Management of hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.
Hepatitis C virus-related liver disease and its associated complications are steadily emerging health concerns in persons co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus. The increasing number of liver-related deaths in human immunodeficiency virus-hepatitis C virus co-infected individuals supports the compelling argument for more aggressive treatment in these patients. The safety and efficacy of interferon/ribavirin in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infected patients is currently under evaluation. Despite well-documented concern over highly active antiretroviral therapy-associated hepatotoxicity human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infected patients should be offered antiretroviral therapy. Since management of co-infected patients is complex a multidisciplinary approach is needed in order to facilitate care and help patients to achieve a positive outcome.
Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, IRCCS S. Matteo Hospital, University of Pavia, Italy. r.bruno@smatteo.pv.it
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Bruno
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Puoti
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Carosi
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D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004347:Drug Interactions; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012254:Ribavirin