Abacavir-Based ART Regimens Linked To Higher MACE Risk Among Patients With HIV, Study Finds

Infectious Disease Advisor (6/9, Nye) reports a study found that “the risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among individuals with HIV infection is higher in those receiving abacavir- vs tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART).” Researchers observed that of patients in the abacavir, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) groups, “MACE occurred among 5%, 4%, and 2%, respectively.” The majority (64%) of MACE were noted prior to study participants switching “their nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) agent during the follow-up period.” Furthermore, “between-group analyses indicated higher MACE risk in patients on ART regimens with abacavir and TAF backbones relative to TDF. The risk for MACE remained higher with abacavir vs TDF backbones after adjustments were made for overlap weighting and censoring at first NRTI switch.” The study was published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.