Lessons learned from a paying antiretroviral therapy service in the public health sector at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi: 1-year experience.
BACKGROUND
In October 2001, a paying antiretroviral therapy service was introduced at a Central Hospital in Malawi using stavudine 40 mg/lamivudine 150 mg/nevirapine 200 mg (triomune). The objective of this study was to determine characteristics of patients seeking antiretroviral therapy, retention in care, clinical outcomes, and outlines for program improvement.


METHODS
Retrospectively, all patients seeking anti-retroviral therapy initiation (October 2001 to October 2002; follow-up through April 2003) were evaluated for laboratory results, retention in care, toxicity, and mortality. Hazard ratios for factors associated with dropout were determined.


RESULTS
Of 757 patients seeking evaluation, 625 began treatment. Documented mortality rate was 61 of 757. Total dropout rate was 50%. Factors associated with dropout include CD4 count <50 cells/mm(3) and Kaposi's sarcoma. Twenty-seven of 625 patients discontinued therapy for toxicity.


CONCLUSIONS
The paying antiretroviral therapy program showed an unacceptable dropout rate associated with advanced baseline disease. Severe toxicity rate was low. Areas for improved program performance include lower cost, wide and earlier access to antiretroviral therapy, and targeted retention strategies.
Hosseinipour
Mina C
MC
University of North Carolina Project, Lilongwe, Malawi.
Neuhann
Florian H
FH
Kanyama
Cecelia C
CC
Namarika
Dan C
DC
Weigel
Ralf
R
Miller
William
W
Phiri
Sam J P
SJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D008295:Malawi / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents