Interferon-free hepatitis C treatment increases a surrogate of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in Black veterans living with HIV

Abstract

Veterans living with HIV (VLWH) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection have an exacerbated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unknown if HCV cure reduces CVD risk in this population. We evaluated changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), as a surrogate of CVD risk, 18 months after HCV cure in VLWH. We found significant increases in LDL in VLWH with advanced fibrosis, potentially increasing CVD risk. Lower LDL thresholds to initiate lipid-lowering therapies in VLWH after HCV cure may be warranted.