The finding suggested that "suppression of HIV RNA with ART is an important factor in slowing progression of HCV-related liver fibrosis," the researchers wrote. "This observation supports current management guidelines that recommend initiation of ART among patients co-infected with HIV and HCV, regardless of CD4 cell count."
Hepatic decompensation in coinfected patients also was significantly associated with baseline advanced hepatic fibrosis, severe anemia (baseline hemoglobin level less than 100 g/L), diabetes mellitus, or being of nonblack race, with hazard ratios ranging between 1.88 and 5.45. "Clinicians should address modifiable risk factors and consider treatment of HCV infection in co-infected patients to reduce rates of hepatic decompensation," Dr. Lo Re and his colleagues wrote.
The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health. Investigator disclosures were not available.
To earn 0.25 hours AMA PRA Category 1 credit after reading this article, take the post-test here.