In Thailand, more than 150,000 patients are currently treated with antiretroviral drugs under the support of the National AIDS Program (NAP). The appointed Adults and Adolescents Committee consisted of 28 members who are experts in HIV research, patient care or health care policy. Relevant published literature, guidelines, and the most recent relevant clinical trials presented internationally were reviewed. Several peer review and clinical studies conducted in Thailand were included in the review process. Special considerations for patients with co-infection of tuberculosis or hepatitis B were incorporated. Appropriate cut-off of CD4+ T-cell counts when to commence ART among Thai patients have been considered. It is now recommended to start ART at CD4+ T-cell count <350 cells/mm3. For treatment-naive patients, the preferred initial therapy is a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimen containing lamivudine plus zidovudine or tenofovir. Stavudine will be phased out in a two-year plan at the national program level. Viral load and CD4+ T-cell counts should be monitored at least once and twice a year. To achieve long-term treatment success, enhancing adherence together with the proper management of antiretroviral-related toxicity is critical. In summary, the major changes from the Thai 2008 guidelines include commencing ART earlier. ART is recommended regardless of CD4+ T cell count if patients have an indication to treat their HBV co-infection. Preferred first regimen uses AZT or TDF, not d4T as the NRTI-backbone. Furthermore, efavirenz is now considered a preferred NNRTI, along with nevirapine.

We conducted a trial of oral acetazolamide for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in 22 Thai adults with headache and an opening cerebrospinal fluid pressure of >/=200 mm H(2)0. The trial was terminated prematurely because patients who received acetazolamide developed significantly lower venous bicarbonate levels and higher chloride levels and had more-frequent serious adverse events than did subjects who received placebo.

National ARV treatment programs can be scaled up rapidly with good patient outcomes. Treatment outcomes among patients in Thailand are comparable to those reported in smaller cohorts in other countries, and survival rates have improved since 2004.

Impressive ART scale-up efforts in the region have resulted in significant improvements in survival among persons receiving therapy. Continued funding support and political commitment will be essential for further expansion of public sector ART services to those in need. To improve treatment outcomes, national programs should focus on earlier identification of persons requiring ART, decentralization of ART services, and the development of stronger healthcare systems to support the provision of a continuum of HIV care.