Is time to treat for HCV all the HIV/HCV co-infected hemophiliacs?

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection is a major problem for hemophiliacs treated before 1985 with non-virally inactivated factor concentrates. However, as HIV infection has been effectively controlled by highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HCV eradication has become a primary goal in co-infected individuals in order to prevent the progression to cirrhosis and end-stage liver failure and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this concise review, the current knowledge as regards the management of HCV infection in HIV co-infected hemophiliacs is analyzed.

Keywords:

• HEPATITIS C VIRUS
• HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS
• HIGHLY ACTIVE ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY
• HEMOPHILIACS