Successful optimization of antiretroviral regimens in treatment-experienced people living with HIV undergoing liver transplantation

Transpl Infect Dis. 2019 Dec;21(6):e13174. doi: 10.1111/tid.13174. Epub 2019 Oct 6.

Abstract

Modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) extends life expectancy for people living with HIV (PLWH). However, most older PLWH (≥50 years) "aged" with HIV and were exposed to historical HIV care practices and older, more toxic ART. In PLWH with exposure to older and multiple ART regimens, the drug interactions between ART frequently used in treatment-experienced persons and commonly used immunosuppressants remain a significant challenge. However, the advent of newer ART classes (eg, integrase non-strand transfer inhibitors) and more advanced HIV genetic resistance testing may allow optimization of ART regimens with minimal drug interactions. Here, we present a case series of three PLWH whose complicated ART interacted (or was at risk for interacting) with their post-liver transplant immunosuppression. After a review of their proviral DNA resistance testing, they successfully transitioned onto safer integrase non-strand transfer inhibitor-containing ART regimens without viral blips or evidence of organ rejection.

Keywords: HIV; antiretroviral therapy; drug interaction; organ transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Interactions
  • Drug Resistance, Viral / drug effects
  • Drug Resistance, Viral / genetics
  • Drug Substitution
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Graft Rejection / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents