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Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the real-world use and effectiveness of dolutegravir-based regimens (DBRs) in routine clinical practice in the United Kingdom. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted using data from four National Health Service trusts using Climate-HIV, an electronic case record system. Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years with HIV-1 infection who were prescribed a DBR from December 2012 to March 2018. Outcome measurements were accessed at DBR initiation and at weeks 24, 48 and 96 and the last recorded visit up to the extraction date (last measurement). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL at Week 48. Results: The study cohort included 934 patients; 337 (36%) were female, 414 (47%) were white and 717 (77%) were treatment experienced (TE). The Kaplan–Meier estimated probability of achieving HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL at 48 weeks was 96% for treatment-naive (TN) patients and 86% for TE patients. Median times to viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) were 49 and 57 days for TN and TE patients with detectable baseline viral load, respectively, according to Kaplan–Meier analysis. Median follow-up time was 377 days (interquartile range: 131–683). At last measurement, 87% (809/934) of patients remained on a DBR; among those patients, 681 (84%) had HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL. Conclusions: High levels of virologic suppression and low rates of discontinuation of DBRs were seen in a large, diverse, UK-based population with HIV-1 infection. These findings are broadly consistent with efficacy data from phase III studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Given the rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) globally, especially bronchial asthma, there is the need to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality by adopting an objective means of diagnosis and monitoring. Aim: This article aims to review the trends and challenges in the use of spirometry for managing childhood bronchial asthma especially in developing countries. Methods: We conducted a literature search of published data on the use of spirometry for the diagnosis of childhood bronchial asthma with special emphasis resource-poor countries. Results: Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood asthma recommend the use of spirometry, but this is currently underused in both tertiary and primary care settings especially in developing countries. Lack of spirometers and proper training in their use and interpretation of findings as well as a dearth of asthma guidelines remains core to the underuse of spirometry in managing children with asthma. Targeting education of health care staff was, however, observed to improve its utility, and practical implementable strategies are highlighted. Conclusions: Spirometry is not frequently used for asthma diagnosis in pediatric practice especially in resource-poor countries where the NCD burden is higher. Strategies to overcome the obstacles are implementable and can make a difference in reducing the burden of NCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel two-drug combinations including a protease inhibitor are an attractive nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor sparing option for some patients, particularly as a switch strategy. We have used the two-drug combination of maraviroc and darunavir/ritonavir once a day as a switch strategy in patients with stable low or undetectable plasma HIV viral loads, but identified four patients who failed on this combination, indicating it may be insufficient to prevent replication of neurotropic HIV in treatment-experienced patients. Further investigation of our cases highlighted the need for a better understanding of the plasma and cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) pharmacodynamics of these drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]