Improved Lipid Profiles and Maintenance of Virologic Control in Heavily Pretreated HIV-Infected Patients Who Switched from Stavudine to Tenofovir Treatment

A retrospective chart analysis of 66 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)— infected patients whose treatment was switched from stavudine to tenofovir without any other treatment changes was conducted. The mean total cholesterol values decreased significantly within 3 months after the tenofovir substitution and remained significantly less than baseline values during 18 months of follow-up (mean decrease, 36 mg/dL; P =.002). Regimens containing tenofovir provided effective control of HIV-1 infection, with stable CD4 + cell counts and continued suppression of plasma HIV-1 level following the treatment switch from stavudine.