title: Multivitamin supplementation in HIV infected adults initiating antiretroviral therapy in Uganda: the protocol for a randomized double blinded placebo controlled efficacy trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Use of multivitamin supplements during the pre-HAART era has been found to reduce viral load, enhance immune response, and generally improve clinical outcomes among HIV-infected adults. However, immune reconstitution is incomplete and significant mortality and opportunistic infections occur in spite of HAART. There is insufficient research information on whether multivitamin supplementation may be beneficial as adjunct therapy for HIV-infected individuals taking HAART. We propose to evaluate the efficacy of a single recommended daily allowance (RDA) of micronutrients (including vitamins B-complex, C, and E) in slowing disease progression among HIV-infected adults receiving HAART in Uganda.
  
  
  METHODS
  We are using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study design. Eligible patients are HIV-positive adults aged at least 18 years, and are randomized to receive either a placebo; or multivitamins that include a single RDA of the following vitamins: 1.4 mg B1, 1.4 mg B2, 1.9 mg B6, 2.6 mcg B12, 18 mg niacin, 70 mg C, 10 mg E, and 0.4 mg folic acid. Participants are followed for up to 18 months with evaluations at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months. The study is primarily powered to examine the effects on immune reconstitution, weight gain, and quality of life. In addition, we will examine the effects on other secondary outcomes including the risks of development of new or recurrent disease progression event, including all-cause mortality; ARV regimen change from first- to second-line therapy; and other adverse events as indicated by incident peripheral neuropathy, severe anemia, or diarrhea.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The conduct of this trial provides an opportunity to evaluate the potential benefits of this affordable adjunct therapy (multivitamin supplementation) among HIV-infected adults receiving HAART in a developing country setting.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01228578.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, PO Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda. dguwatudde@musph.ac.ug
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Guwatudde
authors.forename: Amara E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Ezeamama
authors.forename: Danstan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bagenda
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kyeyune
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wabwire-Mangen
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wamani
authors.forename: Ferdinand
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mugusi
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Spiegelman
authors.forename: Molin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yukari C
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Manabe
authors.forename: Wafaie W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Fawzi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods*; D001835:Body Weight; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004032:Diet / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014454:Uganda; D014815:Vitamins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D014815:Vitamins