Impact of protease inhibitor substitution with efavirenz in HIV-infected children: results of the First Pediatric Switch Study.

Objective: Simplification of antiretroviral regimen in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children has not yet been investigated. In general, children have a more difficult time maintaining viral suppression because of many factors, including frequent nonadherence and less availability of antiretrovirals in palatable forms. In addition, many serious metabolic complications have emerged in HIV-infected adults and are believed to be attributable to antiretroviral therapy.