Incidence and risk factors for liver enzyme elevation during highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV-HCV co-infected patients: results from the Italian EPOKA-MASTER Cohort

Apples to Apples? A Comparison of Real-World Tolerability of Antiretrovirals in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection and Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis

We previously characterized a human betaretrovirus and linked infection with the development of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). There are in vitro and in vivo data demonstrating that antiretroviral therapy used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be repurposed to treat betaretroviruses. As such, PBC patients have been treated with nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), alone and in combination with a boosted protease inhibitor or an integrase strand transfer inhibitor in case studies and clinical trials. However, a randomized controlled trial using combination antiretroviral therapy with lopinavir was terminated early because 70% of PBC patients discontinued therapy because of gastrointestinal side effects. In the open-label extension, patients tolerating combination therapy underwent a significant reduction in serum liver parameters, whereas those on NRTIs alone rebounded to baseline. Herein, we compare clinical experience in the experimental use of antiretroviral agents in patients with PBC with the broader experience of using these agents in people living with HIV infection. While the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects in the PBC population appears somewhat increased compared to those with HIV infection, the clinical improvement observed in patients with PBC suggests that further studies using the newer and better tolerated antiretroviral agents are warranted.

Incidence of Hepatotoxicity and Factors Associated During Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in People Living with HIV in Ethiopia: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction

Hepatotoxicity is one of the risk factors associated with treatment non-adherence, which is the main risk factor for drug resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors of hepatotoxicity during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among people living with HIV in Ethiopia.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted between April 2007 and January 2011 at Saint Peter Specialized Hospital, Akaki and Kality Health Centers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 316 HIV-infected adult individuals (70 participants were HIV and TB co-infected and 246 were infected with HIV alone) were included in this study. The study participants were followed for a total of 18 months with or without HAART. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and venous blood samples were collected for laboratory tests. Logistic regression and Poisson regression were used to determine the independent effect of each variable on hepatotoxicity at baseline and end of follow-up.

Results

Of 316 HIV-infected people, 72 (22.8%) participants had an elevated ALT/AST which was 100% mild-to moderate hepatotoxicity at baseline. Baseline CD4 T-cell count (p = 0.027) and HIV co-infection with TB (p < 0.001) were independently associated with hepatotoxicity at baseline. The overall incidence rate of hepatotoxicity in participants on HAART (21.8 per 100 person-years) was lower than participants who were HAART naïve (33.3 per 100 person-years) (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

High incidence of mild-to-moderate hepatotoxicity and low severe hepatotoxicity were observed in HIV-infected individuals who were on HAART or were HAART naïve. HAART may minimize the occurrence of hepatotoxicity. Although HAART could minimize hepatotoxicity among HIV-infected people, to manage mild and moderate hepatotoxicity liver function test monitoring is required.

Liver enzyme elevation in patients taking HAART compared with treatment naïve controls at Debre Berhan Referral Hospital: a comparative cross-sectional study, Northeast Ethiopia

Objective

HAART had significantly improved the quality of life of HIV patients. However, it results different adverse effects such as: hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, lipodystrophy, anemia, diarrhea, psychiatric disorder and others. Therefore, this comparative cross sectional study was designed to investigate liver enzyme elevation in patients taking HAART compared with treatment naïve controls at Debre Berhan Referral Hospital.

Result

A total of 152 individuals (76 cases and 76 controls) were included in this study. The mean ages of treatment and control groups were 37.37 and 36.38 respectively. The mean values of liver enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP), total bilirubin and direct bilirubin were significantly higher (p < 0.05) while, total protein and creatinine were significantly lower in patients taking HAART compared with treatment naïve controls. In this study, about 19 (25%) of clients in HAART treated groups and 7 (9.2%) of treatment naïve controls had showed liver enzyme changes. Moreover, 23.7% and 1.3% of the HAART treated groups developed mild and moderate liver enzyme elevation or hepatotoxicity, respectively. In this study, significant difference was observed in liver enzyme elevation between ART and pre-ART patients. As a result, regular clinical and laboratory monitoring of liver function will be necessary to prevent severe form of liver injury.

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.

Risk of Acute Liver Injury With Antiretroviral Therapy by Viral Hepatitis Status

Background

The risk of hepatotoxicity with antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains unknown. We determined the comparative risk of acute liver injury (ALI) for antiretroviral drugs, classes, and regimens, by viral hepatitis status.

Methods

We followed a cohort of 10 083 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons in Kaiser Permanente Northern California (n = 2099) from 2004 to 2010 and the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (n = 7984) from 2004 to 2012. Within the first year of ART, we determined occurrence of (1) liver aminotransferases >200 U/L and (2) severe ALI (coagulopathy with hyperbilirubinemia). We used Cox regression to determine hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of endpoints among initiators of nucleos(t)ide analogue combinations, antiretroviral classes, and ART regimens, all stratified by viral hepatitis status.

Results

Liver aminotransferases >200 U/L developed in 206 (2%) persons and occurred more frequently among HIV/viral hepatitis-coinfected than HIV-monoinfected persons (116.1 vs 20.7 events/1000 person-years; P < .001). No evidence of differential risk was found between initiators of abacavir/lamivudine versus tenofovir/emtricitabine among coinfected (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, .29–1.57) or HIV-monoinfected (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, .47–2.97) groups. Coinfected patients had a higher risk of aminotransferases >200 U/L after initiation with a protease inhibitor than nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.36–2.96). Severe ALI (30 events; 0.3%) occurred more frequently in coinfected persons (15.9 vs 3.1 events/1000 person-years; P < .001) but was too uncommon to evaluate in adjusted analyses.

Conclusions

Within the year after ART initiation, aminotransferase elevations were infrequently observed and rarely led to severe ALI. Protease inhibitor use was associated with a higher risk of aminotransferase elevations among viral hepatitis-coinfected patients.

High hepatitis C virus prevalence among drug users in Iran: systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological evidence (2001-2012)

OBJECTIVE

Drug users, particularly drug injectors, are at elevated risk of blood-borne diseases. This study systematically reviewed the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infection and its co-infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in drug users in Iran.

METHODS

Searches were conducted in international, regional, and Iranian databases. Documents were screened, data extracted, and pooled point prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Overall, 13,821 subjects (87.4% male) with an average age of 32.4 years (95% CI 31-33 years) from 24 original studies were included in the analysis. The pooled HCV prevalence (95% CI) among drug users with and without an injection history was 45% (37-54%) and 8% (4-13%), respectively. The pooled HCV prevalences (95% CI) among individuals with vs. without a history of imprisonment and needle sharing were 58% (39-77%) vs. 44% (20-68%) and 56% (41-71%) vs. 49% (26-71%), respectively. The prevalence of HCV/HIV co-infection among injectors was 11% (95% CI 5-16%).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV prevalence is high in drug users in Iran, especially among those with a history of injection drug use, needle sharing, and imprisonment. Drug user-focused HCV prevention and treatment programs are urgently needed.

Risk of Liver Enzyme Elevation During Treatment With Ritonavir-Boosted Protease Inhibitors Among HIV-Monoinfected and HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients

BACKGROUND

The risk of liver enzyme elevation (LEE) after different ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors (PI/r) has not been fully assessed in real-life settings and in populations with high rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection.

METHODS

Patients introducing a new PI/r between 1998 and 2012 were included, if transaminases and HCV antibody (Ab) were assessed before treatment initiation. Time to grade 3 and 4 LEE were assessed using univariable and multivariable conditional Cox analyses, stratified by HCV serostatus.

RESULTS

A total of 6193 HIV-infected patients (3242 HCV-Ab negative and 2951 HCV-Ab positive) were included. Incidence of grade 3 LEE was 1.05, 7.66, and 8.08 per 100 patient-years of follow-up among HCV-Ab negative, HCV-Ab-positive and HCV-RNA-positive patients, respectively. Among HCV-Ab-negative patients, no differences were detected between different PI/r. Use of darunavir/ritonavir was not associated with LEE among HCV-coinfected patients. Atazanavir/ritonavir use was associated with grade 3 LEE but only among HCV-Ab-positive patients (versus LPV/r, hazard ratio: 1.39; 95% confidence interval: 1.1 to 1.75). This risk was not confirmed in a subanalysis restricted to HCV-RNA-positive patients (versus LPV/r, hazard ratio: 1.16; 95% confidence interval: 0.87 to 1.55). Other independent predictors of grade 3 LEE among HCV-Ab-positive patients were older age, male gender, being treatment naive, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor coadministration, increased aspartate aminotransferase at baseline, overweight, positive HCV-RNA, and advanced estimated liver fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Occurrence of hepatotoxicity was a rare finding among HCV-Ab-negative patients and was not influenced by the type of PI/r. In particular, the use of darunavir/ritonavir, previously linked with severe cases of hepatotoxicity, was not associated with a greater risk of LEE, irrespective from HCV serostatus.

Transient Elastography for the Detection of Liver Damage in Patients with HIV

Introduction

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is effective and well tolerated, but hepatotoxicity is relatively common. Different non-invasive methods are available for detecting liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease.

Methods

Patients who were HIV positive and who had given their informed consent were included in this cross-sectional study. Transient elastography [FibroScan^® (FS); Echosens], serum hyaluronic acid (HA), Hepascore (HS), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) were used to detect liver fibrosis in the patients. The agreement between FS and the other methods was evaluated. To observe the hepatotoxicity of HAART, patients with chronic viral hepatitis B or C were excluded by detection of hepatitis B surface antigens and hepatitis C virus antibodies. Patients with chronic alcohol intake were excluded by measuring carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). FS correlation with the duration of therapy with protease inhibitors (PI), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) was evaluated.

Results

Overall, 203 patients were included in the study. The agreement between the different tests ranged from 64% to 77%: FS vs. HA, 72%; FS vs. APRI, 74%; FS vs. HS, 77%; and FS vs. FIB-4, 64%. After excluding patients with chronic hepatitis B or C and elevated CDT, 153 patients remained for studying the hepatotoxicity of HAART. A significant correlation of FS with the duration of medication intake was observed for PIs (P = 0.026; r = 0.18). NRTI and NNRTI therapy duration did not correlate with FS.

Conclusions

The agreement between FS and other tests ranged from 64% to 77%. A significant correlation was found between liver stiffness and the duration of therapy with PIs, which underlines the known hepatotoxicity of this substance group.

Funding

Heinz-Ansmann Foundation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s40121-015-0073-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Seroprevalence of HBV and HIV co-infection in children and outcomes following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Uyo, South-South Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis B Virus (HIV/HBV) co-infection in Nigerian children has emerged as a major concern with the advent of HAART. Its impact on the immune system and liver has not been extensively studied in children.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of HBV seropositivity among HIV positive children on HAART and its effect on immune response and liver enzymes.

METHODS

All consecutive HIV positive children aged two months to seventeen years on HAART constituted the study population. Age and gender; CD4+ count, ALT, creatinine and HBsAg were tested and documented at enrolment and 12months.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy one patients were seen over this period. Seventy-two (43.4%) were males while 94 (56.6%) were females giving a male: female ratio of 1:1.3. The mean age of the patients was 63±43.4 months. Prevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection was 6.02% (95% CI 2.4-9.7). There was no significant effect of HBV status on elevation of ALT levels with 12 months of HAART. Co-infected patients had an odds ratio of achieving immune response of 0.14 (95% CI 0.02-0.79).

CONCLUSION

HIV/HBV co-infection rates in our children are comparable to other localities. ALT levels do not worsen with HAART and immune response of the co-infected children on HAART is lower.

Predictors of first-line antiretroviral therapy discontinuation due to drug-related adverse events in HIV-infected patients: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Drug-related toxicity has been one of the main causes of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation. However, its determinants are not fully understood. Aim of this study was to investigate predictors of first-line antiretroviral therapy discontinuation due to adverse events and their evolution in recent years.

METHODS

Patients starting first-line antiretroviral therapy were retrospectively selected. Primary end-point was the time to discontinuation of therapy due to adverse events, estimating incidence, fitting Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression models upon clinical/demographic/chemical baseline patients' markers.

RESULTS

1,096 patients were included: 302 discontinuations for adverse events were observed over 1,861 person years of follow-up between 1988 and 2010, corresponding to an incidence (95% CI) of 0.16 (0.14-0.18). By Kaplan-Meier estimation, the probabilities (95% CI) of being free from an adverse event at 90 days, 180 days, one year, two years, and five years were 0.88 (0.86-0.90), 0.85 (0.83-0.87), 0.79 (0.76-0.81), 0.70 (0.67-0.74), 0.55 (0.50-0.61), respectively. The most represented adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms (28.5%), hematological (13.2%) or metabolic (lipid and glucose metabolism, lipodystrophy) (11.3%) toxicities and hypersensitivity reactions (9.3%). Factors associated with an increased hazard of adverse events were: older age, CDC stage C, female gender, homo/bisexual risk group (vs. heterosexual), HBsAg-positivity. Among drugs, zidovudine, stavudine, zalcitabine, didanosine, full-dose ritonavir, indinavir but also efavirenz (actually recommended for first-line regimens) were associated to an increased hazard of toxicity. Moreover, patients infected by HIV genotype F1 showed a trend for a higher risk of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

After starting antiretroviral therapy, the probability of remaining free from adverse events seems to decrease over time. Among drugs associated with increased toxicity, only one is currently recommended for first-line regimens but with improved drug formulation. Older age, CDC stage, MSM risk factor and gender are also associated with an increased hazard of toxicity and should be considered when designing a first-line regimen.

Antiretroviral therapy-induced liver alterations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Antiretroviral drugs are associated with hepatotoxicity. Progress in our knowledge on the prevalence, contributory factors and mechanisms is reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Liver toxicity is highly prevalent and a major cause of hospitalization among HIV-infected individuals. Liver steatosis is probably more frequent in the setting of hepatitis C virus coinfection but is also seen in noncoinfected patients. Among the individual drugs, severe liver toxicity is more strongly associated with nevirapine, and the mitochondrial toxicity of some nucleoside analogues. Mitochondrial toxicity can also induce or contribute to steatohepatitis, with dietary uridine supplementation as a possible strategy of prevention. Atazanavir inhibits UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, which in Gilberts' syndrome has been associated with breast cancer. A UDP-glucuronosyltransferase gene promoter variant predisposes to hyperbilirubinemia. Tipranavir induces elevated transaminases more frequently than boosted comparator protease inhibitors. CCR5 inhibitors may predispose to hepatotoxic events by causing an imbalance in the cytokine response.

SUMMARY

Hepatotoxicity is associated with all classes of antiretroviral agents and continues to contribute to hospitalization.

Hepatic profile analyses of tipranavir in Phase II and III clinical trials

Background

The risk and course of serum transaminase elevations (TEs) and clinical hepatic serious adverse event (SAE) development in ritonavir-boosted tipranavir (TPV/r) 500/200 mg BID recipients, who also received additional combination antiretroviral treatment agents in clinical trials (TPV/r-based cART), was determined.

Methods

Aggregated transaminase and hepatic SAE data through 96 weeks of TPV/r-based cART from five Phase IIb/III trials were analyzed. Patients were categorized by the presence or absence of underlying liver disease (+LD or -LD). Kaplan-Meier (K-M) probability estimates for time-to-first US National Institutes of Health, Division of AIDS (DAIDS) Grade 3/4 TE and clinical hepatic SAE were determined and clinical actions/outcomes evaluated. Risk factors for DAIDS Grade 3/4 TE were identified through multivariate Cox regression statistical modeling.

Results

Grade 3/4 TEs occurred in 144/1299 (11.1%) patients; 123/144 (85%) of these were asymptomatic; 84% of these patients only temporarily interrupted treatment or continued, with transaminase levels returning to Grade ≤ 2. At 96 weeks of study treatment, the incidence of Grade 3/4 TEs was higher among the +LD (16.8%) than among the -LD (10.1%) patients. K-M analysis revealed an incremental risk for developing DAIDS Grade 3/4 TEs; risk was greatest through 24 weeks (6.1%), and decreasing thereafter (>24-48 weeks: 3.4%, >48 weeks-72 weeks: 2.0%, >72-96 weeks: 2.2%), and higher in +LD than -LD patients at each 24-week interval. Treatment with TPV/r, co-infection with hepatitis B and/or C, DAIDS grade >1 TE and CD4⁺ > 200 cells/mm³ at baseline were found to be independent risk factors for development of DAIDS Grade 3/4 TE; the hazard ratios (HR) were 2.8, 2.0, 2.1 and 1.5, respectively. Four of the 144 (2.7%) patients with Grade 3/4 TEs developed hepatic SAEs; overall, 14/1299 (1.1%) patients had hepatic SAEs including six with hepatic failure (0.5%). The K-M risk of developing hepatic SAEs through 96 weeks was 1.4%; highest risk was observed during the first 24 weeks and decreased thereafter; the risk was similar between +LD and -LD patients for the first 24 weeks (0.6% and 0.5%, respectively) and was higher for +LD patients, thereafter.

Conclusion

Through 96 weeks of TPV/r-based cART, DAIDS Grade 3/4 TEs and hepatic SAEs occurred in approximately 11% and 1% of TPV/r patients, respectively; most (84%) had no significant clinical implications and were managed without permanent treatment discontinuation. Among the 14 patients with hepatic SAE, 6 experienced hepatic failure (0.5%); these patients had profound immunosuppression and the rate appears higher among hepatitis co-infected patients. The overall probability of experiencing a hepatic SAE in this patient cohort was 1.4% through 96 weeks of treatment. Independent risk factors for DAIDS Grade 3/4 TEs include TPV/r treatment, co-infection with hepatitis B and/or C, DAIDS grade >1 TE and CD4⁺ > 200 cells/mm³ at baseline.

Trial registration

US-NIH Trial registration number: NCT00144170

HIV-related liver disease: ARV drugs, coinfection, and other risk factors

Highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has proven remarkably effective for prolonging the life of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, while most HAART agents are safe, many have the potential to cause liver toxicity. Physicians must therefore consider the possibility of drug-induced liver injury in the management of HIV-infected patients, especially those with certain risk factors such as coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV), female gender, alcohol abuse, older age, or obesity. Understanding how, when, and why drug-related liver damage occurs is key to managing these patients safely and effectively. Knowledge of HAART-related liver effects will help ensure that patients receive the most benefit with the least toxicity from any given drug regimen. As more information about the mechanisms of drug related liver injury is known, clinicians will be better able to tailor therapies to suit individual situations, resulting in greater patient safety and outcomes.

Analysis of severe hepatic events associated with nevirapine-containing regimens: CD4+ T-cell count and gender in hepatitis C seropositive and seronegative patients

BACKGROUND

Nevirapine-containing regimens have been associated with a risk of significant elevations of liver transaminase levels. Higher risk in antiretroviral-naive populations has been related to gender and CD4+ T-cell count (women with CD4+ T-cell counts of > or =250/mm(3) or men with CD4+ T-cell counts of > or =400/mm(3), i.e. group at risk). However, recent studies do not confirm this association in HIV populations comprising patients who are antiretroviral-experienced. Moreover, the predictive value of gender and CD4+ T-cell count on the risk of raised transaminase levels has been poorly investigated in populations of patients co-infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV).

METHODS

Analysis of HIV-positive patients receiving nevirapine-containing regimens for the first time was conducted. Grade > or =III hepatotoxicity (i.e. > or =5 x upper limit of normal in alanine aminotranferase or aspartate aminotransferase levels) was the primary endpoint. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were separately conducted among HCV-antibody (Ab)-positive and HCV-Ab-negative patients.

RESULTS

Amongst 905 patients, 49% were HCV-Ab-positive and 79% were antiretroviral-experienced. Grade > or =III liver transaminase elevations developed in 7.1% of patients, accounting for an incidence of 2.47 (95% CI 1.97, 3.09) per 100 patient-years of follow-up. HCV-Ab reactivity was associated with a 3-fold increase in risk of developing relevant liver transaminase elevations (95% CI 1.75, 5.3; p < 0.001), whereas gender and CD4+ T-cell count did not impact significantly. When analysis was performed in HCV-Ab-negative patients, the outcome was independently correlated with the group at risk (hazard ratio [HR] 3.66; 95% CI 1.20, 11.14; p = 0.022). By contrast, in HCV-Ab-positive patients, the group at risk was not significantly associated with the outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the excess rates of relevant raised transaminase levels in patients prescribed nevirapine-containing regimens could be attributed to HCV co-infection. Gender and CD4+ T-cell count appeared to have a statistically significant impact on the risk of relevant transaminase level elevations in HCV-negative, but not in HCV-positive patients, probably due to a diluting effect of HCV. Incidence of hepatic events after nevirapine-containing regimens did not appear to be a major concern in our cohort of patients who were mainly antiretroviral-experienced and negative for HCV-Ab. Preferably, nevirapine should be avoided in HCV co-infected patients and in males with CD4+ T-cell counts of > or =400/mm(3) or females with CD4+ T-cell counts of > or =250/mm(3).

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viral co-infections among children infected with human immunodeficiency virus attending the paediatric HIV care and treatment center at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania

BACKGROUND

With increased availability of antibiotics and antifungal agents hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are becoming a cause for significant concern in HIV infected children. We determined the seroprevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV among HIV infected children aged 18 months to 17 years, attending the Paediatric HIV Care and Treatment Center (CTC) at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

METHODS

Investigations included; interviews, physical examination and serology for HBsAg, IgG antibodies to HCV and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. HIV serostatus and CD4 counts were obtained from patient records.

RESULTS

167 HIV infected children, 88(52.7%) males and 79(47.3%) females were enrolled. The overall prevalence of hepatitis co-infection was 15%, with the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV being 1.2% and 13.8%, respectively. Hepatitis virus co-infection was not associated with any of the investigated risk factors and there was no association between HBV and HCV. Elevated ALT was associated with hepatitis viral co-infection but not with ART usage or immune status.

CONCLUSION

The high seroprevalence (15%) of hepatitis co-infection in HIV infected children attending the Paediatrics HIV CTC at the MNH calls for routine screening of hepatitis viral co-infection and modification in the management of HIV infected children.

Risk factors for grade 3-4 liver enzyme elevation in HIV and hepatitis C coinfected patients on combination antiretroviral therapy

Although coinfection with hepatitis C (HCV) is an established risk factor for hepatotoxicity in HIV-positive patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), specific variables that may be predictive of severe hepatotoxicity among co-infected patients receiving cART remain poorly defined. A retrospective cohort study of HIV/HCV coinfected adults from two HIV treatment centers covering the period between December 1998 and December 2003 was conducted to address this question. The primary endpoint of the study was the occurrence of grade 3 or 4 elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) during follow-up and the primary predictors of interest were specific antiretrovirals. One hundred five coinfected patients receiving cART for a median of 70 months (interquartile range [IQR], 37, 83) were included in the analysis. Twenty-three (22%) patients developed a grade 3 or 4 increase in serum ALT at least once in follow-up. In univariate analysis, current receipt of lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) (odds ratio [OR] 3.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-8.34, p = 0.03), baseline ALT (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, p = 0.004), and current use of boosting ritonavir (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.16-7.00, p = 0.02) were significantly associated with a grade 3 or 4 increase in serum ALT, although most patients receiving boosting ritonavir were on lopinavir/ritonavir based regimens. Patients receiving LPV/r had been previously exposed to significantly more antiretrovirals (p < 0.0001), protease inhibitors (p < 0.0001), and nucleoside analogues (p = 0.0009) compared to the rest of the cohort. Further research to better clarify risk factors for hepatotoxicity in coinfected patients is warranted given the challenges in treating this population.

Dideoxynucleoside HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors and drug-related hepatotoxicity: a case report

This report regards the case of a 43 year-old HIV-positive woman who developed an episode of serious transaminase elevation during stavudine-including antiretroviral therapy. Diagnostic assessment ruled out hepatitis virus co-infection, alcohol abuse besides other possible causes of liver damage. No signs of lactic acidosis were present. Liver biopsy showed portal inflammatory infiltrate, spotty necrosis, vacuoles of macro- and micro-vesicular steatosis, acidophil and foamy hepatocytes degeneration with organelles clumping, poorly formed Mallory bodies and neutrophil granulocytes attraction (satellitosis). A dramatic improvement in liver function tests occurred when stavudine was discontinued and a new antiretroviral regimen with different nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors was used. The importance of considering hepatotoxicity as an adverse event of HAART including stavudine, even in absence of other signs of mitochondrial toxicity should therefore be underlined. Liver biopsy may provide further important information regarding patients with severe transaminase elevation, for a better understanding of the etiology of liver damage.

Drug-induced liver disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the pertinent case reports, case series and clinical studies that described clinical, histological, epidemiological and mechanistic features of drug-induced liver disease in 2005.

RECENT FINDINGS

Acetaminophen, highly active antiretroviral therapy and drugs for tuberculosis retained their preeminent position as the most commonly reported agents causing drug-induced liver disease, with acetaminophen continuing to be the leading cause of acute liver failure in the USA. While the frequency of drug-induced liver disease remains low, a large case-series of acute drug-induced liver disease from Spain and Sweden supported the observation that acute hepatocellular jaundice from a drug is associated with death or the need for transplant in at least 10% (known as Hy's Law). With respect to using potentially hepatotoxic medications in patients with underlying liver disease, statins and second-generation thiazolidinediones were shown to be safe when used in patients with elevated baseline alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase levels.

SUMMARY

Drug-induced liver disease remains an important cause of acute liver failure, and research efforts by the National Institutes of Health and others are underway to better determine the risk factors and other host susceptibilities that will allow for the safer use of drugs in the future.

Influence of Hepatitis C Genotypes on Lipid Levels in HIV-Positive Patients during Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Background

The independent role of HCV genotype a3 (HCV-3) in dyslipidaemia following highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is still unexplored.

Methods

Analysis of data from a cohort of 307 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients and 415 HIV-monoin-fected controls was conducted. Patients with available lipid levels at baseline and minimum 3-month follow-up were ranked into three groups by HCV status (HCV-3, other HCV genotypes or HCV negative). Univariate and multivariate GEE models were performed to assess factors correlated with lipid serum levels as coefficient (Coef., defined as mean difference [mg/dl] across the follow-up). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for prediction of relevant hypertriglyceridaemia (≥500 mg/dl) and relevant hyper-cholesterolaemia (≥240 mg/dl) at 3 months of follow-up.

Results

HCV-3 correlated with lower triglyceridaemia (Coef.=-38.22; P=0.001), independently from the other considered variables, including age, gender and use of stavudine or lopinavir. Even though HCV infection per se appeared to be protective, HCV-3 in particular was also independently associated with lower choles-terolaemia (Coef.=-46.35; P<0.001). At logistic regression analyses, HCV-3, but not HCV-non-3, was associated with lower risk of relevant hypercholestero-laemia (odds ratio [OR] 0.06; P=0.01) and relevant hypertriglyceridaemia (OR 0.11; P=0.05), independently from other considered variables.

Conclusions

Our data confirm that HCV coinfection per se is associated with lower risk of hypercholestero-laemia after HAART. This effect was particularly attributed to HCV-3, which was the only genotype associated with lower triglyceridaemia during HAART.

Influence of genotype 3 hepatitis C coinfection on liver enzyme elevation in HIV-1-positive patients after commencement of a new highly active antiretroviral regimen: results from the EPOKA-MASTER Cohort

BACKGROUND

The independent role of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3 in liver transaminase elevation following highly active antiretroviral regimens is still controversial.

METHODS

Analysis of data from a cohort of 492 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients was conducted using an intention-to-treat approach. Incidence of grade > or = III liver transaminase elevation was estimated per 100 patient-years of follow-up. Univariate and multiple proportional hazards regression analysis of factors that may predict liver enzyme elevation was performed.

RESULTS

The incidence of grade > or = III hepatotoxicity was 25 per 100 patient-years among patients coinfected with HCV genotype 3 and 11 per 100 patient-years among those with other genotypes. On multiple proportional hazard regression analysis, time-to-grade > or = III liver enzyme elevation was directly correlated with HCV genotype 3 (hazards ratio [HR]: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3 to 2.9; P = 0.001), male gender (HR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.3 to 5.7; P = 0.007), chronic hepatitis B virus infection (HR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.5 to 5.9; P = 0.002), and alanine aminotransferase level at baseline (per 10 IU/L HR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.15; P < 0.001). In the same model, higher CD4 T-cell counts at baseline were inversely correlated with risk of hepatotoxicity (HR: 0.998; 95% CI: 0.997 to 0.999; P = 0.036). Moreover, among patients experienced to antiretroviral drugs, previous grade > or = III hepatotoxicity (HR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.8 to 4.3; P < 0.001) was an adjunctive independent risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-positive patients coinfected with HCV genotype 3 displayed a higher risk of relevant hepatotoxicity, independently from other clinical variables. The impact of HCV genotype outweighed the role of drugs in determining hepatotoxicity.