کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
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3375554 | 1219685 | 2011 | 6 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
SummaryObjectivesViral load (VL) measurement is critical for monitoring the effectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). HAART aims to maintain plasma HIV RNA at undetectable levels. A VL <50 copies/ml was previously considered undetectable. After introducing more sensitive assays many patients with VL <50 copies/ml were found to have very low-level viraemia (VLLV), defined as a detectable VL <40 copies/ml. This study aimed to determine the significance of VLLV.MethodsThis retrospective case-control study included 69 individuals on HAART with VLLV. Immunological and virological outcomes over 36 months were compared to those of 70 well-matched controls with persistently undetectable VL.ResultsWe detected no significant association between VLLV and the development of virological failure or inferior immunological outcomes. However, individuals with VLLV were significantly less likely to achieve subsequent sustained virological suppression (VL <50 copies/ml, p < 0.001), including completely undetectable suppression (undetectable VL <40 copies/ml, p = 0.002).ConclusionsThe significance of VLLV has been uncertain. Our results clearly suggest that VLLV is predictive of future suboptimal virological control, particularly a reduced likelihood of achieving virological suppression. Further work should confirm our findings and evaluate strategies for managing VLLV in HAART-treated patients.
Journal: Journal of Infection - Volume 62, Issue 1, January 2011, Pages 87–92