Do benefits of earlier antiretroviral treatment initiation outweigh harms for individuals at risk for poor adherence?

Braithwaite, R Scott; Roberts, Mark S; Goetz, Matthew Bidwell; Gibert, Cynthia L; Rodriguez-Barradas, Maria C; Nucifora, Kimberly; Justice, Amy C · Clin Infect Dis · 2009

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Clinicians may defer antiretroviral treatment for patients with suboptimal adherence. We used a validated computer simulation of HIV disease progression to compare alternative treatment thresholds for patients with suboptimal adherence. Earlier treatment increased life expectancy across a wide adherence range (50%-100% of doses taken). Delaying treatment for patients with suboptimal adherence may not always be appropriate.

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