Crystal methamphetamine injection predicts slower HIV RNA suppression among injection drug users

Addict Behav. 2011 Jul;36(7):762-3. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.02.001. Epub 2011 Feb 13.

Abstract

We examined the impact of crystal methamphetamine injection on HIV RNA suppression among a prospective cohort of HIV-positive injection drug users initiating antiretroviral therapy. A multivariate Cox regression analysis found crystal methamphetamine injection to be negatively associated with viral load suppression (RH=0.63 [95% CI: 0.40-0.98]; p=0.039). This study is the first to our knowledge to demonstrate an association between crystal methamphetamine use and HIV RNA suppression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / blood
  • Amphetamine-Related Disorders / virology*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • British Columbia
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / virology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine / toxicity*
  • Prospective Studies
  • RNA, Viral / blood*
  • Viral Load / drug effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • Methamphetamine