New research from the University of Missouri School of Medicine indicates that accidental opioid overdose patients in central Missouri have high rates of hepatitis C infections, despite only 40% of patients having a history of testing. Hepatitis C is a virus that primarily affects the liver and can range in severity from a mild illness to a serious chronic condition. It spreads through contact with blood, and is commonly transmitted through sharing needles or syringes, unsafe blood transfusions or from unsterilized needles used for tattoos and body piercings.
Our data indicates many patients may be going undiagnosed for hepatitis C. This can lead to a chronic infection, which can cause liver failure or cancer." Julie Stilley, associate research professor of emergency medicine The study examined 120 patient encounters in three emergency departments in central Missouri.
Only 40% had any history of hepatitis C testing, and 20 patients tested positive for the infection. This marks a prevalence of about 42% among the tested population. Older patients, aged 55-64, were most likely to test positive and the least likely to not have any screening history.
This group only accounts for nine patients, however. "There were a significant number of patients who tested positive for hepatitis C, despite the low screening rate. It's possible there are other infections that were missed," said John Swift, co-author and medical student.
"Implementing universal testing across overdose patients cou.