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HIV-infected patients who achieve virologic suppression on antiretroviral therapy (ART) frequently have transient episodes of detectable viremia, or “blips.” Whether these blips increase the risk for subsequent virologic failure has been unclear, but most studies show no association. Now, researchers from Canada have published the largest study to date on the topic.
Patients were included in this retrospective study if they initiated ART during or after 2000 and subsequently achieved virologic suppression (two consecutive viral loads <50 copies/mL). A viral blip was defined as an HIV RNA value of 50 to 999 copies/mL preceded and followed by values <50 copies/mL. Only single blip episodes were evaluated.
Of the 3550 patients identified with vi…