Safety of Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Kaletra) in HIV/HCV Co-infected Subjects vs Baseline Liver Biopsy Metavir Score

The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical response and safety of a Kaletra containing antiretroviral treatment regimen in HIV positive subjects with HCV coinfection.

• Active Comparator: HCV +
  Intervention: Drug: Lopinavir/Ritonavir
• Active Comparator: HCV -
  Intervention: Drug: Lopinavir/Ritonavir

Inclusion Criteria:

• Documented HIV positive.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Does not exhibit evidence of acute illness (especially any acute liver disease, except hepatitis C)
• Subject has not been treated for an active opportunistic infection within 30 days of the baseline visit.
• Subject Has a Karnofsky Score greater than or equal to 70.
• Subject does not require and agrees not to take, for the duration of the study, any of the following medications that are contraindicated with Kaletra: astemizole, terfenadine, midazolam, triazolam, cisapride, certain ergot derivatives (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, and methylergonovine), pimozide, propafenone and flecainide. Rifampin, a potent enzyme inducer, should not be administered with the study medication, because of the possibility of significant decreases in Kaletra concentration during concurrent administration.
• The subject agrees not to take any medication, including over-the-counter medicine, alcohol, recreational drugs or herbal preparations without the knowledge and permission of the principal investigator.
• Subject had laboratory testing within the previous three months and the most recent testing demonstrates all of the following: Hemoglobin> 8.0 g/dL; absolute neutrophil count > 750 cells/mL; Platelet count > 20,000/mL; ALT or AST </=10 x upper limit of normal (ULN); Creatinine< 1.5 x ULN; Triglycerides </=750 mg/dL.
• Subjects have no evidence of grade III or IV adverse event or laboratory abnormality (except for LFTs).

Exclusion Criteria:

No exclusion criteria.