MedPath

RAltegravir Switch STudy: Effects on Endothelial Recovery

Phase 4
Conditions
HIV Infection
Endothelial Dysfunction
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT01453933
Lead Sponsor
UMC Utrecht
Brief Summary

Treatment with HIV-infection with protease inhibitors is associated with high blood lipids and higher chance for cardiovascular complications. The RASSTER study aims to investigate the effect of switching the protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir to raltegravir on vessel wall function and inflammation,and activation of the immune system. we hypothesize that with this intervention these parameters will improve. Since decreased vessel wall function and inflammation are initial steps in the process of atherosclerosis, it is important to know this data when treating HIV-infected patients.

Detailed Description

Fixed dose combination lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) is a widespread used antiretroviral drug belonging to the class of protease inhibitors (PIs). PIs are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction. However, data is available suggesting increased levels of plasma lipids are not the sole explanation for this observation. Treatment with LPV/r might lead to a decrease of endothelial function as well, thus explaining the increased risk of myocardial infarction besides increased plasma lipids. Raltegravir is a registered antiretroviral drug with no known cardiovascular side effects. We hypothesize that switching LPV/r to raltegravir in HIV-infected patients with suppressed plasma viral load (\<50 copies/ml) will lead to an improvement of endothelial function.

Objective:

* First, to assess the effect of the switch of lopinavir/ritonavir to raltegravir on endothelial function.

* Second, to assess the effect of the intervention mentioned above on markers of endothelial function; immune activation; chronic inflammation; and, on plasma HIV-RNA below the cut-off of 50 copies/ml.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
24
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age ≥ 18 years
  • HIV-1 infection
  • Treatment with antiretroviral regimen containing lopinavir/ritonavir for at least the previous 3 months
  • No other protease inhibitors besides lopinavir/ritonavir in antiretroviral regimen
  • Subjects must have a minimum period of viral suppression (plasma HIV-RNA < 50 copies/ml) of 6 months
  • Subjects will not have a history of virological failure on antiretroviral therapy
  • Results of previous resistance testing allowing replacement of lopinavir/ritonavir by raltegravir
  • CD4+ cell count > 200 cells/µL
  • Signed informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Raltegravir hypersensitivity
  • Treatment of underlying malignancy
  • Renal insufficiency requiring dialysis
  • Acute or decompensated chronic hepatitis (Child-Pugh score C)
  • Modification of antiretroviral regimen in the previous 3 months

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
RaltegravirraltegravirAt baseline, lopinavir-ritonavir will be switched to raltegravir (cross-over after 8 weeks).
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in flow mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial arteryweek 8, week16

Change in flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery after 8 weeks of raltegravir treatment as compared to the control group (treatment with lopinavir/ritonavir)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in markers of chronic inflammationBaseline, week 2, week 4, week 8, week 10, week 12 and week 16
Change in markers of immune activationBaseline, week 2, week 4, week 8, week 10, week 12 and week 16
Change in markers of endothelial functionBaseline, week 2, week 4, week 8, week 10, week 12 and week 16
Changes in plasma HIV-RNA below 50 copies/mlBaseline, week 8, week 16

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis

🇳🇱

Amsterdam, Noord Holland, Netherlands

University Medical Center Utrecht

🇳🇱

Utrecht, Netherlands

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