Few studies dealt with these concerns, but one addressed the use of a surgically inserted feeding tube to improve adherence. Another indicated that children on PI regimens experience changes in cholesterol and other lab markers associated with body composition changes in adults. The durability of the response, however, remains to be seen. Starting doses of saquinavir and nelfinavir were 33mg per kg of body weight given three times daily. While the regimen was generally well tolerated, the overall benefits compared to single PI regimens have not been demonstrated.
T suggests that it has similar anti-HIV effects in children as in adults.
Compared to adults, children appear to have more rapid clearance of HU from their blood, which may mean that children will require higher doses relative to body weight. HU remains of interest to researchers because it offers another mechanism of action against HIV, one unaffected by the development of resistance to other classes of drugs. Another possible benefit shows HU readily penetrates a wide range of cell types, some not easily reached by other drugs. While these studies point to expanding anti-HIV therapies, more information is needed to determine how to dose these new drugs, particularly in infants and pubescent children. More data are needed to determine the most appropriate time to start or change therapy in the pediatric population.