Timed-cycle STI have not been proven to be safe in the short term. Although CD4-guided STI strategy has reported favorable outcomes in the short term, the long-term safety, efficacy and tolerability of this strategy has not been fully investigated. Based on the studies we reviewed, the evidence to support the use of timed-cycle STI and CD4-guided STI cycles as a standard of care in the management of chronic suppressed HIV infection is inconclusive.
Psychological impact of structured treatment interruptions in patients with prolonged undetectable HIV-1 viral loads.
Structured treatment interruption strategies may help overcome problems of highly active antiretroviral therapy, but might also represent a cause of stress. We present data that indicate a psychological benefit from structured treatment interruption. Although some disturbances appear at the resumption of therapy, no definitive problems are found that preclude such therapeutic approaches from a psychological perspective. However, a close follow-up of patients during interruption periods is advisable to avoid difficulties reported at treatment resumption presenting a risk to patients' health.