Interferon Plus Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C in HIV-infected Persons

Chronic hepatitis C is common in HIV-infectedpersons, mainly among those who acquired HIVthrough the parenteral way (hemophiliacs, intravenousdrug users). As the life expectancy ofHIV-infected persons has improved significantly,chronic liver disease is becoming a growingproblem in this population. Both increased ratesof hepatotoxicity using antiretroviral drugs andan accelerated progression to cirrhosis seem toworsen hepatitis C in HIV-positive subjects. In accordance,it is not surprising that in Southern Europeancountries up to a quarter of hospital admissionsin HIV wards are due to liver complications,in most instances complicating chronic hepatitisC.