Treatment of HIV infection in the Russian Federation

Aim. To study efficacy and safety of highly active antiretrovirus treatment (HAAT) used in the Russian Federation for development of recommendations for HIV infection treatment. Material and methods. A total of 285 patients with chronic HIV infection and 42 patients with acute HIV infection participated in investigation of efficacy and safety of different HAAT schemes in 1997-2008. Efficacy of the treatment was assessed by percentage of the patients who had HIV RNA undetectable by the test system (< 400 copy/ml) after 24-48 treatment weeks, by a mean reduction of HIV RNA in blood plasma and an increase in the number of CD4-lymphocytes in 1 mcl of blood. Results. A 12-year experience in antiretrovirus therapy administration for management of HIV infection is reviewed. Efficacy and safety of Russian antiretrovirus drug Phosphaside in HAAT schemes are shown in patients with both chronic and acute HIV infection. The model of HIV patients consulting before the treatment, psychological support during the treatment, methods of individual and group consulting, conception of the school for patients on HAAT are presented. Recommendations are proposed for administration of antiretroviral therapy and a model of calculation of the number of HIV-infected patients in need of antiretroviral therapy in Russia. Basing on the results of investigations on efficacy and safety of HAAT schemes, the physicians of the National Anti-AIDS Center have developed clinical recommendations, guidelines on the treatment of HIV infection, standards of medical care for HIV-infected patients.