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Strategies for managing hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-infected patients
1Alameda County Medical Center Combined HIV Services, CA, USA.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a growing cause of death in HIV patients. Improving HCV knowledge and care for coinfected individuals is crucial for better management and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection significantly increases mortality in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Limited data exist to guide the management of HCV/HIV coinfection.
- Routine screening and integrated care are essential for coinfected patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of HCV in HIV-seropositive patients.
- To provide management strategies for HCV/HIV coinfection based on clinical experience.
- To emphasize the importance of increased knowledge among HIV practitioners regarding HCV.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical experiences from Alameda County Medical Center, treating over 200 coinfected patients.
- Discussion of screening, diagnosis, counseling, health maintenance, and treatment evaluation.
- Summary of a presentation at the International AIDS Society-USA course.
Main Results:
- The article outlines a comprehensive approach to managing HCV/HIV coinfection.
- It highlights the need for systematic screening and integrated care protocols.
- Clinical experience demonstrates the feasibility of managing coinfected patients.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced knowledge and routine care procedures improve the management of HCV/HIV coinfection.
- Systematic screening and treatment evaluation are vital for this patient population.
- Integrated care models are effective in managing coinfected patients.
Abstract:
Liver disease associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant and increasing cause of death for HIV-infected patients, but limited data exist to guide treatment of coinfection. Increased knowledge of HCV disease and its treatment among HIV care practitioners and adoption of routine care procedures can improve management of coinfected patients. This article discusses HCV screening and diagnosis, counseling and health care maintenance, and evaluation for and supervision of treatment in HIV-seropositive patients who are coinfected with HCV. The experiences of the Oakland, California-based Alameda County Medical Center, which treats more than 200 coinfected patients, are detailed and serve as the basis for suggested management strategies. This article summarizes a presentation given by Kathleen A. Clanon, MD at the November 2002 International AIDS Society-USA course in San Diego.