Abstract
BACKGROUND
The rate of acquired HIV-1 drug resistance (ADR) has fallen dramatically since introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Switzerland. However, clinical experience indicates that there are still patients at risk of newly acquiring drug resistance despite having access to cART. Here, we characterized risk factors for ADR, in order to improve patient care, prevent emergence of drug resistance, and treatment failure.
METHODS
We performed a case-control study to identify risk factors for ADR in all patients starting their first cART in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) since 1996. The SHCS is highly representative and includes over 75% of patients receiving ART in Switzerland. To this end, we implemented a systematic medical chart review to obtain more detailed information on additional parameters, which are not routinely collected in the SHCS. The collected data was analyzed univariable and multivariable conditional logistic regressions.
RESULTS
We included in our study 115 cases and 115 matched controls. Unemployment (mOR 2.9 (95% CI: 1.3-6.4), p=0.008), African origin (mOR3.0 (95%CI: 1.0-9.2), p=0.047), co-medication with anti-infectives (mOR 3.6 (95%CI: 1.0-12.6), p=0.045) and symptoms of mental illness (mOR 2.6 (95% CI: 1.2-5.5), p=0.012) were associated with ADR in the multivariable model.
CONCLUSIONS
Although, ADR has become very rare with cART due to new potent therapies, patients in socially challenging life situations or presenting with mental health issues are at higher risk for drug resistance. Prompt identification and adequate support of these patients before ADR will prevent treatment failure and HIV-1 transmission.
Abela, Irene A