Infection Rates in HIV-HCV Patients Treated with Interferon Are Similar to Those in HCV Mono-Infection and Not Related to Neutropenia

Abstract

METHOD: Infectious complications were assessed in 25 HIV-HCV coinfected patients receiving 29 courses of HCV therapy (786 person-weeks). RESULTS: The infection rate (1.3 infections/100 person-weeks) was similar when compared to the rate in HIV-negative patients. HIV status and neutrophil nadir did not predict infection risk or rate. CONCLUSION: Interferon dose reduction and/or G-CSF in HCVtreated HIV patients with neutropenia are not justified.