[Epidemiology and management of care of hepatitis C infection in the Poitou-Charentes region in 1997 and 2000].

OBJECTIVES A repeat cross-sectional survey was performed in 1997 and 2000 in the Poitou-Charentes district of France to compare screening and management of hepatitis C virus infection. METHODS The "Hepatitis C Network" asked the biological laboratories in the region to provide anonymous results of serology tests performed during two two month periods at a 3 year interval. An epidemiological and follow-up questionnaire was sent to the medical practitioner who prescribed the test for all positive tests. RESULTS More serology tests were prescribed in 2000 (7074) than in 1997 (6168). The access to screening differed significantly between the 4 counties of the district (P<0.0001). Sixty-nine and 58 patients were first diagnosed respectively in 1997 and 2000. In 2000, these patients were younger (P=0.05) and were infected later (P=0.03). The risk factors were similar for the two periods. Respectively 23% and 26% underwent a liver biopsy, and 12% were treated. CONCLUSION Screening improved after a press campaign, but there was no increase in the number of newly detected patients. In 2000, one third of patients were still inadequately cared for.