Outcomes of a 1-Year Pilot Study Implementing Universal Hepatitis Delta Virus Testing Among Veterans With Chronic Hepatitis B.

Current US guidelines recommend risk-based testing for hepatitis delta virus (HDV) in persons with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). While there is debate as to whether a risk-based or universal testing approach is most effective, limited data exist on universal HDV testing programs in the United States. We performed a 1-year pilot study evaluating the outcomes of a universal HDV testing approach among US veterans with CHB.

Treating the Hardest to Treat: Reframing the Hospital Admission as an Opportunity to Initiate Hepatitis C Treatment.

Background: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is traditionally treated in the outpatient setting. Despite the excellent tolerability, shortened treatment duration, and high cure rates of newer direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), many vulnerable patients remain untreated due to issues with linkage to care.

Aims: This study sought to reframe and establish the hospital admission as a unique opportunity to initiate antiviral treatment for patients with CHC, particularly those with psychosocial or linkage to care issues.

Where Dysphagia Begins: Polypharmacy and Xerostomia.

Background: Xerostomia, the subjective sensation of dry mouth, contributes to dysarthria, dysphagia, and diminished quality of life. Polypharmacy is a known and modifiable risk factor for xerostomia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dry mouth, the relationship between dry mouth and other oral conditions, and the impact of polypharmacy on dry mouth.

Faster Triage of Veterans With Head and Neck Cancer.

High-risk patients with a growing mass require proper assessment, including a thorough history, physical examination, and fine-needle aspiration for diagnosis.