Hepatic Safety of Raltegravir Versus Efavirenz as HIV Therapy for Patients With HIV and HCV Coinfection
Hepatic Safety of Raltegravir Versus Efavirenz as HIV Therapy for Patients With HIV and HCV Coinfection
The main objective is to evaluate the hepatic safety of raltegravir when compared to
 efavirenz, both in combination with tenofovir and emtricitabine as first-line HIV treatment
 in patients with HIV and hepatitis C coinfection.
The trial will recruit 80 treatment-naive HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C
 coinfection from two HIV treatment centers in Vietnam. Patients will be randomized to receive
 either raltegravir or efavirenz, both in combination of tenofovir and emtricitabine, as
 first-line HIV therapy over a period of 72 weeks. The primary endpoint is the rate of alanine
 aminotransferase (ALT) elevation during the 72 week study period. Secondary endpoints include
 rates of virological suppression, CD4 count change, numbers of AIDS events and death, rates
 of fasting glucose and cholesterol measures, neurocognitive function and levels of immune
 activation. Patients will be followed monthly for the first 3 months and every 3 months
 thereafter. At the end of the trial period, patients will be transferred to the National HIV
 treatment program for continuation of HIV therapy.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  HIV infected patients, age >18 years, meet Vietnam guideline to begin ART (CD4 count <
 350 cells/mm3 and/or WHO stage III or IV disease)

 -  Hepatitis C infection as documented by positive HCV antibodies and a detectable serum
 HCV RNA level

 -  AST and ALT ≤ 2 x ULN (≤ 80 U/L)

 -  Estimated creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Any prior ART

 -  Positive Hepatitis B surface antigen

 -  Clinical evidence of de-compensated cirrhosis (ascites, encephalopathy, esophageal
 bleeding)

 -  Requirement for acute therapy for other AIDS-defining illness within 14 days prior to
 study entry

 -  Currently on rifampicin therapy

 -  In the first trimester of pregnancy, intent to become pregnant, or breast feeding
 during the study period