Efficacy and safety of direct-acting antiviral regimens in HIV/HCV-co-infected patients - French ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort

Efficacy, Tolerability, and Compliance of Direct Acting Antivirals in Patients with HIV and Hepatitis C Coinfection: A Real-Life Experience

Effective management of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection warrants special emphasis on interactions between direct acting antivirals (DAAs) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) along with maintenance of treatment compliance. All HIV-HCV coinfected adult patients (2015-2020) were included in this real-life retrospective study. Prevalence of coinfection, proportion of coinfected patients treated, compliance rate, sustained virological response at week 12 (SVR12) after the end of therapy, and adverse events were assessed. Among 4578 HIV patients, 232 (5.1%) had HCV coinfection. Ninety-two (39.7%) were intravenous drug users. One hundred twenty-eight (55.1%) patients presented to the liver clinic. Seventy-six (32.8%) patients [mean age: 36.6 ± 10.4 years; 65 (85.5%) males; mean CD4 count: 396 ± 246 cells/mL] completed DAA therapy, whereas 52 (22.4%) patients defaulted and 75 (32.3%) were lost to follow-up. Sixty-seven (82.2%) patients had chronic hepatitis and 9 (11.8%) had compensated cirrhosis. Median (range) HCV-RNA was 5.9 × 106 IU/mL (2.4 × 105-9.9 × 105). Among 15 (19.5%) treatment experienced patients, 14 were pegylated interferon experienced and one was NS5A-inhibitor experienced. ART regimens comprised a combination of tenofovir (T), lamivudine (L), efavirenz (E), nevirapine (N), and/or zidovudine (Z) at dosage and modifications as applicable [TLE: 63 (82.9%), ZLN:11 (14.5%), and ZLE: 2 (2.6%)]. Overall, 74 (97.4%) out of 76 patients who completed DAA therapy achieved SVR12. Adverse events were minor and well-tolerated. HIV-HCV-coinfected patients demonstrate excellent SVR12 and tolerability with available DAAs, with no major adverse events.

Reasons for not commencing direct-acting antiviral treatment despite unrestricted access for individuals with HIV and hepatitis C virus: a multinational, prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Individuals with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) who remain untreated with direct-acting antivirals can contribute to HCV transmission and HCV-related mortality. We aimed to compare rates of uptake of direct-acting antivirals following unrestricted access to this treatment in high-income countries and examine factors associated with remaining untreated.

METHODS

This multinational, prospective cohort study used data from the International Collaboration on Hepatitis C Elimination in HIV Cohorts (InCHEHC). We analysed data from nine observational cohorts participating in the InCHEHC, including data from six high-income countries (Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland). We included individuals aged 18 years and older, with HIV and HCV (ie, HCV-RNA positive without evidence of spontaneous clearance) during unrestricted access to interferon-free direct-acting antiviral treatment in each country. We calculated the cumulative proportion of participants who remained untreated with direct-acting antivirals, with follow-up starting after the date of unrestricted access or cohort inclusion, whichever occurred most recently. Factors associated with the commencement rate of direct-acting antiviral treatment were assessed using competing-risks regression with the Fine-Gray method.

FINDINGS

The date of unrestricted access to direct-acting antiviral treatment for people with HIV ranged from Nov 1, 2014, in France to Nov 1, 2017, in Switzerland. We included 4552 individuals with HIV-HCV, mainly men who have sex with men (MSM; n=2156 [47%]) and people who inject or have injected drugs (n=1453 [32%]). 1365 (30%) of 4552 participants remained untreated with direct-acting antivirals. For individuals treated with direct-acting antivirals, median time from start of follow-up to treatment was 5 months (IQR 2-12). For individuals who were not treated with direct-acting antivirals, median follow-up was 22 months (8-30). Being linked to care in Australia, France, or the Netherlands, on antiretroviral therapy, having undetectable HIV RNA, and shorter duration since first positive HCV test were independently associated with higher commencement rate of direct-acting antiviral treatment. Compared with MSM, male heterosexuals and females with unknown or other routes of HIV transmission (ie, neither injection drug use nor heterosexual transmission) had lower rates of commencement.

INTERPRETATION

Despite unrestricted access, almost a third of individuals with HIV-HCV remained untreated with direct-acting antivirals during follow-up, with variation in commencement rate of HCV treatment between countries and key populations. Increased efforts are required to reach the remaining individuals with HIV who are HCV-viraemic to achieve HIV-HCV micro-elimination.

FUNDING

None.

Cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C virus test-and-treat and risk reduction strategies among men who have sex with men living with HIV in France

INTRODUCTION

Studies suggest that hepatitis C virus (HCV) micro-elimination is feasible among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), through treatment-as-prevention and interventions aimed at reducing risk behaviours. However, their economic impact is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of HCV screening and risk reduction strategies in France.

METHODS

A compartmental deterministic mathematical model was developed to describe HCV disease transmission and progression among MSM living with HIV in France. We evaluated different combinations of HCV screening frequency (every 12, 6 or 3 months) and risk reduction strategies (targeting only high-risk or all MSM) from 2021 onwards. The model simulated the number of HCV infections, life-expectancy (LYs), quality-adjusted life-expectancy (QALYs), lifetime costs and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) over a lifetime horizon (leading to an end of the simulation in 2065).

RESULTS

All strategies increased QALYs, compared with current practices, that is yearly HCV screening, with no risk reduction. A behavioural intervention resulting in a 20% risk reduction in the high-risk group, together with yearly screening, was the least expensive strategy, and, therefore, cost-saving compared to current practices. The ICER per QALY gained for the strategy combining risk reduction for the high-risk group with 6-month HCV screening, compared to risk reduction with yearly screening, was €61,389. It also prevented 398 new HCV infections between 2021 and 2065, with a cost per infection averted of €37,790. All other strategies were dominated (more expensive and less effective than some other available alternative) or not cost-effective (ICER per QALY gained > €100,000).

CONCLUSIONS

In the French context, current HCV screening practices without risk reduction among MSM living with HIV cannot be justified on economic grounds. Risk reduction interventions targeted to high-risk individuals-alongside screening either once or twice a year-could be cost-effective depending on the policymaker's willingness-to-pay.

HCV treatment in Sardinian HIV-HCV coinfected patients: a real-life perspective study on safety, efficacy, and immune reconstitution

BACKGROUND

HIV-HCV co-infected patients have long been considered difficult-to-treat. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) changed this paradigm.We evaluated the efficacy and safety of DAA-based regimens and the impact of DAAs-induced HCV clearance on the immunological status in HIV-HCV co-infected patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

HIV patients starting HCV treatment with DAAs were included. Sustained virological response at 12 weeks after DAAs treatment (SVR12) was assessed. CD4+ and CD8+ blood cell count and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were recorded at baseline and six months post DAA treatment. We enrolled 201 patients, 76.1% males, median age 54 years, the most common genotypes 3 (29.8%) and 1a (29.4%), 40.3% with cirrhosis, 32.3% with prior interferon-based treatment. All patients were on antiretroviral treatment, 24.4% on methadone maintenance therapy and 22.6% on psychotropic drugs.

RESULTS

SVR12 was 98.4%, the most common side effects were pruritus (8.4%), headache (7.4%) and fatigue (5.9%). An increase in CD4+ and CD8+ cell count was observed six months after completion of DAAs treatment, in particular in patients with low CD4+ cell count at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

DAAs treatment resulted in high SVR12 rates, was well tolerated and Increased CD4+ and CD8+, especially in patients with low CD4+ cell count at baseline.

Low hepatitis C virus-viremia prevalence yet continued barriers to direct-acting antiviral treatment in people living with HIV in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVE

To describe hepatitis C virus (HCV)-viremia prevalence and barriers to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment during unrestricted access to DAA in a nationwide cohort of people with HIV (PWH).

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.

METHODS

We calculated yearly HCV-viremia prevalence as proportion of HCV RNA-positive individuals ever HCV-tested. We then included HCV-viremic individuals with ≥1 visit during the era of universal DAA-access (database lock = December 31, 2018). Based on their last visit, individuals were grouped as DAA-treated or -untreated. Variables associated with lack of DAA-treatment were assessed using targeted maximum likelihood estimation. In November 2020, physicians of DAA-untreated individuals completed a questionnaire on barriers to DAA-uptake and onward HCV-transmission risk.

RESULTS

Among 25 196 PWH, HCV-viremia decreased from 4% to 5% between 2000 and 2014 to 0.6% in 2019. Being DAA-untreated was associated with HIV-transmission route other than men who have sex with men, older age, infrequent follow-up, severe alcohol use, detectable HIV-RNA, HCV-genotype 3, and larger hospital size. With universal DAA-access, 72 of 979 HCV-viremic individuals remained DAA-untreated at their last visit. Of these, 39 were no longer in care, 27 remained DAA-untreated in care, and six initiated DAA since database lock. Most common physician-reported barriers to DAA-uptake were patient refusal (20/72, 28%) and infrequent visit attendance (19/72, 26%). Only one DAA-untreated individual in care was engaging in activities associated with onward HCV-transmission.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of HCV-viremic PWH is low in the Netherlands, coinciding with widespread DAA-uptake. Barriers to DAA-uptake appear mostly patient-related, while HCV-transmission seems unlikely from the few DAA-untreated in care.

Impact of test-and-treat and risk reduction strategies on HCV transmission among MSM living with HIV in France: a modelling approach

OBJECTIVE

Since the early 2000s, there has been an epidemic of HCV occurring among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV, mainly associated with high-risk sexual and drug-related behaviours. Early HCV diagnosis and treatment, and behavioural risk-reduction, may be effective to eliminate HCV among MSM living with HIV.

DESIGN

We developed a deterministic dynamic compartmental model to simulate the impact of test-and-treat and risk-reduction strategies on HCV epidemic (particularly on incidence and prevalence) among MSM living with HIV in France. We accounted for HIV and HCV cascades of care, HCV natural history and heterogeneity in HCV risk behaviours. The model was calibrated to primary HCV incidence observed between 2014 and 2017 among MSM living with HIV in care (ANRS CO4-French hospital database on HIV (FHDH)).

RESULTS

With current French practices (annual HCV screening and immediate treatment), total HCV incidence would fall by 70%, from 0.82/100 person-years in 2015 to 0.24/100 person-years in 2030. It would decrease to 0.19/100 person-years in 2030 with more frequent screening and to 0.19 (0.12)/100 person-years in 2030 with a 20% (50%) risk-reduction. When combining screening every 3 months with a 50% risk-reduction, HCV incidence would be 0.11/100 person-years in 2030, allowing to get close to the WHO target (90% reduction from 2015 to 2030). Similarly, HCV prevalence would decrease from 2.79% in 2015 to 0.48% in 2030 (vs 0.71% with current practices).

CONCLUSION

Combining test-and-treat and risk-reduction strategies could have a marked impact on the HCV epidemic, paving the way to HCV elimination among MSM living with HIV.

Risk of severe clinical events after sustained virological response following direct-acting antiviral therapy in HIV and hepatitis C virus coinfected participants

OBJECTIVES

Sustained virological response (SVR) decreases the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related events. Nevertheless, a substantial risk of events persists. We estimated incidences and identified factors associated with severe clinical events after SVR following treatment with a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

METHODS

Participants from the ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH were included if they reached SVR. Incidence rates of overall mortality, liver-related events, AIDS-defining events, ischaemic events and non-liver non-AIDS-defining cancers (NLNA) were estimated. Factors associated with the risk of those events were identified using Poisson models adjusted on age at SVR and sex.

RESULTS

In all, 775 participants were included. Incidence rates (95% confidence interval) of liver-related events, overall mortality, AIDS-defining events, ischaemic events and NLNA cancers per 1000 person-years were 5.9 (3.3-10.3), 22.2 (16.8-29.5), 0.6 (0.1-4.5), 7.3 (4.4-12.2) and 13.7 (9.4-20.0), respectively. For all events, incidence rates were higher in cirrhotic than in non-cirrhotic participants. Cirrhosis, liver stiffness and CD4 count were associated with liver-related events. Factors associated with overall mortality were age, cirrhosis, liver stiffness and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). For ischaemic events and NLNA cancers, associated factors were total cholesterol and CD4 count, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

After SVR following a DAA treatment, liver-related and AIDS-defining events were observed less frequently than NLNA cancers. Severity of liver disease was associated with the risk of liver-related events and of overall mortality but not with ischaemic events and NLNA cancers. Factors reflecting HIV infection were associated with NLNA cancers and liver-related events.

Liver function following hepatitis C virus eradication by direct acting antivirals in patients with liver cirrhosis: data from the PITER cohort

BACKGROUND

The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for HCV has revolutionized the treatment of HCV, including its treatment in patients with HIV coinfection. The aim of this study was to compare the changes in liver function between coinfected and monoinfected patients with cirrhosis who achieved HCV eradication by DAA.

METHODS

Patients with pre-treatment diagnosis of HCV liver cirrhosis, consecutively enrolled in the multicenter PITER cohort, who achieved a sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment cessation (SVR12) were analysed. Changes in Child-Pugh (C-P) class and the occurrence of a decompensating event was prospectively evaluated after the end of DAA treatment. Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate factors independently associated with changes in liver function following viral eradication.

RESULTS

We evaluated 1350 patients, of whom 1242 HCV monoinfected (median follow-up 24.7, range 6.8-47.5 months after viral eradication) and 108 (8%) HCV/HIV coinfected (median follow-up 27.1, range 6.0-44.6). After adjusting for age, sex, HCV-genotype, HBsAg positivity and alcohol use, HIV was independently associated with a more advanced liver disease before treatment (C-P class B/C vs A) (OR: 3.73, 95% CI:2.00-6.98). Following HCV eradication, C-P class improved in 17/20 (85%) coinfected patients (from B to A and from C to B) and in 53/82 (64.6%) monoinfected patients (from B to A) (p = 0.08). C-P class worsened in 3/56 coinfected (5.3%) (from A to B) and in 84/1024 (8.2%) monoinfected patients (p = 0.45) (from A to B or C and from B to C). Baseline factors independently associated with C-P class worsening were male sex (HR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.18-3.36), platelet count < 100,000/μl (HR = 1.75; 95% CI 1.08-2.85) and increased INR (HR = 2.41; 95% CI 1.51-3.84). Following viral eradication, in 7 of 15 coinfected (46.6%) and in 61 of 133 (45.8%) monoinfected patients with previous history of decompensation, a new decompensating event occurred. A first decompensating event was recorded in 4 of 93 (4.3%) coinfected and in 53 of 1109 (4.8%) monoinfected patients (p = 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Improvement of liver function was observed following HCV eradication in the majority of patients with cirrhosis; however viral eradication did not always mean cure of liver disease in both monoinfected and coinfected patients with advanced liver disease.

Effectiveness and Safety of Interferon-Free Direct-Acting Antiviral Hepatitis C Virus Therapy in HIV/Hepatitis C Virus Coinfected Individuals: Results From a Pan-European Study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effectiveness, safety, and reasons for premature discontinuation of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in a diverse population of HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected individuals in Europe.

METHODS

All HIV/HCV coinfected individuals in the EuroSIDA study that started interferon free DAA treatment between January 6, 2014, and January 3, 2018, with ≥12 weeks of follow-up after treatment stop were included in this analysis. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as a negative HCV-RNA result ≥12 weeks after stopping treatment (SVR12). Logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with SVR12.

RESULTS

1042 individuals started interferon-free DAA treatment after 1/6/2014 and were included, 862 (82.2%) had a known response to treatment, and 789 [91.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 89.7 to 93.4] of which achieved SVR12. There were no differences in SVR12 across regions of Europe (P = 0.84). After adjustment, the odds of achieving SVR12 was lower in individuals that received sofosbuvir/simeprevir ± ribavirin (RBV) [adjusted odds ratio 0.21 (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.53)] or ombitasvir/paritaprevir/dasabuvir ± RBV [adjusted odds ratio 0.46 (95% CI: 0.22 to 1.00)] compared with sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± RBV. Forty-three (4.6%) individuals had one or more components of their HCV regimen stopped early, most commonly because of toxicity (n = 14); of these 14, 11 were treated with ribavirin. Increased bilirubin was the most common grade 3 or 4 laboratory adverse event (n = 15.3%) and was related to treatment with atazanavir and ribavirin.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings from real-world data on HIV/HCV coinfected individuals across Europe show DAA treatment is well tolerated and that high rates of SVR12 can be achieved in all regions of Europe.

Impact of interferon-free therapies in HIV/HCV co-infected patients on real clinical practice: results from a multicenter region-wide cohort study (2014-2018)

BACKGROUND

Here, we assess the efficacy and safety of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) in a real-world cohort of co-infected individuals, and evaluate the consistency between clinical practice and guideline recommendations.

METHODS

Multicenter, prospective cohort study of HIV/HCV co-infected patients followed-up in nine sites in Spain. All patients with detectable HCV-RNA naive to second-generation DAAs were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the assessment of sustained virological response at week 12 (SVR12). We performed intention-to-treat (ITT), per-protocol (PP), and multivariable analyses to identify factors associated with therapeutic failure. We compared the DAAs we administered to available guideline recommendations. Schemes not perfectly adjusted to the recommendations were defined as sub-optimal.

RESULTS

Overall, 316 patients (82.1% male) received a total of 330 treatments. Of these, 43.9% were cirrhotic and 40.6% were treatment-experienced. In the ITT and PP analyses, SVR12 was achieved in 90.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 87.3-93.6] and 93.7% (95% CI 90.5-95.6), respectively. Only alcohol abuse [odds ratio (OR): 0.33; 95% CI 0.138-0.789, P = 0.013] and a higher basal bilirubin level (OR: 0.595; 95% CI 0.416-0.851, P = 0.004) were independently associated to therapeutic failure. A progressive decrease in the proportion of sub-optimal treatments was observed over time, from 75% in 2014 to 0% in 2018. Being treated with a sub-optimal regimen was not associated with failure.

CONCLUSION

Despite numerous difficulties in treatment access and in adaptation to the changing guidelines, we detected no differences among the DAAs used, nor did we detect a lower efficacy when the chosen treatment was not optimal.

Life after hepatitis C cure in HIV-infected people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men treated with direct-acting antivirals in France: Health perceptions and experiences from qualitative and quantitative findings (ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH)

There remains a substantial gap in our understandings of the life experiences of patients following HCV cure among HIV-HCV-co-infected people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM), two key populations targeted for HCV elimination. We described the experiences and perspectives of HIV-positive PWID and MSM, HCV-cured following treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). We used an exploratory sequential mixed approach using both qualitative data (semi-structured interviews with 27 PWID and 20 MSM) and quantitative data (self-administered questionnaires with 89 PWID) via the prospective ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort. PWID reported improvements in physical health-related quality of life (HRQL) and self-reported symptoms following treatment, but no significant change in mental HRQL. During interviews, several MSM, more recently diagnosed with HCV, expressed less concern regarding HCV than HIV infection and interpreted improvements in their overall well-being after HCV cure to be more related to a closer connection with healthcare providers than with viral elimination. By contrast, PWID, particularly those previously exposed to interferon-based treatments, described major improvements in their physical HRQL. Both MSM and PWID reported improvements in cognitive or psychological wellbeing, and a majority of them reported some degree of concern over potential HCV reinfection. To conclude, though health benefits of HCV cure concern both groups, HIV-infected PWID and MSM may have different representations and experiences following DAA treatment, related to their history with HCV. They are thus likely to benefit from holistic, post-treatment follow-up care that is responsive to their evolving health and social contexts.

Hepatitis C virus-microelimination program and patient trajectories after hepatitis C virus cure in an outpatient HIV clinical unit

OBJECTIVE

Treatment recommendations for hepatitis C now make no distinction between HIV/HCV-coinfected and HCV-monoinfected patients. The largest challenge remained lack of effective models to eliminate HCV in people living with HIV. We report the results of a microelimination program evaluating the possibility of eradicating HCV in an HIV-outpatient clinical unit within 12 months.

METHODS

This HCV-microelimination program began in February 2016 in an unit following approximately 1000 HIV-infected patients and combined screening and therapeutic components according to the French guideline. A nested cohort study evaluating the impact of HCV cure on different health outcomes was conducted through self-administered questionnaires and using generalized mixed models.

RESULTS

Among 601 patients eligible for HCV serological testing, 445 were evaluated, and two HCV acute infections were diagnosed. Among the 151 patients eligible for HCV RNA quantification, 119 were evaluated, and one reinfection with HCV was diagnosed. Among the 110 patients eligible for direct-acting antiviral treatment, 51 (46.4%) initiated treatment within the 12 months program, and 35 (31.8%) after. Sustained virologic response (SVR) rate was 96.1%, and two treatments failed. At least one self-reported symptom was declared by 72.5% (n = 29) of patients. Positive impact of HCV cure was observed on various markers of physical and mental health as well as on health habits.

CONCLUSION

Our program should be considered as a proof of concept, which confirmed the feasibility of a HCV-microelimination program at the scale of an HIV clinical unit. However, 12 months were not sufficient to achieve our objective despite the specific organization.

Efficacy and safety of direct acting antiviral regimens for hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection: systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Various all-oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are being widely used in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infected patients; however, the comparative efficacy and safety of different types and combinations of DAAs are not completely clear. There is still a lack of integration of evidence for optimized therapies for HIV/HCV co-infection.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search in several databases up to January 1, 2020. All the studies that reported the sustained virologic response (SVR) and adverse events of DAAs in HIV/HCV co-infected patients were included. The Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo method was used for the pooled estimates of network meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 33 eligible articles with 7 combinations of all-oral DAAs for the analyses of efficacy and safety. Grazoprevir-elbasvir ± ribavirin (GZR/EBR ± RBV: 95.6%; 95% CrI, 91.7-98.1%), ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir ± ribavirin (3D ± RBV: 95.3%; 95% CrI, 93.4-96.9%), sofosbuvir-ledipasvir ± ribavirin (SOF/LDV ± RBV: 95.2%; 95% CrI, 93.7-96.6%), and sofosbuvir-daclatasvir ± ribavirin (SOF/DCV ± RBV: 94.8%; 95% CrI, 92.5-96.6%) were the most effective combinations for HIV/HCV co-infected patients, with SVR rates of approximately 94% and above while severe adverse events were rare. However, the SVR rates of sofosbuvir-ribavirin (SOF/RBV) and sofosbuvir-simeprevir ± ribavirin (SOF/SMV ± RBV) both failed to reach 90%, and the incidences of adverse events were higher than 5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficacy and safety of all-oral DAAs were in prospect for HIV/HCV co-infection patients. GZR/EBR ± RBV was the optimal combination recommended for HIV/HCV co-infected patients based on the excellent treatment effects and insignificant adverse events.

2020 Taiwan consensus statement on the management of hepatitis C: Part (II) special populations

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a silent killer that leads to rapid progression of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). High prevalence of HCV infection has been reported in Taiwan, especially in high-risk populations including people who inject drugs (PWID) and patients requiring dialysis. Besides, certain populations merit special considerations due to suboptimal outcome, potential drug-drug interaction, or possible side effect. Therefore, in the second part of this 2-part consensus, the Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) proposes the treatment recommendations for the special population in order to serve as guidance to optimizing the outcome in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era. Special populations include patients with acute or recent HCV infection, previous DAA failure, chronic kidney disease, decompensated cirrhosis, HCC, liver and other solid organ transplantations, receiving an HCV viremic organ, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV dual infection, HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, active tuberculosis infection, PWID, bleeding disorders and hemoglobinopathies, children and adolescents, and pregnancy. Moreover, future perspectives regarding the management of hepatitis C are also discussed and summarized in this consensus statement.

Hepatitis C: How Good Are Real-Life Data and Do Generics Work

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection remains a national and global public health burden and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Oral direct-acting antiviral combination regimens have excellent tolerability and efficacy with rates exceeding 90%. Sustained virologic response is associated with significant improvements in clinical outcomes. However, translation of sustained virologic response rates from trials to community settings has been poor with interferon-based regimens. We review and summarize key datasets from major real-world observational cohort studies. We review preliminary data from oral generic direct-acting antiviral formulations. Future real-world studies are needed to further clarify optimal treatment strategies for difficult-to-treat populations.

Advanced liver disease outcomes after hepatitis C eradication by human immunodeficiency virus infection in PITER cohort

Background

Liver disease progression after Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) eradication following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in the real-life setting according to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) coinfection was evaluated.

Methods

Patients consecutively enrolled in PITER between April 2014 and June 2019 and with at least 12-weeks follow-up following treatment were analysed. Cox regression analysis were used to evaluate HIV coinfection and factors independently associated with liver disease outcomes following viral eradication in DAA treated patients with pre-treatment liver cirrhosis.

Results

93 HIV/HCV coinfected and 1109 HCV monoinfected patients were evaluated during a median follow-up of 26.7 (range 6–44.6) and 24.6 (range 6.8–47.3) months, respectively. No difference in the cumulative HCC incidence and hepatic decompensation was observed between coinfected and monoinfected patients. Age (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.08; 95% CI 1.04–1.13), male sex (HR = 2.76; 95% CI 1.28–5.96), lower albumin levels (HR = 3.94; 95% CI 1.81–8.58), genotype 3 (HR = 5.05; 95% CI 1.75–14.57) and serum anti-HBc positivity (HR = 1.99, 95% CI 1.01–3.95) were independently associated with HCC incidence. Older age (HR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.00–1.07), male sex (HR = 2.13; 95% CI 1.06–4.26) and lower albumin levels (HR = 3.75; 95% CI 1.89–7.46) were independently associated with the appearance of a decompensating event after viral eradication.

Conclusion

Different demographic, clinical and genotype distribution between HIV coinfected vs those monoinfected, was observed in a representative cohort of HCV infected patients in Italy. Once liver cirrhosis is established the disease progression is decreased, but still persists regardless of viral eradication in both coinfected and monoinfected patients. In patients with cirrhosis, HIV coinfection was not associated with a higher probability of liver complications, after viral eradication.

Micro-elimination of hepatitis C virus

BACKGROUND & AIMS

HCV affects about 71 million people worldwide with 1.75 million new infections a year, mainly associated with healthcare, blood transfusion before screening of donors and drug use. Hepatitis C is a systemic disease with hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations resulting in increased morbidity and mortality in HCV-infected patients compared to cured or uninfected individuals.

RESULTS

The goal of eliminating hepatitis C by 2030 is based on the following three main actions: strengthening and increasing outreach screening; increasing access to treatment; and improving prevention. Although the tools and the targets of HCV elimination have now been well established, micro-elimination, a cure in high-risk populations, is possible, but has not been achieved. These populations are mainly migrants, prisoners, drug users, HIV co-infected patients and psychiatric patients. New tools must be developed to achieve micro-elimination, in particular, rapid diagnostic orientation tests for better screening, delocalization of healthcare services to improve access to care, and training physicians to raise awareness of the disease, increase understanding of its pathogenesis and provide information on the availability of safe and effective treatment to cure chronic infection and reverse hepatic and extrahepatic manifestations.

CONCLUSION

Thus, while the goal of complete elimination of hepatitis C virus was feasible in Western countries, it was more difficult in high-prevalence countries where improvement in the detection of chronic infection (with rapid serological and virological diagnostic tests), outsourcing of diagnostic and therapeutic care and access to direct oral antivirals are urgently needed.

Real-world experiences with direct-acting antiviral agents for chronic hepatitis C treatment

As direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents become more readily available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, it is important to understand real-world treatment experiences. In order to assess the effectiveness of DAA regimens and factors that influence sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system, we retrospectively identified veterans with chronic hepatitis C who were treated with DAAs from January 2014 to June 2015. We determined SVR rates and collected data on demographics, genotype (GT), previous interferon-based treatment, antiviral regimens, and co-morbidities (HIV, prior solid organ transplant, haemodialysis) for analysis. Of 15 720 veterans, the majority were infected with genotype 1a (GT1a, 60.5%). Excluding the special populations, the overall cohort SVR rate was 92%. Compared to treatment-experienced patients, treatment-naïve patients had significantly higher SVR rates (90% vs 92%, P = .006). Subgroups associated with lower likelihood of achieving SVR-included African Americans (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69-0.91), GT3 (OR 0.65, CI 0.50-0.86), and cirrhosis (OR 0.91, CI 0.84-0.99) or decompensated cirrhosis (ascites: OR 0.78, CI 0.67-0.91, variceal bleed: OR 0.75, CI 0.57-0.99). The only treatment regimen independently associated with lower SVR rates was SOF+RBV+IFN (OR 0.65, CI 0.50-0.84). Special populations achieved high SVR rates: HIV 92%, haemodialysis 93%, liver transplant 96% and renal transplant 94%. In conclusion, overall SVR rates were comparable to those reported in clinical trials and carried over to historically more difficult-to-treat patients. Several patient- and treatment-related factors were identified as independent predictors of treatment failure and suggest subgroups to target for efforts to improve therapeutic strategies.

Direct-acting Antiviral in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C: Bonuses and Challenges

Owing to the rapid development and wide clinical application of direct acting antiviral (DAA) drugs in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the era of interferon-based therapy has almost come to an end. Cumulative studies show that DAA therapy renders high cure efficiency (>90%) and good safety profile, and may even bring some unexpected benefits to the patients. However, some issues of concern arise, one of which is the resistance mutation of HCV genome leading to failure of treatment. With the aim of providing some meaningful references for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), this article summarizes the research progress on benefits of DAA accompanied by viral clearance in the treatment of chronic hepatitis and the drug resistance.

High Treatment Uptake in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus-Coinfected Patients After Unrestricted Access to Direct-Acting Antivirals in the Netherlands

Background

The Netherlands has provided unrestricted access to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) since November 2015. We analyzed the nationwide hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment uptake among patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HCV.

Methods

Data were obtained from the ATHENA HIV observational cohort in which >98% of HIV-infected patients ever registered since 1998 are included. Patients were included if they ever had 1 positive HCV RNA result, did not have spontaneous clearance, and were known to still be in care. Treatment uptake and outcome were assessed. When patients were treated more than once, data were included from only the most recent treatment episode. Data were updated until February 2017. In addition, each treatment center was queried in April 2017 for a data update on DAA treatment and achieved sustained virological response.

Results

Of 23574 HIV-infected patients ever linked to care, 1471 HCV-coinfected patients (69% men who have sex with men, 15% persons who [formerly] injected drugs, and 15% with another HIV transmission route) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these, 87% (1284 of 1471) had ever initiated HCV treatment between 2000 and 2017, 76% (1124 of 1471) had their HCV infection cured; DAA treatment results were pending in 6% (92 of 1471). Among men who have sex with men, 83% (844 of 1022) had their HCV infection cured, and DAA treatment results were pending in 6% (66 of 1022). Overall, 187 patients had never initiated treatment, DAAs had failed in 14, and a pegylated interferon-alfa-based regimen had failed in 54.

Conclusions

Fifteen months after unrestricted DAA availability the majority of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients in the Netherlands have their HCV infection cured (76%) or are awaiting DAA treatment results (6%). This rapid treatment scale-up may contribute to future HCV elimination among these patients.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Co-infected Patients With Cirrhosis Are No Longer at Higher Risk for Hepatocellular Carcinoma or End-Stage Liver Disease as Compared to HCV Mono-infected Patients

It is widely accepted that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a risk factor for increased severity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) liver disease. However, owing to better efficacy and safety of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), and increased access to HCV therapy, whether this condition remains true is still unknown. Overall, 1,253 HCV mono-infected patients and 175 HIV/HCV co-infected patients with cirrhosis, included in two prospective French national cohorts (ANRS CO12 CirVir and CO13 HEPAVIH), were studied. Cirrhosis was compensated (Child-Pugh A), without past history of complication, and assessed on liver biopsy. Incidences of liver decompensation (LD), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and death according to HIV status were calculated by a Fine-Gray model adjusted for age. Propensity score matching was also performed to minimize confounding by baseline characteristics. At baseline, HIV/HCV patients were younger (47.5 vs. 56.0 years; P < 0.001), more frequently males (77.1% vs. 62.3%; P < 0.001), and had at baseline and at end of follow-up similar rates of HCV eradication than HCV mono-infected patients. A total of 80.4% of HIV/HCV patients had an undetectable HIV viral load. After adjustment for age, 5-year cumulative incidences of HCC and decompensation were similar in HIV/HCV and HCV patients (8.5% vs. 13.2%, P = 0.12 and 12.8% vs. 15.6%, P = 0.40, respectively). Overall mortality adjusted for age was higher in HIV/HCV co-infected patients (subhazard ratio [SHR] = 1.88; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-3.06; P = 0.011). Factors associated with LD and HCC were age, absence of sustained virological response, and severity of cirrhosis, but not HIV status. Using a propensity score matching 95 patients of each group according to baseline features, similar results were observed. Conclusion: In HCV-infected patients with cirrhosis, HIV co-infection was no longer associated with higher risks of HCC and hepatic decompensation. Increased mortality, however, persisted, attributed to extrahepatic conditions.

HIV-HBV and HIV-HCV Coinfection and Liver Cancer Development

Liver diseases that are caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), have become increasingly important in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as their life expectancy is getting longer with successful anti-HIV therapy. Due to their shared transmission routes, dual infection by HIV and HBV or HIV and HCV, and triple infection by all three viruses are fairly common and affect millions of people worldwide. Whereas the immunodeficiency caused by HIV enhances the likelihood of HBV and HCV persistence, hepatotoxicity associated with anti-HIV therapy can worsen the liver diseases associated with HBV or HCV persistence. Evidence suggests HIV infection increases the risk of HBV- or HCV-associated HCC risk although the precise mechanisms of enhanced hepatocarcinogenesis remain to be fully elucidated. Recent success in curing HCV infection, and the availability of therapeutic options effective in long-term suppression of both HIV and HBV replication, bring hope, fortunately, to those who are coinfected but also highlight the need for judicious selection of antiviral therapies.

Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment Failure Among Hepatitis C and HIV-Coinfected Patients in Clinical Care

Background

There are limited data on the real-world effectiveness of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV—a population with complex challenges including ongoing substance use, cirrhosis, and other comorbidities. We assessed how patient characteristics and the appropriateness of HCV regimen selection according to guidelines affect treatment outcomes in coinfected patients.

Methods

We included all patients who initiated DAA treatment between November 2013 and July 2017 in the Canadian Co-Infection Cohort. Sustained virologic response (SVR) was defined as an undetectable HCV RNA measured between 10 and 18 weeks post-treatment. We defined treatment failure as virologic failure, relapse, or death without achieving SVR. Bayesian logistic regression was used to estimate the posterior odds ratios (ORs) associated with patient demographic, clinical, and treatment-related risk factors for treatment failure.

Results

Two hundred ninety-five patients initiated DAAs; 31% were treatment-experienced, 29% cirrhotic, and 80% HCV genotype 1. Overall, 92% achieved SVR (263 of 286, 9 unknown), with the highest rates in females (97%) and lowest in cirrhotics (88%) and high-frequency injection drug users (89%). Many patients (38%) were prescribed regimens that were outside current clinical guidelines. This did not appreciably increase the risk of treatment failure—particularly in patients with genotype 1 (prior odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.38–6.0; posterior OR, 1.0; 95% CrI, 0.40–2.5).

Conclusions

DAAs were more effective than anticipated in a diverse, real-world coinfected cohort, despite the use of off-label, less efficacious regimens. High-frequency injection drug use and cirrhosis were associated with an increased risk of failure.

Effect of incident hepatitis C infection on CD4+ cell count and HIV RNA trajectories based on a multinational HIV seroconversion cohort

BACKGROUND

Most studies on hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV-coinfection do not account for the order and duration of these two infections. We aimed to assess the effect of incident HCV infection, and its timing relative to HIV seroconversion (HIVsc) in HIV-positive MSM on their subsequent CD4+ T-cell count and HIV RNA viral load trajectories.

METHODS

We included MSM with well estimated dates of HIVsc from 17 cohorts within the CASCADE Collaboration. HCV-coinfected MSM were matched to as many HIV monoinfected MSM as possible by HIV-infection duration and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) use. We used multilevel random-effects models stratified by cART use to assess differences in CD4+ cell count and HIV RNA viral load trajectories by HCV-coinfection status.

FINDINGS

We matched 214 (ART-naive) and 147 (on cART) HCV-coinfected MSM to 5384 and 3954, respectively, matched controls. The timing of HCV seroconversion (HCVsc) relative to HIVsc had no demonstrable effect on HIV RNA viral load or CD4+ cell count trajectories. In the first 2-3 years following HCVsc CD4 cell counts were lower among HCV-coinfected MSM, but became comparable with HIV monoinfected MSM thereafter. In ART-naive MSM, during the first 2 years after HCVsc, HIV RNA viral load levels were lower or comparable with HIV monoinfected, tending to be higher thereafter. In MSM on cART, HCV had no significant effect on having a detectable HIV RNA viral load.

INTERPRETATION

Irrespective of the duration of HIV infection when HCV is acquired, CD4+ cell counts were temporarily lower following HCVsc, even when on cART. The clinical implications of our findings remain to be further elucidated.

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.

Factors associated with DAA virological treatment failure and resistance-associated substitutions description in HIV/HCV coinfected patients

AIM

To describe factors associated with treatment failure and frequency of resistance-associated substitutions (RAS).

METHODS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected patients starting a first direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimen before February 2016 and included in the French ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort were eligible. Failure was defined as: (1) non-response [HCV-RNA remained detectable during treatment, at end of treatment (EOT)]; and (2) relapse (HCV-RNA suppressed at EOT but detectable thereafter). Sequencing analysis was performed to describe prevalence of drug class-specific RAS. Factors associated with failure were determined using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Among 559 patients, 77% had suppressed plasma HIV-RNA < 50 copies/mL at DAA treatment initiation, 41% were cirrhotic, and 68% were HCV treatment-experienced. Virological treatment failures occurred in 22 patients and were mainly relapses (17, 77%) then undefined failures (3, 14%) and non-responses (2, 9%). Mean treatment duration was 16 wk overall. Post-treatment NS3, NS5A or NS5B RAS were detected in 10/14 patients with samples available for sequencing analysis. After adjustment for age, sex, ribavirin use, HCV genotype and treatment duration, low platelet count was the only factor significantly associated with a higher risk of failure (OR: 6.5; 95%CI: 1.8-22.6).

CONCLUSION

Only 3.9% HIV-HCV coinfected patients failed DAA regimens and RAS were found in 70% of those failing. Low platelet count was independently associated with virological failure.

Oral direct-acting antivirals and the incidence or recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The influence of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus on the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is conflicting.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the incidence or recurrence of HCC associated with oral DAA therapy. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase from inception to August 2017 to identify observational studies reporting on HCC among patients treated with DAAs. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Data were pooled by random-effects model. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with incidence or recurrence of HCC (PROSPERO number CRD42017057040).

RESULTS

After reviewing 2080 citations, we included 8 controlled studies and 36 uncontrolled studies. The pooled proportion for incident HCC was 1.5 % (95% CI 1.0% to 2.1%; I²=90.1%; n= 542/39 145) from 18 uncontrolled studies and 3.3% (95% CI 1.2% to 9%; I² =96%; n=109/6909) from 5 controlled studies, respectively. The pooled proportion for recurrent HCC was 16.7% (95% CI 10.2% to 26%; I²=84.8%; n=136/867) from 12 uncontrolled studies and 20.1% (95% CI 5.5% to 52.1%; I²=87.5%; n=36/225) from 3 controlled studies, respectively. There was no statistically significant effect on the risk of recurrent HCC (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.16 to 1.59; I² =73.4%) in a meta-analysis of three studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show low proportion of incident HCC, but high proportion of recurrent HCC on treatment with DAAs. Continued active surveillance for HCC after treatment with DAAs remains prudent.

Risk of diabetes in HIV-infected patients is associated with cirrhosis but not with chronic HCV coinfection in a French nationwide HIV cohort

BACKGROUND

Both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections have been reportedly associated with a higher risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) but results are conflicting.

AIMS

To determine whether there is an association between chronic HCV and the incidence of DM, and to study the role of factors such as cirrhosis, IFN-based HCV therapy, sustained virologic response (SVR) and chronic HBV infection among patients living with HIV (PLHIV) followed in a large French multicentre cohort in the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) era.

METHODS

All PLHIV followed up in the Dat'AIDS cohort were eligible. Cox models for survival analysis were used to study the time to occurrence of DM.

RESULTS

Among 28 699 PLHIV, 4004 patients had chronic HCV infection. The mean duration of HCV follow-up was 12.5 ± 8.1 years. The rate ratio of DM was 2.74 per 1000 person-years. By multivariate analysis, increasing age, body mass index>25, AIDS status, nadir CD4 cell count ≤200/mm³ , detectable HIV viral load and cirrhosis (HR 2.26 95% CI 1.14-1.18; P < 0.0001) were predictors of DM, whereas longer cART duration was associated with a lower risk of DM. Chronic HCV and HBV infection and IFN-based HCV therapy were not associated with DM. In a subanalysis among HCV-infected patients, SVR was not related to DM.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that in the HIV population, cirrhosis is associated with an increased occurrence of DM, but not chronic HCV infection or duration of HCV infection.

Evolution of patients' socio-behavioral characteristics in the context of DAA: Results from the French ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH cohort of HIV-HCV co-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have dramatically increased HCV cure rates with minimal toxicity in HIV-HCV co-infected patients. This study aimed to compare the socio-behavioral characteristics of patients initiating pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN)-based HCV treatment with those of patients initiating DAA-based treatment.

METHODS

ANRS CO13 HEPAVIH is a national multicenter prospective cohort started in 2005, which enrolled 1,859 HIV-HCV co-infected patients followed up in French hospital outpatient units. Both clinical/biological and socio-behavioral data were collected during follow-up. We selected patients with socio-behavioral data available before HCV treatment initiation.

RESULTS

A total of 580 patients were included in this analysis. Of these, 347 initiated PEG-IFN-based treatment, and 233 DAA-based treatment. There were significant differences regarding patient mean age (45 years±6 for the PEG-IFN group vs. 52 years±8 for the DAA group, p<0.001), unstable housing (21.4% vs. 11.2%, p = 0.0016), drug use (44.7% vs. 29.6%, p = 0.0003), regular or daily use of cannabis (24.3% vs. 15.6%, p = 0.0002), a history of drug injection (68.9% vs 39.0%, p<0.0001) and significant liver fibrosis (62.4% vs 72.3%, p = 0.0293). In multivariable analysis, patients initiating DAA-based treatment were older than their PEG-IFN-based treatment counterparts (aOR = 1.17; 95%CI [1.13; 1.22]). Patients receiving DAA treatment were less likely to report unstable housing (0.46 [0.24; 0.88]), cannabis use (regular or daily use:0.50 [0.28; 0.91]; non-regular use: 0.41 [0.22; 0.77]), and a history of drug injection (0.19 [0.12; 0.31]).

CONCLUSION

It is possible that a majority of patients who had socio-economic problems and/or a history of drug injection and/or a non-advanced disease stage were already treated for HCV in the PEG-IFN era. Today, patients with unstable housing conditions are prescribed DAA less frequently than other populations. As HCV treatment is prevention, improving access to DAA remains a major clinical and public health strategy, in particular for individuals with high-risk behaviors.

All-oral direct-acting antiviral therapy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human immunodeficiency virus/HCV-coinfected subjects in real-world practice: Madrid coinfection registry findings

We evaluated treatment outcomes in a prospective registry of human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients treated with interferon-free direct-acting antiviral agent-based therapy in hospitals from the region of Madrid between November 2014 and August 2016. We assessed sustained viral response at 12 weeks after completion of treatment and used multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of treatment failure. We evaluated 2,369 patients, of whom 59.5% did not have cirrhosis, 33.9% had compensated cirrhosis, and 6.6% had decompensated cirrhosis. The predominant HCV genotypes were 1a (40.9%), 4 (22.4%), 1b (15.1%), and 3 (15.0%). Treatment regimens included sofosbuvir (SOF)/ledipasvir (61.9%), SOF plus daclatasvir (14.6%), dasabuvir plus ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (13.2%), and other regimens (10.3%). Ribavirin was used in 30.6% of patients. Less than 1% of patients discontinued therapy owing to adverse events. The frequency of sustained viral response by intention-to-treat analysis was 92.0% (95% confidence interval, 90.9%-93.1%) overall, 93.8% (92.4%-95.0%) for no cirrhosis, 91.0% (88.8%-92.9%) for compensated cirrhosis, and 80.8% (73.7%-86.6%) for decompensated cirrhosis. The factors associated with treatment failure were male sex (adjusted odds ratio, 1.75; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.69), Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention category C (adjusted odds ratio, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.41), a baseline cluster of differentiation 4-positive (CD4+) T-cell count <200/mm3 (adjusted odds ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-3.92), an HCV RNA load ≥800,000 IU/mL (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-2.36), compensated cirrhosis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.96-1.89), decompensated cirrhosis (adjusted odds ratio, 2.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.76-4.87), and the use of SOF plus simeprevir, SOF plus ribavirin, and simeprevir plus daclatasvir.

CONCLUSION

In this large real-world study, direct-acting antiviral agent-based therapy was safe and highly effective in coinfected patients; predictors of failure included gender, human immunodeficiency virus-related immunosuppression, HCV RNA load, severity of liver disease, and the use of suboptimal direct-acting antiviral agent-based regimens. (Hepatology 2018;68:32-47).

Derivation and internal validation of a mortality risk index for aged people living with HIV: The Dat'AIDS score

Objective

The objective was to develop a multivariable prognostic index for overall mortality over a five-year span integrating classical HIV biomarkers and comorbidities in people living with HIV (PLHIV) aged 60 or older.

Design

Prospective multicenter cohort study from the French Dat’AIDS cohort.

Methods

All HIV-1 infected patients aged 60 years or older on 1st January 2008 were included. Sociodemographic data, CD4 cell count, CD4 nadir, HIV viral load, history of comorbidities, hepatitis co-infections and laboratory parameters at baseline were considered as potential prognostic variables. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality.

Results

Among 1415 patients included, we derived a score comprising the following predictors: Age (65–74: 1 point; ≥75: 8 points), CD4 cell count (200–349: 3 points; <200: 6 points), non-HIV related cancer (6 points), cardiovascular disease (8 points), estimated glomerular filtration rate (30–59 mL/min/1.73m²: 5 points; <30mL/min/1.73m²: 16 points), cirrhosis (13 points), low body mass index (<18.5 kg/m², 10 points), anemia (6 points). Mean observed score was 7.0 ± 8.0 and ranged from 0 to 45. Score categories defined 4 risk groups for mortality: low, moderate, high and very high risk (5-year survival probability 0.95 (95%CI[0.93–0.97]), 0.90 (95%CI[0.87–0.92]), 0.77 (95%CI[0.68–0.84]) and 0.54 (95%CI[0.43–0.63]) respectively). The score showed good discrimination (C-statistic = 0.76) and calibration.

Conclusions

We propose a multivariable prognostic score for mortality among PLHIV aged 60 or over, who will become the predominant population in future years in western populations. It could be a useful tool for research, for developing preventive and treatment strategies according to risk group, and for risk assessment by clinicians.

Interferon-free direct-acting antiviral therapy for acute hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-infected individuals: A literature review

Dramatic rises in hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection rates in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have been observed recently, largely attributable to increasing recreational drug use combined with increased testing for HCV. In the era of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, treatment of acute HCV infection in HIV-infected individuals with short durations of these drugs may potentially reduce the disease and economic burden associated with HCV infection as well as reducing the likelihood of onward HCV transmission. We performed an extensive literature search of PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar up to 05 September 2017 for clinical trials of acute HCV infection in HIV-infected individuals. In the studies identified, rates of sustained virologic response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) ranged from 21% with 6 weeks of therapy up to 92% with 12 weeks of therapy with sofosbuvir and ribavirin. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 6 weeks achieved an SVR of 77%. No HIV-related events occurred regardless of whether patients were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and DAAs were well tolerated. Data is currently limited with regards to optimal regimens and durations of therapy, which need to be tailored based on potential interactions with concurrent ART and consideration for the fact that patients with higher baseline HCV RNA levels may require an extended duration of treatment.

Interferon-free therapy for treating hepatitis C virus in difficult-to-treat HIV-coinfected patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Data regarding the use of all-oral direct-acting antivirals in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients with advanced liver fibrosis are required, because they are generally under-represented in clinical trials. This study sought to evaluate the use of these drugs in a cohort of coinfected patients, mostly with factors that have previously been recognized as predictors of treatment failure.

METHODS

COINFECOVA-2 is an observational, multicenter study conducted in Eastern Spain. Data of all HIV/HCV-coinfected patients treated with direct-acting antiviral under real-life conditions were retrospectively collected, and factors associated with treatment success or safety were analysed.

RESULTS

Among 515 included patients, 96% were on antiretroviral therapy and 89.5% had an HIV-RNA less than 50 copies/ml. HCV genotype (G) distribution was 47% G-1a, 20% G-4, 14.4% G-1b, and 12.8% G-3. Patients with cirrhosis were 54.2%, and 46% failed to prior HCV-therapies. Overall, 92.8% patients (95% confidence interval: 90.2-94.9) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR12). Cirrhosis was the only factor associated with treatment failure, and SVR12 rate was significantly lower in patients with liver stiffness at least 21 kPa. Adverse events were reported in 36.7%, but only two patients (0.4%) discontinued treatment because of adverse events. The bivariate analysis showed an association between ribavirin use and an increased risk of adverse events (odds ratio 2.84; 95% confidence interval: 1.95-4.1; P ≤ 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This heterogeneous cohort of coinfected patients showed a high rate of SVR12. Among cirrhotic patients, those with a liver stiffness at least 21 kPa had a higher probability of treatment failure. Ribavirin use seems to increase the appearance of adverse events.

Human immunodeficiency virus and liver disease: A comprehensive update

Among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, liver disease remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. While the etiologies are varied and often overlapping in the individual patient, the underlying mechanisms, including oxidative stress, direct activation of stellate cells, HIV interaction with hepatocytes, and bacterial translocation with systemic immune activation, seem to be unifying characteristics. Early and fully suppressive HIV antiretroviral therapy is a mainstay of management either before or concurrent with treatment of etiologic cofactors, including hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B virus, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Significant barriers to care that still exist include liver disease recognition, appropriate linkage to care, ongoing substance abuse, and psychiatric comorbidities in the HIV-infected population. Emerging issues in these patients include acute and chronic hepatitis E, underreported hepatitis D, and a rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:987-1001).

Liposomal vaccine formulations as prophylactic agents: design considerations for modern vaccines

Vaccinology is one of the most important cornerstones in modern medicine, providing better quality of life. The human immune system is composed of innate and adaptive immune processes that interplay when infection occurs. Innate immunity relies on pathogen-associated molecular patterns which are recognized by pathogen recognition receptors localized in antigen presenting cells. After antigen processing and presentation, CD4+ T cell polarization occurs, further leading to B cell and CD8+ activation and humoral and cell-mediated adaptive immune responses. Liposomes are being employed as vaccine technologies and their design is of importance to ensure proper immune responses. Physicochemical parameters like liposome size, charge, lamellarity and bilayer fluidity must be completely understood to ensure optimal vaccine stability and efficacy. Liposomal vaccines can be developed to target specific immune cell types for the induction of certain immune responses. In this review, we will present promising liposomal vaccine approaches for the treatment of important viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections (including tuberculosis, TB). Cationic liposomes are the most studied liposome types due to their enhanced interaction with the negatively charged immune cells. Thus, a special section on the cationic lipid dimethyldioctadecylammonium and TB is also presented.

Time course of cellular HIV-DNA and low-level HIV viremia in HIV-HCV co-infected patients whose HCV infection had been successfully treated with directly acting antivirals

This longitudinal study described cellular HIV-DNA changes and their correlation with HIV low-level plasma viremia (LLV) in HIV-HCV co-infected patients on successful antiretroviral and anti-HCV therapy by treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Thirty-nine patients were examined prior to the start of DAA (T0), after week 12 (T1) and 24 weeks (T2) of anti-HCV therapy. Cellular PBMC HIV-DNA was analysed as an absolute value and as the percentage of increase or decrease from T0 to T2. Patients were classified as having undetectable plasma HIV viraemia (UV) or LLV in the year before the start of anti-HCV treatment and within the T0-T2 study period. Thirty-five patients (89.7%) of the 39 subjects enrolled had the same plasma HIV viraemia control in the year before HCV treatment and in the T0-T2 interval. The HIV-DNA value at T0 and at T2 was higher in patients with LLV than in subjects with UV (p = 0.015 and p = 0.014, respectively). A similar proportion of patients with LLV and UV experienced an increase or decrease of HIV-DNA from T0 to T2. The percentage increase in HIV-DNA value (262.8%) from T0 to T2 was higher compared to the decrease (43.5%) in patients with UV (p = 0.012), and it was higher compared to the percentage increase in HIV-DNA value reported in subjects with LLV (262.8 versus 49%, p = 0.026). HIV-HCV co-infected patients experienced a multifaceted perturbation of cellular HIV-DNA levels within a 24-week period during anti-HCV treatment; the extent of the phenomenon was greater in subjects with UV. Fast HCV-RNA clearance seemed to have a greater influence on the cellular reservoir than on plasma HIV-RNA.