Insulin resistance impairs sustained virological response rate to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in HIV-hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients: HOMAVIC-ANRS HC02 Study.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of insulin resistance (IR) on the response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients.

METHODS

A total of 238 HIV-HCV-coinfected patients (74% male, mean +/-sd age 40 +/-5 years, mean alcohol intake <50 g/day and 38% HCV genotype 2 or 3), treated by standard or pegylated interferon-alpha2b plus ribavirin during 48 weeks were studied. Liver biopsies were assessed before treatment. Patients were considered to have IR when the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) was >2.5. Multiple logistic regression with stepwise selection was used to estimate independent factors associated with sustained virological response (SVR).

RESULTS

IR was present in 32% and significant liver fibrosis (Metavir>or=F2) in 74% of patients. Patients with SVR (96/238 [40%]) were more likely to be infected with HCV genotype 2 or 3 (54% versus 27%; P<0.0001), and had more severe liver fibrosis (>or=F3; 45% versus 30%; P=0.03). By multivariate analysis, a HOMA-IR>2.5 had a negative effect on the SVR (odds ratio 0.49 [95% confidence interval 0.26-0.92]; P=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A high HOMA-IR level is frequently found in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients and is associated with a reduced SVR rate. Improving insulin sensitivity might be a useful adjunct to HCV therapy in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients.