The incidence, predictors and management of anaemia and its association with virological response in HCV / HIV coinfected persons treated with long-term pegylated interferon alfa 2a and ribavirin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The association of anaemia with outcomes in the HCV/HIV coinfected persons undergoing HCV treatment remains unclear.

Aims

To study the incidence, predictors and management of anaemia, and its association with outcomes among persons treated with pegylated interferon and weight-based ribavirin.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospective controlled treatment trial of HCV/HIV coinfection.

Results

Among 329 subjects enrolled, 40% developed anaemia during the first 12-18 weeks of treatment (median haemoglobin decrease at week 4: 2.2 g/dL). Among 169 subjects who achieved early virological response and received therapy for 72 weeks, 55% eventually developed anaemia. However, median haemoglobin levels stayed stable after 12-18 weeks of initial therapy.

SUBMITTER: Butt AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3184244 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature