Background: We assessed the treatment outcomes on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART), and factors associated with switching regimen in HIV-infected children treated through the universal coverage health program (UC) in Thailand.
Methods: Children aged <15 years at ART initiation who had been receiving ART for at least 6 months between 2008 and 2014 through UC were included in the analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate immunological recovery (IMR), immunological failure, and virological failure (VF). Cox models were used to assess predictors of IMR and VF. Competing risk models were used to assess factors associated with switching to a second-line regimen, with death considered as a competing risk.
Results: A total of 4120 children initiated ART at a median (interquartile range) age of 9.3 (5.8-12.0) years. The median duration of ART was 3.7 years with 17,950 person-years of follow-up. Two thousand eight hundred five children achieved IMR, and the probability of IMR increased to 76% by 3 years after ART initiation. Among 1054 children switched to second-line regimens, 84% had VF and 19% had immunological failure. The cumulative rate of switching regimen increased from 4% to 20% from 1 to 3 years after treatment. Children aged ≥12 years at ART initiation, starting with nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, and baseline CD4% <10% had an increased risk of switching to second-line regimens.
Conclusions: Children receiving ART through UC had good treatment outcomes, although a fifth required switching regimen by 3 years. Earlier treatment initiation and avoiding nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor first-line regimens in high-risk children may prevent treatment failure.