A case series of intermittent nucleoside analogue-based (NA) regimen to maintain HBV virological suppression in coinfected HBV/HIV patients with suppressed viremia

Abstract

Objective: To describe the efficacy of intermittent nucleoside analogue-based (NA) regimen to maintain HBV virological suppression in HBV/HIV-1 patients.

Methods: Conducted between 2014 and 2023, this observational retrospective study included all HBV (positive AgHbs)/HIV-1 coinfected patients with HIV RNA ≤ 50 cp/mL and HBV DNA ≤ 25 UI/mL who were switched to an intermittent (<7/7 days(D)) TDF or TAF-containing antiretroviral (ART) regimen. The primary outcome was the HBV virological success rate (SR) (proportion of patients with HBV pVL < 25 UI/mL) at W48.

Results: Among 501 HBV/HIV-1 patients, 19(3.7 %) had switched to an intermittent NA-containing regimen that included TDF/FTC or TDF/3TC or TAF/FTC or TDF alone administered 5D-a-week(n = 7), 4D-a-week(n = 7) or 3D-a-week(n = 5). HBV virological success rates were 100 % [95 %CI 82.3-100] and 100 %[95 %CI 80.5-100] at W48 and W96(n = 17), respectively; with no viral HBV or HIV rebound (61.8 months (32.4-70.3) of follow-up).

Conclusion: This case series shows the potential for intermittent NA-containing regimens to maintain long-term control of HBV replication among suppressed HBV/HIV-1 patients.

Keywords: HBV; HIV; Reducing antiviral exposure.