Research & Treatment News
November 30, 2009
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Hepatitis C identification and care trends published in the December 2009 issue of Hepatology indicate a national, public health dilemma deserving of congressional action.
NVHR: New Data Finding Fewer than 1 in 5 Hepatitis C Patients Receiving Antiviral Therapy is 'Wake-Up Call' for Washington
WASHINGTON, Nov. 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New peer-reviewed data finding that fewer than one-fifth of the nearly 4 million Americans infected with chronic hepatitis C virus have received anti-viral therapy in recent years should be a wake-up call that Congress needs to move urgently on bipartisan legislation to support new state-based detection, research, and surveillance efforts, the National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable (NVHR) said today.
The NVHR warns that without congressional action, millions of Americans infected with chronic hepatitis C virus - particularly African Americans - are at serious risk of developing cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure and will add billions of dollars in unnecessary costs to our health care system every year.
Continue reading the entire article:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nvhr-new-data-finding-fewer-than-1-in-5-hepatitis-c-patients-receiving-antiviral-therapy-is-wake-up-call-for-washington-72130697.html
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Scientists from Rockefeller University uncover some insights into the Hepatitis C genome that suggests new avenues for weakening this insidious virus.
Multitasking may be Achilles heel for hepatitis C
November 23, 2009
(PhysOrg.com) -- Hepatitis C, a formidable virus that affects 130 million people worldwide, is nursing some pretty impressive bruises. By knocking out sections and subsections of one of its proteins, scientists reveal weak spots in the virus's armor and gain new momentum for developing drug targets for sufferers of the disease.
Despite its tiny genome, the hepatitis C virus packs a mean punch. The virus is a microcosm of efficiency, and each of its amino acids plays multiple roles in its survival and ability to sidestep attack. But new research from Rockefeller University suggests that this fancy footwork and multitasking could be the key to bringing down the virus. The work, which focuses on a once-ignored protein, provides insights on how drug therapy for sufferers of the disease might be improved.
The protein, NS2, which is one of the 10 proteins that make up the hepatitis C virus, gained momentum as a plausible drug target in 2006, when Charles M. Rice, head of the Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, and his team solved the structure of its protease domain.
Continue reading the entire article:
http://www.physorg.com/news178227669.html
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November 23, 2009
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A recent study revealed that a therapeutic vaccine combined with a topical immune-enhancing agent initiated an immune response against the Hepatitis C virus.
Hep C Therapeutic Vaccine Shows Hints of Efficacy
November 18, 2009
A hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapeutic vaccine--designed to boost immune control of the virus in people already infected with HCV--has demonstrated that such an approach might work, according to a study presented at the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) Conference in Boston, and reported by aidsmap.
Because HCV mutates so easily, some experts have claimed that it might be impossible to develop a successful preventive vaccine for it. Others, however, have hoped that it might be possible to trigger the body to better control or ward off HCV infection.
Continue reading the entire article:
http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/hiv_hcv_vaccine_1667_17601.shtml
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November 16, 2009
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Lichen planus, a recurring skin condition that often manifests with Hepatitis C infection, can cause intense itching and pain. Learn about the skin disease's characteristics and commonly affected regions - as well as six strategies that may help reduce your risk of lichen planus from returning.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Affecting between one and two percent of the world's population, lichen planus is a relatively common dermatological disease. A recurring, chronic, non-allergic, non-infectious, non-contagious disease of the skin, lichen planus has a tendency to relapse after months or years. In between episodes, practicing preventative measures may be able to stop the recurrence of this frustrating condition.
The exact cause of lichen planus is unknown, but it seems to be triggered by stress, genetics, viral infection and allergic reactions to medicines. Although it can be associated with many different health conditions, lichen planus is a common manifestation of Hepatitis C infection. Studies have found that up to 60 percent of people with lichen planus have a history of Hepatitis C. For this reason, it has been recommended that people with lichen planus (especially with elevated liver enzymes) should be tested for the Hepatitis C virus.
About Lichen Planus
Arriving in episodes lasting months to years, lichen planus may begin gradually or quickly. Although no specific cause can be singled out, many possible sources have been implicated in its evolution. Found to occur more frequently in people with a liver dysfunction, lichen planus is now recognized as an extra-hepatic manifestation of the Hepatitis C virus.
Often times, a physician must perform a biopsy of affected tissue to confirm a diagnosis of lichen planus. Unfortunately, several biopsies may be needed at various times, along with blood tests. Clinicians seem to agree that it is common for a yeast infection to be present with lichen planus. In such cases, treating the yeast infection first often improves the severity of lichen planus.
Below are eight characteristics of lichen planus:
1. Appearing as shiny, flat-topped bumps typically with an angular shape, the bumps of lichen planus have a reddish-purplish color and a shiny cast.
2. Even though it favors the inside of the wrists and ankles, the lower legs, back and neck, lichen planus can surface anywhere on the skin.
3. The mouth, genital region, hair and nails may be lichen planus targets in some individuals.
4. Thick patches may occur, especially on the shins.
5. Blisters rarely occur.
6. Bumps typically appear in areas of trauma.
7. About 20 percent of the time, lichen planus of the skin causes minimal symptoms and needs no treatment.
8. In many cases, the itching of lichen planus can be constant and intense.
There is no known cure for skin lichen planus, but treatment is often effective in relieving itching and improving the appearance of the rash until it goes away. Since every case of lichen planus is different, no one treatment is sufficient. Physicians may prescribe oral or topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, retinoid drugs or photo-chemotherapy light treatment (PUVA).
Other Locations
Commonly seen with Hepatitis C infection, lichen planus affects other regions of the body such as the mouth, scalp and nails:
· Lichen Planus of the Mouth - Lichen planus lesions can be found on the inside of the cheeks, gums and tongue. Called oral lichen planus, this variety can be more difficult to treat and typically lasts longer than skin lichen planus. About one-third of all people who have oral lichen planus also have skin lichen planus. Typically appearing as patches of fine white lines and dots, oral lichen planus rarely causes symptoms. However, severe forms of oral lichen planus can cause painful sores and ulcers in the mouth.
· Lichen Planus of the Nails - Reported in about 10 percent of lichen planus cases, nails can also be affected by this condition. The majority of toenail or fingernail changes results from damage to the nail matrix, or nail root. Nail changes associated with lichen planus include longitudinal ridging, grooving, splitting, nail thinning and nail loss. In severe cases, the nail may be temporarily or permanently destroyed. Lichen planus of the nails is often resistant to treatment.
· Lichen Planus of the Scalp - Lichen Planopilaris is the specific name given to lichen planus on the scalp, which causes permanent scarring alopecia with inflammation around affected hair follicles. Mostly affecting middle-aged adults as distinct patches of hair loss, treatment includes oral and topical steroids.
Relapse Prevention
Besides avoiding potentially aggravating medications, most clinicians woefully report that there is no surefire way to prevent the recurrence of lichen planus. However, the growing understanding that this skin disorder is an extension of an immune system deficiency offers some clues. In addition, the fact that treating a yeast infection is beneficial for lichen planus, gives us even more useful information.
By keeping your body - both the physical and emotional extensions - as healthy as possible, your risk of a severe lichen planus outbreak is reduced. On top of controlling any possible lichen planus triggers, six suggestions for accomplishing this include:
1. Do whatever is necessary to minimize stress.
2. Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
3. Prioritize getting a full night of restful sleep.
4. Choose foods that are digestive system friendly, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, high-fiber and items low in saturated fat.
5. Reduce peppermint, cinnamon and citrus foods (as these may aggravate lichen planus).
6. Fight yeast accumulation with probiotics. According to Israeli researchers, probiotics are immune system modulators. In addition to strengthening the digestive system to combat yeast, probiotics have also demonstrated an improved ratio of immune cell factors.
This potentially frustrating skin disease can really be a challenge, especially while trying to manage chronic Hepatitis C. Since Hepatitis C and lichen planus commonly appear together, looking for solutions to benefit both ailments is the best choice. In addition to working with your physician to minimize any lichen planus triggers, evaluate what you are doing to keep your emotional, digestive and immune systems healthy. Even if you are struggling with an outbreak, instituting the above listed six suggestions will pay off in the long run - by reducing the risk of future lichen planus episodes and by improving your overall physical health.
To learn about Fatigue Relief Plus, a nutritional supplement that combines liver support with probiotics, click here.
References:
Amital H., et al., Probiotic Supplementation with Lactobacillus casei (Actimel) Induces a Th1 Response in an Animal Model of Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, September 2007.
http://autoimmune-skin-disorders.suite101.com, Lichen Planus: A Common Skin Rash in Autoimmune Disorders, Elaine Moore, April 2007.
http://hcvadvocate.org, Extrahepatic Manifestations: Lichen Planus, Alan Franciscus, Hepatitis C Support Project, 2007.
Prabhu Smitha, Pavithran K, Sobhanadevi G, Lichen planus and hepatitis c virus (HCV) - Is there an association? A serological study of 65 cases, Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 2002.
www.aafp.org, Lichen Planus, Rajani Katta, MD, American Family Physician, 2007.
www.aocd.org, Lichen Planus, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, 2007.
www.lichenplanus.com, What you Need to Know About Lichen Planus, Dr. Rajesh Shah, 2007.
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November 11, 2009
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Learn about a phase II trial, whereby Boceprevir was added to standard Hepatitis C therapy (pegylated interferon and ribavirin) and was twice as effective at eliminating the Hep C virus compared to standard therapy alone.
Schering hep C drug promising in Phase II study
By Bill Berkrot
NEW YORK, Nov 1 (Reuters) - The addition of Schering-Plough Corp'sSGP.N experimental hepatitis C drug boceprevir after four weeks of treatment with standard medicines led to highly encouraging sustained response rates in a mid-stage study.
The triple combination of boceprevir and the current treatments of pegylated-interferon and ribavirin appeared to knock out the virus at double the rate of the standard drugs alone, according to researchers.
Continue reading the entire article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssHealthcareNews/idUSN3043814620091101
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Find out about a Henry Ford retrospective study of liver transplant recipients, which discovered that extending antiviral treatment length significantly reduced the chances of Hepatitis C recurring.
Extending Treatment After Liver Transplant May Benefit Patients With Hepatitis C Recurrence
ScienceDaily (Oct. 31, 2009) -- Extending hepatitis C treatment for liver transplant patients beyond current practice results in high rates of clearance of the hepatitis C virus from the blood, as well as a low rate of relapse, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study.
"We found that patients who achieved a sustained virological response were more likely to have had extended treatment," says Kimberly Brown, M.D., Division head of Gastroenterology at Henry Ford Hospital and senior author of the study.
Continue reading the entire article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091031152432.htm
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November 10, 2009
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For some individuals, living with chronic hepatitis can mean having a face full of blemishes. While many feel helpless over their skin's appearance, the physiological connection between hepatitis and acne suggests that those with liver disease do have some control over preventing skin breakouts.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Commonly referred to as pimples, whiteheads or blackheads, acne is characterized by small, localized bacterial infections usually on the skin of the face, neck and upper back. Although this skin condition commonly affects teenagers, there are other populations who are prone to dealing with an acne outbreak. Considering that a person with chronic hepatitis may not be able to effectively process toxins, many with this disease are not surprised that they are vulnerable to episodes of acne. However, the biological reasons behind acne in those with chronic hepatitis have little to do with filtering out toxins.
About Chronic Hepatitis
Chronic hepatitis is a progressive liver disease characterized by inflammation and/or destruction of liver cells. The most common cause of chronic hepatitis is infection with the Hepatitis B or C virus. Other causes of chronic hepatitis include alcohol abuse, exposure to plant and chemical toxins, a reaction to certain drugs and an autoimmune condition known as autoimmune hepatitis.
Although there is no guaranteed cure for chronic hepatitis, there are several strategies people with liver disease use to stay healthy. Some of the most popular strategies include:
1. Eliminating processed and fatty foods from the diet
2. Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins
3. Supplementing with milk thistle to protect the liver
4. Completely abstaining from drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or doing drugs
5. Finding a daily practice that relieves stress
Because all five strategies improve the liver's health, each of these lifestyle choices can also reduce the likelihood of developing acne.
About Acne
Otherwise known as acne vulgaris, common acne is the result of the skin's pores getting clogged with oil (sebum) and bacteria. This usually results in blackheads (open comedones), whiteheads (closed comedones) and pimples (papules or pustules). There are many potential causes for acne. However, most experts agree that the most common causes include:
1. Extra Testosterone - High levels of androgens (hormones that surge during puberty and are precursors to testosterone) cause the oil glands that lubricate hair shafts to increase sebum production. If anything blocks that hair shaft, sebum accumulates behind the blockage. Since androgen levels surge during puberty, teenagers are especially affected.
2. Bacteria - The bacteria that causes acne, propionibacterium acnes, is a common inhabitant of the skin. This microbe only becomes problematic when it gets trapped in the hair shaft. Because of how sticky it is, sebum accumulation attracts these bacteria into the hair shaft - a combination that usually causes acne.
3. Stress - Although stress doesn't directly cause acne, it does slow down the immune system. When the immune system is hindered, its soldiers just below the skin (known as macrophages) are less able to fight off the bacteria that accumulate in the hair shafts. Additionally, sluggish macrophages are slower to remove dead bacteria, which enables pimples to take up residence for a longer time. Consequently, stress exacerbates acne and slows the healing time.
4. Liver Congestion - When an adult's liver is congested, inflamed or has endured excessive scarring, it is less able to perform all of its duties. Since one of the liver's roles is neutralizing testosterone, depressed liver function often leads to higher levels of testosterone in the body. Thus, those with chronic hepatitis are prone to having higher levels of testosterone, which is one of the ways acne can proliferate.
Chronic Hepatitis and Acne
Although anyone can have an acne outbreak, those with chronic hepatitis are more susceptible to these skin lesions. Based on the causes of acne, this is because:
· Those with chronic hepatitis often have a congested liver that fails to neutralize testosterone. This hormone imbalance increases sebum production, which attracts bacteria and clogs the pores.
· Coping with a progressive illness without a guaranteed cure means that those with chronic hepatitis are often under a considerable amount of stress. Unfortunately, that stress takes its toll on the immune system - which inevitably exacerbates acne and slows healing time.
By practicing liver wellness approaches for preventing the worsening of chronic hepatitis, those with this liver disease can lessen the severity of unwanted skin eruptions. By reducing environmental toxin exposure, skipping food filled with chemicals and fats, protecting the liver with milk thistle, abstaining from alcohol, cigarettes and drugs and relieving stress, those with chronic hepatitis can assist their liver in its neutralization of testosterone - a feat that will help keep skin intact and healthy.
References:
http://autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/article.cfm/autoimmunehepatitisi, Autoimmune Hepatitis I, Elaine Moore, Retrieved October 6, 2009, suite101.com, April 2006.
http://www.acne.org/whatisacne.html, Acne in plain English - What is Acne?, Retrieved October 7, 2009, Daniel W. Kern, 2009.
Werner, Ruth, A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD, 2005; 25-29.
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November 6, 2009
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In just three days of a phase I trial, Idenix's experimental, nucleotide-containing Hepatitis C drug (IDX184) demonstrates excellent safety and antiviral activity.
Idenix Pharmaceuticals Presents Data on IDX184 for the Treatment of Hepatitis
C Virus (HCV)
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Idenix Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. (Nasdaq: IDIX), a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and
development of drugs for the treatment of human viral diseases, today
announced presentations of data on IDX184, a once-daily novel liver-targeted
nucleotide prodrug of 2'-methyl guanosine (2'MeG) for the treatment of HCV, at
the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
(AASLD) currently being held in Boston, Massachusetts.
Data from a three-day, phase I proof-of-concept study evaluating the safety
and antiviral activity of IDX184 will be presented. This double-blind,
placebo-controlled, monotherapy, dose-escalation study enrolled 41
treatment-naive HCV genotype 1-infected patients into four dosing cohorts (25
mg, 50 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg). IDX184 was well tolerated in this study with no
serious adverse events reported and no discontinuations from the study.
Continue reading the entire article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS140350+30-Oct-2009+PRN20091030
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November 4, 2009
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In a large, gender comparison study, researchers found that women with Hepatitis C are more likely than men to have several disadvantages after undergoing a liver transplant.
Women Are at Greater Risk Than Men of Graft Loss After Undergoing Liver Transplantation for Hepatitis C-related Liver Disease
ALEXANDRIA, Va. and BOSTON, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Although women with
chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are at lower risk for developing
cirrhosis, researchers who compared outcomes for men and women after having
liver transplantation found that women have a significantly increased risk of
overall graft loss and graft loss from recurrent HCV than men. "Given the
higher rate of graft losses due to recurrent HCV and higher risk of developing
advanced HCV, our results highlight the need for close monitoring of HCV
disease progression after liver transplantation and the appropriate timing of
interventions, such as HCV treatment," said Jennifer Lai, MD, lead
investigator for the study.
Read the entire article:
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS192100+29-Oct-2009+PRN20091029
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Recent data from a Phase II trial claims that twice daily dosing of telaprevir cured Hepatitis C in over 80 participants.
Vertex Hep C Drug Cures 80% at New Dose: Study
10/31/09
By Adam Feuerstein
BOSTON (TheStreet) -- More than 80% of hepatitis C patients were cured after treatment with a new twice-daily dose of the experimental drug telaprevir made by Vertex Pharmaceuticals(VRTX Quote), according to data from a phase II study released Saturday.
Data from the new study demonstrates that a more convenient twice-daily dose of telaprevir is just as effective and safe as the thrice-daily dose, Vertex said.
Read the entire article:
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10619851/1/vertex-hep-c-drug-cures-80-at-new-dose-study.html?cm_ven=GOOGLEN
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November 3, 2009
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Learn about the legitimate reasons to believe Hepatitis C is curable - and reasons to believe otherwise.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Since its identification in the 1980s, Hepatitis C has been established as a major worldwide health problem. The gravity of this disease is especially poignant, because an estimated 85 percent of those infected go on to develop a chronic infection. While researchers are continually developing, testing and refining the available treatments for Hepatitis C, there is still considerable confusion over our ability to "cure" Hepatitis C.
As of Fall 2009, the current standard treatment for Hepatitis C is antiviral combination therapy consisting of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Approximately half of those who are eligible for this treatment are able to achieve a sustained viral response. According to Schering Corporation, a sustained viral response is the inability to detect Hepatitis C genetic material for at least six months after Hepatitis C therapy is completed.
Because it is the best measure we currently have for evaluating the elimination of Hepatitis C, many physicians believe attaining a sustained viral response is the same as a cure. Others exhibit more caution in proclaiming their patients are cured.
Evidence for a Cure
In order for a sustained viral response to be called a cure, the inability to detect Hepatitis C six months after treatment completion must be permanent. Unfortunately, only time and repeated testing can confirm the permanence of viral absence.
Hope for pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy representing a Hepatitis C cure took root in the Spring of 2007. In a study led by Mitchell Shiffman, M.D., professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Medicine, and chief of Hepatology and medical director of the Liver Transplant Program at the VCU Medical Center, nearly 1,000 patients were followed for up to seven years after they achieved a sustained viral response. Their results were the most encouraging thus far that Hepatitis C is curable.
According to Shiffman, "The use of peg-interferon alone, or in combination with ribavirin, points to a cure for Hepatitis C. This paper strongly suggests, for the first time, that Hepatitis C is a curable disease. After treatment, 99.6 % of the patients remained virus undetectable for over five years." In Schiffman's study, eight patients who achieved sustained viral response tested positive for Hepatitis C at an average of two years following treatment completion. However, it is unknown why this occurred.
Reason for Caution
The primary reason that some physicians avoid using the term "cure" in relation to sustained viral response with Hepatitis C, is the possibility of giving false hope.
Our ability to detect the Hepatitis C virus is not absolute. While Hepatitis C tests examine the blood for viral particles, they are not sophisticated enough to be able to test for signs of the virus in other organs, the lymphatic system or other parts of the body where the virus is believed to hide. Thus, it is difficult to know if Hepatitis C is truly eradicated or if a microscopic virion has found a good hiding place.
This doubt exists because there have been cases where people have achieved sustained viral response only to test positive for Hepatitis C years later. In such instances, it is unknown if these people experienced a relapse of the virus or if they were re-infected. People who believe they are cured might assume they can resume liver damaging habits and that they can no longer transmit Hepatitis C. If their liver infection does return, believing they were cured of Hepatitis C could lead to a medical lawsuit. This also explains why anyone who has ever tested positive for Hepatitis C is not permitted to donate blood.
Doctors Disagree
Based on a study published in the April 2008 edition of the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, investigators from Georgetown University looked at how many physicians used the term "cure" in their discussions with Hepatitis C patients. They found the following:
· 63 percent of physicians used the word "cure" in 38 percent of visits involving response discussions.
· "Cure" most frequently meant "absolute cure" and occurred more commonly in visits conducted before therapy initiation, and with patients having favorable genotypes.
· Physicians hedged the meaning of "cure" in 29 percent of visits.
These statistics demonstrate that some doctors discuss hope for a cure with their patients, while others are still hesitant to use this terminology.
Defining whether or not Hepatitis C is a curable disease depends on your perspective. If there is fear of false hope, it is premature to consider Hepatitis C curable. However, based on the best measure we currently have to assess the presence of this infection, there is a 50/50 chance of curing Hepatitis C. Obviously, this debate has not yet been settled. Nonetheless, more and more people are achieving a sustained viral response and remaining free of the virus for increasingly longer periods of time. As this trend continues and improvements in testing are made, more doctors will be convinced that curing Hepatitis C has become a reality.
References:
http://hcvadvocate.org/hepatitis/factsheets_pdf/Brief_History_HCV_2006.pdf, A Brief History of Hepatitis C, Retrieved October 29, 2009, Hepatitis C Support Project, 2009.
http://nationalhepatitis-c.org/kevdialogue-hm.htm, Although A True Cure May Be Elusive, There is Still Hope for Controlling Hepatitis C!!!, Kev Krueger, National Hepatitis C Coalition, Inc., 2009.
http://www.crossbennett.com/CM/Articles/Articles148.asp, Hepatitis C Virus Information, Retrieved October 29, 2009, Cross & Bennett, LLC, 2009.
http://www.csmc.edu/10698.html, Hepatitis C, Retrieved October 29, 2009, Cedars-Sinai Health System, 2009.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/71704.php, Hepatitis C Cure Announced By VCU Researcher, Retrieved October 29, 2009, MediLexicon International Ltd., May 2007.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18277894?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=2, How physicians describe outcomes to HCV therapy: prevalence and meaning of "cure" during provider-patient in-office discussions of HCV, Hamilton HE, et al, Retrieved October 29, 2009, Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, April 2008.
http://www.pegintron.com/peg/application?event=content_display&event_input=avoiding_relapse&namespace=main, Avoiding Relapse, Retrieved October 29, 2009, Schering Corporation, 2009.
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November 2, 2009
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If choosing a doctor to help you fight the Hepatitis C virus feels overwhelming, you are not alone. To identify which physician fits your needs best, the nation's largest health insurer has developed a rating system for patients to evaluate their doctor and share their opinions.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Faced with a diagnosis of Hepatitis C, how does someone pick the healthcare that is best for him or her? Confirming the importance resting on this decision, recent research from Germany has divulged that physicians administering Hepatitis C treatment do not have equal results. While this study confirms that a person must carefully select the type of physician he or she sees, there are many more factors that contribute to a positive medical experience.
Besides choosing a doctor with the right specialty, a new movement is emerging where patients rate their physicians. Zagat Survey, a trusted rating entity for dining and entertainment, has ventured into this new territory by partnering with a large health insurer. With an increased amount of information available to consumers, this brazen forward step will separate the mediocre docs from the extraordinary - and make it easier for those seeking treatment to find what they are looking for.
The German Study
A feature not addressed by Zagat's doctor survey is the advantage of seeing a specialist. By looking at patients' histories over a seven-year span, researchers from the University of Dusseldorf conducted a retrospective study analyzing Hepatitis C success rates. This study compared the type of physician administering interferon treatment against the percentage of patients achieving viral eradication. Following their evaluation, the researchers concluded that those receiving treatment by an expert hepatologist had a much higher chance of eliminating the virus than those treated by a general practitioner.
Desirable Physician Qualities
When choosing a physician to treat Hepatitis C, the likelihood of emerging virus-free usually takes precedent over any other factors. When undergoing interferon treatment, the desire for full recovery typically indicates working with a doctor who has undergone extra training and has extensive experience with hepatitis. However, there are other aspects of patient care that are very important when dealing with this challenging disease. Issues with a doctor such as trust, communication, availability and office environment can play a larger role in patient wellness than most people believe.
Trust - When a person trusts the physician whose care he or she is under, many benefits may follow:
1. The trust helps a patient adhere to doctor's orders, which increase the chances of treatment success.
2. Trusting a doctor can make you feel well cared for, a feeling that can boost optimism and ease depression. These emotional lifts have been proven to strengthen the immune system, thereby increasing the chances of treatment success.
3. When a person trusts his or her doctor, feelings of validation and support are typically enhanced. Such feelings are big contributors to a person's perseverance through an often challenging course of interferon therapy.
Communication - The benefits of good communication between doctor and patient are twofold:
1. Communicating freely with your doctor lessens the chance of mistaken assumptions. By being up front about history, habits, symptoms, etc., a physician can swiftly address issues that could potentially interfere with Hepatitis C treatment.
2. Doctors who are able to communicate well can involve patients in their own healthcare plan. Such involvement increases patient trust, compliance and responsibility.
Availability - A doctor who is available to patients can respond quickly to issues that may arise during interferon-based treatment. When able to assess problems as they arise, doctors can make the adjustments necessary to optimize side effect management or treatment protocol.
Office Environment - Although seemingly superficial, the doctor's office can also impact the patient's experience. According to feng shui principles, a space that is warm and welcoming can help a patient feel at ease, while a room that is cold and impersonal may create barriers in the doctor-patient relationship.
The Power to Rate
Recognizing how these qualities in a physician (and his or her office) impact patient care has brought the sharing of information to an unprecedented level. WellPoint, the nation's largest health benefits company released an online physician ranking guide based on patient input in 2008.
Developed with Zagat Survey, the WellPoint guide ranks physicians based on the qualities discussed above: trust, communication, availability and office environment.
In addition, this ratings guide includes patient comments. To reduce skewed results from just a handful of respondents, a minimum of ten responses about a physician are required before any information is posted about him or her.
According to USA Today, WellPoint's partnership with Zagat "comes as consumers increasingly turn to the Internet to learn about products and services - and see customer reviews." Jason Gorevic, chief marketing and product officer at WellPoint, said, "More consumers are asking for information about what other consumers think about their doctors to help them make better choices." One in nine Americans receive coverage for their medical care through WellPoint's affiliated health plans. However, doctor survey availability may not yet be available in all locations.
Since so many factors can influence a healthcare experience, information from previous patients can greatly help with the decision of who your Hepatitis C doctor will be. Especially when entering into a previously unknown whirlwind of doctor visits, treatment protocols, harsh medications and their side effects, WellPoint's doctor survey can provide some people the feedback to make a more informed physician choice.
References:
A Sagir, et al., Therapy outcome in patients with chronic hepatitis C: Role of therapy supervision by expert hepatologists, Journal of Viral Hepatitis, September 2007.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net, WellPoint Taps Zagat Survey to Help Consumers Rate Experiences with Their Doctors, WellPoint, Inc., 2007.
www.chicagotribune.com, Aetna changes its methods for ranking physicians, Bruce Japsen, Chicago Tribune, November 2007.
www.chicagotribune.com, Zagat preps for ratings on doctors, Julie Deardorff, Chicago Tribune, November 4, 2007.
www.kaisernetwork.org, Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, Appleby, USA Today, October 2007.
www.medicalnewstoday.com, N.Y. AG, Cigna Reach Agreement On Physician Ranking System, MediLexicon International, Ltd., October 2007.
http://www.wellpoint.com/business/default.asp, Our Business, WellPoint Inc., 2009.
www.wellpoint.com, Transforming Health Care, Angela F. Braly, WellPoint Inc., 2007.
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By expanding the applicability of cellular array technology, learn how San Diego researchers may have found a direction for the therapeutic intervention of liver fibrosis.
UCSD researchers pave the way for effective liver treatments
Public release date: 9-Oct-2009
A combination of bioengineering and medical research at the University of California, San Diego has led to a new discovery that could pave the way for more effective treatments for liver disease.
Read the entire article:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-10/uoc--urp100909.php
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