Diagnostic accuracy of HLA-B*57:01 screening for the prediction of abacavir hypersensitivity and clinical utility of the test: a meta-analytic review

Aim: To determine diagnostic accuracy of HLA-B*57:01 testing for prediction of abacavir-induced hypersensitivity and to quantify the clinical benefit of pretreatment screening through a meta-analytic review of published studies.

Methods: A comprehensive search was performed up to June 2013. The methodological quality of relevant studies was assessed by the QUADAS-2 tool. The pooled diagnostic estimates were calculated using a random effect model.

Results: Despite the presence of heterogeneity in sensitivity or specificity estimates, the pooled diagnostic odds ratio to detect abacavir-induced hypersensitivity on the basis of clinical criteria was 33.07 (95% CI: 22.33-48.97, I(2): 13.9%), while diagnostic odds ratio for detection of immunologically confirmed abacavir hypersensitivity was 1141 (95% CI: 409-3181, I(2): 0%). Pooled analysis of risk ratio showed that prospective HLA-B*57:01 testing significantly reduced the incidence of abacavir-induced hypersensitivity.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates an excellent diagnostic accuracy of HLA-B*57:01 testing to detect immunologically confirmed abacavir hypersensitivity and corroborates existing recommendations.