Hepatitis C and HIV - Treatment Urgency
posted: 17/08/2009
The key importance of starting HIV treatment at CD4 count of 350 is emphasised in a new study into how AIDS illnesses follow hepatitis C infection when you also have HIV. Some people with HIV also have hepatitis C, particularly gay men, people with haemophilia, and people who have ever injected drugs. Hepatitis C virus causes serious liver damage in many people, and liver disease is now an important cause of illness and earlier death in people with both HIV and hepatitis C.
Now researchers have found that having both HIV and hepatitis C doubles the risk of developing AIDS-defining illnesses as well. People who have cirrhosis of the liver (whether this is caused by hepatitis, or drinking alcohol) are even more likely to get an AIDS condition. Hepatitis C makes having HIV significantly more risky and worse for people.
AIDS illnesses become more likely
Liver disease, often due to hepatitis C or drinking, is now an important cause of illness and death in people with HIV. Hepatitis C infection has been linked with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is an AIDS-defining illness. However, does hepatitis C increase the likelihood of other AIDS-defining illnesses?. Italian researchers decided to investigate hepatitis C and links with other AIDS conditions. They found the risk was doubled, and is even worse for people whose liver shows cirrhosis damage.
Starting HIV treatment at 350 CD4 is a key guide
They say the best time to start HIV treatment needs to consider this doubled risk of developing AIDS illnesses. British HIV treatment guidelines recommend that HIV treatment should be started when a person’s CD4 cell count is around 350. People with HIV and hepatitis C co-infection are especially encouraged to start taking anti-HIV drugs at this time. Treatment delay can damage people's life expectancy and health prospects quite quickly.
The editorial in the journal says the study “highlights and strengthens the need for careful follow-up of hepatitis C-HIV-co-infected patients, including preventative methods (screening, prophylaxis, and vaccination of preventable diseases), effective management of co-morbidities…and early and effective therapies against HIV and hepatitis C virus.”
NamLife has a useful section on HIV and hepatitis C and treatment.
NAM produces an information booklet called HIV & Hepatitis.
i-Base also have a new Hepatitis C guide for people living with HIV
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