An induction–maintenance strategy involving lopinavir/ritonavir can work for some treatment-naive patients, but it does not seem to be quite as good as triple-drug efavirenz-based therapy, and, when it fails, patients may experience drug resistance that limits future treatment options.
Lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy has been evaluated in several studies, including two large randomized trials that compared such monotherapy with triple therapy (AIDS Clin Care Mar 24 2008). In general, lopinavir/r monotherapy has yielded acceptable rates of virologic response, especially among patients in early treatment who have well-controlled virus. However, it has also been associated with an excess rate of low-level viremia, leaving most clinicians wary about prescribing it.
In the present study (supported by the maker of lopinavir/r), investigators evaluated an induction–maintenance strategy involving lopinavir/r monotherapy. A total of 155 treatment-naive patients (79% men; 65% white) were randomized 2:1 to receive twice-daily AZT/3TC…
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresGrant / Research supportHealth Resources and Services Administration; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Leadership positions in professional societiesColumbia Medical Society; South Carolina Infectious Diseases Society
DisclosuresGrant / Research supportHealth Resources and Services Administration; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Leadership positions in professional societiesColumbia Medical Society; South Carolina Infectious Diseases Society