Treatment strategies for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and hepatitis C

Abstract

Background: The poor prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be aggravated by the concomitant presence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and there are no guidelines for the treatment of patients affected by both conditions. Objective: To propose new therapeutic strategies for patient affected by RA and concomitant HCV chronic infection. Methods: Review of the literature on the usage of cyclosporine-A (CsA) and anti-tumour-necrosis-factor (TNF)-α agents for the treatment of patients affected by RA and HCV. Results/conclusion: CsA exerts an inhibitory effect on HCV replication and it is safe in patients affected by RA and HCV. Anti-TNF-α agents are safe and efficacious in patient with RA and HCV. Anti-TNF-α and CsA can be safely given in combination in RA patients with HCV infection.

Keywords::

• anti-TNF-α
• CsA
• HCV
• rheumatoid arthritis