title: Characteristics and survival of AIDS patients with hepatitis C: the Brazilian National Cohort of 1995-1996.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  As AIDS patients live longer, the management of co-morbidities becomes increasingly important. Previous studies from developed countries give conflicting results as to whether co-infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) lowers the life expectancy of individuals with AIDS.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective cohort study was based on a medical record review of a nationally representative sample of 2821 adult AIDS cases diagnosed in 1995 and 1996 in Brazil. We compared the characteristics and survival of patients known to be positive and negative for HCV.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 833 patients received HCV testing, and the prevalence was 33%. HCV-positive patients received less intensive antiretroviral treatment. The crude mortality was greater for HCV-positive patients (hazard ratio 1.26; P = 0.04), but HCV status was not a significant predictor in a multivariate analysis that included other predictors of survival.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Brazilian AIDS patients with hepatitis C have a shorter survival than those without, but this seems to be mainly as a result of their receiving less antiretroviral treatment. We cannot say whether this is because of the fear of hepatotoxicity, an inability to tolerate treatment, or for other reasons. To improve survival, these patients need optimal treatment of their HIV disease.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil. piomarins@aids.gov.br
authors.forename: José Ricardo Pio
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Marins
authors.forename: Marilisa Berti de Azevedo
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Barros
authors.forename: Helymar
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Machado
authors.forename: Sanny
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Leda Fátima
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Jamal
authors.forename: Norman
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hearst
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D004522:Educational Status; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents