2013 Articles

Clinical trials provide the evidence critical for patient empowerment

De Cock, Kevin M.; El-Sadr, Wafaa Mahmoud

In this issue of the Journal, Delva et al. discuss in a Viewpoint our Perspective article published in the New England Journal of Medicine in which we argue for the urgent need for a clinical trial on when to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected patients in sub-Saharan Africa. The authors posit that there is currently sufficient evidence to make informed decisions regarding this issue and consequently individual patients’ autonomy should be the key factor in determining the timing for ART initiation.