Treatment of Anemia and Neutropenia in HIV/HCV Coinfected Patients Treated With Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin

Treatment of Anemia and Neutropenia in HIV/HCV Coinfected Patients Treated With Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin

A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Two Management Strategies for Treatment of Neutropenia and Anemia Associated With Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin Treatment of Compensated Chronic Hepatitis C in Adult Subjects Infected With HIV.

This study is designed to test two separate strategies for treatment of anemia (low hemoglobin) and neutropenia (low white blood cells) in HIV/HCV coinfected patients who are being treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.

This is a multi-center, randomized, open-labeled trial in subjects co-infected with hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) who are naïve to anti-HCV therapy. Subjects will receive PEG interferon alfa-2b (PEG-IFN) 1.5 mcg/kg/week administered once weekly plus ribavirin (RBV) 13 + 2 mg/kg/day. The goal of this study is to evaluate two different treatment options for anemia and neutropenia associated with the initiation of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This will result in completion of therapy, and possibly a better viral sustained response.

Inclusion Criteria: hemoglobin > 11 absolute neutrophil count >1,200 naive to peg interferon and ribavirin Exclusion Criteria: Prior treatment for hepatitis C Pregnant or nursing

Talal AH, Liu RC, Zeremski M, Dimova R, Dove L, Pearce D, Hassanein T, Doonquah L, Aboulafia D, Rodriguez J, Bonilla H, Galpin J, Aberg JA, Johnston B, Glesby MJ, Jacobson IM. Randomized trial comparing dose reduction and growth factor supplementation for management of hematological side effects in HIV/hepatitis C virus patients receiving pegylated-interferon and ribavirin. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2011 Nov 1;58(3):261-8. doi: 10.1097/QAI.0b013e3182324af9.