Incidence and predictors of severe liver fibrosis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C: a European collaborative study

No gender differences in the 24-month course of non-invasive liver fibrosis markers after DAA therapy in HCV-mono and HCV/HIV-coinfected patients

Untreated HCV mono and HCV/HIV coinfected women have lower degrees of liver fibrosis (LF) compared to men. Direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy attains viral eradication in > 90% of patients with progressive LF decline in parallel. Gender-related differences in LF regression in the long term assessed by non-invasive liver fibrosis markers (NILFM) in HCV mono and HCV/HIV coinfected after DAA treatment have not been explored so far. 374 HCV-infected adult patients, 214 of them HCV/HIV coinfected, were followed-up for 24 months after starting DAA therapy. LF was assessed by NILFM: transient elastometry (TE) and several biochemical indexes (APRI, Forns, FIB-4). Men had significantly more advanced LF at baseline than women assessed by NILFM. No LF differences at baseline in age, HIV coinfection course (CD4, HIV viral load), and HCV features (HCV viral load, genotype) were detected. No significant gender differences in LF decline after comparing 24-month and baseline LF values were observed. LF changes after DAA therapy were similar in HCV mono and HCV/HIV coinfected patients and in both sexes. Gender did not influence the course of LF decline after DAA assessed by NILFM: TE (P = 0.8), APRI (P = 0.9), Forns (P = 0.4) and FIB-4 (P = 0.7) by multivariate analysis. No gender differences in the 24 month LF decline after DAA with independence of having HCV mono or HCV/HIV coinfection were found.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Prevalence of Triplex Infections (Combined Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus) among Pregnant Women in Nigeria

Objective

We systematically identified the prevalence of triplex infections (combined human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV)) in pregnancy.

Methods

To gather information on the frequency of triplex infections, we searched the databases of PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Without regard to language, we utilized search terms that covered HIV, HBV, HCV, and pregnancy. Pregnant women with triplex infections of HIV, HBV, and HCV were included in studies that also examined the prevalence of triplex infections. Review Manager 5.4.1 was employed to conduct the meta-analysis. Critical appraisal and bias tool risk data were provided as percentages with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and I² was used as the statistical measure of heterogeneity. The checklist was created by Hoy and colleagues. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO, under the registration number CRD42020202583.

Results

Eight studies involving 5314 women were included. We identified one ongoing study. Pooled prevalence of triplex infections was 0.03% (95% CI: 0.02-0.04%) according to meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a significantly high prevalence of 0.08% (95% CI: 0.06-0.10%; 3863 women) in HIV-positive population than 0.00% (95% CI:-0.00-0.00; 1451 women; P < 0.001) in general obstetric population. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the pooled prevalence between studies published between 2001 and 2010 and between 2011 and 2021 (0.14% (95% CI: 0.12 to 0.16 versus 0.03% (95% CI: 0.02 to 0.04%; P < 0.001))) and participants recruited in the period between 2001 and 2011 and between 2012 and 2021 (0.13% (95% CI: 0.05 to 0.21; p=0.002 versus 0.00% (95% CI: -0.00 to 0.00%; p=1.00))), respectively.

Conclusion

The combined prevalence of prenatal triplex infections was 0.03%, with rates notably higher among the group of pregnant women who were HIV-positive and during the recruitment period that took place before 2012. This prevalence still necessitates screening for these infections as necessary.

A review of hepatic fibrosis-associated histopathology in aged cadavers

This article reviews hepatic fibrosis-associated histopathology of aged cadavers (mean age 82 years). A study of 68 livers identified steatosis in 35.5%, central vein fibrosis in 49.2%, perisinusoidal fibrosis in 63.2%, portal tract fibrosis in 47.7%, septa formation in 44.1%, bridging fibrosis in 30.8%, and cirrhosis in 4.4% of the samples as well as one hepatocellular carcinoma and six metastatic tumors. Other studies have revealed that collagens I, III, IV, V, and VI and fibronectin constitute the matrices of fibrous central veins, perisinusoidal space, portal tracts, and septa. Elastin is rich in portal tracts and fibrous septa but absent from the perisinusoidal space. Hepatic stellate cells are ubiquitous in the liver parenchyma while myofibroblasts localize in fibrotic foci. Factor VIII-related antigen expression signals sinusoidal to systemic vascular endothelium transformation while collagen IV and laminin codistribution indicates formation of perisinusoidal membranes. Their coincidence reflects focalized capillarization of sinusoids in the aged liver. In response to fibrogenesis, hepatic progenitor cells residing in the canal of Hering in the periportal parenchyma undergo expansion and migration deep into the lobule. Concomitantly, intermediate hepatocyte-like cells increase in advanced fibrosis stages, which is possibly related to hepatic regeneration. Metabolic zonation of glutamine synthetase expands from the perivenous to non-perivenous parenchyma in fibrosis progression but its expression is lost in cirrhosis, while cytochrome P-4502E1 expression is maintained in centrilobular and midlobular zones in fibrosis progression and expressed in cirrhosis. Hence, cadaveric livers provide a platform for further investigation of hepatic histopathologies associated with the aging liver.

Discordant Liver Fibrosis Predictors in Virologically Suppressed People Living with HIV without Hepatitis Virus Infection

Severe liver fibrosis (LF) is associated with poor long-term liver-related outcomes in people living with HIV (PLWH). The study aimed to explore the prevalence and predictors of LF and the concordance between different non-invasive methods for the estimation of LF in HIV-infected individuals without hepatitis virus infection. We enrolled PLWH with HIV-1-RNA <50 copies/mL for >12 months, excluding individuals with viral hepatitis. LF was assessed by transient elastography (TE) (significant >6.65 kPa), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) (significant >2.67), and AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) (significant >1.5). We included 234 individuals (67% males, median age 49 years, median time from HIV diagnosis 11 years, 38% treated with integrase strand transfer inhibitors). In terms of the TE, 13% had ≥F2 stage; FIB-4 score was >1.5 in 7%; and APRI > 0.5 in 4%. Higher body mass index, diabetes mellitus, detectable baseline HIV-1 RNA and longer atazanavir exposure were associated with higher liver stiffness as per TE. Predictors of higher APRI score were CDC C stage and longer exposure to tenofovir alafenamide, while HBcAb positivity and longer exposure to tenofovir alafenamide were associated to higher FIB-4 scores. Qualitative agreement was poor between FIB-4/TE and between APRI/TE by non-parametric Spearman correlation and kappa statistic. In our study, in the group of PLWH without viral hepatitis, different non-invasive methods were discordant in predicting liver fibrosis.

Comparison of two-dimensional shear wave elastography, magnetic resonance elastography, and three serum markers for diagnosing fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), aspartate transaminase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis index based on 4 factors (FIB-4), and King's score have been proposed for diagnosing fibrosis.

METHODS

Literature databases were searched until October 1st, 2020. The summary area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), the summary diagnostic odds ratios, and the summary sensitivities and specificities were used to assess the performance of these noninvasive methods for staging fibrosis.

RESULTS

Our final data contained 72 studies. The prevalence of significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis was 58.3%, 36.2%, and 20.5%, respectively, in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). For 2D-SWE and MRE, the summary AUROCs were 0.89 and 0.97, 0.95 and 0.97, and 0.94 and 0.97 for significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis, respectively. The summary AUROCs using APRI and FIB-4 for detecting significant fibrosis, advanced fibrosis, and cirrhosis were 0.76 and 0.75, 0.74 and 0.77, and 0.77 and 0.82, respectively. The summary AUROCs of King's score for detecting significant fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.77 and 0.83, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MRE and 2D-SWE may show the best diagnostic accuracy for predicting fibrosis in CHB. Among the three serum markers, King's score may be more useful for diagnosing fibrosis.

Impact of alcohol on the progression of HCV-related liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Despite a marked reduction in new cases of cirrhosis caused by HCV infection, over 500,000 new cirrhosis cases in this category were estimated globally in 2019. This contribution quantifies the relationship between alcohol use and the progression of liver disease in people with HCV infections.

METHODS

The causal impact of different levels of alcohol use on cirrhosis has previously been established. The quantification of this relationship was undertaken based on a systematic search of the literature and a meta-analysis. We limited our search to longitudinal and case-control studies with biologically verified outcomes. Different sensitivity analyses were conducted to check on key assumptions and on the generalizability of the relationship.

RESULTS

Alcohol use has a dose-dependent relationship with incident cirrhosis, which is linear on the log-linear level, and thus exponential on the level of odds ratios or other risk indicators. Each standard drink of 12 grams of pure alcohol per day increases the risk by about 11%. The results were stable regardless of the statistical model used, level of adjustment, quality of the study, or outcome (i.e., cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, liver-related death).

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol use has a marked impact on the progression of HCV infections to cirrhosis and more severe liver outcomes.

LAY SUMMARY

Alcohol consumption has a significant impact on the progression of liver disease in people with HCV infections. Each alcoholic drink per day is associated with an increase in the risk of cirrhosis of 11%.

Liver Fibrosis during Antiretroviral Treatment in HIV-Infected Individuals. Truth or Tale?

After the introduction of antiretroviral treatment (ART) back in 1996, the lifespan of people living with HIV (PLWH) has been substantially increased, while the major causes of morbidity and mortality have switched from opportunistic infections and AIDS-related neoplasms to cardiovascular and liver diseases. HIV itself may lead to liver damage and subsequent liver fibrosis (LF) through multiple pathways. Apart from HIV, viral hepatitis, alcoholic and especially non-alcoholic liver diseases have been implicated in liver involvement among PLWH. Another well known cause of hepatotoxicity is ART, raising clinically significant concerns about LF in long-term treatment. In this review we present the existing data and analyze the association of LF with all ART drug classes. Published data derived from many studies are to some extent controversial and therefore remain inconclusive. Among all the antiretroviral drugs, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, especially didanosine and zidovudine, seem to carry the greatest risk for LF, with integrase strand transfer inhibitors and entry inhibitors having minimal risk. Surprisingly, even though protease inhibitors often lead to insulin resistance, they do not seem to be associated with a significant risk of LF. In conclusion, most ART drugs are safe in long-term treatment and seldom lead to severe LF when no liver-related co-morbidities exist.

Has Increased Rollout of Direct Acting Antiviral Therapy Decreased the Burden of Late Presentation and Advanced Liver Disease in Patients Starting Hepatitis C Virus Therapy in Germany?

GOALS AND BACKGROUND

International guidelines recommend prioritized treatment initiation in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with advanced liver disease. We aimed to evaluate whether the widespread usage of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) has led to a decrease in late presentation for care.

STUDY

Data derived from the multicenter German Hepatitis C Cohort (GECCO) was analyzed. Treatment naive HCV-infected patients initiating DAA-based treatment between January 2014 and September 2017 were included. Advanced liver disease was defined by aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index score ≥1.5, METAVIR≥F3, or FibroScan ≥9.5 kPa. Period prevalence and risk factors for late presentation were evaluated.

RESULTS

Six hundred fifty-three HCV-monoinfected and 210 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients (mean age, 48.6±12.7 y; 65.5% male) were included. Overall 32.5% of patients had advanced liver disease. In 2014 39.4% of patients presented with advanced liver disease, decreasing to 30.1%, 34.4%, and 26.4% in the years 2015, 2016, and 2017 (P=0.057), respectively. Patients with and without advanced liver disease differed in age (P<0.0001), CD4 ≤350/µL (P=0.027), genotype (P=0.005), transmission route (P=0.047), body mass index (P<0.001), and time since diagnosis (P=0.007). In the multivariable binary logistic regression analysis GT3, age above 45 years and being diagnosed >2 years ago were positively and HCV transmission through men who have sex with men was negatively associated with advanced liver disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall 32.5% of patients presented with advanced liver disease. We observed a trend toward a lower proportion of patients starting treatment late.GT3, age, years since HCV diagnosis and HCV transmission route were identified as risk factors for presentation with advanced liver disease.

Drug-Drug Interaction Studies Between Hepatitis C Virus Antivirals Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir and Boosted and Unboosted Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antiretroviral Regimens in Healthy Volunteers

Background

Combining antiviral regimens in the hepatitis C virus (HCV)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-coinfected population can be complex as they share overlapping mechanisms for elimination that may result in drug interactions. The pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) with multiple antiretroviral (ARV) regimens were evaluated.

Methods

Healthy volunteers were enrolled into 2 phase 1, open-label, randomized, multiple-dose, cross-over studies. SOF/VEL and ARV regimens were administered alone and in combination; ARVs (and pharmacokinetic enhancers) included atazanavir (ATV), cobicistat (COBI), darunavir (DRV), dolutegravir (DTG), efavirenz (EFV), elvitegravir (EVG), emtricitabine (FTC), lopinavir (LPV), raltegravir (RAL), rilpivirine (RPV), ritonavir (RTV), tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). Geometric least squares means ratios (coadministration:alone) and 90% confidence intervals were constructed for area under the plasma concentration-time curve over the dosing interval, maximum concentration, and trough, for all analytes. Safety and tolerability were also evaluated.

Results

In total, 237 participants were enrolled. No clinically relevant differences in the pharmacokinetics (PK) of SOF, SOF metabolite GS-331007, or VEL were observed other than an approximate 50% decrease in VEL exposure when administered with EFV/FTC/TDF. No clinically relevant differences in the PK of ARVs were observed when administered with SOF/VEL. Study treatments were well tolerated, including no observed creatinine clearance changes during evaluation of TDF-containing regimens.

Conclusions

SOF/VEL and ARV regimens including ATV, COBI, DRV, DTG, EVG, FTC, LPV, RAL, RPV, RTV, TAF, or TDF may be coadministered without dose adjustment. Use of SOF/VEL with EFV-containing regimens is not recommended due to an approximate 50% reduction in VEL exposure.

Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir for the treatment of Hepatitis C Virus infection

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is major health problem worldwide, with 150 million infected people according to recent epidemiologic estimations. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals made a revolutionary change in the management of HCV infected patients with surprisingly high rates of antiviral response, improved tolerability and reduced time of treatment. Sofosbuvir, in combination with different partner drugs, has been the molecule that led this incredible change. The last generation of SOF-based regimens, namely Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir, represents a single tablet, once a day, pangenotypic and pan-fibrotic combination, demonstrated to be safe and effective in almost all type of HCV infected individuals. This review overviews the main clinical data of SOF/VEL registration trials, underlying the key features of this combination in terms of efficacy, safety and Patients Reported Outcomes obtained in more than 1800 HCV chronically infected subjects. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Moderate Alcohol Use Is Not Associated With Fibrosis Progression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus-Coinfected Women: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Heavy alcohol use can lead to progressive liver damage, especially in individuals with chronic hepatitis C (HCV); however, the impact of nonheavy use is not clear. We studied long-term effects of modest alcohol use on fibrosis progression in a large cohort of women coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV.

Methods

Alcohol intake was ascertained every 6 months and use categorized as abstinent, light (1-3 drinks/week), moderate (4-7 drinks/week), heavy (>7 drinks/week), and very heavy (>14 drinks/week). Fibrosis progression was defined as the change in Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis (FIB-4) units per year using random-intercept, random-slope mixed modeling.

Results

Among 686 HIV/HCV-coinfected women, 46.0% reported no alcohol use; 26.8% reported light use, 7.1% moderate use, and 19.7% heavy use (6.7% had 8-14 drinks/week and 13.0% had >14 drinks/week) at cohort entry. Median FIB-4 at entry was similar between groups. On multivariable analysis, compared to abstainers, light and moderate alcohol use was not associated with fibrosis progression (0.004 [95% confidence interval {CI}, -.11 to .12] and 0.006 [95% CI, -.18 to .19] FIB-4 units/year, respectively). Very heavy drinking (>14 drinks/week) showed significant fibrosis acceleration (0.25 [95% CI, .01-.49] FIB-4 units/year) compared to abstaining, whereas drinking 8-14 drinks per week showed minimal acceleration of fibrosis progression (0.04 [95% CI, -.19 to .28] FIB-4 units/year).

Conclusions

Light/moderate alcohol use was not substantially associated with accelerated fibrosis progression, whereas drinking >14 drinks per week showed increased rates of fibrosis progression. Women with HIV/HCV infection should be counseled against heavy alcohol consumption, but complete abstinence may not be required to prevent accelerated liver fibrosis progression.

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.

Lectins as Promising Therapeutics for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV and Other Potential Coinfections

Human immunodeficiency virus-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a global health problem. Current therapeutics specifically target the viral pathogen at various stages of its life cycle, although complex interactions between HIV and other pathogenic organisms are evident. Targeting HIV and concomitant infectious pathogens simultaneously, both by therapeutic regimens and in prevention strategies, would help contain the AIDS pandemic. Lectins, a ubiquitous group of proteins that specifically bind glycosylated molecules, are interesting compounds that could be used for this purpose, with demonstrated anti-HIV properties. In addition, potential coinfecting pathogens, including other enveloped viruses, bacteria, yeasts and fungi, and protozoa, display sugar-coated macromolecules on their surfaces, making them potential targets of lectins. This review summarizes the currently available findings suggesting that lectins should be further developed to simultaneously fight the AIDS pandemic and concomitant infections in HIV infected individuals.

Association of HCV mutated proteins and host SNPs in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis C virus plays a significant role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) globally. The pathogenic mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma with HCV infection are generally linked with inflammation, cytokines, fibrosis, cellular signaling pathways, and liver cell proliferation modulating pathways. HCV encoded proteins (Core, NS3, NS4, NS5A) interact with a broad range of hepatocytes derived factors to modulate an array of activities such as cell signaling, DNA repair, transcription and translational regulation, cell propagation, apoptosis, membrane topology. These four viral proteins are also implicated to show a strong conversion potential in tissue culture. Furthermore, Core and NS5A also trigger the accretion of the β-catenin pathway as a common target to contribute viral induced transformation. There is a strong association between HCV variants within Core, NS4, and NS5A and host single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the HCC pathogenesis. Identification of such viral mutants and host SNPs is very critical to determine the risk of HCC and response to antiviral therapy. In this review, we highlight the association of key variants, mutated proteins, and host SNPs in development of HCV induced HCC. How such viral mutants may modulate the interaction with cellular host machinery is also discussed.

Comparison of laboratory tests, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance elastography to detect fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A meta-analysis

Many noninvasive methods for diagnosing liver fibrosis (LF) have been proposed. To determine the best method for diagnosing LF in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), we conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to compare the performance of aspartate aminotransferase to platelets ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), BARD score, NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), FibroScan, shear wave elastography (SWE), and magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) for diagnosing LF in NAFLD. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of these noninvasive methods for detecting significant fibrosis (SF), advanced fibrosis (AF), and cirrhosis. Heterogeneity was explored using meta-regression. Sixty-four articles with a total of 13,046 NAFLD subjects were included. The overall mean prevalence of SF, AF, and cirrhosis was 45.0%, 24.0%, and 9.4% in NAFLD patients, respectively. With an APRI threshold of 1.0 and 1.5, the sensitivities and specificities were 50.0% and 84.0% and 18.3% and 96.1%, respectively, for AF. With a FIB-4 threshold of 2.67 and 3.25, the sensitivities and specificities were 26.6% and 96.5% and 31.8% and 96.0%, respectively, for AF. The summary sensitivities and specificities of BARD score (threshold of 2), NFS (threshold of -1.455), FibroScan M (threshold of 8.7-9), SWE, and MRE for detecting AF were 0.76 and 0.61, 0.72 and 0.70, 0.87 and 0.79, 0.90 and 0.93, and 0.84 and 0.90, respectively. The summary AUROC values using APRI, FIB-4, BARD score, NFS, FibroScan M probe, XL probe, SWE, and MRE for diagnosing AF were 0.77, 0.84, 0.76, 0.84, 0.88, 0.85, 0.95, and 0.96, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MRE and SWE may have the highest diagnostic accuracy for staging fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Among the four noninvasive simple indexes, NFS and FIB-4 probably offer the best diagnostic performance for detecting AF. (Hepatology 2017;66:1486-1501).

Liver stiffness is not associated with short- and long-term plasma HIV RNA replication in immunocompetent patients with HIV infection and with HIV/HCV coinfection

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be directly responsible for liver damage but there are contrasting data regarding the influence of detectable plasma viremia. We analyzed the influence of plasma HIV RNA (pHIV) detectability and of other clinical and viro-immunological variables on liver stiffness (LS) measurement in adult immunocompetent HIV-monoinfected patients and in patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Methods

Logistic regression analysis was performed using the value of LS>7.1 kPa as the dependent variable. A linear regression model was applied using LS measurement after log₁₀ transformation (lkpa) as the dependent variable and we analyzed the predicted values versus the observed lkpa values; pHIV was classified as detectable or undetectable in the 12- and 36-month study periods before LS measurement.

Results

We studied 251 patients (178 with HIV monoinfection), most of whom were on antiviral treatment; 36-month study time was available for 154 subjects. The mean CD4+ cell count was 634 cells/mm³ in HIV-monoinfected patients and 606 cells/mm³ in coinfected patients. No difference in LS was found between patients with detectable or undetectable pHIV in either the 12- or the 36-month study period before transient elastography. The mean LS was higher in HIV/HCV coinfected patients (P<0.0001) than in the HIV-monoinfected subjects; lkpa was positively correlated with HCV coinfection (P<0.0001) and aspartate aminotransferase levels (P<0.0001). Detectable pHIV failed to reach significance. Eight HIV-monoinfected patients had a predicted LS measurement lower than the observed one, while eight patients had the opposite result.

Conclusion

LS was not correlated with ongoing HIV replication during the 12- and 36-month study periods in immunocompetent HIV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus in Patients Coinfected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1: An Open-Label, Phase 3 Study

BACKGROUND

A safe, simple, effective, and pan-genotypic regimen to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) remains a medical need. We assessed the efficacy and safety of the NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir and the NS5A inhibitor velpatasvir for HCV in patients coinfected with HIV-1.

METHODS

This phase 3, open-label, single-arm study at 17 sites in the United States enrolled patients with HCV of any genotype and HIV-1 coinfection, including those with compensated cirrhosis. All patients received sofosbuvir-velpatasvir once daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12). Efficacy and safety were assessed in all patients receiving at least 1 dose of treatment.

RESULTS

Of 106 patients, 91 (86%) were men, 48 (45%) were black, and 19 (18%) had cirrhosis. SVR12 was achieved by 101 of 106 (95% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 89%-99%]) patients: 74 of 78 (95% [95% CI, 87%-99%]) with genotype 1; all 11 (100% [95% CI, 72%-100%]) with genotype 2; 11 of 12 (92% [95% CI, 62%-100%]) with genotype 3; and all 5 (100% [95% CI, 48%-100%]) with genotype 4. All 19 patients with cirrhosis had SVR12. Two patients relapsed, 2 were lost to follow-up, and 1 withdrew consent. Two discontinued treatment due to adverse events and 2 had serious adverse events. The most common adverse events were fatigue (25%), headache (13%), upper respiratory tract infection (8%), and arthralgia (8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Sofosbuvir-velpatasvir for 12 weeks was safe and provided high rates of SVR12 in patients coinfected with HCV and HIV-1.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT02480712.

Statin drugs decrease progression to cirrhosis in HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfected individuals

INTRODUCTION

Chronic HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection carries increased risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. Due to anti-inflammatory properties, 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors (statins) may be useful adjunctive therapy to reduce liver disease progression.

METHODS

Clinical information was extracted from the Veterans Affairs HIV and HCV Clinical Case Registries (1999-2010). HIV-related variables included combination antiretroviral therapy era of diagnosis, CD4 cell count, and percentage time with undetectable HIV viral load. Metabolic variables included diabetes, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and hypertension. Statin use was measured as percentage time with active prescription (time-updated throughout the follow-up period). Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to determine risk factors for cirrhosis (International Classification of Diseases-9 or aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index >2) overall and in groups stratified by alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level above and below 40 IU/l.

RESULTS

The cohort included 5985 HIV/HCV coinfected veterans. The majority was black race, and the mean age at index date was 45 years. Statin use was significantly protective of cirrhosis for patients with ALT 40 IU/l or less; for every 30% increase in time on statin, there was a 32% decreased risk of developing cirrhosis (hazard ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.47-0.98). Diabetes and low HDL were significantly associated with cirrhosis in patients with ALT greater than 40 IU/l (hazard ratio 1.15, P < 0.04 and hazard ratio 1.3, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Statin drug use is beneficial in mitigating the risk of liver disease progression for HIV/HCV coinfected patients without advanced liver disease. Low HDL and diabetes in coinfected patients with abnormal ALT have greater risk of cirrhosis development.

Biochemical non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis cannot replace biopsy in HIV-HCV coinfected patients

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

The liver biopsy has been considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and quantification of fibrosis. However, this method presents limitations. In addition, the non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis is a challenge. The aim of this study was to validate the fibrosis cirrhosis index (FCI) index in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected patients, and compare to AST/ALT ratio (AAR), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) and FIB-4 scores, as a tool for the assessment of liver fibrosis in coinfected patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective cross sectional study including 92 HIV-HCV coinfected patients evaluated in two reference centers for HIV treatment in the Public Health System in Southern Brazil. Patients who underwent liver biopsy for any indication and had concomitant laboratory data in the 3 months prior to liver biopsy, to allow the calculation of studied noninvasive markers (AAR, APRI, FIB-4 and FCI) were included.

RESULTS

APRI < 0.5 presents the higher specificity to detect no or minimal fibrosis, whereas APRI > 1.5 presents the best negative predictive value and FCI > 1.25 the best specificity to detect significant fibrosis. The values of noninvasive markers for each Metavir fibrosis stage showed statistically significant differences only for APRI. In conclusion, until better noninvasive markers for liver fibrosis are developed and validated for HIV-HCV coinfected patients, noninvasive serum markers should be used carefully in this population.

The role of viral co-infection in HIV-associated non-AIDS-related cancers

HIV-infected individuals are at increased risk for most types of cancer, including those typically classified as non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs). This increased risk is likely multifactorial, but a prominent risk factor for the increased rate of some cancers is co-infection with oncogenic viruses. Anal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma are three of the most common NADCs, and they are associated with co-infection with human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C, and Epstein Barr virus, respectively. This review will examine the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and future trends around these virally associated NADCs frequently found in HIV-infected individuals.

HCV Specific IL-21 Producing T Cells but Not IL-17A Producing T Cells Are Associated with HCV Viral Control in HIV/HCV Coinfection

BACKGROUND

Decreased hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance, faster cirrhosis progression and higher HCV RNA levels are associated with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. The CD4+ T helper cytokines interleukin (IL)-21 and IL-17A are associated with virus control and inflammation, respectively, both important in HCV and HIV disease progression. Here, we examined how antigen-specific production of these cytokines during HCV mono and HIV/HCV coinfection was associated with HCV virus control.

METHODS

We measured HCV-specific IL-21 and IL-17A production by transwell cytokine secretion assay in PBMCs from monoinfected and coinfected individuals. Viral control was determined by plasma HCV RNA levels.

RESULTS

In acutely infected individuals, those able to establish transient/complete HCV viral control tended to have stronger HCV-specific IL-21-production than non-controllers. HCV-specific IL-21 production also correlated with HCV viral decline in acute infection. Significantly stronger HCV-specific IL-21 production was detected in HAART-treated coinfected individuals. HCV-specific IL-17A production was not associated with lower plasma HCV RNA levels in acute or chronic HCV infection and responses were stronger in HIV coinfection. HCV-specific IL-21/ IL-17A responses did not correlate with microbial translocation or fibrosis. Exogenous IL-21 treatment of HCV-specific CD8+ T cells from monoinfected individuals enhanced their function although CD8+ T cells from coinfected individuals were somewhat refractory to the effects of IL-21.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that HCV-specific IL-21 and IL-17A-producing T cells are induced in HIV/HCV coinfection. In early HIV/HCV coinfection, IL-21 may contribute to viral control, and may represent a novel tool to enhance acute HCV clearance in HIV/HCV coinfected individuals.

Seroprevalence of HCV markers among HIV infected patients from Curitiba and metropolitan region

SUMMARY Objective: to determine the prevalence and epidemiological factors associated with hepatitis (HCV) coinfection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients from Curitiba and the metropolitan region. Methods: a study with 303 HIV+ patients, mean age 41.2 years (18-73); 50.5% men, followed at the Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, between April 2008 and March 2009. Clinical and epidemiological data were obtained through questionnaires and retrospective analysis of medical records. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: a total of 12.9% of HIV+ patients were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, 64.1% were men and 35.9% women, with mean age of 44.5 years (24-66). The frequency of HCV among men was 16.7% and among women 9.1% (p=0.06). HCV prevalence was associated to HIV infection when compared to the general population (p<10-6, OR=100.4; 95CI=13.7-734.9). The parenteral route of transmission was the most frequent among coinfected patients (46.1%), and the sexual transmission among HIV+/HCV- (71.8%) (p=0.02, OR=0.2; 95CI=0.1-0.7). The frequency of intravenous drug users was higher among the coinfected patients (61.5%) compared to the non coinfected (12.6%) (p<10-6, OR=11.1; 95CI=4.5-27.7). Conclusion: the prevalence of coinfection with HCV in HIV+ patients is 12.9%, 88 times higher than in the general population in Curitiba. The most frequent route of transmission in the coinfected patients is parenteral, but the sexual route is also representative (34.6%).

Clinical Liver Disease Progression Among Hepatitis C-Infected Drug Users With CD4 Cell Count Less Than 200 Cells/mm(3) Is More Pronounced Among Women Than Men

The rate of clinical liver disease progression in this cohort of HCV mono-infected and HIV/HCV co-infected individuals was higher than previously reported. Risk of clinical liver disease progression was associated with level of immune suppression, and was more pronounced in women.

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in the United States, and injection drug users are at particularly high risk.

Methods. This prospective observational cohort study assessed the rate of, and risk factors for, clinical liver disease progression in a cohort of HCV monoinfected and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV coinfected drug users using unadjusted and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

Results. Of 564 subjects including 421 (75%) with HIV/HCV coinfection and 143 with HCV monoinfection, 55 (10%) had clinical liver disease progression during follow-up with a rate of 25.3 events per 1000 person-years. In unadjusted analysis, there was an interaction between sex and HIV status. In sex-stratified multivariate analysis, HIV/HCV-coinfected women with CD4 <200 cells/mm³ had 9.99 times the risk of liver disease progression as HCV-monoinfected women (confidence interval [CI], 1.84–54.31; P = .008), and white women had a trend towards increased risk of liver disease progression compared with non-white women (hazard ratio, 2.84; CI, .93–8.68; P = .07). Human immunodeficiency virus/HCV-coinfected men with CD4 <200 cells/mm³ had 2.86 times the risk of liver disease progression as HCV-monoinfected men (CI, 1.23-6.65; P = .01).

Conclusions. Hepatitis C virus-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected drug users had high rates of clinical liver disease progression. In those with HIV infection, liver disease progression was associated with advanced immune suppression. This effect was strikingly more pronounced in women than in men.

Pharmacokinetic interaction between etravirine or rilpivirine and telaprevir in healthy volunteers: A randomized, two-way crossover trial

Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) may require treatment with an HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), for example, rilpivirine or etravirine, and an HCV direct-acting antiviral drug such as telaprevir. In a two-panel, two-way, crossover study, healthy volunteers were randomized to receive etravirine 200 mg twice daily ± telaprevir 750 mg every 8 hours or rilpivirine 25 mg once daily ± telaprevir 750 mg every 8 hours. Pharmacokinetic assessments were conducted for each drug at steady-state when given alone and when coadministered; statistical analyses were least-square means with 90% confidence intervals. Telaprevir minimum plasma concentration (Cmin), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) decreased 25%, 10%, and 16%, respectively, when coadministered with etravirine and 11%, 3%, and 5%, respectively, when coadministered with rilpivirine. Telaprevir did not affect etravirine pharmacokinetics, but increased rilpivirine Cmin, Cmax, and AUC by 93%, 49%, and 78%, respectively. Both combinations were generally well tolerated. The small decrease in telaprevir exposure when coadministered with etravirine is unlikely to be clinically relevant. The interaction between telaprevir and rilpivirine is not likely to be clinically relevant under most circumstances. No dose adjustments are deemed necessary when they are coadministered.

Triple positivity of HBsAg, anti-HCV antibody, and HIV and their influence on CD4+ lymphocyte levels in the highly HIV infected population of Abeokuta, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Few studies exist on hospital-based seroprevalence of triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed at determining the triple positivity of HIV, HBsAg and HCV among HIV-infected individuals in Abeokuta, Nigeria and defining the influence of these triple infections on CD4+ counts of HIV-infected individuals as antiretroviral therapy improves in Nigeria.

METHODS

Enumeration of CD4+ levels in 183 HIV-infected persons was done with Partec Flow Cytometer. Seropositivity of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody was detected with rapid kits.

RESULTS

From the result obtained, significance variance (p<0.05) existed between HIV positive persons and persons who tested positive to HIV/HBV/HCV triple infection before and after the commencement of HAART. Of these infections, 31(16.9%) had HBV/HCV/HIV triple infection, while 152(83.1%) had HIV mono infection only, 56(30.6%) had HBV/HIV dual infection only and 43(23.5%) had HCV/HIV dual infection only. Significant variance (p<0.05) also existed between subjects with CD4 counts of <200 cells/µl, 200-499 cells/µl and >500 cells/µl. Highest seroprevalence of HIV (35.0%) was found in age groups 35-44 years and >65 years had the least (2.7%). Significant variance (p<0.05) also existed in the progression of CD4+ lymphocytes cells between subjects with persistent decrease (32.3%) in CD4+ lymphocytes cells and those with fluctuation in their CD4+ lymphocytes cells (12.9%) after the commencement of ART.

CONCLUSION

The study further confirms that triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV infection is common in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Testing of these triple infections should be a big concern in the best choice and commencement of ART. Also, the study showed that consistent and prolonged use of HAART had a positive impact on the CD4 count of HIV-infected individuals.

How to optimize hepatitis C virus treatment impact on life years saved in resource-constrained countries

In resource-constrained countries where the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease is usually high, it is important to know which population should be treated first in order to increase treatment effectiveness. The aim was to estimate the effectiveness of different HCV treatment eligibility scenarios in three different countries. Using a Markov model, we estimated the number of life-years saved (LYS) with different treatment eligibility scenarios according to fibrosis stage (F1-F4 or F3-4), compared to base case (F2-F4), at a constant treatment rate, of patients between 18 and 60 years of age, at stages F0/F1 to F4, without liver complications or coinfections, chronically infected by HCV, and treated with pegylated interferon (IFN)/ribavirin or more-efficacious therapies (i.e. IFN free). We conducted the analysis in Egypt (prevalence = 14.7%; 45,000 patients treated/year), Thailand (prevalence = 2.2%; 1,000 patients treated/year), and Côte d'Ivoire (prevalence = 3%; 150 patients treated/year). In Egypt, treating F1 patients in addition to ≥F2 patients (SE1 vs. SE0) decreased LYS by 3.9%. Focusing treatment only on F3-F4 patients increased LYS by 6.7% (SE2 vs. SE0). In Thailand and Côte d'Ivoire, focusing treatment only on F3-F4 patients increased LYS by 15.3% and 11.0%, respectively, compared to treating patients ≥F2 (ST0 and SC0, respectively). Treatment only for patients at stages F3-F4 with IFN-free therapies would increase LYS by 16.7% versus SE0 in Egypt, 22.0% versus ST0 in Thailand, and 13.1% versus SC0 in Côte d'Ivoire. In this study, we did not take into account the yearly new infections and the impact of treatment on HCV transmission.

CONCLUSION

Our model-based analysis demonstrates that prioritizing treatment in F3-F4 patients in resource-constrained countries is the most effective scenario in terms of LYS, regardless of treatment considered.

Human immunodeficiency virus and coinfection with hepatitis B and C

In HIV-infected individuals, coinfection with HBV and/or HCV is common because of shared modes of transmission. It is known that HIV accelerates progression of liver disease and results in increased morbidity and mortality associated with viral hepatitis, but it is less clear if viral hepatitis has a direct effect on HIV. Treatment of viral hepatitis improves outcomes and should be considered in all HIV-infected patients. Treatment of HBV without concurrent treatment of HIV is risky because resistance can occur in both viruses if regimens are not carefully chosen.

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir tablets for hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection

OBJECTIVE

To review the data with ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection.

DATA SOURCES

Phase I, II, and III trials and review articles were identified through MEDLINE (1996-January 2015) and PubMed (1996-January 2015), conference abstracts, and US national clinical trials registry, using the keywords NS3/4A protease inhibitor, NS5A inhibitor, NS5B polymerase inhibitor, ABT-450, ABT-267, ABT-333, paritaprevir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Preclinical, phase I, II, and III studies describing pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, and tolerability were identified.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Noncirrhotic patients with HCV genotype 1b experienced sustained virological response 12 weeks after completion of therapy (SVR12) rates of 96% to 100% when ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir were administered for 12 weeks, regardless of inclusion of ribavirin. SVR12 rates of 95% to 97% were seen in noncirrhotic patients with HCV genotype 1a infection who received ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir with ribavirin for 12 weeks. Patients with Child-Pugh Class A cirrhosis also experienced high SVR12 rates (91.8%) when ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir were administered with ribavirin for 12 weeks. Cirrhotic patients with HCV genotype 1a and a history of prior null response to peginterferon/ribavirin have higher SVR12 rates when ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir and ribavirin are administered for 24 instead of 12 weeks (94.2% vs 88.6%). Adverse events are typically mild, most commonly consisting of fatigue, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

The regimen consisting of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir is highly efficacious in the treatment of HCV genotype 1 infection, with minimal adverse events. It is expected to play an important role in the armamentarium of novel agents that have a high chance of curing HCV infection.

New Hopes for HIV and HCV Coinfection in 2004

An increase in liver-related causes of death in HIV-positive patients who are coinfected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been acknowledged over the last few years, particularly since the mid 1990s, when the natural history of HIV infection started to improve with the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Chronic hepatitis C is very common among HIV-infected patients who were infected through intravenous drugs use or contaminated blood products (e.g., hemophiliacs). The bidirectional interferences between HIV and HCV modify the natural history of both infections. Moreover, interactions between anti-HIV and anti-HCV drugs are of concern, and a lower response to anti-HCV therapy limits its benefit in HIV-coinfected patients. Although a slower HCV RNA decay is seen in coinfected patients after standard therapy is initiated with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin, the stopping rule at week 12 that is recommended for HCV-monoinfected individuals seems to be equally valid in HIV-positive patients. This finding is of great value, because it allows treatment to be offered in the absence of contraindication (e.g., low CD4 count, alcohol abuse, etc.) but discontinued as early as 12 weeks when no chances of cure are predicted, which saves costs and deleterious side effects. HAART therapy seems to temper somehow the negative impact exerted by HIV infection over HCV-related liver fibrosis. Liver transplantation is currently the best option for HIV-infected patients with end-stage liver disease. However, the management of patients on the waiting list and after transplantation carries significant new challenges. New anti-HCV drugs are urgently needed and new strategies with the currently available drugs need to be assessed to reduce the negative impact of hepatitis C in HIV-coinfected individuals.

An Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)/HIV Co-Infected Patient who Developed Severe Hepatitis during Chronic HCV Infection: Sustained Viral Response with Simeprevir Plus Peginterferon-Alpha and Ribavirin

We herein describe the case of a 42-year-old man who developed severe hepatitis caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection at 14 years after the start of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment. Surprisingly, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) fluctuated, reaching a peak higher than 1,000 IU/L during chronic HCV infection, and the hepatic histology showed advanced liver fibrosis at 3 years after the primary HCV infection. He was treated with simeprevir, peginterferon-alpha, and ribavirin with a sustained viral response. We conclude that HCV/HIV co-infected patients need to commence anti-HCV therapy when the levels of ALT fluctuate severely under successful HIV control.

Apolipoprotein H expression is associated with IL28B genotype and viral clearance in hepatitis C virus infection

BACKGROUND & AIMS

HCV requires host lipid metabolism for replication, and apolipoproteins have been implicated in the response to treatment.

METHODS

We examined plasma apolipoprotein concentrations in three cohorts of patients: mono-infected patients with symptomatic acute hepatitis C (aHCV); those undergoing treatment for chronic hepatitis C (cHCV); and HIV/HCV co-infected patients being treated for their chronic hepatitis C. We also evaluated associations between apolipoproteins and IL28B polymorphisms, a defined genetic determinant of viral clearance.

RESULTS

Plasma apolipoprotein H (ApoH) levels were significantly higher in patients who achieved spontaneous clearance or responded to pegylated-interferon/ribavirin therapy. Strikingly, patients carrying the IL28B rs12979860 CC SNP correlated with the plasma concentration of ApoH in all three cohorts. Both ApoH and IL28B CC SNP were associated with HCV clearance in univariate analysis. Additional multivariate analysis revealed that the association between IL28B and HCV clearance was closely linked to that of Apo H and HCV clearance, suggesting that both belong to the same biological pathway to clearance. The association between IL28B CC SNP and ApoH was not observed in healthy individuals, suggesting that early post-infection events trigger differential ApoH expression in an IL28B allele dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

This relationship identifies ApoH as the first induced protein quantitative trait associated with IL28B, and characterises a novel host factor implicated in HCV clearance.

Comparison of liver fibrosis progression in HIV/HCV co-infected and HCV mono-infected patients by transient elastometry

Monitoring of liver fibrosis (LF) is an essential tool for preventing liver-related complications in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. In this study, we compared LF progression by transient elastometry (TE) in 50 HIV/HCV co-infected and 115 HCV mono-infected patients followed in our institution between June 2006 and December 2011. Patients naive to interferon therapy and with at least two measurements of liver stiffness by TE were included. In all, 76% of HIV/HCV co-infected and 75% of HCV mono-infected patients remained in the same stage of LF over time. Conversely, 19% and 15% of HIV/HCV co-infected and HCV mono-infected subjects, respectively, had progression to advanced LF (≥ F3). Our study found a similar proportion of HIV/HCV co-infected and HCV mono-infected patients that developed an advanced LF during the follow-up time considered. Alcohol abuse was the only factor significantly associated with the progression as evidenced by multiple quantile regression analysis.

Hepatitis C virus infection in the human immunodeficiency virus infected patient

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) share the same transmission routes; therefore, coinfection is frequent. An estimated 5-10 million individuals alone in the western world are infected with both viruses. The majority of people acquire HCV by injection drug use and, to a lesser extent, through blood transfusion and blood products. Recently, there has been an increase in HCV infections among men who have sex with men. In the context of effective antiretroviral treatment, liver-related deaths are now more common than Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome-related deaths among HIV-HCV coinfected individuals. Morbidity and mortality rates from chronic HCV infection will increase because the infection incidence peaked in the mid-1980s and because liver disease progresses slowly and is clinically silent to cirrhosis and end-stage-liver disease over a 15-20 year time period for 15%-20% of chronically infected individuals. HCV treatment has rapidly changed with the development of new direct-acting antiviral agents; therefore, cure rates have greatly improved because the new treatment regimens target different parts of the HCV life cycle. In this review, we focus on the epidemiology, diagnosis and the natural course of HCV as well as current and future strategies for HCV therapy in the context of HIV-HCV coinfection in the western world.

Advanced liver fibrosis by transient elastography, fibrosis 4, and alanine aminotransferase/platelet ratio index among Asian hepatitis C with and without human immunodeficiency virus infection: role of vitamin D levels

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Vitamin D insufficiency plays an important role in liver fibrosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. We assessed liver fibrosis by transient elastography and 25 hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] status in HCV-infected patients, with (HIV/HCV) or without HIV co-infection (HCV) from Thailand.

METHODS

Fibrosis stage was defined as mild (< 7.1 kPa); moderate (7.2-9.4 kPa); severe (9.5-14 kPa), and cirrhosis (> 14 kPa). Hypovitaminosis D was defined as 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess predictors for significant fibrosis. Serum 25(OH) D levels, HCV genotypes (GT), interleukin-28B (IL28B) and HCV-RNA were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 331 HCV and 130 HIV/HCV patients were enrolled (70% male, 35% people who inject drugs [PWIDs]). HCV GT distribution was as follows: GT3 47%, GT1 34%, GT6 17%. IL-28B CC genotype (rs12979860) were found in 88% of HIV/HCV and 85% of HCV. In HCV, liver fibrosis was mild in 56.5%; moderate in 18.4%; severe in 12.4%; and cirrhosis in 12.7%. In HIV/HCV, these figures were 30.6%, 27.8%, 17.6%, and 24.1%, respectively. Patients with significant fibrosis were more often male, older, with HIV infection, hypovitaminosis D, and less likely to be infected with GT6. Factors associated with significant fibrosis by multivariate analysis were HIV infection (adjusted odd ratio [95% confidential interval]: 2.67, 1.20-5.93), P = 0.016, Fib-4 score > 1.45 (6.30, 2.70-14.74), P < 0.001, and hypovitaminosis D (2.48, 1.09-5.67), P = 0.031. GT 6 was less likely to have advanced liver fibrosis (0.17, 0.05-0.65), P = 0.01.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV infection, Fib-4 score > 1.45, and hypovitaminosis D are strong and independent predictors for the presence of advanced fibrosis in our HCV-infected patients. These data highlight the urgent need of HCV treatment and vitamin D supplement in resource-limited settings.

Evaluating Liver Fibrosis by Transient Elastometry in Patients With HIV-HCV Coinfection and Monoinfection

BACKGROUND

Due to the high efficacy of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the number of patients living with HIV is increasing. Chronic HCV infection has become a leading cause of non-AIDS related morbidity and mortality in patients with HIV infection.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to identify factors associated with liver fibrosis (LF) in patients with HIV monoinfection and HIV-HCV coinfection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed LF by transient elastometry ([TE], Fibroscan) in three groups of patients (HIV, HIV-HCV and HCV) followed at the Infectious Diseases Department of University of Ancona, Italy, between October 2009 and November 2012.

RESULTS

In total, 354 adults including 98 HIV, 70 HIV-HCV and 186 HCV patients were studied. HIV-HCV patients had a longer duration of HIV (P < 0.006) and HCV (P < 0.001) infections. Additionally, they were receiving cART therapy for a longer period (P < 0.001); they had higher prevalence of lipodystrophy (P < 0.001) and higher HCV load (P = 0.004). LF was significantly more pronounced in HCV and HIV-HCV compared to HIV patients (P < 0.001). A total of 13.3%, 39.2% and 51.4% of HIV, HCV and HIV-HCV, respectively, showed a LF ≥ F2. Additionally, a severe LF (F = 4) was significantly more frequent among HIV-HCV compared to other groups. A longer exposure to didanosine, stavudine, lopinavir/ritonavir and fosamprenavir resulted in increased LF by univariate analysis (P ranging from < 0.001 to 0.007). By logistic regression analysis, the only variables significantly associated with increased LF were HCV coinfection, older age, and high AST values (P ranging from < 0.001 to 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV coinfection, older age and AST were associated with LF in patients with HIV infection.

Antiretroviral and anti-hepatitis C virus direct-acting antiviral-related hepatotoxicity

Antiretroviral-related hepatotoxicity occurs commonly in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Liver injury ranges from unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and nodular regenerative hyperplasia to lactic acidosis and toxic hepatitis. Effective antiretroviral therapy has changed coinfected patients' primary morbidities and mortality to chronic liver disease rather than complications from HIV. Treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is strongly encouraged early in all coinfected patients. However, drug-drug interactions must be considered to ensure safe and tolerable use alone or in combination with antiretroviral therapies. The first-generation and newer HCV direct-acting antivirals are promising in coinfected patients, with minimal side effects and hepatotoxicity.

Update on HIV/HCV coinfection

Liver disease is currently one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death in HIV-positive individuals. Coinfection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major contributor to this trend. Besides hepatic damage, which is enhanced in the presence of HIV-associated immunosuppression, HCV may contribute to disease in coinfected individuals by potentiating immune activation and chronic inflammation, which ultimately account for an increased risk of cardiovascular events, kidney disease, and cancers in this population. Fortunately, hepatitis C therapeutics has entered a revolutionary era in which we hope that most patients treated with the new oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) will be cured. However, many challenges preclude envisioning a prompt elimination of HCV from the coinfected population. Issues that should be addressed include the following: (1) rising incidence of acute hepatitis C in men who have sex with men, and expansion/recrudescence of injection drug use in some settings/regions; (2) adverse drug interactions between antiretrovirals and DAA; and (3) high cost of DAA, which may lead many to defer or fail to access appropriate therapy.

Prevalence and epidemiological correlates and treatment outcome of HCV infection in an Italian prison setting

Background

The aim of the present study is to test in the feasibility of a screening programme for HCV infection in an Italian prison and to evaluate the treatment outcomes.

Method

Single-centre cross-sectional study carried out in Milan-Opera. The HCV infection prevalence was calculated on the imprisoned population on the January 31 2006, the data on treatment over the following 2 years. Treatment option offered to HCV chronically infected patients was then analysed, reasons for not being treated was evaluated.

Results

Of the 965 inmates, 695 were enrolled in the study, 682 (98%) were males, the median age was 43 years. There were 131 (18.8%) foreigners and 564 (81.2%) Italians. HCV seroprevalence was 22.4%(95% CI:19.4%-25.7%), 60 subjects (38.4%) being HIV co-infected too. Prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher in HIVAb positive (89.6%; 95% CI:79.7%-95.7%) than in HIVAb negative (15.15%; 95% CI 12.6%-18.3%) (p<0.001). Among Italian inmates HCVAb positivity was significantly higher than among foreigners (p=0.0154). Among HCVAb positive patients, 135 subjects were HCV-RNA positive. Forty-seven (36%) had major clinical contraindication to treatment, 18 (13%) refused the treatment, 7 (5%) moved to other Institute and 27 (20%) were not evaluated by infectious disease specialists. Fifteen patients (43%) who received treatment were considered responders, 9 (26%) were non responders/relapsers, 6 (17%) interrupted treatment due to side effects and 5 (14%) were released during treatment and lost in follow-up.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the proportion of patients in a prison setting receiving diagnosis and treatment for HCV infection remained low.

Progression of liver fibrosis in monoinfected patients by hepatitis C virus and coinfected by HCV and human immunodeficiency virus

CONTEXT

The progression of liver fibrosis in patients coinfected by hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HCV/HIV) has been increasingly studied in the past decade. Studies made before the highly active antiretroviral therapy suggest that HIV can change the natural history of the HCV infection, leading to a faster progression of the liver fibrosis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare the fibrosis progression in two groups of patients (HCV/HIV coinfected and HCV monoinfected)

METHODS

Seventy patients HCV monoinfected and 26 patients HCV/HIV coinfected who had not undertaken HCV treatment and were submitted to serial percutaneous liver biopsies were retrospectively evaluated. There was no difference in the fibrosis progression between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

The fibrosis grade evolution was not worse in the coinfected patients. The immunosuppression absence and the shortest time period between the biopsies in the coinfected group are possible explanations.

Factors influencing liver fibrosis and necroinflammation in HIV/HCV coinfection and HCV monoinfection

OBJECTIVES

To define differences in liver histology between HIV/HCV coinfection and HCV monoinfection, and to investigate possible causative factors.

METHODS

Liver biopsies (LBs) from 440 consecutive HIV/HCV-coinfected patients (Group HIV/HCV) and 374 consecutive HCV-monoinfected patients (Group HCV) were evaluated for necroinflammation and fibrosis (Ishak) by a pathologist unaware of the clinical and laboratory data. All patients were HBsAg-negative, with no history of alcohol abuse and naïve to anti-HCV treatment. At LB, 78.4% of patients in Group HIV/HCV were on an antiretroviral regimen.

RESULTS

HIV/HCV-coinfected patients compared to the HCV-monoinfected patients were younger (p < 0.0001), more frequently males (p < 0.0001), and had HCV genotype 3 (p < 0.0001); they showed a good immunological condition (CD4+ cell count: 518 ± 166 cells/mm(3)). Patients in Group HIV/HCV more frequently showed a fibrosis score ≥4 (27.5 vs. 20.6%, p < 0.05) and a necroinflammation score ≥9 (25.9 vs. 13.4%; p < 0.0001). The prevalence of patients with fibrosis score ≥4 was significantly higher in older age classes in both Group HIV/HCV (p < 0.005) and Group HCV (p < 0.05). A necroinflammation score ≥9 was significantly higher in older age classes only in Group HIV/HCV (p < 0.05). A multivariate analysis for Group HIV/HCV revealed that the patient age and nadir of CD4+ cell count were independently associated to higher degrees of fibrosis, the patient age and antiretroviral treatment were associated to higher degrees of necroinflammation, and HCV genotype 3 was associated to higher degrees of steatosis.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest a need for early anti-HCV treatment in both HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

Strong correlation by ultrasonography of hepatomegaly and the presence of co-infection in HIV/HCV cirrhotic patients

Objectives

Progression of hepatic fibrosis is accelerated in patients co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus compared to hepatitis C virus mono-infected patients. This study aimed to compare ultrasound features and selected clinical and biochemical variables between patients with human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infection (n = 16) versus hepatitis C virus mono-infection (n = 16).

Methods

Each patient underwent abdominal ultrasound, and a specific evaluation was performed in order to detect findings consistent with chronic liver disease. Characterization of spleen size, liver structural pattern, diameter of the portal, spleen, and mesenteric veins was based on classical ultrasound parameters. Propensity score was used for control of selection bias and performed using binary logistic regression to generate a score for each patient. The Fisher and Mann–Whitney tests were used to evaluate categorical variables and continuous variables, respectively.

Results

On univariate analysis right hepatic lobe size was larger in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus patients (157.06 ± 17.56 mm) compared to hepatitis C virus mono-infected patients (134.94 ± 16.95 mm) (p = 0.0011). The left hepatic lobe was also significantly larger in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus patients (115.88 ± 22.69 mm) versus hepatitis C virus mono-infected patients (95.06 ± 24.18 mm) (p = 0.0177). Also, there was a strong correlation between hepatomegaly and co-infection (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Human immunodeficiency virus infection was the primary variable influencing liver enlargement in this population. Hepatomegaly on ultrasound was more common among cirrhotic human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infected patients than among cirrhotic hepatitis C virus mono-infected patients. This aspect is very important in the management of human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus co-infected patients, because screening for hepatocellular carcinoma is necessary in this population.

The treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in HIV co-infection

Chronic HCV co-infection is present in up to one third of HIV-positive patients in Europe. In recent years, apart from the traditional transmission route of intravenous drug abuse, outbreaks of sexually transmitted acute HCV infections, mainly among HIV-positive men who have sex with men, have contributed to the overall disease burden.

Because the natural course of HCV infection is substantially accelerated in HIV-co-infection, end-stage liver disease has become the most frequent cause of non-AIDS related death in this population. Therefore every HIV/HCV co-infected patient should be evaluated for possible anti-HCV therapy with the goal of reaching a sustained virological response and thus cure of hepatitis C infection. The standard of care for the treatment of chronic HCV infection in HIV-infected remains a pegylated interferon in combination with weight-adapted ribavirin.

HAART should not be withheld from HCV co-infected patients due to concerns of drug related hepatotoxicity and in patients with reduced CD4-cell counts HAART should be started first. Under pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy drug to drug interactions and cumulated toxicity between nucleoside analogues and anti-HCV therapy may be observed and concomitant didanosine use is contraindicated and zidovudine and stavudine should be avoided if possible.

The development of new drugs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C represents a promising perspective also for HIV positive patients. However, these substances will probably reach clinical routine for HIV patients later than HCV monoinfected patients. Therefore at present waiting for new drugs is not an alternative to a modern pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy.

Alcohol, HIV/AIDS, and Liver Disease

Globally, there are over 33 million persons living with HIV/AIDS resulting in 1.8 million deaths annually. While the rate of HIV transmission is slowing, it is estimated that 2.6 million new infections occur yearly [1]. In the United States, there are approximately 1.2 million living with HIV/AIDS, with 50,000 new HIV infections and 17,000 deaths from the disease annually [2]. For those who can obtain effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV/AIDS has become a chronic disease with life expectancies over 30 years [3]. Research in the last 10 years has revealed the importance of alcohol in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Alcohol use, in moderate or hazardous amounts, has been associated with increased acquisition of HIV infection, progression of HIV infection, deleterious effects on HIV treatment, and acceleration in the comorbidities of HIV infection [4–9]. Yet alcohol remains the “forgotten drug” of the HIV/AIDS epidemic [10].