title: New paradigms in the management of hepatitis C virus co-infections.
abstract: Liver disease has emerged as a major contributor to morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV infection. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a key element in the etiology of liver-associated injury in this population. Increased rates of fibrotic progression have been described and are mediated by alcohol use, the severity of immunosuppression, the use of antiretroviral therapy, and other factors. Large clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin and highlighted issues related to management of patients with HIV/HCV co-infection. Although treatment for HCV infection in this group remains a challenge, achievement of a sustained virologic response is feasible in approximately 35% of patients. Treatment must be individualized and attention must be paid to the potential for drug-drug interactions.
authors.affiliation: University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0595, USA. kenneth.sherman@uc.edu
authors.forename: Kenneth E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Sherman
mesh_terms: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a