Point-of-care urine tenofovir test predicts future HIV preexposure prophylaxis discontinuation among young users.

BACKGROUND: Young men who have sex with men and transgender women (YMSM/TGW) have disproportionately high HIV incidence and lower preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence. Point-of-care (POC) urine tenofovir (TFV) rapid assay (UTRA) testing permits real-time monitoring for nonadherence within clinical settings. We performed UTRA testing among PrEP users to examine the relationship between low PrEP adherence and future PrEP discontinuation, and the accuracy of POC testing compared to gold-standard liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). METHODS: YMSM/TGW participants ( n  = 100) were recruited during a daily PrEP visit. Logistic regression models analyzed the relationship between the primary predictor of urine POC assay results (cutoff 1,500 ng/ml) and the primary outcome of PrEP discontinuation, defined as no PrEP follow-up or prescription within 120 days. RESULTS: Overall, 19% of participants had low urine TFV and 21% discontinued PrEP, while 11% of participants self-reported low PrEP adherence (<4 pills per week), which was only 43% sensitive/84% specific in predicting low TFV levels and was not associated with PrEP discontinuation. Low urine TFV level predicted PrEP discontinuation [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 6.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-11; P  = 0.005] and was 71% sensitive/90% specific for discontinuation after 120 days. Compared to LC/MS/MS, UTRA testing had a 98% positive and 100% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: In a sample of YMSM/TGW on daily PrEP, POC UTRA testing predicted PrEP discontinuation more accurately than self-reported adherence, with high predictive values compared to LC/MS/MS. UTRA testing may be a clinical tool for directing preventive interventions towards those likelier to discontinue PrEP despite ongoing HIV vulnerability.

Brief Report: Ritonavir Concentrations in Hair Predict Virologic Outcomes in HIV-Infected Adolescents With Virologic Failure on Atazanavir-Based or Ritonavir-Based Second-Line Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is responsible for most virologic failure among adolescents with HIV. Methods for objectively measuring adherence to ART are limited. This study assessed the association between ritonavir concentrations in hair and self-reported adherence and modified directly administered ART on virologic outcomes among HIV-infected adolescents who were virologically failing second-line ART in Harare, Zimbabwe. METHODS: HIV-infected adolescents on atazanavir-based or ritonavir-based second-line treatment for >6 months with viral load ≥1000 copies/mL were randomized to either modified directly administered ART (mDAART) plus standard of care (intervention) or standard of care alone (control). Questionnaires were administered; viral load and hair samples were collected at baseline and after 90 days. Virological suppression was defned as <1000 copies/mL after follow-up. RESULTS: Fifty adolescents (13-19 years) were enrolled in the study, and 42 adolescents had ritonavir concentrations measured in hair at baseline and at 90 days. Twenty-three participants (46%) were randomized to mDAART. Viral load suppression at follow-up [regression coefficient (standard error): -0.3 (0.1); 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.5 to -0.06; P = 0.01], self-reported adherence at follow-up [regression coefficient (standard error): 0.01 (0.005); 95% CI: 0.004 to 0.02; P = 0.006], and being male sex [regression coefficient (standard error): 0.3 (0.1); 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.5; P = 0.008] were associated with ritonavir concentrations in hair. The intervention, mDAART, was not associated with ritonavir concentrations [regression coefficient (standard error) 0.2 (0.1); 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.4; P = 0.2]. CONCLUSIONS: Ritonavir concentrations in hair predicted virological suppression and were associated with self-reported adherence and being male in this cohort of adolescents with treatment failure to atazanavir-based or ritonavir-based second-line ART. Measuring ritonavir concentrations in hair in adolescents on protease inhibitor-based regimens could assess adherence in this vulnerable group to avert subsequent virologic failure.

Tenofovir and emtricitabine concentrations in hair are comparable between individuals on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate versus tenofovir alafenamide-based ART.

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in combination with emtricitabine (FTC) is the backbone for both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) worldwide. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) with FTC is increasingly used in HIV treatment and was recently approved for PrEP among men-who-have-sex-with-men. TDF and TAF are both metabolized into tenofovir (TFV). Antiretrovirals in plasma are taken up into hair over time, with hair levels providing a long-term measure of adherence. Here, we report a simple, robust, highly sensitive, and validated high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)-based analytical method for analyzing TFV and FTC from individuals on either TDF/FTC or TAF/FTC in small hair samples. TFV/FTC are extracted from ~5 mg hair and separated on a column using a gradient elution. The lower quantification limits are 0.00200 (TFV) and 0.0200 (FTC) ng/mg hair; the assay is linear up to 0.400 (TFV) and 4.00 (FTC) ng/mg hair. The intra-day and inter-day coefficients of variance (CVs) are 5.39-12.6% and 6.40-13.5% for TFV and 0.571-2.45% and 2.45-5.16% for FTC. TFV concentrations from participants on TDF/FTC-based regimens with undetectable plasma HIV RNA were 0.0525 ± 0.0295 ng/mg, whereas those from individuals on TAF/FTC-based regimens were 0.0426 ± 0.0246 ng/mg. Despite the dose of TFV in TDF being 10 times that of TAF, hair concentrations of TFV were not significantly different for those on TDF versus TAF regimens. Pharmacological enhancers (ritonavir and cobicistat) did not boost TFV concentrations in hair. In summary, we developed and validated a sensitive analytical method to analyze TFV and FTC in hair and found that hair concentrations of TFV were essentially equivalent among those on TDF and TAF.

Short Communication: Higher Tenofovir Concentrations in Hair Are Associated with Decreases in Viral Load and Not Self-Reported Adherence in HIV-Infected Adolescents with Second-Line Virological Treatment Failure.

Objective methods of measuring antiretroviral adherence are limited. We assessed the relationship between tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) hair concentrations, self-reported adherence, and virological outcomes in HIV-infected adolescents in Harare, Zimbabwe. HIV-infected adolescents on atazanavir/ritonavir-based second-line treatment for >6 months with viral load (VL) ≥1,000 copies/mL were randomized to either modified directly administered antiretroviral therapy (mDAART) or standard of care. Hair and VL samples were collected at baseline and after 90 days. Treatment outcome was defined as TDF concentrations in hair. Virological suppression was defined as VL <1,000 copies/mL. Thirty-four adolescents had TDF concentrations measured at baseline and follow-up. Mean (median); range age was 16 (16); 13-18 years and 53% were females. Nineteen (56%) were randomized to mDAART. Mean (SD); range TDF concentrations were 0.03 (0.04); 0-0.17 ng/mg hair and 0.06 (0.06); 0-0.3 ng/mg hair at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Higher TDF concentrations were associated with decreased VL [regression coefficient (RC) 0.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7-1.0; p = .008] and mDAART (RC 0.5; 95% CI 0.3-1.0; p = .04), but were not associated with self-reported adherence and virological suppression (VL <1,000 copies/mL). Higher TDF hair concentrations were observed with virological decrease and an adherence intervention. Hair antiretroviral concentrations could be useful in triggering adherence interventions among adolescents with second-line virological failure.

Detectable HIV RNA in late pregnancy associated with low tenofovir hair levels at time of delivery among women living with HIV in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated peripartum tenofovir (TFV) exposure via hair measures among women living with HIV in the United States. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. METHODS: Hair samples were collected at or shortly after childbirth among mothers enrolled in the Surveillance Monitoring for Antiretroviral Therapy Toxicities Study of the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study between 6/2014 and 7/2016. Among mothers receiving TFV disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based regimens during pregnancy, TFV hair concentrations were analyzed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Weight-normalized TFV concentrations were log10 transformed. Multivariable linear regression assessed correlates of TFV concentrations. RESULTS: Overall, 121 mothers on TDF-based antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy had hair specimens tested for TFV concentrations and were included in the analysis. Median age at delivery was 31 years [interquartile range (IQR) 26-36]; 71% self-identified as non-Hispanic black, and 10% had unsuppressed viral loads in late pregnancy (HIV RNA ≥ 400 copies/ml). Median time from birth to hair collection was 3 days (IQR 1-14) and median TFV hair concentration was 0.02 ng/mg (IQR 0.01-0.04). In multivariable models, an unsuppressed viral load in late pregnancy was associated with 80% lower adjusted mean peripartum TFV concentrations than pregnancies with viral suppression (95% confidence interval: -90% to -59%, P < 0.001). Use of TDF only in the first trimester and attaining high school graduation were also associated with lower TFV hair concentrations. CONCLUSION: Unsuppressed viral load during late pregnancy was strongly associated with lower maternal TFV hair concentrations at birth, though viremia was rare. Efforts to improve maternal virological outcomes and eliminate vertical HIV transmission could incorporate drug exposure monitoring using hair or other metrics.

Extent of In Utero Transfer of Tenofovir From Mother to Fetus: A Paired Analysis of Hair Specimens Collected at Birth From a Cohort in the United States.

Understanding in utero transfer of antiretrovirals is critical for interpreting safety. Hair levels measure cumulative exposure. We measured tenofovir (TFV) concentrations in hair at delivery among women living with human immunodeficiency virus receiving TFV disoproxil fumarate-based treatment and their infants, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Among 103 mother-infant pairs, the mean log10 ratio of infant-to-maternal TFV levels was 1.08 (95% confidence interval, .97-1.20). TFV transfer was 60% lower from mothers who had preterm compared with term deliveries and 42% lower from mothers who had cesarean compared with vaginal deliveries. Like prior studies assessing transfer via short-term measures (plasma, cord blood, amniotic fluid), we found high cumulative transfer using hair.

Use of Drug-level Testing and Single-genome Sequencing to Unravel a Case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seroconversion on Pre-exposure Prophylaxis.

Cases of seroconversion on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should be carefully investigated, given their public health implications and rarity. We report a case of transmitted drug resistance causing seroconversion on PrEP in spite of high adherence, confirmed with dried blood spot and segmental hair drug-level testing and single-genome sequencing.

Tenofovir concentrations in hair strongly predict virologic suppression in breastfeeding women.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence is often suboptimal in the perinatal period. We measured hair tenofovir (TFV) concentrations as a metric of adherence in postpartum women to understand patterns and predictors of adherence throughout this critical period. In addition, we examined the association between hair TFV concentrations and virologic outcomes. METHODS: Between 12/2012 and 09/2016, hair samples were collected longitudinally from delivery through breastfeeding from women on ART in the Promoting Maternal and Infant Survival Everywhere study (NCT01061151) in sub-Saharan Africa. Hair TFV levels were measured using validated methods. Using generalized estimating equations, we estimated the association between hair TFV levels and virologic suppression (<400 copies/ml) over time and assessed predictors of hair TFV levels. RESULTS: Hair TFV levels were measured at 370 visits in 71 women from delivery through a median of 14 months (interquartile range 12-15) of breastfeeding. Levels ranged from below detection (0.002) to 1.067 ng/mg (geometric mean: 0.047). After at least 90 days on ART, 69 women had at least one viral load measured (median 5 measures, range 1-9); 18 (26%) experienced viremia at least once. Each doubling of TFV level more than doubled odds of concurrent virologic suppression [odds ratio 2.35, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44-3.84, P = 0.0006] and was associated with 1.43 times the odds of future suppression (95% CI: 0.75-2.73, P = 0.28). Relative to the first 3 months after delivery, hair levels were highest in months 6-12 (1.42-fold higher, 95% CI: 1.09-1.85, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Hair TFV levels strongly predicted concurrent virologic suppression among breastfeeding women. Objective adherence metrics can supplement virologic monitoring to optimize treatment outcomes in this important transition period.

Measuring Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy via Hair Concentrations in India.

BACKGROUND: Objective adherence measures are of increasing interest in antiretroviral treatment (ART) monitoring. Hair ART levels predict virologic suppression, and hair is easy to collect and store. No previous study has examined hair levels in an India-based cohort or laboratory. METHODS: Small hair samples were collected from HIV-positive participants on either efavirenz (EFV)-based or nevirapine (NVP)-based ART in a South India-based study. Hair samples were split and analyzed for EFV or NVP in the University of California, San Francisco -based Hair Analytical Laboratory and the analytic laboratory of the Division of Nutrition at St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India, using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Agreement (using Bland-Altman methods) and rank correlation between the 2 laboratories' hair levels were calculated. Rank correlation between self-reported adherence (SRA) over the previous month using a visual analog scale and hair ART levels was calculated. RESULTS: Among 75 participants (38 on NVP; 37 on EFV), the correlation between NVP levels generated by the 2 laboratories was 0.66 (P < 0.0001) and between EFV levels was 0.87 (P < 0.0001). Measurements from St. John's Research Institute were usually within 20% of those from the University of California, San Francisco Hair Analytical Laboratory. SRA was essentially uncorrelated with hair antiretroviral levels for either drug (all correlations < 0.04). Hair levels showed variability in adherence although SRA was >85% in all participants. CONCLUSIONS: Hair ART levels measured by both an India-based laboratory and the standard U.S.-based laboratory showed generally high agreement and correlation, demonstrating local capacity. As in many other cohorts, hair ART levels and SRA were not well-correlated, likely indicating limitations in self-report and the need for objective adherence monitoring in resource-limited settings.

Low tenofovir level in urine by a novel immunoassay is associated with seroconversion in a preexposure prophylaxis demonstration project.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the relationship between urine tenofovir (TFV) levels measured with a novel immunoassay, which permits point-of-care testing, with HIV seroconversion and objective adherence metrics in a large preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) demonstration project. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of stored specimens from an open-label PrEP cohort study. METHODS: We examined the association between undetectable urine TFV levels and HIV seroconversion in iPrEx open-label extension using generalized estimating equations. We examined rank correlations between levels of TFV and emtricitabine in urine, dried blood spots (DBS), and hair and determined the sensitivity and specificity of undetectable urine TFV for predicting dosing cut-offs in DBS. RESULTS: The median urinary TFV level was 15 000 ng/ml in those who remained HIV-negative (n = 105; interquartile range: 1000-45 000); 5500 in those who eventually seroconverted (n = 11; interquartile range: 1000-12 500); and all were undetectable at seroconversion (n = 9; P < 0.001). Decreasing strata of urine TFV levels were associated with future HIV seroconversion (P = 0.03). An undetectable urine TFV was 100% sensitive and 81% specific when compared with an undetectable DBS TFV-diphosphate level and 69% sensitive, but 94% specific when compared with low adherence by DBS (<2 doses/week). CONCLUSION: Urine TFV detection by a novel antibody-based assay was associated with protection from HIV acquisition among individuals on PrEP. Urine TFV levels were correlated with hair and DBS levels and undetectable urine TFV was 100% sensitive in detecting nonadherence. By implementing the immunoassay into a point-of-care strip test, PrEP nonadherence could be detected in real-time, allowing rapid intervention.

Antiretroviral Concentrations in Hair Strongly Predict Virologic Response in a Large Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment-naive Clinical Trial.

Concentrations of antiretrovirals in hair are associated with virologic outcomes in cohorts of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals but have never been examined in a clinical trial. We show for the first time the predictive utility of hair antiretroviral concentrations in a large HIV treatment-naive trial (AIDS Clinical Trials Group protocol A5257).

Similar tenofovir hair concentrations in men and women after directly observed dosing of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine: implications for preexposure prophylaxis adherence monitoring.

OBJECTIVES: Women likely require higher adherence than men to preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) for similar efficacy. Pharmacologic metrics of adherence predict efficacy better than self-report, but expected drug levels (adherence benchmarks) must be established using directly observed therapy. We sought to evaluate whether tenofovir hair concentrations differ between women and men receiving directly observed TDF/FTC. METHODS: We assessed tenofovir hair concentrations in HIV-uninfected volunteers randomized to receive 100%, 67%, or 33% of daily dosing of TDF/FTC for 12 weeks (DOT-DBS, NCT02022657). Hair samples were collected at dosing weeks 4, 8, and 12 and every 3 weeks during a 12-week washout. Tenofovir concentrations in the proximal 1.5 cm of hair (representing ∼6 weeks of exposure) were analyzed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Linear regression was used to model tenofovir hair concentrations in terms of sex, doses over the prior 6 weeks, and number of days since last dose. RESULTS: A total of 264 hair samples were analyzed from 23 female and 24 male participants. Female participants had similar tenofovir hair concentrations to men (estimated fold-difference 0.92, 95% CI 0.75-1.13, P = 0.43). The estimated fold-difference in tenofovir levels for female versus male participants did not appreciably change when age (0.93, 95% CI 0.76-1.15), weight (0.89, 95% CI 0.71-1.11), or race/ethnicity (0.95, 95% CI 0.77-1.17) were added to the model. CONCLUSION: Women and men have similar adherence benchmarks for tenofovir in hair samples. As pharmacokinetic metrics are increasingly used for PrEP monitoring, these findings provide guidance for assessing adherence via hair concentrations.

Antiretroviral drug concentrations in hair are associated with virologic outcomes among young people living with HIV in Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the relationship of self-reported adherence versus antiretroviral therapy (ART) concentrations in hair with virologic outcomes among young people living with HIV. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled young people living with HIV age 11-24 years, who attended a youth HIV clinic in Moshi, Tanzania. METHODS: ART adherence was assessed by self-report, drug concentration in hair samples, and plasma HIV-1 RNA measurements. Those with virologic failure, defined as plasma HIV-1 RNA more than 400 copies/ml, had genotypic resistance assessed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate ART-concentration threshold cutoffs for virologic suppression, after excluding those with known high-level resistance mutations. RESULTS: Among 280 young people enrolled, 227 were included in the final analysis. Seventy-two (32%) self-reported inadequate adherence and 91 (40%) had virologic failure. Hair ART-concentration (P < 0.001), but not self-reported adherence (P = 0.53), was associated with virologic outcome. Sixty-seven (74%) of those with virologic failure had resistance testing performed, of whom 60% had high-level resistance. Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated moderate or high classification performance for association with virologic suppression with specific hair ART-concentration cutoffs for lopinavir (1.8 ng/mg), efavirenz (1.04 ng/mg), and nevirapine (33.2 ng/mg). CONCLUSION: Hair ART-concentrations were significantly associated with virologic outcomes among young people living with HIV. ART-concentration thresholds associated with virologic suppression are proposed. Hair analysis may provide a noninvasive, cost-effective adherence assessment tool in settings with limited second and third-line treatment options.

Development and validation of an assay to analyze atazanavir in human hair via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE: Assays to quantify antiretrovirals in hair samples are increasingly used to monitor adherence and exposure in both HIV prevention and treatment studies. Atazanavir (ATV) is a protease inhibitor used in combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). We developed and validated a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)-based method to quantify ATV in human hair, per the NIH Division of AIDS Clinical Pharmacology Quality Assurance (CPQA) program and the FDA bioanalytical method validation guidelines. METHODS: ATV was extracted from hair using optimized methods and the extracts were injected onto a BDS C-18 column (5 µm, 4.6 × 100 mm), followed by isocratic elution via a mobile phase composed of 55% acetonitrile, 45% water, 0.15% acetic acid, and 4 mM ammonium acetate, at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min prior to analysis by MS/MS. Levels were quantified using positive electrospray ionization by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for the transitions MH+ m/z 705.3 to m/z 168.0 and MH+ m/z 710.2 to m/z 168.0 for ATV and ATV-d5 (internal standard), respectively. RESULTS: Our assay demonstrated a linear standard curve (r = 0.99) over the concentration range of 0.0500 ng ATV/mg hair to 20.0 ng/mg hair. The inter- and intraday accuracy of ATV quality control (QC) samples was -1.33 to 4.00% and precision (% coefficient of variation (%CV)) was 1.75 to 6.31%. The %CV for ATV levels in hair samples from highly adherent patients (incurred samples) was less than 10%. No significant endogenous peaks or crosstalk were observed in the specificity test with other HIV drugs. The overall extraction efficiency of ATV from incurred hair samples was greater than 95%. CONCLUSIONS: This highly sensitive, highly specific and validated assay can be considered for therapeutic drug monitoring for HIV-infected patients on ATV-based ART.

Comparison of Measures of Adherence to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Preexposure Prophylaxis Among Adolescent and Young Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States.

Background: Young men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) are disproportionately impacted by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could reduce HIV acquisition among youth, but suboptimal adherence threatens effectiveness. Optimal metrics of PrEP adherence among adolescents have remain undefined. Methods: The Adolescent Trials Network 110/113 studies provided daily oral PrEP with tenofovir (TFV) disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine over 48 weeks to a diverse population of MSM (aged 15-22 years). Self-reported adherence was assessed and PrEP drug concentrations measured from hair and dried blood spot (DBS) samples; 23% of participants received Wisepill electronic monitoring devices. The average number of PrEP doses per week taken was estimated, and concordance between measures assessed. Results: Among 243 participants, hair samples were collected at 1186/1238 (96%) person-visits. The concordance of TFV levels in hair and TFV-diphosphate in DBS around thresholds consistent with taking ≥4 and 7 PrEP doses/week was high (76% and 80%). Hair and DBS concentrations correlated poorly with self-report and Wisepill metrics. Through week 12, 40%-60% of participants (by hair and DBS), ≤31% (Wisepill), and >85% (self-report) were estimated to have taken ≥4 PrEP doses/week (a threshold associated with protection among MSM). For all measures except self-report, adherence declined over time, with half of participants taking <2 doses/week by week 48. Conclusions: Among youth on PrEP, adherence waned over time. Self-report overestimated adherence, and use of Wisepill was limited. Hair collection was highly acceptable and provided similar interpretations to DBS. Incorporation of either metric in future PrEP studies among youth could identify suboptimal adherence and trigger interventions.

Brief Report: Adherence Biomarker Measurements in Older and Younger HIV-Infected Adults Receiving Tenofovir-Based Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Concentrations of tenofovir (TFV) in hair and tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBSs) as measures of cumulative exposure have been primarily studied in younger, HIV-uninfected individuals taking preexposure HIV prophylaxis. Data on these measures among older HIV-infected individuals are limited. METHODS: We evaluated longitudinal TFV and TFV-DP concentrations in hair and DBS, respectively, from HIV-infected adults. Multivariable model variables included age group (18-35 and 60 years and older), creatinine clearance (CrCl), hematocrit (TFV-DP), and gray hair color (TFV). RESULTS: Baseline hair TFV and DBS TFV-DP were moderately correlated [r = 0.5 (0.2 to 0.7); P = 0.001] across both age groups [younger (N = 23) and older (N = 22)]. In adjusted models, CrCl was associated with increases of 15.9% (7.4% to 25.0%); P = 0.0006, and 5.7% (-0.2% to 11.9%); P = 0.057 for TFV in hair and TFV-DP in DBS, respectively, for every 20-mL/min CrCl decrease. Although older age (versus younger age) was univariately associated with increased TFV hair levels, older age was not significantly associated with higher concentrations in hair [-1.4% (-26.7% to 32.7%); P = 0.93] or DBS [4.0% (-14.1% to 25.9%); P = 0.68] after adjustment. Similarly, gray color was not significantly associated with higher TFV levels in hair [27.6% (-11.1% to 83.0%; P = 0.18)] in adjusted models. In both adjusted and unadjusted models of TFV-DP levels in DBS, a 1% hematocrit increase was associated with a 3.3% (0.2% to 6.5%) TFV-DP increase (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative drug exposure measures (hair and DBS) were comparable in younger and older HIV-infected individuals on TFV-based therapy after adjustment for renal function.

Hair levels of preexposure prophylaxis drugs measure adherence and are associated with renal decline among men/transwomen.

OBJECTIVE: The US preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) Demonstration Project (U.S. Demo) evaluated MSM on PrEP postmarketing and found low seroconversion rates. The objective of this study is to examine hair levels as an adherence measure to PrEP. DESIGN: Using an 'opt-in' design, participants of PrEP Demo were invited to enroll into a substudy where hair was collected quarterly. METHODS: Tenofovir concentrations were measured in hair by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Hair levels consistent with ≥4 doses/week (protective in other studies) defined adequate adherence. Mixed effects multivariate logistic regression models examined factors associated with ≥4 doses/week. Separate mixed effects models evaluated the relationship between hair PrEP levels and changes in creatinine clearance (CrCl) over time. RESULTS: Overall, 58% of U.S. Demo participants enrolled into this opt-in study; reasons for nonparticipation included insufficient hair (61%) and concerns about hairstyle (27%). Hair and dried blood spots levels consistent with ≥4 doses/week were highly concordant (84%). Hair levels showed adequate adherence in 87% of 875 person-visits (among 280 participants). Factors associated with adequate adherence in multivariate models were amphetamine use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.59 (0.97-6.9, P 0.06)], condomless receptive anal sex [aOR 2.28 (1.19-4.40, P 0.01)], and stable housing [aOR 2.63 (1.03-6.67), P 0.04]. Hair levels of tenofovir showed a monotonic relationship with decline in CrCl (P 0.01 for trend). CONCLUSION: In this substudy of the U.S. PrEP demonstration project, hair and dried blood spots levels were highly concordant and hair concentrations demonstrated adequate adherence 87% of the time, with stable housing and high-risk behavior associated with higher adherence. Daily PrEP drug taking is associated with modest declines in CrCl.

Brief Report: Lopinavir Hair Concentrations Are the Strongest Predictor of Viremia in HIV-Infected Asian Children and Adolescents on Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Children/adolescents display suboptimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and outcomes versus adults. Hair ART concentrations are objective adherence measures that predict viremia in adults but longitudinal data on hair levels in pediatric populations is limited. We assessed the predictive utility of hair lopinavir (LPV) levels on viremia among youth on second-line ART. METHODS: We examined predictors of viremia (HIV-1 RNA >400 and >1000 copies/mL) at least 24 weeks after switch to LPV-based second-line ART in a cohort of HIV-infected Asian children followed between 2011 and 2014. Small hair samples, HIV-1 RNA, and self-reported adherence were collected biannually. Hair concentrations of LPV were measured through liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry using validated methods. Time-to-first viremia was examined using discrete-time Cox models. RESULTS: Overall, 244 children met the inclusion criteria for the present analysis. Approximately half (55%) were boys and the median age 10 years [interquartile range (IQR) 7-13]; 40% were older than 11 years. At switch to second-line ART, median CD4 count was 300 (IQR 146-547) cells/mm and median HIV-RNA level was 5.0 (IQR 4.3-5.6) log10/mL. Median time of study follow-up was 48 weeks and a median of 3 (range 1-5) hair samples were collected from each participant. Adjusting for age, sex, country, self-reported adherence, CD4, and HIV-RNA, higher LPV hair concentrations were the strongest predictor of lower odds of viremia (HIV-RNA >400 copies/mL adjusted odds ratio = 0.41 per doubling in hair concentration, 95% confidence interval: 0.29 to 0.58, P < 0.001; HIV-RNA >1000 copies/mL, adjusted odds ratio = 0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.45 to 0.65, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hair concentrations predict viremia among children with HIV on second-line ART and could guide clinical decisions for this population.