|
|
Abstract
Efficacy of acute HCV treatment with peg-interferon a-2b and ribavirin in HIV infected patients
Kruk A.1
Introduction: Mortality and morbidity associated with Hepatitis C (HCV) is increasingly affecting the HIV/HCV co-infected population. It’s essential to perform clinical studies to identify the efficacy, safety and tolerability of interferon and ribavirin in the co-infected population.
Methods: Efficacy, safety and tolerability of peg-interferon a-2b 1.5mcg/kg/weekly and ribavirin 800-1000mg/d for 24 weeks was assessed in a prospective open labeled study in HIV-infected patients with acute HCV-infection. Quantitative HCV RNA, HIV RNA and CD4 count as well as blood count and liver enzymes were assessed at baseline and at weeks 4, 12, 24, 48. All patients had a CD4 count > 200x10/ml and HIV viral load < 200 cp/ml. Recruitment of patients is ongoing with 17 patients enrolled to date.
Results: Infection was predominantly acquired through intravenous drug usage (87%). Other groups were heterosexuals (8%) and homosexuals (5%). The majority was virologically stable on HAART (53%); the rest didn’t require HAART. 31% patients were infected with genotype 1/4 and 69% with genotype 2/3. 79% were male and mean age was 29 years (range 19-39). At 4 weeks early biochemical and virological response (normalization of liver transaminases and negative HCV RNA) was observed in 11 (65%) patients, and at 12 weeks 15 (88%) patients were HCV RNA negative. 2 patients (12%) didn’t complete therapy up to 3 months due to severe depression. At the end of treatment 15 (88%) patients were still HCV RNA negative, and 9 (53%) patients who overcame 48 weeks are always HCV RNA negative.
Conclusions: After 24 weeks of acute HCV treatment with peg-interferon a-2b and ribavirin 15(88%) of treated patients were HCV RNA negative. Peg-interferon and ribavirin show good antiviral efficacy in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. Discontinuation rate is low, but depression is a major problem in this cohort with a high proportion of drug users.
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment
Abstract no.
TuPe1.1C01
Suggested Citation
" Kruk A.
Efficacy of acute HCV treatment with peg-interferon a-2b and ribavirin in HIV infected patients.
Poster Exhibition:
The 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment:
Abstract no.
TuPe1.1C01"
|
|
|