Assessing mortality in women with hepatitis C virus and HIV using indirect markers of fibrosis

Non-invasive tests for predicting liver outcomes in chronic hepatitis C patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis leads to liver-related events in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. Although non-invasive tests (NITs) are critical to early detection of the development of liver fibrosis, the prognostic role of NITs remains unclear due to the limited types of NITs and liver outcomes explored in previous studies.

AIM

To determine the prognostic value of NITs for risk stratification in CHC patients.

METHODS

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; no. CRD42019128176). The systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Search was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases under a timeframe from the inception of the databases through February 25, 2020. We restricted our search to CHC cohort studies reporting an association between liver fibrosis assessed by NITs and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, decompensation, or mortality. Pooled hazard ratios (HR) and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) for each NIT were estimated using a random effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed for NITs assessed at pre-treatment or post-treatment with sustained virologic response (SVR), treatment with either pegylated interferon and ribavirin or direct acting antiviral, Eastern or Western countries, and different cutoff points.

RESULTS

The present meta-analysis included 29 cohort studies, enrolling 69339 CHC patients. Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI) score, and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were found to have hepatocellular carcinoma predictive potential with pooled adjusted HRs of 2.48 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.91-3.23, I² = 96%], 4.24 (95%CI: 2.15-8.38, I² = 20%) and 7.90 (95%CI: 3.98-15.68, I² = 52%) and AUROCs of 0.81 (95%CI: 0.73-0.89, I² = 77%), 0.81 (95%CI: 0.75-0.87, I² = 68%), and 0.79 (95%CI: 0.63-0.96, I² = 90%), respectively. Pooled adjusted HR with a pre-treatment FIB-4 cutoff of 3.25 was 3.22 (95%CI: 2.32-4.47, I² = 80%). Pooled adjusted HRs for post-treatment with SVR FIB-4, APRI, and LSM were 3.01 (95%CI: 0.32-28.61, I² = 89%), 9.88 (95%CI: 2.21-44.17, I² = 24%), and 6.33 (95%CI: 2.57-15.59, I² = 17%), respectively. Pooled adjusted HRs for LSM in patients with SVR following direct acting antiviral therapy was 5.55 (95%CI: 1.47-21.02, I² = 36%). Pooled AUROCs for post-treatment with SVR FIB-4 and LSM were 0.75 (95%CI: 0.55-0.95, I² = 88%) and 0.84 (95%CI: 0.66-1.03, I² = 88%), respectively. Additionally, FIB-4 and LSM were associated with overall mortality, with pooled adjusted HRs of 2.07 (95%CI: 1.49-2.88, I² = 27%) and 4.04 (95%CI: 2.40-6.80, I² = 63%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

FIB-4, APRI, and LSM showed potential for risk stratification in CHC patients. Cutoff levels need further validation.

Decreases in markers of monocyte/macrophage activation after hepatitis C eradication in HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfected women

OBJECTIVE

Eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in HIV disease decreases liver and non-liver-related morbidity and mortality. Elevated markers of monocyte/macrophage activation (soluble CD163 and sCD14) are associated with excess non-AIDS morbidity and mortality in HIV. We examined the effect of HCV eradication on these markers in relation to change in hepatic fibrosis.

DESIGN

A nested substudy within a longitudinal observational cohort.

METHODS

We studied 126 HIV/HCV-coinfected women successfully treated for HCV, with undetectable HCV RNA at least 12 weeks after therapy completion. sCD163 and sCD14 were measured in serum collected before and after HCV eradication. Results were correlated with changes in markers of hepatic fibrosis.

RESULTS

Mean age of participants was 56.3 years, mean CD4+ cell count was 615, and 72% had suppressed HIV RNA. After treatment, sCD163 and sCD14 levels significantly decreased from pre-treatment levels in unadjusted analyses. After adjusting for age, race, hepatic fibrosis status, baseline HCV RNA, CD4 count and HIV RNA status, cigarette smoking, and alcohol use, the decreases in sCD163 and sCD14 remained significant. Decrease in pre-treatment to post-treatment sCD163 were significantly positively correlated with changes in FIB-4 (r = 0.250, P = 0.005) and APRI (r = 0.262, P = 0.003); similarly decrease in sCD14 was significantly positively correlated with changes in FIB-4 (r = 0.333, P = 0.0001) and APRI (r = 0.457, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

HCV eradication is associated with significant reductions in monocyte/macrophage activation markers that correlate with reductions in markers of hepatic fibrosis. These findings support broad access to and early initiation of HCV treatment in order to decrease immune activation and improve health in HIV-infected persons.

Assessment of liver disease in patients with chronic hepatitis C and unhealthy alcohol use

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and unhealthy alcohol use are major drivers of the burden of liver disease worldwide and commonly co-occur. Assessment of underlying liver damage is a cornerstone of the clinical care of patients with chronic HCV infection and/or unhealthy alcohol use because many of them are diagnosed at advanced stages of disease. Early diagnosis of liver disease before decompensated liver cirrhosis becomes established is essential for treatment with direct acting antivirals and/or abstinence from alcohol consumption, which are the main therapeutic approaches for clinical management. In this review, we discuss current knowledge around the use of non-invasive methods to assess liver disease, such as abdominal ultrasound, controlled attenuation parameter, transient elastography, magnetic resonance imaging, and indices based on serum markers of liver injury.

Association Between Bilirubin, Atazanavir, and Cardiovascular Disease Events Among People Living With HIV Across the United States

OBJECTIVE

Bilirubin is an antioxidant that may suppress lipid oxidation. Elevated bilirubin is associated with decreased cardiovascular events in HIV-uninfected populations. We examined these associations in people living with HIV (PLWH).

METHODS

Potential myocardial infarctions (MIs) and strokes were centrally adjudicated. We examined MI types: type 1 MI (T1MI) from atherosclerotic plaque instability and type 2 MI (T2MI) in the setting of oxygen demand/supply mismatch such as sepsis. We used multivariable Cox regression analyses to determine associations between total bilirubin levels and outcomes adjusting for traditional and HIV-specific risk factors. To minimize confounding by hepatobiliary disease, we conducted analyses limited to bilirubin values <2.1 mg/dL; among those with fibrosis-4 values <3.25; and among everyone. We repeated analyses stratified by hepatitis C status and time-updated atazanavir use.

RESULTS

Among 25,816 PLWH, there were 392 T1MI and 356 T2MI during follow-up. Adjusted hazard ratios for the association of higher bilirubin levels with T1MI were not significant. Higher bilirubin levels were associated with T2MI. By contrast, among PLWH on atazanavir, higher bilirubin levels were associated with fewer T2MI (hazard ratio 0.56:0.33-1.00). Higher bilirubin levels among those on atazanavir were associated with fewer T1MI combined with ischemic stroke.

LIMITATIONS

Analyses were conducted with total rather than unconjugated bilirubin.

CONCLUSIONS

Among PLWH, higher bilirubin levels were associated with T2MI among some subgroups. However, among those on atazanavir, there was a protective association between bilirubin and T2MI. These findings demonstrate different associations between outcomes and elevated bilirubin due to diverse causes and the importance of distinguishing MI types.

The Differential Effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus on Bone Microarchitecture and Fracture Risk

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected individuals have a significantly greater osteoporotic fracture risk than HIV-monoinfected persons, despite the fact that HIV/HCV coinfection has not been associated with lower bone mineral density (BMD) than HIV or HCV alone. To evaluate if changes in bone microarchitecture, measured by trabecular bone score (TBS), could explain these differences, we performed a prospective, cross-sectional cohort study of virologically suppressed HIV-infected subjects, untreated HCV-infected subjects, HIV/HCV-coinfected subjects, and uninfected controls.

Methods

We enrolled 532 male subjects: 57 HIV/HCV coinfected, 174 HIV infected, 123 HCV infected, and 178 controls. We conducted analysis of covariance comparing BMD and TBS between groups, controlling for age, race, body mass index, and smoking. We used linear regression to evaluate predictors of BMD and TBS and evaluated the effects of severity of HCV infection and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate use.

Results

Despite both infections being associated with decreased BMD, only HCV, but not HIV, was associated with lower TBS score. Also, HIV/HCV-coinfected subjects had lower TBS scores than HIV-monoinfected, HCV-monoinfected, and uninfected subjects. Neither the use of TDF or HCV viremia nor the severity of HCV liver disease was associated with lower TBS.

Conclusions

HCV infection is associated with microarchitectural changes at the lumbar spine as assessed by the low TBS score, suggesting that microstructural abnormalities underlie some of the higher fracture risk in HCV infection. TBS might improve fracture risk prediction in HCV infection.

High Kynurenine:Tryptophan Ratio Is Associated With Liver Fibrosis in HIV-Monoinfected and HIV/Hepatitis C Virus-Coinfected Women

Background

Tryptophan catabolism, measured by the kynurenine:tryptophan (kyn/trp) ratio, is associated with gut microbiota alterations in people with HIV (PWH). We examined the association of the kyn/trp ratio with liver fibrosis in women with/without HIV infection.

Methods

The plasma kyn/trp ratio was measured in 137 HIV-monoinfected, HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)–coinfected, and uninfected women in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study. Fibrosis was estimated using FIB-4 in all participants and vibration-controlled transient elastography liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in a subset (n = 83). We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate the associations of infection status and kyn/trp ratio with relative differences in fibrosis estimates.

Results

The median kyn/trp ratio (interquartile range) was 0.056 (0.045–0.066) in HIV/HCV-coinfected, 0.038 (0.032–0.046) in HIV-monoinfected, and 0.031 (0.025–0.034) in uninfected women (P < .001). After adjustment for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and metabolic factors, HIV monoinfection and HIV/HCV coinfection were associated with 37% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9% to 73%) and 164% (95% CI, 100% to 250%) greater FIB-4, respectively. When kyn/trp ratio was included, higher kyn/trp ratio was associated with greater FIB-4 (27% per kyn/trp doubling; 95% CI, 5% to 53%), and the associations of HIV monoinfection (29% per kyn/trp doubling; 95% CI, 2% to 63%) and HIV/HCV coinfection (123% per kyn/trp doubling; 95% CI, 63% to 203%) with greater FIB-4 were attenuated. Among those with LSM, higher kyn/trp ratio was associated with greater LSM (43% per kyn/trp doubling; 95% CI, 15% to 79%) in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

The kyn/trp ratio is elevated in PWH and is associated with greater liver fibrosis. Tryptophan catabolism may modify the relationships between HIV, HCV, and fibrosis.

Effect of Interferon-Free Regimens on Disparities in Hepatitis C Treatment of US Veterans

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether implementation of interferon-free treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) reached groups less likely to benefit from earlier therapies, including patients with genotype 1 virus or contraindications to interferon treatment, and groups that faced treatment disparities: African Americans, patients with HIV co-infection, and those with drug use disorder.

METHODS

Electronic medical records of the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) were used to characterize patients with chronic HCV infection and the treatments they received. Initiation of treatment in 206,544 patients with chronic HCV characterized by viral genotype, demographic characteristics, and comorbid medical and mental illness was studied using a competing events Cox regression over 6 years.

RESULTS

With the advent of interferon-free regimens, the proportion treated increased from 2.4% in 2010 to 18.1% in 2015, an absolute increase of 15.7%. Patients with genotype 1 virus, poor response to previous treatment, and liver disease had the greatest increase. Large absolute increases in the proportion treated were observed in patients with HIV co-infection (18.6%), alcohol use disorder (11.9%), and drug use disorder (12.6%) and in African American (13.7%) and Hispanic (13.5%) patients, groups that were less likely to receive interferon-containing treatment. The VHA spent $962 million on interferon-free treatments in 2015, 1.5% of its operating budget.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of patients with HCV treated in VHA increased sevenfold. The VHA was successful in implementing interferon treatment in previously undertreated populations, and this may become the community standard of care.

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.

Health System Features That Enhance Access to Comprehensive Primary Care for Women Living with HIV in High-Income Settings: A Systematic Mixed Studies Review

Women living with HIV in high-income settings continue to experience modifiable barriers to care. We sought to determine the features of care that facilitate access to comprehensive primary care, inclusive of HIV, comorbidity, and sexual and reproductive healthcare. Using a systematic mixed studies review design, we reviewed qualitative, mixed methods, and quantitative studies identified in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases (January 2000 to August 2017). Eligibility criteria included women living with HIV; high-income countries; primary care; and healthcare accessibility. We performed a thematic synthesis using NVivo. After screening 3466 records, we retained 44 articles and identified 13 themes. Drawing on a social-ecological framework on engagement in HIV care, we situated the themes across three levels of the healthcare system: care providers, clinical care environments, and social and institutional factors. At the care provider level, features enhancing access to comprehensive primary care included positive patient-provider relationships and availability of peer support, case managers, and/or nurse navigators. Within clinical care environments, facilitators to care were appointment reminder systems, nonidentifying clinic signs, women and family spaces, transportation services, and coordination of care to meet women's HIV, comorbidity, and sexual and reproductive healthcare needs. Finally, social and institutional factors included healthcare insurance, patient and physician education, and dispelling HIV-related stigma. This review highlights several features of care that are particularly relevant to the care-seeking experience of women living with HIV. Improving their health through comprehensive care requires a variety of strategies at the provider, clinic, and greater social and institutional levels.

Macrophage Activation and the Tumor Necrosis Factor Cascade in Hepatitis C Disease Progression Among HIV-Infected Women Participating in the Women's Interagency HIV Study

BACKGROUND

HIV/hepatitis C-coinfected persons experience more rapid liver disease progression than hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfected persons, even in the setting of potent antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

We sought to articulate the role of macrophage activation and inflammation in liver disease progression by measuring serial soluble markers in HIV/HCV-coinfected women. We compared markers measured during retrospectively defined periods of rapid liver disease progression to periods where little or no liver disease progression occurred. Liver disease progression was defined by liver biopsy, liver-related death or the serum markers AST-to-platelet ratio index and FIB-4. Soluble CD14, sCD163, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor II, interleukin-6, and chemokine ligand 2 (CCL 2) were measured at 3 time points over 5 years.

RESULTS

One hundred six time intervals were included in the analysis: including 31 from liver disease progressors and 75 from nonprogressors. LPS, sCD14, interleukin-6, and CCL2 levels did not differ in slope or quantity over time between rapid liver disease progressors and nonprogressors. TNFRII and sCD163 were significantly higher in liver disease progressors at (P = 0.002 and <0.0001 respectively) and preceding (P = 0.01 and 0.003 respectively) the liver fibrosis outcome in unadjusted models, with similar values when adjusted for HIV RNA and CD4 count.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with HIV/HCV coinfection, higher sCD163 levels, a marker of macrophage activation, and TNFRII levels, implying activation of the TNF-α system, were associated with liver disease progression. Our results provide an addition to the growing body of evidence regarding the relationship between macrophage activation, inflammation, and liver disease progression in HIV/HCV coinfection.

Reproductive Aging and Hepatic Fibrosis Progression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus-Coinfected Women

BACKGROUND

Severity of hepatic fibrosis is greater in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women, perhaps owing to protective effects of estrogens. However, prior studies of estrogen and liver fibrosis lack serial fibrosis measures, adjustment for age, or longitudinal observations in coinfected populations.

METHODS

In a longitudinal cohort of women coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), we assessed fibrosis progression across reproductive age, using validated serum fibrosis markers, aminotransferase platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis 4 (FIB-4). Fibrosis rate was evaluated within each woman as she transitioned from pre- to postmenopause, defined by a biomarker of ovarian function.

RESULTS

The median follow-up (n = 405) was 9.1 years (interquartile range, 5.0-15.2 years), with a median menopausal age of 49 years (47-52 years). When fully controlled for chronologic aging, the fibrosis progression rate was accelerated during perimenopause, as shown using FIB-4 (0.12 units per year faster than during premenopause; 95% confidence interval [CI], .02-.21; P = .01) and APRI (0.05 units per year faster; -.002 to .09; P = .06). Accelerated fibrosis was also observed during postmenopause compared with premenopause, for FIB-4 (0.14 units per year faster; 95% CI, -.01 to .29; P = .07) and APRI (0.07 units per year faster; -.003 to .15; P = .06). Accelerated fibrosis in perimenopause persisted after adjustment for Hispanic ethnicity, antiretroviral use, and alcohol (0.10 FIB-4 units per year faster than during premenopause; 95% CI, .008-.20; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

In HIV/HCV-coinfected women, hepatic fibrosis accelerates with reproductive aging. Accelerated fibrosis begins in perimenopause, highlighting a previously unrecognized group of women at increased risk for advanced fibrosis and associated complications. Longitudinal analyses of fibrosis rates across reproductive age should be conducted in non-HCV-related liver diseases, given potential implications in a broader spectrum of women.

The effect of HIV infection and HCV viremia on inflammatory mediators and hepatic injury-The Women's Interagency HIV Study

Hepatitis C virus infection induces inflammation and while it is believed that HIV co-infection enhances this response, HIV control may reduce inflammation and liver fibrosis in resolved or viremic HCV infection. Measurement of systemic biomarkers in co-infection could help define the mechanism of inflammation on fibrosis and determine if HIV control reduces liver pathology. A nested case-control study was performed to explore the relationship of systemic biomarkers of inflammation with liver fibrosis in HCV viremic and/or seropositive women with and without HIV infection. Serum cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and cell adhesion molecules were measured in HIV uninfected (HIV-, n = 18), ART-treated HIV-controlled (ARTc, n = 20), uncontrolled on anti-retroviral therapy (ARTuc, n = 21) and elite HIV controllers (Elite, n = 20). All were HCV seroreactive and had either resolved (HCV RNA-; <50IU/mL) or had chronic HCV infection (HCV RNA+). In HCV and HIV groups, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI) was measured and compared to serum cytokines, chemokines, growth factors and cell adhesion molecules. APRI correlated with sVCAM, sICAM, IL-10, and IP-10 levels and inversely correlated with EGF, IL-17, TGF-α and MMP-9 levels. Collectively, all HCV RNA+ subjects had higher sVCAM, sICAM and IP-10 compared to HCV RNA-. In the ART-treated HCV RNA+ groups, TNF-α, GRO, IP-10, MCP-1 and MDC were higher than HIV-, Elite or both. In ARTuc, FGF-2, MPO, soluble E-selectin, MMP-9, IL-17, GM-CSF and TGF-α are lower than HIV-, Elite or both. Differential expression of soluble markers may reveal mechanisms of pathogenesis or possibly reduction of fibrosis in HCV/HIV co-infection.

Brief Report: Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Mitigates Liver Disease in HIV Infection

To determine the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on liver disease, we analyzed changes in the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) pre- and post-HAART initiation among 441 HIV-monoinfected and 53 HIV-viral hepatitis-coinfected men. Before HAART, APRI increased 17% and 34% among the HIV-monoinfected and coinfected men, respectively. With HAART initiation, APRI decreased significantly in men who achieved HIV RNA of <500 copies per milliliter: 16% for HIV-monoinfected and 22% for coinfected men. Decreases in APRI were dependent on HIV suppression. This protective effect of HAART decreased after 2 years, particularly in the HIV-monoinfected men.

The Role of Current and Historical Alcohol Use in Hepatic Fibrosis Among HIV-Infected Individuals

We examined risk factors for advanced hepatic fibrosis [fibrosis-4 (FIB)-4 >3.25] including both current alcohol use and a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder among HIV-infected patients. Of the 12,849 patients in our study, 2133 (17%) reported current hazardous drinking by AUDIT-C, 2321 (18%) had a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, 2376 (18%) were co-infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV); 596 (5%) had high FIB-4 scores >3.25 as did 364 (15%) of HIV/HCV coinfected patients. In multivariable analysis, HCV (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.2-7.5), chronic hepatitis B (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.8), diabetes (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.8-2.9), current CD4 <200 cells/mm³ (aOR 5.4, 95% CI 4.2-6.9) and HIV RNA >500 copies/mL (aOR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.6) were significantly associated with advanced fibrosis. A diagnosis of an alcohol use disorder (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6-2.3) rather than report of current hazardous alcohol use was associated with high FIB-4. However, among HIV/HCV coinfected patients, both current hazardous drinkers (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4) and current non-drinkers (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.0) were more likely than non-hazardous drinkers to have high FIB-4, with the latter potentially reflecting the impact of sick abstainers. These findings highlight the importance of using a longitudinal measure of alcohol exposure when evaluating the impact of alcohol on liver disease and associated outcomes.

Cocaine/crack use is not associated with fibrosis progression measured by AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index in HIV-HCV co-infected patients: a cohort study

Background

Cocaine and crack use has been associated with HIV and HCV infections, but its consequences on HCV progression have not been well established. We analyzed the impact of cocaine/crack use on liver fibrosis progression in a cohort of HIV-HCV co-infected patients.

Methods

A Canadian multicenter prospective cohort study followed 1238 HIV-HCV co-infected persons every 6 months between 2003 and 2013. Data were analyzed from 573 patients with positive HCV RNA, not on HCV treatment, without significant liver fibrosis (AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) <1.5) or history of end-stage liver disease at baseline, and having at least two study visits. Recent cocaine/crack use was defined as use within 6 months of cohort entry. Incidence rates of progression to significant fibrosis (APRI ≥ 1.5) were determined according to recent cocaine/crack use. Cox Proportional Hazards models were used to assess the association between time-updated cocaine/crack use and progression to APRI ≥ 1.5 adjusting for age, sex, HCV duration, baseline ln(APRI), and time-updated alcohol abuse, history of other drug use and CD4+ cell count.

Results

At baseline, 211 persons (37%) were recent cocaine/crack users and 501 (87%) ever used cocaine/crack. Recent users did not differ from non-recent users on gender, age, and CD4+ T-cell count. Over 1599 person-years of follow up (522 PY in recent users, 887 PY in previous users and 190 PY in never users),158 (28%) persons developed significant fibrosis (9.9/100 PY; 95% CI, 8.3–11.4); 56 (27%) recent users (10.7/100 PY; 7.9–13.5), 81 (28%) previous users (9.1/100 PY; 7.1–11.1), and 21 (29%) never users (11.1/100 PY; 6.3–15.8). There was no association between ever having used or time-updated cocaine/crack use and progression to APRI ≥ 1.5 (adjusted HR (95%CI): 0.96 (0.58, 1.57) and 0.88;(0.63–1.25), respectively).

Conclusions

We could not find evidence that cocaine/crack use is associated with progression to advanced liver fibrosis in our prospective study of HIV-HCV co-infected patients.

Hepatic fibrosis and immune phenotype vary by HCV viremia in HCV/HIV co-infected subjects: A Women's interagency HIV study

HCV and HIV independently lead to immune dysregulation. The mechanisms leading to advanced liver disease progression in HCV/HIV coinfected subjects remain unclear.In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the association of HCV viremia, liver fibrosis, and immune response patterns in well-characterized HIV phenotypes: Elite controllers (Elites), HIV controlled (ARTc), and HIV uncontrolled (ARTuc) matched by age and race. Groups were stratified by HCV RNA status. Regulatory T-cell frequencies, T-cell activation (HLADR+CD38+), apoptosis (Caspase-3+), and intracellular cytokines (interferon-γ, IL-2, IL-17) were assessed using multiparametric flow-cytometry. Liver fibrosis was scored by AST to platelet ratio index (APRI).We found liver fibrosis (APRI) was 50% lower in Elites and ARTc compared to ARTuc. Higher liver fibrosis was associated with significantly low CD4+ T cell counts (P < 0.001, coefficient r = -0.463). Immune activation varied by HIV phenotype but was not modified by HCV viremia. HCV viremia was associated with elevated CD8 T-cell Caspase-3 in Elites, ARTuc, and HIV- except ARTc. CD8 T-cell Caspase-3 levels were significantly higher in HCV RNA+ Elites (P = 0.04) and ARTuc (P = 0.001) and HIV- groups (P = 0.02) than ARTc. Importantly, ARTuc HCV RNA+ had significantly higher CD4 T-cell interleukin-17 levels than ARTuc HCV RNA- (P = 0.005).HIV control was associated with lower liver fibrosis in HCV/HIV co-infected women. HCV viremia is associated with an inflammatory CD4 TH-17 phenotype in absence of HIV control and higher frequency of pro-apoptosis CD8 T-cells critical to avert progression of HIV and HCV disease that is attenuated in ART controllers. Elite controllers with HCV viremia are more prone to CD8 T-cell apoptosis than ART controllers, which could have negative consequences over time, highlighting the importance of ART control in HCV/HIV coinfected individuals.

Liver fibrosis and fatty liver in Asian HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the importance of liver fibrosis and fatty liver in HIV-monoinfected individuals without hepatitis virus co-infection, particularly among the Asian population.

AIM

To evaluate prevalence and risk factors for liver fibrosis and fatty liver in Asian HIV-monoinfected individuals.

METHODS

Eighty asymptomatic HIV-monoinfected individuals (tested negative for HBV/HCV) were compared with 160 matched HIV-uninfected healthy controls. Transient elastography and proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1) H-MRS) were performed to measure liver stiffness and hepatic steatosis respectively. Blood samples were analysed for metabolic profiles and markers of steatohepatitis (e.g. cytokeratin-18).

RESULTS

All HIV-infected individuals (mean ± s.d. age 54 ± 11 years, male 93%, Chinese 94%; diagnosis median duration 8 (IQR 4-13 years) were stable on anti-retrovirals (PI-based 58.7%, NNRTI-based 25.0% integrase-inhibitors 16.3%); diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic syndrome were common. Fatty liver disease was detected in 28.7%. There was significantly higher degree of liver stiffness [4.9 (IQR 4.1-6.2) kPa vs. 4.2 (IQR 3.6-5.0) kPa, P < 0.001], and greater proportions developed significant fibrosis (7.0 kPa, 14.3% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.001) and cirrhosis (10.3 kPa, 5.2% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.040) compared with controls. HIV infection was an independent risk factor for significant fibrosis (adjusted OR 4.00, 95% CI 1.29-12.41, P = 0.016). HIV-infected individuals with fatty liver had excessive liver stiffness and fibrosis. Two cases of asymptomatic hepatocellular carcinoma were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-monoinfected patients are at risk for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. HIV-related mechanisms and fatty liver disease may play important roles. Screening and intervention to prevent severe outcomes should be considered.

Liver fibrosis in HIV-infected individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy: associated with immune activation, immunodeficiency and prior use of didanosine

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether HIV infection is associated with liver fibrosis in the absence of chronic hepatitis B or C virus (HBV/HCV) coinfection. We compared prevalence of liver fibrosis, noninvasively assessed by the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, between HIV-infected patients and uninfected controls, and explored determinants of a higher FIB-4 score, indicative of more liver fibrosis.

METHODS

FIB-4 was assessed in HIV-uninfected and HIV-1-infected, predominantly virologically suppressed participants of the AGEhIV Cohort Study without HBV and/or HCV coinfection, and aged at least 45. Using multivariable regression, we investigated associations between FIB-4 and HIV-status, HIV-disease characteristics, antiretroviral drugs and markers of microbial translocation and immune activation.

RESULTS

Prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis (FIB-4 ≥ 3.25) was low: 1.4% in HIV-infected and 1.0% in HIV-uninfected participants. After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, detectable anti-hepatitis B core/anti-HCV antibodies and excessive alcohol intake, HIV remained significantly associated with higher FIB-4 (+4.2%, P = 0.05). Prior exposure to didanosine, longer duration of a CD4 cell count below 500 cells/μl and a lower CD4 cell count at enrollment were each associated with a higher FIB-4. Markers of immune activation (soluble CD163, activated CD8 T-lymphocytes and regulatory T-lymphocytes) were associated with a higher FIB-4 in HIV-infected but not HIV-uninfected study participants.

CONCLUSION

HIV infection was independently associated with higher FIB-4 scores, indicating more advanced liver fibrosis, though the difference in FIB-4 scores between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected was small. Higher levels of immune activation were associated with liver fibrosis in HIV-infected, even in the absence of HBV or HCV infection, but not in HIV-uninfected individuals.

Marijuana Use Is Not Associated With Progression to Advanced Liver Fibrosis in HIV/Hepatitis C Virus-coinfected Women

BACKGROUND

Marijuana (hereafter "tetrahydrocannabinol [THC]") use has been associated with liver fibrosis progression in retrospective analyses of patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV). We studied long-term effects of THC on fibrosis progression in women coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).

METHODS

Liver fibrosis was categorized according to FIB-4 scores as none, moderate, or significant. THC and alcohol use were quantified as average exposure per week. Associations between THC use and progression to significant fibrosis were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

Among 575 HIV/HCV-coinfected women followed for a median of 11 (interquartile range, 6-17) years, 324 (56%) reported no THC use, 141 (25%) less than weekly use, 70 (12%) weekly use, and 40 (7%) daily use at WIHS entry. In univariable analysis, entry FIB-4 score (hazard ratio [HR], 2.26 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.88-2.73], P < .001), log HCV RNA (HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.02-1.38], P = .02), tobacco use (HR, 1.37 [95% CI, 1.02-1.85], P = .04), CD4(+) count (risk per 100-cell increase: HR, 0.90 [95% CI, .86-.95], P < .001), and log HIV RNA (HR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.05-1.32], P = .005) were associated with progression to significant fibrosis, as was cumulative alcohol use in follow-up (HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 1.02-1.04], P < .001). In multivariable analysis, entry FIB-4, entry CD4(+) count, and cumulative alcohol use remained significant. Cumulative THC use was not associated with fibrosis progression (HR, 1.01 [95% CI, .92-1.10], P = .83).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of HIV/HCV-coinfected women, THC was not associated with progression to significant liver fibrosis. Alcohol use was independently associated with liver fibrosis, and may better predict fibrosis progression in HIV/HCV-coinfected women.

Enhanced liver fibrosis marker as a noninvasive predictor of mortality in HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected women from a multicenter study of women with or at risk for HIV

OBJECTIVE

Coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with HIV. Our objective was to assess the prognostic performance of noninvasive measures of liver fibrosis in predicting all-cause mortality in women with HIV/HCV coinfection.

DESIGN

We studied HCV/HIV coinfected women enrolled in the prospective, multicenter Women's Interagency HIV Study. Aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio and FIB-4 were used to identify women without fibrosis at all visits and women who progressed to severe fibrosis.

METHODS

Enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF), which utilizes direct measures of fibrosis, hyaluronic acid, procollagen III aminoterminal peptide and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase was performed.

RESULTS

Included were 381 women with 2296 ELF measurements, with mean follow-up 8.3 ± 3.3 years. There were 134 deaths (60% with severe liver fibrosis). Receiver operator characteristic curves at fixed time windows prior to death or at end of follow-up showed that ELF was best at predicting mortality when tested within a year of death (area under the curve for ELF 0.85 vs. APRI 0.69, P < 0.0001 and vs. FIB-4 0.75, P = 0.0036); and 1-3 years prior (ELF 0.71 vs. APRI 0.61, P = 0.005 and vs. FIB-4 0.65, P = 0.06). Use of all three measures did not improve on ELF alone. In multivariate logistic regression models controlling for CD4 cell count, HIV viral load, antiretroviral use and age, ELF continued to perform better than APRI and FIB-4.

CONCLUSION

ELF predicted all-cause mortality and was superior to APRI and FIB-4 in HIV/HCV coinfected women.

Mechanisms of bone disease in HIV and hepatitis C virus: impact of bone turnover, tenofovir exposure, sex steroids and severity of liver disease

OBJECTIVE

Both HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are associated with higher osteoporotic fracture risk. Increased bone turnover, liver fibrosis, tenofovir (TDF) use or hormonal imbalances are possible underlying mechanisms.

DESIGN

This prospective, cross-sectional study assessed 298 male volunteers with either virologically suppressed HIV or untreated HCV mono-infections, HIV/HCV co-infection and noninfected controls.

METHODOLOGY

Study participants underwent bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and measurement of bone turnover markers [BTM: C-telopeptide (CTX) and osteocalcin (OC)], insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), the sex steroids testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2), and the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI). Impact of HIV and HCV status on BMD was evaluated in multivariate models adjusting for APRI score, BTM, TDF exposure, IGF-1, and sex steroids.

RESULTS

HIV and HCV status independently predicted lower BMD, controlling for age, race, BMI, and smoking (P = 0.017 and P = 0.010, respectively), whereas APRI did not (P = 0.84). HIV was associated with increased bone resorption (CTX: P < 0.001) and formation (OC: P = 0.014), whereas HCV infection was not associated with CTX (P = 0.30) or OC (P = 0.36). TDF exposure was associated with lower BMD (P < 0.01). IGF-1 was significantly decreased in HCV and increased in HIV. Tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.98), IGF-1 (P = 0.80), bioavailable T (P = 0.45) and E2 (P = 0.27) were not associated with BMD and did not attenuate the impact of HIV or HCV on BMD.

CONCLUSION

HIV and TDF exposure decrease BMD through increased bone turnover, although the lower BMD in HCV is not explained by a high turnover state. Neither virus' effect on BMD is likely mediated through increased inflammation, liver fibrosis, IGF-1, or sex steroids.

Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Is Associated With Reduction in Liver Fibrosis Scores in HIV-1-Infected Subjects

HIV increases the risk of liver disease as do two common coinfections, hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV). However, whether combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) reverses or exacerbates hepatic fibrosis remains unclear.This was an observational retrospective study. cART-naïve HIV-infected subjects without a history of substance abuse (including alcohol) had liver disease stage determined by aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio indices (APRIs) and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) before and 24 and 48 weeks after cART. All the data were retrieved from previously established cohorts. Values before and after cART were compared using Wilcoxon test for paired samples. Regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with moderate-to-severe liver disease.Of the 1105 HIV-infected subjects, 120 were HBV coinfected and 64 were HCV coinfected. About 20% of HIV monoinfected participants had APRI and FIB-4 scores consistent with moderate-to-significant fibrosis compared to ∼36% of HIV-HBV coinfected and 67% to 77% of HIV-HCV coinfected participants. In adjusted analyses compared with HIV monoinfection, HBV coinfection was associated with 1.18-fold higher APRI (P < 0.001) and a 1.12-fold higher FIB-4 (P = 0.007) prior to cART; while HCV coinfection was associated with 1.94-fold higher APRI (P < 0.001) and a 1.43-fold higher FIB-4 (P < 0.001). After 48 weeks of cART, both fibrosis scores decreased in all subjects; however, HCV coinfection was still associated with higher fibrosis scores at week 48 compared to HIV monoinfection.cART was associated with improvement in hepatic fibrosis scores in the majority of HIV-hepatitis coinfected and HIV-monoinfected Chinese participants.

Prognostic Value of the Fibrosis-4 Index in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 Infected Patients Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy with or without Hepatitis C Virus

Objective

To evaluate the Fibrosis (FIB)-4 index as a predictor of major liver-related events (LRE) and liver-related death (LRD) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type-1 patients initiating combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).

Design

Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study.

Setting

Italian HIV care centers participating to the ICONA Foundation cohort.

Participants

Treatment-naive patients enrolled in ICONA were selected who: initiated cART, had hepatitis C virus (HCV) serology results, were HBsAg negative, had an available FIB-4 index at cART start and during follow up.

Methods

Cox regression models were used to determine the association of FIB4 with the risk of major LRE (gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, hepato-renal syndrome or hepatocellular carcinoma) or LRD.

Results

Three-thousand four-hundred seventy-five patients were enrolled: 73.3% were males, 27.2% HCV seropositive. At baseline (time of cART initiation) their median age was 39 years, had a median CD4+ T cell count of 260 cells/uL, and median HIV RNA 4.9 log copies/mL, 65.9% had a FIB-4 <1.45, 26.4% 1.45–3.25 and 7.7% >3.25. Over a follow up of 18,662 person-years, 41 events were observed: 25 major LRE and 16 LRD (incidence rate, IR, 2.2 per 1,000 PYFU [95% confidence interval, CI 1.6–3.0]). IR was higher in HCV seropositives as compared to negatives (5.9 vs 0.5 per 1,000 PYFU). Higher baseline FIB-4 category as compared to <1.45 (FIB-4 1.45–3.25: HR 3.55, 95% CI 1.09–11.58; FIB-4>3.25: HR 4.25, 1.21–14.92) and time-updated FIB-4 (FIB-4 1.45–3.25: HR 3.40, 1.02–11.40; FIB-4>3.25: HR 21.24, 6.75–66.84) were independently predictive of major LRE/LRD, after adjusting for HIV- and HCV-related variables, alcohol consumption and type of cART.

Conclusions

The FIB-4 index at cART initiation, and its modification over time are risk factors for major LRE or LRD, independently of infection with HCV and could be used to monitor patients on cART.

Predicting Risk of End-Stage Liver Disease in Antiretroviral-Treated Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis C Virus-Coinfected Patients

Background.  End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is an important cause of morbidity among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients. Quantifying the risk of this outcome over time could help determine which coinfected patients should be targeted for risk factor modification and HCV treatment. We evaluated demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables to predict risk of ESLD in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods.  We conducted a retrospective cohort study among 6016 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who received ART within the Veterans Health Administration between 1997 and 2010. The main outcome was incident ESLD, defined by hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver-related death. Cox regression was used to develop prognostic models based on baseline demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables, including FIB-4 and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index, previously validated markers of hepatic fibrosis. Model performance was assessed by discrimination and decision curve analysis. Results.  Among 6016 HIV/HCV patients, 532 (8.8%) developed ESLD over a median of 6.6 years. A model comprising FIB-4 and race had modest discrimination for ESLD (c-statistic, 0.73) and higher net benefit than alternative strategies of treating no or all coinfected patients at relevant risk thresholds. For FIB-4 >3.25, ESLD risk ranged from 7.9% at 1 year to 26.0% at 5 years among non-blacks and from 2.4% at 1 year to 14.0% at 5 years among blacks. Conclusions.  Race and FIB-4 provided important predictive information on ESLD risk among HIV/HCV patients. Estimating risk of ESLD using these variables could help direct HCV treatment decisions among HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

Hepatic Fibrosis Progression in HIV-Hepatitis C Virus Co-Infection--The Effect of Sex on Risk of Significant Fibrosis Measured by Aspartate-to-Platelet Ratio Index

BACKGROUND

In Hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infection, male sex is associated with faster liver fibrosis progression but the effects of sex have not been well studied in HIV-HCV co-infected patients. We examined the influence of sex on progression to significant liver fibrosis in HIV-HCV co-infected adults receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) using the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) as a surrogate biomarker of liver fibrosis.

METHODS

We evaluated 308 HIV infected, HCV RNA positive participants of a Canadian multicentre prospective cohort receiving antiretrovirals and without significant liver fibrosis or end-stage liver disease at baseline. We used multivariate discrete-time proportional hazards models to assess the effect of sex on time to significant fibrosis (APRI≥1.5) adjusting for baseline age, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, HCV duration, and APRI and time-updated CD4 count and HIV RNA.

RESULTS

Overall, 55 (18%) participants developed an APRI ≥ 1.5 over 544 person-years of at-risk follow-up time; 18 (21%) women (incidence rate (IR)=14.0/100 PY; 7.5-20.4) and 37 (17%) men (IR=8.9/100 PY; 6.0-11.8). Women had more favourable profiles with respect to traditional risk factors for liver disease progression (younger, shorter duration of HCV infection and less alcohol use). Despite this, female sex was associated with a greater than two-fold increased risk of fibrosis progression (adjusted hazard rate (HR) =2.23; 1.22-4.08).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-HCV co-infected women receiving antiretroviral therapy were at significantly greater risk of progressing to liver fibrosis as measured by APRI compared with men. Enhanced efforts to engage and treat co-infected women for HCV are needed.

Clinical, biochemical and histological differences between HIV-associated NAFLD and primary NAFLD: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

There are limited data regarding the clinical, biochemical and liver histological characteristics of patients with HIV-associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and whether this entity differs in presentation and severity from primary NAFLD AIM: To examine the clinical and histological differences between HIV-associated NAFLD and primary NAFLD.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, case-control study comparing patients with HIV-associated NAFLD vs. patients with primary NAFLD. HIV-infected patients were identified from a database of consecutive liver biopsies performed at the University of California at San Diego, over a 13-year period. HIV-infected patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were selected as cases, after exclusion of other causes of liver disease and hepatic steatosis. Age-sex-matched controls with biopsy-proven primary NAFLD were randomly identified from the same pathology database. All biopsies underwent a standardised, detailed, histological research evaluation by a liver pathologist who was blinded to clinical and case-control status.

RESULTS

Compared to age-sex-matched patients with primary NAFLD (n = 33), patients with HIV-associated NAFLD (n = 33) had significantly higher mean aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.003) and serum triglycerides (P = 0.024). Similarly, compared to age-sex-matched primary NAFLD, patients with HIV-associated NAFLD had significantly higher rates of definite steatohepatitis (37% vs. 63%, P = 0.04), and more features of liver injury, including lobular inflammation (<0.001) and acidophil bodies (<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Compared to age-sex-matched primary NAFLD, HIV-associated NAFLD has increased severity of liver disease and a higher prevalence of NASH.

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.

Prevalence and predictors of elevated aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index in Latin American perinatally HIV-infected children

BACKGROUND

Chronic liver disease has emerged as an important problem in adults with longstanding HIV infection, but data are lacking for children. We characterized elevated aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), a marker of possible liver fibrosis, in perinatally HIV-infected children.

METHODS

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative enrolled HIV-infected children (ages 0.1-20.1 years) from 5 Latin American countries in an observational cohort from 2002 to 2009. Twice yearly visits included medical history, physical examination and laboratory evaluations. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of APRI > 1.5 was calculated, and associations with demographic, HIV-related and liver-related variables were investigated in bivariate analyses.

RESULTS

APRI was available for 1012 of 1032 children. APRI was >1.5 in 32 (3.2%, 95% confidence interval: 2.2%-4.4%) including 2 of 4 participants with hepatitis B virus infection. Factors significantly associated with APRI > 1.5 (P < 0.01 compared with APRI ≤ 1.5) included country, younger age, past or current hepatitis B virus, higher alanine aminotransferase, lower total cholesterol, higher log10 current viral load, lower current CD4 count, lower nadir CD4 count, use of hepatotoxic nonantiretroviral (ARV) medications and no prior ARV use. Rates of APRI > 1.5 varied significantly by current ARV regimen (P = 0.0002), from 8.0% for no ARV to 3.2% for non-protease inhibitor regimens to 1.5% for protease inhibitor-based regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated APRI occurred in approximately 3% of perinatally HIV-infected children. Protease inhibitor-based ARVs appeared protective whereas inadequate HIV control appeared to increase risk of elevated APRI. Additional investigations are needed to better assess potential subclinical, chronic liver disease in HIV-infected children.

HCV and HIV co-infection: mechanisms and management

HCV and HIV co-infection is associated with accelerated hepatic fibrosis progression and higher rates of liver decompensation and death compared to HCV monoinfection, and liver disease is a leading cause of non-AIDS-related mortality among HIV-infected patients. New insights have revealed multiple mechanisms by which HCV and HIV lead to accelerated disease progression, specifically that HIV infection increases HCV replication, augments HCV-induced hepatic inflammation, increases hepatocyte apoptosis, increases microbial translocation from the gut and leads to an impairment of HCV-specific immune responses. Treatment of HIV with antiretroviral therapy and treatment of HCV have independently been shown to delay the progression of fibrosis and reduce complications from end-stage liver disease among co-infected patients. However, rates of sustained virologic response with PEG-IFN and ribavirin have been significantly inferior among co-infected patients compared with HCV-monoinfected patients, and treatment uptake has remained low given the limited efficacy and tolerability of current HCV regimens. With multiple direct-acting antiviral agents in development to treat HCV, a unique opportunity exists to redefine the treatment paradigm for co-infected patients, which incorporates data on fibrosis stage as well as potential drug interactions with antiretroviral therapy.

Relationship between alcohol use categories and noninvasive markers of advanced hepatic fibrosis in HIV-infected, chronic hepatitis C virus-infected, and uninfected patients

BACKGROUND

It is unclear if the risk of liver disease associated with different levels of alcohol consumption is higher for patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). We evaluated associations between alcohol use categories and advanced hepatic fibrosis, by HIV and chronic HCV status.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study among participants in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study who reported alcohol consumption at enrollment (701 HIV/HCV-coinfected; 1410 HIV-monoinfected; 296 HCV-monoinfected; 1158 HIV/HCV-uninfected). Alcohol use category was determined by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) questionnaire and alcohol-related diagnoses and was classified as nonhazardous drinking, hazardous/binge drinking, or alcohol-related diagnosis. Advanced hepatic fibrosis was defined by FIB-4 index >3.25.

RESULTS

Within each HIV/HCV group, the prevalence of advanced hepatic fibrosis increased as alcohol use category increased. For each alcohol use category, advanced hepatic fibrosis was more common among HIV-infected than uninfected (nonhazardous: 6.7% vs 1.4%; hazardous/binge: 9.5% vs 3.0%; alcohol-related diagnosis: 19.0% vs 8.6%; P < .01) and chronic HCV-infected than uninfected (nonhazardous: 13.6% vs 2.5%; hazardous/binge: 18.2% vs 3.1%; alcohol-related diagnosis: 22.1% vs 6.5%; P < .01) participants. Strong associations with advanced hepatic fibrosis (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) were observed among HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with nonhazardous drinking (14.2 [5.91-34.0]), hazardous/binge drinking (18.9 [7.98-44.8]), and alcohol-related diagnoses (25.2 [10.6-59.7]) compared with uninfected nonhazardous drinkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced hepatic fibrosis was present at low levels of alcohol consumption, increased with higher alcohol use categories, and was more prevalent among HIV-infected and chronic HCV-infected patients than uninfected individuals. All alcohol use categories were strongly associated with advanced hepatic fibrosis in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

Prevalence and predictors of elevated aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index in Latin American perinatally HIV-infected children

BACKGROUND

Chronic liver disease has emerged as an important problem in adults with longstanding HIV infection, but data are lacking for children. We characterized elevated aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), a marker of possible liver fibrosis, in perinatally HIV-infected children.

METHODS

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative enrolled HIV-infected children (ages 0.1-20.1 years) from 5 Latin American countries in an observational cohort from 2002 to 2009. Twice yearly visits included medical history, physical examination and laboratory evaluations. The prevalence (95% confidence interval) of APRI > 1.5 was calculated, and associations with demographic, HIV-related and liver-related variables were investigated in bivariate analyses.

RESULTS

APRI was available for 1012 of 1032 children. APRI was >1.5 in 32 (3.2%, 95% confidence interval: 2.2%-4.4%) including 2 of 4 participants with hepatitis B virus infection. Factors significantly associated with APRI > 1.5 (P < 0.01 compared with APRI ≤ 1.5) included country, younger age, past or current hepatitis B virus, higher alanine aminotransferase, lower total cholesterol, higher log10 current viral load, lower current CD4 count, lower nadir CD4 count, use of hepatotoxic nonantiretroviral (ARV) medications and no prior ARV use. Rates of APRI > 1.5 varied significantly by current ARV regimen (P = 0.0002), from 8.0% for no ARV to 3.2% for non-protease inhibitor regimens to 1.5% for protease inhibitor-based regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated APRI occurred in approximately 3% of perinatally HIV-infected children. Protease inhibitor-based ARVs appeared protective whereas inadequate HIV control appeared to increase risk of elevated APRI. Additional investigations are needed to better assess potential subclinical, chronic liver disease in HIV-infected children.

Characteristics of the cellular immune response in HIV/HCV patients with hemophilia during peginterferon/ribavirin therapy in southern China

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of the study are to characterize the cellular immune response in hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 and HIV co-infected patients with hemophilia in southern China during treatment with interferon and ribavirin and to study its correlation with the virologic response (VR). Thirty-six HCV genotype 1 and HIV co-infected patients with hemophilia in southern China were enrolled into the study. Using an ELISpot assay, HCV antigen-specific interferon (IFN) γ, interleukin (IL) 2, IL-4, and IL-10 secreting cells were measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of IL28B were determined, and immunological, virologic, and clinical variables were collected to identify factors associated with HCV-sustained VR (SVR) at week 72 after treatment. At baseline, there were no significant differences in IFN-γ and IL-2 mediated immune responses in subjects with VR versus non-responders. Higher IL-10 specific responses to NS3 were observed in VR patients. Subjects who had significant decreases in IL-10 responses at week 72 compared with baseline for NS3 and NS5 were more likely to be VR. In SVR, IL-2 production decreased moderately, and the levels of IL-4 were low throughout. The main correlation for SVR in genotype-l infected subjects was sustained HCV-specific IFN-γ responses through the whole 72-week period. In subjects with HIV and HCV co-infection combined with hemophilia, IL28B genotype CC, a decrease in HCV specific IL-l0 and IL-2 responses, and the maintenance of IFN-γ responses during treatment were associated with a 12- or 72-week VR.

Hepatitis C co-infection and severity of liver disease as risk factors for osteoporotic fractures among HIV-infected patients

Osteoporosis is increasingly reported in the aging HIV-positive population, and co-infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) may further increase the risk of osteoporosis. However, it remains unclear whether HCV-related increased fracture risk is a function of the severity of liver disease. We calculated the time-updated alanine aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) score (an indirect marker of hepatic fibrosis) in all HIV-infected patients enrolled in the Veterans Affairs' Clinical Case Registry between 1984 and 2009. The association between HCV co-infection and incident osteoporotic fracture (defined as closed wrist, vertebral, or hip fracture) was assessed in univariate and multivariate Cox survival models adjusting for traditional risk factors for osteoporosis and APRI score or the presence of cirrhosis. A total of 772 osteoporotic fractures were identified among 56,660 HIV-infected patients (98.1% male; 31.3% HCV co-infected; median age 44.0 years) contributing 305,237 patient-years of follow-up. Fracture rates were significantly higher among HIV/HCV patients than HIV-only patients (2.57 versus 2.07/1000 patient-years, relative risk = 1.24, p < 0.0001). In a Cox multivariable model including age, race, smoking, drug use, body mass index, and antiretroviral therapy, HCV co-infection remained an independent predictor of osteoporotic fractures after controlling for presence of cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.32; p <0.001) or APRI score (HR = 1.30; p = 0.003). Among HIV/HCV co-infected patients, cirrhosis strongly predicted osteoporotic fractures (HR = 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-2.44; p = 0.012), but APRI score was a weaker predictor (HR = 1.008; 95% CI 1.002-1.014; p = 0.015). In conclusion, among HIV-infected patients, severity of liver disease partly explains the HCV-associated increased risk of osteoporotic fractures. Other determinants of this increased risk remain to be defined.

Interleukin-6 is associated with noninvasive markers of liver fibrosis in HIV-infected patients with alcohol problems

Both HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) cause chronic inflammation and alterations in serum inflammatory cytokines. The impact of inflammatory cytokines on liver fibrosis is not well understood. We studied the association between interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and liver fibrosis in HIV-infected patients with current or past alcohol problems (CAGE ≥2 or physician investigator diagnosis). Liver fibrosis was estimated with FIB-4 (FIB-4 <1.45 defined the absence of liver fibrosis and FIB-4 >3.25 defined advanced fibrosis). Logistic regression was used to assess the association between cytokines and fibrosis, adjusting for age, sex, CD4, HIV RNA, current antiretroviral therapy, body mass index, and HCV. Secondary analyses explored whether the association between HCV and liver fibrosis was mediated by these cytokines. Participants (n=308) were all HIV-infected; 73% were male with a mean age of 42 years; half had detectable HCV-RNA, 60.7% had an absence of liver fibrosis, and 10.1% had advanced fibrosis. In models that adjusted for each cytokine separately, higher levels of IL-6 were significantly associated with an absence of fibrosis [adjusted OR (95% CI): 0.43 (0.19, 0.98), p=0.05] and were borderline significant for advanced fibrosis [adjusted OR (95% CI): 8.16 (0.96, 69.54), p=0.055]. In the final model, only higher levels of IL-6 remained significantly associated with advanced liver fibrosis [adjusted OR (95% CI): 11.78 (1.17, 118.19), p=0.036]. Adjustment for inflammatory cytokines attenuated the adjusted OR for the association between HCV and fibrosis in the case of IL-6 [for the absence of fibrosis from 0.32 (0.17, 0.57) p<0.01 to 0.47 (0.23, 0.96) p=0.04; and for advanced fibrosis from 7.22 (2.01, 25.96) p<0.01 to 6.62 (1.20, 36.62) p=0.03], suggesting IL-6 may be a partial mediator of the association between HCV and liver fibrosis. IL-6 was strongly and significantly associated with liver fibrosis in a cohort of HIV-infected patients with alcohol problems. IL-6 may be a useful predictive marker for liver fibrosis for HIV-infected patients.

Impact of lifetime alcohol use on liver fibrosis in a population of HIV-infected patients with and without hepatitis C coinfection

BACKGROUND

The effect of alcohol on liver disease in HIV infection has not been well characterized.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional multivariable analysis of the association between lifetime alcohol use and liver fibrosis in a longitudinal cohort of HIV-infected patients with alcohol problems. Liver fibrosis was estimated with 2 noninvasive indices, "FIB-4," which includes platelets, liver enzymes, and age; and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index ("APRI"), which includes platelets and liver enzymes. FIB-4 <1.45 and APRI <0.5 defined the absence of liver fibrosis. FIB-4 >3.25 and APRI >1.5 defined advanced liver fibrosis. The main independent variable was lifetime alcohol consumption (<150 kg, 150 to 600 kg, >600 kg).

RESULTS

Subjects (n = 308) were 73% men, mean age 43 years, 49% with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 60% on antiretroviral therapy, 49% with an HIV RNA load <1,000 copies/ml, and 18.7% with a CD4 count <200 cells/mm(3) . Forty-five percent had lifetime alcohol consumption >600 kg, 32.7% 150 to 600 kg, and 22.3% <150 kg; 33% had current heavy alcohol use, and 69% had >9 years of heavy episodic drinking. Sixty-one percent had absence of liver fibrosis and 10% had advanced liver fibrosis based on FIB-4. In logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, gender, HCV infection, and CD4 count, no association was detected between lifetime alcohol consumption and the absence of liver fibrosis (FIB-4 <1.45) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.12 [95% CI: 0.25 to 2.52] for 150 to 600 kg vs. <150 kg; AOR = 1.11 [95% CI: 0.52 to 2.36] for >600 kg vs. <150 kg; global p = 0.95). Additionally, no association was detected between lifetime alcohol use and advanced liver fibrosis (FIB-4 >3.25). Results were similar using APRI, and among those with and without HCV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of HIV-infected patients with alcohol problems, we found no significant association between lifetime alcohol consumption and the absence of liver fibrosis or the presence of advanced liver fibrosis, suggesting that alcohol may be less important than other known factors that promote liver fibrosis in this population.

Liver stiffness predicts liver-related complications and mortality in HIV patients with chronic hepatitis C on antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Liver disease is currently one of the leading causes of death in HIV individuals. Hepatic fibrosis largely mediates this effect and infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause. Few studies have examined so far the predictive value of liver fibrosis staging on mortality and liver decompensation in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

METHODS

A prospective programme of liver fibrosis assessment using transient elastometry has been ongoing at our institution since 2004. Data from all HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who underwent a transient elastometry examination and have at least 18 months of follow-up were selected for the current analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 545 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients were examined (mean age 41 years, 71% men, 81% IDUs, mean BMI 23.3 kg/m2, HBsAg+ 4.2%, alcohol abuse 8.4%, mean CD4 cell count 519 cells/μl). The mean follow-up was 70.9 ± 15.7 months. During follow-up, 12 patients (2.2%) died, four of them due to hepatic complications. Liver-related events (ascites, encephalopathy, oesophageal varices or hepatocellular carcinoma) appeared in 53 patients (10%). In the multivariate analysis, baseline liver stiffness was the strongest predictor of liver-related complications [odds ratio (OR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.16, P < 0.0001] and of all-cause mortality (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.19, P = 0.02). The achievement of sustained virological response following peginterferon/ribavirin therapy during the study period was protective against the development of liver-related events (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0-0.23, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Liver fibrosis staging, as measured by transient elastometry, predicts liver-related complications and all-cause mortality in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients on antiretroviral therapy.