Effect of Antiviral Treatment on Serum Markers of Liver Fibrosis in HIV–Hepatitis C virus-Coinfected Patients: The Fibrovic 2 Study – ANRS HC02

Abstract

Background

Non-invasive liver fibrosis scores have been proposed as alternatives to liver biopsy (LB) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. Here, we aimed to assess the effect of antiviral treatment on non-invasive serological markers of liver fibrosis in HIV–HCV-coinfected patients.

Methods

We included 114 HIV–HCV-coinfected patients with LBs performed before and 6 months after the end of treatment (week 72; W72). Fibrotest, the Forn's index, age-platelet ratio index, SHASTA, FIB-4, Hepascore and Fibrometer scores were assessed. There were 29 (25%) patients who achieved sustained virological response (SVR).

Results

At baseline (BL), all non-invasive fibrosis scores except the Forn's index did not show significantly lower values in SVR patients. At W72, all non-invasive scores, except Hepascore, showed a significant decrease in SVR patients (P<0.01). There was a significant difference in fibrosis stages on LBs between BL and W72 in SVR and non-SVR patients.

Conclusions

In HIV–HCV-coinfected patients, HCV clearance is associated with a significant reduction in non-invasive fibrosis serological markers, which most likely reflect the histological improvement associated with SVR. If confirmed, such results will reinforce the reliability of these markers in the follow-up after HCV treatment.