Integrating treatment for hepatitis C virus infection into an HIV clinic.

In the United States, one-third of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are also coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Of 228 coinfected patients whose charts were reviewed in our 2000 study, only 2 had received therapy with interferon. To address low rates of treatment, in 2001 we implemented a program to shift the primary responsibility for oversight of care for HCV-infected patients from the liver clinic to HIV primary care clinicians and to provide education and support regarding adherence to patients.

Strategies for managing hepatitis C virus infection in HIV-infected patients.

Liver disease associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant and increasing cause of death for HIV-infected patients, but limited data exist to guide treatment of coinfection. Increased knowledge of HCV disease and its treatment among HIV care practitioners and adoption of routine care procedures can improve management of coinfected patients. This article discusses HCV screening and diagnosis, counseling and health care maintenance, and evaluation for and supervision of treatment in HIV-seropositive patients who are coinfected with HCV.