ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify a simplified rapid screening and linkage-to-care model for HCV among PWUD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study stems from a collaborative project bringing together two local Italian Centers for Drug Addiction and the Hepatology-Infectious Diseases Department of Lazzaro Spallanzani. A research physician analyzed the available medical records seeking to identify HCV and HIV infected patients in care in the addiction centers. Between March 2018 and January 2020 subjects were selected from among a cohort of 720 PWUD in the two Centers' care. The study comprises three steps: first, screening for HCVAb; second, the linkage to care; third, clinical assessment to treatment. The research physician recruited patients for the first two steps directly in their local addiction center. The third step was conducted in the Spallanzani. The characteristics of those subjects who adhered to the three-step study program were then compared to those of the non-adhering PWUD. RESULTS: 194 were known HCVAb positive patients. Of the 505 PWUD in the care of the two Centers eligible for screening, 364 were enrolled in the study. 144 resulted HCVAb positive. 269 were tested for HCVRNA. 101 underwent a full assessment. 96 patients started antiviral therapy with DAA. Patients who refused first step screening were older patients and mainly heroin users; in the second step, almost all the HIV/HCV co-infected patients agreed to a viremia test; in the third step all the HIV/HCV co-infected patients refused HCV treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests an on-site specialist approach conducted directly in the addiction centers themselves starting from screening; it can bring the goal of HCV PWUD microelimination closer.
Subject(s)
Antiviral Agents/administration & dosage , Hepatitis C/diagnosis , Mass Screening/methods , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Cohort Studies , Coinfection , Female , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Hepatitis C/drug therapy , Humans , Italy , Male , Middle Aged , Models, Theoretical , Patient Compliance/statistics & numerical data , Treatment Refusal/statistics & numerical data , Young AdultABSTRACT
The result of human islet isolation procedures to transplant in type I insulin-dependent diabetic patients is significantly conditioned by the technique used for pancreas procurement from multiorgan donor. In fact, during multiorgan procurement, an improper handling of the gland could result in edema or degranulation of the acinar tissue, detrimental for the islet purification step. The surgical technique used by our surgical team, includes some important refinements to obtain the largest quantity and the best quality of purified endocrine material.
Subject(s)
Islets of Langerhans Transplantation/methods , Pancreatectomy , Adolescent , Adult , Cadaver , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Tissue DonorsABSTRACT
Twenty patients, submitted to internal arteriovenous fistula procedure, were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: defibrotide 400 mg b.i.d. IM (starting the day before surgery and continuing for the following 7 days); calcium heparin 5,000 IU t.i.d. SC (since the day of surgery and for the following 7 days). No deep venous thrombosis or thrombosis of the fistula were noticed during both treatments and no side effects were observed. In the defibrotide group, ELT showed a significant decrease (-40%) attesting an improvement of fibrinolysis without a plasminogen abatement. These findings indicate that defibrotide represent an effective alternative to calcium heparin for antithrombotic prophylaxis of A-V fistula in uremic patients.
