Liver injury after beginning antiretroviral therapy in HIV/hepatitis C virus co-infected patients is not related to immune reconstitution.
Transaminase elevations occur more frequently after beginning antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive patients co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The mechanism of liver injury in these individuals is unknown, although immune reconstitution phenomena have been postulated. In 42 HIV/HCV co-infected individuals followed after beginning potent antiretroviral therapy, the development of liver injury was not associated with significant changes in serum HCV-RNA levels nor with greater CD4 cell increases. Underlying chronic hepatitis may thus increase the risk of liver toxicity by other mechanisms.
Martín-Carbonero
Luz
L
Service of Infectious Diseases. Hospital Carlos III, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
Núñez
Marina
M
Ríos
Pilar
P
Pérez-Olmeda
Mayte
M
González-Lahoz
Juan
J
Soriano
Vincent
V
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D019562:Viral Load; D014766:Viremia
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D012367:RNA, Viral