Impact of hyperglycaemia and cholesterol levels on the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients

Objectives High serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels have been demonstrated to increase the probability of a sustained viral response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C. Conversely, insulin resistance reduces SVR rates. We investigated the influence of baseline glucose and lipid values on the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment in HIV-1 infected subjects. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients treated with an interferon-based regimen from 2002 to 2008. Fasting glucose levels and total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels were recorded prior to the initiation of treatment. Results Of the 96 patients enrolled in the study, 36 (37.5%) had genotype 1, 48 (50%) genotype 2 or 3 and 12 (12.5%) genotype 4. SVR was obtained in 25% (nine of 36) and 70% (42 of 60) of patients with genotype 1 and other genotypes, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the independent predictors of SVR were: genotype other than genotype 1 [adjusted odds ratio 9.64, confidence interval (CI) 2.7-34.3; P < 0.0001], HCV viraemia [adjusted odds ratio 0.36, CI 0.15-0.9; P=0.028], fasting glucose >= 100 mg/dL [adjusted odds ratio 0.13, CI 0.034-0.51; P=0.003], and cholesterol level >= 190 mg/dL [adjusted odds ratio 5.96, CI 1.6-22.3; P=0.008]. Conclusions Higher baseline serum glucose and cholesterol levels may be significant prognostic indicators for anti-HCV treatment outcome in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.