Viral hepatitis and HIV: update and management

HCV-related liver disease is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in the HIV-infected population. Successful treatment of HIV-HCV-coinfected patients is followed by favourable clinical outcomes. While the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin remains the mainstay in the treatment of non-1 HCV genotypes, the first generation of HCV protease inhibitors are being incorporated into existing HCV genotype-1 (HCV-1) treatment protocols. Although data are limited, the triple combination does improve the sustained virological response in HIV-HCV-1-coinfected subjects. However, with still very limited data in this setting, clinical decisions for triple therapy have to be individualized and made based on multiple considerations. Chronic HBV infection increases mortality in HIV-infected subjects. In the treatment of HIV-HBV coinfection, it is very important to coordinate HBV and HIV therapies. HBV-active HAART improves the outcome of patients with HIV-HBV coinfection and tenofovir has become a key component of the treatment for these patients, although a number of clinical situations require a case-by-case approach.