Switching from Tenofovir Disoproxil to Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate: Impact on Cardiovascular Risk and Lipid Profile in People Living with HIV, an Observational Study

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2023 Feb;39(2):68-75. doi: 10.1089/AID.2022.0086. Epub 2022 Dec 26.

Abstract

In the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLHIV) still face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) is superior to its precursor tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) regarding bone and renal toxicity, but there are concerns about a negative effect on lipid profile. This observational, single-center study investigates the effects on lipid profile and cardiovascular (CVD) risk of the switch from TDF to TAF, in combination with emtricitabine/elvitegravir/cobicistat (FTC/EVG/c), in patients with no exposure to other antiretrovirals. Routine laboratory measurements, somatometric characteristics, and smoking status were analyzed for the assessment of CVD risk changes, using D:A:D and ATP III scores pre- and postswitch. A total of 62 patients with a mean age of 32.9 years were included in this study. Sixty-one patients (98.4%) were men, 38 (61.3%) late presenters, and 39 (62.9%) active smokers. A year after the switch, there was a significant increase in total cholesterol (178 ± 38 to 194 ± 40 mg/dL, p < .001), high-density lipoprotein (45 ± 12 to 48 ± 13 mg/dL, p = .001), and low-density lipoprotein (117 ± 32 to 137 ± 36 mg/dL, p < .001). Mean increase of the 10-year D:A:D score was 1.13% (95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.22, p = .002). Changes were more prominent in nonsmokers. Body mass index and average weight showed an upward trend. Switching from TDF to TAF caused significant changes in lipid profile at 14 months of follow-up, in young, otherwise healthy PLHIV. CVD risk, as measured by D:A:D, showed a statistically significant increase, but more data are needed to determine clinical significance. These results point toward a patient-centered approach when selecting an ART regimen.

Keywords: HIV; cardiovascular risk; dyslipidemia; tenofovir alafenamide fumarate; tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adenine / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents* / adverse effects
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / chemically induced
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / epidemiology
  • Emtricitabine / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Fumarates / therapeutic use
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • Heart Disease Risk Factors
  • Humans
  • Lipids
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Tenofovir / adverse effects

Substances

  • Tenofovir
  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Adenine
  • Emtricitabine
  • Lipids
  • Fumarates