Integrase inhibitors connected to a higher risk of hypertensions in people living with HIV

The RESPOND study, involving more than 30,000 people living with HIV from 17 cohorts, has confirmed the link between the link of integrase inhibitors (INSTI) and the incidence of hypertension. The research results have been presented by our parters at the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG).

Research

During the study, researchers estimated the frequency of arterial hypertension in people living with HIV who receive antiretroviral treatment which includes integrase inhibitors. The results were analysed and compared with people living with HIV who were receiving another type of HIV treatment such as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) or protease inhibitors (PI).

From the 17 cohorts 4,606 people living with HIV were selected. They were all aged 18 or older, had started a new three drug regimen, and had no arterial hypertension.

Of the 4,606 participants:

• 3,164 were on a INSTI HIV regimen
• 807 were on a NNRTI HIV regimen
• 635 were on a PI HIV regimen

Results

According to the analysis, the frequency of hypertension was 126 cases per 1000 person-years in people receiving the current standard of HIV treatment.

In participants receiving INSTIs, the frequency of arterial hypertension was higher than those who received NNRTIs, but similar to that of those receiving PIs.

A previous study, conducted amongst people living with HIV in Ethiopia, revealed a number of additional factors that contribute to the development of hypertension, including: previous AIDS diagnosis, a CD4 count of 350 or lower, old age, obesity and diabetes.

Conclusion

Based on the results of the RESPOND study, researchers have concluded that integrase inhibitors are associated with a higher risk of hypertension than non-nucleoside transcriptase inhibitors.