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Brown JA, Amstutz A, Nsakala BL, Seeburg U, Vanobberghen F, Vanobberghen, Muhairwe J, Klimkait T, Daniel Labhardt N. Extensive drug resistance during low-level HIV viraemia while taking NNRTI-based ART supports lowering the viral load threshold for regimen switch in resource-limited settings: a pre-planned analysis from the SESOTHO trial. J Antimicrob Chemother 2021; 76:1294-1298. [PMID: 33599270 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES WHO guidelines on ART define the HIV-1 viral load (VL) threshold for treatment failure at 1000 copies/mL. The Switch Either near Suppression Or THOusand (SESOTHO) trial, conducted in Lesotho from 2017 to 2020, found that patients with persistent viraemia below this threshold (100-999 copies/mL) benefit from switching to second-line ART. This pre-planned nested study assesses the prevalence of resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in SESOTHO trial participants. METHODS The SESOTHO trial [registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03088241)] enrolled 80 persons taking NNRTI-based first-line ART with low-level HIV-1 viraemia (100-999 copies/mL) and randomized them (1:1) to switch to a PI-based second-line regimen (switch) or continue on first-line therapy (control). We sequenced relevant regions of the viral pol gene using plasma samples obtained at enrolment and 36 weeks. RAMs were classified with the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. RESULTS Sequencing data were obtained for 37/80 (46%) participants at baseline and 26/48 (54%) participants without viral suppression to <50 copies/mL at 36 weeks (21 control participants and 5 switch participants). At baseline, 31/37 (84%) participants harboured high-level resistance to at least two drugs of their current regimen. At 36 weeks, 17/21 (81%) control participants harboured resistance to at least two drugs of their current regimen, while no PI-associated resistance was detected in the 5 switch participants with ongoing viraemia. CONCLUSIONS Among persons with low-level viraemia while taking NNRTI-based first-line ART enrolled in the SESOTHO trial, the majority harboured HIV-1 with RAMs that necessitate ART modification. These findings support lowering the VL threshold triggering a switch to second-line ART in future WHO guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Anne Brown
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrike Seeburg
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Bresser M, Vanobberghen F, Kopo M, Kao M, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Labhardt ND, Glass TR. Home-based oral self-testing for absent and declining individuals during a door-to-door HIV testing campaign in rural Lesotho (HOSENG): a cluster-randomised trial. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e752-e761. [PMID: 33045193 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30233-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, home-based HIV testing is validated and accepted, but coverage is low because household members are often absent during home-based testing campaigns. We aimed to measure the effect of a secondary distribution of oral-fluid HIV self-tests on coverage during home-based testing in rural Lesotho. METHODS The Home-Based Self-Testing (HOSENG) trial was a cluster-randomised, non-blinded superiority trial in rural villages in the catchment area of 20 health facilities of two districts in Lesotho (Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong). Eligible villages had a consenting village chief and at least one registered village health worker; eligible households had a consenting representative aged 18 years or older. The HOSENG trial provided a recruitment platform for the interlinked Village-Based Refill of Antiretroviral Therapy (VIBRA) trial. Villages were randomly assigned 1:1:1:1 with block sizes of four to one of four groups: VIBRA control and HOSENG control; VIBRA control and HOSENG intervention; VIBRA intervention and HOSENG control; and VIBRA intervention and HOSENG intervention. Randomisation was stratified by district, village size, and access to the nearest health facility. An independent statistician was responsible for the computer-generated randomisation list. In the intervention group, oral-fluid HIV self-tests were left for absent or declining household members (aged ≥12 years) during a home visit from the HIV testing campaign team. One present household member was trained on self-test use. Distributed self-tests were followed up by village health workers. In control village clusters, absent or declining household members were referred to the clinic for HIV testing. The primary outcome was HIV testing coverage among all household members aged 12 years or older within 120 days, defined as a confirmed HIV test result or known status, reported in testing registers at the health facilities or on the follow-up forms of the village health worker. Adjusted random-effects logistic regression with individuals as the unit of analysis was used. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03598686. FINDINGS Between July 26, 2018, and Dec 12, 2018, 3091 consenting households with 7816 household members aged 12 years or older were enrolled and randomly assigned (intervention: 57 village clusters, 1620 households, 4174 household members; control: 49 village clusters, 1471 households, 3642 household members). In the control group, 38 (3%) of 1455 initially absent or declining household members tested at a clinic within 120 days. In the intervention group, 841 (53%) of 1601 initially absent or declining household members had a confirmed status within 120 days; 12 (1%) of 841 tested at the clinic and 829 (99%) used their self-test kit. This resulted in a testing coverage of 2201 (60%) of 3642 in the control group versus 3386 (81%) of 4174 in the intervention group (odds ratio 3·00 [95% CI 2·52-3·59]; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION Secondary distribution of oral-fluid HIV self-tests during home-based testing increases testing coverage substantially and thus presents a promising add-on during testing campaigns. FUNDING Swiss National Science Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lefu Khesa
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Moniek Bresser
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mathebe Kopo
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Mpho Kao
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | | | - Katleho Tlali
- SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Amstutz A, Nsakala BL, Vanobberghen F, Muhairwe J, Glass TR, Namane T, Mpholo T, Battegay M, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND. Switch to second-line versus continued first-line antiretroviral therapy for patients with low-level HIV-1 viremia: An open-label randomized controlled trial in Lesotho. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003325. [PMID: 32936795 PMCID: PMC7494118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current World Health Organization (WHO) antiretroviral therapy (ART) guidelines define virologic failure as two consecutive viral load (VL) measurements ≥1,000 copies/mL, triggering empiric switch to next-line ART. This trial assessed if patients with sustained low-level HIV-1 viremia on first-line ART benefit from a switch to second-line treatment. METHODS AND FINDINGS This multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, superiority, randomized controlled trial enrolled patients on first-line ART containing non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) with two consecutive VLs ≥100 copies/mL, with the second VL between 100-999 copies/mL, from eight clinics in Lesotho. Consenting participants were randomly assigned (1:1), stratified by facility, demographic group, and baseline VL, to either switch to second-line ART (switch group) or continued first-line ART (control group; WHO guidelines). The primary endpoint was viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) at 36 weeks. Analyses were by intention to treat, using logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic group and baseline VL. Between August 1, 2017, and August 7, 2019, 137 individuals were screened, of whom 80 were eligible and randomly assigned to switch (n = 40) or control group (n = 40). The majority of participants were female (54 [68%]) with a median age of 42 y (interquartile range [IQR] 35-51), taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine/efavirenz (49 [61%]) and on ART for a median of 5.9 y (IQR 3.3-8.6). At 36 weeks, 22/40 (55%) participants in the switch versus 10/40 (25%) in the control group achieved viral suppression (adjusted difference 29%, 95% CI 8%-50%, p = 0.009). The switch group had significantly higher probability of viral suppression across different VL thresholds (<20, <100, <200, <400, and <600 copies/mL) but not for <1,000 copies/mL. Thirty-four (85%) participants in switch group and 21 (53%) in control group experienced at least one adverse event (AE) (p = 0.002). No hospitalization or death or other serious adverse events were observed. Study limitations include a follow-up period too short to observe differences in clinical outcomes, missing values in CD4 cell counts due to national stockout of reagents during the study, and limited generalizability of findings to other than NNRTI-based first-line ART regimens. CONCLUSIONS In this study, switching to second-line ART among patients with sustained low-level HIV-1 viremia resulted in a higher proportion of participants with viral suppression. These results endorse lowering the threshold for virologic failure in future WHO guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03088241.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tilo Namane
- Motebang Government Hospital, Leribe, Lesotho
| | | | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Bresser M, Tediosi F, Kopo M, Kao M, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Glass TR, Labhardt ND. VIBRA trial - Effect of village-based refill of ART following home-based same-day ART initiation vs clinic-based ART refill on viral suppression among individuals living with HIV: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho. Trials 2019; 20:522. [PMID: 31439004 PMCID: PMC6704675 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3510-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for evaluating community-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models to improve overall performance of HIV programs, specifically in populations that may have difficulties to access continuous care. This cluster-randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multicomponent differentiated ART delivery model (VIBRA model) after home-based same-day ART initiation in remote villages in Lesotho, southern Africa. METHODS/DESIGN The VIBRA trial (VIllage-Based Refill of ART) is a cluster-randomized parallel-group superiority clinical trial conducted in two districts in Lesotho, southern Africa. Clusters (i.e., villages) are randomly assigned to either the VIBRA model or standard care. The clusters are stratified by district, village size, and village access to the nearest health facility. Eligible individuals (HIV-positive, aged 10 years or older, and not taking ART) identified during community-based HIV testing campaigns are offered same-day home-based ART initiation. The intervention clusters offer a differentiated ART delivery package with two features: (1) drug refills and follow-ups by trained and supervised village health workers (VHWs) and (2) the option of receiving individually tailored adherence reminders and notifications of viral load results via SMS. The control clusters will continue to receive standard care, i.e., collecting ART refills from a clinic and no SMS notifications. The primary endpoint is viral suppression 12 months after enrolment. Secondary endpoints include linkage to and engagement in care. Furthermore, safety and cost-effectiveness analyses plus qualitative research are planned. The minimum target sample size is 262 participants. The statistical analyses will follow the CONSORT guidelines. The VIBRA trial is linked to another trial, the HOSENG (HOme-based SElf-testiNG) trial, both of which are within the GET ON (GETing tOwards Ninety) research project. DISCUSSION The VIBRA trial is among the first to evaluate the delivery of ART by VHWs immediately after ART initiation. It assesses the entire HIV care cascade from testing to viral suppression. As most countries in sub-Saharan Africa have cadres like the VHW program in Lesotho, this model-if shown to be effective-has the potential to be scaled up. The system impact evaluation will provide valuable cost estimations, and the qualitative research will suggest how the model could be further modified to optimize its impact. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03630549 . Registered on 15 August 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lefu Khesa
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | | | - Katleho Tlali
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
- Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Moniek Bresser
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabrizio Tediosi
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mathebe Kopo
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Mpho Kao
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
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Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Bresser M, Vanobberghen F, Kopo M, Kao M, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Labhardt ND, Glass TR. The HOSENG trial - Effect of the provision of oral self-testing for absent and refusing individuals during a door-to-door HIV-testing campaign on testing coverage: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho. Trials 2019; 20:496. [PMID: 31409421 PMCID: PMC6693145 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3469-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-testing coverage remains below the targeted 90% despite efforts and resources invested. Home-based HIV-testing is a key approach endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), especially to reach individuals who might not seek testing otherwise. Although acceptance of testing during such campaigns is high, coverage remains low due to absent household members. This cluster-randomized trial aims to assess increase in testing coverage using oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) among individuals who are absent or decline testing during home-based HIV-testing. METHODS The HOSENG (HOme-based SElf-testiNG) trial is a cluster-randomized, parallel-group, superiority trial in two districts of Lesotho, Southern Africa. Clusters are stratified by district, village size, and village access to the nearest health facility. Cluster eligibility criteria include: village is in catchment area of one of the study facilities, village authority provides consent, and village has a registered, capable, and consenting village health worker (VHW). In intervention clusters, HIV self-tests are provided for eligible household members who are absent or decline HIV-testing in the presence of the campaign team. In control clusters, standard of care for absent and refusing individuals applies, i.e., referral to a health facility. The primary outcome is HIV-testing coverage among individuals aged 12 years or older within 120 days after enrollment. Secondary objectives include HIV-testing coverage among other age groups, and uptake of the different testing modalities. Statistical analyses will be conducted and reported in line with CONSORT guidelines. The HOSENG trial is linked to the VIBRA (Village-Based Refill of ART) trial. Together, they constitute the GET ON (GETting tOwards Ninety) research project. DISCUSSION The HOSENG trial tests whether oral HIVST may be an add-on during door-to-door testing campaigns towards achieving optimal testing coverage. The provision of oral self-test kits, followed up by VHWs, requires little additional human resources, finances and logistics. If cost-effective, this approach should inform home-based HIV-testing policies not only in Lesotho, but in similar high-prevalence settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, (ID: NCT03598686 ). Registered on 25 July 2018. More information is available at www.getonproject.wordpress.com .
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lefu Khesa
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru West, Lesotho
| | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru West, Lesotho
| | | | - Katleho Tlali
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru West, Lesotho
- Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Moniek Bresser
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mathebe Kopo
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru West, Lesotho
| | - Mpho Kao
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru West, Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
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Amstutz A, Nsakala BL, Vanobberghen F, Muhairwe J, Glass TR, Achieng B, Sepeka M, Tlali K, Sao L, Thin K, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Labhardt ND. SESOTHO trial ("Switch Either near Suppression Or THOusand") - switch to second-line versus WHO-guided standard of care for unsuppressed patients on first-line ART with viremia below 1000 copies/mL: protocol of a multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, randomized clinical trial in Lesotho, Southern Africa. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:76. [PMID: 29433430 PMCID: PMC5810070 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-2979-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends viral load (VL) measurement as the preferred monitoring strategy for HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. The new WHO guidelines 2016 continue to define virologic failure as two consecutive VL ≥1000 copies/mL (at least 3 months apart) despite good adherence, triggering switch to second-line therapy. However, the threshold of 1000 copies/mL for defining virologic failure is based on low-quality evidence. Observational studies have shown that individuals with low-level viremia (measurable but below 1000 copies/mL) are at increased risk for accumulation of resistance mutations and subsequent virologic failure. The SESOTHO trial assesses a lower threshold for switch to second-line ART in patients with sustained unsuppressed VL. METHODS In this multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, randomized controlled trial conducted in Lesotho, patients on first-line ART with two consecutive unsuppressed VL measurements ≥100 copies/mL, where the second VL is between 100 and 999 copies/mL, will either be switched to second-line ART immediately (intervention group) or not be switched (standard of care, according to WHO guidelines). The primary endpoint is viral resuppression (VL < 50 copies/mL) 9 months after randomization. We will enrol 80 patients, giving us 90% power to detect a difference of 35% in viral resuppression between the groups (assuming two-sided 5% alpha error). For our primary analysis, we will use a modified intention-to-treat set, with those lost to care, death, or crossed over considered failure to resuppress, and using logistic regression models adjusted for the prespecified stratification variables. DISCUSSION The SESOTHO trial challenges the current WHO guidelines, assessing an alternative, lower VL threshold for patients with unsuppressed VL on first-line ART. This trial will provide data to inform future WHO guidelines on VL thresholds to recommend switch to second-line ART. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03088241 ), registered May 05, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland. .,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru/Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Achieng
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru/Butha-Buthe, Lesotho.,Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | | | - Katleho Tlali
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru/Butha-Buthe, Lesotho.,Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Lebohang Sao
- Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho.,District Health Management Team Butha-Buthe, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Kyaw Thin
- Research Coordination Unit, Ministry of Health of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
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