Optimizing Management Strategies in Special Patient Populations

Hepatitis C in liver transplant patients

“…Emerging data indicate that "occult" or overt hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection in the setting of HCV is associated with more rapid progression to end-stage liver disease [13] and more advanced histologic injury [14]. In coinfected patients, vigilance related to determining whether HBV is present and a careful assessment of which virus is replicating (HBV, HCV, or both) are required to optimize therapy [15].…”

Lack of an Effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection on the Pharmacokinetics of Entecavir in Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Patients

“…The available treatment options and experience with the management of HIV and HBV coinfection are still limited. Although lamivudine is recommended for the treatment of HIV and HBV coinfection due to its activity against both viruses, the rapid development of lamivudine resistance in patients infected with both HIV and HBV has been found to be a major concern (12,31,32).…”

“…The clinical management of patients with HIV and HBV coinfection is particularly challenging due to interactions between both infectious processes and their treatments (6,12,14,31,32). The main focus of current therapies is to suppress viral replication and to achieve a subsequent improvement in immune function and a decrease in hepatic necroinflammatory disease.…”