Adverse events in Chinese human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients receiving first line antiretroviral therapy

Although the global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has improved significantly due to antiretroviral treatment (ART), ART-related adverse events (AEs) remain an issue. Therefore, investigating the factors associated with ART-related AEs may provide vital information for monitoring risks.

A prospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients (aged 18 years or older) with HIV who received Tenofovir (TDF) + Lamivudine (3TC) + Efavirenz (EFV) as first-line ART regimens. All AEs during the first 12 months of therapy were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables associated with AEs.

Four hundred seventy-four patients receiving TDF+ 3TC+ EFV ART regimens between March 2017 and October 2017 were included in the study analysis. Among them, 472 (99.6%) experienced at least one AE, 436 (92.0%) patients experienced at least one AE within 1 month of treatment, 33 (7.0%) between one and 3 months of treatment, and three (0.6%) patients after 3 months of treatment. The most commonly reported AE was nervous system (95.6%) related, followed by dyslipidemia (79.3%), and impaired liver function (48.1%). Patients with baseline body mass index (BMI) greater than 24 kg/m² (adjusted OR 1.77, 95%CI 1.03–3.02), pre-existing multiple AEs (adjusted OR 2.72, 95%CI 1.59–4.64), and pre-existing severe AEs (adjusted OR 5.58, 95%CI 2.65–11.73) were at increased odds of developing a severe AE. Patients with baseline BMI greater than 24 kg/m² (adjusted OR 2.72, 95%CI 1.25–5.89) were more likely to develop multiple AEs.

The incidence of ART-related adverse events over a 12-month period in China was high. Baseline BMI greater than 24 kg/m², pre-existing multiple AEs, and pre-existing severe AEs were shown to be independent risk factors for developing a severe AE.