Effect of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device on genital HIV-1 RNA shedding among HIV-1-infected women not taking antiretroviral therapy in Nairobi, Kenya
Coleman, J.S.; Mwachari, C.; Balkus, J.; Sanguli, L.; Muliro, A.; Agnew, K.; Coombs, R.W.; Cohen, C.R.; Hitti, J.
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 63(2): 245-248
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1944-7884 PMID: 23446496 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e31828decf8Document Number: 574095
The effect of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) on genital HIV-1 RNA shedding and inflammation among 25 HIV-infected women was evaluated. Blood, endocervical, and cervicovaginal lavage samples were collected from HIV-infected women not taking antiretrovirals before LNG-IUD insertion and 1 month, 3 month, and 6 months thereafter. HIV-1 RNA was quantitated by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Inflammatory markers were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Genital HIV-1 RNA shedding and inflammatory markers did not differ between LNG-IUD placement and month 6, with the exception of interleukin 1β that increased (0.42 log10; 95% confidence interval: 0.10 to 0.75). The LNG-IUD did not increase genital HIV-1 RNA shedding after 6 months of use.