Sex differences in the clinical, immunological and virological parameters of HIV-infected patients treated with HAART

Abstract

Women have more favourable clinical and viroimmunological patterns than men both at baseline and during antiretroviral treatment. Sex has a small but significant influence on the clinical and laboratory outcomes of HIV infection.

Gender Differences in Adverse Drug Reactions during HAART Therapy in HIV/AIDS Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital Penang, Malaysia

“…In two similar studies from rural Uganda, women were more likely to have a lower mortality than men as well a higher rate of viral suppression, although the findings did not quite reach statistical significance [10,34]. In countries where there is considerably more data on the relationship between sex and HAART outcomes, most studies have found no sex differences in response to treatment [14,15] with a few showing more favorable responses in women [35,36]. Previous studies have identified age [37,38] and low baseline CD4 counts [39] as risk factors for incomplete CD4 cell recovery.…”

Gender differences in clinical, immunological, and virological outcomes in highly active antiretroviral-treated HIV–HCV coinfected patients

“…1,7 Some studies indicate that women have higher rates of clinical progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and death while others have suggested the opposite. 1,2,8 Differential access to care for women between studies may be an important factor explaining these discrepancies.…”

“…1,7 Some studies indicate that women have higher rates of clinical progression to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and death while others have suggested the opposite. 1,2,8 Differential access to care for women between studies may be an important factor explaining these discrepancies. 1,2,8 Many women with HIV report high rates of poverty, are often depended on for care of children or family members, and may show a reluctance to take medication in public due to denial or fear of disclosure which may lead to compromised self-care, access to care, and response to treatment.…”

“…2,4 Although data are conflicting, several studies suggest that women have lower plasma HIV RNA levels than men. 1,5 Since this measure influences the timing of HAART initiate, it is plausible that women may start treatment later than men, which may contribute to poorer outcomes. 5,6 Women may experience more lactic acidosis, drug toxicity and hypersensitivity reactions on antiretroviral …”

“…1 When highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) first became available, females were less likely to be on therapy and were observed to have diminished therapeutic outcomes. [2][3][4] Although more recent data suggest that these gaps have diminished in magnitude, concerns related to decreased access and quality of care for females persist.…”