Use of HIV Postexposure Prophylaxis in healthcare workers after occupational exposure: a Thai university hospital setting.
BACKGROUND
PostExposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is widely used after exposures to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to reduce the risk of infection in the healthcare setting. Few data are available on the safety and tolerability of Anti Retro Viral drugs (ARV) among Health Care Workers (HCWs) who are prescribed prophylaxis.


OBJECTIVE
To collect information about the safety and compliance of taking ARV for HIV PEP among HCWs.


METHODS
Retrospective review on registry data regarding occupational HIV exposures, the PEP regimens used, and the adverse events associated with PEP was performed.


RESULTS
During a five year-period, 820 episodes with occupational blood or body fluid exposures were reported Nurses (27%) were the largest group at risk. The most common type of exposure was percutaneous injuries (82%). Only 125 (15%) HCWs had occupational exposures to HIV, 64 HCWs were prescribed HIV PEP and 32 (50%) HCWs did not complete the PEP regimen as initially prescribed. The commonly prescribed ARV was zidovudine (38%), lamivudine (33%), and indinavir (11%). Overall, 18 (28%) HCWs reported symptoms while on PEP such as nausea (89%), vomiting (55%), and dizziness (39%). None of the HCWs had HIV seroconversion.


CONCLUSIONS
Adverse effects from HIV PEP were very common. Clinicians prescribing HIV PEP need to discuss with HCWs about PEP efficacy and side effects. Education efforts aimed at occupational exposure prevention are still important issues.
Kiertiburanakul
Sasisopin
S
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. rasal@mahidol.ac.th
Wannaying
Bunchong
B
Tonsuttakul
Sirirat
S
Kehachindawat
Pranee
P
Apivanich
Siriluk
S
Somsakul
Somporn
S
Malathum
Kumthorn
K
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012042:Registries; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013785:Thailand
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents