HIV-HBV Coinfection-Current Challenges for Virologic Monitoring

HIV-HBV coinfected patients have higher rates of liver-related morbidity, hospitalizations, and mortality compared to HBV or HIV mono-infected ones. Clinical studies have shown an accelerated progression of liver fibrosis and an increased incidence of HCC, resulting from the combined action of HBV replication, immune-mediated hepatocytolysis, and HIV-induced immunosuppression and immunosenescence. Antiviral therapy based on dually active antiretrovirals is highly efficient, but late initiation, global disparities in accessibility, suboptimal regimens, and adherence issues may limit its impact on the development of end-stage liver disease. In this paper, we review the mechanisms of liver injuries in HIV-HBV coinfected patients and the novel biomarkers that can be used for treatment monitoring in HIV-HBV coinfected persons: markers that assess viral suppression, markers for liver fibrosis evaluation, and predictors of oncogenesis.

Influence of HIV and its treatment on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in women from a low- to middle-income country

OBJECTIVE

To establish a potential relationship between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and HIV infection.

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study involving 300 women with HDP was undertaken from September 2018 to February 2019 in a regional hospital in Durban, South Africa, a setting with a background HIV prevalence of 45% among pregnant women. All women with new-onset elevation of blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy were enrolled and, following informed consent, the relevant information was extracted from their files.

RESULTS

Of the 300 women with HDP, the HIV prevalence was 30%, compared with the historical seroprevalence of 45% within the hospital (P = 0.028). For all categories of HDP, there were fewer primigravid women among women living with HIV (WLHIV), compared with those uninfected (30% vs 50.2%, respectively; P = 0.001). HDP developed later in gestation in WLHIV compared with uninfected women (32.6 weeks vs 34 weeks, respectively; P = 0.023), however, there were significant maternal complications of abruption and elevated liver enzymes among WLHIV (P = 0.02 and P = 0.014, respectively). Despite this, the perinatal outcomes were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

HIV or its treatment seems to have a protective effect in the development of HDP; however, the complications of HDP may be significant in WLHIV receiving treatment.

CD4/CD8 Ratio Recovery Among People Living With HIV Starting With First-Line Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors: A Prospective Regional Cohort Analysis

BACKGROUND

We evaluated trends in CD4/CD8 ratio among people living with HIV (PLWH) starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) with first-line integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) compared with non-INSTI-based ART, and the incidence of CD4/CD8 ratio normalization.

METHODS

All PLWH enrolled in adult HIV cohorts of IeDEA Asia-Pacific who started with triple-ART with at least 1 CD4, CD8 (3-month window), and HIV-1 RNA measurement post-ART were included. CD4/CD8 ratio normalization was defined as a ratio ≥1. Longitudinal changes in CD4/CD8 ratio were analyzed by linear mixed model, the incidence of the normalization by Cox regression, and the differences in ratio recovery by group-based trajectory modeling.

RESULTS

A total of 5529 PLWH were included; 80% male, median age 35 years (interquartile range [IQR], 29-43). First-line regimens were comprised of 65% NNRTI, 19% PI, and 16% INSTI. The baseline CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.19 (IQR, 0.09-0.33). PLWH starting with NNRTI- (P = 0.005) or PI-based ART (P = 0.030) had lower CD4/CD8 recovery over 5 years compared with INSTI. During 24,304 person-years of follow-up, 32% had CD4/CD8 ratio normalization. After adjusting for age, sex, baseline CD4, HIV-1 RNA, HCV, and year of ART initiation, PLWH started with INSTI had higher odds of achieving CD4/CD8 ratio normalization than NNRTI- (P < 0.001) or PI-based ART (P = 0.015). In group-based trajectory modeling analysis, INSTI was associated with greater odds of being in the higher ratio trajectory.

CONCLUSIONS

INSTI use was associated with higher rates of CD4/CD8 ratio recovery and normalization in our cohort. These results emphasize the relative benefits of INSTI-based ART for immune restoration.

HIV Incidence, Recent HIV Infection, and Associated Factors, Kenya, 2007-2018

Nationally representative surveys provide an opportunity to assess trends in recent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection based on assays for recent HIV infection. We assessed HIV incidence in Kenya in 2018 and trends in recent HIV infection among adolescents and adults in Kenya using nationally representative household surveys conducted in 2007, 2012, and 2018. To assess trends, we defined a recent HIV infection testing algorithm (RITA) that classified as recently infected (<12 months) those HIV-positive participants that were recent on the HIV-1 limiting antigen (LAg)-avidity assay without evidence of antiretroviral use. We assessed factors associated with recent and long-term (≥12 months) HIV infection versus no infection using a multinomial logit model while accounting for complex survey design. Of 1,523 HIV-positive participants in 2018, 11 were classified as recent. Annual HIV incidence was 0.14% in 2018 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.057-0.23], representing 35,900 (95% CI 16,300-55,600) new infections per year in Kenya among persons aged 15-64 years. The percentage of HIV infections that were determined to be recent was similar in 2007 and 2012 but fell significantly from 2012 to 2018 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.31, p < .001]. Compared to no HIV infection, being aged 25-34 versus 35-64 years (aOR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.4-13), having more lifetime sex partners (aOR = 5.2, 95% CI 1.6-17 for 2-3 partners and aOR = 8.6, 95% CI 2.8-26 for ≥4 partners vs. 0-1 partners), and never having tested for HIV (aOR = 4.1, 95% CI 1.5-11) were independently associated with recent HIV infection. Although HIV remains a public health priority in Kenya, HIV incidence estimates and trends in recent HIV infection support a significant decrease in new HIV infections from 2012 to 2018, a period of rapid expansion in HIV diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

The pattern and magnitude of T cell subsets reconstitution during ten years of ART with viral suppression in HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND

The extent of immune reconstitution in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected persons receiving long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) with controlled viral load has been controversial. We studied the extent and speed of T cell subsets retrieval after long-term antiretroviral treatment.

METHODS

662 HIV-infected patients followed at least 2 years whose plasma HIV-1 RNA load <50 copies/mL were evaluated for longitudinal and functional phenotypic indices of immune restoration. Determinants of change in magnitude and importance of recovery have been evaluated using mixed linear regression models.

RESULTS

Almost all robust immune restorations achieved occurred after 2-3 years of ART. The median CD4 lymphocyte count increased 449 cells/μl (IQR 303-604) from 226 cells/μl (IQR 83-336) at baseline during the third year (P < 0.001); CD4+T lymphocyte rises during the sixth and tenth years were not significant. Naive and memory CD4+T cells'reconstitution occurred in the sixth and eighth years of ART but no significant change thereafter. The change of CD45RA+Naïve and CD45RA-memory CD4+T cell reconstitution is different in baseline CD4+T cell counts <100 cells/μl group and in baseline CD4+T cell counts >100 cells/μl group. Activation antigen expression (CD38 or HLA-DR) on CD8 lymphocytes declined mostly during the first till second year, and after 4 years, activation antigen expression on patient lymphocytes showed no significant change. The proportion of CD4 cells expressing CD28 climbed during the first years and reached normal levels in the second year.

CONCLUSIONS

Immune restoration was dependent on the capacity of immune system during the first 2-3 year of ART. But the significant change of CD4 and compartments of CD4+T cells could persist until 6-8 years. The pattern of CD38+CD8+, HLA-DR+CD8+, CD28+CD4+ T cells could quickly return to normal level and no significant change after sufficient time of ART. In general, the immune response compared to the baseline status may be the overall effect from the age and time of antiretroviral treatment.

Persistent CD38 Expression on CD8 + T Lymphocytes Contributes to Altered Mitochondrial Function and Chronic Inflammation in People With HIV, Despite ART

BACKGROUND

Age-associated comorbidities are higher in people with HIV (PWH) than HIV-negative individuals. This is partially attributed to immune activation and CD38 expression on T cells driving chronic inflammation. However, the exact contribution of CD38-expressing T cells on the proinflammatory response is not completely understood.

METHODS

CD38-expressing CD8 + T lymphocytes were measured from PWH and HIV-negative individuals. Mitochondrial mass, superoxide content, membrane depolarization of CD4 + and CD8 + T lymphocytes, and cytokine production after HIV(Gag)-specific peptide stimulation from CD38 + CD8 + T lymphocytes of PWH were measured to link biological effects of CD38 expression on cellular metabolism.

RESULTS

The frequency of activated CD8 + CD38 + T cells persists in PWH on ART compared with HIV-negative individuals. Higher CD38 expression is associated with mitochondrial biogenesis and HIV(Gag)-specific proinflammatory cytokine production in PWH. Blockade of CD38 results in lower Gag-specific cytokine production.

CONCLUSIONS

ART only partially reduced HIV-induced CD38 expression on CD8 + T cells. CD8 + CD38 + T cells are highly activated in vivo, and HIV-specific stimulation in vitro augments CD38 expression, contributing to a proinflammatory response despite virologic control with ART. Therefore, CD38 is a potential therapeutic target for mitigating chronic inflammation that likely drives cellular aging, comorbidities, and end-organ disease in PWH.

A randomized study of intensified antiretroviral treatment monitoring versus standard-of-care for prevention of drug resistance and antiretroviral treatment switch

INTRODUCTION

Standard-of-care antiretroviral treatment (ART) monitoring in low and middle-income countries consists of annual determination of HIV-RNA viral load with confirmatory viral load testing in case of viral rebound. We evaluated an intensified monitoring strategy of three-monthly viral load testing with additional drug exposure and drug resistance testing in case of viral rebound.

METHODS

We performed an open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT) at a rural South African healthcare clinic, enrolling adults already receiving or newly initiating first-line ART. During 96 weeks follow-up, intervention participants received three-monthly viral load testing and sequential point-of-care drug exposure testing and DBS-based drug resistance testing in case of rebound above 1000 copies/ml. Control participants received standard-of-care monitoring according to the WHO guidelines.

RESULTS

Five hundred one participants were included, of whom 416 (83.0%) were randomized at 24 weeks. Four hundred one participants were available for intention-to-treat analysis. Viral rebound occurred in 9.0% (18/199) of intervention participants and in 11.9% (24/202) of controls ( P  = 0.445). Time to detection of rebound was 375 days [interquartile range (IQR): 348-515] in intervention participants and 360 days [IQR: 338-464] in controls [hazard ratio: 0.88 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.46-1.66]; P  = 0.683]. Duration of viral rebound was 87 days [IQR: 70-110] in intervention participants and 101 days [IQR: 78-213] in controls ( P  = 0.423). In the control arm, three patients with confirmed failure were switched to second-line ART. In the intervention arm, of three patients with confirmed failure, switch could initially be avoided in two cases.

CONCLUSION

Three-monthly viral load testing did not significantly reduce the duration of viraemia when compared with standard-of-care annual viral load testing, providing randomized trial evidence in support of annual viral load monitoring.

Impact of preexisting nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance on the effectiveness of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in treatment experience patients

INTRODUCTION

Few clinical trials and cohort studies have evaluated the efficacy of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) in people with HIV (PWH) with preexisting M184V/I or other nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance-associated mutations (RAMs). Real-world data are also scarce.

METHODS

Retrospective review of treatment-experienced patients who started B/F/TAF in a cohort of PWH. HIV-RNA less than 50 copies/ml was analyzed at 48 weeks in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (missing=failure) and per protocol analysis (patients with missing data or changes for reasons other than virological failure were excluded). Results were compared in patients with and without previous NRTI-RAMs.

RESULTS

Five hundred and six PWH were included (16.2% women). Median age and time with HIV infection were 52.3 and 18.9 years, respectively. At baseline, viral load was less than 50 copies/ml in 440 patients (86.6%). Overall, 69 (13.6%) participants had documented preexisting NRTI-RAMs: 57 (11.2%) M184V/I and 30 (5.9%) tenofovir RAMs. In the ITT analysis, 83% (420/506) had HIV-RNA less than 50 copies/ml [82.2% (359/437) and 88.4% (61/69) in persons without and with NRTI-RAMs, respectively ( P  = 0.2)]. In the per protocol analysis 94.2% (420/445) had HIV-RNA less than 50 copies/ml [94.4% (359/380) vs. 93.8% (61/65); P  = 0.2]. A total of 61 participants were excluded from the per protocol analysis (23 missing data, 19 discontinued B/F/TAF because of toxicity, 13 for other reasons, and 6 died).

CONCLUSION

Switching to B/F/TAF is well tolerated and effective in the real-world setting, even in patients with preexisting NRTI RAMs, such as M184V and RAMs conferring resistance to tenofovir. These results confirm the robustness of this combination.

Routine programmatic data show a positive population-level impact of HIV self-testing: the case of Côte d'Ivoire and implications for implementation

OBJECTIVES

We estimate the effects of ATLAS's HIV self-testing (HIVST) kit distribution on conventional HIV testing, diagnoses, and antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiations in Côte d'Ivoire.

DESIGN

Ecological study using routinely collected HIV testing services program data.

METHODS

We used the ATLAS's programmatic data recorded between the third quarter of 2019 and the first quarter of 2021, in addition to data from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief dashboard. We performed ecological time series regression using linear mixed models. Results are presented per 1000 HIVST kits distributed through ATLAS.

RESULTS

We found a negative but nonsignificant effect of the number of ATLAS' distributed HIVST kits on conventional testing uptake (-190 conventional tests; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -427 to 37). The relationship between the number of HIVST kits and HIV diagnoses was significant and positive (+8 diagnosis; 95% CI: 0 to 15). No effect was observed on ART initiation (-2 ART initiations; 95% CI: -8 to 5).

CONCLUSIONS

ATLAS' HIVST kit distribution had a positive impact on HIV diagnoses. Despite the negative signal on conventional testing, even if only 20% of distributed kits are used, HIVST would increase access to testing. The methodology used in this paper offers a promising way to leverage routinely collected programmatic data to estimate the effects of HIVST kit distribution in real-world programs.

HIV viral load suppression before and after COVID-19 in Kinshasa and Haut Katanga, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in unique programmatic opportunities to test hypotheses related to the initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and viral load (VL) suppression during a global health crisis, which would not otherwise have been possible.

Objectives

To generate practice-relevant evidence on the impact of initiating ART pre-COVID-19 versus during the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV VL.

Method

Logistic regression was performed on data covering 6596 persons with HIV whose VL data were available, out of 36 585 persons who were initiated on ART between 01 April 2019 and 30 March 2021.

Results

After controlling for covariates such as age, gender, duration on ART, tuberculosis status at the time of the last visit, and rural vs urban status, the odds of having a VL < 1000 copies/mL were significantly higher for clients who started ART during the COVID-19 pandemic than the year before COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.50; confidence interval [CI]: 1.55–4.01; P < 0.001). Odds of having a VL < 1000 copies/mL were also significantly higher among female participants than male (AOR: 1.23; CI: 1.02–1.48), among patients attending rural clinics compared to those attending urban clinics (AOR: 1.83; CI: 1.47–2.28), and in clients who were 15 years or older at the time of their last visit (AOR: 1.50; CI: 1.07–2.11).

Conclusion

Viral loads did not deteriorate despite pandemic-induced changes in HIV services such as the expansion of multi-month dispensing (MMD), which may have played a protective role regardless of the general negative impacts of response to the COVID-19 crises on communities and individuals.

What this study adds

This research capitalises on the natural experiment of COVID-19-related changes in HIV services and provides new practice-relevant research evidence.

Emergent dolutegravir resistance in integrase-naïve, treatment experienced patients from Zimbabwe

We report two cases of dolutegravir (DTG) resistance in highly treatment experienced patients. Monitoring for treatment failure and adherence support is important in highly treatment experienced patients taking DTG.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

Dolutegravir is the mainstay of HIV treatment programmes and emergence of drug resistance to DTG is of public health relevance.

Impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on prescriptions for antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment in the United States, 2019-2021

OBJECTIVE

To assess disruption in healthcare services for HIV treatment by national emergency in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States.

DESIGN

Time-series analysis.

METHODS

We analyzed the IQVIA Real World Data-Longitudinal Prescriptions Database and calculated time trends in the weekly number of persons with active antiretroviral prescriptions for HIV treatment, and of persons who obtained antiretroviral prescriptions during January 2017-March 2021. We used interrupted time-series models to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antiretroviral therapy (ART) use between March 2020 and March 2021.

RESULTS

We found that the weekly number of persons with active antiretroviral prescriptions decreased by an average 2.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.8% to -1.1%), compared to predicted use, during March 2020 through March 2021. The weekly number of persons who obtained antiretroviral prescriptions decreased 4.5% (95% CI: -6.0% to -3.0%), compared to the predicted number. Men, persons aged ≤34 years, privately insured persons, and persons in medication assistance programs had greater decreases than other groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a decrease in the number of persons with active antiretroviral prescriptions during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and the number did not return to levels expected in the absence of the pandemic. Disruptions in HIV care and decreased ART may lead to lower levels of viral suppression and immunologic control, and increased HIV transmission in the community.

Treatment-Experienced Patients on Third-Line Therapy: A Retrospective Cohort of Treatment Outcomes at the HIV Advanced Treatment Centre, University Teaching Hospital, Zambia

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake continues to increase across sub-Saharan Africa and emergence of drug-resistant HIV mutations poses significant challenges to management of treatment-experienced patients with virologic failure. In Zambia, new third-line ART (TLART) guidelines including use of dolutegravir (DTG) were introduced in 2018. We assessed virologic suppression, immunologic response, and HIV drug-resistant mutations (DRMs) among patients on TLART at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia. We conducted a retrospective review of patients enrolled at UTH on TLART for >6 months between January 2010 and June 30, 2021. CD4 and HIV viral load (VL) at TLART initiation and post-initiation were assessed to determine virologic and immunologic outcomes. Regression analysis using bivariate and multivariate methods to describe baseline characteristics, virologic, and immunologic response to TLART was performed. A total of 345 patients met inclusion criteria; women comprised 57.6% (199/345) of the cohort. Median age at HIV diagnosis was 30 (interquartile range: 17.3-36.8). In 255 (73.8%) patients with at least two VLs, VL decreased from mean of 3.45 log₁₀ copies/mL (standard deviation [SD]: 2.02) to 1.68 log₁₀ copies/mL (SD: 1.79). Common ARVs prescribed included DTG (89.9%), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (68.7%), and darunavir boosted with ritonavir (66.4%); 170 (49.3%) patients had genotypes; mutations consisted of 88.8% nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, 86.5% non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, and 55.9% protease inhibitor. VL suppression to <1,000 copies/mL was achieved in 225 (78.9%) patients. DRM frequency ranged from 56% to 89% depending on drug class. Treatment-experienced patients receiving TLART in Zambia achieved high rates of suppression despite high proportions of HIV mutations illustrating TLART effectiveness in the DTG era.

Ethics and regulatory complexities posed by a pragmatic clinical trial: a case study from Lilongwe, Malawi

Background

Pragmatic clinical trials generally rely on real world data and have the potential to generate real world evidence. This approach arose from concerns that many trial results did not adequately inform real world practice. However, maintaining the real world setting during the conduct of a trial and ensuring adequate protection for research participants can be challenging. Best practices in research oversight for pragmatic clinical trials are nascent and underdeveloped, especially in developing countries.

Methods

We use the PRECIS-2 tool to present a case study from Lilongwe in Malawi to describe ethical and regulatory challenges encountered during the conduct of a pragmatic trial and suggest possible solutions.

Results

In this article, we highlight the following six issues: (1) one public facility hosting several pragmatic trials within the same period; (2) research participants refusing financial incentives; (3) inadequate infrastructure and high workload to conduct research; (4) silos among partner organisations involved in delivery of health care; (5) individuals influencing the implementation of revised national guidelines; (6) difficulties with access to electronic medical records.

Conclusion

Multiple stakeholder engagement is critical to the conduct of pragmatic trials, and even with careful stakeholder engagement, continuous monitoring by gatekeepers is essential. In the Malawian context, active engagement of the district research committees can complement the work of the research ethics committees (RECs).

Cognitive Assessment of Young Adults Before and After Initiation of Combination Antiretroviral Therapy

Objective

In the determination and monitoring of neurocognitive disorders in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals, there is a need for significantly more practical methods which provide results in a shorter time than the tests that require challenging and specialized expertise. This study aimed to evaluate cognitive functions and the factors affecting them in naïve HIV-positive patients using by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test before and after the initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy.

Materials and Methods

HIV-positive, treatment-naïve patients monitored between January-June 2017 were included in the study. The MoCA test was performed at the beginning and the sixth month of the treatment.

Results

Forty male patients were included in the study. The mean age was calculated as 29.1±4.0. When the factors affecting the MoCA score were examined, there was a significant relationship between the education level and the MoCA score. Smoking, using alcohol, and substance did not have a significant impact on baseline MoCA values. A significant correlation was found between cluster differentiation 4 (CD4) count and HIV RNA level and attention function. There was a significant increase in the total MoCA score and the MoCA subgroup scores at the end of the sixth month of the treatment.

Conclusion

MoCA test is one of the most practical tests that can be applied in a short time period, and it was found useful in evaluating the changes in the cognitive functions of HIV-positive patients during antiretroviral treatment.

Neurocognitive performance and quality of life of older adults with HIV on antiretroviral treatment in Northern Thailand

Introduction

With virologic suppression and longer life expectancy, older adults with HIV (OAHIV) are at risk for neurocognitive impairment (NCI). This study investigated neurocognitive performance, quality of life (QOL) and the association between OAHIV determinants.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in OAHIV aged ≥ 50 years on antiretroviral treatment at community hospitals in Northern Thailand between September and November 2020. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Thai Version (MoCA‐T) and the Thai‐validated Medical Outcomes Study HIV (MOS‐HIV) were used. NCI was defined as MoCA‐T scores <25: 16–24 for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and <16 for dementia. For QOL, higher scores meant better QOL; a physical health summary T‐score ≥50 was defined as good QOL.

Results

Overall, 269 OAHIV were enrolled; 59% were female and 99% had virologic suppression. The current median age was 61.8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 58.9–65.7). The median duration of antiretroviral treatment was 10.5 years (IQR 8.5–13.5). The current median CD4 count (234 tested) was 484 cells/mm³ (IQR 339–634), and 99% had plasma HIV RNA <40 copies/ml (229 tested). The median MoCA‐T score was 20.0 (IQR 16.3–23.0). There were 234 OAHIV (87.3%) with NCI: 182 (67.9%) with aMCI and 52 (19.4%) with dementia. A hundred and ninety (70.6%) had good QOL. Bivariate analysis revealed no correlation between MoCA‐T scores and QOL. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that MoCA‐T score was associated with older age (r = –0.144, p = 0.002), lower education (r = 0.629, p < 0.001), lower income (r = 0.797, p = 0.040) and shorter treatment duration (r = 0.189, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

The vast majority of OAHIV with virologic suppression had NCI. Approximately two‐thirds had a mild impairment and one‐fifth had dementia. Neurocognitive performance and QOL were not correlated. Addressing mild NCI would enable more targeted monitoring. Early intervention and support could minimize functional impairment with increased age.

Major revision version 11.0 of the European AIDS Clinical Society Guidelines 2021

BACKGROUND

The European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) Guidelines were revised in 2021 for the 17th time with updates on all aspects of HIV care.

KEY POINTS OF THE GUIDELINES UPDATE

Version 11.0 of the Guidelines recommend six first-line treatment options for antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve adults: tenofovir-based backbone plus an unboosted integrase inhibitor or plus doravirine; abacavir/lamivudine plus dolutegravir; or dual therapy with lamivudine or emtricitabine plus dolutegravir. Recommendations on preferred and alternative first-line combinations from birth to adolescence were included in the new paediatric section made with Penta. Long-acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine was included as a switch option and, along with fostemsavir, was added to all drug-drug interaction (DDI) tables. Four new DDI tables for anti-tuberculosis drugs, anxiolytics, hormone replacement therapy and COVID-19 therapies were introduced, as well as guidance on screening and management of anxiety disorders, transgender health, sexual health for women and menopause. The sections on frailty, obesity and cancer were expanded, and recommendations for the management of people with diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk were revised extensively. Treatment of recently acquired hepatitis C is recommended with ongoing risk behaviour to reduce transmission. Bulevirtide was included as a treatment option for the hepatitis Delta virus. Drug-resistant tuberculosis guidance was adjusted in accordance with the 2020 World Health Organization recommendations. Finally, there is new guidance on COVID-19 management with a focus on continuance of HIV care.

CONCLUSIONS

In 2021, the EACS Guidelines were updated extensively and broadened to include new sections. The recommendations are available as a free app, in interactive web format and as an online pdf.

Use of Tenofovir Alafenamide/Emtricitabine/Elvitegravir-Cobicistat in HIV-Naive Patients with Advanced Disease: GENIS Study

Objective: The primary endpoint of the study was to determine the proportion of patients with HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL at 48 weeks. Design: Phase IV, multicentric, open-label, single-arm clinical trial of participants recruited in 2018−2019 to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine/elvitegravir-cobicistat (TAF/FTC/EVG-c) as first-line treatment in HIV-1 infected naïve participants with advanced disease. Methods: Adverse events were graded according to the Division of AIDS scale version 2.0. Quantitative variables were recorded as median and interquartile range, and qualitative variables as absolute number and percentage. T-Student or Wilcoxon tests were used to analyze intragroup differences of the continuous variables. Results: Fifty participants were recruited with a baseline median CD4 lymphocyte count of 116 cells/µL and a viral load of 218,938 copies/mL. The proportion of patients with viral load <50 copies/mL at week 48 was 94% in the per-protocol analysis, with a median time of 1.9 months to achieve it. Three adverse events attributed to the study drug caused trial discontinuation. Conclusions: the use of TAF/FTC/EVG-c in patients with advanced HIV disease in our study demonstrated efficacy comparable to data from pivotal clinical trials with a good safety profile.

Prevalence, socio-demographics and service use determinants associated with disclosure of HIV/AIDS status to infected children: a systematic review and meta-analysis by 1985-2021

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a public health issue of global importance. To our knowledge, no previous meta-analysis documenting the prevalence, socio-demographic, and service use determinants associated with HIV/AIDS disclosure to infected children has been conducted. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence, socio-demographics and service use determinants associated with the disclosure of HIV/AIDS status to infected children.

METHODS

Studies in English published between 01 January 1985 and 01 November 2021, and available on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane electronic databases were searched. After reviewing for study duplicates, the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes (PICO) criteria. We used fixed and random-effects meta-analysis models to estimate the pooled prevalence, pooled odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

After article duplicates were excluded, assessments of abstracts were completed, and full-text papers evaluated, 37 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The prevalence of the disclosure of HIV status to children was measured to be 41% in this research. The odds that a child of 10 years and older is informed that they are HIV-positive is 3.01 time the odds that younger children are informed. Those children who had primary or lower schooling level were 2.41 times more likely to be informed of their HIV-positive status than children with higher levels of schooling. Children who had a non-biological parents were 3.17 times more likely to have been disclose being HIV-positive; social support (OR = 8.29, 95%CI = 2.34, 29.42), children who had higher levels of social supports were 8.29 times more likely to disclose HIV-positive; the primary educational level of caregivers (OR = 2.03, 95%CI = 1.43, 2.89), respondents who had caregivers with primary education level were 2.03 times more likely to disclose HIV-positive; antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence (OR = 2.59, 95%CI = 1.96, 3.42), participants who adhered to ART were 2.59 times more likely to disclose HIV-positive and hospital follow-up (OR = 2.82, 95%CI = 1.85, 4.29), those who had hospital follow-up were 2.82 times more likely to disclose HIV-positive; were all significantly associated with the disclosure of HIV/AIDS status to infected children.

CONCLUSION

Such data are of importance for healthcare pediatrics HIV care professionals. Facilitating HIV diagnosis and disclosure to the infected children and ensuring access to HIV treatment will likely prevent secondary HIV transmission. Healthcare professionals are expected to provide age-appropriate counseling services to this population.

Antiretroviral drug switches to zidovudine-based regimens and loss to follow-up during the first COVID-19 lockdown in Bali, Indonesia

Objectives

International lockdowns during the COVID‐19 pandemic impacted antiretroviral drug supplies in Indonesia. We assessed the impact of antiretroviral treatment (ART) provision and being lost to follow‐up (LTFU) on people living with HIV, attending a key population‐focused HIV clinic in Denpasar, Bali.

Methods

This was a retrospective note review of anonymized data from adult Indonesian patients living with HIV. We collected demographic data and information on being LTFU, and assessed the numbers of patients impacted by ART switches from fixed‐dose combination (FDC) tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz to multi‐pill zidovudine‐based regimens, during the first international lockdown from March 2020.

Results

Records of 260 Indonesian adult patients registered for HIV care and prescribed ART were reviewed; 240 (92.3%) were men, and 90% were men who have sex with men. Between 13 March and 28 May 2020, 214 (87%) out of 247 patients (previously diagnosed with HIV) had to switch to individual, multi‐pill zidovudine‐based regimens from their FDC. The switch lasted a mean of 35 days (range 10–85). Twenty‐five patients (10%) were LTFU; patients who switched were more likely to remain in care. Data on viral load status and toxicity are lacking as laboratory testing requires self‐payment.

Conclusions

The majority of patients living with HIV had no choice but to switch to multi‐pill, zidovudine‐based regimens.

Despite significant efforts to minimize the impact of lockdown on care, 10% of patients were LTFU. Patients switching ART required greater clinic attention and support, improving retention.

Complete national data are needed to understand the impact of ART stockouts on virological suppression and drug resistance throughout Indonesia.

Loss to follow-up among human immunodeficiency virus-positive postpartum women and its predictive factors: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) is essential in preventing mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and postpartum discontinuation of ART is associated with adverse outcomes. This study identified factors associated with postpartum follow-up of HIV-positive women.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 170 HIV-infected pregnant women who received regular obstetric examination and delivered successfully in Beijing between 2003 and 2020.The women's sociodemographic, clinical, treatment, obstetric, and gestational characteristics were analyzed. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) of loss to follow-up between levels of confounders.

RESULTS

In the multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, women with a longer time from HIV diagnosis to delivery per year had a 1.4-timeshigher risk (AHR = 1.433, 95% CI: 0.897-2.229) and a higher rate of loss to follow-up than the other women. Perinatal health care (AHR = 0.003,95% CI: 0.000-0.105) and gestational age above 37 weeks at delivery (AHR = 0.294, 95% CI: 0.005-15.818) were associated with a longer follow-up of postpartum HIV-positive women, when compared to women who did not receive perinatal healthcare and who delivered before 37 weeks of gestation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The longer time from HIV diagnosis to delivery, access to perinatal care, and full-term gestation at delivery improved postpartum ART adherence and follow-up among HIV-positive women. Early initiation of ART, integration of adult ART into prevention of mother-to-child transmission, combination ART with maternal healthcare, and enhanced pregnancy care will improve ART adherence among HIV-positive women after delivery.

Experience of dolutegravir-based antiretroviral treatment and risks of diabetes mellitus

HIV-infected people have started to live longer since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, however various co-morbid illnesses have emerged. Three HIV-infected individuals, all at least 43 years old, reported with a new onset of type 2 diabetes after switching to dolutegravir-combined antiretroviral therapy regimen. These three people were switched to integrase strand transfer inhibitor (dolutegravir)-based first-line antiretroviral treatment after receiving non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-combined first-line antiretroviral treatment for at least 6 years, as recommended by the World Health Organization for Sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia.All of the given cases had normal plasma fasting sugar (fasting blood sugar <100 mg/dL) at the time of switching. Polyuria, polydipsia, considerable weight loss, and fatigue were all classified as signs of diabetes mellitus in the two male cases. In addition, their laboratory results demonstrated hyperglycemia (plasma fasting blood sugar > 200 mg/dL and urine glucose level ⩾2+) with no ketonuria after switching to dolutegravir for 4–10 months. A glycemic control was achieved, and metformin medication was continued. After 6 months of dolutegravir treatment, the third female case developed diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hyperglycemia (fasting blood glucose level 600 mg/dL, urine glucose level 3+, and ketonuria 3+). To recover from diabetic ketoacidosis, the patient was given intravenous normal saline and regular insulin. Her glycemic control was then restored, and she was switched to NPH insulin. For all of the cases presented, the dolutegravir-based regimen was maintained. Antiretroviral regimens using dolutegravir have the potential to cause hyperglycemia and other side effects. As a result, blood glucose monitoring is required throughout treatment initiation and regularly throughout treatment follow-up, particularly for those on dolutegravir-combined antiretroviral therapy regimens.

Parallel analysis of transcription, integration, and sequence of single HIV-1 proviruses

HIV-1-infected cells that persist despite antiretroviral therapy (ART) are frequently considered "transcriptionally silent," but active viral gene expression may occur in some cells, challenging the concept of viral latency. Applying an assay for profiling the transcriptional activity and the chromosomal locations of individual proviruses, we describe a global genomic and epigenetic map of transcriptionally active and silent proviral species and evaluate their longitudinal evolution in persons receiving suppressive ART. Using genome-wide epigenetic reference data, we show that proviral transcriptional activity is associated with activating epigenetic chromatin features in linear proximity of integration sites and in their inter- and intrachromosomal contact regions. Transcriptionally active proviruses were actively selected against during prolonged ART; however, this pattern was violated by large clones of virally infected cells that may outcompete negative selection forces through elevated intrinsic proliferative activity. Our results suggest that transcriptionally active proviruses are dynamically evolving under selection pressure by host factors.