The Data Collection o­n Adverse events of Anti-HIV Drugs (DAD) is a prospective multi-cohort study of HIV-infected persons under active follow up. The purpose of the study is to assess the incidence of myocardial infarction among HIV/AIDS patients who are receiving anti-retroviral therapy.

11 cohorts worldwide are participating, with a total current enrolment of more than 35,000 patients from 188 clinics in 21 countries in Europe, USA and Australia. The patients have contributed more than 75, 000 person-years of follow-up as of February 1st 2004. The original study population of 23,441 were enrolled December 1999 - April 2001, and is referred to as D:A:D Cohort I; additional 12,900 were enrolled in D:A:D Cohort II throughout the Spring 2004. The study is projected to continue at least until 2006, and provide more than 130,000 person-years of data.

The data collection for DAD takes place at least every 8 months. Each cohort gathers and computerises its data; subsequently it is merged in a database in Copenhagen. The core data in the study is information o­n incident cases of cardiovascular disease, which are reported immediately to the local cohort coordinating office by fax, using the event reporting forms.

The data collection also includes information o­n risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as previous myocardial infarction or stroke, hereditary tendency, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and hypertension.

Support for the study is given by 'The Oversight Committee for The Evaluation of Metabolic Complications of HAART', and a number of pharmaceutical companies producing anti-retroviral drugs contribute financially.

The study is supervised by a Steering Committee with representation from each cohort, EMEA, patient community and industry.

Updated: 13 Dec 2005