Eligibility for Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among Young Injection Drug Users in 3 US Cities

Abstract

Among 404 injection drug users aged 18-35 who tested positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, 96% had conditions that are potentially unwarranted contraindications for HCV treatment (e.g., problem drinking, moderate-to-severe depression, and recent drug injection). Restrictive eligibility criteria may deny treatment to a large proportion of patients who could benefit from it.