HIV lipodystrophy in participants randomised to lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) +2-3 nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (N(t)RTI) or LPV/r + raltegravir as second-line antiretroviral therapy

Abstract

Objective: To compare changes over 48 weeks in body fat, lipids, Metabolic Syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk between patients randomised 1:1 to lopinavir/ritonavir (r/LPV) plus raltegravir (RAL) compared to r/LPV plus 2-3 nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (N(t)RTIs) as second-line therapy.

Methods: Participants were HIV-1 positive (>16 years) failing first-line treatment (2 consecutive HIV RNA >500 copies/mL) of NNRTI +2N(t)RTI. Whole body dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed at baseline and week 48. Data were obtained to calculate the Metabolic Syndrome and Framingham cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score. Linear regression was used to compare mean differences between arms. Logistic regression compared incidence of metabolic syndrome. Associations between percent limb fat changes at 48 weeks with baseline variables were assessed by backward stepwise multivariate linear regression. Analyses were adjusted for gender, body mass index and smoking status.

Results: 210 participants were randomised. The mean (95% CI) increase in limb fat over 48 weeks was 15.7% (5.3, 25.9) or 0.9 kg (0.2, 1.5) in the r/LPV+N(t)RTI arm and 21.1% (11.1, 31,1) or 1.3 kg (0.7, 1.9) in the r/LPV+RAL arm, with no significant difference between treatment arms (-5.4% [-0.4 kg], p>0.1). Increases in total body fat mass (kg) and trunk fat mass (kg) were also similar between groups. Total:HDL cholesterol ratio was significantly higher in the RAL arm (mean difference -0.4 (1.4); p = 0.03), there were no other differences in lipid parameters between treatment arms. There were no statistically significant differences in CVD risk or incidence of Metabolic Syndrome between the two treatment arms. The baseline predictors of increased limb fat were high viral load, high insulin and participant's not taking lipid lowering treatment.

Conclusion: In patients switching to second line therapy, r/LPV combined with RAL demonstrated similar improvements in limb fat as an N(t)RTI + r/LPV regimen, but a worse total:HDL cholesterol ratio over 48 weeks.

Trial registration: This clinical trial is registered on Clinicaltrials.gov, registry number NCT00931463 https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT00931463?term = NCT00931463&rank = 1.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The Kirby Institute, Merck & Co. Inc., AbbVie Pty Ltd, amfAR, and NHMRC specifically funded this study. The Kirby Institute is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Australian Government. Mark Boyd was paid to prepare and present educational materials for Boehringer-Ingelheim, Gilead, Janssen-Cilag and Merck Sharpe, and Dohme. Jennifer Hoy's institution has received funding for investigator-initiated research, service on advisory boards, lectures and conference sponsorship from Janssen-Cilag, Gilead Sciences, Merck Sharpe and Dohme, and ViiV Healthcare. Sean Emery has received research funding from Abbott, Gilead, Pfizer, Merck Sharpe and Dohme and ViiV Healthcare. David Cooper has received AbbVie and Merck Sharpe and Dohme grants, consultant and speaker fees. Patrick Mallon has received support in honoraria, research grants, lecture sponsorships and advisory boards from Abbott, Merck Sharpe and Dohme, Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Gilead, Glaxo-Smith Kline, Janssen-Cilag, and ViiV Healthcare. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products to declare. This does not alter the authors' adherence to all the PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Figures

Figure 1. Patient disposition of SECONDLINE body composition sub-study.

Figure 2. Mean change in limb fat mass from week