People living with HIV in the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART) continue to suffer high rates of neurocognitive disorder. This is a randomized control trial aiming to evaluate improvement of neurocognitive function after switching efavirenz (EFV) to rilpivirine (RPV). EFV based regimen is currently the first line ART in Thailand. There are several reports suggested that HIV-infected patients who took EFV based regimen had poorer neurocognitive function compared to the comparator. RPV, another first line regimen, has been known to have less neuropsychiatric side effects. We hypothesized that switching EFV to RPV could improve neurocognitive function.
People living with HIV (PLWH) in the era of antiretroviral therapy (ART) continue to suffer high rates of neurocognitive disorder. Previous report revealed that 36% of PLWH in Thailand had this condition. There are several reports suggested that HIV-infected patients who took efavirenz (EFV) based regimen had poorer neurocognitive function compared to the comparator. Rilpivirine (RPV), another first line regimen, has been known to have less neuropsychiatric side effects. We hypothesized that switching EFV to RPV could improve long term neurocognitive function. PLWH (20 years and older) who received EFV-based regimen for at least 1 years at Chiang Mai University Hospital will be invited to this study. Neurocognitive function will be evaluated using 3 screening questions, International HIV Dementia Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and comprehensive neurocognitive battery test evaluating 6 different cognitive domains. The participants will be categorized in to 4 groups based on their neurocognitive test results; no evidence of neurocognitive deficit, asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI), mild neurocognitive disease (MND), and HIV associated dementia (HAD) using Frascati's criteria. The participants with ANI or MND and meet the eligibility criteria will be enrolled to this study. The participants will be randomized in to 2 arms; continuing EFV-based regimen or switching to RPV-based regimen. Neurocognitive function will be evaluated at 6 and 12 months.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
28
Rilpivirine 25 mg PO OD with meal (and continue 2 back bone of NRTIs)
Chiang Mai University Hospital
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Change of neurocognitive function
Improvement is defined by changing neurocognitive status based on Frascati's criteria (using neurocognitive battery tests) 1) from Asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) to normal OR 2) from Mild neurocognitive disorder; MND to ANI or normal.
Time frame: 12 months
Overall Global Deficit Score of all neurocognitive domains
All neurocognitive domains will be evaluated at 12 months after randomization which include; Verbal and language, Attention and working memory, Abstraction and executive function, Memory (learning, recall), Speed of information processing, and Sensory-perceptual and motor skills. The Global Deficit Score (min of 0, max of 5) of overall performance will be compared.
Time frame: 12 months
Adverse reactions after switching from EFV to RPV
Adverse reactions of RPV will be recorded
Time frame: 12 months
Prevalence of neurocognitive disorder among HIV-infected patients who has received EFV for at least 1 year
The prevalence of neurocognitive disorder (in percentage), will be evaluated among participants during the screening process.
Time frame: 3 months
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.