Antiviral efficacy and safety of abacavir-containing combination antiretroviral therapy as first-line treatment of HIV-infected children and adolescents: a systematic review protocol

Table 1 Summary of WHO recommended first-line antiretroviral regimens for children and adolescents[2]

	Children 3 years to less than 10 years and adolescents <35 kg	Adolescents (10 to 19 years) ≥35 kg
Preferred	ABC^a + 3TC + EFV	TDF + 3TC (or FTC) + EFV^a
Alternatives	ABC + 3TC + NVP
	AZT + 3TC + EFV	AZT + 3TC + EFV
	AZT + 3TC + NVP	AZT + 3TC + NVP
	TDF + 3TC (or FTC) + EFV	TDF + 3TC (or FTC) + NVP
	TDF + 3TC (or FTC) + NVP
Special circumstances^c	d4T^b + 3TC + EFV	ABC + 3TC + EFV
Special circumstances^c	d4T^b + 3TC + NVP	ABC + 3TC + NVP

^aThese recommendations apply to children and adolescents who are initiating first-line antiretroviral therapy; ^bd4T use should be restricted to situations in which toxicity to AZT is suspected or confirmed and access to ABC or TDF is lacking.
^cSpecial circumstances may include situations where preferred or alternative regimens may not be available or suitable because of significant toxicities, anticipated drug-drug interactions, drug procurement and supply management issues, or for other reasons.
3TC lamivudine, ABC abacavir, AZT zidovudine, d4T stavudine, EFV efavirenz, FTC emtricitabine, LPV/r lopinavir/ritonavir, NVP nevirapine, TDF tenofovir, WHO World Health Organization.

ISSN: 2046-4053