HIV post-exposure prophylaxis after sexual assault: the experience of a sexual assault service in London

Abstract

Objectives: To review the provision, uptake and outcome of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (HIV-PEP) after sexual assault. Methods: A retrospective case note review of patients attending a sexual assault service in London during 1999. Results: Ten out of 150 patients were considered eligible for PEP after a careful risk assessment. Eight patients accepted HIV-PEP. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) consisted of Combivir/indinavir in six patients and Combivir/nelfinavir in two patients. Two patients changed their combination due to adverse events. Five patients completed the recommended 28 days of treatment. Three patients discontinued therapy due to adverse events. Two patients who completed HIV-PEP were noted to have raised cholesterol at follow-up. All patients who took PEP were HIV-1 and -2 antibody negative at six months. Conclusions: Compared with other published studies the completion rate of HIV-PEP in our study was high. The uptake and adverse events of HAART in this scenario were similar to previously published studies. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of this patient group will improve adherence to PEP.