[HIV and hepatitis C co-infection].
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is currently one of the most clinically relevant co-morbidities in the HIV-infected population. Overall, one third of HIV-infected individuals in Europe are HCV co-infected. The progression of chronic HCV infection to liver cirrhosis with subsequent risk for liver decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma is substantially accelerated in HIV/HCV co-infected compared to HCV mono-infected individuals, particularly with advanced levels of immunodeficiency. Indeed, immune reconstitution under HAART has been associated with slowing down fibrosis progression in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals. Therefore HAART initiation is recommended earlier in HCV co-infected patients. Moreover, the sequelae of chronic hepatitis C infection can be stopped by successful treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy so that every HIV/HCV co-infected patient should be evaluated for possible HCV treatment. - In this review we summarize the current epidemiology, natural course of HCV in HIV co-infection and current guidelines for management of chronic hepatitis C infection in HIV co-infected patients.
Vogel
M
M
Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Bonn.
Boesecke
C
C
Wasmuth
J-C
JC
Rockstroh
J K
JK
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000465:Algorithms; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a