[Post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV, do we use our resources appropriately?]

OBJECTIVE: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against human immunodeficiency virus can be occupational, non-occupational or vertical transmission. The aim of our study was to analyse the indication and treatment carried out in a hospital.

METHODS: Retrospective observational study that included all patients who received PEP between 2006 and 2014. The project was approved by the Committee for Ethics in Clinical Research.

RESULTS: We evaluated 54 PEP, which were started at 11.8 hours' average. The antiretroviral drugs were adequately chosen, but the duration pattern did not adjusted to the recommendations published at that time. Tolerance was good, being gastrointestinal symptoms the most frequent adverse effects; only once was necessary to replace the pattern. There were usual losses during follow up, reaching in some subgroups 50%.

CONCLUSIONS: Indication and choice of drugs were adequate in the three kinds of contact risks, but monitoring should improve.