Angeles Jaen, Elisabeth Buira, Albert Gimenez, Tomas Pumarola, Teresa Puig, Jordi Niubo, Mariona Xercavins, Daniel Podzamczer, Bonaventura Clotet, Josep Maria Gatell and David Dalmau
Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of the introduction of fixed-dose combinations of antiretrovirals (FDCAs) in reducing resistance, and to describe trends of resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in relation to drug exposure and the risk factors associated with multi-class drug resistance (MCDR) in Catalonia (Spain). Methods: Observational prospective study of HIV Resistance in Catalonia from 2002 to 2008. We included 2,718 HIV+ patients (≥16 years of age) with virological failure (Viral Load>1000 copies/ml). Differences between the Pre-FDCAs period (2002-2005) and the Post-FDCAs period (2005-2008) were assessed by multivariate logistic regressions. Prevalence of resistances and exposure to ARVs. trends were also assessed by test of trend Results: We observed a downward trend from 2002 to 2008 in all class-resistance mutations and RAMS (p<0.0001). This trend coincides with a reduction in exposure to older ARVs., and with an increase in exposure to newer drugs. Multivariate analyses showed the Post-FDCAs period as an independent protective factor for the presence of any resistance, for MCDR, and for major mutations of reverse transcriptase and protease, with Odds Ratios (95% CI) between 0.32 (0.26-0.39) and 0.67 (0.51-0.86). Male sex, sexual transmission group, older age, duration of HIV infection, number of treatment failures and exposure to three-class drugs are also risk factors for the presence of MCDR. Conclusions: There was an important reduction of the risk of class-resistances, MCDR and RAMs in the Post- FDCAs period independently of others factors. Reductions in specific mutations are related to changes in antiretroviral use. These results support the use of FDCAs for the treatment of HIV infection.
Comparte este artículo