Tenofovir experience from the Themba Lethu Clinic, right to care, Johannesburg.

Abstract

Background: Tenofovir use prior to its incorporation into the 2010 national guidelines is reviewed here. Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive cohort study that reviewed de-identified clinical information and laboratory data of adult patients who received a tenofovir containing regimen as of 31st August, 2007 at Themba Lethu clinic, Johannesburg. Results: Sixty naïve and 192 experienced patients received tenofovir containing regimens for a median (IQR) duration of 13 (7) months and 15 (10) months respectively. Weight gain, CD4 cell count gain and HIV RNA suppression were not significantly different between naïve and experienced patients. Creatinine was recorded for 155 (61.5%) patients. Mild renal dysfunction was common with minimal deterioration in NKF class. Only 3 patients developed NKF stage 4. Ten of 15 patients who died did not have renal function monitoring (Χ2= 5.35; p = 0.02). Conclusion: Tenofovir is effective and well tolerated, but screening for renal dysfunction is required.