Infection rates in HIV-HCV patients treated with interferon are similar to those in HCV mono-infection and not related to neutropenia.
METHODS
Infectious complications were assessed in 25 HIV-HCV coinfected patients receiving 29 courses of HCV therapy (786 person-weeks).


RESULTS
The infection rate (1.3 infections/100 person-weeks) was similar when compared to the rate in HIV-negative patients. HIV status and neutrophil nadir did not predict infection risk or rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Interferon dose reduction and/or G-CSF in HCVtreated HIV patients with neutropenia are not justified.
Cooper
Curtis L
CL
University of Ottawa Hospital, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital-General Campus, The Ottawa Health Research Institute, Ontario, Canada. ccooper@ottawahospital.on.ca
Al-Bedwawi
Saif
S
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006786:Hospitals, Urban; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009181:Mycoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000209:etiology; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a