Gender differences in HIV infection: is there a problem? Analysis from the SCOLTA cohorts

Area of Science:

• HIV/AIDS research
• Pharmacovigilance
• Immunology

Background:

• The SCOLTA project monitors long-term toxicity of antiretroviral therapies.
• Antiretroviral drugs are crucial for managing HIV infection.
• Understanding gender-specific responses to HIV treatment is essential for personalized medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate gender differences in baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes within the SCOLTA project.
• To evaluate how sex influences the efficacy and safety of antiretroviral therapy.
• To identify potential disparities in HIV treatment response between men and women.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of patient data from nine cohorts within the SCOLTA active pharmacovigilance system.
• Inclusion of patients enrolled since 2002, focusing on protease inhibitor (PI) cohorts.
• Comparison of baseline characteristics and treatment outcomes between male and female participants.

Main Results:

• Women were younger and less frequently HCV-coinfected than men.
• Women showed a lower incidence of hypertriglyceridemia but higher rates of low HDL-cholesterol.
• Despite lower baseline CD4+ counts, women exhibited superior immunological recovery compared to men.

Conclusions:

• Gender influences HIV treatment response, with women experiencing better immune recovery and lower triglyceride risk.
• Women discontinued protease inhibitor therapy more frequently due to personal decisions, indicating potential adherence issues.
• Findings suggest a need for tailored strategies to support adherence in female patients undergoing HIV treatment.