The prevalence and impact of hepatic steatosis on response to direct-acting antiviral therapy in HIV–HCV coinfection

Abstract

(1) Background: Direct-acting antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with high sustained virologic response (SVR) and overcomes negative predictive factors, including steatosis, in patients without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. The impact of steatosis on SVR in patients with HIV–HCV coinfection is unknown. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients treated with direct-acting antivirals was performed. Demographic, laboratory and direct-acting antiviral regimen data were prospectively collected. Metabolic syndrome and its components—diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity—were assessed. Hepatic steatosis (≥5%) was defined by liver biopsy or controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) measurement during vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). (3) Results: A total of 151 HIV–HCV-coinfected patients on combined antiretroviral therapy and direct-acting antiviral therapy were included in this analysis. Prevalence of steatosis by liver biopsy (n = 34) or CAP (≥263 db/m) during VCTE (n = 92) was 27% and was independently associated with obesity (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.43–6.82; p = 0.004) and the metabolic syndrome (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.01–0.15; p = 0.01). The overall SVR rate (n = 148) was 95% and was not impacted by the presence of steatosis (p = 0.42). (4) Conclusions: Hepatic steatosis is common in HIV–HCV coinfection, correlates with obesity and the metabolic syndrome and does not impact SVR.