2018
Authors: Moore CL, Kekitinwa A, Kaudha E, et al; the ODYSSEY Trial Team
Published in: 10th International Workshop on HIV Pediatrics, Amsterdam, July 20-21st, 2018. Poster Number 34
2018
Authors: Bernays S, Namukwaya S, Mupambireyi Z, Nanduudu A, Mujuru H, Turkova A, Gibb DM, Seeley J, and the ODYSSEY Trial Team.
Published in: 10th International Workshop on HIV Pediatrics, Amsterdam, July 20-21st 2018. Poster number 117
2018
Authors: Turkova A, Bollen P, Kaudha E, et al. The ODYSSEY Trial Team
Published in: Oral Presentation at 10th International Workshop on HIV Pediatrics, Amsterdam, July 20-21st, 2018
2017
Authors: Bernays S, Paparini S, Seeley J, Namukwaya Kihika S, Gibb D, Rhodes T.
Published in: BMJ Open. 2017;7(2):e012934
Objectives A qualitative study of the BREATHER (PENTA 16) randomised clinical trial, which compared virological control of Short Cycle Therapy (SCT) (5 days on: 2 days off) with continuous efavirenz (EFV)-based antiretroviral therapy (CT) in children and young people (aged 8–24) living with HIV with viral load <50 c/mL to examine adaptation, acceptability and experience of SCT to inform intervention development.
Setting Paediatric HIV clinics in the UK (2), Ireland (1), the USA (1) and Uganda (1).
Participants All BREATHER trial participants who were over the age of 10 and aware of their HIV diagnosis were invited to participate. 49 young people from both arms of the BREATHER trial (31 females and 18 males; 40% of the total trial population in the respective sites; age range 11–24) gave additional consent to participate in the qualitative study.
Results Young people from both trial arms had initial concerns about the impact of SCT on their health and adherence, but these decreased over the early months in the trial. Young people randomised to SCT reported preference for SCT compared with CT pre-trial. Attitudes to SCT did not vary greatly by gender or country. Once short-term adaptation challenges were overcome, SCT was positively described as reducing impact of side effects, easing the pressure to carry and remember medication and enabling more weekend social activities. Young people on both arms reported frequent medication side effects and occasional missed doses that they had rarely voiced to clinical staff. Participants liked SCT by trial end but were concerned that peers who had most problems adhering could find SCT disruptive and difficult to manage.
Conclusions To realise the potential of SCT (and mitigate possible risks of longer interruptions), careful dissemination and communication post-trial is needed. SCT should be provided alongside a package of monitoring, support and education over 3 months to allow adaptation.
2017
Authors: Namukwaya S, Paparini S, Seeley J, Bernays S.
Published in: Front Public Health. 2017;5:343.
Abstract: Despite great advances in pediatric HIV care, rates and the extent of full disclosure of HIV status to infected children remain low especially in resource-constrained setting. The World Health Organisation recommends that, by the age of 10-12 years old, children should be made fully aware of their HIV-positive status. However, this awareness is often delayed until much later in their adolescence. Few studies have been conducted to investigate what influences caregivers’ decision-making process in this regard in low-income settings. In this article, we present an analysis of care dyads of caregivers and HIV-positive young people in Kampala, Uganda, as part of the findings of a longitudinal qualitative study about young people’s adherence to antiretroviral therapy embedded in an international clinical trial (BREATHER). Repeat in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 young people living with HIV throughout the course of the trial, and once-off interviews with 16 of their caregivers were also carried out toward the end of the trial. In this article, we examine why and how caregivers decide to disclose a young person’s HIV status to them and explore their feelings and dilemmas toward disclosure, as well as how young people reacted and the influence it had on their relationships with and attitudes toward their caregivers. Caregivers feared the consequences of disclosing the young person’s positive status to them and disclosure commonly occurred hurriedly in response to a crisis, rather than as part of an anticipated and planned process. A key impediment to disclosure was that caregivers feared that disclosing would damage their relationships with the young people and commonly used this as a reason to continue to postpone disclosure. However, young people did not report prolonged feelings of blame or anger toward their caregivers about their own infection, but they did express frustration at the delay and obfuscation surrounding the disclosure process. Our findings can inform the ways in which mainstream HIV services support caregivers through the disclosure process. This includes providing positive encouragement to disclose fully and to be more confident in initiating and sustaining the timely process of disclosure.
2017
Authors: Bernays S, Paparini S, Seeley J, Rhodes T.
Published in: Med Anthropol. 2017;36(5):485-499.
Abstract: Global health priorities are being set to address questions on adherence to HIV antiretroviral therapy in adolescence. Few studies have explored young people’s perspectives on the complex host of social and relational challenges they face in dealing with their treatment in secret and their condition in silence. In redressing this, we present findings from a longitudinal qualitative study with young people living with HIV in the UK, Ireland, US, and Uganda, embedded within the BREATHER international clinical trial. Drawing from Goffman’s notion of stigma, we analyze relational dynamics in HIV clinics, as rare spaces where HIV is “known,” and how young people’s relationships may be threatened by non-adherence to treatment. Young people’s reflections on and strategies for maintaining their reputation as patients raise questions about particular forms of medicalization of HIV and the moralization of treatment adherence that affect them, and how these may restrict opportunities for care across the epidemic.
2016
Author: Butler K, Inshaw J, Ford D, et al.
Published in: Health Technol Assess. 2016;20(49):1-108.
Background For human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adolescents facing lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART), short-cycle therapy (SCT) with long-acting agents offers the potential for drug-free weekends, less toxicity, better adherence and cost savings.
Objectives To determine whether or not efavirenz (EFV)-based ART in short cycles of 5 days on and 2 days off is as efficacious (in maintaining virological suppression) as continuous EFV-based ART (continuous therapy; CT). Secondary objectives included the occurrence of new clinical HIV events or death, changes in immunological status, emergence of HIV drug resistance, drug toxicity and changes in therapy.
Design Open, randomised, non-inferiority trial.
Setting Europe, Thailand, Uganda, Argentina and the USA.
Participants Young people (aged 8–24 years) on EFV plus two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and with a HIV-1 ribonucleic acid level [viral load (VL)] of < 50 copies/ml for > 12 months.
Interventions Young people were randomised to continue daily ART (CT) or change to SCT (5 days on, 2 days off ART).
Main outcome measures Follow-up was for a minimum of 48 weeks (0, 4 and 12 weeks and then 12-weekly visits). The primary outcome was the difference between arms in the proportion with VL > 50 copies/ml (confirmed) by 48 weeks, estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method (12% non-inferiority margin) adjusted for region and age.
Results In total, 199 young people (11 countries) were randomised (n = 99 SCT group, n = 100 CT group) and followed for a median of 86 weeks. Overall, 53% were male; the median age was 14 years (21% ≥ 18 years); 13% were from the UK, 56% were black, 19% were Asian and 21% were Caucasian; and the median CD4% and CD4 count were 34% and 735 cells/mm3, respectively. By week 48, only one participant (CT) was lost to follow-up. The SCT arm had a 27% decreased drug exposure as measured by the adherence questionnaire and a MEMSCap™ Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMSCap Inc., Durham, NC, USA) substudy (median cap openings per week: SCT group, n = 5; CT group, n = 7). By 48 weeks, six participants in the SCT group and seven in the CT group had a confirmed VL > 50 copies/ml [difference –1.2%, 90% confidence interval (CI) –7.3% to 4.9%] and two in the SCT group and four in the CT group had a confirmed VL > 400 copies/ml (difference –2.1%, 90% CI –6.2% to 1.9%). All six participants in the SCT group with a VL > 50 copies/ml resumed daily ART, of whom five were resuppressed, three were on the same regimen and two with a switch; two others on SCT resumed daily ART for other reasons. Overall, three participants in the SCT group and nine in the CT group (p = 0.1) changed ART regimen, five because of toxicity, four for simplification reasons, two because of compliance issues and one because of VL failure. Seven young people (SCT group, n = 2; CT group, n = 5) had major non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor mutations at VL failure, of whom two (n = 1 SCT group, n = 1 CT group) had the M184V mutation. Two young people had new Centers for Disease Control B events (SCT group, n = 1; CT group, n = 1). There were no significant differences between SCT and CT in grade 3/4 adverse events (13 vs. 14) or in serious adverse events (7 vs. 6); there were fewer ART-related adverse events in the SCT arm (2 vs. 14; p = 0.02). At week 48 there was no evidence that SCT led to increased inflammation using an extensive panel of markers. Young people expressed a strong preference for SCT in a qualitative substudy and in pre- and post-trial questionnaires. In total, 98% of the young people are taking part in a 2-year follow-up extension of the trial.
Conclusions Non-inferiority of VL suppression in young people on EFV-based first-line ART with a VL of < 50 copies/ml was demonstrated for SCT compared with CT, with similar resistance, safety and inflammatory marker profiles. The SCT group had fewer ART-related adverse events. Further evaluation of the immunological and virological impact of SCT is ongoing. A limitation of the trial is that the results cannot be generalised to settings where VL monitoring is either not available or infrequent, nor to use of low-dose EFV. Two-year extended follow-up of the trial is ongoing to confirm the durability of the SCT strategy. Further trials of SCT in settings with infrequent VL monitoring and with other antiretroviral drugs such as tenofovir alafenamide, which has a long intracellular half-life, and/or dolutegravir, which has a higher barrier to resistance, are planned.
2016
Author: The BREATHER (PENTA 16) Trial Group
Published in: Lancet HIV. 2016;3(9):e421-430
Background For HIV-1-infected young people facing lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART), short cycle therapy with long-acting drugs offers potential for drug-free weekends, less toxicity, and better quality-of-life. We aimed to compare short cycle therapy (5 days on, 2 days off ART) versus continuous therapy (continuous ART).
Methods In this open-label, non-inferiority trial (BREATHER), eligible participants were aged 8–24 years, were stable on first-line efavirenz with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and had HIV-1 RNA viral load less than 50 copies per mL for 12 months or longer. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to remain on continuous therapy or change to short cycle therapy according to a computer-generated randomisation list, with permuted blocks of varying size, stratified by age and African versus non-African sites; the list was prepared by the trial statistician and randomisation was done via a web service accessed by site clinician or one of the three coordinating trials units. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants with confirmed viral load 50 copies per mL or higher at any time up to the 48 week assessment, estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. The trial was powered to exclude a non-inferiority margin of 12%. Analyses were intention to treat. The trial was registered with EudraCT, number 2009-012947-40, ISRCTN, number 97755073, and CTA, number 27505/0005/001-0001.
Findings Between April 1, 2011, and June 28, 2013, 199 participants from 11 countries worldwide were randomly assigned, 99 to the short cycle therapy and 100 to continuous therapy, and were followed up until the last patient reached 48 weeks. 105 (53%) were men, median age was 14 years (IQR 12–18), and median CD4 cell count was 735 cells per μL (IQR 576–968). Six (6%) patients assigned to the short cycle therapy versus seven (7%) assigned to continuous therapy had confirmed viral load 50 copies per mL or higher (difference −1·2%, 90% CI −7·3 to 4·9, non-inferiority shown). 13 grade 3 or 4 events occurred in the short cycle therapy group and 14 in the continuous therapy group (p=0·89). Two ART-related adverse events (one gynaecomastia and one spontaneous abortion) occurred in the short cycle therapy group compared with 14 (p=0·02) in the continuous therapy group (five lipodystrophy, two gynaecomastia, one suicidal ideation, one dizziness, one headache and syncope, one spontaneous abortion, one neutropenia, and two raised transaminases).
Interpretation Non-inferiority of maintaining virological suppression in children, adolescents, and young adults was shown for short cycle therapy versus continous therapy at 48 weeks, with similar resistance and a better safety profile. This short cycle therapy strategy is a viable option for adherent HIV-infected young people who are stable on efavirenz-based ART.
2016
Authors: Ananworanich J, Melvin D, Ramos Amador JT, et al; on behalf of the PENTA 11 study group.
Published in: AIDS. 2016;30(7):1075-81.
Objective Understanding the effects of antiretroviral treatment (ART) interruption on neurocognition and quality of life (QoL) are important for managing unplanned interruptions and planned interruptions in HIV cure research.
Design Children previously randomized to continuous (continuous ART, n = 41) vs. planned treatment interruption (PTI, n = 47) in the Pediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) 11 study were enrolled. At study end, PTI children resumed ART. At 1 and 2 years following study end, children were assessed by the coding, symbol search and digit span subtests of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (6–16 years old) or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (≥17 years old) and by Pediatrics QoL questionnaires for physical and psychological QoL. Transformed scaled scores for neurocognition and mean standardized scores for QoL were compared between arms by t-test and Mann–Whitney U test, respectively. Scores indicating clinical concern were compared (<7 for neurocognition and <70 for QoL tests).
Results Characteristics were similar between arms with a median age of 12.6 years, CD4+ of 830 cells/μl and HIV RNA of 1.7 log10copies/ml. The median cumulative ART exposure was 9.6 in continuous ART vs. 7.7 years in PTI (P = 0.02). PTI children had a median of 12 months off ART and had resumed ART for 25.2 months at time of first assessment. Neurocognitive scores were similar between arms for all tests. Physical and psychological QoL scores were no different. About 40% had low neurocognitive and QoL scores indicating clinical concern.
Conclusion No differences in information processing speed, sustained attention, short-term memory and QoL functioning were observed between children previously randomized to continuous ART vs. PTI in the PENTA 11 trial.
2016
Authors: S. Bernays, S. Paparini, D. Gibb & J. Seeley
Published in: Vulnerable Child Youth Stud. 2016;11(1):60-68
Abstract Despite mounting evidence recommending disclosure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status to young people with perinatally acquired HIV as a central motivating factor for adherence to antiretroviral therapy, many young people continue to experience disclosure as a partial event, rather than a process. Drawing from two longitudinal, interview-based qualitative studies with young people living with HIV (aged 10-24) in five different countries in low and high income settings, we present data regarding disclosure and information about HIV in the clinic. The article highlights the limits of discussions framing disclosure and patient literacy, and young people’s reluctance to voice their adherence difficulties in the context of their relationships with clinical care teams. We suggest that a clinician-initiated, explicit acknowledgment of the social and practical hurdles of daily adherence for young people would aid a more transparent conversation and encourage young people to disclose missed doses and other problems they may be facing with their treatment. This may help to reduce health harms and poor adherence in the longer-term.
2015
Authors: Harrison L, Melvin A, Fiscus S, et al. For PENPACT-1 (PENTA 9PACTG 390) Study Team.
Published in: JAIDS 2015;70(1):42-53
Background The PENPACT-1 trial compared virologic thresholds to determine when to switch to second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). Using PENPACT-1 data, we aimed to describe HIV-1 drug resistance accumulation on first-line ART by virologic threshold.
Methods PENPACT-1 had a 2 × 2 factorial design, randomizing HIV-infected children to start protease inhibitor (PI) versus nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based ART, and switch at a 1000 copies/mL versus 30,000 copies/mL threshold. Switch criteria were not achieving the threshold by week 24, confirmed rebound above the threshold thereafter, or Center for Disease Control and Prevention stage C event. Resistance tests were performed on samples ≥1000 copies/mL before switch, resuppression, and at 4-years/trial end.
Results Sixty-seven children started PI-based ART and were randomized to switch at 1000 copies/mL (PI-1000), 64 PIs and 30,000 copies/mL (PI-30,000), 67 NNRTIs and 1000 copies/mL (NNRTI-1000), and 65 NNRTI and 30,000 copies/mL (NNRTI-30,000). Ninety-four (36%) children reached the 1000 copies/mL switch criteria during 5-year follow-up. In 30,000 copies/mL threshold arms, median time from 1000 to 30,000 copies/mL switch criteria was 58 (PI) versus 80 (NNRTI) weeks (P = 0.81). In NNRTI-30,000, more nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance mutations accumulated than other groups. NNRTI mutations were selected before switching at 1000 copies/mL (23% NNRTI-1000, 27% NNRTI-30,000). Sixty-two children started abacavir + lamivudine, 166 lamivudine + zidovudine or stavudine, and 35 other NRTIs. The abacavir + lamivudine group acquired fewest NRTI mutations. Of 60 switched to second-line, 79% PI-1000, 63% PI-30,000, 64% NNRTI-1000, and 100% NNRTI-30,000 were <400 copies/mL 24 weeks later.
Conclusions Children on first-line NNRTI-based ART who were randomized to switch at a higher virologic threshold developed the most resistance, yet resuppressed on second-line. An abacavir + lamivudine NRTI combination seemed protective against development of NRTI resistance.
2015
Authors: Bernays S, Seeley J, Paparini S, Rhodes T
Published: BSA Medical Sociology Conference, York, 9-11 September 2015 (Paper ID No: W0012148)
2015
Authors: Bernays S, Seeley J, Paparini S, Rhodes T and the ARROW and BREATHER trial teams.
Published in: accepted for presentation at AIDS Impact, Amsterdam 28-31 July, 2015 (abstract 3435)
2015
Authors: Paparini S on behalf of Bernays S, Seeley S, Rhodes T, Namukwaya Kihika S,Kawuma-Kigawa R, Nakyambadde H, Kabajaasi O and the BREATHER Trial Team.
Published in: 3rd International ASSHH Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 6-9 July 2015.
2015
Authors: Seeley J on behalf of the Bernays S, Paparini S, Namukwaya Kihika S, Rhodes T and the BREATHER Trial Team.
Published in: 3rd International ASSHH Conference, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 6-9 July 2015.
2015
Authors: Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA).
Published in: AIDS 2015. 29(18):2447-2457
Objective To evaluate whether once daily (q.d.) lopinavir/ritonavir is noninferior to twice daily (b.i.d.) dosing in children.
Design International, multicentre, phase II/III, randomized, open-label, noninferiority trial (KONCERT/PENTA18/ANRS150).
Setting Clinical centres participating in the PENTA, HIV-NAT and PHPT networks.
Participants Children/adolescents with HIV-1 RNA viral load less than 50 copies/ml for at least 24 weeks on lopinavir/ritonavir-containing antiretroviral therapy.
Intervention Children were randomized to continue lopinavir/ritonavir b.i.d. or change to q.d.
Main Outcome Measure Confirmed viral load ≥50 copies/ml by 48 weeks (12% noninferiority margin).
Results One hundred seventy-three children were randomized in the KONCERT trial (86 q.d., 87 b.i.d.); 46% men, median (IQR) age 11 (9-14) years, CD4% 33 (27-38)%. By week 48, 97 and 98% of time was spent on q.d. and b.i.d., respectively (one q.d. child lost at week 4). Twelve q.d. vs. seven b.i.d. children had confirmed viral load ≥50 copies/ml within 48 weeks; estimated difference in percentage with viral load rebound 6% [90% CI (-2, 14)]. Numbers of children with grade 3/4 adverse events (11 vs. 7) or major resistance mutations (3 vs. 2) were similar, q.d. vs. b.i.d. (both P > 0.3). Among 26 children in an intrasubject lopinavir/ritonavir pharmacokinetic substudy, lower daily exposure (AUC0-24 161 h.mg/l vs. 224 h.mg/l) and lower Clast (1.03 mg/l vs. 5.69 mg/l) were observed with q.d. vs. b.i.d. dosing.
Conclusion Noninferiority for viral load suppression on q.d. vs. b.i.d. lopinavir/ritonavir was not demonstrated. Although results, therefore, do not support routine use of q.d. lopinavir/ritonavir, lack of safety concerns or resistance suggest that q.d. dosing remains an option in selected, adherent children, with close viral load monitoring.
2015
Authors: Karina M. Butler on behalf of the BREATHER trial team
Published in: CROI 2015, Seattle, USA, Feb 23 -26 2015.
Abstract For HIV-1 infected young people (YP) facing lifelong ART, short cycle therapy (SCT) with long-acting agents offers the potential for drug-free weekends, less toxicity and better adherence, as well as cost savings.
2015
Authors: Freguja R, De Rossi A, Paulson H, Klein N, Del Bianco P, Compagnucci A, Saidi Y, Giaquinto C, Harper L, Gibb D, on behalf of the PENTA Steering Committee
Published in: CROI 2015, Seattle, USA, Feb 23 -26 2015. Poster presentation abstract 919
2015
Authors: Harrison L, Melvin A, Fiscus S, et al; PENPACT-1 (PENTA 9PACTG 390) Study Team.
Published in: J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2015;70(1):42-53
Background The PENPACT-1 trial compared virologic thresholds to determine when to switch to second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). Using PENPACT-1 data, we aimed to describe HIV-1 drug resistance accumulation on first-line ART by virologic threshold.
Methods PENPACT-1 had a 2 × 2 factorial design, randomizing HIV-infected children to start protease inhibitor (PI) versus nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based ART, and switch at a 1000 copies/mL versus 30,000 copies/mL threshold. Switch criteria were not achieving the threshold by week 24, confirmed rebound above the threshold thereafter, or Center for Disease Control and Prevention stage C event. Resistance tests were performed on samples ≥1000 copies/mL before switch, resuppression, and at 4-years/trial end.
Results Sixty-seven children started PI-based ART and were randomized to switch at 1000 copies/mL (PI-1000), 64 PIs and 30,000 copies/mL (PI-30,000), 67 NNRTIs and 1000 copies/mL (NNRTI-1000), and 65 NNRTI and 30,000 copies/mL (NNRTI-30,000). Ninety-four (36%) children reached the 1000 copies/mL switch criteria during 5-year follow-up. In 30,000 copies/mL threshold arms, median time from 1000 to 30,000 copies/mL switch criteria was 58 (PI) versus 80 (NNRTI) weeks (P = 0.81). In NNRTI-30,000, more nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance mutations accumulated than other groups. NNRTI mutations were selected before switching at 1000 copies/mL (23% NNRTI-1000, 27% NNRTI-30,000). Sixty-two children started abacavir + lamivudine, 166 lamivudine + zidovudine or stavudine, and 35 other NRTIs. The abacavir + lamivudine group acquired fewest NRTI mutations. Of 60 switched to second-line, 79% PI-1000, 63% PI-30,000, 64% NNRTI-1000, and 100% NNRTI-30,000 were <400 copies/mL 24 weeks later.
Conclusions Children on first-line NNRTI-based ART who were randomized to switch at a higher virologic threshold developed the most resistance, yet resuppressed on second-line. An abacavir + lamivudine NRTI combination seemed protective against development of NRTI resistance.
2014
Authors: Yin D., Warshaw M., Miller W., Castro H., Fiscus S., Harper L., Harrison L., Klein N., Lewis J., Melvin A., Tudor-Williams G., McKinney R.
Published in: Pediatrics, 2014;134(4):e1104-16
Methods HIV-1-infected, HAART-naive children in Europe and the Americas were followed from 2002 through 2009 in PENPACT-1. Data from 162 vertically infected children, with at least World Health Organization “mild” immunosuppression and CD4% <10th percentile, were analyzed for improvement to a normal CD4% (≥10th percentile) within 4 years after HAART initiation. Data from 209 vertically infected children, regardless of immune status, were analyzed for CD4% outcomes at 4 years and viral failure within 4 years.
Results Seventy-two percent of baseline immunosuppressed children recovered to normal within 4 years. Compared with “severe” immunosuppression, more children with “mild” immunosuppression (difference 36%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 22% to 49%) or “advanced” immunosuppression (difference 20.8%, 95% CI: 5.8% to 35.9%) recovered a normal CD4%. For each 5-year increase in baseline age, the proportion of children achieving a normal CD4% declined by 19% (95% CI: 11% to 27%). Combining baseline CD4% and age effects resulted in >90% recovery when initiating HAART with “mild” immunosuppression at any age or “advanced” immunosuppression at age <3 years. Baseline CD4% effects became greater with increasing age (P = .02). At 4 years, most immunologic benefits were still significant but diminished. Viral failure was highest in infancy (56%) and adolescence (63%).
Conclusions Initiating HAART at higher CD4% and younger ages maximizes potential for immunologic recovery. Guidelines should weigh immunologic benefits against long-term risks.
2014
Authors: Bastiaans DE, Forcat S, Lyall H, et al.
Published in: Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2014;33(3):301-305
Background Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) pediatric tablets (100/25 mg) are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) as part of combination antiretroviral therapy. Dosing is based on body weight bands or body surface area under FDA approval and only body surface area by the EMA. This can lead to a different recommended dose. In addition, weight band–based dosing has not been formally studied in the target population. We evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of LPV/r in children, administered twice daily according to the FDA weight bands, using pediatric tablets.
Methods Fifty-three HIV-infected children were included in the PK substudy of the Paediatric European Network for the Treatment of AIDS 18 trial (KONCERT). In this study, children were randomized to receive LPV/r twice or once daily, according to FDA weight bands. A PK assessment was performed in 17, 16 and 20 children in the 15–25 kg, ≥25–35 kg and >35 kg weight band, respectively, while children took the tablets twice daily. Rich sampling was performed, and PK parameters were calculated by noncompartmental analysis. Given the high percentage of Asian children, it was also tested whether there was a difference in PK parameters between Asian and non-Asian children.
Results For the total group, LPV geometric mean AUC0–12, Cmax and C12 were 106.9 h × mg/L, 12.0 mg/L and 4.9 mg/L, respectively. There were no significant differences in LPV PK parameters between the weight bands. In addition, weight was not found to be associated with variability in Cmax, C12 or AUC0–12 for the LPV PK parameters.
Conclusions FDA weight band–based dosing recommendations provide adequate exposure to LPV when using LPV/r pediatric tablets.
2014
Authors: Harrison L, Gibb DM, Fiscus S, Saïdi Y, Nastouli E, Harper L, Compagnucci A, Babiker A, Melvin A, Tudor-Williams G and the PENPACT 1 (PENTA 9/PACTG 390) Study Team.
Published in: CROI 2014, 3-6 March 2014, Boston. Poster 898.
2013
Authors: Klein N, Sefe D, Mosconi I, et al; on Behalf of the Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) 11 Trial Team
Published in: PLoS One. 2013;8(10):e76582.
Design This was an immunological and virological sub-study of the Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) 11 trial, which compared CD4-guided PTI of antiretroviral therapy (ART) with continuous therapy (CT) in children.
Methods HIV-1 RNA and lymphocyte subsets, including CD4 and CD8 cells, were quantified on fresh samples collected during the study; CD45RA, CD45RO and CD31 subpopulations were evaluated in some centres. For 36 (18 PTI, 18 CT) children, immunophenotyping was performed and cell-associated HIV-1 DNA analysed on stored samples to 48 weeks.
Results In the PTI group, CD4 cell count fell rapidly in the first 12 weeks off ART, with decreases in both naïve and memory cells. However, the proportion of CD4 cells expressing CD45RA and CD45RO remained constant in both groups. The increase in CD8 cells in the first 12 weeks off ART in the PTI group was predominantly due to increases in RO-expressing cells. PTI was associated with a rapid and sustained increase in CD4 cells expressing Ki67 and HLA-DR, and increased levels of HIV-1 DNA.
2013
Authors: D Bastiaans, S Forcat, H Lyall, T Cressey, S Chalermpantmetagul, Y Saïdi, C Koenigs, D Nayagam, A Compagnucci, S Montero, L Harper, C Giaquinto, E Colbers, D Burger.
Published in: 31st Annual Meeting of the ESPID- May 28 – June 1, 2013, Milan: Poster discussion Abstract A-534-0018-00429.
2013
Authors: Bunupuradah T, Duong T, Compagnucci A, et al; on behalf of the PENTA 11 Extension Study Group
Published in: AIDS. 2013;27(4):579-89
Background Excess risks for death/opportunistic disease in adults randomized to CD4-driven planned treatment interruption (PTI) in the Strategies for Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (SMART) trial remained after antiretroviral therapy (ART) re-initiation. Risks for childrenfollowing PTI were evaluated in long-term follow-up of children in the PENTA 11 trial.
Methods Children with HIV RNA below 50 copies/ml and CD4 at least 30% (2-6 years) or at least 500 cells/μl (7-15 years) were randomized to continuous ART (cART) or PTI in PENTA 11 (ISRCTN 36694210). After the end of the trial, all were recommended to resume ART. Data were collected annually and analysed up to the second year of visit.
Results One hundred and one (51 cART, 50 PTI; median baseline age 9.2 years) children had median overall follow-up 4.6 (range 3.7-5.0) years. During 2-year post-trial period, there were no deaths or new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage B/C events. Rate of clinical grade of at least two events was similar between PTI and cART [relative risk (RR) 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43, 2.50; P = 0.94]. At 2 years, difference in absolute CD4% between PTI and cART was -1.6% (-4.5%; 1.3%; P = 0.27), and proportions with HIV RNA below 50 copies/ml were 82 versus 86% (P = 0.57), respectively; no differences in growth or fasting lipids were observed. Key predictors of greater CD4% recovery after re-initiating ART were higher CD4% at baseline (P < 0.001) and longer time since ART re-initiation (P < 0.001). During overall follow-up, 4 (8%) PTI versus 5 (10%) CT children switched ART for failure (P = 0.75) and 9 (18%) versus 1 (2%) (P = 0.008) substituted ART for simplification.
Conclusions No adverse clinical, immunological or virological consequences of PTI were observed 2 years after the end of PENTA 11 trial. Although ART interruption is not generally recommended, it may be an acceptable option for children, particularly when there is high risk of unplanned treatment interruptions.
2013
Authors: Harrison L, Ananworanich J, Hamadache D, et al; on Behalf of the Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) 11 Trial Team
Published in: AIDS Behav. 2013;17(1):193-202.
Abstract There have been no paediatric randomised trials describing the effect of planned treatment interruptions (PTIs) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on adherence, or evaluating acceptability of such a strategy. In PENTA 11, HIV-infected children were randomised to CD4-guided PTIs (n = 53) or continuous therapy (CT, n = 56). Carers, and children if appropriate, completed questionnaires on adherence to ART and acceptability of PTIs. There was no difference in reported adherence on ART between CT and PTI groups; non-adherence (reporting missed doses over the last 3 days or marking <100 % adherence since the last clinical visit on a visual analogue scale) was 18 % (20/111) and 14 % (12/83) on carer questionnaires in the CT and PTI groups respectively (odds ratios, OR (95 % CI) = 1.04 (0.20, 5.41), χ(2) (1) = 0.003, p = 0.96). Carers in Europe/USA reported non-adherence more often (31/121, 26 %) than in Thailand (1/73, 1 %; OR (95 % CI) = 54.65 (3.68, 810.55), χ(2) (1) = 8.45, p = 0.004). The majority of families indicated they were happy to have further PTIs (carer: 23/36, 64 %; children: 8/13, 62 %), however many reported more clinic visits during PTI were a problem (carer: 15/36, 42 %; children: 6/12, 50 %).
2012
Authors: Bastiaans DET, Forcat S, Lyall HEG, Cressey TR, Chalermpantmetagul S, Saïdi Y, Noguera T, Fortuny C, Compagnucci A, Bleier J, Giaquinto C, Colbers EP, Burger DM.
Published in: 4th International Workshop on HIV pediatrics 2012. July 20-21, 2012. L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington DC, USA. 4th International Workshop on HIV pediatrics. July 20-21, 2012. L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington DC, USA.
2012
Authors: Ramos J., Melvin D, Medin G, Compagnucci A, Bleier J, Boscolo V, Barclay L, Ory S, Giaquinto C, Gibb D. on behalf of the PENTA Steering Committee.
Published in: 19th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, San Francisco, 5-8 March 2012, Poster
2012
Authors: D Bastiaans, S. Forcat, H.E.G. Lyall, T.R. Cressey, S. Chalermpantmetagul, Y. Saïdi, H.J. Scherpbier, A. Warris, A. Compagnucci, C. Giaquinto, E.P. Colbers, D.M. Burger on behalf of PENTA KONCERT Study Group.
Published in: 6th Netherlands Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment. November 27, 2012.
2011
Authors: Lewis J, Walker AS, Castro H, et al.
Published in: J Infect Dis. 2011;205(4):548-556
Background Effective therapies and reduced AIDS-related morbidity and mortality have shifted the focus in pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from minimizing short-term disease progression to maintaining optimal long-term health. We describe the effects of children’s age and pre-antiretroviral therapy (ART) CD4 count on long-term CD4 T-cell reconstitution.
Methods CD4 counts in perinatally HIV-infected, therapy-naive children in the Paediatric European Network for the Treatment of AIDS 5 trial were monitored following initiation of ART for a median 5.7 years. In a substudy, naive and memory CD4 counts were recorded. Age-standardized measurements were analyzed using monophasic, asymptotic nonlinear mixed-effects models.
Results One hundred twenty-seven children were studied. Older children had lower age-adjusted CD4 counts in the long term and at treatment initiation (P < .001). At all ages, lower counts before treatment were associated with impaired recovery (P < .001). Age-adjusted naive CD4 counts increased on a timescale comparable to overall CD4 T-cell reconstitution, whereas age-adjusted memory CD4 counts increased less, albeit on a faster timescale.
Conclusions It appears the immature immune system can recover well from HIV infection via the naive pool. However, this potential is progressively damaged with age and/or duration of infection. Current guidelines may therefore not optimize long-termimmunological health.
2011
Authors: Compagnucci A. on behalf of the PENTA Steering Committee
Published in: 3rd HIV Paediatric Workshop Rome 15-16 July 2011.
2011
Authors: The PENPACT-1 (PENTA 9 / PACTG 390) Study Team.
Published in: Lancet Infectious Diseases. April: 2011, 273-283
Background Children with HIV will be on antiretroviral therapy (ART) longer than adults, and therefore the durability of first-line ART and timing of switch to second-line are key questions. We assess the long-term outcome of protease inhibitor and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) first-line ART and viral load switch criteria in children.
Methods In a randomised open-label factorial trial, we compared effectiveness of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) plus a protease inhibitor versus two NRTIs plus an NNRTI and of switch to second-line ART at a viral load of 1000 copies per mL versus 30,000 copies per mL in previously untreated children infected with HIV from Europe and North and South America. Random assignment was by computer-generated sequentially numbered lists stratified by age, region, and by exposure to perinatal ART. Primary outcome was change in viral load between baseline and 4 years. Analysis was by intention to treat, which we defined as all patients that started treatment. This study is registered with ISRCTN, number ISRCTN73318385.
Findings Between Sept 25, 2002, and Sept 7, 2005, 266 children (median age 6.5 years; IQR 2.8-12.9) were randomly assigned treatment regimens: 66 to receive protease inhibitor and switch to second-line at 1000 copies per mL (PI-low), 65 protease inhibitor and switch at 30,000 copies per mL (PI-higher), 68 NNRTI and switch at 1000 copies per mL (NNRTI-low), and 67 NNRTI and switch at 30,000 copies per mL (NNRTI-higher). Median follow-up was 5.0 years (IQR 4.2-6.0) and 188 (71%) children were on first-line ART at trial end. At 4 years, mean reductions in viral load were -3.16 log(10) copies per mL for protease inhibitors versus -3.31 log(10) copies per mL for NNRTIs (difference -0.15 log(10) copies per mL, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.11; p=0.26), and -3.26 log(10) copies per mL for switching at the low versus -3.20 log(10) copies per mL for switching at the higher threshold (difference 0.06 log(10) copies per mL, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.32; p=0.56). Protease inhibitor resistance was uncommon and there was no increase in NRTI resistance in the PI-higher compared with the PI-low group. NNRTI resistance was selected early, and about 10% more children accumulated NRTI mutations in the NNRTI-higher than the NNRTI-low group. Nine children had new CDC stage-C events and 60 had grade 3/4 adverse events; both were balanced across randomised groups.
Interpretation Good long-term outcomes were achieved with all treatments strategies. Delayed switching of protease-inhibitor-based ART might be reasonable where future drug options are limited, because the risk of selecting for NRTI and protease-inhibitor resistance is low.
2010
Authors: Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA)
Published in: Antivir Ther. 2010;15(3):297-305.
Background Once-daily dosing of abacavir and lamivudine has been approved for adults, but paediatric data are insufficient. We conducted a pharmacokinetic study of once-daily and twice-daily abacavir and lamivudine in children aged 3-<36 months.
Methods Children with stable HIV type-1 (HIV-1) RNA levels after 12 weeks treatment with twice-daily abacavir (8 mg/kg) with or without lamivudine (4 mg/kg) underwent plasma pharmacokinetic sampling. Children then switched to once-daily abacavir (16 mg/kg) with or without lamivudine (8 mg/kg), and sampling was repeated 4 weeks later. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve over 24 h (AUC(0-24)) and the maximum concentration (C(max)) were compared using geometric mean ratios (GMRs); 90% confidence intervals (CIs) within the range of 0.80-1.25 were considered bioequivalent.
Results A total of 18 children (4, 6 and 8 in the 3-<12, 12-<24 and 24-<36 month age ranges, respectively) provided pharmacokinetic data for abacavir (17 for lamivudine). The GMR of AUC(0-24), once-daily versus twice-daily, was 1.07 (90% CI 0.92-1.23) for abacavir and 0.91 (90% CI 0.79-1.06) for lamivudine. C(max) almost doubled on once-daily versus twice-daily dosing: abacavir and lamivudine GMRs were 2.04 (90% CI 1.73-2.42) and 1.78 (90% CI 1.52-2.09), respectively. At baseline, 12, 24 and 48 weeks, 89%, 94%, 100% and 89% of children had HIV-1 RNA<400 copies/ml, respectively.
Conclusions Bioequivalence was demonstrated on AUC(0-24) between twice-daily and once-daily abacavir; very similar AUC(0-24) values were seen for twice-daily and once-daily lamivudine. Given that viral load suppression rates were maintained, these data suggest that once-daily abacavir and lamivudine might be an option for children aged 3-<36 mont
2010
Authors: Cella M, Gorter de Vries F, Burger D, Danhof M, Della Pasqua O.
Published in: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2010, 87(3):294-302.
Abstract The establishment of a rationale for determining dosing regimens in pediatric patients remains a challenge in drug development. In this investigation, we explored several methodologies to support bridging studies and evaluated the best descriptor of developmental changes that can be used as a covariate for dose adjustment in children. The proposed approach is illustrated for the antiviral drug abacavir. Using data from six pharmacokinetic studies in adults and one study in children, a model-based analysis was applied in order to characterize differences in parameter distributions and their implications for systemic exposure to abacavir. Simulations were subsequently performed to define the appropriate dosing regimen in children. Although body weight was identified as a covariate for clearance and volume, dosing recommendations calculated on the basis of mg/kg cannot be linearly applied across all weight ranges. Our analysis shows the consequences of empirical dose adjustment and the importance of priors from historical data to support dose selection in children.
2010
Authors: Sefe D, Klein N, Mosconi I, Ricci E, Castro, H (nee Green), Jacobsen M, Bernardi S, Pillay D, Gibb DM, and De Rossi A, on behalf of the PENTA Steering Committee
Published in: 17th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, San Francisco, 16-19 February 2010, Poster
2010
PENTA and IMPAACT: A phase II/III randomised, open-label trial of combination antiretroviral regimens and treatment-switching strategies in HIV-1-infected antiretroviral naïve children
Published in: XVIII International AIDS Conference, 22nd July 2010, Vienna Austria.
2010
Authors: Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS.
Published in: AIDS. 2010;24(2):231-241.
Objective To evaluate clinical, immunological and virological consequences of CD4-guided antiretroviral therapy (ART) planned treatment interruptions (PTIs) compared with continuous therapy in children with chronic HIV infection in the Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS 11 trial.
Design This was a multicentre, 72-week, open, randomized, phase II trial.Methods:One hundred and nine children with HIV-RNA below 50 copies/ml and CD4% of at least 30% (2–6 years) or at least 25% and CD4 cell count of at least 500 cells/μl (7–15 years) were randomized to continuous therapy (53) or PTI (56). In PTI, ART was restarted if confirmed CD4% was less than 20% or more than 48 weeks had been spent off ART. The primary outcome was Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage C event, death or CD4% less than 15% (and CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/μl for children aged 7–15 years).
Results At baseline, median (interquartile range) age was 9 (6–12) years, CD4% 37% (33–41), CD4 cell count 966 (793–1258) cells/μl, nadir CD4% before combination ART 18% (10–27), time on ART 6 (3–6) years and 26% were CDC stage C. After median (range) 130 (33–180) weeks of follow-up, 4 versus 48% of time was spent off ART in continuous therapy and PTI, respectively. No child died or had a new CDC stage C event; one (2%) continuous therapy versus four (7%) PTI children had a primary outcome based on CD4%/cell count (P = 0.2). Lower nadir CD4% predicted faster CD4% decline after stopping ART. Younger age and higher nadir CD4% predicted being off ART for at least 48 weeks and better CD4% recovery following PTI.
Conclusion In this first paediatric trial of PTI, there were no serious clinical outcomes. Younger children had better CD4% recovery after PTIs. Immunology substudies and long-term follow-up in Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS 11 trial are ongoing. Further research into the role of treatment interruption in children is required, particularly, as guidelines now recommend early ART for all infected infants.
2009
Authors: Jacqz-Aigrain, Farrelly L, Compagnucci A, Harrison L, Zhao W, Hamadache D, Welch S, Wintergerst U, Firtion G, Burger D
Published in: CROI 2009. February 8-11, 2009. Palais des Congres de Montreal, Canada , Poster S-154.
2009
Authors: Zhao W, Farrelly L, Compagnucci A, Harrison L, Jacqz-Aigrain E, Hamadache D, Welch S, Wintergerst U, Burger D on behalf of the PENTA Trial Steering Committee .
Published in: 1st International Workshop on HIV Pediatrics, 17 – 18 July 2009, Cape Town, South Africa
2009
Authors: Harrison L, Hamadache D, Bunupuradah T, Mazza A, Ramos Amador JT, Flynn J, Rampon O, Mellado Pena MJ, Floret D, Marczynska M, Puga A, Farrelly L, Riault Y, Lallemant M, Compagnucci A on behalf of the PENTA Trial Steering Committee.
Published in: 1st International Workshop on HIV Pediatrics, 17 – 18 July 2009, Cape Town, South Africa. (Poster P_90). 5th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention, Cape Town 19-22 July 2009
2008
Authors: Gibb DM, Compagnucci A, Green H, Lallemant M, et al.
Published in: Journal of the International AIDS Society 2008, 11(Suppl 1):O21 (10 November 2008)
2008
Authors: Cressey TR, Green H, Khoo S, Treluyer J-M, Compagnucci A, Saidi Y, Lallement M, Gibb DM, Burger D.
Published in: Clin Infect Dis 2008. 15;46(10):1601-8
Background The optimum strategy for stopping treatment with drugs that have different half-lives in a combination regimen to minimize the risk of selecting drug-resistant viruses remains unknown. We evaluated drug concentrations in plasma, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) load, and development of drug resistance after a planned treatment interruption of a nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-containing regimen in HIV type 1-infected children.
Methods Children with viral loads <50 copies/mL and CD4 cell percentages > or =30% (for children aged 2-6 years) or CD4 cell percentages > or =25% and CD4 cell counts > or =500 cells/microL (for children aged 7-15 years) were randomized to either a planned treatment interruption or to continuous therapy. In the planned treatment interruption arm, either (1) treatment with nevirapine or efavirenz was stopped, and treatment with the remaining drugs was continued for 7-14 days, or (2) nevirapine or efavirenz were replaced by a protease inhibitor, and all drugs were stopped after 7-14 days. Sampling for determination of plasma drug concentrations, measurement of viral load, and drug resistance testing was scheduled at day 0, day 7 (drug concentrations only), day 14, and day 28 after interruption of treatment with an NNRTI.
Results Treatment with an NNRTI was interrupted for 35 children (20 were receiving nevirapine, and 15 were receiving efavirenz). Median time from NNRTI cessation to stopping all drugs was 9 days (range, 6-15 days) for nevirapine and 14 days (range, 6-18 days) for efavirenz. At 7 days, 1 (5%) of 19 and 4 (50%) of 8 children had detectable nevirapine and efavirenz concentrations, respectively; efavirenz remained detectable in 3 (25%) of 12 children at 14 days. At 14 days, viral load was > or =50 copies/mL in 6 of 16 children interrupting treatment with nevirapine (range, 52-7000 copies/mL) and in 2 of 12 children interrupting treatment with efavirenz (range, 120-1600 copies/mL). No new NNRTI mutations were observed.
Conclusions In children with virological suppression who experienced interruption of treatment with an NNRTI, staggered or replacement stopping strategies for a median of 9 days for nevirapine and 14 days for efavirenz were not associated with the selection of NNRTI resistance mutations.
2007
Authors: Compagnucci A, Saïdi Y, Harper L, Blanche S, Gabiano C, de José Gomez I, Notheis G, Gibb DM, Giaquinto C and Faye A for the PENTA 7 committees
Published in: 14th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, 25th-28th February 2007, Los Angeles. Poster 722 Abstract R -151
2007
Authors: Gibb DM, Green H, Saidi Y, et al; on behalf of PENTA 5.
Published in: AIDS.2007;21(8):947-955
Objective To describe the long-term efficacy over 5 years of regimens including combinations of abacavir, lamivudine and/or zidovudine in previously untreated children in the PENTA 5 trial.
Design PENTA 5 was a 48-week randomised controlled trial comparing three dual nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) combinations as part of first triple antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Methods 128 ART-naïve children were randomised to zidovudine\lamivudine (n = 36), zidovudine\abacavir (45) or lamivudine\abacavir (47). Asymptomatic children (n = 55) were also randomised to nelfinavir or placebo; all other children received open-label nelfinavir. Analyses are intent-to-treat and adjusted for minor baseline imbalances and receipt of nelfinavir/placebo.
Results Median follow-up was 5.8 years. By 5 years, 17 (47%), 28 (64%) and 18 (39%) children had changed their randomised NRTIs in the zidovudine\lamivudine, zidovudine\abacavir and lamivudine\abacavir groups respectively, but 18%, 50% and 50% of these changes were either early single drug substitutions for toxicity or switches with viral suppression (HIV-1 RNA < 400 copies/ml; e.g. to simplify regimen delivery). At 5 years, 55%/32% zidovudine\lamivudine, 50%/25% zidovudine\abacavir and 79%/63% lamivudine\abacavir had HIV-1 RNA < 400/< 50 copies/ml respectively (p = 0.03/p = 0.003). Mean increase in height-for-age 0.42, 0.68, 1.05 (p = 0.02); weight-for-age 0.03, 0.13, 0.75 (p = 0.02). Reverse transcriptase resistance mutations emerging on therapy differed between the groups: zidovudine\lamivudine (M41L, D67N, K70R, M184V, L210W, T215Y); zidovudine\abacavir (M41L, D67N, K70R, L210W, T215F/Y, K219Q); lamivudine\abacavir (K65R, L74V, Y115F, M184V).
Conclusions Five year data demonstrate that lamivudine\abacavir is more effective in terms of HIV-1 RNA suppression and growth changes, with lower rates of switching with detectable HIV-1 RNA than zidovudine\lamivudine or zidovudine\abacavir, and should be preferred as first-line NRTI backbone.
2006
Authors: Lallemant M, Burger D, Lyall H, Buck L, Compagnucci A, Ramos Amador J.T, Mellado Pena M, Fregonese F, Campbell S, Rampon O, Castelli-Gattinara G, Cressey, Khoo S, Tréluyer J.-M, Green H, Saidi Y, Nadal D, Giaquinto C, Gibb D.M on behalf of the PENTA 11 study group.
Published in: XVI International AIDS Conference, Toronto, 13-18 August 2006. Poster MOPE0206
2006
Authors: LeProvost M, Green H, Flynn J, et al; on behalf of the PENTA 13 study group.
Published in: Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2006;25(6):533-7
Background Data on adherence to and acceptability of once daily lamivudine and abacavir are few.
Methods Twenty-four U.K. human immunodeficiency virus type-1 infected children 2-13 years of age participated in the Pediatric European Network for the Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) 13 single arm, open label pharmacokinetic study of twice (every 12 hours) versus once (every 24 hours) daily lamivudine and abacavir. Caregivers were asked to complete an adherence questionnaire at screening, week 0 (switch once daily to twice daily) and weeks 4, 12 and 24. Acceptability was also assessed at screening and week 24.
Results Fifteen children were taking lamivudine and abacavir as part of their regimens, 8 lamivudine only and 1 abacavir only. After switching to lamivudine/abacavir every 24 hours, 7 (29%) received once daily regimens for all drugs. Twenty-three (96%) caregivers thought that switching to once daily lamivudine/abacavir would make things a lot/a little easier for their child: 17 (71%) thought it was actually easier after switching. Six mothers with children taking a mixture of twice/once daily drugs changed their mind, whereas all mothers of children on once daily regimens agreed that it was a lot easier. Nonadherence (missing doses in the last 3 days) was reported for 8 of 118 (7%) completed questionnaires; missed doses were reported for every drug in the regimen with reasons such as “not at home,” “forgot” or “routine different from normal.” However, viral loads in all these children remained <100 copies/mL.
Conclusion Adherence to once daily abacavir/lamivudine was good with no evidence of an association between nonadherence and virologic rebound. Acceptability of once daily drugs was best when the whole regimen was dosed once daily.
2006
Authors: Aboulker J-P, Babiker A, Bacheler L, et al. On behalf of the PENTA 8 study group
Published in: Antivir Ther. 2006;11(7):857-867
Objective To evaluate the longer-term utility of genotypic resistance testing in HIV-1-infected children with virological failure.
Methods Children aged 3 months-18 years switching antiretroviral therapy (ART) with HIV-1 RNA > 2,000 copies/ml were randomized between genotypic testing (Virtual Phenotype) and no testing at baseline and subsequent virological failures. Children were followed to at least 96 weeks.
Results One hundred and seventy eligible children, from 24 clinical centres in six countries, were randomized to resistance testing(n = 87) or no testing (n = 83) between June 2000-July 2003. At baseline, mean HIV-1 RNA and CD4+ T-cell percentage were 4.7 log10 copies/ml and 20%, respectively. Children had taken ART for a mean of 5 years; 24% had received all three classes, 53% nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)+protease inhibitors (PIs), 9% NRTIs+non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and 14% NRTIs only. There was no difference between the arms in the drug classes or the individual PIs/NNRTIs prescribed. However, 49% in the resistance test arm (RT) versus 19% in the no-test arm (NT) continued at least one NRTI from their failing regimen; 56% versus 19% were prescribed didanosine+stavudine as their NRTI backbone. Adjusting for baseline HIV-1 RNA, mean reductions in HIV-1 RNA at 48 weeks were 1.51 log10 copies/ml in the RT arm and 1.23 in the NT arm (P = 0.3); the difference between the arms was smaller at week 96 (RT: 1.50, NT: 1.47; P = 0.9).
Conclusion In this first paediatric trial of resistance testing, we observed a substantial difference in NRTI-prescribing behaviour across arms. However statistically significant evidence of a long-term virological or immunological benefit was not observed.
2005
Authors: Giaquinto C, Green H, De Rossi A, et al. On behalf of the PENTA 8 study group.
Published in: 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment, 24-27 July 2005, Rio de Janerio. Oral and poster presentation WeOa0106
Abstract The development of resistance to antiretroviral drugs is considered to be an important cause of treatment failure in HIV infection. Many randomised trials and studies have been conducted to assess the clinical utility of resistance testing in adults, with mixed conclusions. However, current clinical guidelines recommend the routine use of resistance testing as part of patient management.
2005
Authors: LeProvost M, Green H, Flynn J, et al: on behalf of the PENTA 13 study group.
Published in: 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment, 24-27 July 2005, Rio de Janerio. Poster MoPe9.2C03
2005
Authors: Compagnucci A, Saïdi Y, Gibb DM, Rampon O, Ramos Amador JT, Feiterna Sperling C, Reliquet V, Giaquinto C, Navarro ML, Girard S, Harper L, Burger D, Treluyer JM, Aboulker JP, Jacqz-Aigrain E and Faye A on behalf of the PENTA 7 Study group.
Published in: 3rd IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis and Treatment, 24-27 July 2005, Rio de Janerio. Abstract MoPe9.2C15