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. © 2006 by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved.