Initiation of dolutegravir vs. efavirenz on 12- and 24-month retention and viral suppression: a target trial emulation.

ABSTRACT:

Background

South Africa's antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment guidelines in 2019 were revised to use dolutegravir as part of first-line ART instead of efavirenz due to recommendations from the World Health Organization and findings from clinical trials indicating noninferior efficacy and reduced side effects. Utilizing the target trial framework, we estimated the effect of initiating a dolutegravir-based regimen compared to an efavirenz-based regimen among treatment-naïve people living with HIV initiating treatment in Johannesburg, South Africa from 2019 to 2022 on retention and viral suppression.

Methods

We used linear regression to estimate causal risk differences on 12- and 24-month retention and viral suppression. Characteristics of those who initiated dolutegravir vs

SUBMITTER: Zheng A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12606652 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature