Safety and effectiveness of switching to Abacavir/Lamivudine plus rilpivirine for maintenance therapy in virologically suppressed HIV-1 individuals in Singapore (SEALS).

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and tolerability of an antiretroviral regimen are important considerations for selection of HIV-1 infection maintenance therapy. Abacavir/lamivudine plus rilpivirine (ABC/3TC + RPV) has been shown in international studies to be effective and well-tolerated in virologically suppressed individuals. This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of switching to ABC/3TC + RPV as maintenance therapy in virologically suppressed HIV-1 infected individuals in Singapore. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-centre study, we included individuals who were prescribed ABC/3TC + RPV, had HIV-1 viral load (VL) < 50 copies/ml immediately pre-switch, and had no documented history of resistance mutations or virologic failure to any of the components. The follow-up period was 48 ± 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the proportion of individuals who maintained virologic suppression of HIV-1 VL < 50 copies/ml at the end of follow-up period based on on-treatment analysis. The secondary outcomes were the resistance profiles associated with virologic failure, changes in immunologic and metabolic parameters, and the safety profile of ABC/3TC + RPV. RESULTS: A total of 222 individuals were included in the study. The primary outcome was achieved in 197 individuals [88.8%, 95% confidence interval: 83.7-92.4%]. There were 21 individuals (9.5%) who discontinued treatment for non-virologic reasons. The remaining 4 individuals experienced virologic failure, of whom, 3 of these individuals had developed emergent antiretroviral resistance and had HIV-1 VL > 500 copies/ml at the end of the 48 ± 12 weeks follow-up period. The remaining individual experienced sustained low level viremia and subsequently achieved viral suppression without undergoing resistance testing. A total of 49 adverse events were observed in 31 out of 222 individuals (14.0%), which led to 13 individuals discontinuing therapy. Neuropsychiatric adverse events were most commonly observed (53.1%). A statistically significant increase in CD4 was observed (p < 0.01), with a median absolute change of 31 cells/uL (interquartile range: - 31.50 to 140.75). No significant changes in lipid profiles were detected. CONCLUSION: ABC/3TC + RPV is a safe and effective switch option for maintenance therapy in virologically suppressed HIV-1 individuals with in Singapore.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement in patients with ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS) may be associated with complications. This study reports our experience of PEG in patients with VPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing PEG insertion in a gastroenterology unit over 18 month's period were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were evaluated by an attending gastroenterologist for fitness for procedure. Instructions were given for routine antibiotic prophylaxes before the procedure and continued for 48 hours. Patients were followed for immediate complications in particular, wound infection, signs of meningitis, deterioration in neurological state and shunt malfunction. Post discharge, patients were given routine follow-up for review. RESULTS: Of 86 patients who had PEG inserted during the study period, 14 had VPS including 2 of which had VPS after PEG. The main common indications for VPS were intracerebral bleed and head trauma and for PEG were requirement of long term enteral feeding. Twelve patients had PEG at a mean interval of 61 days (range 1-187 days) after VPS. Of these, eight received prophylactic antibiotic or were on antibiotic for other indications before PEG. Two patients developed mild PEG site infections within a week of insertions, including one patient who was not given antibiotic prophylaxis, both treated successfully with antibiotics. The latter patient developed worsening hydrocephalus secondary to VPS blockage. At a mean follow-up period was 140 days (range 20-570 days), there were no death or further complications encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Although safe in the majority of patients with VPS, PEG infection can lead to intracranial complications. We recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for VPS patients before PEG.