Clinical outcomes of switching to dolutegravir/lamivudine dual therapy in people living with HIV: A single‐centre retrospective study

30 Background: Dual therapy with dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) has emerged as a simplified antiretroviral regimen with favourable safety and efficacy profiles. This study aimed to investigate the reasons for switching to DTG/3TC, virologic outcomes, renal function trends and adverse events in people living with HIV (PLWH). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 38 adult PLWH followed by a single physician who switched to DTG/3TC between 2015 and 2021. Demographic data, treatment history, reasons for switching, laboratory parameters and clinical outcomes were analysed. Results: The most frequent reason for switching was to avoid potential renal toxicity (44.7%, 17/38). The median age was 51.5 years, and the median follow-up duration was 54 months. No virologic failure was observed, including in three patients with NRTI mutations (K65R, M41L, K70T/S). Significant increases in CD4+T-cell counts were noted. Early improvements in glomerular filtration rate and reductions in proteinuria were recorded. The treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse events was 5.3% (2/38). The overall mortality rate was 18.4% (7/38), with myocardial infarction being the leading cause of death (4/7). Conclusion: Switching to DTG/3TC dual therapy in well-controlled PLWH demonstrated high virologic suppression rates and favourable safety outcomes. It appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option in selected patients.