Alcohol, hepatitis C screening and hepatic fibrosis in drug users

Abstract

Background: In drug users, viral hepatitis C, alcohol abuse, and drug use are three interconnected public health challenges. Methods: This study assessed the impact of alcohol on hepatitis C screening and hepatic fibrosis in this patient population. In total, 934 substance users were included and divided into three groups: Group A, alcohol use disorder only (n = 511); Group ISDU, intravenous and snorting drug users (n = 142); Group ISDAU, intravenous and snorting drug users with alcohol use disorder (n = 281). A FibroScan was performed first, after which participants were proposed to undergo screening for HCV.