The efficacy of Nevirapine at low versus high viral loads

A retrospective intent-to-treat analysis was carried out on 54 antiretrovir al-naive individuals who commenced the regimen of stavudine (D4T), lamivudi ne (3TC) and nevirapine. The patients were divided into two groups accordin g to whether they had a low or high viral load at baseline. The proportion of individuals who attained a viral load below the level of detection after twelve months of therapy was not significantly different, regardless of ba seline viral load, being 72% in the low viral load group and 80% in the hig h viral load group. Good CD4 count rises were seen in both groups, with the median rise in CD4 count after 12 months being 195 in the low viral load g roup and 230 in the high viral load group. 4% of patients overall changed o ff nevirapine after developing rash and/or fever. The combination of D4T, 3 TC and nevirapine appears to be as safe and effective in patients with high viral loads as it is in patients with low viral loads.