Hard Time: Hepatitis C in Arizona's State Prisons.: Hep C: Treat the living before they begin dying.

Surviving Hepatitis C in AZ Jails, State Prisons, and Federal Detention Centers.

The "Hard Time" blogspot is a volunteer-run site for the political organization of people with Hepatitis C behind and beyond prison walls, their loved ones, and whomever cares to join us. We are neither legal nor medical professionals. Some of us may organize for support, but this site is primarily dedicated to education and activism; we are fighting for prevention, detection, treatment, and a cure for Hepatitis C, particularly down in the trenches where most people are dying - in prison or on the street... Join us.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Hep C: Treat the living before they begin dying.

Recent research abstract on the prevalence of Hep C and incidence of mortality from the disease. Anyone with library access who can get this full article, I'd appreciate it if you email me a copy...Peggy at prisonabolitionist@gmail.com

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Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology

June 2010, Vol. 4, No. 3, Pages 355-364 , DOI 10.1586/egh.10.26

(doi:10.1586/egh.10.26)

Review

Chronic hepatitis C in the state prison system: insights into the problems and possible solutions

Joanne C Imperial

The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) within the correctional system is estimated to be 10–20-times greater than that which is reported in the general population. High-risk behavioral patterns probably account for the greater estimates in this population.

Recent observations of more than 780 patient-inmates infected with HCV within the California Department of Corrections suggest a very high prevalence of advanced fibrosis in this population. Observational studies performed in Texas have shown that the rates of chronic liver disease-related deaths have increased significantly between 1989 and 2003, especially among Hispanic patient-inmates. Viral hepatitis accounts for a significant number of these chronic liver disease-related deaths.

Identification of high-risk patient-inmates infected with HCV, as well as appropriation of funds for their treatment, should result in a decreased rate of liver-related complications. This should translate into reduced morbidity and cost to correctional institutions, as well as to improved public health and safety.