Efficacy Study of Different Laboratory Management Strategies and Drug Regimens in HIV-infected Children in Africa

Participants were examined by a doctor and had routine full blood count with white cell differential, lymphocyte subsets (CD4, CD8), biochemistry tests (bilirubin, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) at screening, randomisation (lymphocytes only), weeks 4, 8, and 12, then every 12 weeks. Screening results were used to assess eligibility. All subsequent results at and after randomisation were only returned if requested for clinical management (authorised by centre project leaders); haemoglobin results at week 8 were automatically returned on the basis of early anaemia in a previous adult trial as were grade 4 laboratory toxicities (protocol safety criteria). Total lymphocytes and CD4 tests were never returned for CDM participants, but for all children other investigations (including tests from the routine panels) could be requested and concomitant drugs prescribed, as clinically indicated at extra patient-initiated or scheduled visits.

Participants were examined by a doctor and had routine full blood count with white cell differential, lymphocyte subsets (CD4, CD8), biochemistry tests (bilirubin, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase) at screening, randomisation (lymphocytes only), weeks 4, 8, and 12, then every 12 weeks. All results were returned to physicians for patient management. Other investigations (including tests from the routine panels) could be requested and concomitant drugs prescribed, as clinically indicated at extra patient-initiated or scheduled visits.

Children received a standard WHO-recommended regimen of open-label lamivudine, abacavir, plus NNRTI continuously. The NNRTI (nevirapine or efavirenz) was chosen by clinicians according to local availability and age.

Children initiated ART using an induction-maintenance approach, starting with open-label four-drug lamivudine, abacavir, NNRTI, plus zidovudine for 36 weeks, then open-label lamivudine, abacavir, plus NNRTI subsequently. The NNRTI (nevirapine or efavirenz) was chosen by clinicians according to local availability and age.

Children initiated ART using an induction-maintenance approach, starting with open-label four-drug lamivudine, abacavir, NNRTI, plus zidovudine for 36 weeks, then open-label lamivudine, abacavir, plus zidovudine subsequently (triple NRTI maintenance). The NNRTI (nevirapine or efavirenz) was chosen by clinicians according to local availability and age.