48-WEEK OUTCOMES after PROGRAMMATIC TRANSITION to DOLUTEGRAVIR in UGANDA

ABSTRACT

Background: In 2018, Uganda began programmatically switching individuals with HIV-1 RNA <1,000 copies/mL on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based ART to a fixed-dose regimen of tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD). Our objective was to estimate the population effectiveness of the TLD transition in public-sector clinics in Uganda. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study that enrolled adults ≥18 years who were switched from NNRTI-based first-line ART to TLD at public-sector clinics in Uganda. We observed participants at 3 study visits over 1 year. We obtained blood specimens at each visit and conducted HIV-1 RNA viral load (VL) testing using Cepheid Xpert assays. We fit multivariable logistic regression models to assess predictors of our composite outcome of interest of viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) with retention in care 1 year after switch to TLD. Results: We enrolled 500 participants with a median age of 47 years (IQR 40-53);41% were women. The most common regimen prior to switch was lamivudine/tenofovir/efavirenz (44%), and median duration on ART prior to switch was 8.8 years (IQR 5.7-12.2). Over 95% (n=475/499) were virally suppressed (<50 copies/mL) at the time of switch to TLD. The final visit for all participants occurred a median of 54 weeks (IQR 49-67) after enrollment, with some participants affected by delays due to COVID-19 mitigation measures. One participant self-elected to disenroll. Only 3% (n=13/499) of participants discontinued TLD due to side effects or clinician discretion. We observed 1% mortality (n=6/499), 2% (n=10/499) lost to follow-up, and 5% (n=23/499) with HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL at 1 year, with a median VL of 252 copies/mL (IQR 81-78,200 copies/mL). Overall, 92% (n=459/499) were virally suppressed and in care at 1 year. An HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL at the time of switch to TLD, male gender, and any self-reported ART adherence <90% were all significant negative predictors of the composite outcome of retention in care with a suppressed VL (Table). Conclusion: Rates of viral suppression with retention in care >90% after 1 year on TLD, as well as a 2% TLD discontinuation rate, affirm World Health Organization guidelines for the regional transition to TLD. Nonetheless, an 8% failure rate in HIV-endemic countries corresponds to a large population of individuals. Long-term surveillance of this population, strategies to combat imperfect adherence, and continued attention to treatment options after failure on TLD may be needed.