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Ask the Experts about Hepatitis and HIV Coinfection
Two years ago I was diagnosed with a co-infection. I responded quickly to HAART and have sustained an undetectable VL and CD4 count between 400-500. I had a liver biopsy two years ago that showed minimal inflammation. My question is how quickly could one generally progress to a higher stage of liver damage if they continued to drink two bottles of wine per week as I have done? Now it's time for another biopsy and I'm scared. I know this is risky behavior, but frankly I couldn't handle the stress of the co-infection without some type of release that the wine gave me. I'm 52 if that matters at all. Thanks so much for all you do for us on this site.
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Response from Dr. McGovern
The fact that your first biopsy looked good is reassuring, but I certainly agree with your doctor that it is time for a repeat look. Yes alcohol can accelerate fibrosis, but you will soon know after the biopsy if treatment is necessary.
Having a non-detectable HIV RNA is great news along with your good T cell count. If you do need treatment for HCV, it seems like you are in a good place for that. There are also some data suggesting that HIV viral suppression helps slow down liver fibrosis progression.
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