RCT | Long-term effects of early antiretroviral therapy initiation in HIV infection highlight the importance of early treatment

Summary: The article discusses the long-term results of the Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial, which aimed to determine the effects of early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for individuals with HIV and CD4+ counts above 500 cells/mm3 compared to those who deferred treatment until their CD4+ count was below 350 cells/mm3. The trial found that immediate ART initiation reduced the risk of AIDS and serious non-AIDS (SNA) conditions compared to deferred treatment. The study’s long-term results also found that a persistent excess risk of AIDS and SNA conditions remained even after ART was initiated in those who initially deferred treatment. The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt initiation of ART for individuals with HIV.

Article: Long-Term Benefits from Early Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in HIV Infection – NEJM Evidence

Original Study: Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in Early Asymptomatic HIV Infection – New England Journal of Medicine