Real-world persistence with dolutegravir/lamivudine versus bictegravir/emtricitabina/tenofovir-alafenamide among people with HIV. / Persistencia de los tratamientos con dolutegravir/lamivudina y bictegravir/emtricitabina/tenofovir-alafenamida en personas con VIH en la práctica real.

OBJETIVES: The main objective was to compare the persistence between dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) and bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir-alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) and to analyze reasons for discontinuation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, non-interventional, descriptive and longitudinal study. All human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients over 18 years treated with DTG/3TC or BIC/FTC/TAF in our center were included. Persistence after first year was compared using the χ2 test. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-eight patients were included. 99.5% versus 90.99% of patients were persistent after the first year for DTG/3TC and BIC/FTC/TAF respectively (p = 0.001). Persistence with DGT/3TC was 1,237 days (IC95% 1,216-1,258) and persistence with BIC/FTC/TAF was 986 days ([IC95% 950-1,021]; p < 0.001). The difference was remained after adjusting for covariates with the cox regression model (HR= 8.2 [IC95% 1.03-64.9], p = 0.047). The main reasons for discontinuation for BIC/FTC/TAF were toxicity/tolerability. CONCLUSION: In our study patients had a high persistence. Patients on DTG/3TC treatment were more persistent compared to BIC/FTC/TAF, although BIC/FTC/TAF have worse baseline characteristics. The main reason for discontinuation of BIC/FTC/TAF was tolerability/toxicity.

Clinical Impact of the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity Pharmacist-Led Intervention in People Living with HIV in Spain, 2019-2020.

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) have significantly enhanced their life expectancy. Consequently, age-associated comorbidities and related health conditions are increasingly found in PLWH complicating their clinical management. Objective: To determine the effect of the capacity-motivation-opportunity (CMO) structured pharmaceutical care intervention for improving clinical health-care results frequently associated to PLWH. Methods: Multicenter, prospective, pre-post intervention study evaluating the CMO pharmacist-led program in adult PLWH was conducted between September 2019 and September 2020 with six months of follow-up. The primary objective of this study was to determine differences in clinical outcomes (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, blood pressure and glycosylated hemoglobin) and variation in the patient's activation measure before and after the intervention. Results: A total of 61 patients were included, 72% were men with a median age of 53 years. After the implementation of the pharmacist-driven program, the percentage of patients with high levels of total cholesterol decreased significantly (18% to 4.9%; p < 0.001). Similarly, the prevalence of patients with high levels of triglycerides, HDL or with hypertension was significantly lower post intervention (13.1% to 6.6%, p < 0.001; 47.5% to 6.6%, p = 0.019 and 24% to 4%, p = 0.009, respectively). The number of patients who achieved the highest activation level increased from 69% to 77.6% (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The CMO program resulted in significantly better health outcomes during the six months following the pharmacist-led intervention as well as improved activation in PLWH.

Prevalence of polypharmacy and associated factors among patients living with HIV infection in Spain: The POINT study.

PURPOSE: Survival in people living with HIV (PLWH) has increased and thus people are aging with HIV, increasing the frequency of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy among PLWH who were on antiretroviral treatment and were followed in an outpatient setting by the pharmacy department of several hospitals across Spain. In addition, we aimed to evaluate factors associated with polypharmacy and treatment complexity among this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recorded information on demographic data, data on disease control including viral load and CD4 count at the time of inclusion, comorbidities, pharmacologic treatment and drugs interactions. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of 6 or more different drugs, including antiretroviral medication; major polypharmacy was defined as the use of ≥11 different drugs. RESULTS: Overall, 1225 PLWH were eligible in the study. The median (IQR) age was 49 (40-54). Comorbidities were present in 819 (67%) PLWH and 571 (47%) had two or more comorbidities. Overall, 397 (32.4%, 95% CI 29.8-34.9) PLWH met the criteria for polypharmacy, and 67 (5.5%, 95% CI, 4.2-6.7) had major polypharmacy. Several factors were associated with polypharmacy such as type of antiretroviral treatment, presence of potential interactions, the use of several types of medications and the number of comorbidities. Treatment complexity was also a factor strongly associated with polypharmacy; for each point increase in the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI), the likelihood of polypharmacy increased 2.3-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy is frequent among PLWH in Spain and contributes to a relevant extent to treatment complexity.

Early Experiences in Switching between Monoclonal Antibodies in Patients with Nonresponsive Migraine in Spain: A Case Series.

Monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide have been introduced into the therapeutic arsenal of migraine prophylaxis. Clinical trials report similar efficacy between them, and there is no evidence of switching to another one after failure. We aim to describe our experience in switching from erenumab to galcanezumab after therapeutic failure. We retrospectively reviewed 30 migraine patients who received monoclonal antibodies, with 15 of them switched after failure to achieve reduction in migraine days per month ≥30%. A ≥30% reduction in migraine days per month compared to baseline was observed in 8/15 (4/15 ≥ 50%) patients after switch. Some nonresponsive patients may benefit from switching between monoclonal antibodies with different therapeutic targets.

Application of the CMO methodology to the improvement of primary adherence to concomitant medication in people living with-HIV. The PRICMO Project.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a pharmaceutical care intervention based on the CMO methodology (Capacity, Motivation  and Opportunity) in improving primary adherence to concomitant  treatment in HIV+ patients on antiretroviral treatment. METHOD: This was a longitudinal prospective multicenter study carried out  between September 2019 and September 2020, which included HIV+  patients older than 18 years who were on antiretroviral treatment and  were taking concomitant medications. Demographic, clinical, and pharmacotherapeutic variables were collected. As required by the CMO methodology, all patients were followed for 6 months and stratified  into three levels of care. Individualized pharmaceutical care was provided according to the interventions established for each level. At every consultation, a motivational interview was conducted based on each  patient's alignment with and achievement of their pharmacotherapeutic  objectives. A website was developed to deal with the opportunity pillar.  The main variable was the percentage of patients considered primary  adherents to the prescribed concomitant medication. Adherence over the  six months prior to the study was compared to adherence at the end of the study. Additionally, the percentage of patients considered secondary  adherents to concomitant treatment and antiretroviral treatment during  the 6 months prior to the start of the study was compared to the  percentage of such patients at the end of the study. Adherence was  measured based on dispensation records and specific validated  questionnaires. Patients were only considered adherent if they were  deemed adherent by both methods. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were included in the study, 72% male. Median age was 53 years and the median number of concomitant drugs prescribed was 7. A total of 60.6% of patients were polymedicated. The percentage of patients considered primary non-adherent was 52.5% at baseline (n = 32) and 4.9% (n = 3, p < 0.001) at the end of the study. Secondary adherence to both concomitant medication (41.6% vs 88.3%) and antiretroviral treatment (85.2% vs 95.1%) improved at the end of the study (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Pharmaceutical care based on the CMO methodology significantly improved both primary and secondary  dherence to concomitant drugs and to antiretroviral treatment.

Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad de una intervención farmacéutica, basada en la metodología CMO (Capacidad, Motivación,  portunidad), para mejorar la adherencia primaria al tratamiento  concomitante en pacientes VIH+ en tratamiento antirretroviral.Método: Estudio longitudinal, prospectivo, multicéntrico, realizado entre septiembre de 2019 y septiembre de 2020. Se incluyeron pacientes VIH+ mayores de 18 años, en tratamiento antirretroviral y  prescripción de fármacos concomitantes. Se recogieron variables  demográficas, clínicas y farmacoterapéuticas. Se realizó atención  farmacéutica durante 6 meses según el modelo CMO en cada paciente,  basado en su nivel de estratificación y las intervenciones establecidas para cada umbral. En cada consulta se realizó una entrevista motivacional  basada en el alcance de los objetivos farmacoterapéuticos para cada  paciente. Para desarrollar el pilar de oportunidad se creó y desarrolló la  web: www.proyecto-pricmo.com. La variable principal fue el porcentaje de  pacientes considerados adherentes primarios a la medicación concomitante  prescrita, comparando los 6 meses previos al estudio, frente al mismo valor al finalizar el estudio. Adicionalmente, se comparó el  porcentaje de pacientes adherentes secundarios al tratamiento  concomitante y al tratamiento antirretroviral durante los 6 meses previos  al inicio del estudio frente al mismo valor en los pacientes al finalizar el  estudio. Para medir la adherencia se consideraron dos métodos: registros  y cuestionarios validados específicos. Solo se consideraron adherentes si lo fueron a ambos métodos.Resultados: Se incluyeron 61 pacientes. El 72,0% fueron hombres, con una mediana de edad de 53 años. La mediana de fármacos  oncomitantes fue de 7. El 60,6% de los pacientes tenían presencia de  polifarmacia. El porcentaje de pacientes considerados no adherentes  primarios basalmente fue del 52,5% (n = 32), mientras que a la  finalización fue del 4,9% (n = 3, p < 0,001). Tanto la adherencia  secundaria a la medicación concomitante (41,6% versus 88,3%) como al  tratamiento antirretroviral (85,2% versus 95,1%) mejoraron al finalizar el  estudio (p < 0,001).Conclusiones: La intervención farmacéutica basada en la metodología CMO mejoró significativamente tanto la adherencia primaria  como secundaria a la medicación concomitante y la secundaria al  tratamiento antirretroviral.

Prevalence of polypharmacy and associated factors among patients living with HIV infection in Spain: The POINT study.

PURPOSE: Survival in people living with HIV (PLWH) has increased and thus people are aging with HIV, increasing the frequency of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of polypharmacy among PLWH who were on antiretroviral treatment and were followed in an outpatient setting by the pharmacy department of several hospitals across Spain. In addition, we aimed to evaluate factors associated with polypharmacy and treatment complexity among this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We recorded information on demographic data, data on disease control including viral load and CD4 count at the time of inclusion, comorbidities, pharmacologic treatment and drugs interactions. Polypharmacy was defined as the use of 6 or more different drugs, including antiretroviral medication; major polypharmacy was defined as the use of ≥11 different drugs. RESULTS: Overall, 1225 PLWH were eligible in the study. The median (IQR) age was 49 (40-54). Comorbidities were present in 819 (67%) PLWH and 571 (47%) had two or more comorbidities. Overall, 397 (32.4%, 95% CI 29.8-34.9) PLWH met the criteria for polypharmacy, and 67 (5.5%, 95% CI, 4.2-6.7) had major polypharmacy. Several factors were associated with polypharmacy such as type of antiretroviral treatment, presence of potential interactions, the use of several types of medications and the number of comorbidities. Treatment complexity was also a factor strongly associated with polypharmacy; for each point increase in the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI), the likelihood of polypharmacy increased 2.3-fold. CONCLUSIONS: Polypharmacy is frequent among PLWH in Spain and contributes to a relevant extent to treatment complexity.

Current situation of carboplatin desensitisation protocols in the hospitals of Spain.

Desensitisation protocols allow the continuation of treatment in patients who have presented hypersensitivity reactions. Carboplatin desensitisation solutions are usually prepared in the chemotherapy centralised units of hospital pharmacies and they are diluted under the established concentration limit to guarantee the stability of the preparation. An online survey was sent to hospital pharmacies, inquiring about local desensitisation protocols: reasons for use of desensitisation protocols, the protocols used and the stability given to carboplatin solutions. An important variability among the hospitals in carboplatin desensitisation practice was detected. Six different carboplatin desensitisation protocols were described and discordance with the storage period of the carboplatin solutions was observed. The lack of consensus on which protocol must be followed and data supporting the stability of the diluted product, contribute to distrust of carboplatin desensitisation protocols. Although the efficacy and safety of carboplatin desensitisation protocols has been widely demonstrated, many professionals still have concerns.

Prevalence of polypharmacy and pharmacotherapy complexity in elderly people living with HIV in Spain. POINT study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of polypharmacy in persons living with  HIV of at least 65 years of age receiving antiretroviral treatment. A  characterization of antiretroviral treatment, as well as a determination of the  prevalence of comorbidities; of the most common types of concomitant medication; of adherence rates; of the pharmacotherapeutic  complexity; and of drug-drug interactions were also among the goals of the  study. METHOD: This was a multi-center, cross-sectional observational study that  included persons living with HIV aged 65 years or more who were on active  antiretroviral treatment. Demographic, clinical (viral load, CD4 count and  comorbidities) and pharmacotherapeutic (type of antiretroviral treatment: single tablet regimen, polypharmacy [six active ingredients or more] and major  polypharmacy [11 active ingredients or more] variables were considered).  Adherence to antiretroviral treatment was measured by dispensation records and the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire, while adherence to  concomitant medication was measured using dispensation records and the  Morisky-Green questionnaire. The Medication Regimen Complexity Index was  calculated. Drug-drug interactions were analyzed using the Liverpool and  Lexicomp databases. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients (86.5% male) were included, with a median age  of 69 years (66.7-72.0). The sexual route was the most common route of  transmission of the disease (67.6%). The virus was undetectable in 89.2% of  patients; the CD4 count was over 200/mL in 94.6% of the sample. The median  number of comorbidities was 3.5 (2.0-5.0), 52.7% of them being cardiovascular; 50.0% related to the central nervous system; 17.6% hepatic; and 8.1%  consisting in chronic pulmonary disease. A total of 81.1% of patients received  triple therapy and 48.6% single tablet regimen. The median number of  concomitant drugs administered was 5.0 (2.0-7.0), polypharmacy was observed  in 71.6% of cases and major polypharmacy in 25.7%. Antihypertensive and  cardiovascular drugs were prescribed to 56.8% of patients, lipid-lowering drugs  to 50.0%, antiulcer agents to 33.8% and psychoactive drugs to 32.4%.  According to dispensation records, adherence to antiretroviral treatment was  85.1% and to concomitant medication 62.8%. The median Medication Regimen Complexity Index for the whole treatment was 13.0 (8.0-17.6). Potential drug- drug interactions were observed in 55.4% of patients and contraindicated interactions in 12.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly persons living with HIV exhibit a high prevalence of  polypharmacy, pharmacotherapeutic complexity, poor adherence and drug-drug  interactions. For that reason, pharmacotherapeutic optimization must be a  priority in these patients.

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de polifarmacia en personas que viven con  VIH de al menos 65 años en tratamiento antirretroviral. Describir el tratamiento  antirretroviral, determinar la prevalencia de comorbilidades, el tipo de  medicación concomitante más frecuente, la adherencia, la complejidad farmacoterapéutica y las interacciones.Método: Estudio observacional, transversal y multicéntrico en el que se incluyeron a personas que viven con VIH de al menos 65 años con  tratamiento antirretroviral activo. Se recogieron variables demográficas, clínicas (carga viral, linfocitos CD4 y comorbilidades) y farmacoterapéuticas (tipo  de tratamiento antirretroviral, regímenes con single- tablet-regimen, polifarmacia ­seis principios activos incluyendo tratamiento  antirretroviral­, polifarmacia mayor ­11 principios activos incluyendo  tratamiento antirretroviral­). Se midió la adherencia al tratamiento  antirretroviral con los registros de dispensación y con el Simplified Medication  Adherence Questionnaire, y la adherencia al tratamiento concomitante mediante  los registros de dispensación y el cuestionario Morisky-Green. Se calculó el  índice de complejidad farmacoterapéutica a través del Medication Regimen  Complexity Index. Se revisaron las interacciones con la base de datos de  Liverpool y Lexicomp. Resultados: Se incluyeron 74 pacientes (86,5% hombres) con una mediana de  edad de 69 (66,7-72,0) años. La vía sexual fue la forma más frecuente de  adquisición (67,6%). Presentaron indetectabilidad del virus el 89,2% de los  pacientes y con una cifra de linfocitos CD4 de más de 200/ml el 94,6%. La  mediana de comorbilidades fue de 3,5 (2,0-5,0): cardiovascular 52,7%, sistema  nervioso central 50,0%, hepática 17,6% y enfermedad pulmonar crónica 8,1%.  Recibieron triple terapia el 81,1% y single-tablet-regimen el 48,6%. La mediana  de fármacos concomitantes fue 5,0 (2,0-7,0), polifarmacia 71,6% y polifarmacia mayor 25,7%. Medicamentos antihipertensivos y del sistema cardiovascular  fueron prescritos en un 56,8% de los pacientes, hipolipemiantes 50,0%,  antiulcerosos 33,8% y psicofármacos 32,4%. La adherencia según registros de  dispensación del tratamiento antirretroviral fue del 85,1% y de la medicación  concomitante del 62,8%. La mediana del Medication Regimen Complexity Index  del tratamiento completo fue 13,0 (8,0-17,6). Tenían al menos una interacción potencial el 55,4% y al menos una contraindicada el 12,2% de los pacientes.Conclusiones: Las personas mayores que viven con VIH tienen una alta  prevalencia de polifarmacia, complejidad farmacoterapéutica, baja adherencia al  tratamiento e interacciones, por lo que la optimización farmacoterapéutica debe  ser una prioridad en este tipo de pacientes.

Usability and Acceptability of a Comprehensive HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections Prevention App.

The Preparadxs app was designed to enhace the prevention of the HIV and other sexually transmitted infections transmission through the empowerment of the user. The purpose of this study is to determine the usability and perception about the app among real users. In this prospective cross-sectional study all app end-users were asked to answer the System Usability Scale and question regarding app capability to reduce sexually transmitted infections in the future. Influence of several variables (gender identity, educational level and digital native condition) was explored. A total of 69 users answered the survey during study period. Most of them were male and had university studies. Final usability score was 80,8 points which means a good, near excellent usability. No differences in usability scores were observed regarding to gender identity, native condition or educational level. Most users were strongly agree (56,5%) or agree (28,9%) with app potential to reduce the incidence of HIV and other STIs in the future.

Stability of daptomycin reconstituted vials and infusion solutions.

OBJECTIVES: Daptomycin is a cyclic lipopeptide with selective action against drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. The stability of daptomycin solutions in different containers while stored at different temperatures was assessed. METHODS: Daptomycin vials were reconstituted with NaCl (50 mg/mL). Daptomycin infusion solutions (5.6 and 14.0 mg/mL) were prepared in polypropylene infusion bags. All test solutions were stored either under refrigeration or at room temperature over 7 days. Samples were withdrawn on days 0, 2, 4 and 7 and assayed in triplicate using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. RESULTS: The HPLC analysis revealed no significant loss in daptomycin concentration in vials or bags when stored at 2-8°C. All samples remained clear and colourless and there were no significant changes in pH throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstituted daptomycin vials (50 mg/mL) and infusion bags (5.6 and 14 mg/mL) were found to be physicochemically stable over a period of 1 week when stored at 2-8°C.

Perceptions about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among healthcare professionals in Spain (PERPPRES Study).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of support, knowledge and perceptions of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) by Infectious Disease Specialists and Hospital Pharmacists in Spain. METHODS: Cross-sectional study through an on-line 31-item survey (sociodemographical data, employment status/experience, knowledge of PrEP, use, identified barriers and economic issues). A univariate analysis was performed to evaluate the variables associated with support for PrEP, and compare the assessments by Specialists and Pharmacists. The questions about support for PrEP and agreement with the indication approval were repeated after showing data from published studies. The significance of the change in the answers was analyzed using the McNemar Test. RESULTS: 211 questionnaires were received (80.1% from Pharmacists). 40.3% had low/no familiarity with PrEP (46.2% Pharmacists vs. 16.7% Physicians; p < 0.01). A 53.6% of them would support the use of PrEP (49.7% Pharmacists vs. 69% Physicians; p = 0.038). The minimum acceptable efficacy in order to support PrEP was 85.0 ± 15.5% (82.6 ± 12.1% by Physicians vs. 85.6 ± 15.0% by Pharmacists; p = 0.02). The variables associated with support were: medical profession (OR = 2.26; 95%CI 1.1-4.6; p = 0.038) and lower demand for efficacy (difference = 10.5%; 95%CI 6.9 to 14.1; p < 0.001). After receiving the information, there was an increase in their support for use and indication approval. Most participants (81.5%) did not support its reimbursement. The main barriers identified were: an increase in risk behaviour (24.1%), increase in sexually transmitted diseases (19.0%), resistance (16.6%) and cost (16.0%). CONCLUSIONS: More than half of participants were familiar with PrEP. The majority of them would support its use and the approval of the indication, but would not reimburse it. The use of PrEP in real practice is currently low.

Objetivo: Determinar el grado de apoyo, conocimientos y percepciones respecto a la profilaxis preexposición (PrEP) de los médicos infectólogos y farmacéuticos hospitalarios en España. Métodos: Estudio transversal mediante encuesta de 31 ítems (datos sociodemográficos, situación laboral/experiencia, conocimiento sobre PrEP, uso, opiniones, barreras detectadas y aspectos financieros). Se realizó un análisis univariante para evaluar las variables relacionadas con el apoyo a PrEP y comparar las valoraciones de médicos y farmacéuticos. Las preguntas sobre apoyo a la PrEP y el acuerdo sobre aprobar la indicación se repitieron tras mostrar datos de estudios publicados. Se analizó la significación del cambio en la respuesta mediante la prueba de McNemar. Resultados: Se recibieron 211 cuestionarios (80,1% farmacéuticos). El 40,3% estuvieron nada/poco familiarizados con la PrEP (46,2% farmacéuticos vs. 16,7% médicos; p < 0,01). El 53,6% apoyaría su uso (49,7% farmacéuticos vs. 69% médicos; p = 0,038). La eficacia mínima considerada aceptable fue 85,0 ± 15,5% (82,6 ± 12,1% médicos vs. 85,6 ± 15,0% farmacéuticos; p = 0,02). Las variables relacionadas con el apoyo fueron: profesión médica (OR = 2,26 IC95% 1,1-4,6; p = 0,038) y menor exigencia de eficacia (diferencia 10,5% IC95% 6,9-14,1; p < 0,001). Tras recibir la información, aumentaron el apoyo al uso y la aprobación. El 81,5% no apoyaron la financiación. Las principales barreras señaladas fueron: aumento de conductas de riesgo (24,1%), aumento de enfermedades de transmisión sexual (19,0%), resistencias (16,6%) y coste (16,0%). Conclusiones: Más de la mitad de los encuestados estaban familiarizados con la PrEP. La mayoría apoyaría su uso y la aprobación de la indicación, pero no la financiaría. El uso en la práctica real de la PrEP es escaso en la actualidad.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of HIV infection: a new prevention paradigm?

Pre-exposure prophylaxis" (PrEP) has been recently developed as a prevention strategy which involves the administration of drugs to non-infected individuals who present high exposure or susceptibility to HIV. Although this use is not approved in our country, several guidelines recommend PrEP as a prevention option in adult MSM, heterosexual men and women, and users of parenteral drugs at risk of acquiring the infection. This article presents the characteristics that an ideal agent to be used as PrEP should meet, recent efficacy published data and barriers for the implementation of this new strategy. On the other hand, the role of hospital pharmacists will be discussed.

La "profilaxis pre-exposición (PrEP)" ha sido recientemente desarrollada como una estrategia de prevención que consiste en la administración de medicamentos a los individuos no infectados que presentan una alta exposición y susceptibilidad al VIH. Aunque este uso no está aprobado en nuestro país, varias guías recomiendan la PrEP como una opción de prevención en HSH adultos, hombres y mujeres heterosexuales, y los usuarios de drogas parenterales en riesgo de adquirir la infección. Este artículo presenta las características que un agente ideal para ser utilizado como profilaxis pre-exposición debe cumplir, los datos de eficacia recientemente publicados y las barreras para la implementación de esta nueva estrategia. Por otra parte, se discute el papel de los farmacéuticos del hospital en la posible implantación de esta estrategia en el futuro.

Fungal chemoprophylaxis with fluconazole in preterm infants.

INTRODUCTION: To describe the establishment of a fungal chemoprophylaxis protocol in very low birth weight infants (VLBW). To asses safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of fluconazole administration to these patients. METHOD: According to published scientific evidence (search on MEDLINE 1994-2001) inclusion criteria for the protocol were defined: gestational age <28 weeks and birth weight <1500 g. Fluconazole was given intravenously by infusion. A pharmacotherapeutic follow-up of patients included on the protocol was performed for 1 year. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included on the protocol, two of them died because of causes not related to the drugs given. Significant drug interactions were not observed. Fluconazole side effects were not reported either. None of the patients who finished the chemoprophylaxis showed signs or symptoms of fungal infection. CONCLUSION: Fluconazole chemoprophylaxis in this small number of patients has shown an excellent safety and tolerability profile. The lack of fungal infection points out the possibility of using fluconazole to reduce morbidity and mortality in VLBW.

[Study of the durability of the triple antiretroviral regimens]. / Estudio de la durabilidad de los regímenes antirretrovirales con tres fármacos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The evaluation of the effectiveness of triple antiretroviral therapies (TTT) in HIV-infected patients is difficult due to the long duration of these therapies. Our objective was to estimate the treatment's duration until the failure of the triple antiretroviral combination as a subrogated variable of the effectiveness. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Survival time calculation of a triple antiretroviral combination in 356 adult HIV-infected patients (from 1997 to 2001) and study of the influence of both the triple combination type (TC) and the presence or absence of previous antiretroviral treatment (TP). RESULTS: The survival median time was 21.96 months. There were not statistical differences related to TC (n1 = 241, n2 = 108, p = 0.4916) but to TP (n3 = 106, n4 = 250, p = 0.0460). CONCLUSIONS: The time in which TTT turned out to be effective seems to be short. It could explain the variety of TTT employed in clinical practice.