Risk of Cardiovascular Events Among Patients Initiating Efavirenz-Containing Versus Efavirenz-Free Antiretroviral Regimens.

ABSTRACT: Background.  Efavirenz (EFV), an antiretroviral medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, can increase lipid levels. Because hyperlipidemia is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, this study compared the risk of CV events in patients initiating EFV-containing vs EFV-free antiretroviral regimens. Methods.  Antiretroviral-naive HIV-positive (HIV+) patients ages 18-64 were selected from commercial and Medicaid insurance claims databases. Patients with ≥1 claim for antiretroviral medications between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2013 were classified into 2 cohorts: EFV-containing or EFV-free regimens. Patients were required to have 6 months of continuous enrollment before initiation, with no evidence of a CV event during this time. Pati

SUBMITTER: Rosenblatt L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4866551 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature