Discontinuation of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis after start of highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1 infection. EuroSIDA Study Group

A prospective study of discontinuing primary and secondary Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia prophylaxis after CD4 cell count increase to > 200 x 106 /l

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) after discontinuation of either primary or secondary prophylaxis.

DESIGN

This was a prospective, non-randomized, non-blinded study.

SETTING

Twenty-five University-based AIDS Clinical Trials Group units.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants either had a CD4 cell count < or = 100 x 106/l at any time in the past and no history of confirmed PCP (group I; n = 144), or had a confirmed episode of PCP > or = 6 months prior to study entry (group II; n = 129). All subjects had sustained CD4 cell counts > 200 x 106/l in response to antiretroviral therapy.

INTERVENTIONS

Subjects discontinued PCP prophylaxis within 3 months or at the time of study entry. Evaluations for symptoms of PCP and CD4 cell counts were performed every 8 weeks. Prophylaxis was resumed if two consecutive CD4 cell counts were < 200 x 106/l.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The main outcome was development of PCP.

RESULTS

No cases of PCP occurred in 144 subjects (median follow-up, 82 weeks) in group I or in the 129 subjects (median follow-up, 63 weeks) in group II (95% upper confidence limits on the rates of 1.3 per 100 person-years and 1.96 per 100 person-years for groups I and II, respectively). Eight subjects (five in group I and three in group II) resumed PCP prophylaxis after two consecutive CD4 cell counts < 200 x 106/l.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of developing initial or recurrent PCP after discontinuing prophylaxis is low in HIV-infected individuals who have sustained CD4 cell count increases in response to antiretroviral therapy. Neither lifelong primary nor secondary PCP prophylaxis is necessary.

Impact of prophylaxis for Mycobacterium avium complex on bacterial infections in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus disease

The epidemiology and natural history of bacterial infections among ambulatory patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease has not been well described. In this prospective study, 394 subjects were enrolled and followed at 8-week intervals for a median of 21 months. During follow-up, 164 (42%) of 394 patients developed at least 1 bacterial infection. The most common infections were sinusitis, bacterial pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infection, and bronchitis. Serious bacterial infections (defined as bacterial pneumonia, bacteremia, or deep visceral abscess) were reported by 56 subjects (14%). Female sex, age of <40 years, and Karnofsky score of < or =80 were independent risk factors for bacterial infections. Prophylaxis with clarithromycin, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, or both had significant protective effect. The occurrence of any confirmed bacterial infection was associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality. This study documents that bacterial infections are common among patients with advanced HIV disease, especially among women.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of itraconazole capsules for the prevention of deep fungal infections in immunodeficient patients with HIV infection

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether systemic or deep fungal infections can be prevented, a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III trial of itraconazole prophylaxis was undertaken in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS

HIV-1 infected patients with CD4 counts < 300 cells/microL were treated with itraconazole (200 mg per day) or matching placebo and followed for 2 years. Development of deep fungal infections, episodes of mucocutaneous candidiasis, change in CD4 count, survival and safety data were collected at each study visit.

RESULTS

Three hundred and seventy-four patients received study medication, 187 were given itraconazole and 187 matching placebo. Time to development of deep fungal infection did not differ between groups, in an intention to treat analysis. Low CD4 cell count and prior use of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis were significantly associated with a more rapid development of deep fungal infection (P = 0.044 and 0.017, respectively). Itraconazole treatment significantly reduced the incidence of oral candidosis (25% vs. 48% P < 0.001) and time to development of oral candidosis (508 vs. 413 days, P < 0.001) but not the number of deep fungal infections (11 vs. 13). Survival did not differ significantly between groups (nine vs. 14 deaths). CD4 counts decreased significantly over time in both study arms. Adverse events did not differ between groups; 20% vs. 23% stopped study medication due to an adverse experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Although itraconazole prophylaxis significantly reduced the number and time to development of oral candidosis, too few episodes of deep fungal infection were noted to determine whether itraconazole prophylaxis was effective for this condition. Chronic itraconazole treatment is well tolerated in HIV-infected patients with marked immunodeficiency.

Discontinuation of primary prophylaxis in HIV-infected patients at high risk of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: prospective multicentre study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the safety of discontinuation of primary prophylaxis in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral combination therapy at high risk of developing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

DESIGN

Prospective multicentre study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The incidence of P. carinii pneumonia after discontinuation of primary prophylaxis was studied in 396 HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral combination therapy who experienced an increase in their CD4 cell count to at least 200 x 10(6)/l and 14% of total lymphocytes; the study population included 191 patients with a history of CD4 cell counts below 100 x 10(6)/l (245 person-years) and 144 patients with plasma HIV RNA above 200 copies/ml (215 person-years).

RESULTS

There was one case of Pneumocystis pneumonia, an incidence of 0.18 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.005--1.0 per 100 person-years]. No case was diagnosed in groups with low nadir CD4 cell counts (95% CI, 0--1.2 per 100 person-years) or detectable plasma HIV RNA (95% CI, 0--1.4 per 100 person-years).

CONCLUSIONS

Discontinuation of primary prophylaxis against Pneumocystis pneumonia is safe in patients who have responded with a sustained increase in their CD4 cell count to antiretroviral combination therapy, irrespective of the CD4 cell count nadir and the viral load at the time of stopping prophylaxis.

Prognostic markers of short-term mortality in AIDS-associated Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Since 1990, corticosteroids have been recommended as adjunctive therapy for patients with AIDS-associated Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and respiratory failure. We hypothesized that the natural course of AIDS-associated PCP has changed in the era of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy.

OBJECTIVE

To study variables obtained on hospital admission for possible prognostic value of short-term (3-month) outcome of PCP.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Prospective observational study of 176 consecutive HIV-1-infected individuals with PCP between 1990 and 1999.

METHOD

Cox proportional-hazards regression models.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that age, one or more prior episodes of PCP, use of antimicrobial therapy other than trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ), use of PCP prophylaxis at diagnosis, and culture of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in BAL predicted progression to death within 3 months. After adjustment, age (relative risk [RR], 4.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8 to 9.3), initial antimicrobial therapy other than TMP-SMZ (RR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2 to 8.5), use of PCP prophylaxis (RR, 5.6; 95% CI, 2.2 to 14.4), and culture of CMV in BAL fluid (RR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.3 to 5.6) remained independent predictors of a poor outcome. In contrast, neither PO(2) nor serum lactate dehydrogenase, which in earlier studies were identified as prognostic markers, were predictors of mortality.

CONCLUSION

Age, initial anti-PCP therapy, use of PCP prophylaxis, and BAL CMV status may be useful predictors of outcome of PCP in patients treated in the era of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy.

Effectiveness of potent antiretroviral therapies on the incidence of opportunistic infections before and after AIDS diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of potent antiretroviral therapy in reducing opportunistic infections (OI) as both a presenting event and subsequent to an AIDS-defining event.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 543 seroconverters and 1470 men with AIDS were compared for the time to development of OI as the presenting AIDS event and as a subsequent event in the 1984-1989, 1990-1992, 1993-1995, and 1996-1998 periods, when the major treatments were no therapy, monotherapy, combination therapy, and potent antiretroviral therapy, respectively.

RESULTS

The seroconverters suffered 132 OI and the participants with AIDS had 717 OI. The relative hazard (RH) of OI as the presenting AIDS event declined by 81% in the calendar period when potent antiretroviral therapy was available compared with the monotherapy period. Declines were observed for Mycobacterium avium complex, cytomegalovirus disease, and esophageal candidiasis, but were statistically significant only for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. The RH of OI as a secondary infection dropped by 77% in the last calendar period compared with the monotherapy period. A significant decline was observed for all four OI. Prophylactic drug use did not increase in the era of potent antiretroviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

The hazard of OI in the era of potent antiretroviral therapy has declined dramatically compared with the era of monotherapy, despite the concurrent decrease in the use of prophylactic drugs. Physicians should consider whether it is necessary to include prophylactic drugs as part of the complex drug regimen for patients on potent antiretroviral therapy.

Resolution of organ-specific complications of human immunodeficiency virus infection in children with use of highly active antiretroviral therapy

Opportunistic infections are a major source of morbidity and mortality in children and adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In addition, organ-specific complications of HIV infection, such as cardiomyopathy, nephropathy, encephalopathy, and others, contribute substantially to the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has produced a dramatic decline in the incidence of opportunistic infections among patients with HIV infection. Nevertheless, there is very little information concerning the value of HAART for organ-specific complications of HIV infection. In this report, we describe 3 children with HIV infection in whom the dominant clinical manifestations were cardiomyopathy, red cell aplasia, and nephropathy. HAART produced a decrease in the HIV ribonucleic acid level, an increase in the CD4 cell count, and resolution of the organ-specific complications in all patients. These cases add to our knowledge concerning the benefits of HAART for children with HIV infection.

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia recurrence in HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy: secondary prophylaxis

The incidence and risk factors for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) recurrence were evaluated in 451 HIV-infected patients enrolled in the French Hospital Database on HIV who started highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) while receiving secondary PCP prophylaxis after a first episode occurring between January 1995 and December 1998. There were 18 episodes of recurrent PCP. On HAART, the CD4+ cell count increased to above 200 x 106/L in 274 patients, 51 of whom stopped PCP prophylaxis. None of these patients had PCP recurrences during 363 person-years (PY) of follow-up after the CD4+ cell count had reached 200 x 106/L (incidence rate [IR], 0.00 cases/100 PY; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00-0.82), and 37 PY of follow-up after the CD4+ cell count had reached 200 x 106/L and PCP prophylaxis had been discontinued (IR, 0.00 cases/100 PY; 95% CI, 0.00-7.84). The CD4+ cell count remained < 200 x 106/L in 177 patients; 9 patients stopped PCP prophylaxis, and 6 of these had a disease recurrence. Multivariate Cox analysis (time censored when CD4+ cell count > 200 x 106/L) showed that discontinuation of secondary prophylaxis (relative hazard [RH], 25.95; p <.0001) was associated with recurrence, whereas higher CD4+ cell counts during follow-up (RH, 0.39/50 x 106/L increment; p <.002) were protective.

Unusual presentation of thoracic Pneumocystis carinii infection in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Pleura-based masses and hilar adenopathy were seen on a chest radiograph of a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who had a history of Pneumocystis carinii infection. The differential diagnosis of such a presentation is discussed in light of atypical and extrapulmonary manifestations of P. carinii infection in a patient receiving prophylaxis with dapsone.

A randomized trial of the discontinuation of primary and secondary prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia after highly active antiretroviral therapy in patients with HIV infection. Grupo de Estudio del SIDA 04/98

BACKGROUND

Prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is indicated in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who have less than 200 CD4 cells per cubic millimeter and in those with a history of P. carinii pneumonia. However, it is not clear whether prophylaxis can be safely discontinued after CD4 cell counts increase in response to highly active antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized trial of the discontinuation of primary or secondary prophylaxis against P. carinii pneumonia in HIV-infected patients with a sustained response to antiviral therapy, defined by a CD4 cell count of 200 or more per cubic millimeter and plasma HIV type 1 (HIV-1) RNA level of less than 5000 copies per milliliter for at least three months. Prophylactic treatment was restarted if the CD4 cell count declined to less than 200 per cubic millimeter.

RESULTS

The 474 patients receiving primary prophylaxis had a median CD4 cell count at entry of 342 per cubic millimeter, and 38 percent had detectable HIV-1 RNA. After a median follow-up period of 20 months (758 person-years), there had been no episodes of P. carinii pneumonia in the 240 patients who discontinued prophylaxis (95 percent confidence interval, 0 to 0.85 episode per 100 person-years). For the 113 patients receiving secondary prophylaxis, the median CD4 cell count at entry was 355 per cubic millimeter, and 24 percent had detectable HIV-1 RNA. After a median follow-up period of 12 months (123 person-years), there had been no episodes of P. carinii pneumonia in the 60 patients who discontinued prophylaxis (95 percent confidence interval, 0 to 4.5 episodes per 100 person-years).

CONCLUSIONS

In HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy, primary and secondary prophylaxis against P. carinii pneumonia can be safely discontinued after the CD4 cell count has increased to 200 or more per cubic millimeter for more than three months.

Discontinuation of secondary prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with HIV infection who have a response to antiretroviral therapy. Eight European Study Groups

BACKGROUND

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and a history of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia are at high risk for relapse if they are not given secondary prophylaxis. Whether secondary prophylaxis against P. carinii pneumonia can be safely discontinued in patients who have a response to highly active antiretroviral therapy is not known.

METHODS

We analyzed episodes of recurrent P. carinii pneumonia in 325 HIV-infected patients (275 men and 50 women) in eight prospective European cohorts. Between October 1996 and January 2000, these patients discontinued secondary prophylaxis during treatment with at least three anti-HIV drugs after they had at least one peripheral-blood CD4 cell count of more than 200 cells per cubic millimeter.

RESULTS

Secondary prophylaxis was discontinued at a median CD4 cell count of 350 per cubic millimeter; the median nadir CD4 cell count had been 50 per cubic millimeter. The median duration of the increase in the CD4 cell count to more than 200 per cubic millimeter after discontinuation of secondary prophylaxis was 11 months. The median follow-up period after discontinuation of secondary prophylaxis was 13 months, yielding a total of 374 person-years of follow-up; for 355 of these person-years, CD4 cell counts remained at or above 200 per cubic millimeter. No cases of recurrent P. carinii pneumonia were diagnosed during this period; the incidence was thus 0 per 100 patient-years (99 percent confidence interval, 0 to 1.2 per 100 patient-years, on the basis of the entire follow-up period, and 0 to 1.3 per 100 patient-years, on the basis of the follow-up period during which CD4 cell counts remained at or above 200 per cubic millimeter).

CONCLUSIONS

It is safe to discontinue secondary prophylaxis against P. carinii pneumonia in patients with HIV infection who have an immunologic response to highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Discontinuation of maintenance therapy for cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

To study the safety of discontinuing cytomegalovirus (CMV) maintenance therapy among patients with cured CMV retinitis receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODS

Patients with a history of CMV retinitis who were receiving anti-CMV maintenance therapy and who had a CD4 cell count > 75 x 10(6) cells/l and a plasma HIV RNA level < 30000 copies/ml while on HAART were included in a multicentre prospective study. Maintenance therapy for CMV retinitis was discontinued at enrolment and all the patients were monitored for 48 weeks by ophthalmological examinations and by determination of CMV markers, CD4 cell counts and plasma HIV RNA levels. T helper-1 anti-CMV responses were assessed in a subgroup of patients. The primary study endpoint was recurrence of CMV disease.

RESULTS

At entry, the 48 assessable patients had been taking HAART for a median of 18 months. The median CD4 cell count was 239 x 10(6) cells/l and the median HIV RNA load was 213 copies/ml. Over the 48 weeks, 2 of the 48 patients had a recurrence of CMV disease. The cumulative probability of CMV retinitis relapse was 2.2% at week 48 (95% confidence interval, 0.4-11.3) and that of all forms of CMV disease 4.2%. CMV blood markers remained negative throughout follow-up. The proportion of patients with CMV-specific CD4 T cell reactivity was 46% at baseline and 64% at week 48.

CONCLUSIONS

CMV retinitis maintenance therapy may be safely discontinued in patients with CD4 cell counts above 75 x 10(6) cells/l who have been taking HAART for at least 18 months.

Prophylaxis of opportunistic infections

Potent antiretroviral therapy has improved the outcome of HIV-associated OIs, which have declined dramatically. The clinical manifestations of some OIs (e.g., CMV retinitis, MAC infection, and TB) have changed. These effects likely are related to the immune reconstitution observed with the suppression of HIV replication. These changes have affected approaches to the prophylaxis of OIs. Withdrawal of some prophylaxis in patients who show evidence of immune reconstitution is possible, although clinical studies are needed to address further specific questions about the timing of withdrawal. The best way to prevent OIs is to give effective antiretroviral therapy--the future epidemiology of OIs is linked inextricably with the effectiveness of future antiretroviral treatments.

Management and Prevention of Opportunistic Infections in the HIV-Infected Patient

With the introduction of potent antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs) as well as death has dramatically decreased since 1996. Opportunistic infections are seen mainly in three groups: (1) newly diagnosed patients not receiving antiretroviral therapy and presenting with an OI, (2) patients nonadherent to antiretroviral and OI treatment regimens or (3) patients whose antiretroviral therapy has failed. This article will review the most common opportunistic infections (OIs) seen in the HIV-infected individual and their treatment. The current guidelines for the prophylaxis against these OIs will also be discussed.

Oral lesions in HIV/AIDS patients undergoing highly active antiretroviral treatment including protease inhibitors: a new face of oral AIDS?

The objective of this work was to assess the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus-related oral lesions (HIV-ROL) in HIV-positive/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) including HIV-protease inhibitors. One hundred fifty-five (154) AIDS patients (69 intravenous drug users [IDU], 53 heterosexuals, 29 males who have sex with males, 1 transfused, and 2 of unknown contagious source) receiving HAART, were examined. We found the following prevalences: HIV-ROL 53.2%; oral candidiasis 34.4%; hairy leucoplakia 26.6%; xerostomia 15.5%; herpes simplex labialis 1.9%; HIV/periodontitis-gingivitis 0.6%. No cases of Kaposi's sarcoma were observed. The highest prevalence of HIV-ROL was found in the IDU group, and in patients with viral load more than 10,000 copies and CD4(+) cell count less than 200. Using our historical controls, this suggests that the prevalence of all oral lesions, particularly oral candidiasis, herpes simplex labiali, Kaposi's sarcoma, and periodontal disease has decreased more than 30% after the institution of HAART.

The changing etiology of chronic diarrhea in HIV-infected patients with CD4 cell counts less than 200 cells/mm3

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and causes of chronic diarrhea in patients with AIDS over a period of time that included the pre-HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) era and the introduction of HAART.

METHODS

The study cohort was comprised of patients receiving primary care at a university-associated outpatient HIV clinic from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1997. Patients were identified retrospectively through a clinical database and were included in the study if their diarrhea had persisted for longer than two weeks and their CD4 cell count at time of symptoms was <200 cells/mm3. Further data were obtained by chart review.

RESULTS

Over the 36-month period, the occurrence of chronic diarrhea did not change significantly, ranging from 8 to 10.5% per year in patients with CD4 cell counts <200 cells/mm3. The percentage of patients diagnosed with opportunistic infectious etiologies decreased over the three-year period from 53% (1995) to 13% (1997). The percentage of patients diagnosed with noninfectious causes increased from 32% to 70% over this same time period.

CONCLUSIONS

Over the three years of the study, the incidence of chronic diarrhea in AIDS patients in our clinic did not change. The etiologies of diarrhea did change significantly, with an increased incidence of noninfectious causes and a decreased incidence of opportunistic infectious causes. This shift in etiologies coincides with the introduction and increased use of HAART in our clinic population (1996).

Antiretroviral therapy of HIV-1 infection: established treatment strategies and new therapeutic options

Recently, studies have shown that non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as efavirenz or nevirapine, in combination with two nucleoside analogues have an antiretroviral potency comparable to protease inhibitor containing regimens. Triple combination therapy that includes a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor can therefore be regarded as an effective alternative first-line treatment of HIV-1 infection.

HIV Treatment in Developing Countries

Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic advances have had a major impact on HIV at both the individual and community levels in wealthy nations. However, more than 95% of HIV infections occur in developing countries, where personal or national economies cannot support these measures. Therefore, HIV treatment in developing countries must focus on particular aspects of infection, especially prevention and treatment of those opportunistic infections for which inexpensive antimicrobial agents are available and effective. At present, the focus in developing countries is on tuberculosis, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), and pneumococcal pneumonia. The spread of antimicrobial resistance in mycobacteria and pneumococci is of special concern for developing countries, and strategies to limit the spread of resistance should take high priority. The use of specific antiretroviral agents is limited, because of cost, to prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and notable successes have been achieved. While it is unlikely that these agents will become widely available to the general population, targeting treatment at high-risk groups, through a program of post-exposure prophylaxis, may be an affordable strategy in some situations.

CD40 ligand trimer and IL-12 enhance peripheral blood mononuclear cells and CD4+ T cell proliferation and production of IFN-gamma in response to p24 antigen in HIV-infected individuals: potential contribution of anergy to HIV-specific unresponsiveness

It has been suggested that CD4+ T cell proliferative responses to HIV p24 Ag may be important in the control of HIV infection. However, these responses are minimal or absent in many HIV-infected individuals. Furthermore, while in vitro and in vivo responses to non-HIV recall Ags improve upon administration of highly active antiretroviral therapy, there does not appear to be a commensurate enhancement of HIV-specific immune responses. It is possible that CD4+ p24-specific T cells are deleted early in the course of infection. However, it is also possible that a discrete unresponsiveness, or anergy, contributes to the lack of proliferation to p24. To evaluate the possible contribution of unresponsiveness to the lack of CD4+ T cell proliferation to p24 in HIV-infected individuals, we attempted to overcome unresponsiveness. CD40 ligand trimer (CD40LT) and IL-12 significantly increased PBMC and CD4+ T cell proliferative responses to p24 Ag in HIV-infected, but not uninfected, individuals. No increase in proliferative response to CMV Ag was observed. CD40LT exerted its effect through B7-CD28-dependent and IL-12- and IL-15-independent mechanisms. Finally, the increase in proliferation with CD40LT and IL-12 was associated with an augmented production of IFN-gamma in most, but not all, individuals. These data suggest the possible contribution of HIV-specific unresponsiveness to the lack of CD4+ T cell proliferation to p24 Ag in HIV-infected individuals and that clonal deletion alone does not explain this phenomenon. They also indicate the potential for CD40LT and IL-12 as immune-based therapies for HIV infection.

Prophylaxis for opportunistic infections in an era of effective antiretroviral therapy

Potent antiretroviral treatment is associated with dramatic improvements in immune function in many human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. This has led to new US Public Health Service/Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines that suggest that in certain circumstances (primary prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection, and secondary prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus retinitis), antimicrobial prophylaxis can be discontinued for patients whose CD4 T-cell counts rise above threshold levels for at least 3-6 months. The new guidelines are probably too conservative, and effective antiretroviral treatment almost certainly provides protection against all major opportunistic pathogens. Therefore, in the future, specific prophylaxis will be needed only for those patients who do not benefit from or fail to adhere to the current more effective treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection.

AIDS across Europe, 1994-98: the EuroSIDA study

BACKGROUND

The clinical presentation of HIV-1 related diseases could have changed after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART). We aimed to assess changes over time in the incidence of ADIs overall and within CD4 lymphocyte count strata, the relationship with treatment and degree of immunodeficiency at diagnosis of ADIs.

METHODS

We did a prospective observational multicentre study of over 7300 patients in 52 European HIV-1 outpatient clinics. Incidence rates per 100 patient-years of observation were calculated.

FINDINGS

In total, we recorded 1667 new ADIs; the incidence of ADIs declined from 30.7 per 100 patient-years of observation during 1994 (95% CI 28.0-33.4) to 2.5 per 100 patient-years of observation during 1998 (95% CI 2.0-3.0, p<0.0001, test for trend). Median CD4 lymphocyte count at diagnosis of a new ADI increased from 28 cells/microL to 125 cells/microL between 1994 and 1998 (p<0.0001), yet a steep decline in the rate of ADIs was seen after stratification by latest CD4 lymphocyte count within each year (< or = 50, 51-200, and > 200 cells/microL). Patients on HAART had a lower rate of ADIs than patients not on this treatment within each CD4 lymphocyte count strata. The proportion of ADIs attributable to cytomegalovirus retinitis and Mycobacterium avium complex declined over time (p=0.0058 and 0.0022, respectively), whereas the proportion of diagnoses attributable to non-Hodgkin lymphoma has increased (p<0.0001). In 1994, less than 4% of ADIs were non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in 1998 the proportion was almost 16%. This condition has become one of the most common ADIs in patients on HAART.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings lend support to the idea that treatment regimens can lower the incidence of ADIs. The immediate risk of an ADI for a given CD4 lymphocyte count has declined over time and is lower among patients on HAART. Long-term follow-up of patients on combination treatment is essential to monitor the incidence of new and emerging diagnoses.

Discontinuing or withholding primary prophylaxis against Mycobacterium avium in patients on successful antiretroviral combination therapy. The Swiss HIV Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety of discontinuing or withholding primary prophylaxis against disseminated Mycobacterium avium infection (MAC) in HIV infected patients on successful antiretroviral combination therapy.

SETTING

National prospective multicentre cohort study.

DESIGN

HIV-infected patients were eligible for the analysis if: (i) they had a history of at least two CD4 cell counts < 50 x 10(6)/l; (ii) they had never had MAC; (iii) they had discontinued or never begun primary prophylaxis against MAC; (iv) they received antiretroviral therapy and demonstrated an increase in CD4 cell counts to > or = 100 x 10(6)/l that was sustained for at least 12 weeks. From this time point until last follow-up, incidence of disseminated MAC disease was measured, and 99% confidence intervals were calculated assuming a Poisson distribution of events.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and fifty-three patients (22.5% female; median age, 37 years, 30% injecting drug users) were eligible for analysis. Sixty-six per cent were in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stage C, and 28% were in CDC stage B. Their median nadir CD4 cell count was 10 x 10(6)/l, the median duration of CD4 cell count < 50 x 10(6)/l was 12 months. During a total follow-up of 364.3 patient-years there was no case of disseminated MAC. The one-sided 99% confidence limit for incidence density of MAC was 1.3 per 100 person-years.

CONCLUSION

Discontinuing or withholding primary prophylaxis against MAC is safe in patients who have a sustained increase in their CD4 cell count to > or = 100 x 10(6)/l.

Hit HIV-1 hard, but only when necessary

Randomised, controlled trial data show that combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1 infection benefits people with CD4-cell counts less than 350 cells/microL. Based on currently known risks and benefits, we believe that if CD4-cell counts and viral load are monitored carefully, and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is started commonly when the CD4-cell count drops below 350 cells/microL, then clinically relevant immune-system damage and progression to AIDS and death can be greatly delayed or prevented. This approach is dictated by three features of HIV-1 infection that are not typical of infectious diseases: no available regimen can eradicate HIV-1; all currently effective regimens may cause undesirable, sometimes life-threatening, toxic effects; and, unless regimens are strictly adhered to, multidrug resistance can develop, limiting future treatment options. If therapy is started too early, cumulative side-effects of the drugs used and the development of multidrug resistance may outweigh the net benefits of the lengthening of life. If therapy is started too late, increases in disease progression and mortality outweigh the risk of adverse events. A patients' activist (MH) and a clinician (CCJC) discuss data that justify this balanced approach and the feasibility of randomised controlled trials to provide clearer answers about when to start treatment.

Discontinuation of prophylaxis against Mycobacterium avium complex disease in HIV-infected patients who have a response to antiretroviral therapy. Terry Beirn Community Programs for Clinical Research on AIDS

BACKGROUND

Several agents are effective in preventing Mycobacterium avium complex disease in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, there is uncertainty about whether prophylaxis should be continued in patients whose CD4+ cell counts have increased substantially with antiviral therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial of treatment with azithromycin (1200 mg weekly) as compared with placebo in HIV-infected patients whose CD4+ cell counts had increased from less than 50 to more than 100 per cubic millimeter in response to antiretroviral therapy. The primary end point was M. avium complex disease or bacterial pneumonia.

RESULTS

A total of 520 patients entered the study; the median CD4+ cell count at entry was 230 per cubic millimeter. In 48 percent of the patients, the HIV RNA value was below the level of quantification. The median prior nadir CD4+ cell count was 23 per cubic millimeter, and 65 percent of the patients had had an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defining illness. During follow-up over a median period of 12 months, there were no episodes of confirmed M. avium complex disease in either group (95 percent confidence interval for the rate of disease in each group, 0 to 1.5 episodes per 100 person-years). Three patients in the azithromycin group (1.2 percent) and five in the placebo group (1.9 percent) had bacterial pneumonia (relative risk in the azithromycin group, 0.60; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.14 to 2.50; P=0.48). Neither the rate of progression of HIV disease nor the mortality rate differed significantly between the two groups. Adverse effects led to discontinuation of the study drug in 19 patients assigned to receive azithromycin (7.4 percent) and in 3 assigned to receive placebo (1.1 percent; relative risk, 6.6; P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Azithromycin prophylaxis can safely be withheld in HIV-infected patients whose CD4+ cell counts have increased to more than 100 cells per cubic millimeter in response to antiretroviral therapy.

Performance measures for guidelines on preventing opportunistic infections in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

This article serves as a complement to the 1999 US Public Health Service/Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines on the prevention of opportunistic infections in persons infected with HIV, published in this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases [1]. A number of performance measures to assess compliance with the guidelines and to aid in their implementation are proposed.

Epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus-associated opportunistic infections in the United States in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

The incidence of nearly all AIDS-defining opportunistic infections (OIs) decreased significantly in the United States during 1992-1998; decreases in the most common OIs (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia ¿PCP, esophageal candidiasis, and disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex ¿MAC disease) were more pronounced in 1996-1998, during which time highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was introduced into medical care. Those OIs that continue to occur do so at low CD4+ T lymphocyte counts, and persons whose CD4+ counts have increased in response to HAART are at low risk for OIs, a circumstance that suggests a high degree of immune reconstitution associated with HAART. PCP, the most common serious OI, continues to occur primarily in persons not previously receiving medical care. The most profound effect on survival of patients with AIDS is conferred by HAART, but specific OI prevention measures (prophylaxis against PCP and MAC and vaccination against Streptococcus pneumoniae) are associated with a survival benefit, even when they coincide with the administration of HAART. Continued monitoring of incidence trends and detection of new syndromes associated with HAART are important priorities in the HAART era.

[Effect of antiretroviral treatment and prophylaxis for opportunistic infections on survival of patients with AIDS]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the influence of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and prophylaxis against opportunist disease on survival of patients with AIDS.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Study of AIDS patients diagnosed from January 1996 to October 1997 in a Madrid hospital. An analysis was made of demographic, clinical, and immunological data, as well as ART and prophylaxis against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and tuberculosis (TB). Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, as well as Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

A total of 205 patients were included in the study (83% male) with a median age of 34 years. ART, PCP prophylaxis, and TB prophylaxis were received by 147 (72%), 141 (69%) and 22 (11%) patients, respectively. Among individuals on ART, the likelihood of survival at 12 and 22 months since diagnosis of AIDS was made was 79% and 76%, respectively, and among non treated individuals 54% and 54%, respectively (p < 0.05). ART was associated with a 57% decrease in death risk, and regarding PCP prophylaxis, no benefit on survival was found.

CONCLUSIONS

ART was significantly associated with a lower risk of death among AIDS patients. The survival rate was not increased with PCP prophylaxis.

Effects of mutations in Pneumocystis carinii dihydropteroate synthase gene on outcome of AIDS-associated P. carinii pneumonia

BACKGROUND

Sulpha drugs are widely used for the treatment and long-term prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-1-infected individuals. Sulpha resistance in many microorganisms is caused by point mutations in dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS), an enzyme that is essential for folate biosynthesis. We assessed whether mutations in the DHPS gene of P. carinii were associated with exposure to sulpha drugs and influenced outcome from PCP.

METHODS

We studied bronchoalveolar samples collected in 1989-99 from a prospective cohort of HIV-1-infected patients who had PCP. In 144 patients with 152 episodes of PCP, we analysed portions of DHPS using PCR and direct sequencing. The relation between survival, P. carinii DHPS mutations, and other predictors of treatment failure was assessed by Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

FINDINGS

P. carinii DHPS mutations were found in 31 (20.4%) of 152 PCP episodes. 3-month survival was significantly lower in patients infected with mutant P. carinii DHPS strains than in those with wild-type strains (p=0.002). After adjustment for other prognostic variables, presence of DHPS mutations remained the most important predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 3.1 [95% CI 1.2-8.1]). DHPS mutations were significantly more common in patients who had previous exposure to sulpha drugs (18 of 29 [62%]) than in those who had no exposure (13 of 123 [10.5%]; p<0.0001). A significant increase with time in the rate of DHPS mutations (p=0.01 for trend) was closely correlated with the rate of previous or current use of sulpha drugs as chemoprophylaxis.

INTERPRETATION

Mutations in DHPS are associated with impaired prognosis in PCP, and may develop as a result of exposure to sulpha drugs.

Efficacy of azithromycin in prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia: a randomised trial. California Collaborative Treatment Group

BACKGROUND

Azithromycin in combination with sulphonamides is active against Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in animals. We assessed the clinical efficacy of azithromycin for PCP prophylaxis in human beings.

METHODS

We identified HIV-1-infected patients with PCP during a prospective randomised trial comparing azithromycin, rifabutin, and the two drugs in combination for prevention of disseminated Mycobacterim avium infection. Patients had CD4-cell counts less than 100/microL at entry and received PCP prophylaxis according to the standard practice of their clinician. Analysis was by intention to treat.

FINDINGS

Patients receiving azithromycin, either alone (n=233) or in combination with rifabutin (n=224), had a 45% lower risk of developing PCP than those receiving rifabutin alone (n=236; p=0.008). Compared with rifabutin alone, hazard ratio for azithromycin was 0.54 (95% CI 0.32-0.94), for azithromycin plus rifabutin was 0.55 (0.32-0.94), and for regimens containing azithromycin was 0.55 (0.35-0.86). The most common side-effects involved the gastrointestinal tract with dose-limiting toxicities, and were mainly seen in patients receiving combination therapy.

INTERPRETATION

Azithromycin as prophylaxis for M. avium complex disease provides additional protection against P. carinii over and above that of standard PCP prophylaxis. Use of azithromycin is beneficial only as primary prophylaxis.

Can chemoprophylaxis against opportunistic infections be discontinued after an increase in CD4 cells induced by highly active antiretroviral therapy?

BACKGROUND

In the 'USPHS/IDSA Guidelines for Prevention of Opportunistic Infections in Persons Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus', the indications for chemoprophylaxis are based on nadir CD4 cell count. Many patients have, however, experienced an increase in CD4 cell count after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

OBJECTIVES

To assess incidences of opportunistic infections after discontinuation of chemoprophylaxis in HIV-infected patients, who have experienced a HAART-induced increase in CD4 cell count.

METHODS

The Danish guidelines for chemoprophylaxis against opportunistic infections in HIV-infected patients were revised in late 1997, allowing discontinuation of chemoprophylaxis after initiation of HAART if the CD4 cell count remained above a specified limit for more than 6 months. Consecutive patients were followed, and incidences of opportunistic infections after discontinuation of chemoprophylaxis were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 219 patients discontinued Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)-chemoprophylaxis (12% maintenance therapy). One case of PCP was diagnosed within 174 person-years (PY) of follow-up, resulting in an incidence of 0.6 cases/100 PY follow-up (95% confidence interval, 0.0-3.2). No cases of cerebral toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus chorioretinitis, or disseminated Mycobacterium avium infection were observed. Follow-up time for these was, however, limited.

CONCLUSION

PCP-chemoprophylaxis can be safely discontinued after HAART-induced increase in CD4 cell count to more than 200 x 10(6) cells/l. Among consecutive patients who discontinue chemoprophylaxis according to well-defined guidelines, the observed incidence of PCP is below those reported earlier in patients with similar CD4 cell count.