Clinical, immunological, and virological outcomes in HIV patients on raltegravir-based salvage therapy

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to assess the clinical, immunological, and virological outcomes in treatment-experienced HIV patients on raltegravir (RAL)-based salvage therapy. METHODS: This was a retrospective, observational study of patients with suspected second-line antiretroviral therapy failure who were followed up for at least 6 months, from January 2013 to January 2017, after switching to salvage regimen. A total of 20 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and who had RAL-based salvage therapy were assessed for clinical, immunological and virological response. The data were picked up from the electronic database of the center and analyzed. RESULTS: Age, sex, date of initial diagnosis, date, and type of first line and second line regimens were documented, CD(4) count, and plasma viral load at the time of initiation and after 3 and 6 months were recorded. Undetectable viral load was documented in all patients at 6 months. No noticeable adverse effects were noted. CONCLUSION: This study clearly shows that RAL containing regimens have a high degree of effectiveness in treatment-experienced patients and show effective and durable suppression of viral load with low adverse effect rates and reliable long-term safety.