Screening for Hepatitis C in Colombian Hospitals
Adult Screening for Hepatitis c and Linkage to Treatment in Hospitals in Colombia
This study is testing how common Hepatitis C is among patients at Colombian hospitals who have risk factors, using quick tests to help improve awareness and treatment for the virus.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 25669 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Asociación Colombiana de Hepatología Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Medellín, Antioquia and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06155006 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients with risk factors in Colombian hospitals using rapid diagnostic tests. Patients will be screened for anti-HCV antibodies, and those who test positive will undergo confirmation with viral load PCR. The study also focuses on improving treatment adherence and raising awareness about the importance of screening for HCV. By simplifying the care pathway, the study seeks to enhance patient involvement and contribute to the elimination of the disease.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals over 18 years old with specific risk factors for Hepatitis C, such as prior medical interventions or drug use.
Not a fit: Patients without any risk factors for Hepatitis C or those under 18 years old may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C, ultimately reducing the disease's health impact.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in using rapid diagnostic tests for screening Hepatitis C, indicating that this approach is both viable and beneficial.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Have at least one of the following risk factors for hepatitis C. * Over 50 years of age with no risk factors. * Over 18 years old and less than 50 years old with risk factors for hepatitis C. Persons who have received medical or dental interventions in health care settings. Persons who have had tattoos, body piercings, or scarification procedures. Persons with HIV or hepatitis B infection. Persons who inject drugs. Persons who have used intranasal drugs. Persons deprived of liberty and previously incarcerated persons. Anyone with abnormal liver tests or liver disease. Students, health care workers, or members of public safety (e.g. correctional service officers or police) who have come into contact with blood at work through needlestick or sharps injuries. Anyone who has undergone hemodialysis. Persons who received transfusions in Colombia before 1996. Persons with comorbidities potentially associated with CH: diabetes, ischemic heart disease, cryoglobulinemia, chronic renal failure, Sjögren's syndrome, hypothyroidism, lichen planus, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. * Individuals previously treated for HCV with sustained viral response in whom reinfection is suspected (individuals who continue to engage in risk behaviors) * Accept to participate in the study by signing the informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Have or have had hepatitis C with a proven cure by viral load at 12 weeks after the end of treatment without risk behaviors for reinfection. * Be on antiviral treatment against chronic hepatitis C virus. * That the patient voluntarily and consciously refuses to sign the informed consent form or is unable to give it due to any type of physical and/or mental disability.
Where this trial is running
Medellín, Antioquia and 1 other locations
- Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe — Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia (Recruiting)
- Hospital Universitario Julio Méndez Barreneche E.S.E. — Santa Marta, Magdalena Department, Colombia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Javier Hernández Blanco, DR
- Email: jhernandezblanco@gmail.com
- Phone: +57 318 3483581
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.