Response to combination antiretroviral schemes in HIV patients

Abstract

Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV/AIDS patients causes long-lasting viral suppression, which decreases the progression to AIDS and the risk of transmission. Objective: In order to evaluate the efficiency of the HAART schemes applied during 2018 to patients treated at the Santa Rosa Hospital in the city of Puerto Maldonado. Methods: Retrospective and descriptive observational study, with follow-up of 84 patients infected with HIV/AIDS, treated at the Santa Rosa Hospital-Peru, who received HAART with ABC+3TC+EFV, AZT+3TC+EFV, and AZT+3TC+NVP and TDF+3TC+EFV. Viral load and CD4 T-cell count levels were compared before and after six months of HAART administration. Results: 96% of patients started HAART with more than 1000 copies/mL, and after 6-months, 76% presented less than 200 copies/mL. The 78% of patients who started HAART with more than 200 cellsCD4/mm3 (cell/mm3) after 6-months went on to have more than 500 cells/mm3. Conclusions: HAART provided 76% effectiveness with these patients achieving viral suppression below 200 copies/ml. When therapy starts, even CD4 levels are above 200 cells/mm3. It ensures faster recovery of the immune response and maintenance of viral suppression longer.