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Interruptions of tenofovir/emtricitabine-based antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV/hepatitis B virus co-infection.

Nüesch R, Ananworanich J, Srasuebkul P, Chetchotisakd P, Prasithsirikul W, Klinbuayam W, Mahanontharit A, Jupimai T, Ruxrungtham K, Hirschel B

HIV-NAT, The Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Center, Bangkok, Thailand.

Thai patients enrolled in STACCATO with HIV/hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection and tenofovir/emtricitabine-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) were randomly assigned to continuous treatment or CD4 cell count-guided interruptions. HBV replication was suppressed below detection in 15/16 patients. Structured treatment interruption increased transaminases and HBV viraemia in five of six patients; one flare was severe. Conversion to anti-hepatitis Be occurred with continuous treatment only. Tenofovir/emtricitabine-containing ART is highly effective in controlling chronic HIV/HBV co-infection but treatment should not be interrupted.

Published 19 December 2007 in AIDS, 22(1): 152-4.
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