Abstract
The use of post exposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) following sexual exposure (PEPSE) was retrospectively audited in an inner city genitourinary clinic against the 2015 national guidelines by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). One-hundred out of a total of 101 patients (99%) had a baseline HIV test done. 82.1% (n=83) of patients were given PEPSE prescriptions fitting within recommended indications lower than the 90% target set by BASHH. 84.2% (n=85) of patients had PEPSE administered within 72 hours lower than the 90%. 61.4% (n=62) of patients were known to have completed four weeks of PEPSE lower than the 75% target. 61.4% (n=62) of patients were screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) lower than the 90% target. 59.4% (n=60%) of patients had post-PEPSE HIV bloods slightly lower than the 60% target.
Highlights
Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV involves taking antiretrovirals by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative individuals for four weeks, after a suspected or known exposure to HIV to reduce the risk of transmission1,2
The majority of patients prescribed prophylaxis after sexual exposure to HIV (PEPSE) where given so under indications that were deemed compliant with British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines and within 72 hours of the suspected exposure
All but one of these patients had baselines HIV bloods taken, and appropriate testing for syphilis and hepatitis B, with post-PEPSE follow-up testing levels being near the BASHH target
Summary
Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV involves taking antiretrovirals by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative individuals for four weeks, after a suspected or known exposure to HIV to reduce the risk of transmission. -- The guidelines provide indications for when PEPSE use; is recommended; can be considered; or is not appropriate. In 2015 the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV updated national guidelines on the appropriate use of post exposure prophylaxis after sexual exposure to HIV (PEPSE). It recommends PEPSE use within 72 hours; baseline HIV testing, appropriate sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and completion of four weeks of PEPSE with follow up HIV bloods after completion of PEPSE. BASHH have specified auditable targets for these recommendations, and this retrospective audit compares the use of PEPSE in our genitourinary clinic against these recommendations
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