Retention among transgender women treated with dolutegravir associated with tenofovir/lamivudine or emtricitabine in Argentina: TransViiV study

In Argentina, transgender women (TGW) have a high HIV prevalence (34%). However, this population shows lower levels of adherence, retention in HIV care and viral suppression than cisgender patients. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the transition to dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimens to reduce adverse events and improve adherence and retention. The purpose of this study was to determine retention, adherence and viral suppression in naïve TGW starting a DTG-based first-line antiretroviral treatment (ART) and to identify clinical and psychosocial factors associated with retention. We designed a prospective, open-label, single-arm trial among ART-naïve HIV positive TGW (Clinical Trial Number: NCT03033836). Participants were followed at weeks 4, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48, in a trans-affirmative HIV care service that included peer navigators, between December, 2015 and May, 2019. Retention was defined as the proportion of TGW retained at week 48 and adherence was self-reported. Viral suppression at <50 copies/mL was evaluated using snapshot algorithm and as per protocol analysis. Of 75 TGW screened, 61 were enrolled. At baseline, median age was 28 y/o., HIV-1-RNA (pVL) 46,908 copies/mL and CD4+ T-cell count 383 cells/mm(3). At week 48, 77% were retained and 72% had viral suppression (97% per protocol). The regimen was well tolerated and participants reported high adherence (about 95%). Eleven of the fourteen TGW who discontinued or were lost to follow-up had undetectable pVL at their last visit. Older age was associated with better retention. DTG-based treatment delivered by a trans-competent team in a trans-affirmative service was safe and well tolerated by TGW and associated with high retention, high adherence and high viral suppression at 48 weeks among those being retained.