Current recommendations for the initial treatment of HIV infection have centered on the reduction of plasma HIV levels. It has been shown that a combination of 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and a PI is the most effective barriers to disease progression. This study attempts to demonstrate these data.
Two options are available for patients whose initial PI-containing regimen has failed to suppress viral replication.
Option 1 consists of immediate versus deferred use of a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Patients who choose Option 1 are randomized to 1 of 2 groups:
1. Ritonavir (RTV) plus soft gelatin capsule saquinavir (SQV-SGC) plus efavirenz (EFV).
2. RTV plus SQV-SGC.
Option 2 consists of treatment with a single PI versus double PI. Patients who choose Option 2 are randomized to 1 of 2 groups:
1. Nelfinavir (NFV) plus EFV.
2. RTV plus SQV-SGC plus EFV.
Patients failing NFV in Option 2 are randomized to one of two groups:
1. Indinavir (IDV) plus EFV.
2. RTV plus SQV-SGC plus EFV. Patients remain on study treatment regimens for 8 weeks. Follow-up visits, including history and physical evaluations, take place at specified intervals during the next 12 months.
