A retrospective study on comparison of effects of older art regimen against Dolutegravir based art in PL-HIV

Abstract

According to the WHO guidelines 2020, Dolutegravir-based antiretroviral treatment (ART) is a preferred first-line ART regimen for people living with HIV (PLHIV) because of its efficacy, tolerance, high barrier to resistance, and minimal drug interactions. The main aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of a Dolutegravir based antiretroviral therapy regimen to that of older regimens. A retrospective observational study was conducted among the people who visited the ART center on an Out-Patient basis. One to One interview was taken with the patients who met the inclusion criteria and all the information was noted down in the demographic form. Adverse Drug Reactions were noted in the Suspected Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Form and then we assessed causality, severity, and Prevent-ability. All the data was entered into an excel sheet and analyzed using SPSS21 software. Out of the study population of 100, 63% are females and 36% are males. The paired T-test sampling statistics revealed a significant difference between an increase in CD4 count after transitioning to a Dolutegravir-based regimen in comparison with the older regimens (p<0.001). 34 ADRs are reported before the transition and 54 ADRs are reported after the transition to Dolutegravir. The most common ADR found was rashes before the transition and blurred vision after the transition respectively. The comparison with various parameters like CD4 count, and viral load, proves that the Dolutegravir based drug regimen is quite more effective in reducing HIV load. So proper counseling and regular screening are advised to prevent the risks of the newer drug regimens.