Hepatitis C virus infection in patients with HIV-1: epidemiology, natural history and management

Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014 Mar;8(3):247-66. doi: 10.1586/17474124.2014.876357. Epub 2014 Jan 22.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver diseases have contributed to increased morbidity and mortality in HIV-1-infected individuals in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy. HCV transmission patterns have changed among the HIV co-infected population during the last decade, with acute HCV infection emerging worldwide. HIV infection accelerates the progression of HCV-related liver diseases and consequently cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the current standard treatment of HCV infection with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin results in only a limited viral response. Furthermore, cumbersome pill regimens, antiretroviral related hepatotoxicity, and drug interactions of HCV and HIV regimens complicate therapy strategies. Fortunately, in the near future, new direct-acting anti-HCV agents will widen therapeutic options for HCV/HIV co-infection. Liver transplantation is also gradually accepted as a therapeutic option for end stage liver disease of HCV/HIV co-infected patients.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Comorbidity
  • Disease Management
  • Disease Progression
  • End Stage Liver Disease / surgery
  • End Stage Liver Disease / virology
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • HIV-1 / pathogenicity*
  • Hepacivirus / pathogenicity*
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Liver Transplantation
  • Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Ribavirin / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Ribavirin
  • peginterferon alfa-2a