Analysis of hepatic functional reserve in HIV/HCV co-infected patients

Abstract

Background: As survival of HIV-infected persons has improved due to widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, mortality due to HCV-related liver disease has increased in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. Aim: To establish the appropriate therapeutic strategy for HIV/HCV co-infected patients, evaluation of liver function including hepatic functional reserve was conducted. Patients and Methods: In addition to liver function tests by blood examinations, hepatic functional reserve of the patients was evaluated by indocyanine green retention rate and liver asialo scintigraphy. Results: In spite of relatively maintained general liver function tests, approximately 40% of the patients with HIV/HCV co-infected patients had impaired hepatic functional reserve. Conclusion: This fact must be taken into account to establish therapeutic strategy with considering the appropriate timing of liver transplantation in HIV/HCV co-infected patients.