There are few data about the long-term histological outcome of HIV-/HCV-coinfected patients after
therapy with
interferon and
ribavirin. We performed an observational study of 216 patients who received
therapy against HCV and who had at least three successive transient elastographies (TE) during the follow-up. The primary endpoint was confirmed
fibrosis regression, defined as a reduction of at least 1 point in Metavir
fibrosis score, confirmed and without worsening in successive TE. At baseline, 23% had
fibrosis stage 4 or
cirrhosis. Overall, 82 (38%) achieved sustained virological response (SVR), without differences in baseline
fibrosis or time of follow-up. Confirmed
fibrosis regression was observed in 55% of patients, higher for SVR (71% vs 44%; P < 0.01), and the likelihood of achieving
fibrosis regression at 3, 5 and 7 years was 0.17, 0.51 and 0.67, respectively, for SVR patients, in comparison with 0.02, 0.23 and 0.41 for no SVR patients (P < 0.01, log-rank test at any time point). Progressive regression, defined as continuous improvement in successive TE, was observed in 62% of patients with advanced
liver fibrosis or
cirrhosis who achieved SVR. In a Cox regression model, only SVR (HR, 4.01; 95% CI, 2.33-7.57; P < 0.01) and a younger age (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05-1.25; P < 0.01; per year) were associated with
fibrosis regression. This study confirms that the rate of
liver fibrosis regression increases during the follow-up after SVR to
interferon therapy in HIV-/HCV-coinfected patients.