Rates of HCV treatment eligibility among HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV-coinfected patients in tertiary care referral centers.

Background: Treatment eligibility rates in patients with HCV monoinfection have not been directly compared with patients with HCV/HIV coinfection. These data are important for planning interventions to optimize HCV management.

Method: We enrolled consecutive HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV-coinfected subjects presenting to hepatology and HIV clinics at three academic medical centers. Data were obtained through structured subject and provider interviews and a review of medical records.

Results: Of the 399 subjects enrolled, 241 (60%) were HCV monoinfected and 158 (40%) were HCV/HIV coinfected. HCV/HIV-coinfected subjects were less likely to have indications for treatment based on HCV RNA positivity (70.9% vs. 81.3%, p = .04) but were more likely to have at least one contraindication to treatment (81.6% vs. 64.9%, p < .004). Depression and ongoing alcohol and injection drug abuse were more common in the HCV/HIV-coinfected persons. HCV/HIV-coinfected persons were less likely to undergo liver biopsy or to ever get treatment for HCV.

Conclusions: HCV/HIV-coinfected persons are less likely to undergo a liver biopsy or be eligible for HCV therapy and are more likely to have treatment contraindications compared with HCV-monoinfected subjects. Strategies to address modifiable factors (e.g., depression, substance abuse) may enhance treatment eligibility in HCV-infected populations.