Due to shared risk factors, coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) occurs in 6% to 14% of HIV-infected patients in North America and Europeand in 10% to 20% in Asia and Africa. HIV accelerates the progression of HBV-related liver fibrosis, and coinfected patients have higher risks for cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death from end-stage liver disease than those with HIV or HBV alone.
To reduce the risks for liver complications, anti-HBV–active antiretroviral therapy (ART), preferably including the nucleotide analogue tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, is recommended in all HIV/HBV-coinfected patients regardless of CD4 count, with the goal of suppressing both viruses to undetectable levels.This review discusses important considerations in the management of HIV/HBV coinfection, along with summaries of recent key studies that are relevant to clinical practice.
Read more...Labels: ART, hepatitis B, HIV, HIV/HBV coinfection, tenofovir