The Danish PEP Registry: Experience with the use of post-exposure prophylaxis following blood exposure to HIV from 1999-2012

BACKGROUND: The risk of occupational exposures to blood cannot be eliminated completely and access to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV transmission is important. However, PEP administration has been associated with frequent adverse effects, low compliance and difficulties to ensure a proper risk assessment. This nationwide study describes 14 years of experience with the use of PEP following blood exposure in Denmark.

METHODS: A descriptive study of all PEP cases following non-sexual exposure to HIV in Denmark from 1999-2012.

RESULTS: A total of 411 cases of PEP were described. There was a mean of 29.4 cases/year, increasing from 23 cases in 1999 to 49 cases in 2005 and then decreasing to 16 cases in 2012. Overall 67.2% of source patients were known to be HIV-positive at the time of PEP initiation, with no significant change over time. The median time to initiation of PEP was 2.5 h (0.15-28.5) following occupational exposure. Adverse effects were reported by 50.9% with no significant difference according to PEP regimen. In 85.1% of cases with available data, either a full course of PEP was completed or PEP was stopped because the source was tested HIV-negative. Only 6.6% stopped PEP early due to adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS: PEP in Denmark is generally prescribed according to the guidelines and the annual number of cases has declined since 2005. Adverse effects were common regardless of PEP regimens used and new drug regimens should be considered.