Monitoring Liver Disease Progression in Hepatitis C/HIV Co-infected Patients With No-to-moderate Fibrosis, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Data on the progression of liver fibrosis in patients co-infected with HIV taking effective suppressive antiretroviral therapy with no fibrosis or mild-to-moderate fibrosis at baseline are scarce. This uncertainty is reflected in lack of clear guidance on the need for earlier (than F3-F4) treatment in co-infected patients. Within our hepatitis C/HIV co-infection project in Cambodia, the investigators have the opportunity to monitor for short-term fibrosis progression in a cohort of co-infected patients with initial no-to-moderate fibrosis being identified during another ongoing study (HCV-Epi) and contribute relevant data to aid the risk/benefit analysis of postponing HCV treatment in HIV/HCV co-infected patients with initial fibrosis stage F0-F2. The HCV-Monitoring study is a mono-centric prospective cohort study proposing a standardized follow-up (clinical, biological and imaging) to monitor for progression of hepatitis C disease in all patients with HIV infection (on anti-retroviral treatment or not) of Sihanouk Hospital Center of Hope (Phnom Penh, Cambodia) who have chronic HCV infection with GT-1, -2, -3 or -6 but are not considered in immediate need of HCV treatment. All adult HIV-infected patients of the cohort (on ART or not yet on ART) of Sihanouk hospital Center of Hope who are identified during the HCV-Epi study having chronic HCV infection (all genotypes) and considered not in immediate need of HCV treatment (= Fibrosis stages F0-F2 and no clinical signs of extra-hepatic disease) will be considered for inclusion and invited to participate. Approximately 70 HCV/HIV co-infected patients with no-to-moderate hepatic fibrosis will be enrolled in this study. Beyond the baseline visit (HCV-Epi), follow-up visits are planned at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. These patient visits will comprise of a history taking and physical examination focused on hepatic disease and blood sampling for basic hematologic and hepatic function parameters. Additionally, patients will