Hepatitis C treatment eligibility and outcomes among patients with psychiatric illness.

OBJECTIVE

This study characterized the utilization and outcomes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment among patients with psychiatric illness.

METHODS

HCV treatment evaluations were tracked among 360 patients with HCV infection and psychiatric illness (substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, affective disorders, or psychotic disorders).

RESULTS

Two-thirds of patients did not receive HCV treatment, 11 percent of patients died during the study period, and 42 percent were excluded from HCV treatment because of nonadherence to the evaluation process or diagnoses of psychiatric and substance use disorders. Interferon-alpha and ribavirin treatment resulted in viral clearance in 10 percent of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A majority of patients with HCV and psychiatric illness did not receive HCV treatment, and HCV infection was associated with significant mortality. Study results highlight the need to develop innovative approaches to engage such patients in HCV treatment and to successfully manage psychiatric illness during HCV treatment.