[Causes of antiretroviral therapy discontinuation in the outpatient HIV/AIDS clinic in Lodz].

UNLABELLED

Aim of the study was to assess when, why and which patients discontinued antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the files of patients who started ARV therapy in 1997 - 2007 and were followed up for at least 2 years.

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 183 patients--131 men (71,6%) and 52 women (28,4%), mainly former intravenous drug users (IDUs) (66,1%). At least one treatment discontinuation occurred in 71 persons (38,8%) and this happened usually in the first year of therapy. Treatment discontinuation was significantly more common in younger patients and in the individuals infected through intravenous drug use. Among 138 cases of ARV treatment discontinuation the main reasons were: neglecting of visits in HIV/AIDS clinic due to: return to drug addiction (28 cases), alcohol abuse (16 cases) or exacerbation of psychosis (10 cases), intolerance of the treatment--patient's decision (22 cases). In 62 cases no reason for visits neglecting was found. Less common causes of ARV therapy discontinuation were: fate events (11 cases) and doctor's decision (7 cases).

CONCLUSIONS

Discontinuation of ARV therapy is a common problem emerging already in the first year of treatment. It occurs more frequently in former IDUs, so this group of patients needs a special preparation for ARV therapy.