[Nevirapine and cardiovascular risk]

Taking into account long-term adverse effects of antiretroviral treatment has become a major concern for physicians managing HIV infected patients. More specifically, cardiovascular risk is the fourth cause of death in this population. Nevirapine, when used in antiretroviral naive patients or as a substitution for tritherapy, has constantly proven superior to other combinations for HDL-c lipid disorders. The main metabolic process responsible for this protective effect is the increased A1 apolipoprotein production. International cohort studies such as DAD or SMART suggest that a very limited risk of cardiovascular morbidity might be associated to nevirapine exposure. This data should be considered when choosing antiretroviral treatment, especially for initiation of treatment in patients with cardiovascular risk factors or when substituting for an efficient tritherapy.