Rapid fibrosis progression among HIV/hepatitis C virus-co-infected adults

Mark S. Sulkowski, Shruti H. Mehta, Michael S. Torbenson, Yvonne Higgins, Sherilyn C. Brinkley, Ruben Montes De Oca, Richard D. Moore, Nezam H. Afdhal, David L. Thomas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

151 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To define the incidence of fibrosis progression among hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV-co-infected adults, to assess whether HCV or HIV treatment alters the risk of progression, and to determine the utility of liver biopsy to predict future disease. DESIGN: This prospective cohort evaluated 184 HIV/HCV-co-infected individuals who had at least two liver biopsies (median interval 2.9 years). METHODS: Biopsies were scored according to the Ishak modified histological activity index scoring system by a single pathologist blind to biopsy sequence. Significant fibrosis progression was defined as an increase of at least two Ishak fibrosis units between the first and second liver biopsy. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess determinants of fibrosis progression. RESULTS: A total of 174 non-cirrhotic patients were eligible; the majority were African-American men undergoing HIV treatment. On initial biopsy, no or minimal fibrosis was identified in 136 patients (77%). Significant fibrosis progression occurred in 41patients (24%). Measures of HIV disease and its treatment before and after initial biopsy were not significantly different in progressors and non-progressors. Fibrosis progression was not associated with HCV treatment, which was received by 37 patients (21%) but only three sustained HCV-RNA suppression. In adjusted analysis, only an elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase level between biopsies was associated with progression (odd ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 1.4-7.9). CONCLUSION: Over a 3-year interval, significant fibrosis progression can occur in co-infected individuals even if minimal disease was detected on initial biopsy. In this context, factors other than treatment for HIV or HCV modify the risk of fibrosis progression.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2209-2216
Number of pages8
JournalAIDS
Volume21
Issue number16
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2007

Keywords

  • Antiretroviral therapy
  • Fibrosis
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis C virus
  • Hepatitis C virus treatment
  • Liver biopsy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Rapid fibrosis progression among HIV/hepatitis C virus-co-infected adults'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this