With the improved prognosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, end stage liver disease due to hepatitis C (HCV) now represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people with HIV. Treatment for HCV has become increasingly important as a means of preventing the consequences of chronic HCV infection. Paradoxically, co-infected patients have low rates of treatment initiation and completion in large part because they have a high risk of developing neuropsychiatric symptoms while receiving PEG-interferon (PEG-IFN). There are a large number of co-infected individuals in Canada who could benefit from HCV therapy if tolerability could be improved. This trial will address whether prophylactic use of antidepressants in HIV-HCV infected patients initiating HCV therapy can prevent the development of neuropsychiatric side effects and thus permit more patients to receive full treatment for HCV.

Trial design:

This study is a Canadian multicentre randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial. We will evaluate whether prophylactic citalopram compared to symptomatic treatment of depression can significantly increase the amount of HCV therapy received in co-infected patients during the first 24 weeks. Post study follow-up will extend until 6 months after cessation of HCV therapy (up to 72 weeks) to capture information on SVR (sustained virologic response) for HCV. 76 patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to citalopram or placebo. Patients will be stratified by study centre and HCV genotype. Citalopram (or placebo) will begin 3 weeks before HCV treatment at an initial dose of 10 mg per day then be increased to 20 mg per day after one week and continued throughout treatment with PEG-IFN/ribavirin (up to 48 weeks) and then tapered to discontinuation at completion of HCV therapy. The management of depression emerging in study participants is mandated in the protocol to ensure that the original treatment assignments remain blinded while allowing for all subjects to remain in the study and mimics what would take place in clinical practice.

Analysis:

The analyses will follow the intention-to-treat approach. Random regression modelling will be employed to analyse longitudinal data on adherence to prescribed PEG-IFN and ribavirin dosage at weeks 12 and 24. Survival analyses will be used to compare the two treatment groups with respect to the time to the development of depressions.

Implications:

Prophylactic antidepressants may not only prevent overt depression but may also diminish the development of sub-clinical depressed mood. Effective prevention of a broad range of neuropsychiatric symptoms by use of citalopram has the potential to diminish morbidity associated with PEG-IFN treatment and consequently allow a greater number of patients to complete full therapy. In addition, such an approach may help patients remain adherent to their HIV therapy during the course of HCV treatment which could have long-term personal and public health implications by preventing the emergence of HIV resistance. Furthermore, if shown to be an effective strategy for preventing neuropsychiatric symptoms, treatment for HCV may become more accessible to the large number of patients who may not have ready access to the frequent and intensive psychiatric monitoring, necessary for the early detection and treatment of depression that manifests on PEG-IFN.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HIV+ adults with chronic HCV infection requiring therapy and with no contraindications to PEG-IFN/ribavirin will be enrolled.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with prior suicide attempt, active depression, treatment with antidepressants within 6 months of study entry or with other psychiatric disorders will be excluded.