[Tolerance study of a triple first-line antiretroviral combination zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz in Dakar, Senegal]

Abstract

This study aimed at describing the side-effects reported in patients infected with HIV-1 treated initially by the association zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz between 2002 and 2007 in the Regional Centre of Clinical Research and Training in Dakar as part of the cohort of the Senegalese Initiative Access to Antiretroviral. Adverse effects were entered and analysed using the software Epi Info version 6.04. The average age of the patients was 38 years old. During the follow-up (average = 741 days), adverse effects were reported 75 times and 39 patients were concerned. The most frequent type of side-effects was neuropsychiatric (47%), digestive (20%) and dermatological (16%). They were severe in 13% of cases and severe anaemia was noted in eight cases. These required a change of therapy in 19%, mainly for severe anaemia (15%). The association zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz doesn't seem to induce severe side-effects. Nevertheless, considering the frequency of neuropsychiatric side-effects and severity of hematological side-effects, attention should be paid to neuropsychiatric and blood examination of patients undergoing this combination antiretroviral therapy.