Immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) after HIV diagnosis
Abstract
- The benefits of beginning antiretroviral therapy (ART) soon after HIV diagnosis include improved health outcomes across a wide variety of settings as well as decreased long term healthcare costs.
- Generally, studies found that time to virologic suppression decreased when ART was initiated immediately, when compared to historical cohorts or those receiving deferred HIV treatment.
- To facilitate an option of immediate ART, additional resources may be required; this includes added appointment slots, training and education for staff, a dedicated medical provider, a dedicated patient navigator, and more human resources in general.
- Ideal regimens for early ART initiation should: be coformulated as a single tablet, be well-tolerated, have few drug interactions, have a high barrier to resistance, and be effective among individuals who present with a low CD4 count and high viral load.
Authors
The Ontario HIV Treatment Network: Rapid Response Service
Year
2021
Topics
- Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
- Determinants of Health
- Determinants of Health
- Health services
- Population(s)
- General HIV+ population
- Prevention, Engagement and Care Cascade
- Engagement and Care Cascade
- Engagement and Care Cascade
- Linkage/engagement in care
- Retention in care
- Treatment
- Testing
- Testing
- Health Systems
- Delivery arrangements
