Associations between HIV infection and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis

HIV indirectly accelerates coronary artery disease by promoting the effects of risk factors: longitudinal observational study

Our objective was to assess whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection directly or indirectly promotes the progression of clinical characteristics of coronary artery disease (CAD). 300 African Americans with asymptomatic CAD (210 male; age: 48.0 ± 7.2 years; 226 HIV-infected) who underwent coronary CT angiography at two time points (mean follow-up: 4.0 ± 2.3 years) were randomly selected from 1429 participants of a prospective epidemiological study between May 2004 and August 2015. We calculated Agatston-scores, number of coronary plaques and segment stenosis score (SSS). Linear mixed models were used to assess the effects of HIV-infection, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, years of cocaine use on CAD. There was no significant difference in annual progression rates between HIV-infected and—uninfected regarding Agatston-scores (10.8 ± 25.1/year vs. 7.2 ± 17.8/year, p = 0.17), the number of plaques (0.2 ± 0.3/year vs. 0.3 ± 0.5/year, p = 0.11) or SSS (0.5 ± 0.8/year vs. 0.5 ± 1.3/year, p = 0.96). Multivariately, HIV-infection was not associated with Agatston-scores (8.3, CI: [− 37.2–53.7], p = 0.72), the number of coronary plaques (− 0.1, CI: [− 0.5–0.4], p = 0.73) or SSS (− 0.1, CI: [− 1.0–0.8], p = 0.84). ASCVD risk scores and years of cocaine-use significantly increased all CAD outcomes among HIV-infected individuals, but not among HIV-uninfected. Importantly, none of the HIV-medications were associated with any of the CAD outcomes. HIV-infection is not directly associated with CAD and therefore HIV-infected are not destined to have worse CAD profiles. However, HIV-infection may indirectly promote CAD progression as risk factors may have a more prominent role in the acceleration of CAD in these patients.

Short Communication: Plasma Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 and Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study

Chronic inflammation, including among people with HIV (PWH), elevates immune cell expression of lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3); however, low plasma LAG3 predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in the general population. The associations among LAG3 plasma levels, subclinical atherosclerosis, inflammation, and HIV infection have not been well described. We measured plasma LAG3 in 704 men with and without HIV from the multicenter AIDS cohort study, who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography. HIV serostatus was not independently associated with LAG3 after adjustment for sociodemographic and CVD risk factors. Current smoking status and African American race were associated with lower LAG3, and age and sTNFαRI concentration were associated with greater LAG3. LAG3 was not associated with coronary artery stenosis. Thus, no difference was found in plasma LAG3 concentration by HIV serostatus, and no association between LAG3 and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in men with and without HIV was observed.

Chronic Exposure to HIV-Derived Protein Tat Impairs Endothelial Function via Indirect Alteration in Fat Mass and Nox1-Mediated Mechanisms in Mice

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) have increased risk for atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease (CVD), the main cause of death in this population. Notwithstanding, the mechanisms of HIV-associated vascular pathogenesis are not fully elucidated. Therefore, we sought to determine whether HIV-regulatory protein Tat mediates HIV-induced endothelial dysfunction via NADPH oxidase 1 (Nox1)-dependent mechanisms. Body weight, fat mass, leptin levels, expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-producing enzymes and vascular function were assessed in C57BL/6 male mice treated with Tat for 3 days and 4 weeks. Aortic rings and human endothelial cells were also treated with Tat for 2–24 h in ex vivo and in vitro settings. Chronic (4 weeks) but not acute (3 days and 2–24 h) treatment with Tat decreased body weight, fat mass, and leptin levels and increased the expression of Nox1 and its coactivator NADPH oxidase Activator 1 (NoxA1). This was associated with impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Importantly, specific inhibition of Nox1 with GKT771 and chronic leptin infusion restored endothelial function in Tat-treated mice. These data rule out direct effects of HIV-Tat on endothelial function and imply the contribution of reductions in adipose mass and leptin production which likely explain upregulated expression of Nox1 and NoxA1. The Nox1 and leptin system may provide potential targets to improve vascular function in HIV infection-associated CVD.

Coronary Artery Calcification and Plaque Characteristics in People Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Studies have reported that people living with HIV have higher burden of subclinical cardiovascular disease, but the data are not adequately synthesized. We performed meta‐analyses of studies of coronary artery calcium and coronary plaque in people living with HIV.

Methods and Results

We performed systematic search in electronic databases, and data were abstracted in standardized forms. Study‐specific estimates were pooled using meta‐analysis. 43 reports representing 27 unique studies and involving 10 867 participants (6699 HIV positive, 4168 HIV negative, mean age 52 years, 86% men, 32% Black) were included. The HIV‐positive participants were younger (mean age 49 versus 57 years) and had lower Framingham Risk Score (mean score 6 versus 18) compared with the HIV‐negative participants. The pooled estimate of percentage with coronary artery calcium >0 was 45% (95% CI, 43%–47%) for HIV‐positive participants, and 52% (50%–53%) for HIV‐negative participants. This difference was no longer significant after adjusting for difference in Framingham Risk Score between the 2 groups. The odds ratio of coronary artery calcium progression for HIV‐positive versus ‐negative participants was 1.64 (95% CI, 0.91–2.37). The pooled estimate for prevalence of noncalcified plaque was 49% (95% CI, 47%–52%) versus 20% (95% CI, 17%–23%) for HIV‐positive versus HIV‐negative participants, respectively. Odds ratio for noncalcified plaque for HIV‐positive versus ‐negative participants was 1.23 (95% CI, 1.08–1.38). There was significant heterogeneity that was only partially explained by available study‐level characteristics.

Conclusions

People living with HIV have higher prevalence of noncalcified coronary plaques and similar prevalence of coronary artery calcium, compared with HIV‐negative individuals. Future studies on coronary artery calcium and plaque progression can further elucidate subclinical atherosclerosis in people living with HIV.

Prevalence of severe cardiovascular abnormalities amongst West African HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy followed at a referral HIV centre

Background

With success and effective long-term antiretroviral treatment (ART), HIV-infected patients live longer and frequently developed non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Few studies have been conducted in low-income countries, particularly in West Africa.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional study in the referral HIV centre of the Service des Maladies Infectieuses et Tropicales (SMIT) in Abidjan. From April to September 2015, we consecutively included HIV-1 infected patients aged 18 years and older, and on ART for a minimum of 12 months. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and entered into the centre’s computerised HIV database. Clinical assessment, laboratory tests, electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography and vascular Doppler ultrasound were performed. The main outcome was the prevalence of patients with severe cardiovascular abnormalities (SCA). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with SCA.

Results

Out of 278 patients (median age 46 years, interquartile range [IQR: 41–52]), 74.5% were female. Overall, the median duration of ART was 84 months (IQR: 54–126). One hundred and ninety-nine (71.6%) patients were on first-line ART regimen and 229 (82.4%) were virologically suppressed with a median CD4 count of 511 cells/mm³ (IQR: 347–529). Basically, cardiovascular abnormalities were mainly non-obstructive carotid plaques (19.1%) followed with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (16.5%). The overall prevalence of SCA in the study population was 7.6% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 4.7–11.3). The prevalence of SCA 7.6% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 4.7–11.3). In multivariate analysis, age > 50 years and nadir CD4 count > 200 cells/mm³ were significant predictors of SCA.

Conclusion

The prevalence of SCA is high in West African HIV-treated patients. Given the high mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases in the general population, refining disease preventive strategies in HIV-positive subjects is essential to continue prolonging their life.

Characteristics of the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study: Opportunities for Research on Aging With HIV in the Longest US Observational Study of HIV

In 2019, the National Institutes of Health combined the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) and the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) into the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study (MWCCS). In this paper, participants who made a study visit during October 2018-September 2019 (targeted for MWCCS enrollment) are described by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serostatus and compared with people living with HIV (PLWH) in the United States. Participants include 2,115 women and 1,901 men with a median age of 56 years (interquartile range, 48-63); 62% are PLWH. Study sites encompass the South (18%), the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast (45%), the West Coast (22%), and the Midwest (15%). Participant race/ethnicity approximates that of PLWH throughout the United States. Longitudinal data and specimens collected for 35 years (men) and 25 years (women) were combined. Differences in data collection and coding were reviewed, and key risk factor and comorbidity data were harmonized. For example, recent use of alcohol (62%) and tobacco (28%) are common, as are dyslipidemia (64%), hypertension (56%), obesity (42%), mildly or severely impaired daily activities (31%), depressive symptoms (28%), and diabetes (22%). The MWCCS repository includes serum, plasma, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, cell pellets, urine, cervicovaginal lavage samples, oral samples, B-cell lines, stool, and semen specimens. Demographic differences between the MACS and WIHS can confound analyses by sex. The merged MWCCS is both an ongoing observational cohort study and a valuable resource for harmonized longitudinal data and specimens for HIV-related research.

Cardiovascular risks associated with protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV

Introduction: Cumulative use of some first-generation protease inhibitors has been associated with higher rates of dyslipidemia and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The protease inhibitors most commonly in use are atazanavir and darunavir, which have fewer detrimental lipid effects and greater tolerability. This paper aims to review the evidence of a potential association of these contemporary protease inhibitors with the risk of ischemic CVD and atherosclerotic markers.Areas covered: We searched for publications of randomized trials and observational studies on PubMed from 1 January 2000 onwards, using search terms including: protease inhibitors; darunavir; atazanavir; cardiovascular disease; cardiovascular events; dyslipidemia; mortality; carotid intima media thickness; arterial elasticity; arterial stiffness and drug discontinuation. Ongoing studies registered on clinicaltrials.gov as well as conference abstracts from major HIV conferences from 2015-2020 were also searched.Expert opinion: Atazanavir and darunavir are no longer part of first-line HIV treatment, but continue to be recommended as alternative first line, second- and third-line regimens, as part of two drug regimens, and darunavir is used as salvage therapy. Although these drugs will likely remain in use globally for several years to come, baseline CVD risk should be considered when considering their use, especially as the population with HIV ages.

Cardiovascular disease and prevention among people living with HIV in South Florida

ABSTRACT

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved survival of patients living with HIV (PLWH); however, this has been accompanied by an increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although preventative measures for CVD among the general population are well described, information is limited about CVD prevention among PLWH. The goal of this study was to characterize the prevalence of CVD in our population and to assess the use of primary and secondary prevention.We performed a retrospective review of PLWH receiving primary care at a large academic center in Miami, Florida. We characterized the prevalence of CVD, CVD risk, and the use of aspirin and statins for primary and secondary CVD prevention.A total of 985 charts were reviewed (45% women, 55% men). Average age was 52.2 years. Average CD4 count was 568 cells/microL. 92.9% were receiving ART, and 71% were virologically suppressed. The median 10-year ASCVD risk was 7.3%. The prevalence of CVD was 10.4% (N = 102). The odds of having CVD was lower in patients on ART (OR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25-0.90, P = .02). The use of medications for primary and secondary prevention of CVD based on current guidelines was low: 15% and 37% for aspirin respectively, and 25% and 44% for statins.CVD risk and rates of CVD are high among PLWH and receiving ART could protect against CVD. However, the use of medications for primary and secondary prevention is low. Increased awareness of CVD risk-reduction strategies is needed among providers of PLWH to decrease the burden of CVD.

Proportion of patients eligible for statin therapy substantially varies between different cardiovascular disease risk calculators and guidelines used

Because people living with HIV (PLWH) have an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), prevention of CVD should be integrated in to HIV care. In this study, we compared the agreement between three risk scores and evaluated the indication for statin therapy based on guidelines of the American Heart Association and European AIDS Clinical Society. This study is a cross-sectional, single-center study. All PLWH ≥ 30 years without CVD and statin therapy were consecutively enrolled. Agreement between CVD risk estimates was assessed using Cohen's kappa coefficient. Of 488 PLWH, 41.2% were female with a median age of 47.8 years. D:A:D-R classified the highest proportion of patients in the categories of high/very high risk for CVD (17.8%) compared to SCORE (4.7%) and FRS (13.7%). D:A:D-R and SCORE (κ = 0.11) as well as D:A:D-R and FRS (κ = 0.33) showed poor agreement. Based on different CVD risk equations and guidelines, indication for statin therapy ranged from 34.8% to 92.0% of patients. In conclusion, a high proportion of PLWH is at high risk for CVD likely underestimated by treating physicians. Inconsistencies in the evaluation of CVD risk and primary prophylaxis should be tackled by an interdisciplinary approach.

Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with HIV Infection: An Update

Premature cardiovascular disease among the HIV-infected population is of great concern among clinicians. The increased life expectancy of HIV-infected individuals is mainly due to the early detection of infection and the advent of antiretroviral therapy. Once known as a deadly disease, HIV infection has transitioned into a chronic condition. Cardiovascular disease in this population is thought to progress early due to traditional and non-traditional risk factors. Early detection of subclinical atherosclerosis has become a center of focus in research as our complete understanding of this process it not yet well known. Advancements in cardiac computed tomography angiography has enabled the exploration of coronary artery disease by further evaluation of coronary stenosis and plaque analysis. An increase in cardiovascular event rates in this population is currently thought to be linked to antiretroviral therapy, Framingham risk factors, and HIV. We sought to present an updated comprehensive review of the available literature on HIV related to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk.

Chronic inflammatory diseases and coronary heart disease: Insights from cardiovascular CT

Epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated a consistent relationship between increased systemic inflammation and increased risk of cardiovascular events. In chronic inflammatory states, traditional risk factors only partially account for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) but underestimate total cardiovascular risk likely due to the residual risk of inflammation. Computed coronary tomography angiography (CCTA) may aid in risk stratification by noninvasively capturing early CAD, identifying high risk plaque morphology and quantifying plaque at baseline and in response to treatment. In this review, we focus on reviewing studies on subclinical atherosclerosis by CCTA in individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and psoriasis. We start with a brief review on the role of inflammation in atherosclerosis, highlight the utility of using CCTA to delineate vessel wall and plaque characteristics and discuss combining CCTA with laboratory studies and emerging technologies to complement traditional risk stratification in chronic inflammatory states.

Treated HIV Infection and Progression of Carotid Atherosclerosis in Rural Uganda: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Background Although ≈70% of the world's population of people living with HIV reside in sub-Saharan Africa, there are minimal prospective data on the contributions of HIV infection to atherosclerosis in the region. Methods and Results We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy >40 years of age in rural Uganda, along with population-based comparators not infected with HIV. We collected data on cardiovascular disease risk factors and carotid ultrasound measurements annually. We fitted linear mixed effects models, adjusted for cardiovascular disease risk factors, to estimate the association between HIV serostatus and progression of carotid intima media thickness (cIMT). We enrolled 155 people living with HIV and 154 individuals not infected with HIV and collected cIMT images at 1045 visits during a median of 4 annual visits per participant (interquartile range 3-4, range 1-5). Age (median 50.9 years) and sex (49% female) were similar by HIV serostatus. At enrollment, there was no difference in mean cIMT by HIV serostatus (0.665 versus 0.680 mm, P=0.15). In multivariable models, increasing age, blood pressure, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with greater cIMT (P<0.05), however change in cIMT per year was also no different by HIV serostatus (0.004 mm/year for HIV negative [95% CI, 0.001-0.007 mm], 0.006 mm/year for people living with HIV [95% CI, 0.003-0.008 mm], HIV×time interaction P=0.25). Conclusions In rural Uganda, treated HIV infection was not associated with faster cIMT progression. These results do not support classification of treated HIV infection as a risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis progression in rural sub-Saharan Africa. Registration URL: https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02445079.

Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease With Computed Tomography Angiography and Inflammatory and Immune Activation Biomarkers Among Adults With HIV Eligible for Primary Cardiovascular Prevention

IMPORTANCE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased among people with HIV (PWH), but little is known regarding the prevalence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) and associated biological factors in PWH with low to moderate traditional CVD risk.

OBJECTIVES

To determine unique factors associated with CVD in PWH and to assess CAD by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and critical pathways of arterial inflammation and immune activation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study among male and female PWH, aged 40 to 75 years, without known CVD, receiving stable antiretroviral therapy, and with low to moderate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk according to the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association pooled cohort equation, was part of the Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE), a large, ongoing primary prevention trial of statin therapy among PWH conducted at 31 US sites. Participants were enrolled from May 2015 to February 2018. Data analysis was conducted from May to December 2020.

EXPOSURE

HIV disease.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the prevalence and composition of CAD assessed by coronary CTA and, secondarily, the association of CAD with traditional risk indices and circulating biomarkers, including insulin, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL) 6, soluble CD14 (sCD14), sCD163, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).

RESULTS

The sample included 755 participants, with a mean (SD) age of 51 (6) years, 124 (16%) female participants, 267 (35%) Black or African American participants, 182 (24%) Latinx participants, a low median (interquartile range) ASCVD risk (4.5% [2.6%-6.8%]), and well-controlled viremia. Overall, plaque was seen in 368 participants (49%), including among 52 of 175 participants (30%) with atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk of less than 2.5%. Luminal obstruction of at least 50% was rare (25 [3%]), but vulnerable plaque and high Leaman score (ie, >5) were more frequently observed (172 of 755 [23%] and 118 of 743 [16%], respectively). Overall, 251 of 718 participants (35%) demonstrated coronary artery calcium score scores greater than 0. IL-6, LpPLA2, oxLDL, and MCP-1 levels were higher in those with plaque compared with those without (eg, median [IQR] IL-6 level, 1.71 [1.05-3.04] pg/mL vs 1.45 [0.96-2.60] pg/mL; P = .008). LpPLA2 and IL-6 levels were associated with plaque in adjusted modeling, independent of traditional risk indices and HIV parameters (eg, IL-6: adjusted odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.12; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this study of a large primary prevention cohort of individuals with well-controlled HIV and low to moderate ASCVD risk, CAD, including noncalcified, nonobstructive, and vulnerable plaque, was highly prevalent. Participants with plaque demonstrated higher levels of immune activation and arterial inflammation, independent of traditional ASCVD risk and HIV parameters.

Prevalence of incidental premature cardiac calcifications in an HIV-infected South African population using conventional computed tomography chest radiography

Background

International literature reported an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in persons living with HIV (PLWH), inferring an association with accelerated coronary atherosclerosis and plaque formation. Few local studies of HIV-related cardiac disease have confirmed this. Early identification of cardiac plaques would assist clinicians with risk stratification and implementation of treatment strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality. In resource-limited settings the use of conventional computed tomography (CT) may have a role in identifying at-risk individuals.

Objectives

This hypothesis-generating study was aimed at determining the contribution of HIV to accelerated vascular aging by assessing cardiac calcifications, incidentally detected on conventional CT chest imaging, in a young HIV-positive population.

Method

A retrospective quantitative analysis was performed at a tertiary hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, over a 5-year period. Young patients (18-45 years) who underwent CT chest imaging for varied indications were included, further sub-categorised by immune status, the presence, absence and location of calcifications. Patients with unknown HIV statuses were excluded.

Results

An increased probability of cardiac calcification with increasing age, independent of the HIV status, was established. No statistically significant difference could be demonstrated between the cohorts. In the pre-contrasted subcategory, a lower P-value suggested an 'imminent' statistical significance. Contrast may have obscured some calcifications. The failure to record the immune status in a large number of patients resulted in their exclusion and limited the study.

Conclusion

The increased prevalence of incidentally detected cardiac calcifications in young HIV-infected individuals warrants further evaluation and cardiovascular risk stratification.

Cardiovascular risk factors and illicit drug use may have a more profound effect on coronary atherosclerosis progression in people living with HIV

OBJECTIVES

To assess whether HIV infection directly or indirectly promotes coronary artery disease (CAD) volume progression in a longitudinal study of African Americans.

METHODS

We randomly selected 300 individuals with subclinical CAD (210 male; age: 48.0 ± 7.2 years; 226 HIV infected, 174 cocaine users) from 1429 cardiovascularly asymptomatic participants of a prospective epidemiological study between May 2004 and August 2015. Individuals underwent coronary CT angiography at two time points (mean follow-up: 4.0 ± 2.3 years). We quantified noncalcified (NCP: -100-350HU), low-attenuation noncalcified (LA-NCP: -100-30HU), and calcified (CP: ≥ 351 HU) plaque volumes. Linear mixed models were used to assess the effects of HIV infection, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk, and years of cocaine use on plaque volumes.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in annual progression rates between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected regarding NCP (8.7 [IQR: 3.0-19.4] mm3/year vs. 4.9 [IQR: 1.5-18.3] mm3/year, p = 0.14), LA-NCP (0.2 [IQR: 0.0-1.6] mm3/year vs. 0.2 [IQR: 0.0-0.9] mm3/year, p = 0.07) or CP volumes (0.3 [IQR: 0.0-3.4] mm3/year vs. 0.1 [IQR: 0.0-3.2] mm3/year, p = 0.30). Multivariately, HIV infection was not associated with NCP (-6.9mm3, CI: [-32.8-19.0], p = 0.60), LA-NCP (-0.1mm3, CI: [-2.6-2.4], p = 0.92), or CP volumes (-0.3mm3, CI: [-9.3-8.6], p = 0.96). However, each percentage of ASCVD and each year of cocaine use significantly increased total, NCP, and CP volumes among HIV-infected individuals, but not among HIV-uninfected. Importantly, none of the HIV-associated medications had any effect on plaque volumes (p > 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

The more profound adverse effect of risk factors in HIV-infected individuals may explain the accelerated progression of CAD in these people, as HIV infection was not independently associated with any coronary plaque volume.

KEY POINTS

• Human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals may have similar subclinical coronary artery disease, as the infection is not independently associated with coronary plaque volumes. • However, cardiovascular risk factors and illicit drug use may have a more profound effect on atherosclerosis progression in those with human immunodeficiency virus infection, which may explain the accelerated progression of CAD in these people. • Nevertheless, through rigorous prevention and abstinence from illicit drugs, these individuals may experience similar cardiovascular outcomes as -uninfected individuals.

Prevalence and Characterization of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque with CT among Individuals with HIV: Results from the Canadian HIV and Aging Cohort Study

Background People living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher risk of myocardial infarction. Coronary atherosclerotic plaque CT characterization helps to predict cardiovascular risk. Purpose To measure CT characteristics of coronary plaque in PLWH without known cardiovascular disease and healthy volunteers without HIV. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, noncontrast CT (all participants, n = 265) was used for coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring in asymptomatic PLWH and healthy volunteers without HIV, without known cardiovascular disease, from 2012 to 2019. At coronary CT angiography (n = 233), prevalence, frequency, and volume of calcified, mixed, and noncalcified plaque were measured. Poisson regressions were used with adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors. Results There were 181 PLWH (mean age, 56 years ± 7; 167 men) and 84 healthy volunteers (mean age, 57 years ± 8; 65 men) evaluated by using noncontrast CT. CT angiography was performed in 155 PLWH and 78 healthy volunteers. Median 10-year Framingham risk score was not different between PLWH and healthy volunteers (10% vs 9%, respectively; P = .45), as were CAC score (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% CI: 0.58, 1.94; P = .85) and overall plaque prevalence (prevalence ratio, 1.07; 95% CI: 0.86, 1.32; P = .55) after adjustment for cardiovascular risk. Noncalcified plaque prevalence (prevalence ratio, 2.5; 95% CI: 1.07, 5.67; P = .03) and volume (OR, 2.8; 95% CI: 1.05, 7.40; P = .04) were higher in PLWH. Calcified plaque frequency was reduced in PLWH (OR, 0.6; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.91; P = .02). Treatment with protease inhibitors was associated with higher volume of overall (OR, 1.8; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.85; P = .02) and mixed plaque (OR, 1.6; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.45; P = .03). Conclusion Noncalcified coronary plaque burden at coronary CT angiography was two- to threefold higher in asymptomatic people living with HIV without known cardiovascular disease compared with healthy volunteers without HIV. © RSNA, 2021 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Lai in this issue.

A systematic review of quantitative bias analysis applied to epidemiological research

BACKGROUND

Quantitative bias analysis (QBA) measures study errors in terms of direction, magnitude and uncertainty. This systematic review aimed to describe how QBA has been applied in epidemiological research in 2006-19.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for English peer-reviewed studies applying QBA to real-data applications. We also included studies citing selected sources or which were identified in a previous QBA review in pharmacoepidemiology. For each study, we extracted the rationale, methodology, bias-adjusted results and interpretation and assessed factors associated with reproducibility.

RESULTS

Of the 238 studies, the majority were embedded within papers whose main inferences were drawn from conventional approaches as secondary (sensitivity) analyses to quantity-specific biases (52%) or to assess the extent of bias required to shift the point estimate to the null (25%); 10% were standalone papers. The most common approach was probabilistic (57%). Misclassification was modelled in 57%, uncontrolled confounder(s) in 40% and selection bias in 17%. Most did not consider multiple biases or correlations between errors. When specified, bias parameters came from the literature (48%) more often than internal validation studies (29%). The majority (60%) of analyses resulted in >10% change from the conventional point estimate; however, most investigators (63%) did not alter their original interpretation. Degree of reproducibility related to inclusion of code, formulas, sensitivity analyses and supplementary materials, as well as the QBA rationale.

CONCLUSIONS

QBA applications were rare though increased over time. Future investigators should reference good practices and include details to promote transparency and to serve as a reference for other researchers.

Low CD4+ cell count nadir exacerbates the impacts of APOE ε4 on functional connectivity and memory in adults with HIV

OBJECTIVE

Nearly half of individuals living with HIV in the USA are now 50 or older. This rapidly ageing populace may be at an increasingly greater risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, the potential interaction between HIV-disease and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis (i.e. Alzheimer's disease genetic risk factors) on brain function remains an open question. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of APOE ε4 on brain function in middle-aged to older people with HIV (PWH), as well as the putative interaction between ε4 and HIV disease severity.

METHODS

Ninety-nine PWH participated in a cross-sectional study (56.3 ± 6.5 years, range 41-70 years, 27 women, 26 ε4 carriers and 73 noncarriers). Structural MRI and resting-state functional MRI were collected to assess alterations in brain structure and functional connectivity, respectively.

RESULTS

APOE ε4 was associated with worse memory performance and reduced functional connectivity in the memory network. The functional connectivity reduction was centred at the caudate nucleus rather than hippocampus and correlated with worse memory performance. In ε4 carriers, low CD4+ cell count nadir was associated with reduced functional connectivity in the memory network, but this association was absent in noncarriers. Furthermore, there was an indirect detrimental impact of ε4 on memory performance through memory network functional connectivity. However, this indirect effect was contingent on CD4+ cell count nadir, that is the indirect effect of ε4 on memory was only significant when CD4+ cell count nadir was low.

INTERPRETATION

APOE ε4 is associated with reduced memory and reduced functional connectivity within the memory network, and low CD4+ cell count nadir -- indicating a history of severe immunosuppression -- may exacerbate the effects of ε4.

Coronary artery disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

The life expectancy of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is rising due to better access to combination anti-retroviral therapy (ART). Although ART has reduced acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) related mortality and morbidity, there has been an increase in non-AIDS defining illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease (CAD). HIV is a disease marked by inflammation which has been associated with specific biological vascular processes increasing the risk of premature atherosclerosis. The combination of pre-existing risk factors, atherosclerosis, ART, opportunistic infections and coagulopathy contributes to rising CAD incidence. The prevalence of CAD has emerged as a major contributor of morbidity in these patients due to longer life expectancy. However, ART has been associated with lipodystrophy, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and CAD. These adverse effects, along with drug-drug interactions when ART is combined with cardiovascular drugs, result in significant challenges in the care of this group of patients. Exercise tolerance testing, echocardiography, myocardial perfusion imaging, coronary computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance imaging help in the diagnosis of CAD and heart failure and help predict cardiovascular outcomes in a manner similar to non-infected individuals. This review will highlight the pathogenesis and factors that link HIV to CAD, presentation and treatment of HIV-patients presenting with CAD and review briefly the cardiac imaging modalities used to identify this entity and help prognosticate future outcomes.

Use of Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring to Improve Cardiovascular Risk Stratification and Guide Decisions to Start Statin Therapy in People Living With HIV

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment remains a critical step in guiding decisions to initiate primary prevention interventions in people living with HIV (PLWH).

SETTING

We investigated whether coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring allowed a more accurate selection of patients who may benefit from statin therapy, compared with current risk assessment tools alone.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis of PLWH over 50 years old who underwent CAC scoring between 2009 and 2019. Framingham Risk score (FRS), QRISK2 and D:A:D scores were calculated for each participant at the time of CAC scoring and statin eligibility determined based on current European guidelines on the prevention of CVD in PLWH.

RESULTS

A total of 739 patients were included (mean age 56 ± 5, 92.8% male, 84% white). Among 417 (56.4%) candidates for statin therapy based on FRS ≥10%, 174 (23.5%) had no detectable calcification (CAC = 0). Conversely, 145 (19.6%) patients with detectable calcification (CAC > 0) were identified as low-risk (FRS < 10%). When compared with FRS, CAC scoring reclassified CVD risk in 43.1% of patients, 145 (19.6%) to a higher risk group that could benefit from statin therapy and 174 (23.5%) statin candidates to a lower risk group. QRISK2 and D:A:D scores performed similarly to FRS, underestimating the presence of significant coronary calcification in 21.1% and 24.9% respectively and overestimating risk in 16.9% and 18.8% patients with CAC = 0.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishing a decision-model based on the combination of conventional risk tools and CAC scoring improves risk assessment and the selection of PLWH who would benefit from statin therapy.

Leveraging a Landmark Trial of Primary Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Introduction From the REPRIEVE Coprincipal Investigators

The Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) is the largest study of cardiovascular disease in human immunodeficiency virus. Enrolling 7770 participants from 2015 to 2019 with sites across 5 continents, REPRIEVE will assess the effects of a statin as a cardiovascular disease prevention strategy in people with HIV (PWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Although the primary purpose of REPRIEVE, and its substudy assessing coronary plaque, is to assess cardiovascular outcomes, the trial is a rich source of data on population characteristics and critical comorbidities in PWH, particularly across Global Burden of Disease (GBD) regions, reflective of the ethnic, racial, and gender diversity in this global epidemic. The purpose of this Supplement is to leverage the rich phenotyping in REPRIEVE, to provide data on detailed patterns of baseline ART and immune function by GBD region, reproductive aging among cisgender women, and data on the participation and clinical characteristics of transgender participants. We also leveraged REPRIEVE to assess critical comorbidities, including renal dysfunction, muscle function and frailty, and myocardial steatosis. REPRIEVE is a remarkable collaboration between funders, trial networks, clinical research sites, clinical and data coordinating centers, and willing participants who devoted their time to make the trial possible.

The temporal nature of social context: Insights from the daily lives of patients with HIV

Background

Patients’ life contexts are increasingly recognized as important, as evidenced by growing attention to the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH). This attention may be particularly valuable for patients with complex needs, like those with HIV, who are more likely to experience age-related comorbidities, mental health or substance use issues. Understanding patient perceptions of their life context can advance SDoH approaches.

Objectives

We sought to understand how aging patients with HIV think about their life context and explored if and how their reported context was documented in their electronic medical records (EMRs).

Design

We combined life story interviews and EMR data to understand the health-related daily life experiences of patients with HIV. Patients over 50 were recruited from two US Department of Veterans Affairs HIV clinics. Narrative analysis was used to organize data by life events and health-related metrics.

Key results

EMRs of 15 participants documented an average of 19 diagnoses and 10 medications but generally failed to include social contexts salient to patients. In interviews, HIV was discussed primarily in response to direct interviewer questions. Instead, participants raised past trauma, current social engagement, and concern about future health with varying salience. This led us to organize the narratives temporally according to past-, present-, or future-orientation. “Past-focused” narratives dwelled on unresolved experiences with social institutions like the school system, military or marriage. “Present-focused” narratives emphasized daily life challenges, like social isolation. “Future-focused” narratives were dominated by concerns that aging would limit activities.

Conclusions

A temporally informed understanding of patients’ life circumstances that are the foundation of their individualized SDoH could better focus care plans by addressing contextual concerns salient to patients. Trust-building may be a critical first step in caring for past-focused patients. Present-focused patients may benefit from support groups. Future-focused patients may desire discussing long term care options.

Viral Infection and Cardiovascular Disease: Implications for the Molecular Basis of COVID-19 Pathogenesis

The current pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). While this respiratory virus only causes mild symptoms in younger healthy individuals, elderly people and those with cardiovascular diseases such as systemic hypertension are susceptible to developing severe conditions that can be fatal. SARS-CoV-2 infection is also associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial injury, acute coronary syndrome, and thromboembolism. Understanding the mechanisms of the effects of this virus on the cardiovascular system should thus help develop therapeutic strategies to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since this virus causes severe and fatal conditions in older individuals with cardiovascular comorbidities, effective therapies targeting specific populations will likely contribute to ending this pandemic. In this review article, the effects of various viruses—including other coronaviruses, influenza, dengue, and human immunodeficiency virus—on the cardiovascular system are described to help provide molecular mechanisms of pathologies associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. The goal is to provide mechanistic information from the biology of other viral infections in relation to cardiovascular pathologies for the purpose of developing improved vaccines and therapeutic agents effective in preventing and/or treating the acute and long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19.

Imaging modalities for cardiovascular phenotyping in asymptomatic people living with HIV

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as a leading cause of non-HIV-related mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH). Despite the growing CVD burden in PLWH, there is concern that general population risk score models may underestimate CVD risk in these patients. Imaging modalities have received mounting attention lately to better understand the pathophysiology of subclinical CVD and provide improved risk assessment in this population. To date, traditional and well-established techniques such as echocardiography, pulse wave velocity, and carotid intima thickness continue to be the basis for the diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of vascular atherosclerosis and heart failure. Furthermore, novel imaging tools such as cardiac computed tomography (CT) and cardiac CT angiography (CCTA), positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) have provided new insights into accelerated cardiovascular abnormalities in PLWH and are currently evaluated with regards to their potential to improve risk stratification.

Vigilance on New-Onset Atherosclerosis Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has become a global challenge to public health. While its typical clinical manifestations are respiratory disorders, emerging evidence of cardiovascular complications indicates the adverse interaction between SARS-CoV-2 infection and cardiovascular outcomes. Given that viral infection has emerged as an additional risk factor for atherosclerosis, in this paper, we attempt to clarify the susceptibility to new-onset atherosclerosis in individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Mechanistically, serving as functional receptors for SARS-CoV-2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) mediates SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells (ECs) directly, leading to endothelial dysfunction and dysregulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). In addition, high expression of CD147, an alternative receptor, and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome may also contribute to atherosclerosis in the context of COVID-19. More importantly, SARS-CoV-2 attacks the immune system, which results in excessive inflammation and perpetuates a vicious cycle of deteriorated endothelial dysfunction that further promotes inflammation. The alterations in the blood lipid profile induced by COVID-19 should not be ignored in assessing the predisposition toward atherosclerosis in victims of COVID-19. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the long-term monitoring of inflammatory factors and endothelial function should be considered in the follow-up of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 for early detection and prevention of atherosclerosis.

Once-daily Doravirine for Initial Treatment of Adults Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1: An Integrated Safety Analysis

BACKGROUND

A prespecified integrated safety analysis was conducted for 3 doravirine (DOR) double-blind trials (Phase IIb: P007 [NCT01632345]; Phase III: DRIVE-FORWARD [NCT02275780] and DRIVE-AHEAD [NCT02403674]).

METHODS

DOR (100 mg) arms from these trials were compared with darunavir plus ritonavir (DRV+r) in DRIVE-FORWARD and efavirenz (EFV) in P007 and DRIVE-AHEAD. Background therapies were emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) in P007; abacavir/lamivudine (ABC/3TC) or FTC/TDF in DRIVE-FORWARD; and 3TC/TDF for DOR and FTC/TDF for EFV in DRIVE-AHEAD. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants discontinuing due to adverse events (AEs) through Week 48.

RESULTS

Discontinuation rates due to AEs were similar for participants on DOR and DRV+r (2.5% vs 3.1%, respectively) and lower for those on DOR than for those on EFV (2.5% vs 6.6%, respectively). Rates of drug-related AEs for DOR, DRV+r, and EFV were 30.9%, 32.1%, and 61.4%, respectively. In an analysis of DOR versus EFV, the treatment difference for discontinuations due to AEs was -3.4%, favoring DOR (95% confidence interval -6.2 to -0.8; P = .012). Fewer participants experienced neuropsychiatric AEs on DOR than on EFV (25.0% vs 55.9%, respectively), and fewer experienced diarrhea on DOR than on DRV+r (12.4% vs 22.5%, respectively). Changes from baseline in most lipid parameters also favored DOR.

CONCLUSIONS

At Week 48, DOR at 100 mg had a favorable safety profile compared with EFV or DRV+r and a favorable tolerability profile compared with EFV.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT01632345; NCT02275780 and NCT02403674.

Quantification of epicardial fat using non contrast cardiac CT in an HIV population: Reproducibility and association with other body fat indices

•

Assessment of epicardial fat volume is highly reproducible.

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Epicardial fat volume and epicardial fat area have a good correlation to BMI.

•

Epicardial fat volume correlates best with DEXA-derived total body fat and trunk fat.

•

Epicardial fat volume should be considered over other CT assessment methods when quantifying epicardial fat in HIV patients.

Purpose

To assess the reproducibility of different epicardial fat measurement and their association with other adiposity measurements in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected patients.

Methods and materials

In this cross-sectional study, 167 HIV-infected and 58 non-HIV-infected consecutive participants (200 males; mean age 56 years) with low/intermediate cardiovascular risk were recruited between 2012 and 2017 from a large prospective cohort and underwent non-contrast cardiac CT. Two independent observers measured epicardial fat volume, area and thickness in all participants. For intra-observer agreement, one observer did a second assessment in a subset of 40 patients. Agreement was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Pearson's correlation was estimated to assess the association between epicardial fat, body-mass index (BMI) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) derived percentage of body fat.

Results

Inter-observer agreement was excellent for epicardial fat volume (ICC 0.75) and area (ICC 0.95) and good for epicardial fat thickness (ICC near the left anterior descending artery (LAD) 0.64, ICC near right coronary artery (RCA) 0.64). Intra-observer agreement was excellent for epicardial fat volume (ICC 0.97), area (ICC 0.99), thickness at LAD (ICC 0.71) and good for epicardial fat thickness at RCA (ICC 0.68). Epicardial fat volume had a better correlation to total body fat (r = 0.28, p < 0.001) and trunk fat (r = 0.37, p < 0.001), in comparison to other epicardial fat indices.

Conclusion

Assessment of epicardial fat volume is highly reproducible in both HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected patients and shows a superior correlation with DEXA-based body and trunk fat measurements. Epicardial fat volume should be considered over other CT assessment methods when quantifying epicardial fat in HIV patients.

Testosterone use and shorter electrocardiographic QT interval duration in men living with and without HIV

OBJECTIVES

Testosterone usage (T-use) may alter risk factors for sudden cardiac death in men living with HIV (MLWH). Electrocardiographic QT interval prolongation, which could potentiate ventricular arrhythmias, has previously been associated with HIV infection and, separately, with low testosterone levels. We investigated whether T-use shortens the QT interval duration in MLWH and HIV-uninfected men.

METHODS

We utilized data from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, a prospective, longitudinal study of HIV infection among men who have sex with men. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to evaluate associations between T-use and corrected QT interval (QTc) duration.

RESULTS

Testosterone usage was more common in MLWH compared with HIV-uninfected men (19% vs. 9%). In a multivariable regression analysis, T-use was associated with a 5.7 ms shorter QT interval [95% confidence interval (CI): -9.5 to -1.9; P = 0.003). Furthermore, stronger associations were observed for prolonged duration of T-use and recent timing of T-use.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first known analysis of T-use and QTc interval in MLWH. Overall, our data demonstrate that recent T-use is associated with a shorter QTc interval. Increased T-use duration above a threshold of ≥ 50% of visits in the preceding 5 years was associated with a shorter QTc interval while lesser T-use duration was not.

Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Strategies to Reduce Comorbidity Risk in People with HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this review, we will discuss treatment interventions targeting drivers of immune activation and chronic inflammation in PWH.

RECENT FINDINGS

Potential treatment strategies to prevent the progression of comorbidities in PWH have been identified. These studies include, among others, the use of statins to modulate lipid alterations and subsequent innate immune receptor activation, probiotics to restore healthy gut microbiota and reduce microbial translocation, hydroxychloroquine to reduce immune activation by altering Toll-like receptors function and expression, and canakinumab to block the action of a major pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Although many of the treatment strategies discussed here show promise, due to the complex nature of chronic inflammation and comorbidities in PWH, larger clinical studies are needed to understand and target the prominent drivers and inflammatory cascades underlying these end-organ diseases.

COVID-19 symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 infection among people living with HIV in the US: the MACS/WIHS combined cohort study

BACKGROUND

SARS-CoV-2 infection among People Living With HIV (PLWH) is not well-described.

OBJECTIVE

To study COVID-19 symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 PCR-based swab testing among participants of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) and Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).

METHODS

A telephone survey was collected April-June 30, 2020. Symptom and testing prevalence were explored. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 3411 participants, including 2078 (61%) PLWH and 1333 HIV-seronegative (SN) participants from across the US. Thirteen percent (n = 441) were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection (13.4% of PLWH vs 12.2% of SN). Among those tested, positivity was higher in PLWH than SN (11.2% vs 6.1%, p = 0.08). Reasons for not being tested included testing not being available (30% of participants) and not knowing where to get tested (16% of participants). Most symptoms reported since January 2020 were similar in PLWH and SN, including headache (23% vs. 24%), myalgias (19% vs 18%), shortness of breath (14% vs 13%), chills (12% vs 10%), fever (6% vs 6%) and loss of taste or smell (6% vs 7%). Among PLWH who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 DNA, the most common symptoms were headache (71%), myalgia (68%), cough (68%) and chills (65%). In multivariable analysis among those tested, the odds of SARS-CoV-2 positivity were higher among PLWH than SN (aOR = 2.22 95%CI = 01.01-4.85, p = 0.046) and among those living with others versus living alone (aOR = 2.95 95%CI = 1.18-7.40).

CONCLUSION

Prevalence and type of COVID-19 symptoms were similar in PLWH and SN. SARS-CoV-2 infection may be elevated among PLWH.

Long-term cocaine use is associated with increased coronary plaque burden - a pilot study

Background: There is a lack of research regarding whether prolonged use of cocaine would lead to increase of coronary plaque burden. Objectives: To study the effects of cocaine use on the coronary artery plaque volume. We hypothesize the longer the cocaine use, the greater the plaque burden. Methods: We used coronary computed tomography angiography to evaluate plaque volumes. The study included chronic (N = 33 with 27 HIV+) and non-cocaine users (N = 15 with 12 HIV+). Chronic cocaine use was defined as use by any route for at least 6 months, administered at least 4 times/month. The Student's t-test was used to compare the plaque volumes between chronic and non-cocaine users. Multivariable regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, HIV status, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and total cholesterol was performed to determine the relationship between years of cocaine use and plaque volumes. Results: The total plaque volumes between groups showed no difference (p = .065). However, the total left anterior descending artery (LAD) plaque volume in the chronic cocaine group was significantly higher than that in the non-cocaine group (p = .047). For each year increase in cocaine use, total plaque volume and total LAD plaque volume increased by 7.23 mm³ (p = .013) and 4.56 mm³ (p = .001), respectively. In the multivariable analyses, both total plaque volume and total LAD plaque volume were significantly associated with years of cocaine use (p = .039 and 0.013, respectively). Conclusion: Prolonged cocaine use accelerates the development of sub-clinical atherosclerosis.

Longitudinal Progression of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis in Swiss HIV-Positive Compared With HIV-Negative Persons Undergoing Coronary Calcium Score Scan and CT Angiography

Background

People with HIV (HIV+) may have increased cardiovascular event rates compared with HIV-negative (HIV-) persons. Cross-sectional data from the United States and Switzerland, based on coronary artery calcium scan (CAC) and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), suggest, respectively, increased and similar prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV+ vs HIV- persons.

Methods

We repeated CAC/CCTA in 340 HIV+ and 90 HIV- study participants >2 years after baseline CAC/CCTA. We assessed the association of HIV infection, Framingham risk score (FRS), and HIV-related factors with the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Results

HIV+ were younger than HIV- participants (median age, 52 vs 56 years; P < .01) but had similar median 10-year FRS (8.9% vs 9.0%; P = .82); 94% had suppressed HIV viral load. In univariable and multivariable analyses, FRS was associated with the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of new subclinical atherosclerosis at the follow-up CAC/CCTA, but HIV infection was not: any plaque (adjusted IRR for HIV+ vs HIV- participants, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.62–2.35), calcified plaque (adjusted IRR for HIV+ vs HIV- participants, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.56–2), noncalcified/mixed plaque (adjusted IRR for HIV+ vs HIV- participants, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.69–2.21), and high-risk plaque (adjusted IRR for HIV+ vs HIV- participants, 1.46; 95% CI, 0.66–3.20). Progression of CAC score between baseline and follow-up CAC/CCTA was similar in HIV+ (median annualized change [interquartile range {IQR}], 0.41 [0–10.19]) and HIV- participants (median annualized change [IQR], 2.38 [0–16.29]; P = .11), as was progression of coronary segment severity score (HIV+: median annualized change [IQR], 0 [0–0.47]; HIV-: median annualized change [IQR], 0 [0–0.52]; P = .10) and coronary segment involvement score (HIV+: median annualized change [IQR], 0 [0–0.45]; HIV-: median annualized change [IQR], 0 [0–0.41]; P = .25).

Conclusions

In this longitudinal CAC/CCTA study from Switzerland, Framingham risk score was associated with progression of subclinical atherosclerosis, but HIV infection was not.

Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography From Clinical Uses to Emerging Technologies: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

Evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has seen a paradigm shift in the last decade. Evidence increasingly supports the clinical utility of CCTA across various stages of CAD, from the detection of early subclinical disease to the assessment of acute chest pain. Additionally, CCTA can be used to noninvasively quantify plaque burden and identify high-risk plaque, aiding in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This is especially important in the evaluation of CAD in immune-driven conditions with increased cardiovascular disease prevalence. Emerging applications of CCTA based on hemodynamic indices and plaque characterization may provide personalized risk assessment, affect disease detection, and further guide therapy. This review provides an update on the evidence, clinical applications, and emerging technologies surrounding CCTA as highlighted at the 2019 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute CCTA Summit.

Carnitine Is Associated With Atherosclerotic Risk and Myocardial Infarction in HIV -Infected Adults

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) have an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Changes in the gut microbiota that occur with chronic HIV infection could play a role in HIV‐associated atherosclerosis. Choline, carnitine, betaine, and trimethylamine N‐oxide are small molecules that are, in part, metabolized or produced by the gut microbiome. We hypothesized that these metabolites would be associated with carotid artery intima‐media thickness and MI in PLWH.

Methods and Results

Carotid artery intima‐media thickness was measured at baseline and at a median interval of 4 years in 162 PLWH from the SCOPE (Study of the Consequences of the Protease Inhibitor Era) cohort in San Francisco, CA. Separately, 105 PLWH (36 cases with type I adjudicated MI and 69 controls without MI) were selected from the Center for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems, a multicenter clinic‐based cohort. Controls were matched by demographics, CD4 cell count, and duration of viral suppression. In the SCOPE cohort, higher carnitine levels had a significant association with presence of carotid plaque and greater baseline and progression of mean carotid artery intima‐media thickness after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors. In the treated and suppressed subgroup, these associations with carnitine remained significant after adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors. In the Center for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort, the risk of MI was significantly increased in subjects with carnitine levels in the highest quartile after adjustment for cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Conclusions

In PLWH, including the treated and suppressed subgroup, carnitine is independently associated with carotid artery intima‐media thickness, carotid plaque, and MI in 2 separate cohorts. These results emphasize the potential role of gut microbiota in HIV‐associated atherosclerosis and MI, especially in relation to carnitine metabolism.

Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: What Have We Learned Recently?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In contrast to patients with non-premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), patients with premature ASCVD have not observed a similar decline in cardiovascular mortality and recurrent adverse events. We sought to review the underlying risk factors, potential gaps in medical management, associated outcomes, and tools for risk prognostication among patients with premature ASCVD.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to traditional cardiovascular risk factors (i.e., diabetes, familial hypercholesterolemia), non-traditional risk factors such as chronic inflammatory conditions, recreational drug use, genetics, and pregnancy-related complications play a key role in development and progression of premature ASCVD. Patients with premature ASCVD, and especially women, receive less optimal medical management as compared to their non-premature counterparts. There is an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among young adults. Hence, this population remains at an elevated risk for premature ASCVD and subsequent adverse cardiovascular events. Future studies evaluating different risk assessment tools and focusing on young patients across all three major domains of ASCVD are needed.

Depression and Psychosocial Stress Are Associated With Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis Among Women Living With HIV

Background To identify reasons for increased atherosclerotic risk among women living with HIV (WLWH), we evaluated the associations between psychosocial risk factors (depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms) and subclinical atherosclerosis among WLWH and HIV-negative women. Methods and Results Carotid artery focal plaque (localized intima-media thickness >1.5 mm) was measured using B-mode ultrasound imaging in 2004-2005 and 2010-2012 in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. We created psychosocial risk groups using latent class analysis and defined prevalent plaque at the final measurement. We also examined repeated semiannual depression measures with respect to focal plaque formation throughout follow-up. The associations between latent class and prevalent plaque, and between depressive symptom persistence and plaque formation, were assessed separately by HIV status using multivariable logistic regression. Among 700 women (median age 47 years), 2 latent classes were identified: high (n=163) and low (n=537) psychosocial risk, with corresponding prevalence of depression (65%/13%), high stress (96%/12%), and probable posttraumatic stress disorder (46%/2%). Among WLWH, plaque prevalence was 23% and 11% in high versus low psychosocial risk classes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.12; 95% CI, 1.11-4.05) compared with 9% and 9% among HIV-negative women (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.24-4.84), respectively. New plaque formation occurred among 17% and 9% of WLWH who reported high depressive symptoms at ≥45% versus <45% of visits (aOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.06-3.64), compared with 9% and 7% among HIV-negative women (aOR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.16-4.16), respectively. Conclusions Psychosocial factors were independent atherosclerotic risk factors among WLWH. Research is needed to determine whether interventions for depression and psychosocial stress can mitigate the increased risk of atherosclerosis for WLWH.

The association of nadir CD4-T cell count and endothelial dysfunction in a healthy HIV cohort without major cardiovascular risk factors

Objectives:

HIV-infected population may have increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia in HIV-infected individuals has made it difficult to assess the direct effects of HIV and immune factors on endothelial dysfunction and associated increased risk of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate indicators of endothelial dysfunction in an HIV cohort without hypertension and diabetes.

Methods:

We studied 19 HIV-infected patients between the ages of 25–76 years old with effectively suppressed viral load and without diagnosis of hypertension or diabetes. Endothelial function was measured by digital thermal monitoring of vascular reactivity using the VENDYS technique. Endothelial function was reported as vascular reactivity index. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure at the time of VENDYS test were measured and latest lipid panels were recorded. The association between vascular reactivity index and CD4-T cells count, different antiretroviral therapy types (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase, nucleoside reverse transcriptase, protease inhibitors, integrase inhibitors), vitamins use, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was investigated.

Results:

Mean vascular reactivity index was 1.87 ± 0.53. Vascular reactivity index, marker of endothelial dysfunction, showed a significant correlation with lower nadir CD4 count (p = 0.003) as well as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.02). No additional significant correlation between vascular reactivity index and the rest of the investigated variables was found.

Conclusion:

Vascular reactivity index, a clinical predictor of endothelial dysfunction, is associated with lower nadir CD4-T cell and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in HIV-infected men with no history of hypertension or diabetes and before clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease in HIV patients: recent advances in predicting and managing risk

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in virally suppressed people living with HIV (PLWH) and with an aging population, is likely to become one of the leading challenges in maintaining good health outcomes in HIV infection. However, factors driving the risk of CVD in PLWH are multiple and may be different from those of the general population, raising challenges to predicting and managing CVD risk in this population.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we examine the relevant data regarding CVD in HIV infection including CVD prevalence, pathogenesis, and other contributing factors. We review the data regarding CVD risk prediction in PLWH and summarize factors, both general and HIV specific, that may influence CVD risk in this population. And finally, we discuss appropriate management of CVD risk in PLWH and explore potential therapeutic pathways which may mitigate CVD risk in the future in this population.

EXPERT OPINION

Following a comprehensive review of CVD risk in PLWH, we give our opinion on the primary issues in risk prediction and management of CVD in HIV infected individuals and discuss the future direction of CVD management in this population.

A novel density-volume calcium score by non-contrast CT predicts coronary plaque burden on coronary CT angiography: Results from the MACS (Multicenter AIDS cohort study)

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to determine if a new score calculated with coronary artery calcium (CAC) density and volume is associated with total coronary artery plaque burden and composition on coronary CT angiography (CCTA) compared to the Agatston score (AS).

METHODS

We identified 347 men enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS cohort study who underwent contrast and non-contrast CCTs, and had CAC>0. CAC densities (mean Hounsfield Units [HU]) per plaque) and volumes on non-contrast CCT were measured. A Density-Volume Calcium score was calculated by multiplying the plaque volume by a factor based on the mean HU of the plaque (4, 3, 2 and 1 for 130-199, 200-299, 300-399, and ≥400HU). Total Density-Volume Calcium score was determined by the sum of these individual scores. The semi-quantitative partially calcified and total plaque scores (PCPS and TPS) on CCTA were calculated. The associations between Density-Volume Calcium score, PCPS and TPS were examined.

RESULTS

Overall, 2879 CAC plaques were assessed. Multivariable linear regression models demonstrated a stronger association between the log Density-Volume Calcium score and both the PCPS (β 0.99, 95%CI 0.80-1.19) and TPS (β 2.15, 95%CI 1.88-2.42) compared to the log of AS (PCPS: β 0.77, 95%CI 0.61-0.94; TPS: β 1.70, 95%CI 1.48-1.94). Similar results were observed for numbers of PC or TP segments.

CONCLUSION

The new CAC score weighted towards lower density demonstrated improved correlation with semi-quantitative PC and TP burden on CCTA compared to the traditional AS, which suggests it has utility as an alternative measure of atherosclerotic burden.

Subclinical cardiovascular disease in HIV controller and long-term nonprogressor populations

OBJECTIVES

Elite controllers (ECs), viraemic controllers (VCs), and long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs) control HIV viral replication or maintain CD4 T-cell counts without antiretroviral therapy, but may have increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk compared to HIV-uninfected persons. We evaluated subclinical carotid and coronary atherosclerosis and inflammatory biomarker levels among HIV controllers, LTNPs and noncontrollers and HIV-uninfected individuals in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) and the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).

METHODS

We measured carotid plaque presence and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) in 1729 women and 1308 men, and the presence of coronary artery calcium and plaque in a subgroup of men. Associations between HIV control category and carotid and coronary plaque prevalences were assessed by multivariable regression analyses adjusting for demographics and CVD risk factors. Serum inflammatory biomarker concentrations [soluble CD163 (sCD163), soluble CD14 (sCD14), galectin-3 (Gal-3), galectin-3 binding protein (Gal-3BP) and interleukin (IL)-6] were measured and associations with HIV control category assessed.

RESULTS

We included 135 HIV controllers (30 ECs) and 135 LTNPs in the study. Carotid plaque prevalence and carotid IMT were similar in HIV controllers, LTNPs and HIV-uninfected individuals. HIV controllers and LTNPs had lower prevalences of carotid plaque compared to viraemic HIV-infected individuals. The prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis was similar in HIV controllers/LTNPs compared to HIV-uninfected and viraemic HIV-infected men. Controllers and LTNPs had higher concentrations of sCD163 and sCD14 compared to HIV-uninfected persons.

CONCLUSIONS

Subclinical CVD was similar in HIV controllers, LTNPs and HIV-uninfected individuals despite elevated levels of some inflammatory biomarkers. Future studies of HIV controllers and LTNPs are needed to characterize the risk of CVD among HIV-infected persons.

Measures of Adipose Tissue Redistribution and Atherosclerotic Coronary Plaque in HIV

OBJECTIVE

People with HIV (PWH) who are well treated on antiretroviral therapy remain at increased risk for body composition changes, including increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and reduced subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), as well as increased cardiovascular disease (CVD). The relationship between adipose compartments and coronary disease is not well understood among PWH.

METHODS

A total of 148 PWH and 68 uninfected individuals without CVD were well phenotyped for VAT and SAT via single-section abdominal computed tomography (CT) at L4. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score was assessed by noncontrast cardiac CT and coronary plaque composition by coronary CT angiography.

RESULTS

Increased VAT was significantly related to increased presence of plaque (OR, 1.55 per 100 cm2 ; P = 0.008) and CAC > 0 (OR, 1.56 per 100 cm2 ; P = 0.006) in the HIV group. In contrast, increased SAT was related to reduced presence of plaque (OR, 0.79 per 100 cm2 ; P = 0.057) and reduced CAC > 0 (OR, 0.69 per 100 cm2 , P = 0.007) among PWH. The VAT to SAT ratio showed a strong relationship to overall presence of calcified plaque (OR, 3.30; P = 0.03) and CAC > 0 (OR, 3.57; P < 0.001) in the HIV group. VAT and waist to hip ratio, but not SAT, were strong predictors of plaque in the uninfected group. BMI did not relate in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Fat redistribution phenotyping by simultaneous quantification of VAT and SAT as independent measures could help identify those PWH at higher risk for CVD.

Utility of routine non-gated CT chest in detection of subclinical atherosclerotic calcifications of coronary arteries in hospitalised HIV patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate coronary artery calcification (CAC) on routine CT chest in hospitalised HIV patients and to assess individual risk factors.

METHODS

Routine CT chests, May 2010-November 2015, of 143 hospitalised HIV-positive patients were reviewed for qualitative assessment of calcification in major coronary arteries by two radiologists. Presence, location and burden of calcification were evaluated on 3 mm axial images of CT chest. Cardiovascular risk factors and HIV lab parameters such as CD4 count, viral load and duration, and status of antiretroviral treatment were collected. Statistical analysis including multivariate logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (28.7%) showed CAC, left anterior descending (n = 38, 92.7%), circumflex (n = 18, 43.9%) and Right Coronary Artery (n = 13, 31.7%); mostly mild CAC burden and mostly proximal left coronary arteries with excellent interobserver and intraobserver agreements (K = 0.9, and 1). Age of CAC+ group (53.9 years) was significantly higher than CAC- group (43.4, p < 0.001, minimum age of CAC+, 27 years). No significant difference between two groups in sex, ethnicity and risk factors and HAART status. CAC+ group showed significantly longer HIV duration (12.3 years vs 8.6, p < 0.0344) and higher CD4 cell counts (mean = 355.9 vs 175.3, p = 0.0053) and significantly lower viral load (76 vs 414K, p = 0.02) than CAC- group. On multivariate logistic regression, age, HIV duration and CD4 were significantly associated with CAC+ (p-values < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

One-third of hospitalised HIV patients showed subclinical CAC on CT chest. HIV duration and age of patients were independent risk factors for developing CAC. Higher CD4 cell count was strongly associated with CAC+.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Routine CT chest with or without contrast performed for non-cardiac indications is helpful in identification of subclinical CAC in HIV patients and radiologists should be encouraged to report CAC.CAC is seen in younger age group in HIV, and awareness of this finding on routine CT chest would help guiding clinicians to assess risk stratification for primary prevention of ischemic heart disease in this population at an earlier stage when compared to normal population.Duration of HIV infection and age of patients were independent risk factors for developing CAC in our study and CD4 count was strongly associated with presence of CAC.

HIV-related cardiovascular diseases: the search for a unifying hypothesis

Although the extensive rollout of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy resulted in a longer life expectancy for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), such individuals display a relatively increased occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This health challenge stimulated significant research interests in the field, leading to an improved understanding of both lifestyle-related risk factors and the underlying mechanisms of CVD onset in PLHIV. However, despite such progress, the precise role of various risk factors and mechanisms underlying the development of HIV-mediated CVD still remains relatively poorly understood. Therefore, we review CVD onset in PLHIV and focus on 1) the spectrum of cardiovascular complications that typically manifest in such persons and 2) underlying mechanisms that are implicated in this process. Here, the contributions of such factors and modulators and underlying mechanisms are considered in a holistic and integrative manner to generate a unifying hypothesis that includes identification of the core pathways mediating CVD onset. The review focuses on the sub-Saharan African context, as there are relatively high numbers of PLHIV residing within this region, indicating that the greater CVD risk will increasingly threaten the well-being and health of its citizens. It is our opinion that such an approach helps point the way for future research efforts to improve treatment strategies and/or lifestyle-related modifications for PLHIV.

Clinical and procedural characteristics of persons living with HIV presenting with acute coronary syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Persons living with HIV (PLWH) are at greater risk for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Practice patterns of ACS management by HIV serostatus are unknown. We examined the presentation and management of ACS in PLWH.

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

METHODS

We included 86 PLWH and 263 sex-matched and race-matched HIV-negative controls hospitalized with ACS between 2004 and 2013. We performed multivariable conditional logistic regression to determine the associations between HIV serostatus and ACS type and management.

RESULTS

Both groups were predominantly of black race and male sex. PLWH were significantly younger (53 vs. 60 years) and more likely to smoke (48 vs. 31%). Among PLWH, 30% had CD4 cell count less than 200 cells/μl and 58% had undetectable HIV RNA. PLWH had more single-vessel disease and a higher median Gensini score among those with single-vessel disease (32 vs. 4.25) than controls. HIV serostatus was positively associated with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)):5.05 (1.82-14.02)], and any revascularization procedure after ACS [aOR (95% CI): 2.90 (1.01-8.39)] and negatively associated with non-STEMI [aOR (95% CI): 0.33 (0.14-0.79)] presentation. PLWH who underwent stent placement had a higher likelihood of bare metal stent placement compared with controls [70 vs. 15%, aOR (95% CI): 5.94 (1.33-26.55)]. Among PLWH, ACS characteristics were not significantly associated with CD4 cell count, HIV RNA, or antiretroviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

PLWH hospitalized with ACS were more likely to have severe single-vessel disease, present with STEMI rather than non-STEMI, and undergo revascularization, and less likely to have a drug-eluting stent placed than matched HIV-negative controls, suggesting that coronary plaque morphology and/or distribution is different with HIV infection and warrants further investigation.

The Changing Science of HIV Epidemiology in the United States

In 1984, a large prospective study of the natural history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS), was established; 10 years later, the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) was launched. Motivated by the merger and redesign of these long-standing HIV cohort studies in 2019, we review ways in which HIV epidemiology in the United States has transformed over the lives of these studies and how this evolution has influenced planning for enrollment and follow-up. We highlight changes that have occurred in the 3 major domains that are central to epidemiologic science: changes to key populations at highest risk for HIV, refinements in measurement and shifts in the outcomes of interest, and a new era in the tools and approaches that epidemiologists use to synthesize evidence from measurements made on populations. By embracing foundational principles with modern methods, the epidemiologic approach of analyzing the causes and distributions of diseases in contemporaneous populations will continue to advance HIV science over the next decade.

Comparing rates of statin therapy in eligible patients living with HIV versus uninfected patients

OBJECTIVES

Despite an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in people living with HIV (PLWH), a gap in statin prescribing practices has been described for statin-eligble PLWH and uninfected patients. Few data have become available characterizing this gap since the publication of the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association lipid guidelines. The objective of this study was to characterize statin prescribing rates for eligible PLWH compared to uninfected adults.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, comparative analysis of patients seen at two clinics in an urban, academic medical system between February 2017 and September 2017. Patients who qualified for one of the statin benefit groups were included: those with a history of clinical ASCVD, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ≥ 190 mg/dL, diabetes mellitus, or 10-year ASCVD risk score ≥ 7.5%. Patients < 21 years old or without a lipid panel within 3 years were excluded. The primary outcome was the percentage of PLWH prescribed a statin compared to uninfected patients. Predictors associated with receiving a statin were analysed using a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Nine hundred and eight PLWH and 2239 uninfected patients met the study criteria. A difference in statin prescribing rates was observed between PLWH and uninfected patients (44% versus 56%, respectively; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66-0.94). However, only in the 10-year ASCVD risk group were the rates significantly different (24% for PLWH versus 36% for uninfected patients; adjusted OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.5-0.92). PLWH more often received a medium-intensity statin and uninfected patients more often received a high-intensity statin.

CONCLUSIONS

PLWH with ASCVD risk were less likely to be prescribed a statin compared to uninfected patients. Additional analyses are needed to investigate reasons for the statin prescribing gap and appropriateness of lipid agent selection in both study populations.