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Hepatitis C virus infection has occurred among men who have sex with men since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, with higher rates of infection among those who are HIV-infected.

Even with new treatments on the horizon for HCV infection, worldwide issues of access, cost, and gaps in physician knowledge must be addressed.

A high incidence of HCV seroconversion in this population implies that repeat HCV testing should be routinely performed, particularly in individuals with high-risk sexual behaviors.

A drug that sequesters a liver-cell microRNA decreases HCV RNA — in some cases, to undetectable levels.

Achieving sustained virologic response conferred a 76% reduced risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
CME Exam

Certain alleles on two chromosomes were associated with a greater likelihood of resolution.

This study should reassure monogamous heterosexual couples who are discordant for the virus.

Apparently, yes. In a retrospective analysis, the rules had high validity for identifying patients unlikely to achieve SVR.

A systematic review of perinatal management strategies came up empty.

Men who acquire hepatitis C virus infection when immunocompromised from HIV may experience an accelerated HCV disease course, with rapid development of cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease.

Ophthalmologic screening is warranted in patients with hypertension.

In a cohort of men who have sex with men, hepatitis B virus infection conferred a higher risk for liver-related mortality than did hepatitis C virus infection.

Higher baseline fibrosis stages were associated with higher all-cause mortality and liver-related mortality, whereas ART use was associated with lower mortality.

In patients coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus, the combination of a low CD4-cell count with a relatively well-preserved CD4 percentage is associated with ongoing HCV replication, advanced liver disease, and marked lymphopenia.

Among patients with AIDS, chronic HCV infection is associated with a 50% increase in mortality.

A randomized study suggests that weight-based dosing is not better than using a fixed dose, but controversy persists.

Stricter guidelines or more-careful adherence to current ones might have prevented hepatitis C virus transmission to kidney and cardiopulmonary-patch recipients.

The rate of fibrosis progression is initially rapid but subsequently seems to slow down.

Patients with better adherence to peginterferon and ribavirin showed better early and sustained virologic responses to HCV infection.

At least for patients with genotype 1 or 4 infections, adhering to therapy improves response rates.