ritonavir and Hypercholesterolemia

To assess the correlation between antiretroviral treatment and dyslipidaemia in HIV-infected patients, and the role of bezafibrate as a lipid-lowering agent.. We retrospectively compared serum lipid levels of five groups of 40 patients, each of them treated with either saquinavir hard gel, indinavir, or ritonavir (associated with two nucleoside analogues), or dual nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) with or without a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), or not treated with antiretrovirals, randomly selected from nearly 1000 HIV-infected patients followed-up for >or= 12 months, while on the relevant therapy. Hypertriglyceridaemia was defined by triglyceride levels >or= 172 mg/dl, and hypercholesterolaemia by cholesterol levels >or= 200 mg/dl. All patients with triglyceridaemia > 300 mg/dl and cholesterolaemia > 220 mg/dl for at least 6 months, and unresponsive to a >or= 3-month diet, started bezafibrate (400 mg/day), and were prospectively followed-up at a

Topics: Bezafibrate; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemias; Hypertriglyceridemia; Hypolipidemic Agents; Indinavir; Lipids; Retrospective Studies; Ritonavir; Saquinavir

The aim of this study was to compare the differential effects of first-line efavirenz (EFV)-based vs. boosted lopinavir-based antiretroviral regimens on cholesterol metabolism.. Multicentre, open-label, randomized clinical trial.. Forty-nine naive HIV-infected patients were randomized (1 : 1) to receive either ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (LPV/r) or EFV both in combination with tenofovir and emtricitabine (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00759070). Lipid profile and serum phytosterols and cholesterol precursors were determined at baseline and after 16 weeks.. After 16 weeks of intervention, total and non-HDL cholesterol as well as triglyceride levels significantly increased in the LPV/r-group (+1.0 ± 0.8; +0.8 ± 0.7 and +0.8 ± 1.5 mmol/l, respectively), but not in the EFV-group (+0.4 ± 0.7; +0.4 ± 0.6 and 0.2 ± 0.5 mmol/l, respectively). Markers of cholesterol absorption (campesterol-to-cholesterol and sitosterol-to-cholesterol ratios) significantly increased in the LPV/r-group, but not in the EFV-group, whereas there were no changes in either group of the lathosterol-to-cholesterol ratio, a marker of cholesterol synthesis.. Treatment with an LPV/r-based therapy increased total cholesterol relative to EFV-based therapy. Our data suggest that absorption rather than synthesis is the mechanism involved in LPV/r-associated increased total cholesterol.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Alkynes; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Benzoxazines; Blood Chemical Analysis; Cholesterol; Cyclopropanes; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Male; Middle Aged; Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors; Ritonavir; Young Adult

A randomized controlled trial was conducted among human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients receiving lopinavir/ritonavir-based regimens with hypercholesterolemia. Reduction of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein was significantly greater in patients who were randomized to the addition of atorvastatin compared with those who were switched from lopinavir/ritonavir to atazanavir/ritonavir.

Topics: Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Atazanavir Sulfate; Atorvastatin; Cholesterol; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lipoproteins, LDL; Lopinavir; Male; Middle Aged; Ritonavir

The use of protease inhibitors (PI) has led to a decrease in HIV-1-related mortality and morbidity. The objective of this study was to collect safety data on treatment with fosamprenavir/ritonavir (FPV/r) 700/100mg BID in HIV-infected patients through an expanded access program.. Prospective, multicenter, noncomparative study in HIV-1 infected adults, for whom a regimen containing FPV/r 700/100mg BID was appropriate.. A total of 678 patients were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and safety population. The on-treatment (OT) population contained 587 patients: 76% male, 98% Caucasian, and median age 41 years. Median CD4 cell count was 351 cells/microL, HIV-RNA was 3 log copies/mL, and 49% of patients were in CDC class C. After 24 weeks of treatment, serum viral load decreased a median of 1.3 log copies/mL and 73% of patients had <400 copies/mL (P<.0001 vs. baseline); 48-week results were similar. CD4 cell count increased a median of 49 and 62 cells/microL at 24 and 48 weeks, respectively. Adverse events (AEs) associated with the study medication occurred in 21% of patients.. Ritonavir-boosted fosamprenavir as part of antiretroviral therapy is a potent, safe treatment in real-life clinical circumstances.

Topics: Adult; Carbamates; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Comorbidity; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fever; Furans; Gastrointestinal Diseases; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; HIV-1; HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hypertriglyceridemia; Male; Organophosphates; Ritonavir; RNA, Viral; Spain; Sulfonamides; Viral Load; Viremia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, characteristics and risk factors of lipid changes associated with lopinavir/ritonavir treatment in antiretroviral-naive patients.. A prospective cohort of 107 antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected patients was followed for 12 months after starting lopinavir/ritonavir-based highly active antiretroviral therapy.. At 12 months, percentages of patients with hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia were 17.4% and 40%, respectively. Mean increases in total cholesterol and triglycerides were 40.7 and 73.3 mg/dL. There was a significant increase in both low-density and high-density (HDL) cholesterol, and no increase in the total cholesterol/HDL ratio (from 4.16 at baseline to 4.49 after 12 months). Baseline cholesterol > 200 mg/dL and triglycerides > 150 mg/dL were independent risk factors for dyslipidaemia, while hepatitis C coinfection appeared to be protective.. Patients with elevated lipid values at baseline have the greatest risk of developing hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia after starting lopinavir/ritonavir. Antiretroviral-naive patients coinfected with hepatitis C have a low risk of developing hyperlipidaemia after starting lopinavir/ritonavir.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; Female; Hepatitis C; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemias; Hypertriglyceridemia; Lipids; Lopinavir; Male; Middle Aged; Pyrimidinones; Risk Factors; Ritonavir; Triglycerides

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of indinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg plus stavudine and lamivudine twice daily in antiretroviral-therapy-naive Thai HIV-1-infected patients.. This was an open-label, non-randomized single arm study. Antiretroviral-naive patients (n=80) with CD4+ cell count < 200 x 10(6)/l were started on stavudine and lamivudine plus indinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily. CD4+ cell count and HIV RNA were determined at week 0, 12, 24, 48 and 96. HIV RNA was measured to a level of 50 copies/ml by RT-PCR assay. Primary analysis was statistically performed as intent to treat. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with plasma HIV RNA below 50 copies/ml at week 96.. Eighty antiretroviral-therapy-naive patients with median CD4+ cell count 19 x 10(6)/l (range: 2 - 197 x 10(6)/l) and median baseline plasma HIV RNA of 174,000 copies/ml (range 16,800-750,000 copies/ml) were enrolled. In the intent-to-treat analysis at week 96, the proportion of patients with HIV RNA of <50 copies/ml was 68.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 68.3-69.3), whereas it was 88.7% (95% CI: 88.1-89.3) in the on-treatment analysis at week 96. The regimen was well tolerated. Hyperglycaemia, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertriglyceridaemia were found in 8.3, 33.3 and 37.0% of the patients, respectively. Treatment was stopped in 18 patients; two from intolerance, two switched therapy, four as a result of serious adverse event-related death, and ten were lost to follow-up.. Our study demonstrates that indinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg plus stavudine and lamivudine twice daily, the least expensive boosted protease inhibitor, appears to be effective and safe up to 96 weeks despite high baseline viraemia and low CD4+ cell count in antiretroviral-naive patients.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; HIV-1; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperglycemia; Hypertriglyceridemia; Indinavir; Lamivudine; Male; Ritonavir; RNA, Viral; Stavudine; Thailand; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load; Withholding Treatment

There is no standard treatment of HIV-infected patients who fail protease inhibitor (PI)-containing antiretroviral therapy. This open-label, noncomparative 24-week study with a 24-week extension evaluated the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of twice-daily indinavir/ritonavir 800/200 mg plus 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in this population. Presented here are the results of the 24-week study. Patients were HIV-infected adults who had prior viral RNA (vRNA) suppression (<400 copies/mL), subsequent failure (> or =400 and < or =100,000 copies/mL) on antiretroviral therapy, and at least one new NRTI available for treatment. The proportions of patients achieving plasma vRNA <400 and <50 copies/mL were analyzed with data as observed (DAO) and intention-to-treat (ITT) models using generalized estimating equations (GEE) or counting noncompleters as failures (NC = F). Mean changes from baseline in vRNA and CD4 cell count were evaluated using DAO and an ITT mixed-model approach. Sixty-three patients (87% male) with a mean age of 42 years and mean baseline vRNA and CD4 cell counts of 3.8 log(10) copies/mL and 360 cells/mm(3), respectively, were enrolled. The proportion (95% confidence interval) of patients achieving vRNA <400 and <50 copies/mL at week 24 were 76% (61%, 87%) and 50% (35%, 65%) for DAO, 64% (50%, 75%) and 43% (30%, 56%) for GEE, and 56% (43%, 68%) and 37% (25%, 50%) for NC = F, respectively. At Week 24, baseline vRNA decreased by >1.0 log(10) copies/mL and CD4 cell counts increased by approximately 90 cells/mm(3). Three patients (5%) experienced serious drug-related adverse events. Seven patients (11%) discontinued treatment due to clinical or laboratory adverse events. In this study, the enhanced, twice-daily regimen of indinavir/ritonavir 800/200 mg plus 2 NRTIs provided suppression of HIV in many patients who had failed a PI-containing regimen and was generally well tolerated.

Topics: Acidosis; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; HIV; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hyperbilirubinemia; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperglycemia; Hypertriglyceridemia; Indinavir; Kidney Calculi; Male; Middle Aged; Ritonavir; RNA, Viral; Treatment Failure

This study aimed to assess the long-term efficacy, safety and use of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of a double-boosted protease inhibitor (PI) combination, saquinavir (SQV) and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r), in Thai HIV type-1 (HIV-1)-infected children who had failed on reverse transcriptase inhibitors.. In total, 50 children from two sites in Thailand were treated with standard dosing of SQV and LPV/r. CD4(+) T-cell count and percentage, viral load (VL; HIV-1 RNA), minimum plasma drug concentrations (C(min)) and drug safety laboratory evaluations were monitored. Virological failure was defined as having two consecutive VL measures >400 copies/ml after week 12. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed.. Baseline data were a median age of 9.3 years (interquartile range [IQR] 7.1-11.2), VL 4.8 log(10) copies/ml (IQR 4.5-5.1) and CD4(+) T-cell percentage 7% (IQR 3.0-9.5). CDC classifications were N=4%, A=14%, B=68% and C=14% of participants. Median CD4(+) T-cell percentage and CD4(+) T-cell count increase were 14% (IQR 7-19) and 558 cells/mm(3) (IQR 308-782), respectively (both P<0.001). Overall, 37 (74%) children achieved VL<50 copies/ml with significant differences between sites (90% versus 63%). Over 96 weeks, 10 patients had virological failure. Total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein increased significantly over time, whereas the triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein did not. Approximately 50% of participants reported no change in body shape, and 33%, 43% and 39% reported fatter arms, face and abdomen, respectively. LPV and SQV C(min) were high and stable over time.. Double-boosted SQV+LPV/r was an effective and safe alternative for a second-line regimen in children. Hypercholesterolaemia needs close follow-up. On the basis of the TDM results, PI dose reduction in this population should be considered.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Monitoring; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; HIV-1; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lopinavir; Male; Pyrimidinones; Ritonavir; Saquinavir; Thailand; Treatment Outcome

Ezetimibe (EZB) lowers cholesterol by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestine. Data with EZB are limited in HIV-infected patients. We enrolled HIV-infected adults in this prospective, noncontrolled, single-center pilot study if their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was not at goal despite therapy with a statin. Stable protease inhibitor (PI)-based highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and a low-dose statin were required for inclusion. The primary endpoint was LDL reduction at 18 weeks. In a subgroup of patients on lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r), trough concentrations were obtained before and after addition of EZB. Twenty patients were enrolled; 12 (60%) men, 18 (90%) African American. HAART included ritonavir (RTV)-boosted PIs in 17 (85%) patients; 3 (15%) were on nelfinavir. Mean percent changes from baseline in LDL were -10.9%, -12.2%, and -12.4% at weeks 6, 12, and 18, respectively (p < 0.05 for each time period vs. baseline). Mean percent changes from baseline in total cholesterol (TC) were -11.1%, -9.6%, and 9.1% at weeks 6, 12, and 18, respectively (p < 0.05 at each time period vs. baseline). No significant changes in triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and LPV/r concentrations were seen. One patient experienced elevated creatine phosphokinase possibly related to study medication; no other adverse effects were seen. Addition of EZB to low-dose statin effectively lowers LDL and TC and appears to be safe and well tolerated.

Topics: Adult; Anticholesteremic Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Atorvastatin; Azetidines; Cholesterol, LDL; Drug Administration Schedule; Ezetimibe; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Heptanoic Acids; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; HIV-1; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lopinavir; Male; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Pravastatin; Prospective Studies; Pyrroles; Ritonavir; Treatment Outcome

Lopinavir/ritonavir-containing antiretroviral therapy can cause hyperlipidaemia. However, most statins are contraindicated due to drug-drug interactions. Rosuvastatin undergoes minimal metabolism by CYP450, so no CYP450-based interaction with lopinavir/ritonavir is expected. This study explored the lipid-lowering effect of rosuvastatin and assessed the effect of lopinavir/ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics of rosuvastatin and vice versa.. HIV-infected patients on lopinavir/ritonavir (viral load < 400 copies/ml) with total cholesterol (TC) > 6.2 mmol/l were treated with rosuvastatin for 12 weeks, starting on 10 mg once daily. If fasting target values (TC < 5.0 mmol/l, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol > 1.0 mmol/l, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-c] < 2.6 mmol/l and triglycerides < 2.0 mmol/l) were not reached, rosuvastatin was escalated to 20 mg or 40 mg at week 4 and 8, respectively. Plasma lopinavir/ritonavir trough levels (C(min)) were determined at week 0, 4, 8 and 12 and rosuvastatin C(min), at week 4, 8 and 12.. Twenty-two patients completed the study. Mean reductions in TC and LDL-c from baseline to week 4 (on rosuvastatin 10 mg once a day) were 27.6% and 31.8%, respectively. Lopinavir/ritonavir concentrations were not influenced by rosuvastatin (P = 0.44 and 0.26, repeated-measures analysis). Median (interquartile range) rosuvastatin C(min) for 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg once daily were 0.97 (0.70-1.5), 2.5 (1.3-3.3) and 5.5 (3.3-8.8) ng/ml, respectively.. Rosuvastatin appeared to be an effective statin in hyperlipidaemic HIV-infected patients. Lopinavir/ritonavir levels were not affected by rosuvastatin, but rosuvastatin levels unexpectedly appeared to be increased 1.6-fold compared with data from healthy volunteers. Until safety and efficacy have been confirmed in larger studies, the combination of rosuvastatin and lopinavir/ritonavir should be used with caution.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-HIV Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Fluorobenzenes; HIV Infections; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Hypercholesterolemia; Lopinavir; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Pyrimidines; Pyrimidinones; Ritonavir; Rosuvastatin Calcium; Sulfonamides

Adverse effects associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), particularly protease inhibitors (PIs), have been identified in adult and pediatric patients. In this study, we monitored, for cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a cohort of HIV-1-infected children receiving a HAART regimen.. HIV-infected patients <17 years old belonging to a cohort that has been followed since 1997 were enrolled in the study. Patients were receiving either a three- or four-drug antiretroviral regimen that included two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (lamivudine and zidovudine) combined with one or two PIs (ritonavir and/or saquinavir). Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured on fasting serum samples drawn at the time of enrollment and every 3 months thereafter. Clinical evaluation was performed on a monthly basis.. Twenty four patients were included. Median age at HIV infection diagnosis was 15 months. Twenty one patients received a four-drug antiretroviral regimen, while three patients received ritonavir plus zidovudine and lamivudine. Median follow-up was 27 months; 62.5% of patients had hypercholesterolemia and 79.2% had hypertriglyceridemia, most typically after 15 months of treatment. None of the patients had physical changes in body fat distribution suggesting lipodystrophy.. Hyperlipidemia is a frequent complication in HIV-1-infected children undergoing antiretroviral treatment that includes PIs. Additional studies with larger cohorts and a longer follow-up are needed to propose a rationale and alternatives for patients who develop dyslipidemia while receiving PIs.

Topics: Adolescent; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hypertriglyceridemia; Infant; Lamivudine; Male; Ritonavir; Saquinavir; Zidovudine

A case report of drug-induced rhabdomyolysis in a 34-year-old HIV-infected male with a history of liver disease and concomitant use of clarithromycin, atorvastatin, and lopinavir/ritonavir is presented.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Atorvastatin; Clarithromycin; Drug Interactions; Drug Therapy, Combination; Heptanoic Acids; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Hypercholesterolemia; Lopinavir; Male; Pyrimidinones; Pyrroles; Rhabdomyolysis; Ritonavir

Lopinavir (LPV)/ritonavir (RTV) used in combination, is a potent antiretroviral drug. However, its benefit is limited by its inherent effect on lipid metabolism, causing dislypemia in a large proportion of treated patients. Fasting triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol levels were assessed in 126 HIV-infected patients who initiated salvage therapy based on LPV/RTV. Both TG and cholesterol significantly increased from baseline to month 3. A positive correlation was found between the percentage increase in TG and LPV trough levels (r = 0.32; p = 0.003). Moreover, patients with TG elevations above the median (27%) showed higher LPV Ctrough levels than those with lower TG elevations (7.1 vs. 4.7 microg/ml, p = 0.004). In contrast, no correlation was found between LPV Ctrough and increases in cholesterol levels. Cholesterol elevations were positively correlated with RTV Ctrough concentrations (r = 0.32; p = 0.003).

Topics: Adult; Cholesterol; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Lopinavir; Male; Pyrimidinones; Ritonavir; Triglycerides

Topics: Adult; Alkynes; Anti-HIV Agents; Benzoxazines; Cyclopropanes; Didanosine; Drug Therapy, Combination; HIV Infections; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hypertriglyceridemia; Indinavir; Middle Aged; Nausea; Oxazines; Ritonavir

Administration of protease inhibitors (PIs) to HIV-infected individuals has been associated with hyperlipidemia. In this study, we characterized the lipoprotein profile in subjects receiving ritonavir, indinavir, or nelfinavir, alone or in combination with saquinavir.. Plasma lipoprotein levels were quantified in 93 HIV-infected adults receiving PIs. Comparison was done with pretreatment values and with 28 nonPI-treated HIV-infected subjects. An elevation in plasma cholesterol levels was observed in all PI-treated groups but was more pronounced for ritonavir (2.0+/-0.3 mmol/L [mean+/-SEM], n=46, versus 0.1+/-0.2 mmol/L in nonPI treated group, P<0.001) than for indinavir (0.8+/-0.2 mmol/L, n=26, P=0.03) or nelfinavir (1.2+/-0.2 mmol/L, n=21, P=0.01). Administration of ritonavir, but not indinavir or nelfinavir, was associated with a marked elevation in plasma triglyceride levels (1.83+/-0.46 mmol/L, P=0.002). Plasma HDL-cholesterol levels remained unchanged. Combination of ritonavir or nelfinavir with saquinavir did not further elevate plasma lipid levels. A 48% increase in plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) was detected in PI-treated subjects with pretreatment Lp(a) values >20 mg/dL. Similar changes in plasma lipid levels were observed in 6 children receiving ritonavir.. Administration of PIs to HIV-infected individuals is associated with a marked, compound-specific dyslipidemia. The risk of pancreatitis and premature atherosclerosis due to PI-associated dyslipidemia remains to be established.

Topics: Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Arteriosclerosis; Child; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hyperlipidemias; Hypertriglyceridemia; Indinavir; Lipids; Lipoprotein(a); Lipoproteins; Logistic Models; Male; Nelfinavir; Risk Factors; Ritonavir; Saquinavir; Thyrotropin

Topics: Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Hypertriglyceridemia; Male; Myocardial Infarction; Risk Factors; Ritonavir

Michael Golk, a person with AIDS who is successfully maintaining a non-detectable viral load using Norvir combined with D4T and 3TC, describes his treatment regimen and use of nutritional supplements. Changes in Golk's nutritional supplement list (36 supplements were used) and the regimen and reasons for these changes are discussed. Changes are suggested to treat metabolic imbalances, such as high levels of triglycerides and high cholesterol, and to stimulate ATP production. The value of delavirdine vs. nevirapine in therapy is also discussed.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Anti-HIV Agents; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Dietary Fats; Drug Therapy, Combination; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Hypercholesterolemia; Killer Cells, Natural; Lamivudine; Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors; Ritonavir; Stavudine; Triglycerides