Promoting Rapid Initiation of ART After HIV Diagnosis in the Emergency Department

In a 1-year pilot study, providing an ART starter pack to those with HIV diagnosed in the ED yielded better follow-up in the clinic.

Although rapid therapy is a cornerstone for preventing and managing HIV infection, emergency departments (EDs) often provide HIV testing but refer newly diagnosed patients without prompt antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. To assess the viability of an ED-based program for promptly starting ART in persons with newly diagnosed HIV, investigators at two EDs in Oakland, CA performed a 12-month pilot study offering manufacturer-donated 2-week starter packs (generally bictegravir/FTC/TAF) as bridging treatment until clinic-based follow-up. Other resources included HIV navigators and 24-hour consultation supported by the California Department of Health.

In all, 106 patients (36 with new diagnosis) were HIV Ag/Ab reactive in the ED and were as…

Reviewing Author

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Keith Henry, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardViiV Advisory Board

Editorial BoardsJAIDS: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

Promoting Rapid Initiation of ART After HIV Diagnosis in the Emergency Department

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Reviewing Author