Current evidence for the use of paediatric antiretroviral therapy - a PENTA analysis

The introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy has been associated with a dramatic clinical improvement in children with human immunodeficienc y virus infection. However, the uptake of antiretroviral therapy has been v ariable across Europe. The Paediatric European Network for the Treatment of AIDS Steering Committee has performed a systematic literature review of pa ediatric antiretroviral therapy trials. An analysis of the evidence base fo r the commencement and maintenance of antiretroviral therapy was produced. Suggestions for when to commence antiretroviral therapy, which drugs to sta rt with and how to monitor and sequence drug regimens are given. Conclusion The aim of these guidelines is to help in obtaining equity of ac cess to a uniformly high standard of care for children with human immunodef iciency virus infection in all European countries.