Risk factors for fibrosis progression in HIV/HCV coinfected patients from a retrospective analysis of liver biopsies in 1985–2002

Authors: Schiavini, M¹; Angeli, E¹; Mainini, A¹; Zerbi, P²; Duca, PG³; Gubertini, G¹; Vago, L²; Fociani, P²; Giorgi, R¹; Cargnel, A¹

Source: HIV Medicine, Volume 7, Number 5, July 2006 , pp. 331-337(7)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Objectives

To identify predictive factors for moderate/severe liver fibrosis and to analyse fibrosis progression in paired liver biopsies from HIV-positive patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods

HIV/HCV coinfected patients followed at the 2nd Department of Infectious Diseases of L. Sacco Hospital in Milan, Italy, with at least one liver biopsy specimen were retrospectively evaluated. Results

A total of 110 patients were enrolled in the study. In a univariate analysis, predictive factors of Ishak–Knodell stage ≥3 were a history of alcohol abuse [odds ratio (OR) 3.6, P=0.004], alanine aminotransferase level >100 IU/L at biopsy (OR 2.4, P=0.05), necro-inflammatory grade ≥9 (OR 37.14, P<0.0001) and CD4 count <350 cells/μL at nadir (OR 5.3, P=0.05). In a multivariate analysis, age >35 years (OR 3.19, P=0.04) and alcohol abuse (OR 4.36, P=0.002) remained independently associated with Ishak–Knodell stage. Paired liver biopsies were available in 36 patients; 18 showed an increase of at least one stage in the subsequent liver biopsy. Either in a univariate or in a multivariate analysis, a decrease of CD4 cell count of more than 10% between two biopsies (OR 6.85, P=0.002) was significantly associated with liver fibrosis progression. Conclusion

Our findings highlight the relevance of encouraging a withdrawal of alcohol consumption in people with chronic HCV infection and of carrying out close follow-up of patients, especially if they are more than 35 years old. It is therefore mandatory to evaluate HIV/HCV coinfected patients for anti-HCV treatment and to increase CD4 cell count through antiretroviral therapy in order to reduce the risk of fibrosis progression and to slow the evolution of liver disease.

Keywords: HCV; HIV; liver fibrosis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-1293.2006.00384.x

Affiliations: 1: 2nd Department of Infectious Diseases, Sacco Hospital, Milan, 2: Department of Pathology, Sacco Hospital, Milan University, Milan, and 3: Medical Statistics Unit, Preclinical Sciences Department, Milan University, Milan, Italy

Publication date: 2006-07-01

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Allergy & Immunology ,  Internal Medicine ,  Pediatrics
• By this author: Schiavini, M ;  Angeli, E ;  Mainini, A ;  Zerbi, P ;  Duca, PG ;  Gubertini, G ;  Vago, L ;  Fociani, P ;  Giorgi, R ;  Cargnel, A

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers