Optimal therapy of HIV/HCV co-infected patients with direct acting antivirals

Abstract

The development of direct acting antivirals (DAAs) against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has revolutionized treatment paradigms for HCV in HIV co-infected subjects. In the era of DAAs, HIV/HCV co-infected patients have the same cure rates of over 90% with interferon (IFN)-free DAA combinations. Therefore, guidelines no longer separate mono- and co-infected subjects. Indications for HCV therapy and DAA drug selection have become the same for all patients. The only special consideration in HIV/HCV co-infected subjects is the need to check for drug-drug interactions between HIV and HCV drugs, especially HIV and HCV protease inhibitors which have a high risk of clinically significant drug interactions. Because of the faster progression of fibrosis and the higher risk of hepatic decompensation in co-infected subjects, even with combination antiretroviral (ART) therapy, the availability of modern HCV treatments needs to be extended and HCV therapy should be discussed in all co-infected patients.