Chronic hepatitis C treatment in patients with HIV co-infection – results of the latest clinical trials

SummaryLiver diseases, mainly viral hepatitis, recently have become the main cause of hospitalization and death in individuals with HIV infection. As HCV infection is predominant condition in this group of patients, treatment of hepatitis C is extremely important in halting hepatic injury. Large clinical trials (APRICOT, RIBAVIC, ACTG 5071) showed satisfactory efficacy and safety of therapy with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin. Other trials, searching ways to improve efficacy of chronic hepatitis C treatment in HIV co-infected individuals, are still running. Management possibilities include higher doses of ribavirin, prolonged course of treatment or higher doses of interferon in the early phase of therapy.The article summarizes current state of knowledge in the field of chronic hepatitis C treatment in HIV-infected individuals.