Longitudinal effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor therapy and cytokine-related depression on hepatitis C viral logs during antiviral therapy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the longitudinal effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy and cytokine-related depression on levels of hepatitis C virus (HCV) during treatment with combination therapy.

Background: Prior studies have investigated the association between cytokine-related depression and sustained virological response, but it is unknown whether anti-inflammatory properties of SSRIs used to treat cytokine-related depression inadvertently contravene proinflammatory properties of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN), in effect reducing therapeutic efficacy.

Study: In a retrospective cohort design, patients being treated with Peg-IFN or interferon in combination with ribavirin at a gastroenterology clinic were followed from initiation of therapy until 24 weeks after the completion of therapy.

Birth cohort testing for hepatitis C virus: implications for clinical social workers in health care settings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends one-time hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing for baby boomers born between 1945-1965 in the United States. This public health initiative is known as birth cohort (baby boomer) testing for HCV. The intent of birth cohort testing is to identify and mobilize undiagnosed HCV-infected persons into care and treatment.