JOURNAL ARTICLE
REVIEW
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Acute hepatitis C infection in HIV-positive patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: For 10 years now, we have been observing an epidemic of acute hepatitis C (AHC) infections among HIV-positive men who have sex with men. First outbreaks have been observed in Europe with recent epidemics also in the United States and Australia. Even though randomized controlled studies on the best management of AHC infections in HIV-positive individuals are still lacking, published data on clinical studies and cohort studies allow to give guidance on epidemiological trends, natural course and treatment of these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS: Observational data suggest that the early course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in the first 4 weeks after diagnosis may help to predict the natural course of AHC infections in HIV-infected patients. Starting antiviral therapy within 24 weeks after diagnosis yielded high response rates of 60-80%, regardless of HCV genotype. Pegylated interferon in combination with weight-adapted ribavirin is recommended for all HCV genotypes, though data on the added value of ribavirin are limited.

SUMMARY: Prevention efforts need to be refocused in order to help contain the current epidemic. Regular screening will help to diagnose AHC infections and allow timely monitoring of the natural course and access to early antiviral therapy if needed.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app