Background Most studies in HIV infected patients focus on the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) combinations included in clinical guidelines. However, few studies have analysed combinations not listed in these guidelines.

Purpose To analyse the prevalence and effectiveness of ART combinations not included in HIV guidelines.

Material and methods A retrospective observational study was carried out between January 2014 and December 2015. All patients with ART followed for at least 1 year by the outpatient pharmacy were included. ART were classified in two groups:(1) all combinations listed in the Spanish National AIDS Plan Recommended Guidelines (GESIDA) for initial antiretroviral therapy 2014–2015; and combinations not listed in GESIDA Guidelines.

To determine the effectiveness of the treatment, plasma viral load (VL) and CD4+ lymphocytes were reviewed. Two analyses according to different criteria were conducted:(1) criteria reflected in Spanish GESIDA guidelines: VL <50 copies/mL (undetectable) and CD4 repeatedly >300 cells/μL, on at least two consecutive occasions;(2) criteria reflected in the American DHHS guidelines: VL <200 copies/mL (to prevent errors by blip) and CD4 repeatedly >300 cells/μL, on at least two consecutive occasions. Data were analysed with SPSS 20.0 software.

Results 245 patients were analysed. 68.6% (168) were men. The median age was 48.5 years (IIC: 43.5 to 53).

Conclusion This study shows that few patients receive ART combinations not included in clinical practice guidelines. The high power of current ART could explain the similar effectiveness between the listed and non-listed therapies in the guidelines.

No conflict of interest