Purpose of review: One third of HIV-infected individuals in Europe and the USA have a hepatitis C coinfection. With the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy for treatment of HIV, liver disease caused by chronic hepatitis C virus infection has now become an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected patients. Therefore, treatment strategies for management of hepatitis C coinfection in HIV-infected individuals are urgently needed.
Recent findings: With the introduction of pegylated interferon/ribavirin combination therapy significantly improved treatment options for HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients have become available, leading to sustained virological response rates of over 40%. Increasing knowledge on the management of adverse events under hepatitis C therapy and optimized selection of antiretrovirals in HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients has helped to reduce complications and improve overall treatment outcome.
Summary: Treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin is safe and effective in HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients. Longer treatment durations of 48 weeks are recommended for genotype 2 or 3. Positive predictive factors for sustained response are hepatitis C virus genotype 2 or 3 and early treatment response.