Introduktion Under början av 1980-talet uppmärksammades ovanliga tumörer och infektioner hos unga män som vanligtvis drabbar personer med nedsatt immunförsvar. Forskargrupper i Frankrike och USA upptäckte 1983 och 1984 ett nytt virus som fick namnet humant immunbrist virus (HIV). En infektion av HIV fortlöper under många år asymtomatiskt och det är först när immunförsvaret är försvagat som symtom börjar märkas. Första läkemedlet som godkändes för att behandla HIV presenterades 1987 och dödligheten i följdsjukdomen Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) minskade drastiskt. Under 1996 infördes en ny behandling i form av kombinationer av tre eller fler läkemedel, som kom att kallas antiretroviral terapi (ART). Syfte Syftet med denna litteraturstudie är att ta reda på om det finns någon skillnad i effekt och säkerhet för ART-kombinationerna abakavir-lamivudin-atazanavir/r (ABC+3TC+ATV/r) och abakavir-lamivudin-efavirenz (ABC+3TC+EFV) som rekommenderas till tidigare obehandlade HIV-patienter. Metod Denna litteraturstudie baseras på nio originalartiklar hämtade från databasen PubMed mellan 19 januari och 7 februari 2016 med sökorden abacavir, lamivudine, atazanavir, efavirenz och efficacy, med begränsningarna english, clinical trial, adult: 19+ years. Antalet träffar sorterades utifrån inklusions- och exklusionskriterierna, att studierna undersökt effekt och säkerhet hos båda kombinationerna ABC+3TC+ATV/r och ABC+3TC+EFV i första hand eller mot andra kombinationer eller i monoterapi i andra hand, studierna ska ha pågått i minst 48 veckor och deltagarna ska ha varit 16 år eller äldre. Resultat och diskussion Nio studier uppfyllde inklusionskriterierna, åtta av dem var randomiserade. Fem av studierna jämförde båda kombinationerna och ytterligare fyra studier inkluderades som studerat en av kombinationerna mot andra kombinationer eller i monoterapi.Studierna påvisade ingen statistisk signifikant skillnad mellan kombinationerna. Antalet patienter som uppnått virushalt under gränsvärdet 50 kopior/ml var i åtta av nio studier fler än 70 %. Biverkningarna redovisades på olika sätt hos studierna, några av dem visade vilka som förekom mest och andra på enstaka metaboliska förändringar.Att studierna inte kunnat påvisa någon signifikant skillnad i effekt eller säkerhet kan vara en faktor som gjort att de valts till förstahandsval för patienter som tidigare inte behandlats med ART. Endast fem studier hade jämfört båda kombinationerna vilket gjorde att studier som jämfört en av kombinationer mot andra kombinationer eller i monoterapi inkluderats för att kunna jämföra effekten hos ART-kombinationerna. Säkerheten hos studierna redovisades på olika sätt vilket gjort att en jämförelse mellan preparatens biverkningar och tolerans varit svår att göra. Slutsats Ingen statistisk signifikant skillnad i effekt och säkerhet mellan kombinationerna har kunnat visas. Fler än 70 % av patienterna uppnådde virushalt <50 kopior/ml efter 48 veckors behandling. Behandlingen tolererades av de flesta av patienterna och biverkningarna mellan kombinationerna skiljde sig inte åt.

A introdução da terapia antirretroviral altamente potente (HAART) diminuiu dramaticamente a mortalidade dos indivíduos infectados pelo HIV. No entanto, a variabilidade nas concentrações e o uso prolongado desses fármacos podem ter conseqüências relevantes na área da terapia antirretroviral (TARV). Dentre essas, têm-se observado alterações metabólicas e fatores de riscos cardiovasculares, como também, alterações na função renal. O rim tem um papel importante no metabolismo e excreção dos medicamentos antirretrovirais e isso torna-o vulnerável a vários tipos de lesões. Muitos estudos têm sido realizados para avaliar os fatores de risco que podem contribuir para a insuficiência renal em pacientes infectados pelo HIV.9 Esses fatores são numerosos e dependem de características subjacentes do paciente, bem como do regime de drogas. Alguns estudos têm ligado certos medicamentos antirretrovirais, especialmente o tenofovir (TDF) e os inibidores de protease (IPs) lopinavir / ritonavir (LPV / RTV), atazanavir / ritonavir (ATV / RTV) e indinavir (IDV), com redução na taxa de filtração glomerular estimada (eTFG) e anormalidades nos túbulos renais. As alterações nas concentrações plasmáticas dos antirretrovirais (ARV) podem ser suficientes para não ocorrer a manutenção da supressão viral e promover falência no tratamento, ou, por outro lado, gerar efeitos adversos. Portanto, torna-se necessário o desenvolvimento de estratégias específicas para minimizar as ocorrências dessas anormalidades e preservar a eficácia da TARV. Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a associação entre os níveis plasmáticos de ATV e a função renal em uma coorte de indivíduos infectados pelo HIV com doença controlada (carga viral indetectável e CD4 > 200/mm3). Métodos Cento e quatro pacientes foram consecutivamente selecionados no período de Abril a Novembro de 2011. Para inclusão no estudo, os pacientes deveriam estar em uso de ATV por no mínimo 6 meses, com carga viral indetectável ( < 50 cópias/ mL) por um período igual ou superior a 12 meses, com contagens de linfócitos T CD4+ superiores a 200 células/mm3 e com idade maior que 18 anos. Os indivíduos foram divididos em quatro grupos de tratamento de acordo com o esquema do ATV. As concentrações plasmáticas do ATV foram comparados com função renal utilizando o Modelo de Regressão Linear Simples. Resultados No grupo de tratamento com ATV não potenciado, as concentrações plasmáticas foram estatisticamente menores (p = 0,001) do que as concentrações encontradas em outros grupos. Nenhuma diferença estatística foi encontrada na função renal entre os grupos. Finalmente, não foi encontrada associação entre os níveis plasmáticos de ATV e função renal (CKD-EPI, p = 0,079; MDRD, p = 0,059). Conclusão De acordo com os achados deste estudo, os níveis plasmáticos do ATV não estão associados com alteração na função renal. Estudos prospectivos são necessários para que se observe com maior exatidão se a função renal alterada atribuída ao uso de ATV realmente existe ou se está relacionada com o uso de RTV, TDF, ou a outros fatores ainda não identificados. / Background The introduction of highly potent antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically decreased mortality rates of the subjects infected with HIV. However, the variability in concentrations and prolonged use of these drugs may have important consequences in the area of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among these have been observed metabolic changes and cardiovascular risk factors, but also changes in renal function. The kidney plays an important role in the metabolism and excretion of antiretroviral drugs and that makes it vulnerable to various injuries. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the risk factors that may contribute to renal failure in HIV-infected patients. Some studies have linked certain antiretroviral drugs, especially tenofovir (TDF) and protease inhibitors (PIs) lopinavir / ritonavir (LPV / RTV), atazanavir / ritonavir (ATV / RTV) and indinavir (IDV), reducing the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and abnormalities in the renal tubules. Changes in plasma concentrations of antiretrovirals (ARVs) may not be sufficient to place the maintenance of viral suppression and failure to promote the treatment, or, on the other hand, have adverse effects. Therefore, it becomes necessary to develop specific strategies to minimize the occurrence of these abnormalities and to preserve the effectiveness of ART. Objective The purpose of this study is to assess the association between ATV plasma levels and renal function in a cohort of subjects infected with HIV whose disease is under control (undetectable viral load and CD4 > 200/mm3). Methods One hundred and four subjects were consecutively enrolled between April and November 2011. In order to be included in the study, patients had to be on ATV for at least six months, with undetectable viral load for a period equal to or longer than 12 months, with T CD4+ lymphocyte counts higher than 200 cells/mm3 and older than 18 years. Subjects were divided into four treatment groups according to ATV regimen. ATV plasma concentrations were compared with renal function using the Simple Linear Regression Model. Results In treatment group with ATV unboosted, the plasma concentrations were statistically smaller (p=0.001) than the concentrations found in the other groups. No statistical difference was found in renal function among the groups. Finally, no association was found between ATV plasma levels and renal function (CKD-EPI, p=0.079; MDRD, p=0.059). Conclusion According to the findings of this study, plasma levels of ATV are not associated with impaired renal function. Prospective studies with larger samples are required in order to more accurately observe if changes in renal function attributed to the use of ATV actually exist or if they are related to the use of RTV, TDF or other factors yet to be identified.

A introdução da terapia antirretroviral altamente potente (HAART) diminuiu dramaticamente a mortalidade dos indivíduos infectados pelo HIV. No entanto, a variabilidade nas concentrações e o uso prolongado desses fármacos podem ter conseqüências relevantes na área da terapia antirretroviral (TARV). Dentre essas, têm-se observado alterações metabólicas e fatores de riscos cardiovasculares, como também, alterações na função renal. O rim tem um papel importante no metabolismo e excreção dos medicamentos antirretrovirais e isso torna-o vulnerável a vários tipos de lesões. Muitos estudos têm sido realizados para avaliar os fatores de risco que podem contribuir para a insuficiência renal em pacientes infectados pelo HIV.9 Esses fatores são numerosos e dependem de características subjacentes do paciente, bem como do regime de drogas. Alguns estudos têm ligado certos medicamentos antirretrovirais, especialmente o tenofovir (TDF) e os inibidores de protease (IPs) lopinavir / ritonavir (LPV / RTV), atazanavir / ritonavir (ATV / RTV) e indinavir (IDV), com redução na taxa de filtração glomerular estimada (eTFG) e anormalidades nos túbulos renais. As alterações nas concentrações plasmáticas dos antirretrovirais (ARV) podem ser suficientes para não ocorrer a manutenção da supressão viral e promover falência no tratamento, ou, por outro lado, gerar efeitos adversos. Portanto, torna-se necessário o desenvolvimento de estratégias específicas para minimizar as ocorrências dessas anormalidades e preservar a eficácia da TARV. Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a associação entre os níveis plasmáticos de ATV e a função renal em uma coorte de indivíduos infectados pelo HIV com doença controlada (carga viral indetectável e CD4 > 200/mm3). Métodos Cento e quatro pacientes foram consecutivamente selecionados no período de Abril a Novembro de 2011. Para inclusão no estudo, os pacientes deveriam estar em uso de ATV por no mínimo 6 meses, com carga viral indetectável ( < 50 cópias/ mL) por um período igual ou superior a 12 meses, com contagens de linfócitos T CD4+ superiores a 200 células/mm3 e com idade maior que 18 anos. Os indivíduos foram divididos em quatro grupos de tratamento de acordo com o esquema do ATV. As concentrações plasmáticas do ATV foram comparados com função renal utilizando o Modelo de Regressão Linear Simples. Resultados No grupo de tratamento com ATV não potenciado, as concentrações plasmáticas foram estatisticamente menores (p = 0,001) do que as concentrações encontradas em outros grupos. Nenhuma diferença estatística foi encontrada na função renal entre os grupos. Finalmente, não foi encontrada associação entre os níveis plasmáticos de ATV e função renal (CKD-EPI, p = 0,079; MDRD, p = 0,059). Conclusão De acordo com os achados deste estudo, os níveis plasmáticos do ATV não estão associados com alteração na função renal. Estudos prospectivos são necessários para que se observe com maior exatidão se a função renal alterada atribuída ao uso de ATV realmente existe ou se está relacionada com o uso de RTV, TDF, ou a outros fatores ainda não identificados. / Background The introduction of highly potent antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically decreased mortality rates of the subjects infected with HIV. However, the variability in concentrations and prolonged use of these drugs may have important consequences in the area of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among these have been observed metabolic changes and cardiovascular risk factors, but also changes in renal function. The kidney plays an important role in the metabolism and excretion of antiretroviral drugs and that makes it vulnerable to various injuries. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the risk factors that may contribute to renal failure in HIV-infected patients. Some studies have linked certain antiretroviral drugs, especially tenofovir (TDF) and protease inhibitors (PIs) lopinavir / ritonavir (LPV / RTV), atazanavir / ritonavir (ATV / RTV) and indinavir (IDV), reducing the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and abnormalities in the renal tubules. Changes in plasma concentrations of antiretrovirals (ARVs) may not be sufficient to place the maintenance of viral suppression and failure to promote the treatment, or, on the other hand, have adverse effects. Therefore, it becomes necessary to develop specific strategies to minimize the occurrence of these abnormalities and to preserve the effectiveness of ART. Objective The purpose of this study is to assess the association between ATV plasma levels and renal function in a cohort of subjects infected with HIV whose disease is under control (undetectable viral load and CD4 > 200/mm3). Methods One hundred and four subjects were consecutively enrolled between April and November 2011. In order to be included in the study, patients had to be on ATV for at least six months, with undetectable viral load for a period equal to or longer than 12 months, with T CD4+ lymphocyte counts higher than 200 cells/mm3 and older than 18 years. Subjects were divided into four treatment groups according to ATV regimen. ATV plasma concentrations were compared with renal function using the Simple Linear Regression Model. Results In treatment group with ATV unboosted, the plasma concentrations were statistically smaller (p=0.001) than the concentrations found in the other groups. No statistical difference was found in renal function among the groups. Finally, no association was found between ATV plasma levels and renal function (CKD-EPI, p=0.079; MDRD, p=0.059). Conclusion According to the findings of this study, plasma levels of ATV are not associated with impaired renal function. Prospective studies with larger samples are required in order to more accurately observe if changes in renal function attributed to the use of ATV actually exist or if they are related to the use of RTV, TDF or other factors yet to be identified.

A introdução da terapia antirretroviral altamente potente (HAART) diminuiu dramaticamente a mortalidade dos indivíduos infectados pelo HIV. No entanto, a variabilidade nas concentrações e o uso prolongado desses fármacos podem ter conseqüências relevantes na área da terapia antirretroviral (TARV). Dentre essas, têm-se observado alterações metabólicas e fatores de riscos cardiovasculares, como também, alterações na função renal. O rim tem um papel importante no metabolismo e excreção dos medicamentos antirretrovirais e isso torna-o vulnerável a vários tipos de lesões. Muitos estudos têm sido realizados para avaliar os fatores de risco que podem contribuir para a insuficiência renal em pacientes infectados pelo HIV.9 Esses fatores são numerosos e dependem de características subjacentes do paciente, bem como do regime de drogas. Alguns estudos têm ligado certos medicamentos antirretrovirais, especialmente o tenofovir (TDF) e os inibidores de protease (IPs) lopinavir / ritonavir (LPV / RTV), atazanavir / ritonavir (ATV / RTV) e indinavir (IDV), com redução na taxa de filtração glomerular estimada (eTFG) e anormalidades nos túbulos renais. As alterações nas concentrações plasmáticas dos antirretrovirais (ARV) podem ser suficientes para não ocorrer a manutenção da supressão viral e promover falência no tratamento, ou, por outro lado, gerar efeitos adversos. Portanto, torna-se necessário o desenvolvimento de estratégias específicas para minimizar as ocorrências dessas anormalidades e preservar a eficácia da TARV. Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a associação entre os níveis plasmáticos de ATV e a função renal em uma coorte de indivíduos infectados pelo HIV com doença controlada (carga viral indetectável e CD4 > 200/mm3). Métodos Cento e quatro pacientes foram consecutivamente selecionados no período de Abril a Novembro de 2011. Para inclusão no estudo, os pacientes deveriam estar em uso de ATV por no mínimo 6 meses, com carga viral indetectável ( < 50 cópias/ mL) por um período igual ou superior a 12 meses, com contagens de linfócitos T CD4+ superiores a 200 células/mm3 e com idade maior que 18 anos. Os indivíduos foram divididos em quatro grupos de tratamento de acordo com o esquema do ATV. As concentrações plasmáticas do ATV foram comparados com função renal utilizando o Modelo de Regressão Linear Simples. Resultados No grupo de tratamento com ATV não potenciado, as concentrações plasmáticas foram estatisticamente menores (p = 0,001) do que as concentrações encontradas em outros grupos. Nenhuma diferença estatística foi encontrada na função renal entre os grupos. Finalmente, não foi encontrada associação entre os níveis plasmáticos de ATV e função renal (CKD-EPI, p = 0,079; MDRD, p = 0,059). Conclusão De acordo com os achados deste estudo, os níveis plasmáticos do ATV não estão associados com alteração na função renal. Estudos prospectivos são necessários para que se observe com maior exatidão se a função renal alterada atribuída ao uso de ATV realmente existe ou se está relacionada com o uso de RTV, TDF, ou a outros fatores ainda não identificados. / Background The introduction of highly potent antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has dramatically decreased mortality rates of the subjects infected with HIV. However, the variability in concentrations and prolonged use of these drugs may have important consequences in the area of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among these have been observed metabolic changes and cardiovascular risk factors, but also changes in renal function. The kidney plays an important role in the metabolism and excretion of antiretroviral drugs and that makes it vulnerable to various injuries. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the risk factors that may contribute to renal failure in HIV-infected patients. Some studies have linked certain antiretroviral drugs, especially tenofovir (TDF) and protease inhibitors (PIs) lopinavir / ritonavir (LPV / RTV), atazanavir / ritonavir (ATV / RTV) and indinavir (IDV), reducing the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and abnormalities in the renal tubules. Changes in plasma concentrations of antiretrovirals (ARVs) may not be sufficient to place the maintenance of viral suppression and failure to promote the treatment, or, on the other hand, have adverse effects. Therefore, it becomes necessary to develop specific strategies to minimize the occurrence of these abnormalities and to preserve the effectiveness of ART. Objective The purpose of this study is to assess the association between ATV plasma levels and renal function in a cohort of subjects infected with HIV whose disease is under control (undetectable viral load and CD4 > 200/mm3). Methods One hundred and four subjects were consecutively enrolled between April and November 2011. In order to be included in the study, patients had to be on ATV for at least six months, with undetectable viral load for a period equal to or longer than 12 months, with T CD4+ lymphocyte counts higher than 200 cells/mm3 and older than 18 years. Subjects were divided into four treatment groups according to ATV regimen. ATV plasma concentrations were compared with renal function using the Simple Linear Regression Model. Results In treatment group with ATV unboosted, the plasma concentrations were statistically smaller (p=0.001) than the concentrations found in the other groups. No statistical difference was found in renal function among the groups. Finally, no association was found between ATV plasma levels and renal function (CKD-EPI, p=0.079; MDRD, p=0.059). Conclusion According to the findings of this study, plasma levels of ATV are not associated with impaired renal function. Prospective studies with larger samples are required in order to more accurately observe if changes in renal function attributed to the use of ATV actually exist or if they are related to the use of RTV, TDF or other factors yet to be identified.

Le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH) est à l’origine d’une infection chronique, elle-même responsable du développement du syndrome d'immunodéficience acquise (SIDA), un état de grande vulnérabilité où le corps humain est à la merci d’infections opportunistes pouvant s’avérer fatales. Aujourd’hui, 30 ans après la découverte du virus, même si aucun vaccin n’a réussi à contrôler la pandémie, la situation s’est grandement améliorée. Conséquemment à l’arrivée de traitements antirétroviraux hautement actifs (HAART) à la fin des années 1990, la mortalité associée au VIH/SIDA a diminué et un plus grand nombre de personnes vivent maintenant avec l'infection. La présente thèse avait pour objectif d’aborder trois situations problématiques, en dépit de l’efficacité reconnue des HAART, plus particulièrement la faible charge virale persistante (LLV) et sa relation avec l’échec virologique, ainsi que les effets de certains antirétroviraux (ARV) sur les fonctions rénale et hépatique. Les objectifs précis étaient donc les suivants : 1) étudier le risque d’échec virologique à long terme chez les patients sous HAART dont la charge virale est indétectable comparativement aux patients affichant une LLV persistante; 2) évaluer sur le long terme la perte de fonction rénale associée à la prise de ténofovir (TDF) 3) étudier sur le long terme l'hyperbilirubinémie associée à la prise d’atazanavir (ATV) et ses autres déterminants possibles. Afin d’atteindre les trois objectifs susmentionnés, une cohorte de 2 416 patients atteints du VIH/SIDA, suivis depuis juillet 1977 et résidant à Montréal, a été utilisée. Pour le premier objectif, les résultats obtenus ont montré un risque accru d’échec virologique établi à >1000 copies/ml d’ARN VIH chez tous les patients qui présentaient une LLV persistante de différentes catégories durant aussi peu que 6 mois. En effet, on a observé qu’une LLV de 50-199 copies/ml persistant pendant six mois doublait le risque d’échec virologique (Hazard ratio (HR)=2,22, Intervalle de confiance (CI) 95 %:1,60–3,09). Ces résultats pourraient modifier la façon dont on aborde actuellement la gestion des patients affichant une LLV, et plus particulièrement une LLV de 50-199 copies/ml, pour laquelle aucune recommandation clinique n’a encore été formulée en raison du manque de données. Pour le deuxième objectif, on a observé une augmentation du risque de perte de fonction rénale de l’ordre de 63 % (HR=1,63; 95% CI:1,26–2,10) chez les patients sous TDF comparativement aux patients traités avec d’autres ARV. La perte de fonction rénale directement attribuable à la prise de TDF, indique que cette perte est survenue au cours des premières années de l’exposition du patient au médicament. D’une perspective à long terme, cette perte est considérée comme modérée. Enfin, pour ce qui est du troisième objectif, on a constaté que l’incidence cumulative d’hyperbilirubinémie était très élevée chez les patients sous ATV, mais que cette dernière pouvait régresser lorsque l’on mettait fin au traitement. L’hyperbilirubinémie à long terme observée avec la prise d’ATV n’a été associée à aucun effet néfaste pour la santé. Dans l’ensemble, la présente thèse a permis de mieux comprendre les trois situations problématiques susmentionnées, qui font actuellement l’objet de débats au sein de la communauté scientifique, et d’éclairer sous un jour nouveau la gestion des patients séropositifs sous traitement médicamenteux. / Human immonudeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus causing a chronic infection responsible for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a state of vulnerability of the body where different opportunistic infections will ultimately be fatal. About 30 years after the discovery of the virus, even if no vaccine is available to control the pandemia, situation has changed for the best. With the arrival of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in the late 90's, a reduction in HIV/AIDS mortality rate and growing number of persons living with the infection were observed. The overall objective of this thesis was to address three problematic situations, despite recognised HAART efficacy, especially low-level viremia (LLV) and its relationship with virologic failure, and the impacts of certain antiretrovirals (ARV) on kidney and hepatic functions. The specific objectives were: 1) to study the risk of virologic failure in long-term perspective in undetectable patients under HAART in comparison to patients with persistent LLV; 2) to evaluate the long-term loss of kidney function related to tenofovir (TDF) exposure 3) to evaluate long-term hyperbilirubinemia related to atazanavir (ATV) exposure and other possible determinants. In order to address the three specific objectives, a cohort of patients 2416 living with HIV/AIDS followed in Montreal since July 1977 was used. For the first objective, analyses and results shown an increased risk of virological failure defined as >1000 copies/mL of HIV RNA, for all categories of persistent LLV as soon as 6 months of persistent duration. Persistent LLV of 50-199 copies/mL for 6 months doubled the risk of virologic failure (Hazard ratio (HR)=2,22, Confidence interval (CI) 95%: 1,60-3,09). The results shed new light for the management of patients with LLV, especially for LLV of 50-199 copies/mL, for which no clinical recommendation is currently available due to a lack of data. For the second objective, an increased risk of loss of kidney function of 63% (HR=1.63; 95% CI:1.26–2.10) associated to TDF exposure in comparison to patients taking other ARV was observed. The cumulative eGFR loss directly attribuable to TDF also shown that this loss occured during the first years of exposure. This loss was mild in a long-term perspective. For the third objective, it has been shown that the cumulative incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in ATV users was very high and that regression was possible if ATV exposure was ended. Long-term hyperbilirubinemia related to ATV use was not associated with adverse health outcome. Overall, this thesis allowed a better understanding of these three problematics currently debated in scientific literature and shed new lights on management of HIV positive patients under therapy.

Le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH) est à l’origine d’une infection chronique, elle-même responsable du développement du syndrome d'immunodéficience acquise (SIDA), un état de grande vulnérabilité où le corps humain est à la merci d’infections opportunistes pouvant s’avérer fatales. Aujourd’hui, 30 ans après la découverte du virus, même si aucun vaccin n’a réussi à contrôler la pandémie, la situation s’est grandement améliorée. Conséquemment à l’arrivée de traitements antirétroviraux hautement actifs (HAART) à la fin des années 1990, la mortalité associée au VIH/SIDA a diminué et un plus grand nombre de personnes vivent maintenant avec l'infection. La présente thèse avait pour objectif d’aborder trois situations problématiques, en dépit de l’efficacité reconnue des HAART, plus particulièrement la faible charge virale persistante (LLV) et sa relation avec l’échec virologique, ainsi que les effets de certains antirétroviraux (ARV) sur les fonctions rénale et hépatique. Les objectifs précis étaient donc les suivants : 1) étudier le risque d’échec virologique à long terme chez les patients sous HAART dont la charge virale est indétectable comparativement aux patients affichant une LLV persistante; 2) évaluer sur le long terme la perte de fonction rénale associée à la prise de ténofovir (TDF) 3) étudier sur le long terme l'hyperbilirubinémie associée à la prise d’atazanavir (ATV) et ses autres déterminants possibles. Afin d’atteindre les trois objectifs susmentionnés, une cohorte de 2 416 patients atteints du VIH/SIDA, suivis depuis juillet 1977 et résidant à Montréal, a été utilisée. Pour le premier objectif, les résultats obtenus ont montré un risque accru d’échec virologique établi à >1000 copies/ml d’ARN VIH chez tous les patients qui présentaient une LLV persistante de différentes catégories durant aussi peu que 6 mois. En effet, on a observé qu’une LLV de 50-199 copies/ml persistant pendant six mois doublait le risque d’échec virologique (Hazard ratio (HR)=2,22, Intervalle de confiance (CI) 95 %:1,60–3,09). Ces résultats pourraient modifier la façon dont on aborde actuellement la gestion des patients affichant une LLV, et plus particulièrement une LLV de 50-199 copies/ml, pour laquelle aucune recommandation clinique n’a encore été formulée en raison du manque de données. Pour le deuxième objectif, on a observé une augmentation du risque de perte de fonction rénale de l’ordre de 63 % (HR=1,63; 95% CI:1,26–2,10) chez les patients sous TDF comparativement aux patients traités avec d’autres ARV. La perte de fonction rénale directement attribuable à la prise de TDF, indique que cette perte est survenue au cours des premières années de l’exposition du patient au médicament. D’une perspective à long terme, cette perte est considérée comme modérée. Enfin, pour ce qui est du troisième objectif, on a constaté que l’incidence cumulative d’hyperbilirubinémie était très élevée chez les patients sous ATV, mais que cette dernière pouvait régresser lorsque l’on mettait fin au traitement. L’hyperbilirubinémie à long terme observée avec la prise d’ATV n’a été associée à aucun effet néfaste pour la santé. Dans l’ensemble, la présente thèse a permis de mieux comprendre les trois situations problématiques susmentionnées, qui font actuellement l’objet de débats au sein de la communauté scientifique, et d’éclairer sous un jour nouveau la gestion des patients séropositifs sous traitement médicamenteux. / Human immonudeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus causing a chronic infection responsible for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a state of vulnerability of the body where different opportunistic infections will ultimately be fatal. About 30 years after the discovery of the virus, even if no vaccine is available to control the pandemia, situation has changed for the best. With the arrival of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in the late 90's, a reduction in HIV/AIDS mortality rate and growing number of persons living with the infection were observed. The overall objective of this thesis was to address three problematic situations, despite recognised HAART efficacy, especially low-level viremia (LLV) and its relationship with virologic failure, and the impacts of certain antiretrovirals (ARV) on kidney and hepatic functions. The specific objectives were: 1) to study the risk of virologic failure in long-term perspective in undetectable patients under HAART in comparison to patients with persistent LLV; 2) to evaluate the long-term loss of kidney function related to tenofovir (TDF) exposure 3) to evaluate long-term hyperbilirubinemia related to atazanavir (ATV) exposure and other possible determinants. In order to address the three specific objectives, a cohort of patients 2416 living with HIV/AIDS followed in Montreal since July 1977 was used. For the first objective, analyses and results shown an increased risk of virological failure defined as >1000 copies/mL of HIV RNA, for all categories of persistent LLV as soon as 6 months of persistent duration. Persistent LLV of 50-199 copies/mL for 6 months doubled the risk of virologic failure (Hazard ratio (HR)=2,22, Confidence interval (CI) 95%: 1,60-3,09). The results shed new light for the management of patients with LLV, especially for LLV of 50-199 copies/mL, for which no clinical recommendation is currently available due to a lack of data. For the second objective, an increased risk of loss of kidney function of 63% (HR=1.63; 95% CI:1.26–2.10) associated to TDF exposure in comparison to patients taking other ARV was observed. The cumulative eGFR loss directly attribuable to TDF also shown that this loss occured during the first years of exposure. This loss was mild in a long-term perspective. For the third objective, it has been shown that the cumulative incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in ATV users was very high and that regression was possible if ATV exposure was ended. Long-term hyperbilirubinemia related to ATV use was not associated with adverse health outcome. Overall, this thesis allowed a better understanding of these three problematics currently debated in scientific literature and shed new lights on management of HIV positive patients under therapy.