The Danish PEP Registry: Experience with the use of post-exposure prophylaxis following blood exposure to HIV from 1999-2012.

AbstractBackground: The risk of occupational exposures to blood cannot be eliminated completely and access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV transmission is important. However, PEP administration has been associated with frequent adverse effects, low compliance and difficulties to ensure a proper risk assessment. This nationwide study describes 14 years of experience with the use of PEP following blood exposure in Denmark. Methods: A descriptive study of all PEP cases following non-sexual exposure to HIV in Denmark from 1999–2012. Results: A total of 411 cases of PEP were described. There was a mean of 29.4 cases/year, increasing from 23 cases in 1999 to 49 cases in 2005 and then decreasing to 16 cases in 2012. Overall 67.2% of source patients were known to be HIV-positive at the time of PEP initiation, with no significant change over time. The median time to initiation of PEP was 2.5 h (0.15–28.5) following occupational exposure. Adverse effects were reported by 50.9% with no significant ...