Disparities in Linking Children to Hepatitis C Care Uncovered

Recent research highlights significant disparities in the process of linking children diagnosed with hepatitis C virus (HCV) to appropriate care. The study, published online April 18 in Pediatrics, analyzed the care cascade among children born from 2000 to 2018 who received an HCV diagnosis before age 18. Findings revealed that only 32% of these children were connected to HCV care, and merely 12% received direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), a modern treatment option.

The analysis showed notable racial and ethnic disparities: Hispanic/Latinx children and white children had twice and three times the odds, respectively, of being linked to care compared to Black children. This indicates ongoing inequities in access and treatment within the pediatric HCV care pathway.

Researchers Megan Rose Curtis, M.D., from Washington University in St. Louis, and colleagues emphasized that these gaps disproportionately affect marginalized populations. They suggest that improving linkage programs—such as patient navigation, training primary care providers to treat adolescents with HCV, and offering treatment immediately upon diagnosis in nonclinical settings—could help bridge these disparities.

Addressing these gaps is essential for reducing the burden of hepatitis C among children and ensuring equitable healthcare delivery. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve the care cascade for vulnerable groups.

Source: [https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-disparities-linkage-children-hepatitis.html]