Hepatitis C Virus in the HIV-infected patient

Treatment of HCV in the coinfected patient poses numerous challenges to the clinician: difficult comorbidities, an increased risk of medication side effects, and a therapy with limited response rates. End-stage liver disease from HCV has become a leading cause of death in coinfected patients. Without focused disease management, the burden of chronic liver disease in this population will rise. This article discusses the major trials investigating the use of interferon and ribavirin in coinfected patients, proposes a treatment algorithm for HCV/HIV coinfection, and considers approaches to patients who do not respond to this treatment.