Liver fibrosis stage predicts early treatment outcomes with peginterferon plus ribavirin in HIV/hepatitis C virus co-infected patients:

Thirty-six HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peginterferon alpha-2a or 2b plus ribavirin were analysed in a prospective observational study. There were 15 (42%) treatment discontinuations; by intent-to-treat virological responders were 19 (53%) at week 24. A higher fibrosis score predicted premature discontinuation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy and a lack of early virological response. Female sex and HCV genotype predicted early virological responses. Results support the early treatment of HCV in co-infected individuals.