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Antiretroviral prescribing patterns in the Texas prison system
J Baillargeon1, M J Borucki, S Zepeda
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78284-7802, USA. baillargeon@uthscsa.edu
Summary
In 1998, over 66% of Texas prison inmates with HIV and low CD4 counts received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Treatment patterns varied, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring of HIV pharmacotherapy in correctional facilities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection prevalence is high in correctional settings.
- Limited data exists on anti-HIV treatment patterns within prisons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess antiretroviral prescribing patterns for HIV-infected inmates in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2360 HIV-infected TDCJ inmates in 1998.
- Evaluation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) prescribing based on CD4 counts and sociodemographic factors.
Main Results:
- 66.8% of inmates with CD4 counts < 500 cells/mm³ received HAART.
- No significant sociodemographic differences in HAART use were observed.
- Most HAART regimens included 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and 1 protease inhibitor; 11.2% used 1 non-NRTI.
Conclusions:
- HAART was widely prescribed to eligible inmates in TDCJ in 1998.
- Understanding HIV pharmacotherapy in correctional settings is crucial due to high infection rates.
- Continued documentation of treatment patterns during and after incarceration is important.