ISSN:
1573-7284
Keywords:
Antiretroviral therapy
;
CD4
;
Cofactors
;
HIV
;
HIV-RNA
;
Therapy-naïve
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Objectives: To determine factors associated with beginning antiretroviral therapy and with the number of drugs used. Methods: Longitudinal study of 3169 HIV-infected individuals naïve from anti-retroviral drugs at enrolment in 65 infectious disease clinics in Italy. Initiation of antiretroviral therapy and number of drugs used (i.e., 〈3 vs. ≥ 3 drugs) were the main outcome measures. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated by logistic models to establish cofactors of these two measures. Results: From January 1997 to December 1998, 1288 (40.6%) individuals started therapy, 58.0% of whom were given a triple combination regimen. This regimen became more frequent over time. By multivariate analysis, high levels of HIV-RNA and low CD4 counts were the most important independent predictors of starting any type of therapy. A significant association was also found with HIV exposure category, reason for being antiretroviral-naïve, presence/absence of liver disease, presence/absence of a new AIDS-defining disease, and clinical centre. High levels of HIV-RNA and low CD4 counts were also the most important predictors of starting with ≥ 3 drugs, compared to 〈 3 drugs, and men had an independent higher probability of starting with ≥ 3 drugs, compared to women. The probability of starting with ≥ 3 drugs significantly increased with calendar time. Conclusions: CD4 and HIV-RNA were the main cofactors of initiating both any type of therapy and therapy with ≥ 3 drugs. The large variability among clinical centres suggests that clinicians are uncertain as to the exact timing of beginning therapy and the specific regimen, especially among women.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1011054418761
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