Evaluating Dolutegravir Dosing in Children with HIV and TB

An Open-label, Sequential Non-randomised Pharmacokinetics Study of DTG Plasma Exposure When Given as Twice or Once Daily DTG in the Presence of Rifampicin in Children With HIV and TB Between 20-35kgs in SA

Phase 4 Interventional University of KwaZulu · NCT04746547

This study is testing if a twice-daily dose of Dolutegravir is safe and effective for children with both HIV and tuberculosis.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages23 Months to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of KwaZulu Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)
Trial IDNCT04746547 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the pharmacokinetics of Dolutegravir (DTG) administered twice daily in children aged 20-35 kg who are co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis (TB). It is a single-center, open-label, non-randomized, prospective study that aims to assess the safety and tolerance of DTG during concurrent rifampicin treatment. The study will also include children as young as 3 kg receiving a dispersible formulation of DTG. Participants will be monitored for their response to the medication before and after completing a standard six-month TB treatment regimen.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children under 18 years with confirmed HIV-1 infection weighing between 20-35 kg who are either ART-naive or experienced and are starting DTG for HIV treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to DTG or significant liver function abnormalities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could optimize HIV treatment protocols for children co-infected with TB, improving their health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in optimizing HIV treatment in co-infected populations, but this specific dosing approach in children is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children \<18 years with confirmed HIV-1 infection weighing 20-35kg ART-naive or experienced, with plans to use DTG for HIV treatment
* Diagnosis of TB disease with clinician initiating rifampicin-containing first-line therapy
* Parents/legal guardians/caregivers and children give informed written consent (or assent, where applicable) to be in the study
* Girls who have reached menses must have a negative pregnancy test at screening and be willing to adhere to two effective methods of contraception (barrier and a non-barrier form of contraception during the study, starting at least 14 days prior to enrolment) if sexually active. The parents/caregivers will be counselled together with the child if the child tests positive in order to reduce any social harm which may arise.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History or presence of known allergy or contraindications to DTG
* Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), OR ALT ≥3xULN and bilirubin ≥2xULN
* Severe hepatic impairment or unstable liver disease (as defined by the presence of ascites, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, hypoalbuminaemia, oesophageal or gastric varices, or persistent jaundice), known biliary abnormalities (except for Gilbert's syndrome or asymptomatic gallstones)
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* A concurrent illness that could influence drug PK, i.e. severe diarrhoea, vomiting, renal or liver disease
* Treatment with concomitant medications known to have interactions with DTG
* Participants that are eligible for the study but refuse to give consent and/or assent

Where this trial is running

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions TuberculosisHivDolutegravirPaediatricsHIV/TB co-infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.