Review of the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy on hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels in human immunodeficiency virus and HCV coinfection

Clin Infect Dis. 2002 Oct 1;35(7):873-9. doi: 10.1086/342388. Epub 2002 Sep 11.

Abstract

The effect of anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment on hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels in HIV-HCV-coinfected persons is uncertain. Although it is commonly believed that, with the initiation of HIV treatment, there may be an initial increase followed by a gradual decrease of HCV RNA levels to lower than those at pretreatment, the published studies evaluating this are of small and heterogeneous populations, are limited in follow-up, and have conflicting results. A prospective clinical trial of sufficient size and duration may help clarify this issue. This may be clinically relevant, because lower HCV RNA levels are a predictive factor for favorable response to HCV antiviral therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active*
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Hepacivirus / drug effects
  • Hepacivirus / genetics
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Humans
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • RNA, Viral / drug effects*
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • RNA, Viral