Virological Response and Tolerability of Dolutegravir based Regime for Children Living with Hiv and its Associated Factors.
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Date
2025-04-24
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: The World Health Organization advised using integrase strand transfer inhibitors and
strong ART medications, particularly HAART, as soon as the diagnosis was established. Due to its low
side effects, excellent viral suppression, and superior gentic barrier against ART medication
resistance, DTG is preferred over other ART drug regimens. Weight loss, hepatotoxicity, elevated
blood sugar, and sleep disturbance are some of the side effects associated with DTG-based regimens,
but other benefits include low side effects, high viral suppression, and a better genetic barrier against
ART medication resistance. DTG is used as first- and second-line ART regimens, and early initiative
HAART plays a significant role in lowering morbidity and mortality.
Objectives: To evaluate children with HIV's virological response and side effects related to a DTG
based regimen
Methods: This study was conducted in the pediatric infectious disease specialty hospital Tikur
Anbessa using a retrospective cross-sectional study methodology. SPSS 26 was used to enter the data
for any ensuing descriptive and analytical statistics. In terms of statistics, a p-value of less than 0.05
was considered to indicate a significant..
Result
We included 218 children living with HIV on a DTG-based regimen, and after 6–12 months, the
prevalence of viral suppression was 92.7%. However, only 6.4% of study participants started a DTG
based regimen with reported side effects, such as gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea 11 (5%), and
sleep disturbance 3 (1.3%), after taking it within 24 hours. There were no serious side effects, and the
side effects were insufficient to cause them to change their ART regimen. In this study, the viral
suppression rate was 71% (95% CI;.316,26.2, AOR 1.593), p-value<.0.016. ART can reduce viral
load as soon as it is started, and the adherence to the regimen was 96% (95% CI;.678,51, AOR
1.912), p-value <.025. Poor adherence was linked to high viral load.
conclusion
According to this study, children with HIV who are on a DTG-based regimen have good viral
suppression, good tolerability, and a low incidence of side events.
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Keywords
Virological Response, and Tolerability of Dolutegravir, Children Living with Hiv and its Associated Factors.