[Plasma antiretroviral levels in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Influence of sex and age].
BACKGROUND
Pharmacologic studies have shown a relationship between plasma antiretroviral levels and toxicity/viral activity. Nevertheless, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data are inconsistent and limited in HIV-infected children. An analysis was performed of plasma antiretroviral concentrations in clinical practice and their influence on therapy efficacy in HIV-infected children.


METHODS
Observational, prospective, multicenter study, including HIV-infected children followed up at 5 reference hospitals between March 2006 and June 2008. Pre-dose plasma antiretroviral levels were determined and the relationships with various clinical and analytical variables were investigated.


RESULTS
A total of 129 patients were included, and 41.3% had antiretroviral plasma levels outside the established range. No differences were found between sexes. Children younger than 1 year had a higher rate of suboptimal levels and higher viral load than the remaining children.


CONCLUSIONS
Antiretroviral plasma concentrations are more frequently suboptimal in children younger than 1 year. This finding is related with greater viral failure and implies a considerable challenge in this population, which requires very long-term treatment.
Nso-Roca
Ana Pilar
AP
Servicio de Pediatría-Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España. ananso@yahoo.es
Larru
Beatriz
B
Bellón
José María
JM
Mellado
María José
MJ
Ramos
José Tomás
JT
González
María Isabel
MI
Navarro
María Luisa
ML
Muñoz-Fernández
María Angeles
MA
de José
María Isabel
MI
D000367:Age Factors; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors
D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents