United States

Background: Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) are over 95% effective at curing hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, yet treatment rates remain low among people who inject drugs (PWID), a priority population for HCV treatment. Given the high prevalence of HCV among PWID, this study looks to characterize treatment uptake and completion among PWID in a safety-net healthcare system in a large city.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study to identify individuals with evidence of HCV (detectable HCV RNA) between 11/01/2021 to 10/31/2023 and evidence of possible or definite injection drug use (IDU) who accessed care within our integrated healthcare system. We then reviewed medical records of individuals we identified with HCV and IDU to determine demographic characteristics and progression through the HCV care continuum. We compared demographic characteristics at different stages of the care continuum to assess for factors associated with completion of each stage.
Results: 1165 individuals had positive HCV RNA results in our medical system during the study period. Of those, 149 individuals had evidence of definite (n=118, 80.3 %) or possible (n=29, 19%) IDU. 34.2% (n=51) of the study population met with a HCV treatment provider, 26.8% (n=40) started treatment, 25.5% (n=38) completed treatment, and 18.1% (n=27) had evidence of SVR12. Proportions of individuals linked to care did not differ significantly by gender, housing status, IDU status (definite vs. possible), or race/ethnicity.
Conclusions: Over a two-year period, only 26.8% of the 149 individuals with IDU and HCV started HCV treatment. The largest barrier in achieving cure was linking to a medical visit for HVC care after a positive HCV RNA test. Almost three quarters (74.5%) of those who met with a treatment provider completed treatment. No statistical difference was observed in linkage to care based on gender, race/ethnicity, age or housing status. Of those who did not complete HCV treatment, most were lost to follow up without a documented reason in the electronic medical record.

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Hepatitis C Care Continuum among People Who Inject Drugs in a Safety-Net Healthcare System

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Introduction: Food insecurity (FI) is associated with poor health outcomes, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and mental illness. While food voucher programs help address FI, their clinical impact is understudied. At Prisma Health, where 1 in 5 patients face barriers to healthy eating, we implemented a voucher program at a Family Medicine clinic to improve food access and assess health outcomes. 

Materials and Methods: Between February 1 and November 1, 2024, nurses and program coordinators recruited patients during routine visits if they met ≥1 of the following criteria: (1) positive screen on a validated FI questionnaire; (2) homelessness; (3) on Medicaid; (4) uncontrolled DM (A1c ≥8.0%), or (5) HTN (≥130/90 mmHg). Participants received one to three $15 vouchers per visit, redeemable for produce at a nearby market. Voucher use was tracked at the individual level, and clinical data were obtained through manual chart review. Analyses included descriptive statistics via SAS, negative binomial regression for redemption rates, and paired t-tests or Wilcoxon tests for clinical outcomes.

Results: We distributed 4,552 vouchers to 943 participants, with a 54.6% redemption rate. After exclusions, 877 were analyzed: 78% female, 85% Black, and 78% extremely low income. Diagnoses included DM (22%), HTN (52%), depression (19%), anxiety (23%), and overweight/obesity (61%; among 710 patients with BMI data). In multivariate analysis, HTN (IRR 1.26, p = 0.0018), age ≥45 (IRR 1.42, p = 0.0002), Black vs. White race (IRR 1.37, p = 0.0009), and Latino vs. Black race (IRR 1.39, p = 0.0339) were independently associated with higher redemption. In a pre-post analysis of 535 overweight/obese patients, BMI significantly decreased (mean difference -0.44, p = 0.0006). Among 136 patients with HTN who had a pre- systolic blood pressure ≥ 140, SBP decreased on average by 11.2 mmHg. In patients with uncontrolled DM, (pre- A1c ≥ 8, n=68) there was a 1.17 decrease in A1c. Patients with a PHQ-9 ≥ 10 experienced an 8.8-point decrease (p<0.0001) in their score. No significant changes were seen in GAD-7.

Conclusion: This study identified patients likely to engage in a food access program, including those with HTN, age ≥45, and Black or Latino race. BMI improved among overweight/obese participants; other clinical outcomes remained stable. As the first study of its kind in SC – one of seven states with FI prevalence above national average – future research is indicated to evaluate whether longer-term or higher-intensity programs improve clinical outcomes.

Physicians Fighting Food Insecurity

Background
To evaluate the effectiveness of 5 Rivers Heart Association's (5RHA) street medicine initiative via medical camps and mobile healthcare outreach in advancing cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment adherence while decreasing illness burden among vulnerable populations in India and the United States.
Methods
From 2019 to 2024, 5RHA organized 1,694 health outreach events, collecting comprehensive data from 395 sessions that examined 18,750 adults (18–80 years) throughout 5 Indian states and urban U.S. underserved communities. The program addressed high blood pressure, diabetes, joint disorders, psychological wellness, and malignancy prevention through standardized risk evaluation per AHA/ACC protocols, culturally appropriate health education focusing on lifestyle changes and medication consistency, adherence monitoring via mobile messaging, and integrated community psychological support. Measured parameters included systolic/diastolic pressure, glycated hemoglobin, body mass index, treatment compliance, and life satisfaction (SF-12 scale). Statistical analysis employed paired t-tests and logistic regression for pre and post comparisons.
Results
Following intervention, blood pressure management (≤140/90 mmHg) improved 35% in India (p<0.001) and 30% in the U.S. (p=0.002), while treatment adherence increased 45% (OR 1.92; 95% CI 1.73–2.15). Glycemic management was enhanced with 25% fewer patients having HbA1c >8% (p<0.01) and 30.4% decrease in LDL among high-risk cardiovascular patients (p<0.01). Psychological intervention improved cardiac self-care in 60% of anxious/depressed participants. Malignancy screening uptake rose 40%. Integrated physiotherapy and dietary counseling produced 68% better arthritis mobility measured by walking assessments. 87% of participants represented low-income families, with 95% of U.S. participants from ethnic minorities. Patient follow-up rates rose 48% due to team-generated reminders. Community collaborations decreased hospital re-admissions by 15%.
Conclusion
5 Rivers Heart Association's mobile health program substantially improves cardiovascular prevention, enhancing blood pressure control, glucose management, and psychological health while boosting treatment adherence in marginalized communities. This expandable approach, integrating education, digital tools, and health equity initiatives, advances AHA's 2030 disparity reduction objectives. Healthcare leaders should prioritize community-centered prevention strategies to maximize similar worldwide benefits.

Strenghthening Cardiovascular Health via Mobile Outreach: 5 Rivers Heart Association's Community Impact

Background
Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition for infants with numerous health benefits, as recommended by the World Health Organization for the first six months exclusively and up to two years or beyond with complementary foods. Not breastfeeding results in substantial global economic losses, estimated at $341.3 billion annually (0.49% of global GDP). For mothers living with HIV in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), concerns about vertical transmission via breast milk and potential interactions with antiretroviral therapy create complex challenges that impact breastfeeding initiation and sustainment. However, concerns about HIV transmission via breast milk and negative interactions with antiretroviral therapy can impact breastfeeding initiation and sustainment in these populations.

Methods
A comprehensive systematic review of nine databases was conducted in March 2024 to identify studies comparing breastfeeding versus formula feeding cost-effectiveness outcomes in LMICs. Inclusion criteria encompassed primary research with economic outcomes related to both feeding methods in HIV-affected populations. Studies lacking economic data or direct comparisons between feeding methods were excluded. The review examined both quantitative and qualitative evidence on cost-effectiveness, healthcare costs, and socioeconomic barriers to breastfeeding.

Results
From 523 initially identified articles, nine studies conducted in Sub-Saharan African countries with high HIV prevalence were included in the final analysis. Two main themes emerged: 1) mothers living with HIV often engage in suboptimal breastfeeding practices due to fears of HIV transmission, economic pressures, social norms, and lack of support; and 2) breastfeeding coupled with antiretroviral treatment is a cost-effective infant feeding strategy compared to formula feeding in resource-limited settings. Breastfeeding with appropriate antiretroviral therapy was found to be cost-effective at traditional willingness-to-pay thresholds, reducing disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and healthcare expenses related to infant morbidity and hospitalization. However, employment status, economic determinants, and workplace commitments significantly influenced feeding decisions, often resulting in lower breastfeeding rates among HIV-positive mothers compared to their HIV-negative counterparts.

Conclusion
This systematic review highlights the complex interplay between socioeconomic factors and health outcomes in breastfeeding decisions among mothers living with HIV in LMICs. Breastfeeding promotion represents not only a health-beneficial intervention, but also a cost-effective and potentially cost-saving investment for resource-limited healthcare systems when HIV is comprehensively managed through antiretroviral treatment. Future policies should incorporate supportive measures such as evidence-based counseling, educational campaigns, paid maternal leave, and enhanced healthcare infrastructure to overcome the economic and structural barriers to successful breastfeeding in HIV-affected populations.


Economic Implications of Breastfeeding Versus Formula Feeding in the Context of HIV in Low and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review

Despite significant advancements in pharmaceuticals and medical interventions, heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. Although much research has been dedicated to understanding its risk factors, significant gaps persist, particularly in understudied populations. Addressing these gaps is essential to developing more effective, personalized strategies for preventing and treating heart disease. Current research often analyzes risk factors independently, without considering their potential interactions. As a result, treatments that benefit one patient may be ineffective for another, yet providers frequently adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. We can move toward a more personalized healthcare model by analyzing how risk factors, outcomes, diagnostics, and treatments vary between individuals. Understanding the complex interplay between genetic, social, and psychological determinants will help improve outcomes and bring us closer to truly individualized care on a global scale. This study aims to investigate factors that predict or protect against myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with a known risk factor of hyperlipidemia. Using regression modeling and subsets, the analysis will evaluate individual variables and their interactions. 


Risk Factors for Myocardial Infarction in Patients with Hyperlipidemia: A Logistical Regression Analysis

Background 
Environmental degradation due to industrial groundwater contamination is an emerging 
cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Our study examines the elevated CVD prevalence, 
including heart failure (HF) risk factors, in rural Punjab, India, near which a private distillery was 
linked to long-term groundwater contamination and environmental degradation. Our team 
primarily focused on CVD prevalence and its associations with environmental toxins. We also 
explored the role of socio-economic disparities on health outcomes. 
Methods 
A cross-sectional study of 4,885 residents in three villages adjacent to the distillery (Mahianwala 
Kala, Ratol Rohi, Mansoorwaal Kalan) was conducted from October 2022 to August 2023. 
Health camps with follow-up door-to-door surveys by trained medical personnel collected 
medical histories, environmental exposure details, and socio-demographic data. Key outcomes 
included both communicable and non-communicable diseases, such as hypertension, ischemic 
heart disease, heart failure, and cancer. Logistic regression assessed associations between 
CVD prevalence, socio-economic status, and pollution exposure, with groundwater testing for 
heavy metals and chemical oxygen demand (COD). 
Results 
The cohort demonstrated a high CVD burden, with 39% having hypertension (exceeding 
national averages by more than 50%), 34% having diagnosed CVD, and 21.3% of households 
reporting an immediate family history of myocardial infarction. Adjusted models highlighted 
elevated odds of heart disease (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.31–1.51) and stroke (OR 1.29; 95% CI 
1.16–1.38), with higher clustering in low-income families. Concurrent systemic toxicity was also 
evident, as 60.5% reported dermatological conditions, 10.5% familial cancer, 20.8% with no 
history of smoking cited COPD-related dyspnea. We also observed elevated miscarriage rates 
and developmental disabilities in the studied population. Groundwater analysis confirmed 
contamination with cyanide (0.3 mg/L), lead (0.16 mg/L), and COD (320 mg/L), correlating with 
self-reported water discoloration and irregularities in taste. Families with polluted water access 
had a 1.5-fold increased CVD risk. 
Conclusion 
Industrial contamination was linked to higher cardiovascular morbidity and multi-organ health 
effects in our study's cohort in rural India. The link was exacerbated by socio-economic 
inequities. These findings highlight the role of environmental degradation in rise in CVD, 
particularly in low-resource settings.

Impact of Environmental Toxins and Socio-Economic Disparities on Cardiovascular Disease Burden: Insights from a Rural Indian Cohort Exposed to long term Industrial Pollution

Background: Retinal vascular occlusions are known causes of acute visual impairment. Prior studies have found an increased risk of retinal vascular occlusion among individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, these studies were conducted between 1983 and 1998, prior to the establishment of antiretroviral therapy (ART), which has since significantly improved HIV-related morbidity and mortality. While more recent case reports suggest a continued disease burden, no large-scale studies have examined this association in the ART era. We aim to determine the incidence and risk of retinal vascular occlusion, including retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), in HIV patients since widespread ART access.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of healthcare data from May 2005 to May 2025 within the TriNetX global network. Adults ages 18 to 65 with HIV were compared to age-matched controls with dry eye syndrome. All patients were assessed by an ophthalmologist and excluded if they had prior history of retinal vascular occlusion. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance demographics and comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and nicotine dependence. Incidence and relative risk (RR) of RAO and RVO were compared between cohorts. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to stratify risk according to CD4 count (<100/µL vs. >100/µL) and viral load (< 200 copies/mL vs. > 200 copies/mL).

Results: After PSM, 26,736 patients were included in each cohort. HIV patients had an increased risk of RAO compared to controls (0.25% vs. 0.15%, RR=1.72, p<0.01); however, there was no significant difference in RVO outcomes (0.27% vs. 0.27%, RR=0.99, p=0.99). Among HIV patients, CD4 count <100/µL was associated with increased RAO risk (HR=1.83, p=0.02, 95% CI 1.11-2.99), but not RVO risk (HR=1.43, p=0.12, 95% CI 0.91-2.24). CD4 count >100/uL was not found to increase the risk of either RAO (HR=0.87, p=0.45, 95% CI 0.60-1.26) or RVO (HR=0.95, p=0.78, 95% CI 0.68-1.33). Viral load <200 copies/mL was not associated with a significant risk of RAO (HR=0.66, p=0.14, 95% CI 0.38-1.14) or RVO (HR=1.19, p=0.45, 95% CI 0.76-1.86).

Conclusion: HIV infection was associated with an increased risk of RAO, but not RVO, compared to controls. Given that the elevated RAO risk was concentrated among those with severe immunosuppression, these findings support early initiation of ART to mitigate HIV-associated RAO risk. Additionally, HIV screening may be warranted in atypical or unexplained cases of RAO.

Incidence and risk of retinal vascular occlusion in patients with HIV

Abstract Title: Risk Factors Influencing Axillofemoral Bypass Outcomes
Author(s): Niv Bhide, OMS II; Caila Tongco, OMS II; Hayden Gorham, OMS II; Christian Heck, PhD
Background: Axillofemoral bypass (AxFB) is an extra-anatomic procedure performed to restore blood flow to the lower limbs in cases of abdominal vascular blockage. AxFB is elected over the more invasive Aortofemoral Bypass (AoFB) when a patient is at greater perioperative risk due to comorbidities. This literature review aims to consolidate information on how managing risk factors affects post-operative outcomes of AxFB.
Methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and ClinicalKey through Boolean searches with the following terms: ("axillofemoral bypass" OR "axillobifemoral bypass") AND ("graft surviv*" OR "mortality" OR "graft failure" OR "complications") AND ("risk factors") AND ("aortoiliac occlusive disease"). Inclusion criteria were full-text articles in English addressing graft patency. Case reports, case series, and articles on aortic aneurysms were excluded.
Results: A total of 50 articles were initially returned, 11 of which fit the exclusion/inclusion criteria. 3 articles provided hazard ratios or odds ratios comparing preoperative risk factors and postoperative outcomes. All 3 articles found worse outcomes (bypass occlusion, amputation, reintervention, cardiovascular events, and mortality) significantly associated with poor left ventricular function. 2 articles found worse outcomes with preoperative anticoagulant administration, anemia (Hb<10), and poor kidney function (ESKD or increased creatinine). Protective factors varied among the articles, but included postoperative anticoagulation, never-smokers, and those with a high BMI. Poor preoperative Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) guideline adherence was noted, with 30% of patients not taking recommended statin therapy before surgery. 47-60% were current smokers, even though guidelines recommend smoking cessation before surgery.
Conclusion: Our results indicate a correlation between clinically manageable risk factors and worse outcomes. However, most of the current research on AxFB is focused on establishing the indications for AoFB vs AxFB, and many studies did not report complete data sets or multivariate analyses comparing comorbidities and outcomes. This review identifies the need for further data publication on how risk factor management and preoperative medications can impact bypass survival. This review also highlights an area for improvement of adherence to preoperative surgical guidelines.

Risk Factors Influencing Axillofemoral Bypass Outcomes

Background
Chronic orthopedic conditions such as arthritis often require specialist care to prevent long term complications. Children with arthritis have an increased risk of fracture, medication-induced complications and long-term emotional and social dysfunctions. However, according to the Arthritis Foundation, remission is possible in these children with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. The objective of this study is to use National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) data to identify long-term implications due to difficulties accessing specialist care in children with arthritis.

Methods
This retrospective study utilized 2020-2021 NSCH data to evaluate whether children with arthritis had difficulties obtaining specialist care and the implications. All children with arthritis were stratified by demographic variables including age, sex and race. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare children who faced challenges receiving specialist care with those who did not and the effect on their daily activities.

Results
A total of 113 children with arthritis who required access to specialty care were identified according to the study criteria. Most cases of arthritis presented in females (n= 73) with a median age of 15.1 years old. Out of the 113 children requiring specialty care, 37 of them had insufficient access to the needed care. Children with difficulty accessing specialist care were more likely to have interruptions in their daily activities with a Coefficient of 0.369 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.161 to 0.677; p=0.001).

Conclusion
This study faces limitations due to its small sample size. However, an overwhelming majority of the respondents that experienced difficulty receiving care for juvenile arthritis reported subsequent disruptions in daily activities. This underscores the need for future studies examining the barriers hindering certain children from obtaining specialist care. Understanding the root causes can facilitate the development of strategies to enhance specialist care accessibility, thereby improving outcomes for children with arthritis.

Health Equity and Childhood Arthritis: Barriers to Specialist Care and the Long-Term Impact on Daily Life

Background:
People experiencing homelessness face profound barriers to accessing palliative and end-of-life care, including stigma, fragmented services, and the lack of stable housing for hospice visits. As a result, many unhoused individuals die without comfort-focused care, social support, or dignity. Rocky Mountain Refuge (RMR) in Denver, Colorado, is one of only a handful of programs in the U.S. offering hospice support specifically for this population. By creating a safe space for those experiencing homelessness at the end of life, RMR fills a critical gap and offers lessons for advancing health equity in palliative care.

Methods:
Between February and October 2025, an internal evaluation of Rocky Mountain Refuge (RMR) was conducted using stakeholder surveys and qualitative interviews. The objective of this study was to evaluate RMR's unique care model to: a) inform program improvement and b) lay the foundation for a scalable model. Sixty stakeholders were invited to complete an online survey (24 responses, 40% response rate), and five qualitative interviews were conducted with supporters and donors. These participants were selected for their insight into RMR’s mission, operations, and sustainability. All qualitative data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework. 

Results:
Six key themes emerged: (1) Mission and dignity: RMR restores humanity and respect to those often excluded from end-of-life care; (2) Awareness and understanding: public misconceptions and discomfort surrounding death and homelessness hinder engagement; (3) Operational and financial challenges: limited capacity and funding instability constrain sustainability; (4) Policy and political context: funding and regulations create uncertainty in a shifting landscape; (5) Community trust and connection: personal relationships and in-person engagement foster understanding and support; and (6) Visibility and impact: storytelling, data sharing, and partnerships strengthen awareness and credibility.

Conclusions:
RMR represents an innovative, equity-driven model that restores dignity at the end of life for unhoused individuals. Findings highlight both the moral urgency and systemic challenges of sustaining such programs and underscore the importance of storytelling, community engagement, and policy navigation to advance equitable hospice and palliative care.

Dignity in Death: Evaluating a Unique End of Life Care Model that Bridges Hospice and Homelessness

Introduction 
Significant racial disparities in survival outcomes exist among Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients. Appropriate racial representation in clinical trials is essential to evaluate whether head and neck cancer (HNC) treatments are effective across diverse populations. Building upon a previous analysis by Zuckerman et al., that reported racial and ethnic disparity in HNC clinical trials, this current study assessed temporal changes in HNC clinical trial enrollment in the context of changing racial and ethnic disease prevalence between 2002 and 2020. 

Methods 
A comprehensive review of clinical trials focusing on HNC from January 2002 to December 2020 yielded 278 initial studies. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 107 eligible trials were analyzed. Participant demographics were categorized into five standardized racial/ethnic groups aligned with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database classifications. Differences in racial group enrollment rates (as compared to their representation among HNC patients) were investigated using boxplots and scatterplots stratified by race and year, and with multiple linear regression.

Results 
Significant racial disparities in HNC clinical trials were identified, where White participants were overrepresented and minority groups, including Black (-0.121, 95% CI: [-0.145, -0.095]), Hispanic (-0.174, 95% CI: [-0.199, -0.149]), Asian/Pacific Islander (-0.129, 95% CI: [-0.155, -0.105]), and American Indian/Alaska Native (-0.104, 95% CI: [-0.128, -0.079]), were consistently underrepresented, with no change in representation over 18 years time period. This suggests that while previous analysis of this data had shown worsening of racial and ethnic diversity over time. This analysis examined these temporal changes in the context of changing disease prevalence, and illustrated stable enrollment proportions over time. 

Conclusion 
This work builds on work by Zuckerman et al. by adjusting for HNC patient demographics and by assessing annual changes in racial representation. This methodology revealed that there was no change in racial HNC trial representation over the last 20 years. It also reinforces the work by Zuckerman et al. by demonstrating that initiatives to ensure equitable representation are not working. In both studies, there was persistent over-representation of white HNC patients in HNC clinical trials. New approaches that facilitate equitable representation are needed to improve the generalizability and effectiveness of HNC treatment outcomes across all demographic groups.

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