Characterization of former heroin addict patients with Hepatitis C virus antibodies in a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinic in israel.

Abstract

AIMS:

To compare characteristics, retention in treatment and cessation of drug abuse of 249 positive hepatitis C (HCV+) with 188 negative hepatitis C (HCV-) antibody patients.

METHODS:

Data on Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B and HIV results, urine-proven drug use, and modified ASI of all patients admitted to the Adelson MMT clinic between June/1993-Dec/2002 were prospectively collected.

RESULTS:

HCV+ patients manifested more ever injecting drug use, immigrants, positive HIV antibody, hepatitis B antigen, years of opiate addiction pre-MMT and benzodiazepines misuse after one year in MMT than HCV- patients, with similar 1-year retention and proportion of opiate use cessation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although characteristics of HCV+ and HCV- differed, they manifested similar outcomes: treatment retention and proportion of opiate use cessation.

• Authors: Einat Peles, Vera Rados, Miriam Adelson
• Journal: Substance use & misuse (Subst Use Misuse) Vol. 42 Issue 9 Pg. 1477-84 ( 2007) ISSN: 1082-6084 [Print] England
• PMID: 17886143 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Hepatitis C Antibodies
• Methadone

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Hepacivirus
• Hepatitis C Antibodies (analysis)
• Heroin Dependence (drug therapy, urine)
• Humans
• Israel
• Male
• Methadone
• Patient Compliance
• Prospective Studies
• Substance Abuse Treatment Centers