RT Journal
A1 Lodi S, Meyer L, Kelleher AD, et al
T1 IMmunovirologic control 24 months after interruption of antiretroviral therapy initiated close to hiv seroconversion
JF Archives of Internal Medicine
JO Archives of Internal Medicine
YR 2012
FD September 10
VO 172
IS 16
SP 1252
OP 1255
DO 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.2719
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2012.2719
AB Background 
                  There is interest in whether a short course of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) at the time of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion could induce long-term immunologic control after its interruption. We aimed to determine the time of virologic rebound after interruption of treatment initiated close to HIV seroconversion and to identify potential cases of posttreatment controllers (PTCs) in the CASCADE (Concerted Action on Seroconversion to AIDS and Death in Europe) Collaboration.Methods 
                  Prospective cohort study nested within the CASCADE database of routinely collected data about patients with HIV with well-estimated date of HIV seroconversion from Europe, Canada, and Australia in the post-cART era. Participants were individuals who interrupted successful cART initiated within 3 months of HIV seroconversion. The main outcome was loss of PTC status, defined as the earlier date of virologic rebound (first of 2 consecutive measurements showing HIV RNA levels >50 copies/mL) or reinitiation of any ART after cART interruption.Results 
                  Median time to loss of PTC status in 259 eligible individuals was 1.7 months. Eleven patients did not experience virologic rebound by 24 months after treatment interruption.Conclusion 
                  Most patients experience virologic rebound soon after cART interruption; however, although PTCs are rare, the results of this study confirm their existence.