Publication:

Adverse effects of antiretroviral treatment at a tertiary care hospital in India: a prospective observational study

Background Data on adverse drug reactions (ADRs) related to antiretroviral (ARV) use in public health practice are few indicating the need for antiretroviral therapy (ART) safety surveillance in clinical care.

Methods 143 patients on ART were studied prospectively over a period of two years. All patients were asked to visit the clinic if they developed any symptoms or on a monthly basis. They were screened clinically and investigated suitably for any ADRs.

Results 143 HIV positive patients were analyzed. At least one ADR was seen in 87 (60.83%) subjects. The most common ADR observed was peripheral neuropathy in 54 (37.76%) patients, followed by lipodystrophy (13.98%), anemia (10.48%) and hyperlipidemia (6.29%). Patients with peripheral neuropathy and lipodystrophy were mainly on stavudine based regimes, while patient with anemia and hyperlipidemia were on zidovudine based regimes.

Conclusions In spite of high ADRs, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the only answer to HIV/AIDS. To optimize adherence and thus, efficacy of ART, clinicians must focus on preventing adverse effects whenever possible, and distinguish those that are self-limited from those that are potentially serious.