[Translated article] Real-world persistence with dolutegravir/lamivudine versus bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir-alafenamide among persons with HIV

Objetives

The main objective was to compare the persistence between dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) and bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir-alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) and to analyze reasons for discontinuation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, non-interventional, descriptive, and longitudinal study. All human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients over 18 years treated with DTG/3TC or BIC/FTC/TAF in our center were included.

Persistence after first year was compared using the χ² test. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results

Three hundred fifty-eight patients were included. 99.5% versus 90.99% of patients were persistent after the first year for DTG/3TC and BIC/FTC/TAF respectively (p = .001).

Persistence with DGT/3TC was 1237 days (IC95% 1216–1258) and persistence with BIC/FTC/TAF was 986 days [(IC95% 950–1021); p < .001]. The difference was remained after adjusting for covariates with the cox regression model [HR = 8.2 (IC95% 1.03–64.9), p = .047].

The main reasons for discontinuation for BIC/FTC/TAF were toxicity/tolerability.

Conclusion

In our study, patients have a high persistence. Patients on DTG/3TC treatment are more persistent compared to BIC/FTC/TAF, although BIC/FTC/TAF have worse baseline characteristics. The main reason for discontinuation of BIC/FTC/TAF is tolerability/toxicity.