Reliability and predictive validity of a hepatitis-related symptom inventory in HIV-infected individuals referred for Hepatitis C treatment

2011

Hepatitis Symptom Inventory in HIV Patients

Sample size: 126 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Cachay Edward R, Wyles David L, Goicoechea Miguel, Torriani Francesca J, Ballard Craig, Colwell Bradford, Gish Robert G, Mathews William C

Primary Institution: University of California at San Diego

Hypothesis

The study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of a hepatitis symptom inventory and to identify predictors of hepatitis C treatment initiation in HIV-infected patients.

Conclusion

The hepatitis-related symptom inventory demonstrated excellent reliability and predictive validity, with low neuropsychiatric symptom scores and controlled HIV infection being independent predictors of HCV treatment initiation.

Supporting Evidence

The symptom inventory had a three-factor structure explaining 60% of the variance.
Patients developed worsening neuropsychiatric and somatic symptoms after HCV therapy.
Lower HIV log10 RNA and lower symptom scores were predictors of HCV therapy initiation.
Neuropsychiatric symptom score was the strongest independent predictor of HCV treatment initiation.
Patients with a history of neuropsychiatric disease had higher symptom scores than those who initiated treatment.

Takeaway

Doctors created a list of symptoms to help understand how sick people with HIV and hepatitis C feel, which can help them decide if those people should start treatment.

Methodology

A prospective clinic-based study that enrolled HIV/HCV co-infected patients referred for HCV therapy, using a symptom inventory and CES-D scale for assessment.