Predicted Effect of Direct Acting Antivirals in the Current HIV

Abstract

Background

Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) against HCV are eagerly awaited for HIV–HCV-coinfected individuals. However, the activity of first generation drugs is limited to HCV genotype 1 and is lower in cirrhotics, subtype 1a infections, prior interferon (IFN)-α exposure or unfavourable IL28B alleles. Herein, we report the current profile of HIV–HCV-coinfected patients at our institution in an attempt to predict the effect of DAAs.

Methods

All HIV–HCV-coinfected patients seen at our HIV outpatient clinic in 2011 were identified. Information on serum HCV RNA, HCV genotype/subtype, plasma HIV RNA, prior IFN-α experience, liver fibrosis staging and IL28B alleles was recorded.

Results

A total of 424 HIV–HCV-coinfected patients were identified, of whom 174 (41%) were IFN-α-experienced. Mean serum HCV RNA was 6 log IU/ml. HCV genotype/ subtype distribution was 166 (39.1%) G1a, 93 (22%) G1b, 85 (20%) G4, 49 (11.5%) G3 and 1 (<1%) G2, and 30 (7%) were unclassified. Of note, 56% of G1a were prior IFN-α-experienced patients. Overall, 37% had advanced liver fibrosis (Metavir score estimates F3–F4). Finally, 70% harboured unfavourable IL28B alleles.

Conclusions

The current profile of HIV–HCV-coinfected patients in Spain is dominated by particularly difficult-to-treat individuals, such as those infected with G1a or G4 (59%), advanced liver fibrosis (37%) and unfavourable IL28B alleles (70%). A wide use of prior anti-HCV therapy in our region most likely has resulted in hepatitis C cure of more IFN-α susceptible individuals, with accumulation of a more refractory treatment population. Thus, the use of DAAs in HIV–HCV-coinfected patients will require particular expertise and their benefit might be lower than expected.

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Predicted Effect of Direct Acting Antivirals in the Current HIV–HCV-Coinfected Population in Spain

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

References