Relationship of liver disease stage and antiviral therapy with liver-related events and death in adults coinfected with HIV/HCV

Dual-tracer PET/CT in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background & Aims

Combined 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and 11C-acetate (dual-tracer) positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is being increasingly performed for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), although its role is not well defined. Therefore, we evaluated its effectiveness in (i) staging, (ii) characterization of indeterminate lesions on conventional imaging, and (iii) detection of HCC in patients with unexplained elevations in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed 525 consecutive patients from three tertiary centers between 2014 and 2020. For staging, we recorded new lesion detection rates, changes in the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification, and treatment allocation due to dual-tracer PET/CT. To characterize indeterminate lesions and unexplained elevation of serum AFP levels, the sensitivity and specificity of dual-tracer PET/CT in diagnosing HCC were evaluated. A multidisciplinary external review and a cost-benefit analysis of patients for metastatic screening were also performed.

Results

Dual-tracer PET/CT identified new lesions in 14.3% of 273 staging patients, resulting in BCLC upstaging in 11.7% and treatment modifications in 7.7%. It upstaged 8.1% of 260 patients undergoing metastatic screening, with estimated savings of US$495 per patient. It had a sensitivity and specificity of 80.7% (95% CI 71.2-88.6%) and 94.8% (95% CI 90.4-98.6%), respectively, for diagnosing HCC in 201 indeterminate lesions. It detected HCC in 45.1% of 51 patients with unexplained elevations in serum AFP concentrations. External review revealed substantial agreement between local and external image interpretation and patient assessment (n = 273, κ = 0.822; 95% CI 0.803-0.864).

Conclusions

Dual-tracer PET/CT provides added value beyond conventional imaging in patients with HCC by improving staging, confirming HCC diagnosis with high accuracy in patients with indeterminate lesions, and detecting HCC in patients with unexplained elevation of serum AFP.

Impact and implications

Compared to CT or MRI, dual-tracer positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) led to upstaging in 12% of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing staging, resulting in treatment modification in 8% of cases and a cost saving of US$495 per patient. It also accurately detected HCC in high-risk cases where CT or MRI were equivocal or normal. Dual-tracer PET/CT provides added value beyond conventional imaging in patients with HCC by improving staging, confirming HCC diagnosis with high accuracy in patients with indeterminate lesions, and detecting HCC in patients with unexplained elevation of serum AFP.

Prognostic significance of the preoperative alkaline phosphatase‑to‑albumin ratio in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatic resection

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the preoperative alkaline phosphatase-to-albumin ratio (APAR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent radical hepatectomy. The clinicopathological data from 330 patients was retrospectively analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curves of APAR for diagnostic tumor recurrence were plotted with a cut-off value of 1.74. A high preoperative APAR value was significantly associated with hepatitis B surface antigen level, tumor diameter, and tumor-node-metastasis stage. The disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with a high preoperative APAR were shorter than those with a low APAR. The independent risk factors for DFS were an APAR ≥1.74, and macrovascular invasion or tumor thrombus. The independent risk factors for OS were an APAR ≥1.74, existing clinical symptoms, α-fetoprotein level ≥20 ng/ml, macrovascular invasion or tumor thrombus, and family history of cancer. In conclusion, a preoperative APAR (≥1.74) is an independent risk factor influencing the poor prognosis of patients with HCC after curative hepatectomy, and patients with such a result should be closely monitored.

Proteomic Analysis of Hepatic Fibrosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Demonstrates Up-regulation of Immune Response and Tissue Repair Pathways

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by a high prevalence of hepatic fibrosis as a strong clinical predictor of all-cause and liver-specific mortality risk.

METHODS

We leveraged data from an earlier clinical trial to define the circulating proteomic signature of hepatic fibrosis in HIV-associated NAFLD. A total of 183 plasma proteins within 2 high-multiplex panels were quantified at baseline and at 12 months (Olink Cardiovascular III; Immuno-Oncology).

RESULTS

Twenty proteins were up-regulated at baseline among participants with fibrosis stages 2-3 versus 0-1. Proteins most differentially expressed included matrix metalloproteinase 2 (P < .001), insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7 (P = .001), and collagen α1(I) chain (P = .001). Proteins were enriched within pathways including response to tumor necrosis factor and aminopeptidase activity. Key proteins correlated directly with visceral adiposity and glucose intolerance and inversely with CD4+ T-cell count. Within the placebo-treated arm, 11 proteins differentially increased among individuals with hepatic fibrosis progression over a 12-month period (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among individuals with HIV-associated NAFLD, hepatic fibrosis was associated with a distinct proteomic signature involving up-regulation of tissue repair and immune response pathways. These findings enhance our understanding of potential mechanisms and biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis in HIV.

Time to HCV Treatment Disfavors Patients Living with HIV/HCV Co-infection: Findings from a Large Urban Tertiary Center

This study aimed to assess time to hepatitis C (HCV) treatment (i.e., the time between the initial clinic visit for HCV evaluation and the HCV treatment start date), to compare clinical characteristics between patients who received HCV treatment ≥ and < 6 months, and to identify predictors of longer time to HCV treatment in patients living with HCV. This study conducted a retrospective secondary analysis of patients living with HCV mono-infection and HIV/HCV co-infection who received HCV treatment with DAAs (n=214) at a HIV Clinic. Binomial logistic regression was used to identify predictors of longer time to treatment (i.e., ≥ 6 months). The median time to HCV treatment was 211 days. Compared to patients who were treated < 6 months, a higher proportion of patients who were treated ≥ 6 months had HIV/HCV co-infection (31% vs. 49%, p=0.01) and chronic kidney disease (8% vs. 18%, p=0.03). In multivariate analysis, HIV/HCV co-infection was positively associated with a longer time to HCV treatment (adjusted odds ratio, aOR=2.0, p=0.03). Time to HCV treatment disparities between African American and White American did not emerge from the analysis, but time to HCV treatment disfavored patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection. Studies are needed to identify and eliminate factors that disfavor patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection.

Hepatitis C virus reinfection in people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Taiwan after achieving sustained virologic response with antiviral treatment: the RECUR study

Background

Data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection in East Asian people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) after treatment-induced sustained virologic response (SVR) are limited.

Methods

HIV/HCV-coinfected patients in Taiwan who achieved SVR12 with interferon (IFN) or direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) between 2005 and 2021 underwent HCV RNA measurements at SVR24 and then biannually. HCV reinfection was defined as the detection of different HCV strains beyond SVR12. HIV-negative, low-risk individuals with SVR12 served as reference patients. Crude reinfection rates and secular trends were assessed. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify baseline factors associated with HCV reinfection.

Results

A total of 216 HIV-positive and 1589 reference patients were recruited with median follow-up durations of 3.0 and 6.0 years. During a total of 772 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), the HCV reinfection rate in HIV-positive patients was 4.02 per 100 PYFU (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.85-5.65), while the HCV reinfection rate in reference patients was 0.14 per 100 PYFU (95% CI: 0.09-0.23) during 10862 PYFU. HIV-positive patients had a higher risk of HCV reinfection than reference patients (hazard ratio [HR]: 17.63; 95% CI: 7.10-43.80, p &lt; 0.001). No baseline factors were predictive of HCV reinfection in HIV-positive patients. The incidence of HCV reinfection in HIV-positive patients increased after 2015 when DAAs were available in Taiwan.

Conclusions

The risk of HCV reinfection remains high in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with treatment-induced SVR12. In addition to mass screening and treatment scale-up, strategies to reduce reinfection are needed for HCV microelimination in HIV-positive patients in Taiwan.

Evolution of estimated glomerular filtration rate in human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients receiving sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antivirals and antiretroviral therapy

The nephrotoxicity of sofosbuvir (SOF) on human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus (HIV/HCV)-coinfected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains controversial. We prospectively compared the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) changes in 167 patients receiving SOF-based direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) who also received tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TFV)-based (n = 116) and TFV-free ART (n = 51). The eGFR was assessed by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation, and the eGFR changes between ART regimens were compared by the generalized estimated equation. During DAA treatment, participants on TFV-based ART had a higher eGFR decline than those on TFV-free ART (slope coefficient difference: -0.82 ml/min/1.73 m² /month [95% CI: -1.21 to -0.43]; p < 0.001), whereas the eGFR changes did not differ between groups (slope coefficient difference: 0.13 ml/min/1.73 m² /month [95% CI: -0.32 to 0.58]; p = 0.42) after discontinuing DAAs. Participants on TFV TDF-based ART had a higher eGFR decline than those on TFV alafenamide fumarate (TAF)-based ART (slope coefficient difference: -0.31 ml/min/1.73 m² /month [95% CI: -0.50 to -0.12]; p = 0.01). After discontinuing DAAs, the eGFR changes did not differ between groups (slope coefficient difference: 0.06 ml/min/1.73 m² /month [95% CI: -0.98 to 1.10]; p = 0.91). In conclusion, HIV/HCV-coinfected patients on TFV-based ART had a slight eGFR decline compared to those on TFV-free ART during SOF-based DAA therapy. A similar trend between TDF-based and TAF-based ART was also observed. Because the differences of eGFR changes are limited, the physicians should not discourage the use of SOF-based DAAs in HIV-positive patients on TFV-based ART.

Recent advances in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection for special populations and remaining problems

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the primary causes of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver transplantation (LT). The rate of HCV infection is high in patients on hemodialysis and in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In liver transplant patients with HCV infection, recurrent HCV infection of the transplanted liver is universal and results in rapid liver fibrosis progression. In patients with HCV/HIV coinfection as well, liver fibrosis advances rapidly. Thus, there is an urgent need for prompt HCV infection treatment in these special populations (i.e. HIV/HCV coinfection, HCV infection after LT, and dialysis patients). Interferon (IFN)-based therapy for HCV infection could not achieve a high rate of sustained viral response and could cause severe adverse events in the aforementioned special populations. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have recently been developed, and clinical trials have shown that IFN-free DAA-based therapies are associated with a significantly better safety and therapeutic profile than IFN-based therapies. However, the majority of the initial DAA trials excluded special populations; thus, the efficacy and safety of IFN-free DAA-based therapy in special populations remained to be clearly established. Although recent clinical trials and clinical studies have shown the high efficacy and safety of this therapy even in special populations, several unresolved problems, including emergence of resistance-associated variants after failure to respond to DAAs and HCC occurrence after DAA therapy, still exist. Hence, in this review, we discuss the recent advances in anti-HCV therapy for special populations and the remaining problems regarding this therapy.

Viral hepatitis C pandemic: Challenges and threats to its elimination

Under the WHO plan, the global elimination of the HCV pandemic is scheduled for 2030. The burden of HCV infection in developed countries is largely borne by people who inject drugs (PWID): new infections and reinfections are related to their risky behaviour. Although safe and sensitive hepatitis C diagnostic tools and directly acting antiviral medication are widely used, major challenges to disease elimination still remain in developed countries, where the WHO plan is in progress. The challenge is in the involvement and engagement of infected PWID. There is a strong need to change our uptake and treatment strategies to address all patients from the risk groups, connect them with the healthcare system and cure them with the vision to eliminate this HCV pandemic.

Incident Liver Cirrhosis, Associated Factors, and Cardiovascular Disease Risks Among People Living With HIV: A Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the incidence and associated factors of liver cirrhosis and cardiovascular disease risks among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in a Thai cohort.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort analysis.

METHODS

Participants with at least one reliable transient elastography measurement during follow-up, who had pretreatment alanine transaminase, AST, and platelet count at HIV treatment initiation were included. Liver cirrhosis was defined as AST to Platelet Ratio Index >1.5 or fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) >3.25 or liver stiffness by transient elastography >12.5 kPa and confirmed by imaging or liver biopsy. Competing-risk regression was used to identify factors associated with liver cirrhosis. Time-updated 10-year atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risks were compared between PLHIV with or without liver cirrhosis.

RESULTS

A total of 1069 participants (33% women, 9% hepatitis C virus, and 16% hepatitis B virus) with the median age and CD4 at cART initiation of 32 years and 240 cells/mm3 were included. During 8232 person-years, 124 (12%) developed liver cirrhosis after a median of 6.9 (2.4-13.7) follow-up years [incidence, 1.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.3 to 1.8) per 100 person-years]. In multivariable analysis, the factors independently associated with liver cirrhosis were time-updated HIV viremia, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus coinfection, diabetes mellitus, high-density lipoproteins <40 mg/mL, and d4T exposure. The median time-updated 10-year ASCVD risk score was statistically higher among cirrhotic PLHIV vs. noncirrhosis [4.9% (interquartile range, 2.3-9.7) vs. 2.4% (interquartile range, 1.3-4.9), P < 0.001].

CONCLUSION

PLHIV with metabolic diseases were more likely to develop liver cirrhosis, independent of hepatitis coinfections, and ASCVD risks were higher among cirrhotic individuals.

Development and Evaluation of an Antiviral Agent Medication Adherence Education Program for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

This study aimed to develop and evaluate a goal attainment theory-based antiviral agent medication adherence education program (AMAEP) for patients with chronic hepatitis C. A nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. Data were collected from December 2019 to March 2020 from a control group of 35 outpatients and an experimental group of 28 outpatients older than 20 years old who had been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C. The data analysis included an independent t-test, a χ²-test or Fisher’s exact test, a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, an analysis of covariance, and a Mann–Whitney U test. The results showed the effectiveness of the education program for patients with chronic hepatitis C. There were significant differences between the control group and experimental group in patients’ knowledge of chronic hepatitis C (Z = −5.91, p < 0.001), medication self-efficacy (Z = −5.02, p < 0.001), medication adherence rate (t = −3.88, p < 0.001), medication misuse behavior (Z = −5.00, p < 0.001), and patients’ satisfaction with their interaction with healthcare practitioners (Z = −6.61, p < 0.001). Therefore, we hope that the education program developed in this study will be utilized as an intervention for patients with chronic hepatitis C and be further developed for other patients with viral hepatitis.

A descriptive analysis of concurrent alcohol and substance use among patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection

The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of concurrent alcohol and substance use among patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection and to compare demographic and clinical characteristics of those with concurrent alcohol and substance to those with alcohol or substance use, and to those who were abstinent. We conducted an analysis of patient reported outcomes data of patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection (n = 327) who transitioned from primary care to sub-specialty care for evaluation of candidacy for HCV treatment at a university-affiliated HIV Clinic. The prevalence of self-reported concurrent alcohol and substance use was 33%. A higher proportion of those with concurrent alcohol and substance use were currently smoking tobacco, and those who were abstinent had higher ratings of health-related quality of life compared to those with alcohol or substance use. To reduce patients' risk for progression to advanced stages of HIV, HCV, and liver-related disease due to continued alcohol and substance and tobacco use, social workers and other health care professionals are encouraged to develop and implement intervention strategies to assist patients living with HIV/HCV co-infection in efforts to achieve behavioral change.

Alcohol Use and Ethnicity Independently Predict Antiretroviral Therapy Nonadherence Among Patients Living with HIV/HCV Coinfection

BACKGROUND

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is important to counter synergistic effects of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) in patients living with coinfection. Predictors of ART nonadherence among patients living with HIV/HCV coinfection are not well established. This knowledge would be advantageous for clinicians and behavioral health specialists who provide care to patients living with HIV/HCV coinfection.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess prevalence and predictors of ART nonadherence in a sample of patients living with HIV/HCV coinfection who were actively in HIV clinical care.

METHOD

A sample of patients living with HIV/HCV coinfection who received care at a university-affiliated HIV clinic (n = 137) between January 2013 and July 2017 were included in the study. Computerized patient-reported data or outcomes (PROs) and electronic medical record data of these respective patients were collected and analyzed. Binomial logistic regression was used to examine predictors of ART nonadherence.

RESULTS

The prevalence of ART nonadherence was 31%. In multivariate analysis, African American ethnicity (OR = 3.28, CI 1.241-8.653, p = 0.017) and a higher number of alcoholic drinks per drinking day (OR = 1.31, CI 1.054-1.639, p = 0.015) were positively associated with ART nonadherence.

CONCLUSIONS

Behavioral health providers are encouraged to incorporate alcohol use reduce interventions in HIV clinical settings to reduce ART nonadherence among patients living with HIV/HCV coinfection. Additionally, public health professionals and researchers, and clinicians are encouraged to use inductive methods to discover why ART nonadherence disproportionately impacts African American patients living with HIV/HCV coinfection and to develop approaches that are sensitive to those respective barriers.

Estimated uptake of hepatitis C direct-acting antiviral treatment among individuals with HIV co-infection in Australia: a retrospective cohort study

Background Unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been available in Australia since March 2016. Individuals with HIV–HCV co-infection are at a greater risk of liver fibrosis progression. This study estimated DAA treatment uptake among individuals with HIV–HCV co-infection, during the first year of DAA treatment access in Australia. Methods: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data on dispensed DAA and antiretroviral therapy (ART) prescriptions from March 2016 to March 2017 were used for analysis. Results: During March 2016 to March 2017, a total of 935 individuals with HIV–HCV co-infection were receiving ART and initiated DAA treatment, with 93% to 97% completing their prescribed course. Estimated DAA treatment uptake in the HIV–HCV-infected population was 41% (935/2290). Most were men (94%). Median age was 50 years. DAA treatment was initiated by specialists in 64% of cases (n = 602), and by general practitioners (GPs) in 25% of cases (n = 238). The proportion of individuals initiated on DAA by GPs increased from 20% in March–April 2016 to 26% in January–March 2017. Most specialists (77%) and GPs (72%) initiated DAA treatment for one to three patients. Among individuals initiated on DAA by GPs, 68% received their ART prescription from the same GP. Conclusions: A high level of DAA treatment uptake and completion was observed among individuals with HIV–HCV co-infection during the first year of DAA treatment access. The proportion of individuals prescribed DAA by GPs increased over time; this is important for broadened access.

Direct-acting antivirals for HCV treatment in older patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The advent of highly effective and well-tolerated direct antiviral antivirals (DAAs) has dramatically changed the landscape of chronic hepatitis C. The effect of DAAs in older adults is difficult to determine since patients aged ≥ 65 years were too few in most clinical trials and data mainly come from observational studies. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DAAs in patients aged 65 and older. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, HCV-Trials.com databases were searched for literature published until 1 December 2017. English language articles reporting results of phase 2 or 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), single-arm clinical trials (SATs) and observational studies were included in the final analysis. All studies included subgroups of older patients and compared their outcomes with younger individuals. By using a random-effects or fixed-effects model, odds ratio (OR) was calculated for the efficacy and safety. Heterogeneity was tested using I² statistics. Thirty-seven studies reported data on the DAA efficacy. The OR was 1.66 (95%CI: 1.00-2.75; P = 0.06) in meta-analysis of RCTs, and similar results were found in SATs and observational studies. HCV genotype, stage of fibrosis or HIV co-infection did not affect the rate of SVR in older persons. Prevalence of anaemia (OR 0.26 95%CI: 0.09-0.69; P = 0.007) (OR 0.25 95%CI: 0.09-0.69; P = 0.007) and skin complaints (OR 0.61 95%CI: 0.45-0.83; P = 0.001) was higher in older adults. Finally, geriatric patients affected by chronic HCV infection can be safely treated with DAAs with the same efficacy reported in younger adults.

Hepatitis C Elimination in People With HIV Is Contingent on Closing Gaps in the HIV Continuum

BACKGROUND

Bolstered by the high efficacy of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, the World Health Organization has called for HCV elimination by 2030. People with HIV (PWH) have been identified as a population in which elimination should be prioritized.

METHODS

We examined progress in HCV elimination through the HCV care continuum among patients infected with HIV/HCV receiving HIV care at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, United States. Patients with HIV care visits in at least 2 consecutive years were followed through December 15, 2018, for referral to HCV care, treatment initiation, and cure.

RESULTS

Among 593 HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals, 547 (92%) were referred for HCV care, 517 (87%) were evaluated for HCV treatment, 457 (77%) were prescribed HCV treatment, 426 (72%) initiated treatment, and 370 (62%) achieved HCV cure. In multivariable analysis, advanced liver disease (hazard ratio [HR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-1.88) remained significantly positively associated with HCV treatment initiation. Conversely, being insured by state Medicaid (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.92), having an HIV RNA >400 copies/mL (HR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.18-0.49), and having missed 1%-24% (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.54-0.97), 25%-49% (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49-0.89), and ≥50% of HIV care visits (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.25-0.60) were significantly negatively associated with HCV treatment initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV infection can be eliminated in PWH. However, HCV elimination requires unrestricted access to HCV treatment and improved methods of retaining people in medical care.

Rapid decrease in titer and breadth of neutralizing anti-HCV antibodies in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved SVR

The main targets for neutralizing anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies (HCV-nAbs) are the E1 and E2 envelope glycoproteins. We have studied the characteristics of HCV-nAbs through a retrospective study involving 29 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR) with peg-IFNα + ribavirin anti-HCV therapy. Plasma samples at baseline and week 24 after SVR were used to perform neutralization assays against five JFH1-based HCV recombinant viruses coding for E1 and E2 from genotypes 1a (H77), 1b (J4), 2a (JFH1), 3a (S52) and 4a (ED43). At baseline, the majority of plasma samples neutralized 1a, 1b, 2a, and 4a, but not 3a, genotypes. Twenty-four weeks following SVR, most neutralizing titers declined substantially. Furthermore, titers against 3a and 2a were not detected in many patients. Plasma samples with high HCV-nAb titers neutralized all genotypes, and the highest titers at the starting point correlated with the highest titers at week 24 after SVR. In conclusion, high titers of broad-spectrum HCV-nAbs were detected in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals, however, those titers declined soon after SVR.

Retrospective study of hepatitis C outcomes and treatment in HIV co-infected persons from the Australian HIV Observational Database

BACKGROUND

The widespread availability of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is expected to drastically improve the treatment uptake and cure rate of hepatitis C virus (HCV). In this paper, rates of and factors associated with HCV treatment uptake and cure in the HIV co-infected population in Australia were assessed before access to DAAs.

METHODS

The medical records of patients in the Australian HIV Observational Database who were reported to be HCV antibody positive from 1999 to 2014 were reviewed for HCV treatment data. Patients with detectable HCV RNA were included in this analysis. Logistic regression models were applied to identify factors associated with treatment uptake and HCV sustained virological response (SVR) 24 weeks' post treatment.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time of those with chronic HCV/HIV co-infection was 103 months (interquartile range 51-166 months). Of 179 HCV viraemic patients, 79 (44.1%) began treatment. In the adjusted model, a higher METAVIR score was the only significant factor associated with treatment uptake (odds ratio (OR) 8.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.00-39.3, P=0.004). SVR was achieved in 37 (50%) of 74 treated patients. HCV genotypes 2/3 compared with 1/4 remained the only significant factor for SVR in an adjusted multivariable setting (OR 5.44, 95% CI 1.53-19.4, P=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV treatment uptake and SVR have been relatively low in the era of interferon-containing regimens, in Australian HIV/HCV coinfected patients. With new and better tolerated DAAs, treatment of HCV is likely to become more accessible, and identification and treatment of HCV in co-infected patients should become a priority.

Solid Organ Transplantation in HIV-Infected Recipients: History, Progress, and Frontiers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

End-stage organ disease prevalence is increasing among HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals. Trial and registry data confirm that solid organ transplantation (SOT) is efficacious in this population. Optimizing access to transplant and decreasing complications represent active frontiers.

RECENT FINDINGS

HIV+ recipients historically experienced 2-4-fold higher rejection. Integrase strand transferase inhibitors (INSTIs) minimize drug interactions and may reduce rejection along with lymphodepleting induction immunosuppression. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection has been associated with inferior outcomes, yet direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) may mitigate this. Experience in South Africa and the US HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act support HIV+ donor to HIV+ recipient (HIV D+/R+) transplantation. SOT is the optimal treatment for end-stage organ disease in HIV+ individuals. Recent advances include use of INSTIs and DAAs in transplant recipients; however, strategies to improve access to transplant are needed. HIV D+/R+ transplantation is under investigation and may improve access and provide insights for HIV cure and pathogenesis research.

Trends in cause-specific mortality in HIV-hepatitis C coinfection following hepatitis C treatment scale-up

OBJECTIVE

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment may reduce liver-related mortality but with competing risks, other causes of mortality may undermine benefits. We examined changes in cause-specific mortality among HIV-HCV coinfected patients before and after scale-up of HCV treatment.

DESIGN

Prospective multicentre HIV-HCV cohort study in Canada.

METHODS

Cause-specific deaths, classified using a modified 'Coding of Cause of Death in HIV' protocol, were determined for two time periods, 2003-2012 and 2013-2017, stratified by age (20-49; 50-80 years). Comparison of trends between periods was performed using Poisson regression. To account for competing risks, multinomial regression was used to estimate the cause-specific hazard ratios of time and age on cause of death, from which end-stage liver disease (ESLD)-specific 5-year cumulative incidence functions were estimated.

RESULTS

Overall, 1634 participants contributed 8248 person-years of follow-up; 273 (17%) died. Drug overdose was the most common cause of death overall, followed by ESLD and smoking-related deaths. In 2013-2017, ESLD was surpassed by drug overdose and smoking-related deaths among those aged 20-49 and 50-80, respectively. After accounting for competing risks, comparing 2003-2012 to 2013-2017, ESLD deaths declined (adjusted hazards ratio: 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.62). However, both early and late period cumulative incidence functions demonstrated increased risk of death from ESLD for patients with poor HIV control and advanced fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

The gains made in overall mortality with HCV therapy may be thwarted if modifiable harms are not addressed. Although ESLD-related deaths have decreased over time, treatment should be further expanded, prioritizing those with advanced fibrosis.

HCV Screening and Treatment Uptake Among Patients in HIV Care During 2014-2015

BACKGROUND

Despite the high prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among persons living with HIV (PWH), the prevalence of HCV screening, treatment, and sustained virologic response (SVR) is unknown. This study aims to characterize the continuum of HCV screening and treatment among PWH in HIV care.

SETTING

Adult patients enrolled at 12 sites of the HIV Research Network located in 3 regions of the United States were included.

METHODS

We examined the prevalence of HCV screening, HCV coinfection, direct-acting antiretroviral (DAA) treatment, and SVR-12 between 2014 and 2015. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify characteristics associated with outcomes, adjusted for site.

RESULTS

Among 29,071 PWH (age 18-87, 74.8% male, 44.4% black), 77.9% were screened for HCV antibodies; 94.6% of those screened had a confirmatory HCV RNA viral load test. Among those tested, 61.1% were determined to have chronic HCV. We estimate that only 23.4% of those eligible for DAA were prescribed DAA, and only 17.8% of those eligible evidenced initiating DAA treatment. Those who initiated treatment achieved SVR-12 at a rate of 95.2%. Blacks and people who inject drugs (PWID) were more likely to be screened for HCV than whites or those with heterosexual risk. Persons older than 40 years, whites, Hispanics, and PWID [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 8.70 (7.74 to 9.78)] were more likely to be coinfected than their counterparts. When examining treatment with DAA, persons older than 50 years, on antiretroviral therapy [AOR 2.27 (1.11 to 4.64)], with HIV-1 RNA <400 [AOR 2.67 (1.71 to 4.18)], and those with higher Fib-4 scores were more likely to be treated with DAA.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rates of screening for HCV among PWH are high, screening remains far from comprehensive. Rates of SVR were high, consistent with previously published literature. Additional programs to improve screening and make treatment more widely available will help reduce the impact of HCV morbidity among PWH.

Steatosis Rates by Liver Biopsy and Transient Elastography With Controlled Attenuation Parameter in Clinical Experience of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/HCV Coinfection in a Large US Hepatitis Clinic

Background

Steatosis contributes to liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV coinfection. Liver biopsy (LB) is the reference standard for grading steatosis and staging fibrosis, yet recent advances in noninvasive modalities have largely supplanted LB, which may limit recognition of steatosis. We evaluated steatosis rates by LB and transient elastography (TE) with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) among HCV-infected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients in a US clinic.

Methods

Patients with chronic HCV infection during pretreatment evaluation by LB (n = 421; December 2001 through May 2014) and TE with CAP (n = 1157; May 2016 through May 2017) were included. Fibrosis and steatosis rates by LB and TE with CAP were stratified by HCV versus HIV/HCV coinfection status.

Results

Steatosis was not reported in 26.1% of LBs. Moderate to severe steatosis (grade ≥S2) was detected more often with CAP than with LB (in 24.0% vs 11.4% of patients, respectively). Median CAP values were higher in patients with HCV monoinfection than in those with coinfection (230 vs 215.5 dB/m, respectively; P < .001). With TE, the rate of advanced fibrosis (values F3–F4) was higher in HCV monoinfection than in coinfection (25.9% vs 14.8%, respectively; P <.001). With both LB and TE, advanced fibrosis (F3–F4) was significantly associated with moderate to severe steatosis (S2–S3) in HCV monoinfection compared with HIV/HCV coinfection (33.3% vs 4.4%, respectively for LB [P = 0.003] and 36.0% vs 29.0% for TE [P = 0.008]).

Conclusions

In patients with chronic HCV undergoing liver fibrosis staging, steatosis was detected more often with CAP than LB, with median CAP values higher in HCV monoinfection than HIV/HCV coinfection. Steatosis severity may be increasing in the modern HCV treatment era.

Relationship between various hepatic function scores and the formation of esophageal varices in patients with HIV/hepatitis C virus co-infection due to contaminated blood products for hemophilia

AIM

It is reportedly difficult to accurately assess the liver reserve capacity of patients with HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection through contaminated blood products by the Child-Pugh (CP) classification. Therefore, we investigated a clinically applicable scoring system in determining the risk of esophageal varices in HIV/HCV co-infected patients, known as latent portal hypertension leading to esophageal varices.

METHODS

Forty-three patients with HIV/HCV co-infection underwent clinical examinations, including endoscopy and assessment of hepatic reserve, in our department between 2009 and 2017. Child-Pugh score, the recently developed albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, and the albumin-indocyanine green evaluation (ALICE) were compared to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy for the detection of esophageal varices using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

RESULTS

The patients were all male hemophiliacs and were positive for both HIV and HCV antibodies, with a median age of 45 years (range, 29-66 years). Thirty-seven patients (84.1%) were classified as CP A at the examination. The comparison of AUROCs showed a superior diagnostic accuracy for ALICE (AUROC = 0.814) to detect esophageal varices. The positive prediction rate was the highest with ALICE if -2.325 was set, and the negative prediction rate was the highest with ALBI if -2.575 was set. The ALICE showed the highest accuracy compared to other two scores.

CONCLUSION

The ALICE score was found to be the most valuable system for portal hypertension in HIV/HCV co-infected hemophilia patients. Because of its high specificity, ALICE for secondary surveillance could be used after other markers such as the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and Fibrosis-4 index.

Barriers and facilitators of hepatitis C treatment uptake among people who inject drugs enrolled in opioid treatment programs in Baltimore

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health issue among people who inject drugs (PWID) with prevalence of 50-80% in the United States. Effective, simple, oral direct acting agents (DAA) of short duration with minimal side effects have been associated with cure rates > 95%. However, HCV treatment uptake among PWID remains low. We characterized the HCV care continuum, HCV treatment knowledge, as well as barriers and facilitators to HCV treatment uptake among PWID enrolled in two opioid treatment programs (OTPs) in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

METHODS

Between July and November 2016, 124 HCV infected PWID were recruited from two opioid treatment programs in Baltimore through convenience sampling. Participants completed a 50-item questionnaire to assess HCV treatment knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Progress through the HCV care continuum was assessed based on a series of questions assessing evaluation for HCV treatment, recommendation for HCV treatment by a provider, and HCV treatment initiation. HCV status was assessed based on participant self-report.

RESULTS

The median age was 52 years (IQR 44-58), 56% were male, the majority were African American (69%), and 19% reported HIV coinfection. Participants had been tested for HCV at their primary care provider's (PCP's) office (34%), drug treatment center (20%), emergency room (11%), or prison (9%), and most (60%) had been diagnosed with HCV over 5 years prior. The majority reported that HCV was a major health concern for them (91%), were aware there were new treatments for HCV (89%), and that the new treatments cure most people (69%). More than half (60%) had seen a health professional who could treat HCV, 40% had HCV therapy recommended by their HCV specialist, and 20% had started or completed treatment. In univariable analysis, PWID were significantly more likely to have been treated if they were HIV co-infected (OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.3-9.2)) or had a partner or friend concerned about their HCV (OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.2-9.7)), and were significantly less likely to have been treated if they had used any illicit drugs in the preceding 6 months (OR 0.4 (95% CI 0.2-0.99). In multivariable analysis, having a friend or partner concerned about their HCV remained significantly associated with HCV treatment (OR 5.0 (95% CI 1.4-17.7)). When questioned about what would facilitate HCV treatment, the majority (85%) reported that a friend telling them that HCV treatment had helped them and having HCV treatment provided at their opioid treatment program would make them more likely to engage in HCV treatment.

CONCLUSION

Despite a high prevalence of HCV among opioid treatment program patients and the availability of effective treatments, uptake remains low. We identified several key barriers and facilitators that can affect HCV treatment uptake.

Human immunodeficiency virus and hepatotropic viruses co-morbidities as the inducers of liver injury progression

Hepatotropic viruses induced hepatitis progresses much faster and causes more liver- related health problems in people co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although treatment with antiretroviral therapy has extended the life expectancy of people with HIV, liver disease induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes significant numbers of non-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths in co-infected patients. In recent years, new insights into the mechanisms of accelerated fibrosis and liver disease progression in HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV co-infections have been reported. In this paper, we review recent studies examining the natural history and pathogenesis of liver disease in HIV-HCV/HBV co-infection in the era of direct acting antivirals (DAA) and antiretroviral therapy (ART). We also review the novel therapeutics for management of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV co-infected individuals.

Increased liver stiffness is associated with mortality in HIV/HCV coinfected subjects: The French nationwide ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort study

Background

The association between liver stiffness measurements (LSM) and mortality has not been fully described. In particular the effect of LSM on all-cause mortality taking sustained virological response (SVR) into account needs further study.

Methods

HIV/HCV participants in the French nation-wide, prospective, multicenter ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort, with ≥1 LSM by FibroScan (FS) and a detectable HCV RNA when the first valid FS was performed were included. Cox proportional hazards models with delayed entry were performed to determine factors associated with all-cause mortality. LSM and SVR were considered as time dependent covariates.

Results

1,062 patients were included from 2005 to 2015 (69.8% men, median age 45.7 years (IQR 42.4–49.1)). 21.7% had baseline LSM >12.5 kPa. Median follow-up was 4.9 years (IQR 3.2–6.1). 727 (68.5%) were ever treated for HCV: 189 of them (26.0%) achieved SVR. 76 deaths were observed (26 liver-related, 10 HIV-related, 29 non-liver-non-HIV-related, 11 of unknown cause). At the age of 50, the mortality rate was 4.5% for patients with LSM ≤12.5 kPa and 10.8% for patients with LSM >12.5 kPa. LSM >12.5 kPa (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR] = 3.35 [2.06; 5.45], p<0.0001), history of HCV treatment (aHR = 0.53 [0.32; 0.90], p = 0.01) and smoking (past (aHR = 5.69 [1.56; 20.78]) and current (3.22 [0.93; 11.09]) versus never, p = 0.01) were associated with all-cause mortality independently of SVR, age, sex, alcohol use and metabolic disorders.

Conclusion

Any LSM >12.5 kPa was strongly associated with all-cause mortality independently of SVR and other important covariates. Our results suggest that close follow-up of these patients should remain a priority even after achieving SVR.

Real-world impact of direct acting antiviral therapy on health-related quality of life in HIV/Hepatitis C co-infected individuals

Clinical trial results of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) have shown improvements in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL). However, the extent to which these results are broadly generalizable to real-world settings is unknown. We investigated the real-world impact of oral DAA therapy on HR-QoL among individuals coinfected with HIV/HCV. We used data from the Canadian HIV/HCV Co-Infection Cohort Study that prospectively follows 1795 participants from 18 centres. Since 2007, clinical, lifestyle, and HR-QoL data have been collected biannually through self-administered questionnaires and chart review. HR-QoL was measured using the EQ-5D instrument. Participants initiating oral DAAs, having at least one visit before treatment initiation and at least one visit after DAA treatment response was ascertained, were included. Successful treatment response was defined as a sustained viral response (SVR). Segmented multivariate linear mixed models were used to evaluate the impact of SVR on HR-QoL, controlling for pretreatment trends. 227 participants met our eligibility criteria, 93% of whom achieved SVR. Before treatment, the EQ-5D utility index decreased 0.6 percentage-point/y (95% CI, -0.9, -0.3) and health state was constant over time. The immediate effect of SVR resulted in an increase of 2.3-units (-0.1, 4.7) in patients' health state and 2.0 percentage-point increase (-0.2, 4.0) in utility index. Health state continued to increase post-SVR by 1.4 units/y (-0.9, 3.7), while utility trends post-SVR plateaued over the observation period. Overall using real-world data, we found modest improvements in HR-QoL following SVR, compared to previously published clinical trials.

Hepatitis C Guidance 2018 Update: AASLD-IDSA Recommendations for Testing, Managing, and Treating Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Recognizing the importance of timely guidance regarding the rapidly evolving field of hepatitis C management, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) developed a web-based process for the expeditious formulation and dissemination of evidence-based recommendations. Launched in 2014, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) guidance website undergoes periodic updates as necessitated by availability of new therapeutic agents and/or research data. A major update was released electronically in September 2017, prompted primarily by approval of new direct-acting antiviral agents and expansion of the guidance's scope. This update summarizes the latest release of the HCV guidance and focuses on new or amended recommendations since the previous September 2015 print publication. The recommendations herein were developed by volunteer hepatology and infectious disease experts representing AASLD and IDSA and have been peer reviewed and approved by each society's governing board.

Hepatitis C virus genotype 3: clinical features, current and emerging viral inhibitors, future challenges

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a global burden on healthcare that affects over 150 million people worldwide. In the past, HCV genotype 3 was considered difficult to treat relative to other genotypes. Genotype 3 has been associated with a higher rate of complications, including fatty liver disease, fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality. However, with the advent of first- and second-generation direct-acting antivirals, genotype 3 can be treated effectively. Additionally, these new drugs are well tolerated by patients and have significantly fewer side effects compared to ribavirin and interferon-based regimens. However, while great strides have been made in overcoming biological barriers, our next challenge lies in overcoming economic and financial obstacles if we are to eradicate HCV genotype 3. Herein, we review the clinical features associated with HCV genotype 3, current and emerging treatment regimens, and challenges associated with treatment.

Pharmacogenetics and the treatment of HIV-/HCV-coinfected patients

This review will summarize the role of pharmacogenetics in the natural history of hepatitis C, particularly in patients with HIV/HCV and will take the perspective of pharmacogenetics and its influence on the response to antiviral therapy and the susceptibility to develop adverse effects. This review will also devote a section to host genetics in other clinical situations, such as disease progression and acute HCV infection, which may determine whether treatment of HIV-/HCV-coinfected patients is implemented or deferred.

Generic velpatasvir plus sofosbuvir for hepatitis C virus infection in patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus coinfection

BACKGROUND

Data are limited regarding the effectiveness and safety of generic velpatasvir plus sofosbuvir (VEL/SOF) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of generic VEL/SOF-based therapy for HCV infection in patients with or without HIV coinfection in Taiwan.

METHODS

Sixty-nine HIV/HCV-coinfected and 159 HCV-monoinfected patients receiving 12 weeks of generic VEL/SOF with or without ribavirin (RBV) for HCV were prospectively enrolled. The anti-viral responses and the adverse events (AEs) were compared between the two groups. The characteristics potentially related to sustained virological response 12 weeks off therapy (SVR₁₂ ) were analysed.

RESULTS

The SVR₁₂ was achieved in 67 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients (97.1%; 95% CI: 90.0%-99.2%) and in 156 HCV-monoinfected patients (98.1%; 95% CI: 94.6%-99.4%) receiving VEL/SOF-based therapy, respectively. The SVR₁₂ rates were comparable between HIV/HCV-coinfected and HCV-monoinfected patients, regardless of pre-specified baseline characteristics. One hundred twenty-two (53.5%) and seven (3.1%) patients had baseline resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in HCV NS5A and NS5B regions, but the SVR₁₂ rates were not affected by the presence or absence of RASs. One (1.4%) and five (3.1%) patients in the HIV/HCV-coinfected and HCV-monoinfected groups had serious AEs. No patient died or discontinued treatment due to AEs. The eGFR remained stable throughout the course of treatment in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).

CONCLUSIONS

Generic VEL/SOF-based therapy is well-tolerated and provides comparably high SVR₁₂ rates for HCV infection in patients with and without HIV coinfection.

Hepatitis C Cure Is Associated with Decreased Healthcare Costs in Cirrhotics in Retrospective Veterans Affairs Cohort

BACKGROUND

Approximately 233,898 individuals in the Veterans Affairs healthcare network are hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected, making the Veterans Affairs the single largest provider of HCV care in the USA. Direct-acting antiviral treatment regimens for HCV offer high cure rates. However, these medications pose an enormous financial burden, and whether HCV cure is associated with decreased healthcare costs is poorly defined.

AIMS

To measure downstream healthcare costs in a national population of HCV-infected patients up to 9 years post-HCV antiviral treatment, to compare downstream healthcare costs between cured and uncured patients, and to assess impact of cirrhosis status on cost differences.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study (2004-2014) of hepatitis C-infected patients who initiated antiviral treatment within the United States Veterans Affairs healthcare system October 2004-September 2013. We measured inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy costs after HCV treatment.

RESULTS

For the entire cohort, cure was associated with mean cumulative cost savings in post-treatment years three-six, but no cost savings by post-treatment year nine. By post-treatment year nine, cure in cirrhosis patients was associated with a mean cumulative cost savings of $9474 (- 32,666 to 51,614) per patient, while cure in non-cirrhotic patients was associated with a mean cumulative cost excess of $2526 (- 12,211 to 7159) per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with cirrhosis at baseline, cure is associated with absolute cost savings up to 9 years post-treatment compared to those without cure. Among patients without cirrhosis, early post-treatment cost savings are counterbalanced by higher costs in later years.

Characteristics of patients with hepatitis C virus-related chronic liver diseases just before the era of oral direct-acting antiviral therapy in Italy

BACKGROUND

In 2017, oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection became available free of charge for all HCV-RNA-positive patients, irrespective of their fibrosis stage.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of HCV-related chronic liver disease (CLD) in Italy just before the introduction of DAA therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with CLD were enrolled in two national surveys conducted in 2001 and in 2014. The two surveys prospectively enrolled patients aged older than 18 years referring to Italian liver units throughout the country using a similar clinical approach and analytical methods.

RESULTS

Out of the 12 564 patients enrolled, 8447 (67.3%) were anti-HCV-positive, with a decreasing trend from 69.0% in 2001 to 60.4% in 2014. During this period, an increasing trend over time was observed in the mean age of patients (55.6 vs. 59.1 years; P<0.01), in the proportion of patients with liver cirrhosis (19.4 vs. 28.2%; P<0.01), and in the circulation of genotype 4 (0 vs. 6.1%). The multiple logistic analysis showed that age older than 60 years, birth in southern Italy, and multiple etiology (HCV+hepatitis B virus or HCV+alcohol) are independent predictors of a likelihood of liver cirrhosis, whereas a higher level of education plays a protective role (odds ratio: 0.65; 95% confidence interval=0.57-0.76).

CONCLUSION

Currently, in Italy, chronic HCV infection plays a decreasing role in CLD, showing a shift toward older age groups and a more severe disease stage. These data, relating to just before the era of DAA therapy for this infection, represent up-to-date reference data for evaluating the effectiveness of DAAs in the future.

Treatment of Chronic HCV Infection with the New Direct Acting Antivirals (DAA): First Report of a Real World Experience in Southern Brazil

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

There is almost no data regarding the efficacy of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy in Brazil. The aim of this historical cohort study is to describe the sustained virologic response (SVR) rate among real-world compensated chronic hepatitis C patients in three hepatology centers from Southern Brazil.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were included if they had at least 12 weeks follow-up after the end of therapy. Patients that were lost to follow-up or had treatment prematurely interrupted for any reason were considered treatment failure in this intention to treat analysis.

RESULTS

219 patients were analyzed. Mean age was 57.4 ± 10.9 years and 142/219 (64.8%) were male. Genotype 1 was present in 166 patients (75.8%; 1a 29.2%, 1b 46.6%); Genotypes 2, 3 and 4 in 8 (3.7%), 43 (19.6%) and 2 (0.9%), respectively. 96 (43.8%) were cirrhotic. 134 (59.5%) were treatment experienced. DAA therapies were: sofosbuvir (SOF) + ribavirin (RBV) in 10 patients; SOF + simeprevir (SMV) ± RBV in 73; SOF + pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) + RBV in 6; SOF + daclatasvir (DCV) ± RBV in 51, SOF + ledipasvir (LDV) ± RBV in 61, and paritaprevir/ ritonavir + ombitasvir + dasabuvir (PTVr/OBV/DSV) ± RBV in 18 patients. SVR-12 was achieved in 208/219 (95%). Ten patients had virologic failure: 6 cirrhotic, 7 treatment experienced, and 6 either genotype 3 or 1a. No adverse event was attributed to the DAA therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Real world experience with DAA therapy in Southern Brazil showed a high rate of SVR and excellent tolerability. Failure to achieve SVR was mainly observed among patients with at least one negative predictor of response: cirrhosis and/or genotypes 1a or 3.

Treatment of hepatitis C in special populations

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the primary causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In hemodialysis patients, the rate of HCV infection is high and is moreover associated with a poor prognosis. In liver transplantation patients with HCV infection, recurrent HCV infection is universal, and re-infected HCV causes rapid progression of liver fibrosis and graft loss. Additionally, in patients with HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, liver fibrosis progresses rapidly. Thus, there is an acute need for prompt treatment of HCV infection in these special populations (i.e., hemodialysis, liver transplantation, HIV co-infection). However, until recently, the standard anti-HCV treatment involved the use of interferon-based therapy. In these special populations, interferon-based therapies could not achieve a high rate of sustained viral response and moreover were associated with a higher rate of adverse events. With the development of novel direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), the landscape of anti-HCV therapy for special populations has changed dramatically. Indeed, in special populations treated with interferon-free DAAs, the sustained viral response rate was above 90%, with a lower incidence and severity of adverse events.

Hepatitis C virus cure does not impact kidney function decline in HIV co-infected patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text

Objective:

To examine the impact of sustained virologic response (SVR) and illicit (injection and noninjection) drug use on kidney function among hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV co-infected individuals.

Design:

Longitudinal observational cohort study of HCV-HIV co-infected patients.

Methods:

Data from 1631 patients enrolled in the Canadian Co-Infection Cohort between 2003 and 2016 were analyzed. Patients who achieved SVR were matched 1 : 2 with chronically infected patients using time-dependent propensity scores. Linear regression with generalized estimating equations was used to model differences in estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) between chronic HCV-infected patients and those achieving SVR. The relationship between illicit drug use and eGFR was explored in patients who achieved SVR.

Results:

We identified 384 co-infected patients who achieved SVR (53% treated with interferon-free antiviral regimens) and 768 propensity-score matched patients with chronic HCV infection. Most patients were men (78%) and white (87%), with a median age of 51 years (interquartile range: 45–56). During 1767 person-years of follow-up, 4041 eGFR measurements were available for analysis. Annual rates of decline in eGFR were similar between patients with SVR [−1.32 (ml/min per 1.73 m²)/year, 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.75 to −0.90] and chronic infection [−1.19 (ml/min per 1.73 m²) per year, 95% CI −1.55 to −0.84]. Among SVR patients, recent injection cocaine use was associated with rapid eGFR decline [−2.16 (ml/min per 1.73 m²)/year, 95% CI −4.17 to −0.16].

Conclusion:

SVR did not reduce the rate of kidney function decline among HCV–HIV co-infected patients. Increased risk of chronic kidney disease in co-infection may not be related to persistent HCV replication but to ongoing injection cocaine use.

Disparities in direct acting antivirals uptake in HIV-hepatitis C co-infected populations in Canada

Background

Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) have revolutionized hepatitis C (HCV) treatment with >90% cure rates even in real‐world studies, giving hope that HCV can be eliminated. However, for DAAs to have a population‐level impact on the burden of HCV disease, treatment uptake needs to be expanded. We investigated temporal trends in HCV treatment uptake and evaluated factors associated with second‐generation DAA initiation and efficacy among key HIV‐HCV co‐infected populations in Canada.

Methods

The Canadian HIV‐HCV Co‐Infection Cohort Study prospectively follows 1699 participants from 18 centres. Among HCV RNA+ participants, we determined the incidence of HCV treatment initiation per year overall and by key populations between 2007 and 2015. Key populations were based on World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines including: people who actively inject drugs (PWID) (reporting injection drug use, last 6 months); Indigenous people; women and men who have sex with men (MSM). Multivariate Cox models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 2‐year probability of initiating second‐generation DAAs for each of the key populations.

Results

Overall, HCV treatment initiation rates increased from 8 (95% CI, 6–11) /100 person‐years in 2013 to 28 (95% CI, 23–33) /100 person‐years in 2015. Among 911 HCV RNA + participants, there were 202 second‐generation DAA initiations (93% with interferon‐free regimens). After adjustment (aHR, 95% CI), active PWID (0.60, 0.38–0.94 compared to people not injecting drugs) and more generally, people with lower income (<$18 000 CAD/year) (0.50, 0.35, 0.71) were less likely to initiate treatment. Conversely, MSM were more likely to initiate 1.95 (1.33, 2.86) compared to heterosexual men. In our cohort, the population profile with the lowest 2‐year probability of initiating DAAs was Indigenous, women who inject drugs (5%, 95% CI 3–8%). Not having any of these risk factors resulted in a 35% (95% CI 32–38%) probability of initiating DAA treatment. Sustained virologic response (SVR) rates were >82% in all key populations.

Conclusion

While treatment uptake has increased with the availability of second‐generation DAAs, marginalized populations, already engaged in care, are still failing to access treatment. Targeted strategies to address barriers are needed to avoid further health inequities and to maximize the public health impact of DAAs.

Comparison of the Hepatitis C Continua of Care Between Hepatitis C Virus/HIV Coinfected and Hepatitis C Virus Mono-Infected Patients in Two Treatment Eras During 2008-2015

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection included use of pegylated interferon-based regimens before 2014 and direct-acting agents (DAA) since 2014 at the VA Medical Center in Washington, DC. We compared the continua of care between our HCV/HIV coinfected and HCV mono-infected patients during 2008-2015. A review of summary data from our local HCV Clinical Case Registry was conducted for the interferon treatment era (2008-2013) and the DAA era (2014-2015). Data were analyzed on a modified HCV Continuum of Care based on these stages: HCV diagnosis, engagement in medical care, HCV treatment, and HCV sustained virologic response (SVR) for differences between HCV/HIV coinfected and HCV mono-infected patients. All patients had 88% engagement in primary care during 2008-2013. HCV mono-infected and HCV/HIV coinfected patients had similar treatment (6% vs. 5%, p = .6622) and HCV SVR (1% vs. 0.5%, p = .1737) rates in the interferon era. However, more HCV/HIV coinfected patients were engaged in care (93% vs. 87%, p = .0044), accessed HCV treatment (36% vs. 23%, p < .0001), and achieved HCV SVR (31% vs. 21% p = .0002) compared to mono-infected patients in the DAA era. Both HCV/HIV coinfected and HCV mono-infected patients achieved higher SVR of ≥86% after DAA treatment. Although improvements were seen for treatment and SVR among HCV mono-infected patients, better rates for care engagement, HCV treatment, and SVR were realized for HCV/HIV coinfected patients in the DAA era.

Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus Reinfection After Sustained Virologic Response in Patients Coinfected With HIV

Background.

Highly effective hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapies have spurred a scale-up of treatment to populations at greater risk of reinfection after sustained virologic response (SVR). Reinfection may be higher in HIV–HCV coinfection, but prior studies have considered small selected populations. We assessed risk factors for reinfection after SVR in a representative cohort of Canadian coinfected patients in clinical care.

Methods.

All patients achieving SVR after HCV treatment were followed with HCV RNA measurements every 6 months in a prospective cohort study. We used Bayesian Cox regression to estimate reinfection rates according to patient reported injection drug use (IDU) and sexual activity among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Results.

Of 497 patients treated for HCV, 257 achieved SVR and had at least 1 subsequent RNA measurement. During 589 person-years of follow-up (PYFU) after SVR, 18 (7%) became HCV RNA positive. The adjusted reinfection rate (per 1000 PYFU) in the first year after SVR was highest in those who reported high-frequency IDU (58; 95% credible interval [CrI], 18–134) followed by MSM reporting high-risk sexual activity (26; 95% CrI, 6–66) and low-frequency IDU (22; 95% CrI, 4–68). The rate in low-risk MSM (16; 95% CrI, 4–38) was similar to that in reference patients (10; 95% CrI, 4–20). Reinfection rates did not diminish with time.

Conclusions.

HCV reinfection rates varied according to risk. Measures are needed to reduce risk behaviors and increase monitoring in high-risk IDU and MSM if HCV elimination targets are to be realized.

Optimal Use of Transient Elastography and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse to Stage Liver Fibrosis in HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients in Clinical Practice

OBJECTIVES

Liver fibrosis (LF) is crucial for the individualized management of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). We evaluated the concordance between two noninvasive methods for staging LF, transient elastography (TE) and acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI), in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus and HCV. We propose an algorithm for optimal use of both techniques in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

A total of 89 human immunodeficiency virus/HCV-coinfected patients underwent TE and ARFI on the same day. The kappa index was used to assess concordance between the techniques. An algorithm combining ARFI and TE was proposed based on the independent factors associated with a kappa index greater than or equal to 0.70, obtained from a multiple regression analysis. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis. The study was approved by our institutional review board and all patients signed the informed consent.

RESULTS

Concordance between TE and ARFI for F2, F3, and F4 was 0.55, 0.59, and 0.69, respectively. Ultrasound normal spleen size (odds ratio [OR], 0.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.91) and high viral load (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.17-0.77) reduced the probability of agreement between TE and ARFI, whereas ultrasound normal left liver lobe size (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.21-9.10) increased this probability. The algorithm revealed that LF was adequately assessed in 74.16%, with 25.84% of patients misclassified. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of TE compared with ARFI to increase concordance by 1% was €8.86.

CONCLUSIONS

Concordance between TE and ARFI was moderate. In the algorithm we proposed, ARFI was cost-effective as a first technique for the staging of LF in the study population.

Blood-borne viral co-infections among human immunodeficiency virus-infected inmates

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the prevalence of HBV and/or HCV co-infection among HIV-infected inmates entering the correctional facility. Design/methodology/approach - Prospective collection of data of HIV-infected inmates entered the institution over a ten-year period. Findings - During study period 365 consecutive different inmates were evaluated. HCV co-infection was observed in more than 80 per cent of the tested HIV-infected inmates, past HBV infection in 71.6 per cent and active HBV co-infection was detected in 7.1 per cent; triple coinfection (HIV, HCV and HBs-Ag positivity) was present in 6 per cent of the total. Originality/value - This study confirms high prevalence of co-infections among HIV-infected inmates. Testing for HBV and HCV in all HIV-infected inmates at entry in any correctional system is recommended to identify those in need of specific care and/or preventing interventions.

High hepatitis C cure rates among black and nonblack human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults in an urban center

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure rates have been similar in patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection; however, in the ION-4 study, black patients treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) were significantly less likely to achieve cure (90%) compared to nonblack patients (99%). There are limited real-world data on the effectiveness of oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in predominantly minority HIV/HCV coinfected populations. We analyzed HCV treatment outcomes among 255 HCV coinfected patients initiating DAAs between February 2014 and March 2016 in an urban clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. To facilitate adherence, patients received standardized HIV nurse/pharmacist support, which included nurse visits and telephone calls. Median age was 43 years, 88% were black, 73% male, 69% had a history of injection drug use, 45% a history of hazardous alcohol use, and 57% a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis. Median CD4 count was 577 (interquartile range, 397-820) cells/mm³ ; most (97%) were on antiretroviral therapy, had HIV RNA <20 copies/mL (87%), and were infected with HCV genotype 1 (98%). Over 60% had significant fibrosis (Fibrosis-4 Index score 1.45-3.25 [44%] and >3.25 [17%, cirrhosis]) and 30% were HCV treatment experienced. The majority of patients received LDV/SOF with or without ribavirin (91%) and were treated for 12 weeks. Overall, the sustained virological response rate was 97% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93-98) and did not vary by race (black, 96% [95% CI, 93-98]; nonblack, 97%, [95% CI, 83-99]), history of injection drug use, alcohol use, or psychiatric diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

HCV treatment was highly effective among HIV-infected patients who received care within an integrated nurse/pharmacist adherence support program. These results suggest that race and psychosocial comorbidity may not be barriers to HCV elimination. (Hepatology 2017;66:1402-1412).

Safety and efficacy of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir on hepatitis C eradication in hepatitis C virus/human immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients

AIM

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir on hepatitis C eradication in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection in an urban HIV clinic.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 40 subjects co-infected with HIV-1 and HCV treated with the fixed-dose combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir for 12 wk from 2014 to 2016. All patients included were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) with HIV RNA values of 100 copies/mL or fewer regardless of baseline HCV RNA level. The primary end point was a sustained virologic response of HCV at 12 wk (SVR12) after the end of therapy.

RESULTS

Of the 40 patients enrolled, 55% were black, 22.5% had been previously treated for HCV, and 25% had cirrhosis. The patients were on a wide range of ART. Overall, 39 patients (97.5%) had a SVR 12 after the end of therapy, including rates of 97.1% in patients with HCV genotype 1a and 100% in those with HCV genotype 1b. One patient with HCV genotype 3a was included and achieved SVR12. Rates of SVR12 were similar regardless of previous treatment or the presence of compensated cirrhosis. Only 1 patient experienced relapse at week 12 following treatment and deep sequencing didn’t reveal any resistance associated mutation in the NS5A or NS5B region. Interestingly, 7 (17.5%) patients who were adherent to ART experienced HIV viral breakthrough which resolved after continuing the same ART regimen. Two (5%) patients experienced HIV-1 virologic rebound due to noncompliance with HIV therapy, which resolved after resuming the same ART regimen. No severe adverse events were observed and no patient discontinued treatment because of adverse events. The most common adverse events included headache (12.5%), fatigue (10%), and diarrhea (2.5%).

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study demonstrated the high rates of SVR12 of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir on HCV eradication in patients co-infected with HCV and HIV, regardless of HCV baseline levels, HCV treatment history or cirrhosis condition. The oral combination of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir represents a safe and well tolerated HCV treatment option that does not require modification for many of the common HIV ART. Occasional HIV virologic rebound occurred but later resolved without the need to change ART.

Risk of liver decompensation with cumulative use of mitochondrial toxic nucleoside analogues in HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfection

PURPOSE

Among patients dually infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing mitochondrial toxic nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (mtNRTIs) might induce chronic hepatic injury, which could accelerate HCV-associated liver fibrosis and increase the risk of hepatic decompensation and death.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study among 1747 HIV/HCV patients initiating NRTI-containing ART within the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (2002-2009) to determine if cumulative mtNRTI use increased the risk of hepatic decompensation and death among HIV-/HCV-coinfected patients. Separate marginal structural models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of each outcome associated with cumulative exposure to ART regimens that contain mtNRTIs versus regimens that contain other NRTIs.

RESULTS

Over 7033 person-years, we observed 97 (5.6%) decompensation events (incidence rate, 13.8/1000 person-years) and 125 (7.2%) deaths (incidence rate, 17.8 events/1000 person-years). The risk of hepatic decompensation increased with cumulative mtNRTI use (1-11 mo: HR, 1.79 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74-4.31]; 12-35 mo: HR, 1.39 [95% CI, 0.68-2.87]; 36-71 mo: HR, 2.27 [95% CI, 0.92-5.60]; >71 mo: HR, 4.66 [95% CI, 1.04-20.83]; P = .045) versus nonuse. Cumulative mtNRTI use also increased risk of death (1-11 mo: HR, 2.24 [95% CI, 1.04-4.81]; 12-35 mo: HR, 2.05 [95% CI, 0.68-6.20]; 36-71 mo: HR, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.12-8.26]; >71 mo: HR, 3.93 [95% CI, 0.75-20.50]; P = .030).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that cumulative mtNRTI use may increase the risk of hepatic decompensation and death in HIV/HCV coinfection. These drugs should be avoided when alternatives exist for HIV/HCV patients.