Risk Factor Analysis Between Newly Screened and Established Hepatitis C in GI and Hepatology Clinics

Background Several studies show inconsistencies in the rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV) detection among baby boomers (born 1945–1965). We conducted a cross-sectional HCV screening followed by a case-controlled comparison of the newly screened population with established HCV subjects. Method Enrollment was offered to subjects aged 40–75 at our gastroenterology and hepatology clinics. Demographic data and potential risk factors were obtained, and HCV antibody test was offered to those who had never been screened and compared with a group with established HCV. Logistic regression analysis and Fisher’s exact test were performed. Results Six hundred and seventy-five patients were offered participation, of whom 128 declined while 50 consented to participate but did not perform the HCV antibody test. Of 497 enrolled subjects, 252 patients had HCV, while 245 subjects (188 patients among “baby boomer”) underwent screening for HCV. There were more females (62.4 vs. 41.7%) and immigrants (34.7 vs. 22.2%) among the newly screened group. Among the screened population, five patients had HCV antibody (2.04%), and two of them had positive viral load (0.82%) of whom only one fell in the baby boomer category (0.53%). Compared to HCV group, screened group had significantly lower-risk factors, such as IV drug use (1.22 vs. 43.3%), intranasal cocaine use (14.3 vs. 49.6%), and blood transfusion (18.8 vs. 32.5%). Conclusion We found a slightly lower but similar prevalence of HCV antibody when screening based on birth cohort as compared to larger baby boomer studies. Future studies evaluating addition of other screening strategies or possibly universal screening may be needed.