National virtual HCV program expands access to care for children, adolescents in the UK
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Key takeaways:
- A virtual national treatment program helped provide quality treatment and equitable access for children with HCV.
- Participants in the program reported extreme satisfaction.
BOSTON — A virtual treatment program that coordinates care with local providers improved therapy for children and adolescents with hepatitis C virus in the United Kingdom, according to a presentation at The Liver Meeting.
In April 2021, the National Health Service in England launched a virtual national treatment program for children aged 3 to 18 years with HCV, which included a pediatric multidisciplinary operational delivery network that served as a single point of contact for referrals. Specialists in the network determined the most appropriate direct-acting antiviral treatment for children based on clinical presentation, genotype, patient preferences and ability to swallow tablets. Treatment was then prescribed in partnership with local pediatricians and pharmacists, eliminating the need for families to travel to national care centers.
According to researchers who evaluated treatment outcomes and the program’s feasibility and efficacy, 113 children (median age, 8.6 years; 47% boys) were referred between April 2021 and September 2023. Treatments administered included ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and sofosbuvir/velpatisvir.
Of those referred, 92 received treatment, 68 achieved sustained virologic response at 12 weeks and 41 achieved SVR at 12 months.
Referrers noted the process was “simple and clear,” with informative meetings and “excellent” communication, while patients and parents noted the information provided was adequate, staff were “attentive and thoughtful” and service was “outstanding.” Overall, referrers, patients and parents reported extreme satisfaction.
According to researchers, the program has expanded access to DAA therapy for children and adolescents and contributes to the goal of HCV elimination by the WHO 2030 target.
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Kelly DA, et al. Eliminating HepC in children; Care closer to home. Presented at: The Liver Meeting; Nov. 10-14, 2023; Boston (hybrid meeting).
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