Influence of HIV infection on the response to interferon therapy and the long-term outcome of chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Background & Aims: The outcome of chronic hepatitis B and the efficacy of interferon alfa (IFN-α) remain controversial in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients. We analyzed the influence of HIV coinfection on the response to IFN-α therapy, long-term virologic status, progression to cirrhosis, and mortality. Methods: This was a retrospective follow-up cohort study of 141 consecutive hepatitis B e antigen–positive patients (69 HIV positive) followed up for 45 months. Results: The short-term response to IFN-α therapy was not significantly different in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients (28% vs. 51%; P = 0.06) but was poorer in cases of low CD4 cell count (P = 0.038). The hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation rate was higher in HIV-positive patients (P = 0.033) and was associated with low CD4 cell count. The risk of cirrhosis was higher in HIV-positive patients with a CD4 cell count <200/mm3 (relative risk [RR], 4.57; P = 0.007), in IFN-α–untreated patients (RR, 2.63; P = 0.041), in patients older than 33 years (RR, 4.59; P = 0.008), and in cases of high necroinflammatory score at baseline (RR, 1.27; P = 0.010). Cirrhosis-related death was more frequent in HIV-positive patients with low CD4 cell count at baseline (P = 0.041), in alcohol consumers (P = 0.001), in IFN-α–untreated patients (P = 0.052), and in patients with high histology activity index at baseline (P = 0.005). Conclusions: HIV coinfection was associated with poorer response to IFN-α therapy, more frequent HBV reactivations, and increased incidence of cirrhosis and cirrhosis-related death in cases of low CD4 count. IFN-α therapy decreased the incidence of HBV cirrhosis regardless of HIV status or serologic response.GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;123:1812-1822