Long-term and concentration-dependent beneficial effect of efavirenz on HDL-cholesterol in HIV-infected patients

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2006 May;61(5):601-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2006.02619.x.

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the long-term effects of efavirenz on cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG).

Methods: Thirty-four HIV-infected patients who commenced efavirenz therapy were monitored for 36 months.

Results: In patients with baseline HDL-C<40 mg.dL-1 an increase in HDL-C from 31+/-1 mg.dL-1 to 44+/-2 mg.dL-1 (95% confidence interval 5.9, 21.9, P<0.01) was observed and remained throughout the follow-up period. Median efavirenz plasma concentration was 1.98 mg.L-1 and a direct correlation between percentage of HDL-C variation or TC/HDL-C ratio and efavirenz plasma concentrations was found.

Conclusions: There is evidence of a long-term and concentration-dependent beneficial effect of efavirenz on HDL-C in HIV-infected patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alkynes
  • Benzoxazines
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cholesterol, HDL / blood*
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glycoproteins / blood
  • HIV Infections / blood
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • HIV-1*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oxazines / therapeutic use*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Alkynes
  • Benzoxazines
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Glycoproteins
  • Oxazines
  • Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors
  • Cholesterol
  • efavirenz