Research Article
Oche O. Agbaji, Patricia A. Ag
Abstract
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has re volutionized the treatment of HIV-infected patients. However, numerous adverse effects and limitations r egarding tolerability remain a concern. We report six patients presenting in our treatment program wi th varying degrees of gynaecomastia following the use of efavirenz-based highly active antiretroviral therapy, despite adequate immunologic and virologic response. The time interval between comme ncement of treatment and appearance of gynaecomastia ranged from 8-16 months with a mean p eriod of 10±3 months. Five of the patients experienced complete regression of gynaecomastia fo llowing efavirenz withdrawal within 6-10 weeks. One patient experienced partial regression and subs equently required bilateral mastectomy; he is without recurrence one year post surgery. Gynaecoma stia is not uncommon in HIV-infected men receiving efavirenz-based highly active antiretrovir al therapy. Careful attention need to be paid to th e evaluation of these patients in order to institute appropriate therapy and effectively manage other co - morbid conditions that could also cause gynaecomast ia.