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Medication for addiction treatment (MAT) could reduce acute care utilization in HIV-positive individuals with substance use disorders. The study objective was to determine if HIV-positive people with substance use disorders treated with MAT report less acute care utilization than those not receiving MAT. We assessed the association between MAT and acute care utilization among HIV-positive individuals with alcohol or opioid use disorder. Acute care utilization 6 months later was defined as any past 3-month self-reported (1) emergency department (ED) visit and (2) hospitalization. Of 153 participants, 88% had alcohol use disorder, 41% had opioid use disorder, and 48 (31%) were treated with MAT. Fifty-five (36%) participants had an ED visit and 38 (25%) participants had a hospitalization. MAT was not associated with an ED visit (AOR 1.12, 95% CI 0.46–2.75) or hospitalization (AOR 1.09, 95% CI 0.39–3.04). MAT was not associated with acute care utilization. These results highlight the need to increase MAT prescribing in HIV-positive individuals with substance use disorders, and to address the many factors that influence acute care utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People with substance use disorder (SUD) face barriers to prevention and treatment services, increasing risk for hospitalization and death. Injection drug use (IDU) can lead to an increased risk of overdose and infections. However, identifying people who inject drugs (PWID) within healthcare systems is challenging. International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) codes are used for billing and tracking healthcare utilization. In this commentary, experts in the field weigh the benefits and risks of creating an IDU-specific ICD-10 code. Potential benefits include earlier identification, better access to health services, and improved systems of resource allocation. Potential risks include further stigmatization of PWID and, if not tied to financial reimbursement, low rates of code utilization. As the current systems of identifying PWID are lacking, we feel that a guided operationalization of an ICD code to identify PWID could improve quantitative and epidemiological research accuracy and, therefore, support the health and well-being of PWID., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Sandra A Springer reports a relationship with Indivior PLC that includes: non-financial support. Sandra A Springer reports a relationship with Alkermes Inc. that includes: consulting or advisory and non-financial support. Ellen F Eaton reports a relationship with Prime Healthcare Services Inc. that includes: consulting or advisory. Ellen F Eaton reports a relationship with IAS-USA that includes: consulting or advisory. Ellen F Eaton reports a relationship with Integritas Communications LLC that includes: consulting or advisory. Ellen F Eaton reports a relationship with Gilead Sciences that includes: consulting or advisory. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Syringe service programs (SSPs) reduce HIV and viral hepatitis transmission, as well as the prevalence of improperly disposed needles and needle stick injuries among first responders. Infections associated with injection drug use are rising in rural areas, including Maine, leading to concerns that SSP services are difficult to access for rural residents., Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 101 participants hospitalized with infections associated with injection drug use at 4 hospitals in Maine was collected over a 15-month period. Descriptive analyses were performed. Statistical analyses were completed using Fisher's exact tests, Pearson's chi-squared tests, and Student's t tests., Results: Of 101 participants, 66 (65%) lived in urban areas, and 35 (35%) lived rurally. Participants living in rural areas reported less SSP use in the past 3 months (76% urban vs 43% rural). Rural participants also had a higher prevalence of injecting buprenorphine than urban participants (6% urban vs 12% rural). Rural participants were also more likely to obtain needles from pharmacies than urban participants (40% urban vs 71% rural)., Discussion: SSP programs are underrepresented and accessed less in rural areas of Maine. Rural populations of people who inject drugs have unique health characteristics and syringe-use practices., Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to develop rural SSP programs that address the unique needs of rural populations., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: None

Given increasing rates of fatal overdoses in the United States and the rapidly changing drug supply, overdose prevention centers (OPCs; also known as safe consumption sites) have been identified as a vital, evidence-based strategy that provide people who use drugs (PWUD) the opportunity to use drugs safely and receive immediate, life-saving overdose support from trained personnel. In addition to providing a safe, supervised space to use drugs, OPCs can house further essential harm reduction drop-in services such as sterile supplies, social services, and medical care. There are established national and international data demonstrating the lifesaving services provided by OPCs, inspiring a groundswell of advocacy efforts to expand these programs in the United States. Thus, the Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance Use and Addiction (AMERSA) endorses OPCs, in addition to other harm reduction strategies that protect PWUD. Ultimately, it is imperative to increase access to OPCs across the United States and support key policy changes at the local, state, and federal levels that would facilitate urgent expansion., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: To end the HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemics, people who use drugs (PWUD) need more opportunities for testing. While inpatient hospitalizations are an essential opportunity to test people who use drugs (PWUD) for HIV and HCV, there is limited research on rates of inpatient testing for HIV and HCV among PWUD., Methods: Eleven hospital sites were included in the study. Each site created a cohort of inpatient encounters associated with injection drug use. From these cohorts, we collected data on HCV and HIV testing rates and HIV testing consent policies from 65 276 PWUD hospitalizations., Results: Hospitals had average screening rates of 40% for HIV and 32% for HCV, with widespread heterogeneity in screening rates across facilities. State consent laws and opt-out testing policies were not associated with statistically significant differences in HIV screening rates. On average, hospitals that reflexed HCV viral load testing on HCV antibody testing did not have statistically significant differences in HCV viral load testing rates. We found suboptimal testing rates during inpatient encounters for PWUD. As treatment (HIV) and cure (HCV) are necessary to end these epidemics, we need to prioritize understanding and overcoming barriers to testing., Competing Interests: Potential conflicts of interest. All authors: no reported conflicts., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America.)

Competing Interests: Potential conflicts of interest. Coauthor J. A. M. reports serving on advisory boards and receiving an honorarium for Shionogi, Entasis Therapeutics, CSL Sequiris, Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics, and AbbVie; grants or contracts from CSL Sequiris; and consulting fees from Shionogi. C. T. reports grants or contracts from SAMHSA and MaineHealth; payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speakers bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from States Recovery in Maine; and a role as Maine Recovery Council member. K. T. reports grants or contracts from SAMHSA and the National Institutes of Health and unpaid roles for the Maine Medical Center Board of Directors, AMERSA Advocacy Task Force, Infectious Diseases Society of America advocacy liaison, and Maine Recovery Council. All other authors report no potential conflicts. All authors have submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Conflicts that the editors consider relevant to the content of the manuscript have been disclosed.

Competing Interests: Potential conflicts of interest. J. C. A. M. has served on advisory boards and received an honorarium for Shionogi, Entasis Therapeutics, CSL Sequiris, Innoviva Specialty Therapeutics, and AbbVie, and reports grants or contracts from CSL Sequiris and consulting fees from Shionogi. C. T. reports grants or contracts from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and MaineHealth; payment or honoraria for lectures, presentations, speaker’s bureaus, manuscript writing, or educational events from States Recovery in Maine; and a role as a Maine Recovery Council member. K. T. reports grants or contracts from SAMHSA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH); unpaid roles on the Maine Medical Center Board of Directors, Association for Multidisiciplinary Education and Research in Substance use and Addiction. Advocacy Committee, Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) Advocacy subcommittee, and the Maine Recovery Council. All other authors report no potential conflicts. All authors have submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Conflicts that the editors consider relevant to the content of the manuscript have been disclosed.

Background: Position statements clarify key issues that are in alignment with the vision, mission, and values of the AMERSA, Inc. (Association for Multidisciplinary Education and Research in Substance use and Addiction). This Position Statement, endorsed by the AMERSA Board of Directors on October 3, 2023, amplifies the position of the organization, guides their activities, and informs the public and policymakers on the organization's stance on this issue., Issue: The unregulated drug supply in the United States evolves constantly, leaving those who use drugs potentially unaware of new adulterants in their drugs. Not knowing that information can leave people vulnerable to serious adverse events such as fatal overdoses, wounds, and other health consequences. Without real-time data on the composition of drugs available in a community, healthcare providers and public health practitioners are left with insufficient data, making it increasingly difficult to know how to best serve people who use drugs. In this context, community-based drug checking has become recognized as an important harm reduction strategy with the potential to provide those who use drugs with more information about their supply., Recommendations: It is imperative to expand funding and increase access to drug checking programs in communities across the United States. Key policy changes, such as those related to decriminalizing drug and drug paraphernalia possession, are needed to increase the utilization of drug checking programs. Protection of persons who use drugs through harm reduction strategies, including drug checking programs needs to be widely available and accessible., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) is an Enterobacterales species present throughout the environment and causes a range of infections. Historically, S. marcescens has been associated with persons who inject drugs (PWID), but literature is scarce. This study aimed to compare treatment characteristics and clinical outcomes between PWID and non-PWID with Serratia marcescens bacteraemia., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalised with S. marcescens bacteraemia from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2019 at a tertiary medical centre. Patients were included if they were aged ≥ 18 years and had at least one positive blood culture for S. marcescens., Results: Of the 67 patients who met inclusion criteria, 14 were identified as PWID (21%) and 53 were non-PWID (79%). Persons who inject drugs were younger (median age: PWID 32 years, non-PWID 67 years) and less likely to have renal disease (PWID 7%, non-PWID 34%). Persons who inject drugs had a higher incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) (PWID 48%, non-PWID 0%) and were more likely to receive combination antimicrobial therapy (PWID 29%, non-PWID 2%). All-cause mortality at 12 months was comparable between groups (PWID 21%, non-PWID 21%)., Conclusion: This study demonstrates that long-term outcomes of PWID are comparable with non-PWID, despite PWID being a younger cohort with fewer comorbidities. Clinicians should have high suspicion of IE in PWID with S. marcescens bacteraemia., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd and International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.)

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for severe bacterial and fungal infections including skin and soft tissue infections, endocarditis, and osteomyelitis. PWID have high rates of self-directed discharge and are often not offered outpatient antimicrobial therapies, despite studies showing their efficacy and safety in PWID. This study fills a gap in knowledge of patient and community partner perspectives on treatment and discharge decision making for injection drug use (IDU)-associated infections., Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with patients ( n  = 10) hospitalized with IDU-associated infections and community partners ( n  = 6) in the Portland, Maine region. Community partners include peer support workers at syringe services programs (SSPs) and outreach specialists working with PWID. We transcribed and thematically analyzed interviews to explore perspectives on three domains: perspectives on long-term hospitalization, outpatient treatment options, and patient involvement in decision making., Results: Participants noted that stigma and inadequate pain management created poor hospitalization experiences that contributed to self-directed discharge. On the other hand, patients reported hospitalization provided opportunities to connect to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and protect them from outside substance use triggers. Many patients expressed interest in outpatient antimicrobial treatment options conditional upon perceived efficacy of the treatment, perceived ability to complete treatment, and available resources and social support. Finally, both patients and community partners emphasized the importance of autonomy and inclusion in medical decision making. Although some participants acknowledged their SUD, withdrawal symptoms, or undertreated pain might interfere with decision making, they felt these medical conditions were not justification for health care professionals withholding treatment options. They recommended open communication to build trust and reduce harms., Conclusion: Patients with IDU-associated infections desire autonomy, respect, and patient-centered care from healthcare workers, and may self-discharge when needs or preferences are not met. Involving patients in treatment decisions and offering outpatient antimicrobial options may result in better outcomes. However, patient involvement in decision making may be complicated by many contextual factors unique to each patient, suggesting a need for shared decision making to meet the needs of hospitalized patients with IDU-associated infections., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest., (© The Author(s), 2023.)

Objective: This is a quality improvement project to determine the best process to identify and address gaps in care for perinatal patients in receiving appropriate hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and treatment across the largest health system in Maine., Study Design: We reviewed electronic medical record data between October 1, 2015, and February 1, 2020, to investigate rates of HCV testing and treatment among 916 perinatal patients with opioid use disorder across 8 hospitals using a "cascade of care" framework, a model used previously to identify gaps in care and treatment of chronic diseases., Main Outcome Measure: We examined HCV testing and treatment rates along the cascade of care and patient characteristics associated with HCV antibody testing and treatment, separately, using log binomial regression models. Models were adjusted for age, residential distance to medical center, psychiatric diagnosis, and opioid agonist therapy at delivery., Results: Of pregnant patients eligible for screening, 64% (582/916) received HCV antibody testing. Of 136 patients with active HCV infection, 32% (n = 43) received a referral for treatment, 21% (n = 28) were treated, and 13% (n = 18) achieved sustained virologic response. In the adjusted regression models, only opioid agonist therapy was associated with HCV antibody testing (adjusted risk ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.46), and no factors were significantly associated with receipt of treatment among HCV viremic patients., Conclusion: Low referral and treatment rates signify the need for quality improvement interventions to improve coordination of care between multiple disciplines and practice settings to increase access to HCV treatment., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 American Society of Addiction Medicine.)

Background: The prevalence of injection drug use (IDU)-associated infections and associated hospitalizations has been increasing for nearly two decades. Due to issues ranging from ongoing substance use to peripherally inserted central catheter safety, many clinicians find discharge decision-making challenging. Typically, clinicians advise patients to remain hospitalized for several weeks for intravenous antimicrobial treatment; however, some patients may desire other antimicrobial treatment options. A structured conversation guide, delivered by infectious disease physicians, intended to inform hospital discharge decisions has the potential to enhance patient participation in decisions. We developed a conversation guide in order to: (1) investigate its feasibility and acceptability and (2) examine experiences, outcomes, and lessons learned from use of the guide., Methods: We interviewed physicians after they each piloted the conversation guide with two patients. We interviewed patients immediately after the conversation and again 4-6 weeks later. Two analysts indexed transcriptions and used the framework method to identify and organize relevant information. We conducted retrospective chart review to corroborate and contextualize qualitative data., Results: Eight patients and four infectious disease physicians piloted the conversation guide. All patients ( N  = 8) completed antimicrobial treatment. Nearly all participants believed the conversation guide was important for incorporating patient values and preferences. Patients reported an increased sense of autonomy, but felt post-discharge needs could be better addressed. Physician participants identified the guide's long length and inclusion of pain management as areas for improvement., Conclusions: A novel conversation guide to inform hospital discharge decision-making for patients with IDU-associated infections was feasible, acceptable, and fostered the incorporation of patient preferences and values into decisions. While we identified areas for improvement, overall participants believed that this novel conversation guide helped to improve patient care and autonomy., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s), 2023.)

Background: Patients with injection drug use (IDU)-associated infections traditionally experience prolonged hospitalizations, which often result in negative experiences and bad outcomes. Harm reduction approaches that value patient autonomy and shared decision-making regarding outpatient treatment options may improve outcomes. We sought to identify health care professionals (HCPs) perspectives on the barriers to offering four different options to hospitalized people who use drugs (PWUD): long-term hospitalization, oral antibiotics, long-acting antibiotics at an infusion center, and outpatient parenteral antibiotics., Methods: We recruited HCPs ( n  = 19) from a single tertiary care center in Portland, Maine. We interviewed HCPs involved with discharge decision-making and other HCPs involved in the specialized care of PWUD. Semi-structured interviews elicited lead HCP values, preferences, and concerns about presenting outpatient antimicrobial treatment options to PWUD, while support HCPs provided contextual information. We used the iterative categorization approach to code and thematically analyze transcripts., Results: HCPs were willing to present outpatient treatment options for patients with IDU-associated infections, yet several factors contributed to reluctance. First, insufficient resources, such as transportation, may make these options impractical. However, HCPs may be unaware of existing community resources or viable treatment options. They also may believe the hospital protects patients, and that discharging patients into the community exposes them to structural harms. Some HCPs are concerned that patients with substance use disorder will not make 'good' decisions regarding outpatient antimicrobial options. Finally, there is uncertainty about how responsibility for offering outpatient treatment is shared across changing care teams., Conclusion: HCPs perceive many barriers to offering outpatient care for people with IDU-associated infections, but with appropriate interventions to address their concerns, may be open to considering more options. This study provides important insights and contextual information that can help inform specific harm reduction interventions aimed at improving care of people with IDU-associated infections., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s), 2022.)

Background: Polysubstance use is common among people who use drugs, including the co-use of stimulants and opioids. Research suggests the practice of simultaneous co-injection of methamphetamines and opioids, often referred to as "goofballs", is increasing. As a relatively unique drug use practice, little qualitative research currently exists on goofball injecting. This study explores the practice and embodied experiences of goofball injecting., Methods: This article draws on in-depth interviews conducted across two qualitative studies undertaken in Vancouver, Canada's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood examining changing dynamics in relation to stimulant use and experiences with an overdose prevention site-based safer supply intervention, respectively. Interviews containing discussions of goofball use (n=29) were extracted from each study and merged into a single qualitative dataset. Data were analysed thematically and focused on the practices and embodied experiences of goofball injection., Results: Our analysis uncovered how goofball injection represented a complex drug use practice driven by the desire to achieve particular embodied experiences not attainable by using either drug individually. We identified three distinct practices of goofball use: 1) to alter or enhance the effects of opioids; 2) to alter or enhance the effects of methamphetamines; and 3) to balance out the effects of both drugs., Conclusion: Our study fills an important gap in the polysubstance use literature specifically exploring the co-injection of methamphetamines and opioids. Our findings highlight the need to implement and expand interventions and services attentive to polysubstance use and the role of pleasure in drug taking practices, including expanding non-medicalized opioid and stimulant safer supply initiatives across North America., Competing Interests: Declarations of Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The impact of public health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic on people who inject drugs (PWID) has varied across regions. In other countries, recent research has shown that PWID access to harm reduction services, despite rapid adaptations, has been negatively impacted. Our study describes these impacts in a rural state., Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with PWID, community partners, and healthcare providers in the rural state of Maine (USA). We explored how changes made during the pandemic impacted access to harm reduction services, including basic services (i.e., shelter), syringe service programs, safe drug supply, low barrier treatment, and peer support. Interviews were analyzed using the framework method to apply Penchansky's model of access, with Saurman's modification, which includes six dimensions of access-accessibility, availability, acceptability, affordability, accommodation, awareness., Results: We interviewed thirty-six stakeholders (N = 9 community partners, N = 9 healthcare providers, N = 18 PWID). Policies such as mobile outreach expansion, mail delivery of equipment, and relaxed telemedicine regulations facilitated accessibility to syringe service programs and low barrier buprenorphine treatment. Public health policies, such as social distancing and screening policies, reduced contact, which subsequently reduced acceptability and awareness of many services. Elimination of the one-for-one needle exchange in some areas increased, acceptability (i.e., perception of service), and affordability for PWID. However, some areas actually began enforcing a one-for-one needle exchange policy, which reduced affordability, acceptability, and awareness of services., Conclusions: Changes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted all dimensions of access to harm reduction services among PWID. While some barriers to harm reduction services were unavoidable during the pandemic, we found that specific policy decisions mitigated service barriers, while other policies exacerbated them. Relaxing needle exchange policies were particularly helpful in facilitating access to harm reduction services by giving community organizations flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of PWID. These results can inform policies and service delivery to optimally mitigate the negative impacts on PWID during, and beyond, the pandemic., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Increasing rates of injection drug use (IDU) associated-infections suggest significant syringe service program (SSP) underutilization. Our study objective was to assess practices of safe injection techniques and to determine predictors of SSP utilization in a rural state., Patients and Methods: This was a fifteen-month cross-sectional study of participants hospitalized with IDU-associated infections in Maine. Data were collected through Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview survey and medical record review. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize demographics, health characteristics, and injection practices. The primary outcome was SSP utilization, and the main independent variable was self-reported distance to SSP. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated SSP utilization, controlling for gender, homelessness, history of overdose, having a primary care physician and distance to SSP., Results: Of the 101 study participants, 65 participants (64%) reported past 3 month SSP utilization, though only 33% used SSPs frequently. Many participants (57%) lived more than 10 miles from an SSP. Participants who lived less than 10 miles of an SSP were more likely to use an SSP (adjusted odds ratio 5.4; 95% CI 1.9-15.7)., Conclusions: Our study highlights unsafe injection practices and lack of frequent SSP utilization among people admitted with IDU-associated infections in a rural state. Especially given increasing stimulant use, these results also highlight the need for SSP access. Particularly in rural areas where patients may live more than 10 miles from an SSP, expansion of harm reduction services, including mobile units, should be a priority., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Chronic pain among people with HIV (PWH) is a driving factor of emergency department (ED) utilization, and it is often treated with chronic opioid therapy (COT). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective observational cohort of PWH on COT at 2 hospital-based clinics to determine whether COT-specific factors are associated with ED utilization among PWH. The primary outcome was an ED visit within 12 months after study enrollment. We used stepwise logistic regression including age, gender, opioid duration, hepatitis C, depression, prior ED visits, and Charlson comorbidity index. Of 153 study participants, n = 69 (45%) had an ED visit; 25% of ED visits were pain-related. High dose opioids, benzodiazepine co-prescribing, and lack of opioid treatment agreements were not associated with ED utilization, but prior ED visits (p = 0.002), depression (p = 0.001) and higher Charlson comorbidity score (p = 0.003) were associated with ED utilization. COT-specific factors were not associated with increased ED utilization among PWH.

In response to the opioid crisis, IDSA and HIVMA established a working group to drive an evidence- and human rights-based response to illicit drug use and associated infectious diseases. Infectious diseases and HIV physicians have an opportunity to intervene, addressing both conditions. IDSA and HIVMA have developed a policy agenda highlighting evidence-based practices that need further dissemination. This paper reviews (1) programs most relevant to infectious diseases in the 2018 SUPPORT Act; (2) opportunities offered by the "End the HIV Epidemic" initiative; and (3) policy changes necessary to affect the trajectory of the opioid epidemic and associated infections. Issues addressed include leveraging harm reduction tools and improving integrated prevention and treatment services for the infectious diseases and substance use disorder care continuum. By strengthening collaborations between infectious diseases and addiction specialists, including increasing training in substance use disorder treatment among infectious diseases and addiction specialists, we can decrease morbidity and mortality associated with these overlapping epidemics., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.)

This article reviews the principles of harm reduction, evidence-based harm reduction strategies such as syringe service programs and supervised injection facilities, and provides approaches to integrating a harm reduction approach into clinical practice. As providers strive to increase capacity to treat underlying substance use disorder, we must also recognize that some people may continue to use drugs. In this setting, providers can still deliver nonjudgmental, individualized care, and advocate for the health and safety of people who inject drugs., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors have no financial disclosures or conflicts of interest to report., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The incidence of infective endocarditis, a serious heart infection that can result from injection drug use, has increased in step with the opioid epidemic. Harm reduction services aimed at decreasing infectious complications of injection drug use are limited in rural areas; however, it is unknown whether the burden of opioid use-associated infective endocarditis varies between rural and urban populations., Methods: We used 2003-2016 National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample data and joinpoint regression to compare trends in hospitalization for opioid use-associated infective endocarditis between rural and urban populations., Results: Rates of US hospitalizations for opioid use-associated infective endocarditis increased from 0.28 to 3.86 per 100   000 rural residents, as compared with 1.26 to 3.49 for urban residents (overall difference in annual percent change P  < .01). We observed 2 distinct trend periods, with a period of little change between 2003 and 2009/2010 (annual percent change, 0.0% rural vs -0.08% urban) followed by a large increase in hospitalization rates between 2009/2010 and 2016 (annual percent change, 0.35% rural vs 0.36% urban). Over the study period, opioid use-associated infective endocarditis hospitalizations shifted toward younger age groups for both rural and urban residents, and rural resident hospitalizations increasingly occurred at urban teaching hospitals. For both groups, Medicaid was the most common payer., Conclusions: The increase in US hospitalizations for opioid use-associated infective endocarditis over the past decade supports the importance of public health efforts to reduce injection-related infections in both urban and rural areas. Future studies should examine factors affecting the higher increase in rate of these hospitalizations in rural areas., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America.)

Background: The addiction crisis is widespread, and unsafe injection practices among people who inject drugs (PWID) can lead to infective endocarditis., Methods: A retrospective analysis of adult patients with definite or possible infective endocarditis admitted to a tertiary care center in Portland, Maine was performed over three-year period. Our primary objective was to examine differences in demographics, health characteristics, and health service utilization between injection drug use (IDU)-associated infective endocarditis and non-IDU infective endocarditis. The association between IDU and mortality, morbidity (defined as emergency department visits within 3 months of discharge), and cardiac surgery was examined. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. A subgroup descriptive analysis of PWID was also performed to better examine substance use disorder (SUD) characteristics, treatment with medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and health service utilization., Results: One-hundred and seven patients were included in the study, of which 39.2% (n = 42) had IDU-associated infective endocarditis. PWID were more likely to be homeless, uninsured, and lack a primary care provider. PWID were notably younger and had less documented comorbidities, however had similar in-hospital mortality rates (10% vs. 14%, p = 0.30), ED visits (50% vs. 54%, p = 0.70) and cardiac surgery (33% vs. 26%, p = 0.42) compared to those with non-IDU infective endocarditis. Ninety-day mortality was less among PWID (19.0% vs. 36.9%, p = 0.05). IDU was not associated with morbidity (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.73, 95% CI 0.18-3.36), 90-day mortality (AOR 0.72, 95% CI 0.17-3.01), or cardiac surgery (AOR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.69). Ninety-day mortality among PWID who received MOUD was lower (3% vs 15%, p = 0.45), as were ED visits (10% vs. 41%, p = 0.42) compared to those who did not receive MOUD., Conclusions: Our results highlight existing differences in health characteristics and social determinants of health in people with IDU-associated versus non-IDU infective endocarditis. PWID had less comorbidities and were significantly younger than those with non-IDU infective endocarditis and yet still had similar rates of cardiac surgery, ED visits, and in-hospital mortality. These findings emphasize the need to deliver comprehensive health services, particularly MOUD and other harm reduction services, to this marginalized population., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Objectives: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common blood-borne pathogen in the United States. In the context of the opioid epidemic, there has been a dramatic rise in perinatal opioid use and the prevalence of HCV infection, which can be transmitted to infants. One national guideline recommends HCV screening for all pregnant women and screening for HCV-exposed newborns after 18 months of age. In this study, we aimed to identify the trends in HCV prevalence and screening among mothers using opioids during pregnancy and infants exposed to HCV infection in utero., Methods: Infants with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (779.5) or International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes (P96.1) for neonatal abstinence syndrome and in-utero exposure to methadone, buprenorphine, or other opioid medications were identified for this retrospective cohort analysis. Information regarding maternal and infant HCV screening, demographics, and follow-up care was also extracted from the electronic medical record and HealthInfoNet, a statewide database of laboratory results., Results: Between 2013 and 2018, 769 infants with in-utero opiate exposure were identified. The maternal HCV screening rate increased from 58.1% in 2013 to 90% in 2018. Of the mothers tested for HCV during pregnancy, 257 (47.9%) were HCV-positive. Of the 177 infants eligible for testing by age criteria, 94 (53%) were tested for HCV, and 7 (7.4%) were HCV-positive. We estimate that an additional 10 infants were HCV-positive and undiagnosed., Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of HCV, rates of maternal and infant screening remain suboptimal. This study highlights the need for improved care for this high-risk population of infants born to mothers with opiate use disorder., Competing Interests: POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2019 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

The brewing of alcohol in Ugandan households is common, yet little is known about its relationship with alcohol consumption in HIV-infected individuals. We performed a cross-sectional analysis to assess the association between household brewing and unhealthy alcohol consumption among 387 HIV-infected adults in a prospective study examining the association between alcohol consumption and HIV-disease progression. Household brewing was defined as participants reporting that they or a household member home-brewed alcohol. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between household brewing and unhealthy alcohol consumption, defined as phosphatidylethanol (PEth) level ≥50 ng/ml or AUDIT-C (modified to measure the prior 3 months) positive. Sixty-six (17.0 %) participants reported household brewing. Household brewers had higher odds of unhealthy alcohol consumption (AOR 2.27, 95 % CI 1.26-4.12). Among HIV-infected individuals, household brewing was associated with unhealthy alcohol consumption. Interventions to reduce alcohol consumption in this population could target household brewers., Competing Interests: All authors state that they have no conflict of interest to declare.

The opioid epidemic in the USA continues to worsen. Medical providers are faced with the challenge of addressing complications from opioid use disorders and associated injection drug use. Unsafe injection practices among people who inject drugs (PWID) can lead to several complications requiring acute care encounters in the emergency department and inpatient hospital. Our objective is to provide a narrative review to help medical providers recognise and address key health issues in PWID, who are being released from the emergency department and inpatient hospital. In the midst of rises in overdose deaths and infections such as hepatitis C, we highlight several health issues for PWID, including overdose and infection prevention. We provide a clinical checklist of actions to help guide providers in the care of these complex patients. The clinical checklist includes strategies also applicable to low-resource settings, which may lack addiction treatment options. Our review and clinical checklist highlight key aspects of optimising the health and safety of PWID., (Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/)

Background: The importance of HIV viral suppression is widely known, however few studies have examined the effects of homelessness on HIV viral suppression., Methods: The study included HIV-seropositive patients in a health care for the homeless program (HCH). Electronic medical record data for 138 patients were analyzed to compare demographic characteristics, health characteristics, and utilization by housing status. For the 95 individuals with available HIV viral loads, multivariable logistic analysis was performed to examine factors associated with incomplete viral suppression., Results: The adjusted odds ratio of incomplete HIV viral load suppression was 3.84 times higher in homeless compared with housed (95% CI 1.36- 10.36) individuals. Illicit drug use and combined antiretrovirals (cART) were associated with HIV viral suppression., Conclusions: Homelessness predicted incomplete HIV viral suppression. Stable housing may improve viral suppression and access to cART. Drug use was associated with viral suppression, likely because of patient engagement with on-site addiction services.

Background: Homelessness, HIV, and substance use are interwoven problems. Furthermore, homeless individuals are frequent users of emergency services. The main purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for frequent emergency room (ER) visits and to examine the effects of housing status and HIV serostatus on ER utilization. The second purpose was to identify risk factors for frequent ER visits in patients with a history of illicit drug use., Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 412 patients enrolled in a Boston-based health care for the homeless program (HCH). This study population was selected as a 2:1 HIV seronegative versus HIV seropositive match based on age, sex, and housing status. A subgroup analysis was performed on 287 patients with history of illicit drug use. Chart data were analyzed to compare demographics, health characteristics, and health service utilization. Results were stratified by housing status. Logistic models using generalized estimating equations were used to predict frequent ER visits., Results: In homeless patients, hepatitis C was the only predictor of frequent ER visits (OR 4.49, p<0.01). HIV seropositivity was not predictive of frequent ER visits. In patients with history of illicit drug use, mental health (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.07-5.95) and hepatitis C (OR 2.85, 95% CI 1.37-5.93) were predictors of frequent ER use. HIV seropositivity did not predict ER use (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21 - 0.97)., Conclusions: In a HCH population, hepatitis C predicted frequent ER visits in homeless patients. HIV seropositivity did not predict frequent ER visits, likely because HIV seropositive HCH patients are engaged in care. In patients with history of illicit drug use, hepatitis C and mental health disorders predicted frequent ER visits. Supportive housing for patients with mental health disorders and hepatitis C may help prevent unnecessary ER visits in this population.

Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) impact patient outcomes and increase cost of hospitalization. In situ thrombus is known to promote microbial adhesion and colonization and potentially lead to CLABSI. Clinical validation of this theory, adjusting for presence of systemic hypercoagulability, is needed., Methods: This study is a retrospective review of all adult and pediatric patients with peripherally inserted central catheter placement over a 4-year period at our tertiary care center. Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) use was utilized as indicator for line site thrombus. CLABSIs rates were compared in patients with or without TPA use, adjusting for the presence of hypercoagulable conditions, age, and severity of illness., Results: A total of 3,723 patients with peripherally inserted central catheter lines was evaluated, 40% of whom received TPA. The adjusted odds of developing a CLABSI was 3.59 times greater in those patients who received TPA compared with those who did not (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.86-6.94). Neither severity of illness (odds ratio [OR], 1.00; 95% CI: 0.51-1.96) nor primary (OR, 3.41; 95% CI: 0.43-26.7) or secondary hypercoagulability (OR, 0.91; 95% CI: 0.44-1.88) were statistically associated with a higher risk of infection., Conclusion: The use of TPA, as a possible indicator in situ thrombus, was associated with a higher risk of developing CLABSI. Neither primary nor secondary hypercoagulability was correlated with risk of developing CLABSI., (Copyright © 2014 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)