[Hepatitis C in prison settings: screening and therapy are improving. Comparative survey between 2000 and 2003].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the real frequency of hepatitis C (HCV) in French prisons.

AIMS AND METHODS

To evaluate the changes in HCV screening and therapeutic practices in prisons between 2000 and 2003 by comparing results of mail surveys of prison medical units both years (* if p<0.01).

RESULTS

88 units (51%) responded to both surveys. In 2003, HCV serologic screening was routinely performed in 28% (36%* in 2000) of prisons and routinely offered in 66% (35%). Mean HCV prevalence was 6.9% in 2003 and 6.7% in 2003. There were 534 liver biopsies in 2003 and 545 in 2003, that is, an average of 6 biopsies per unit per year both years. Treatment was provided to 297 patients in 2003 and 164 in 2000, but 29% of prisons offered no treatment in 2003, and 44% () in 2000. Overall 14% of HCV-infected prisoners received therapy.

CONCLUSION

The prisons participating in this study and the inmates they include were representative of the French prison population. HCV prevalence in French prisons appears stable. Routinely suggested or conducted screening is widespread. The number of liver biopsies is stable but low, and the number of patients receiving treatment has increased significantly.