Pegylated interferon-alpha for the treatment of sexually transmitted acute hepatitis C in HIV-infected individuals
Vogel, M.; Nattermann, J.; Baumgarten, A.; Klausen, G.; Bieniek, B.; Schewe, K.; Jessen, H.; Boesecke, C.; Rausch, M.; Lutz, T.; Fenske, S.; Schranzo, D.; Kümmerle, T.; Schuler, C.; Theisen, A.; Mayr, C.; Seidel, T.; Rockstroh, J.ür.K.
Antiviral Therapy 11(8): 1097-1101
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 1359-6535 PMID: 17302380 Document Number: 601427
Sexually transmitted acute hepatitis C among HIV-positive homosexual men has been noted as an emerging epidemic. Forty-seven patients with mainly sexually acquired, acute hepatitis C were enrolled in this prospective, multicentre trial, and 36 of these patients were treated within the acute phase of hepatitis C infection with pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) therapy. Early treatment resulted in sustained virological response in 61% of patients. Peg-IFN alone showed similar treatment response rates and lower incidence of anaemia compared with peg-IFN+ribavirin combination therapy. Higher treatment response rates were observed in patients treated over 48 weeks compared with 24 weeks. Treatment of hepatitis C in HIV-positive individuals in the acute phase of infection leads to high rates of sustained virological response. Optimal time and mode of therapy have yet to be defined.