Safety and Effectiveness of Low-Dose Methotrexate for Reducing Inflammation in HIV-Infected Adults on ARV Medications

HIV Infections Clinical Trial

Official title: Effect of Reducing Inflammation With Low Dose Methotrexate on Inflammatory Markers and Endothelial Function in Treated and Suppressed HIV Infection

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

People with HIV infection who are taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) could be at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which can be caused by inflammation. Methotrexate (MTX) is a medication used to treat inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of low-dose methotrexate (LDMTX) at reducing inflammation in HIV-infected adults.

Clinical Trial Description

HIV-infected people taking ART have a higher than expected risk of premature CVD. Many factors likely contribute to this risk, including chronic inflammation. Strategies to reduce inflammation in HIV-infected people may be beneficial in reducing CVD risk, as well as other conditions, including kidney disease, bone disease, and neurologic complications. MTX is an anti-inflammatory medication used to treat people with rheumatoid arthritis. This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of LDMTX at treating inflammation and on endothelial function in virologically suppressed HIV-infected adults who had CVD or were at increased risk of CVD.

The total study duration was 36 weeks. Prior to enrolling in the study, participants had a chest X-ray. Participants were randomly assigned to receive LDMTX or placebo for 24 weeks. Participants continued taking their antiretroviral (ARV) medications as usual; ARVs were not provided by the study. At study entry, participants underwent a medical and medication history, physical examination, blood collection, and adherence assessments. From study entry through Week 1, participants received either 5 mg of LDMTX or placebo once a week. For participants who were clinically stable at the Week 1 study visit, the dose of LDMTX or placebo was increased to 10 mg once a week through Week 12. For participants who were clinically stable at the Week 12 study visit, the dose of LDMTX or placebo was increased to 15 mg once a week through Week 24. Participants who did not meet the criteria for dose escalation were re-evaluated at the following study visit. In addition to LDMTX or placebo, all participants also received 1 mg of folic acid once a day from study entry throughout Week

24. After taking the final dose of LDMTX or placebo, all participants continued taking folic acid for an additional 4 weeks.

Post-entry visits occurred at Weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, and 36. These included a physical examination, blood collection, and adherence assessments; an arm ultrasound test was performed at Weeks 12 and 24. At Week 2, some participants took part in a pharmacokinetic (PK) assessment, which involved undergoing a blood collection several times over a 6-hour period. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• HIV Infections
• Infections
• Inflammation

• NCT number: NCT01949116
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 2
• Start date: January 31, 2014
• Completion date: December 8, 2016