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Evaluation of Efficacy of Nevirapine Regimen versus Efavirenz Regimen
Authors: Usha Adiga, Sachidanada Adiga, BN Malawadi
Number of views: 355
Introduction: CD4 count can be used as marker to assess the effectiveness of antiretro viral treatment (ART), mortality and
survival rates in HIV patients. It is an important guide to treatment as it reflects drug resistance, treatment failure and need to switch
over to different regimen. Objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of two regimens, Nevirapine (NVP) versus
Efavirenz (EFV), both in combination with Zidovudine (AZT) and Lamivudine (3TC) in HIV patients.
Methods: A retrospective observational study on 48 adult HIV patients, receiving AZT+3TC+NPV (ZLN) (group I) and 28 patients
on AZT+3TC+EFV (ZLE) (group II) was carried out. Demographic profile, medication prescribed, baseline CD4 cell counts,
serially monitored CD4 count values for 2 years and Hb% were recorded from patient's medical record.Basal and 2 yr CD4 counts
were compared using suitable statistical tests.
Results: A very highly significant (p=0.0001) increment in CD4 count was observed in both the groups after treatment. Mean CD4
count of 2 years was significantly high (p=0.038) in patients on EFV regimen as compared to those on NVP.
Conclusion: We conclude that ART regimen containing EFV is superior to NVP. However further studies need to be done in this
area, by taking adherence to treatment, concomitant infections, ADRs in to consideration.