HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients and cirrhosis: how to diagnose it and what to do next?

Clin Infect Dis. 2014 Mar;58(6):840-7. doi: 10.1093/cid/cit714. Epub 2013 Oct 30.

Abstract

Liver disease, specifically cirrhosis, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. The diagnosis of early cirrhosis in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients may be challenging. The development of noninvasive methods for fibrosis assessment empowers the infectious disease specialist to diagnose advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Early diagnosis is essential to enroll patients in screening programs for esophageal varices and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cirrhosis may also modify decisions about treatment of both HIV and HCV, including vaccination, medications chosen, and referral for liver transplant.

Keywords: HIV/HCV coinfection; cirrhosis; hepatocellular carcinoma; liver failure; varices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coinfection / diagnosis*
  • Coinfection / virology
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis C / virology
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / diagnosis*
  • Liver Cirrhosis / virology
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Liver Neoplasms / virology