S SIGNATURE

DATE SIGNED

PROVIDER'S SIGNATURE

DATE SIGNED

INITIATION/CONTINUATION

D

I consent to medication

OF MEDICATION

treatment

I understand that I may

TREATMENT

to include an interferon product and Ribavirin.

I understand that I may withdraw or

cancel this consent in writing at any time.
PATIENT'S SIGNATURE

DATE SIGNED

PROVIDER'S SIGNATURE

DATE SIGNED

DECLINE PARTICIPATION

D I decline evaluation or medication treatment at this time (circle one). I understand that I may request treatment

future.
PATIENT'S SIGNATURE
WITNESS' SIGNATURE

HCY Program

-

Alabama Department of Corrections

Treatment ConsentFonn

in the

I DATE SIGNED
DATE SIGNED

March 2004

AttachmentD

HCV Evaluation & Referral Flow Sheet
PATIENT NAME

I

IDNUMBER

I

DATE

I

FACILITY

Patient is positive for the Hepatitis C virus. (Quantitative HCV obtained.)
0 Patient given Schering-Ploughor Pegasys"MedicationGuide," as appropriate.
'i~1 0 Provider educatespatient on HepatitisC infectionand treatment The educationhas been docwnented.
PROVIDER SIGNATURE:
DATE:
Initiate eligibilityprocess
0 Patient signedInformedConsentor refusal for determiningeligibilityfor InterferoniRibavirintreatment.
0 Obtain labs as required to determineeligibility. (If no other absolute exclusion criteria are present.)
PROVIDER SIGNATURE:
:<:c":'Absolute Exclusion Criteria*
"',
(:
"

DATE:
Relative Exclusion Criteria **

C] Age::: 18 or? 60
C] RemainingincarcerationtimeS 24 months.
C] Presence of an Axis I diagnosisthat is not controlJedand
stable as determinedby the treatingpsychiatrist.
C] Historyof solid organtransplant.
C] Presenceor history of an autoimmunedisorder.

'o'
,,'

C]

"

C] HepatitisB Co-infection
C] Diabetes- poorly controlledwith Hgb. AI C? 9.0
C] Ischemic Cardiac Disease or Cerebrovascular
Disease
C] Hypertension- poorlycontrolJed
C] CHF
C]

Peripheral Vascular Disease

0

COPD- severe

0

Seizures- poorlycontrolled

gnv'dl,bilirubin>3.0gmldl).

,",,"

- Symptomatic

Presence or history of decompensated cirrhosis, presence

or history of ascites or encephalopathy(albumin:::3,2
C] CBC resultsoutsideacceptablelimits (Hgb:::12 females,
:5 13 for males; WBC> 3,000; ANCS 1,500& platelets
:5 100,000/mm).
C] Creatinine? 1.7or creatinineclearanceS 50 ml/minute.
0 NormalALT «2.0 timesnormal at 0, 3 and 6 months).
C] Positive pregnancytest.
0 Active TB
C] Auto Immune Disease e.g. - Lupus, Graves Disease,
R.A., M.S., MyastheniaGravis
C] Cancer - not in remission
0 Hemoglobinopathies
* "No further evaluation should be completed so Ion!! as the
absolute criterion exists."

0

0 ActiveThyroid Disease
C] Active Gout
C] SignificantCNS Trauma- recent within the past six
months
C] Poor adherenceto treatmentincluding:::80% of clinic
visits and medications,to the extent the inmate made
the choices.
C] Alcoholand iIlicitdrug use within one year.
0 Interferon/Ribavirinsensitivity.
Lifeexpectancy< 10 years.

**Theprovider is requiredto review relative exclusion criteriawith
the Regional Medica! Director prior to proceeding with further
evaluation.

Non-Formulary Request for Genotype Testing
0 Obtain HCV genotype. Provider submits Non-formulary Lab Request form with a copy of this form to the Regional Medical
Director. Approval must be received prior to ordering tests.
STAFF SIGNATURE:
Risk Stratification
Ic'
,:

I

1""

DATE:

and Treatment Options

0

Providerreviewstest results withpatient to detenninerisk stratificationsand therapeuticoptions.

0

Provider submits an Outpatient RMD Consultation form for a liver biopsy, if indicated, with a copy of this form to the
Regional Medical Director. Approval must be received prior to scheduling the biopsy.

11.~ PROVIDER SIGNATURE:
DATE:
Initiation of Treatment
I~\
0 Final eligibility determination completed. Liver biopsy results have been reviewed with the Regional Medical Director.
0 Provider reviews Schering-Plough or Pegasys "Medication Guide" with the patient and provides education on
InterferoniRibavirin treatment.
0 Patient signs informed consent for InterferonlRibavirin treatment, a second time.
~:
0 Provider completes Formulary Exception Request form and orders medication treatment.
.

PROVIDER SIGNATURE:

DATE:

Safety and Efficacy Monitoring
>~: 0 Provider orders appropriate hematological and biochemical testing and viral load testing as required on the HCV treatment
,/@flow sheet. The provider addresses compliance at each visit and asks specific questions for depression and suicidal ideation.
00 PROVIDER SIGNATURE:
DATE:

HCV Program - Alabama Department of Corrections
Evaluation
I

March 2004

Attachment E

EVIDENCE OF COMPENSATED CIRRHOSIS
Cirrhosis of the liver can be difficult to recognize ifit is still in the early stages where the body is able.
to compensate for those biochemical and circulatory changes, which when advanced, become obvious
to the caregiver. Some physical findings related to more advanced cirrhosis that can be picked up
easily are jaundice, ascites, asterixis, mental status changes, telangiectasias, and caput medusae.
Certain laboratory studies can be helpful in diagnosing compensated cirrhosis. These are albumin and
prothrombin time, CBC and platelets and LFTs including bilirubin. (Order a Diagnostic Profile 1 and

Protime).

.

Results of a complete blood count can point towards cirrhosis as well. Thrombocytopenia,
leukopenia and anemia can result from hypersplenism secondary to the portal hypertension of
cirrhosis. Thrombocytopenia is the most common abnormality followed by leukopenia and then
anemia. Neutropenia is the predominant finding related to leukopenia. Hypersplenism may result in
any single abnormality or any combination of abnormalities. These low counts are caused by
sequestration in the spleen. In the case of platelets, up to 90% of the total platelet mass can be found
in the spleen. White cells and platelets seem to have approximately normal survival time in the spleen
and in fact may be available if required in other areas of the body
Serum albumin and prothrombin time are dependent upon the synthetic capabilities of the liver which
would be compromised if enough of the liver tissue is affected by scarring. Findings consistent with
cirrhosis would be those of hypoalbuminemia and elevated lNR.
Findings of normal to low AST and ALT can also be seen in cirrhosis. In the case of chronic hepatitis
C one might expect to find elevated liver enzymes but because of the presence of cirrhotic tissue the
amount of functioning liver tissue is reduced. This limits the number of normal hepatocytes that are
able to leak enzymes that would normally result in the elevation of these serum levels. Additionally, it
has been noted that in cirrhosis the ratio of AST to ALT can be greater than one. In chronic hepatitis
C without cirrhosis this relationship is usually reversed.
Hyperbilirubinemia can be found in cirrhosis. Usually elevated total and direct bilirubin will be found
but elevated indirect bilirubin can be found at times. Clinically apparent jaundice is ordinarily not
evident until bilirubin levels reach about 3 mg/dl.
Patients with compensated cirrhosis should have an AFP and liver ultrasound prior to starting
treatment for Hep C to screen for HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma).

Hypersplenism
Sudeep K. Aulakh, M.D., F.Rc.P.C., Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2003
Splenomegaly
Lewis Kaplan, MD FACS, Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Critical Care,
Yale University School of Medicine on emedicine 2003
Proposed HepatitisC Protocol
Alabama Departmentof Corrections

-~

Page 1
March 2004

Attachment F

HEPATITIS C TREATMENT FLOW SHEET
Patient Name

Date of Birth

ID Number

Last

First

Facility

--'--'-Baseline

2 weeks

4 weeks

8 weeks

12 weeks

20 weeks

16 weeks

24 weeks

Date

Vital Signs
Blood Pressure
Pulse
Respirations
Temperature
Weight
laboratory

Studies

HCV RNA Quantitative1
CBC w/diff
Hgb2
WBC2
Platelets2
Creatinine
TSH3
Pregnancy Test 2 0 NA
HAV&HBV Dates(if applicable)
--~---

Mental Health Questions

HAV

#1

#2

HBV

#1

#2

#3

2

Compliance Counseling2
Provider Signature
0
0

Date treatment initiate.d:
Treatment discontinueddue to:
0 Failed Response.
Date:

0

Patient initiated. 0 Contraindications.

__I__I__(mm/dd/yy)

Reason:

0
Date patient completed therapy:
'~I
(mm/dd/yy)
1 Completed prior to initiation of therapy, at 12 weeks and 24 weeks following initiation of therapy, upon completion and 6 months following the completion of therapy.
If there is not at least a 2-log decrease in HCV RNA at 12 weeks, treatment will be discontinued. If HCV RNA still shows measurable virus at 24 weeks, treatment will
be discontinued.
2 Completed at each scheduled chronic care visit.
3 To be completed every three months during therapy and 6 months post end of treatment.
A copy of this form is to be submitted to the Regional Medical Director upon completion

Hepatitis C Treatment Flow Sheet
Alabama Department of Corrections

or discontinuation

of therapy.

Page 1
February 2003

,
AttachmentG

PEGL YATED INTERFERON AND RIBA VIRIN
DOSAGE

.

1. Pegasys (Alfa 2A)
. 180 mcg weekly

1. Peglntron (Alfa 2B)
1.5 mcglKg/week

2. Ribavirin

2. Ribavirin

..
..

(400mg BID dosing) (DOT)
800 mg daily - genotype 2 & 3
genotype la & Ib - >75 Kilo 1200 mg daily
genotype 4 <75 Kilo 1000 mg daily

-

-

-

-

..
..
.

(400 mg BID dosing) (DOT)
800 mg daily
genotype

- genotype - 2 & 3
- >75 Kilo - 1200 mg daily

la & Ib

-

genotype 4 <75 Kilo - 1000 mg daily
genotype 4 >75 Kilo -1200 mg daily

-

Ribavirin Dosage Modification Guidelines
Laboratory Values
Hemoglobin in patients with
no cardiac disease
Hemoglobin in patients with
history of stable cardiac
disease

Reduce Ouly Ribavirin Dose to
600 mg/day if:
< 10 gldL

Discontinue Ribavirin if:
< 8.5 gldL

::; 2 gldL decrease in hemoglobin < 12 gldL despite 4 weeks at
reduced dose
during any 4 week period treatment

Hematological
Hematological Dose Modification Guidelines
Laboratory Values
ANC <1000/mm

Platelet

<1 OO,OOO/mm

Pegasys Dose Reduction
135 ).Lg

90 gg

Discontinue Pegasys if:
ANC <500/mmJ, treatment should be
suspended until ANC values return to more
than lOOO/mm3.
Reinstitute at 90 Ilg and monitor ANc.
Platelet count <25,OOO/mmJ.

Renal
In patients with end-stage renal disease requiring Renal Dialysis, dose reduction to 135 mcg of
Pegasys is recommended. Patients with a creatine clearance of less than 50 cc/minute, Pegasys
should not be used.

Proposed Hepatitis C Protocol- Alabama Department of Corrections

Page 1 of2
December 31, 2003

Dose Modification

-Pe~s

General
When dose rrwdification is required for moderate or severe adverse reactions, initial dose reduction
to 135 mcg (0.75 ml) is generally adequate. However, in some cases, dose reduction to 90 mcg
(0.5 ml) may be needed. Following improvement of the adverse reaction, re-escalation of the dose
may be considered.
Guidelines for Dose Modification and Discontinuation of PEG-Intron
or PEG InterferonJRibavirin for Hematologic Toxicity
PEG-Intron

Rebetol

Laboratory
Values
Hgb*

<IO.Ogldl

WBC

<8.5g/dl
<1.5 xlO"/L

Permanently discontinue
Reduce dose by 50%

<1.0 xl09fL
<0.75 x10/L
<0.5 x 1O9/L
<80 x10/L

Permanently
Reduce dose
Permanently
Reduce dose

<50 x1O9/L

Permanently discontinue

Neutrophil
Platelets

*

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

discontinue
by 50%
discontinue
by 50%

Decrease by 200mglday
Permanently discontinue
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""......

Permanently discontinue
....................................................................................................

Permanently discontinue
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""

Pem1anently discontinue

For patients with a history of stable cardiac disease receiving PEG-Tntron in combination Ribavirin, the
PEG-Tntron dose should be reduced by half and the Ribavirin dose by 200mglday if a> 2g1dL decrease
in hemoglobin is observed during any 4 week period. Both PEG-Intron and Ribavirin should be
pem1anently discontinued ifpatients have hemoglobin level < than 12 gldL after this Ribavirin dose
reduction.
Recommended dose ofRibavirin (BID dosing) (given via DOT)
< 65 Kilo - 800mg daily
> 65 - 85 Kilo - 1000mg daily
> 85 Kilo - 1200mg daily
Genotype - non 1A & 1B
800mg daily

Proposed Hepatitis C Protocol- Alabama Department of Corrections

Page 2 of 2
December 31,2003

AttachmentH

CLINICAL GUlnELINES FOR EVALUATION OF
ALPHA FETO PROTEIN AND
HEPTOCELLULAR CARCINOMA (BCC)

./

After birth serum levels fall to the normal (below 20 ng/ml).

./ Modest elevations (greater than 20) but seldom greater than 400 can occur in acute or
chronic liver injury.

./

In cirrhotic patients, a steady increase or levels greater than 500 nglml are indicative of
HCC.

./ Levels of 500 nglml indicate tumor size of 2-3 em.
-/ Levels tend to stabilize in individual patients regardless of tumor size.
-/ AFP done routinely on all cirrhosis patients - monitor every six months.

./ ASTIALT ratio - yearly.

Proposed Hepatitis C Protocol - Alabama Department of Corrections

Page 1
March 2004

Attachment

I

Interferon - Ribavirin
Side Effects
Symptoms Prevention and Management
Fever, chills, and muscle and joint pains are frequently encountered with the start of
interferonJribavirin therapy. Symptoms generally begin between 2-12 hours after injection. The worst
symptoms may occur during the first 3 injections, usually subside in severity within 1-2 months of
therapy, but persist to some degree during the course of treatment. By administering the injections as
late in the day as possible, the individual may sleep through the worst symptoms. Encouraging adequate
fluid intake and rest may reduce symptom severity. Pre-treatment with the medications listed below can
significantly reduce these side effects.
Acetaminophen, 500 mg tabs, 2 tablets with each Interferon injection. May repeat up to three times
daily to reduce or relieve flu-like symptoms.
OR
Ibuprofen, 200 mg tabs, 2 tablets with each Interferon injection. May repeat up to three times daily to
reduce or relieve flu-like symptoms.

--

Headache frequently accompanies other "flu-like" symptoms associated with Interferon injections. It is
important to rule out other conditions. Assess neurological status, look for other causes: hydration
status, migraine history, HTN, dental problems, allergies, other drug interactions, stress, sleep
disturbances, hormonal changes, caffeine, anemia, need for new glasses. Therapy should be supportive
in nature and address problems that can be corrected, such as limiting light and sound stimulation.
.Consider the use ofNSAIDS, Fioricet, acetaminophen, or amitriptyline therapy.
Myalgia/neuralgia also frequently accompanies other "flu-like" symptoms associated with interferon
injections. Encourage mild, low impact exercise and warm compresses to affected areas.
Fatigue is often associated with interferon injections and often persists to some degree throughout the
course of therapy. These symptoms can be minimized by maintaining hydration, encouraging moderate
exercise, energy conservation and maintaining good nutritjon.
Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea can result from interferonlribavirin therapy. Symptoms can become
so severe that maintaining weight and nutritional status becomes a big challenge. Effects may be
managed by encouraging frequent small meals, avoidance of acidic, spicy or greasy foods and providing
nutritional supplements. Monitor electrolytes as needed. Anti-emetics and anti-diarrhea agents may
need to be used.
Taste alterations specifically, complaint of metallic taste in the mouth is common with therapy. This
can add to the anorexia experienced by patients during therapy. Advising the use of plastic utensils,
drinking cranberry juice or lemonade and using hard candy mints, chocolate and citrus drinks may
lessen severity.
Alopecia usually presents as a slow progression in severity over the course of therapy and is reversible
with discontinuation of treatment. Encourage measures to diminish severity such as the use of mild

HCV Program - Alabama Department of Corrections
Side Effects

Page 1 of 2
March 2004

shampoos and conditioners.
constrictive head wear.

Stress avoidance of hair products that cause dryness and weanng

Cough may develop during therapy. Assess pulmonary status with PFT or CXR as indicated, rule out
other causes such as allergies or asthma. Supportive therapies include increased fluid intake, use of a
humidifier, avoidance of irritants such as smoke and aerosol sprays, and sucking on hard candy or cough
drops.
Itching and rash can occur. Assess baseline skin condition; consider autoimmune conditions such as
psoriasis. Monitor liver and renal functions tests. Symptoms can be minimized by encouraging use of
mild soaps and wearing sunscreen when outside. If symptoms persist, consider aTC hydrocortisone
cream and antihistamines.
Mood Disturbances,
namely depression, anxiety, irritability and insomnia are common.
interferonlribavirin therapy tends to worsen pre-existing symptoms, and these problems need to be
addressed and stabilized prior to beginning therapy.
**SEVERE PSYCHIATRIC
EVENTS HAVE OCCURRED WITH INTERFERON
THERAPIES, INCLUDING DEPRESSION, PSYCHOSES, AGGRESSIVE BEHA VlOR,
HALLUCINATIONS,
VIOLENT BEHA VIOR, HOMICIDAL IDEATION, SUIDICAL
IDEATION, ATTEMPTS AND SUICIDES IN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT
PREVIOUS PSYCHIATRIFC DISORDERS**
Hematology Concerns
Ribavirin Induced Hemolytic Anemia: Hemoglobin levels generally decrease from baseline-within
the first 4 weeks of combination therapy. A mean decrease between 2-3 g/dL is common. Hemoglobin
levels usually stabilize after 4 weeks of therapy and return to pretreatment levels within 8 weeks of
discontinuation. As levels decline, patients often complain of shortness of breath with any exertion,
chest pain, weakness, fatigue and anorexia. People with pre-existing cardiovascular disease must be
closely monitored. Dose reduction of ribavirin according to modification guidelines may be necessary
and education and reassurance is important in preventing early tennination.
Neutropenia commonly occurs with interferon therapy, is transient in nature and usually occurs within
the first few weeks of initiation of therapy. It often lasts for the duration of therapy and recovery to
baseline levels occurs upon cessation of treatment. Monitor labs according to protocol, and management
involves dose reduction of interferon when ANC levels fall <750/mm3.
Thrombocytopenia may be sudden and severe enough to discontinue therapy. Watch platelet counts
carefully, and refer to dose reduction table if platelets drop below 50,000/mm . Advise patients to report
bruising, nosebleeds or petechiae.

HCV Program - Alabama Department of Corrections
Side Effects

Page 2 of 2
March 2004

Attachment J

Summary
National Institutes of Health
Consensus Development Conference Statement
Management of Hepatitis C
Final Statement
*The complete 44-page document can be found at http://www.nih.gov/.

The NIH Consensus Development Conference on Management of Hepatitis C: 2002
was held June 10 - 12, 2002. The final statement was published September 12,2002.
The "Final Statement" contains the following disclaimers:

1. "This statement is not a policy statement of the NIH or the Federal Government"
and
2. "Thus, it provides a "snapshot in time" of the state of knowledge".
The Virus
The lack of a vigorous T-lymphocyte response and the high propensity of the virus to
mutate appear to promote a high rate of chronic infection. The extensive genetic
heterogeneity of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has important diagnostic and clinical
implications, perhaps explaining difficulties in vaccine development and the lack of
response to therapy. Genotype 1 accounts for 70 to 75 percent of all HCV infections in
the United States and is associated with a-lower rate of response to treatment.
HCV replicates preferentially in hepatocytes but is not directly cytopathic. During
chronic infection, HCV RNA reaches high levels, generally ranging from 105 to 107
international units (IU)/mL, but the levels can fluctuate widely. However, within the
same individual, RNA levels are usually relatively stable.
Epidemiology

Although difficult to assess accurately, the incidence of HCV infections declined sharply
in the late 1980s. However, the estimated prevalence of HCV in the u.S. is at least 1.8
percent of the population and a fourfold increase in the number of adults diagnosed with
chronic HCV infection is projected from 1990 to 2015. CulTently, persons aged 40 to 59
years have the highest prevalence of HCV infection, and in this age group, the prevalence
is highest in African Americans (6.1%). High HCV seroprevalence rates (from 15-50
percent) have occulTed in specific subpopulation, such as homeless, incarcerated persons,
injection drug users, and persons with hemophilia who were treated with clotting factors
before 1992. The highest seroprevalence rates (70 to more than 90 percent) have been
reported in the last of these two groups
Chronic Infection

Hepatitis C Position Statement - Alabama Department of ColTections
Summary ofNIH Statement

Page 1 of 8
February, 2003

Persistence ofHCV infection is diagnosed by the detection ofHCV RNA in the blood for
at least 6 months. In general, prospective studies have shown that 60 to 85 percent of
HCV-infected persons develop chronic infection.
The most important sequelae of chronic HCV infection are progressive liver fibrosis
leading to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC).
Estimates of the proportion of chronically infected persons who develop cirrhosis 20
years after initial infection vary widely from 2 to 4 percent in studies of children and
young women to as high as 20 to 30 percent in middle-aged transfused subjects. The
actual risk is likely intermediate between these two ranges, on the order of 10 to 15
percent. There is little evidence that virologic factors, including viral load, viral genotype,
and quasi-species diversity significantly affect the risk of progression of liver disease.
However, many host factors increase this risk, including:
~
~
~
~
~

Older age at time of infection,
Male gender,
Immunosuppression such as that associated with HN infection, and
Concurrent chronic hepatitis B infection.
Higher levels of alcohol use play an important role in promoting the development of
progressive liver disease, with strong evidence for the detrimental effects of 30 glday
equivalent to 2 beers, 2 glasses of wine, or 2 mixed drinks) and 20 glday in
in men
women.
~ Conversely, individuals infected at a younger age have little or no disease progression
over several decades.

(-

Hepatocellular Carcinoma
HCC rarely occurs in the absence of cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis. Risk factors for HCC
in persons with chronic HCV infection are largely the same as those for the development
of decompensated cirrhosis. Some but not all studies suggest that treatment with
interferon and ribavirin may reduce the risk of developing HCC in HCV patients with
cirrhosis, but more data are needed.
HCV Serologic Assays
Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) tests are reproducible, inexpensive, and FDA-approved for
use in the diagnosis of HCV infection. The very high sensitivity (low rate of false
negative) and specificity (low rate of false positive) of the version 3 (third-generation)
EIAs (sensitivity of greater than 99 percent, specificity of 99 percent in
immunocompetent patients) obviate the need for a confirmatory immunoblot assay in the
diagnosis of individual patients with clinical liver disease, particularly those with risk
factors for HCV infection.
Qnalitative HCV RNA Assays
Chronic HCV infection in a patient with a positive EIA test should be confirmed by a
qualitative HCV RNA assay with a lower limit of detection of 50 IU/mL or less
(approximately 100 viral genes/mL). A single positive qualitative assay for HCV RNA
Hepatitis C Position Statement - Alabama Department of Corrections
Summary ofNIH Statement

Page 2 of 8
February, 2003

confUIlls active HCV replication, but a single negative assay does not exclude viremia
and may reflect only a transient decline in viral level below the level of detection of the
assay.
Until future studies determine whether the sustained virological response (SVR) will be
sustained over the long term following successful antiviral treatment, periodic
measurements ofHCV RNA may need to be performed.

Quantitative HCV RNA Assays
Testing for HCV RNA level (or viral load) with a quantitative assay provides accurate
information on HCV viral levels. Significant variability exists between available assays.
The clinical utility of serial HCV viral levels in a patient is predicated on continued use
of the same specific quantitative assay that was used in the initial determination of the
viral level. While there is little correlation between disease severity or disease
progression with the absolute level of HCV RNA, quantitative determination ofthe HCY
level provides important information on the likelihood of response to treatment in
patients undergoing antiviral therapy.
ALT
Testing for serum ALT levels is the most inexpensive and noninvasive, but relatively
insensitive, means of assessing disease activity. Serial determinations of ALT levels over
time may provide a better means of assessing liver injury, but the accuracy of this
approach has not been well documented. Patients who initially have a normal ALT level
should undergo serial measurements over several months to confirm the persistence of
normal ALT levels. Although loss or reduction in HCY RNA is the primary indicator of
response to antiviral therapy, the resolution of elevated ALT levels with antiviral therapy
appears to be an important indicator of disease response.
Noninvasive Tests of Fibrosis
No single test or panel of serologic markers can provide an accurate assessment of
intermediate stages of hepatic fibrosis. Similarly, quantitative tests of liver function and
radiologic imaging of the liver are sensitive for diagnosing advanced cirrhosis but are not
useful in assessing hepatic fibrosis and early cin-hosis.
Liver Biopsy
Liver biopsy provides a unique source of information on fibrosis and assessment of
histology. The information obtained on liver biopsy allows affected individuals to make
more informed choices about the initiation or postponement of antiviral treatment. Thus,
the liver biopsy is a useful part of the informed consent process.
In general, a baseline assessment of liver histology offers a valuable standard for
subsequent comparisons. However, the appropriate interval for subsequent evaluations is
yet to be determined.

Hepatitis C Position Statement - Alabama Department of Corrections
Summary ofNIH Statement

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February, 2003