Towards a combined prognostic index for survival in HIV infection: the role of 'non-HIV' biomarkers

The next therapeutic challenge in HIV: polypharmacy

With the adoption of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), most HIV-infected individuals in care are on five or more medications and at risk of harm from polypharmacy, a risk that likely increases with number of medications, age, and physiologic frailty. Established harms of polypharmacy include decreased medication adherence and increased serious adverse drug events, including organ system injury, hospitalization, geriatric syndromes (falls, fractures, and cognitive decline) and mortality. The literature on polypharmacy among those with HIV infection is limited, and the literature on polypharmacy among non-HIV patients requires adaptation to the special issues facing those on chronic ART. First, those aging with HIV infection often initiate ART in their 3rd or 4th decade of life and are expected to remain on ART for the rest of their lives. Second, those with HIV may be at higher risk for age-associated comorbid disease, further increasing their risk of polypharmacy. Third, those with HIV may have an enhanced susceptibility to harm from polypharmacy due to decreased organ system reserve, chronic inflammation, and ongoing immune dysfunction. Finally, because ART is life-extending, nonadherence to ART is particularly concerning. After reviewing the relevant literature, we propose an adapted framework with which to address polypharmacy among those on lifelong ART and suggest areas for future work.

Medical ICU admission diagnoses and outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus-infected and virus-uninfected veterans in the combination antiretroviral era

OBJECTIVES

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected (HIV+) patients on combination antiretroviral therapy are living longer but have increased risk for aging-associated disease which may lead to increasing critical care requirements. We compare medical ICU admission characteristics and outcomes among HIV infected and demographically similar uninfected patients (uninfected) and considered whether an index which combines routine clinical biomarkers (the Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index) predicts 30-day medical ICU mortality.

DESIGN

Observational data analyses (Veterans Aging Cohort Study).

SETTING

Eight Veterans Affairs medical centers nationwide.

PATIENTS

HIV infected and uninfected with a medical ICU admission between 2002 and 2010.

INTERVENTION

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Medical ICU admission was determined using bedsection (Veterans Affairs) and revenue center codes (Medicare). For Veterans Affairs admissions, we used clinical data to calculate Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index scores and multivariable logistic regression to determine factors associated with 30-day mortality. Overall, 539 of 3,620 (15%) HIV infected and 375 of 3,639 (10%) uninfected had a medical ICU admission; 72% and 78%, respectively, were Veterans Affairs based. HIV+ patients were younger at admission (p < 0.0001). Although most HIV+ patients were on antiretroviral therapy (71%) with undetectable HIV-1 RNA (54%), compared with uninfected they were more commonly admitted with respiratory diagnoses or infections (21% vs. 12%), were more likely to require mechanical ventilation (17% vs. 9%; p = 0.001), and had a higher mortality rate (18.6% vs. 11.2%, p = 0.003). Cardiovascular diagnoses were less common among HIV infected (18% vs. 29%; p < 0.0001). In logistic regression (c-statistic 0.87), a 5-point increment in Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index was associated with an odds ratio of death of 1.22 (95% confidence interval 1.14-1.30) among HIV infected and of 1.50 (95% confidence interval 1.29-1.76) among uninfected; infection/sepsis and respiratory diagnoses were also associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical ICU admission was frequent, 30-day mortality higher, and mechanical ventilation more common in HIV infected compared with uninfected. The Veterans Aging Cohort Study Index calculated at medical ICU admission predicted 30-day mortality for HIV infected and uninfected. As more individuals age with HIV, their requirements for medical ICU care may be greater than demographically similar uninfected individuals.

Decreased injecting is associated with increased alcohol consumption among injecting drug users in northern Vietnam

BACKGROUND

Reducing injecting frequency may reduce the risk of HIV infection and improve health outcomes among injection drug users (IDUs). However, the reduction of one risk behavior may be associated with an increase in other risk behaviors, including the use of other risk-associated substances. Our objective was to determine if an association exists between a reduction in injecting and level of alcohol use among IDU.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal analysis of data collected for a randomized controlled trial examining the efficacy of a peer education intervention in reducing HIV risk among IDU and their network members in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam. Our analysis included active male injectors (n = 629) who were study participants and attended both baseline and 3-month visits. Frequency of alcohol consumption was assessed as the number of alcoholic drinks in the past 30 days. Change in risk and outcome behaviors was calculated as the difference in frequencies of behaviors between baseline and 3-month follow-up visits. The outcome of interest was concurrent decreased drug injection and increased alcohol consumption.

RESULTS

The mean difference between baseline and 3-month follow-up of alcohol consumption and injection frequency in the past 30 days was 19.03 drinks (93.68 SD) and 20.22 injections (35.66 SD), respectively. Participants who reported reduced injection frequency were almost three times as likely to report increased alcohol consumption (OR 2.8; 95% CI, 2.0, 4.0). The proportion that both decreased injecting and increased alcohol by any amount in the past 30 days was 35.6%. In multivariate analysis higher education was significantly associated with an increase in alcohol and decrease in injecting of any amount.

CONCLUSION

Male IDU may be at risk for increasing alcohol consumption when they reduce injection frequency. Interventions with male IDU that encourage reduction of injection may need to review specific strategies to limit alcohol consumption.

Sex disparities in overall burden of disease among HIV-infected individuals in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system

BACKGROUND

Whether sex disparities exist in overall burden of disease among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system (VA) is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether sex differences exist in overall burden of disease after 1 year of combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV-infected individuals in VA.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Among patients in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study Virtual Cohort (VACS-VC), all ART-naïve HIV-infected Veterans who received VA-based HIV care between 1996 and 2009.

MAIN MEASURES

Overall burden of disease was measured using the VACS Index, an index that incorporates HIV (e.g. CD4 cell count) and non-HIV biomarkers (e.g. hemoglobin) and is highly predictive of all-cause mortality. Possible scores range from 0 to 164, although scores typically range from 0 to 50 for 80 % of patients in VACS-VC. A higher score indicates greater burden of disease (each additional five points indicates approximately 20 % increased 5-year mortality risk). ART adherence was measured using pharmacy data.

KEY RESULTS

Complete data were available for 227 women and 8,073 men. At ART initiation, compared with men, women were younger and more likely to be Black, less likely to have liver dysfunction, but more likely to have lower hemoglobin levels. Median VACS Index scores changed from ART initiation to 1 year after ART initiation: women's scores went from 41 to 28 for women (13 point improvement) and men's from 42 to 27 for men (15 point improvement). In multivariable regression, women had 3.6 point worse scores than men after 1 year on ART (p = 0.002); this difference decreased to 3.2 points after adjusting for adherence (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

In VA, compared to men, women experienced less improvement in overall burden of disease after 1 year of HIV treatment. Further study is needed to elucidate the modifiable factors that may explain this disparity.

Serum albumin and short-term risk for mortality and cardiovascular disease among HIV-infected veterans

OBJECTIVE

We examined the short-term and long-term associations of serum albumin with mortality and cardiovascular disease among HIV-infected veterans.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort analysis using a national database of US veterans with HIV infection.

METHODS

This analysis evaluated all HIV-infected veterans in the Department of Veterans Affairs HIV Clinical Case Registry (CCR), a national database consisting of demographic, clinical, laboratory, pharmaceutical, and viral status data. There were 25 522 patients enrolled between 1986 and 2007. We evaluated the associations of baseline and time-updated serum albumin levels with all-cause mortality, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and heart failure by multivariate proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

Over 21 years, there were 10 869 deaths; the cumulative mortality was 73.2 per 1000 person-years. After multivariate adjustment for covariates measured at baseline, the lowest category of serum albumin (<2.5 g/dl) was associated with a higher mortality risk compared with the highest category (>4 g/dl; hazard ratio 3.00; 2.67-3.37). When analyzed as a time-dependent model, the association strengthened substantially (15.1; 14.0-16.4). Findings were similar for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and heart failure. We stratified the baseline mortality model by year of follow-up and found that albumin was more strongly associated with deaths that occurred within 1 year of baseline (9.29; 7.85-11.0) than in the second (1.66; 1.18-2.33) or third (1.22; 0.77-1.96) year after measurement.

CONCLUSION

Among ambulatory HIV-infected patients, lower serum albumin levels are strongly predictive of mortality risk, particularly within 1 year.

A case-controlled study of successful aging in older HIV-infected adults

OBJECTIVE

There is a growing public health interest in the aging human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected (HIV+) population, although there is a dearth of research on successful aging with HIV. This study aimed to understand the risk and protective factors associated with self-rated successful aging (SRSA) with HIV.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, case-controlled.

SETTING

HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program and the Stein Institute for Research on Aging at University of California, San Diego.

PARTICIPANTS

Eighty-three community-dwelling HIV+ and 83 demographically matched HIV-uninfected (HIV-) individuals, enrolled between December 1, 2011, and May 10, 2012, mean age of 59 years, primarily white men, 69% with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), who had been living with an HIV diagnosis for 16 years. Diagnostic criteria for HIV/AIDS were obtained through a blood analysis.

MEASUREMENTS

Participants provided ratings of SRSA, the primary outcome measure, as part of a comprehensive survey that included measures of physical and emotional functioning and positive psychological traits. Relationships between how the different variables related to SRSA were explored.

RESULTS

While SRSA was lower in the HIV+ individuals than their HIV- counterparts, 66% of adults with HIV reported scores of 5 or higher on a 10-point scale of SRSA. Despite worse physical and mental functioning and greater psychosocial stress among the HIV+ participants, the 2 groups had comparable levels of optimism, personal mastery, and social support. Higher SRSA in HIV+ individuals was associated with better physical and emotional functioning and positive psychological factors, but not HIV disease status or negative life events.

CONCLUSIONS

Successful psychosocial aging is possible in older HIV+ individuals. Positive psychological traits such as resilience, optimism, and sense of personal mastery have stronger relationship with SRSA than duration or severity of HIV disease. Research on interventions to enhance these positive traits in HIV+ adults is warranted.

Association of functional impairment with inflammation and immune activation in HIV type 1-infected adults receiving effective antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

The relationships of inflammation, immune activation, and immunosenescence markers with functional impairment in aging human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected persons are unknown.

METHODS

HIV-infected persons who were aged 45-65 years, had a plasma HIV-1 RNA load of <48 copies/mL, and were receiving antiretroviral therapy underwent standardized functional testing. In a nested case-control analysis, low-functioning cases were matched (1:1-2) by age, sex, and HIV-1 diagnosis date to high-functioning controls. Markers of inflammation, T-cell activation, microbial translocation, immunosenescence, and immune recovery were used to estimate functional status in conditional logistic regression. Primary analyses were adjusted for CD4(+) T-cell count, smoking, and hepatitis.

RESULTS

Thirty-one low-functioning cases were compared to 49 high-functioning controls. After statistical adjustment, lower proportions of CD4(+) T cells and higher proportion of CD8(+) T cells, higher CD38/HLA-DR expression on CD8(+) T cells, and higher interleukin-6 were associated with a significantly greater odds of low functional status (odds ratio, ≥ 1.1 for all analyses; P ≤ .03). Other inflammatory, senescence, and microbial translocation markers were not significantly different (P ≥ .11 for all analyses) between low-functioning and high-functioning groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Functional impairment during successful antiretroviral therapy was associated with higher CD8(+) T-cell activation and interleukin 6 levels. Interventions to decrease immune activation and inflammation should be evaluated for their effects on physical function and frailty.

Management of human immunodeficiency virus infection in advanced age

IMPORTANCE

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients treated with antiretroviral therapy now have increased life expectancy and develop chronic illnesses that are often seen in older HIV-negative patients.

OBJECTIVE

To address emerging issues related to aging with HIV. Screening older adults for HIV, diagnosis of concomitant diseases, management of multiple comorbid medical illnesses, social isolation, polypharmacy, and factors associated with end-of-life care are reviewed.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Published guidelines and consensus statements were reviewed. PubMed and PsycINFO were searched between January 2000 and February 2013. Articles not appearing in the search that were referenced by reviewed articles were also evaluated.

FINDINGS

The population of older HIV-positive patients is rapidly expanding. It is estimated that by 2015 one-half of the individuals in the United States with HIV will be older than age 50. Older HIV-infected patients are prone to having similar chronic diseases as their HIV-negative counterparts, as well as illnesses associated with co-infections. Medical treatments associated with these conditions, when added to an antiretroviral regimen, increase risk for polypharmacy. Care of aging HIV-infected patients involves a need to balance a number of concurrent comorbid medical conditions.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

HIV is no longer a fatal disease. Management of multiple comorbid diseases is a common feature associated with longer life expectancy in HIV-positive patients. There is a need to better understand how to optimize the care of these patients.

Risk factors for hospitalization and medical intensive care unit (MICU) admission among HIV-infected Veterans

OBJECTIVE

With improved survival of HIV-infected persons on antiretroviral therapy and growing prevalence of non-AIDS diseases, we asked whether the VACS Index, a composite measure of HIV-associated and general organ dysfunction predictive of all-cause mortality, predicts hospitalization and medical intensive care unit (MICU) admission. We also asked whether AIDS and non-AIDS conditions increased risk after accounting for VACS Index score.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS), a prospective study of HIV-infected Veterans receiving care between 2002 and 2008. Data were obtained from the electronic medical record, VA administrative databases, and patient questionnaires and were used to identify comorbidities and calculate baseline VACS Index scores. The primary outcome was first hospitalization within 2 years of VACS enrollment. We used multivariable Cox regression to determine risk factors associated with hospitalization and logistic regression to determine risk factors for MICU admission, given hospitalization.

RESULTS

Of 3410 patients, 1141 were hospitalized within 2 years; 203 (17.8%)/1141 patients included an MICU admission. Median VACS Index scores were 25 (no hospitalization), 34 (hospitalization only), and 51 (MICU). In adjusted analyses, a 5-point increment in VACS Index score was associated with 10% higher risk of hospitalization and MICU admission. In addition to VACS Index score, Hispanic ethnicity, current smoking, hazardous alcohol use, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, diabetes, and prior AIDS-defining event predicted hospitalization. Among those hospitalized, VACS Index score, cardiac disease, and prior cancer predicted MICU admission.

CONCLUSIONS

The VACS Index predicted hospitalization and MICU admission as did current smoking, hazardous alcohol use, and AIDS and certain non-AIDS diagnoses.

An internationally generalizable risk index for mortality after one year of antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

Despite the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), excess mortality continues for those with HIV infection. A comprehensive approach to risk assessment, addressing multiorgan system injury on ART, is needed. We sought to develop and validate a practical and generalizable mortality risk index for HIV-infected individuals on ART.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) was used to develop the VACS Index, based on age, CD4 cell count, HIV-1 RNA, hemoglobin, aspartate and alanine transaminase, platelets, creatinine and hepatitis C status, and a Restricted Index based on age, CD4 cell count and HIV-1 RNA with an outcome of death up to 6 years after ART initiation. Validation was in six independent cohorts participating in the ART Cohort Collaboration (ART-CC).

RESULTS

In both the development (4932 patients, 656 deaths) and validation cohorts (3146 patients, 86 deaths) the VACS Index had better discrimination than the Restricted Index (c-statistics 0.78 and 0.72 in VACS, 0.82 and 0.78 in ART-CC). The VACS Index also demonstrated better discrimination than the Restricted Index for HIV deaths and non-HIV deaths, in men and women, those younger and older than 50 years, with and without detectable HIV-1 RNA, and with or without HCV coinfection.

CONCLUSIONS

Among HIV-infected patients treated with ART, the VACS Index more accurately discriminates mortality risk than traditional HIV markers and age alone. By accounting for multiorgan system injury, the VACS Index may prove a useful tool in clinical care and research.

Predictive accuracy of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study index for mortality with HIV infection: a North American cross cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

By supplementing an index composed of HIV biomarkers and age (restricted index) with measures of organ injury, the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) index more completely reflects risk of mortality. We compare the accuracy of the VACS and restricted indices (1) among subjects outside the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, (2) more than 1-5 years of prior exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and (3) within important patient subgroups.

METHODS

We used data from 13 cohorts in the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration (n = 10, 835) limiting analyses to HIV-infected subjects with at least 12 months exposure to ART. Variables included demographic, laboratory (CD4 count, HIV-1 RNA, hemoglobin, platelets, aspartate and alanine transaminase, creatinine, and hepatitis C status), and survival. We used C-statistics and net reclassification improvement (NRI) to test discrimination varying prior ART exposure from 1 to 5 years. We then combined Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (n = 5066) and North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration data, fit a parametric survival model, and compared predicted to observed mortality by cohort, gender, age, race, and HIV-1 RNA level.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 3.3 years (655 deaths). Compared with the restricted index, the VACS index showed greater discrimination (C-statistics: 0.77 vs. 0.74; NRI: 12%; P < 0.0001). NRI was highest among those with HIV-1 RNA <500 copies per milliliter (25%) and age ≥50 years (20%). Predictions were similar to observed mortality among all subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

VACS index scores discriminate risk and translate into accurate mortality estimates over 1-5 years of exposure to ART and for diverse patient subgroups from North American.

Comparison of functional status instruments in HIV-infected adults on effective antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

The best method for assessment of functional status in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected persons is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that 3 instruments to assess frailty or disability in elderly populations would perform similarly in HIV-1-infected persons.

METHODS

HIV-infected subjects 45 to 65 years old with plasma HIV-1 RNA <48 copies/mL were classified prospectively as low, moderate, or high function by Fried's frailty phenotype (FFP), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and 400-m walk test. Functional instrument agreement was evaluated by weighted kappa statistic, and relationships with demographic or clinical factors were evaluated by odds ratios (OR).

RESULTS

There were 359 participants (85% male, mean age 52 years, mean CD4+ lymphocyte count 551 cells/µL) who were evaluated. Three percent to 8% were low, 31% to 51% were moderate, and 42% to 62% were high function. FFP, SPPB, and 400-m walk test had moderate agreement for functional classification (61%-64%; κ = 0.34-0.41). Across instruments, lower reported physical activity (OR ≯ 5.5; P ≤ .005), no current employment (OR ≯ 4.2; P < .02), arthritis (OR ≯ 6.5; P < .02), neurologic disease (OR ≯ 2.6; P < .05), debilitating pain (OR ≯ 5.4; P < .008), psychiatric disease (OR ≯3.1; P < .03), more comorbidities (OR ≯ 3.6; P ≤ .005), and more non-antiretroviral therapy medications (OR ≯ 3.5; P ≤ .01) were associated with lower function. Current CD4 <200 cells/µL was more likely among low-function (11%) than high-function (2%) persons on FFP (P = .04); other HIV-related characteristics were not significantly different (P > .05) between functional categories on any instrument.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate functional impairment is common among middle-aged HIV-infected persons, with similar frequencies of impairment detected by 3 instruments. Reduction in comorbid disease, increased physical activity, and improved pain symptom management could reduce functional impairment among persons aging with HIV-infection.

Alcohol, HIV/AIDS, and Liver Disease

Globally, there are over 33 million persons living with HIV/AIDS resulting in 1.8 million deaths annually. While the rate of HIV transmission is slowing, it is estimated that 2.6 million new infections occur yearly [1]. In the United States, there are approximately 1.2 million living with HIV/AIDS, with 50,000 new HIV infections and 17,000 deaths from the disease annually [2]. For those who can obtain effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV/AIDS has become a chronic disease with life expectancies over 30 years [3]. Research in the last 10 years has revealed the importance of alcohol in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Alcohol use, in moderate or hazardous amounts, has been associated with increased acquisition of HIV infection, progression of HIV infection, deleterious effects on HIV treatment, and acceleration in the comorbidities of HIV infection [4–9]. Yet alcohol remains the “forgotten drug” of the HIV/AIDS epidemic [10].

Anemia in the elderly

As the population ages, increasing attention has become focused on the prevalence of anemia in elderly individuals. Anemia occurs in more than 10% of individuals who are older than the age of 65 years, and it increases to more than 50% in individuals who are older than the age of 80 years. Although the anemia is typically mild and unlikely to result in symptoms, it is uniformly associated with increased morbidity and mortality as assessed in large cohort studies. Anemia is an independent predictor of these adverse outcomes both in healthy community-dwelling subjects and in patients with significant co-morbidities. Efforts to understand the pathophysiology of anemia in this population, especially the one third of patients with "unexplained" anemia, have focused on the potential contributions of inflammatory pathways, erythropoietin resistance, and changes in hematopoietic stem cells to the age-dependent decrease in red cell mass. We would argue that these pathways are closely interrelated and combine to lead to anemia in aging individuals. This brief review summarizes the current understanding of this entity and our studies aimed at further delineating its pathophysiology.

Pathogenesis and clinical implications of HIV-related anemia in 2013

Anemia is a common feature of HIV-related disease and has been uniformly demonstrated to be an independent predictor of morbidity and mortality. Although anemia often responds to combination antiretroviral therapy, many patients remain anemic despite therapy and such persistent anemia continues to negatively affect prognosis regardless of drug response. Anemia is also a common feature of normal aging. We postulate that the pathophysiology of anemia in HIV, especially that which persists in the face of combination antiretroviral therapy, is a reflection of underlying proinflammatory pathways that are also thought to contribute to anemia in the elderly, as well as other age-related chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This suggests that HIV induces inflammatory pathways that are associated with a pattern of accelerated aging and that anemia is a biomarker of these processes. A better understanding of the pathophysiology of HIV-related anemia may provide important entry points for improving the chronic manifestations of HIV-related disease.

Presentation and Outcome Amongst Older Singaporeans Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS): Does Age Alone Drive Excess Mortality?

Introduction: There is little detailed information on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) amongst older adults in Singapore. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 121 consecutive referrals of patients presenting for HIV care was conducted. Demographic, clinical and laboratory variables were collected. A prognostic model derived from the North American Veterans’ Affairs Cohort Study (VACS) was used to estimate prognosis. Results: The median age at presentation was 43 (range, 18 to 76). Thirty-eight patients (31%) were aged 50 or older and 106 patients (88%) were male. Older patients were more likely to be of Chinese ethnicity (P = 0.035), married (P = 0.0001), unemployed or retired (P = 0.0001), and to have acquired their infection heterosexually (P = 0.0002). The majority of patients in both groups were symptomatic at presentation. Eighty-one (67%) had CD4 counts less than 200 at baseline with no observable differences in HIV ribonucleic acid (RNA) or clinical stage based on age. Non-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) morbidity was observed more frequently amongst older patients. The estimated prognosis of patients differed significantly based on age. Using the VACS Index and comparing younger patients with those aged 50 and above, mean 5 year mortality estimates were 25% and 50% respectively (P <0.001). A trend towards earlier antiretroviral therapy was noted amongst older patients (P = 0.067) driven mainly by fewer financial difficulties reported as barriers to treatment. Conclusion: Older patients form a high proportion of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases and present with more non-AIDS morbidity. This confers a poor prognosis despite comparable findings with younger patients in terms of clinical stage, AIDS-defining illness, CD4 count and HIV viral load. Key words: AIDS, Ageing, HIV, Prognosis

Heterogeneity in outcomes of treated HIV-positive patients in Europe and North America: relation with patient and cohort characteristics

BACKGROUND

HIV cohort collaborations, which pool data from diverse patient cohorts, have provided key insights into outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, the extent of, and reasons for, between-cohort heterogeneity in rates of AIDS and mortality are unclear.

METHODS

We obtained data on adult HIV-positive patients who started ART from 1998 without a previous AIDS diagnosis from 17 cohorts in North America and Europe. Patients were followed up from 1 month to 2 years after starting ART. We examined between-cohort heterogeneity in crude and adjusted (age, sex, HIV transmission risk, year, CD4 count and HIV-1 RNA at start of ART) rates of AIDS and mortality using random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression.

RESULTS

During 61 520 person-years, 754/38 706 (1.9%) patients died and 1890 (4.9%) progressed to AIDS. Between-cohort variance in mortality rates was reduced from 0.84 to 0.24 (0.73 to 0.28 for AIDS rates) after adjustment for patient characteristics. Adjusted mortality rates were inversely associated with cohorts' estimated completeness of death ascertainment [excellent: 96-100%, good: 90-95%, average: 75-89%; mortality rate ratio 0.66 (95% confidence interval 0.46-0.94) per category]. Mortality rate ratios comparing Europe with North America were 0.42 (0.31-0.57) before and 0.47 (0.30-0.73) after adjusting for completeness of ascertainment.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterogeneity between settings in outcomes of HIV treatment has implications for collaborative analyses, policy and clinical care. Estimated mortality rates may require adjustment for completeness of ascertainment. Higher mortality rate in North American, compared with European, cohorts was not fully explained by completeness of ascertainment and may be because of the inclusion of more socially marginalized patients with higher mortality risk.

Kidney Disease in HIV-Infected Persons

Kidney disease is more prevalent among persons living with HIV, and may arise from a combination of comorbidities, co-infections, and medication-associated toxicities. Additional effects of HIV-1 viral replication, immunodeficiency and genetic factors also contribute to kidney disease. As is true in the general population, persons of African descent exhibit a disproportionate risk for severe kidney disease. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) modifies the natural history of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), and renal benefits of ART may not be limited to persons with HIVAN. Robust associations between proteinuria and cardiovascular disease imply that common mechanisms of vascular endothelial dysfunction may contribute to both processes.

Current advances in pharmacovigilance in the USA and Europe: meeting the challenges of safety monitoring in HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The success of antiretroviral therapy in HIV disease comes currently with the realization that patients are committed to life-long treatment, which raises the possibility of long-term toxicity. Such long-term side effects may not be identified in initial clinical trials requiring, therefore, a different approach to monitoring patients over time - a pharmacovigilance approach.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several key issues in long-term management of HIV infection have been addressed by a pharmacovigilance approach - including unusual and rare side effects and elucidation of emerging toxicities such as cardiovascular, bone and renal disease. Recent changes in legislation in the USA and Europe are aimed to strengthen pharmacovigilance in developed countries.

SUMMARY

HIV infection and its treatment provide an important example of the role of pharmacovigilance. As clinical trials can rarely address the question of long-term tolerability, effective pharmacovigilance programs are and will remain essential.

Reclassification of risk of death with the knowledge of D-dimer in a cohort of treated HIV-infected individuals

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the change in categories of risk of death by adding D-dimer to conventional mortality risk factors.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

Data on HIV-infected participants receiving standard combination antiretroviral therapy in two clinical trials (Evaluation of Subcutaneous Proleukin in a Randomized International Trial and Strategic Management of antiretroviral therapy), who had baseline D-dimer measured, were randomly split into two equal training and a validation datasets. A multivariable survival model was built using the training dataset and included only conventional mortality risk factors measured at baseline. D-dimer was added to create the comparison model. The level of reclassification of mortality risk, for those with at least 5-years of follow-up, was then assessed by tabulating mortality risk defined as low (≤2% predicted rate), moderate (2-5%) or high (>5%). Reclassification analyses were then repeated on the validation dataset.

RESULTS

The analysis population at baseline had a mean age of 43 years, median CD4(+) cell count of 535 cells/μl (IQR: 420-712), and 83% had HIV RNA of at least 500 copies/ml. In the training dataset (n=1946, 8939 person-years), there were 83 deaths at a rate of 0.93 per 100 person-years. Addition of D-dimer to the reference model resulted in 6% or fewer (P>0.05) being correctly reassigned, either up or down, to a new risk category, in both, training and validation datasets. The integrated discrimination improvement in training and validation datasets was 0.60% (P=0.084) and 0.45% (P=0.168), respectively.

CONCLUSION

In this relatively well population, at the given risk cutoffs, D-dimer appeared to only modestly improve the discernment of risk. Risk reclassification provides a method for assessing the clinical utility of biomarkers in HIV cohort studies.

HIV and aging: state of knowledge and areas of critical need for research. A report to the NIH Office of AIDS Research by the HIV and Aging Working Group

HIV risk behaviors, susceptibility to HIV acquisition, progression of disease after infection, and response to antiretroviral therapy all vary by age. In those living with HIV, current effective treatment has increased the median life expectancy to >70 years of age. Biologic, medical, individual, social, and societal issues change as one ages with HIV infection, but there has been only a small amount of research in this field. Therefore, the Office of AIDS Research of the National Institutes of Health commissioned a working group to develop an outline of the current state of knowledge and areas of critical need for research in HIV and Aging; the working groups' findings and recommendations are summarized in this report. Key overarching themes identified by the group included the following: multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and the need to emphasize maintenance of function; the complexity of assessing HIV versus treatment effects versus aging versus concurrent disease; the inter-related mechanisms of immune senescence, inflammation, and hypercoagulability; the utility of multivariable indices for predicting outcomes; a need to emphasize human studies to account for complexity; and a required focus on issues of community support, caregivers, and systems infrastructure. Critical resources are needed to enact this research agenda and include expanded review panel expertise in aging, functional measures, and multimorbidity, and facilitated use and continued funding to allow long-term follow-up of cohorts aging with HIV.

Prevalence of HIV and chronic comorbidities among older adults

OBJECTIVES

Limited evidence is available on HIV, aging and comorbidities in sub-Saharan Africa. This article describes the prevalence of HIV and chronic comorbidities among those aged 50 years and older in South Africa using nationally representative data.

DESIGN

The WHO's Study of global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) was conducted in South Africa in 2007-2008. SAGE includes nationally representative cohorts of persons aged 50 years and older, with comparison samples of those aged 18-49 years, which aims to study health and its determinants.

METHODS

Logistic and linear regression models were applied to data from respondents aged 50 years and older to determine associations between age, sex and HIV status and various outcome variables including prevalence of seven chronic conditions.

RESULTS

HIV prevalence among adults aged 50 and older in South Africa was 6.4% and was particularly elevated among Africans, women aged 50-59 and those living in rural areas. Rates of chronic disease were higher among all older adults compared with those aged 18-49. Of those aged 50 years and older, 29.6% had two or more of the seven chronic conditions compared with 8.8% of those aged 18-49 years (P < 0.0001). When controlling for age and sex among those aged 50 and older, BMI was lower among HIV-infected older adults aged 50 and older (27.5 kg/m2) than in HIV-uninfected individuals of the same age (30.6) (P < 0.0001). Grip strength among HIV-infected older adults was significantly (P=0.004) weaker than among similarly-aged HIV-uninfected individuals.

CONCLUSION

HIV-infected older adults in South Africa have high rates of chronic disease and weakness. Studies are required to examine HIV diagnostics and treatment instigation rates among older adults to ensure equity of access to quality care, as the number and percentage of older adults living with HIV is likely to increase.

HIV and inflammation: mechanisms and consequences

Persistent immune activation and inflammation despite sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART)-mediated viral suppression has emerged as a major challenge of the modern HIV treatment era. While immune activation, inflammatory, and coagulation markers typically decline during suppressive ART, they remain abnormally elevated in many HIV-infected individuals and predict subsequent mortality and non-AIDS morbidities including cardiovascular disease. The goal of this review is to summarize the current state of our knowledge regarding the underlying causes of persistent immune activation during ART-mediated viral suppression as well as the link between persistent immune activation and morbidity and mortality in this setting. Several recent studies have linked surrogate markers of this persistent inflammatory state to clinical outcomes, validating persistent immune activation as a viable therapeutic target. Other recent studies have helped clarify the roles of persistent HIV expression and/or replication, microbial translocation, and co-infections in driving this persistent inflammatory state, identifying targets for novel interventions.

Patient-reported symptoms on the antiretroviral regimen efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir

Most patients (80-90%) newly diagnosed with HIV are started on the antiretroviral regimen efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir (EFV/FTC/TDF). Existing studies of patient tolerability, however, are limited. We compared symptom experiences of patients on EFV/FTC/TDF, and the subsequent impact on health-related quality of life, with those of patients on other combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the Veterans Aging Cohort Study from February 2008 to August 2009 to compare the symptom experiences of patients on EFV/FTC/TDF vs. other cART, unadjusted and then adjusted for treatment characteristics, and comorbid disease severity. We then assessed the association between EFV/FTC/TDF use and health-related quality of life. Among the 1,759 patients in our analytic sample, EFV/FTC/TDF use was associated with fewer symptoms than was other cART. The use of EFV/FTC/TDF was independently associated with health-related quality of life, and this association was at least partially explained by symptom burden.

Does an index composed of clinical data reflect effects of inflammation, coagulation, and monocyte activation on mortality among those aging with HIV?

BACKGROUND

When added to age, CD4 count and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA alone (Restricted Index), hemoglobin, FIB-4 Index, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and estimated glomerular filtration rate improve prediction of mortality. Weighted and combined, these 7 routine clinical variables constitute the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) Index. Because nonroutine biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin 6 [IL-6]), coagulation (D-dimer), and monocyte activation (sCD14) also predict mortality, we test the association of these indices and biomarkers with each other and with mortality.

METHODS

Samples from 1302 HIV-infected veterans on antiretroviral therapy were analyzed. Indices were calculated closest to date of collection. We calculated Spearman correlations stratified by HIV-1 RNA and HCV status and measured association with mortality using C statistics and net reclassification improvement (NRI).

RESULTS

Of 1302 subjects, 915 had HIV-1 RNA <500 copies/mL and 154 died. The VACS Index was more correlated with IL-6, D-dimer, and sCD14 than the Restricted Index (P < .001). It was also more predictive of mortality (C statistic, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], .72-.80) than any biomarker (C statistic, 0.66-0.70) or the Restricted Index (C statistic, 0.71; 95% CI, .67-.75). Compared to the Restricted Index alone, NRI resulted from incremental addition of VACS Index components (10%), D-dimer (7%), and sCD14 (4%), but not from IL-6 (0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Among HIV-infected individuals, independent of CD4, HIV-1 RNA, and age, hemoglobin and markers of liver and renal injury are associated with inflammation. Addition of D-dimer and sCD14, but not IL-6, improves the predictive accuracy of the VACS Index for mortality.

Renal issues in HIV infection

Kidney disease remains a prominent complication of HIV disease, despite beneficial effects of antiretroviral therapy on the natural history of HIV-associated nephropathy, and on kidney function in general populations of HIV infected patients. Persons of African descent continue to bear a disproportionate burden of severe kidney disease, as is true for the general population. Recently identified genetic variants in the apolipoprotein L1 gene may contribute to this burden. As is also true for the general population, markers of kidney disease, including microalbuminuria, are sensitive predictors of cardiovascular disease and mortality among persons living with HIV. The emerging experience with kidney transplantation also suggests this to be a viable option in selected patients.

Morbidity and aging in HIV-infected persons: the Swiss HIV cohort study

BACKGROUND

Patterns of morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals taking antiretroviral therapy are changing as a result of immune reconstitution and improved survival. We studied the influence of aging on the epidemiology of non-AIDS diseases in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

METHODS

The Swiss HIV Cohort Study is a prospective observational cohort established in 1988 with continuous enrollment. We determined the incidence of clinical events (per 1000 person-years) from January 2008 (when a new questionnaire on non-AIDS-related morbidity was introduced) through December 2010. Differences across age groups were analyzed using Cox regression, adjusted for CD4 cell count, viral load, sex, injection drug use, smoking, and years of HIV infection.

RESULTS

Overall, 8444 (96%) of 8848 participants contributed data from 40,720 semiannual visits; 2233 individuals (26.4%) were aged 50-64 years, and 450 (5.3%) were aged ≥65 years. The median duration of HIV infection was 15.4 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.59-22.0 years); 23.2% had prior clinical AIDS. We observed 994 incident non-AIDS events in the reference period: 201 cases of bacterial pneumonia, 55 myocardial infarctions, 39 strokes, 70 cases of diabetes mellitus, 123 trauma-associated fractures, 37 fractures without adequate trauma, and 115 non-AIDS malignancies. Multivariable hazard ratios for stroke (17.7; CI, 7.06-44.5), myocardial infarction (5.89; 95% CI, 2.17-16.0), diabetes mellitus (3.75; 95% CI, 1.80-7.85), bone fractures without adequate trauma (10.5; 95% CI, 3.58-30.5), osteoporosis (9.13; 95% CI, 4.10-20.3), and non-AIDS-defining malignancies (6.88; 95% CI, 3.89-12.2) were elevated for persons aged ≥65 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Comorbidity and multimorbidity because of non-AIDS diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, non-AIDS-defining malignancies, and osteoporosis, become more important in care of HIV-infected persons and increase with older age.

HIV infection, immune suppression, and uncontrolled viremia are associated with increased multimorbidity among aging injection drug users

BACKGROUND

Despite an increasing burden of age-associated non-AIDS outcomes, few studies have investigated the prevalence or correlates of multimorbidity among aging human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and epidemiologically comparable at-risk populations.

METHODS

Among 1262 AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) study participants followed in a community-based observational cohort, we defined the prevalence of 7 non-AIDS-defining chronic conditions (diabetes, obstructive lung disease, liver disease, anemia, obesity, kidney dysfunction, and hypertension) using clinical and laboratory criteria. Ordinal logistic regression was used to model the odds of increased multimorbidity associated with demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors. Self-reported prevalence was compared with clinically defined prevalence.

RESULTS

Participants were a median of 48.9 years of age; 65.1% were male, 87.5% were African-American, and 28.7% were HIV infected. In multivariable analysis, HIV infection (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.99) was positively associated with increased multimorbidity. Among HIV-infected participants, multimorbidity was increased with lower nadir CD4 T-cell count (OR, 1.14 per 100-cell decrease; 95% CI, 1.00-1.29) and higher current HIV RNA (OR, 1.32 per log(10) increase; 95% CI, 1.08-1.60). Older age, being female, not using cigarettes or drugs, and having depressive symptoms were also associated with increased multimorbidity. A substantial proportion of multimorbid conditions in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected participants were unrecognized and untreated.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-infected participants experienced increased numbers of multimorbid conditions; risk increased with advanced immunosuppression and higher viremia. These results underscore the heavy burden of multimorbidity associated with HIV and highlight the need for incorporating routine assessment and integrated management of chronic diseases as part of comprehensive healthcare for aging, HIV-infected persons.

A polymorphism in the leptin gene promoter is associated with anemia in patients with HIV disease

To study factors associated with anemia and its effect on survival in HIV-infected persons treated with modern combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), we characterized the prevalence of anemia in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) and used a candidate gene approach to identify proinflammatory gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with anemia in HIV disease. The study comprised 1597 HIV(+) and 865 HIV(-) VACS subjects with DNA, blood, and annotated clinical data available for analysis. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria (hemoglobin < 13 g/dL and < 12 g/dL in men and women, respectively). The prevalence of anemia in HIV(+) and HIV(-) subjects was 23.1% and 12.9%, respectively. Independent of HIV status, anemia was present in 23.4% and 8% in blacks and whites, respectively. Analysis of our candidate genes revealed that the leptin -2548 G/A SNP was associated with anemia in HIV(+), but not HIV(-), patients, with the AA and AG genotypes significantly predicting anemia (P < .003 and P < .039, respectively, logistic regression). This association was replicated in an independent cohort of HIV(+) women. Our study provides novel insight into the association between genetic variability in the leptin gene and anemia in HIV(+) individuals.

Cancer screening in patients infected with HIV

Non-AIDS-defining cancers are a rising health concern among HIV-infected patients. Cancer screening is now an important component of health maintenance in HIV clinical practice. The decision to screen an HIV-infected patient for cancer should include an assessment of individualized risk for the particular cancer, life expectancy, and the harms and benefits associated with the screening test and its potential outcome. HIV-infected patients are at enhanced risk of several cancers compared to the general population; anal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and lung cancer all have good evidence demonstrating an enhanced risk in HIV-infected persons. A number of cancer screening interventions have shown benefit for specific cancers in the general population, but data on the application of these tests to HIV-infected persons are limited. Here we review the epidemiology and background literature relating to cancer screening interventions in HIV-infected persons. We then use these data to inform a conceptual model for evaluating HIV-infected patients for cancer screening.

A frailty-related phenotype before HAART initiation as an independent risk factor for AIDS or death after HAART among HIV-infected men

BACKGROUND

In the general population, frailty, a late stage of the aging process, predicts mortality. We investigated whether manifesting a previously defined frailty-related phenotype (FRP) before initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) affects the likelihood of developing clinical AIDS or mortality after HAART initiation.

METHODS

Among 596 HIV-infected men in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study whose date of HAART initiation was known within ±6 months and who had an assessable FRP status within 3 years before HAART, survival analyses were performed to assess the effect of FRP manifestation on clinical AIDS or death after HAART.

RESULTS

In men free of AIDS before HAART, AIDS or death after HAART occurred in 13/36 (36%) men who exhibited the FRP before HAART but only in 69/436 (16%) men who did not (hazard ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.4-4.6; p < .01). After adjusting for age, ethnicity, education, nadir CD4+ T-cell count, peak HIV viral load, and hemoglobin in the 3 years before HAART, having the FRP at >25% of visits in the 3 years before HAART significantly predicted AIDS or death (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.8; 95% confidence interval = 1.9-7.9; p < .01). Results were unchanged when the analysis was restricted to the 335 AIDS-free men who were HAART responders, to the 124 men who had AIDS at HAART initiation, or to the subsets of men for whom indices of liver and kidney function could be taken into account.

CONCLUSION

Having a persistent frailty-like phenotype before HAART initiation predicted a worse prognosis after HAART, independent of known risk factors.

Soluble biomarkers and morbidity and mortality among people infected with HIV: summary of published reports from 1997 to 2010

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Published articles from 1997 through May 2010 that reported findings on the relationship of soluble biomarkers with clinical outcomes among people infected with HIV were identified, and studies that examined the incremental value (over that of CD4 cell count and HIV RNA level) that biomarkers had for predicting clinical outcomes were summarized.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over 1500 articles were identified on MEDLINE databases that met selected medical subject heading terms. Thirty-eight met criteria for inclusion in the review. Fifteen of the articles were published since 2008. Most evaluated biomarkers reflecting inflammation and immune activation. For 25 studies, the relationship between the biomarker and all-cause mortality was evaluated. Samples stored in specimen repositories were used for many studies, and those that did not usually focused on biomarkers that are measured as part of routine care. Eight of the reports utilized a case-control design and most of these were nested within a cohort study or a clinical trial.

SUMMARY

Establishing the relationship between a biomarker and a clinical outcome is an important step in biomarker evaluation. To advance research on biomarkers relevant to people with HIV, large studies with long follow-up, carefully documented clinical events, and specimen repositories will be needed.

Haemoglobin and anaemia in the SMART study

BACKGROUND

Data from randomized trials on the development of anaemia after interruption of therapy are not well-described.

METHODS

A total of 2,248 patients from the SMART study were included. We used Cox proportional hazards models to investigate development of new (≤12 mg/dl for females and ≤14 mg/dl for males) or worsening (≤8 mg/dl if anaemic at randomization) anaemia and Poisson regression analyses to explore the relationship between anaemia and the development of AIDS, death or non-AIDS events.

RESULTS

Overall, 759 patients developed new or worsening anaemia: 420/1,106 (38.0%) in the drug conservation (DC) arm and 339/1127 (30.1%) in the viral suppression (VS) arm (P<0.0001). At 4 months after randomization, patients in the DC arm had a significantly increased risk of developing new or worsening anaemia (adjusted relative hazard 1.56, 95% CI 1.28-1.89). Currently anaemic patients had an increased incidence of AIDS (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.31, 95% CI 1.34-3.98), death (adjusted IRR 2.19, 95% CI 1.23-3.87) and non-AIDS events (adjusted IRR 2.98, 95% CI 2.01-4.40) compared to non-anaemic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who interrupted combination antiretroviral therapy had a higher risk of new or worsening anaemia. Anaemic patients had a higher incidence of AIDS, non-AIDS defining events or deaths, possibly due to deteriorating health and subclinical disease.

When should antiretroviral therapy be started in HIV-positive persons?

Recommendations for the initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy in HIV-positive individuals are largely based on data from observational studies. Whilst all guidelines recommend immediate treatment in individuals with a CD4 count of less than 350 cells/mm(3), guidelines vary in their recommendations for treatment at higher CD4 counts. Several large cohort studies have published findings that contribute to the debate, although conclusions vary and results from these studies may be subject to bias.

HIV and aging: time for a new paradigm

The population of patients with HIV infection achieving viral suppression on combination antiretroviral therapy is growing, aging, and experiencing a widening spectrum of non-AIDS diseases. Concurrently, AIDS-defining conditions are becoming less common and are variably associated with outcome. Nonetheless, the spectrum of disease experienced by those aging with HIV remains strongly influenced by HIV, its treatment, and the behaviors, conditions, and demographics associated with HIV infection. Our focus must shift from a narrow interest in CD4 counts, HIV-RNA, and AIDS-defining illnesses to determining the optimal management of HIV infection as a complex chronic disease in which the causes of morbidity and mortality are multiple and overlapping. We need a new paradigm of care with which to maximize functional status, minimize frailty, and prolong life expectancy. A composite index that summarizes a patient's risk of morbidity and mortality could facilitate this work and help chart its progress.

Is it safe? Talking to teens with HIV/AIDS about death and dying: a 3-month evaluation of Family Centered Advance Care (FACE) planning - anxiety, depression, quality of life

Purpose

To determine the safety of engaging HIV-positive (HIV+) adolescents in a Family Centered Advance Care (FACE) planning intervention.

Patients and methods

We conducted a 2-armed, randomized controlled clinical trial in 2 hospital-based outpatient clinics from 2006–2008 with HIV+ adolescents and their surrogates (n = 76). Three 60–90 minutes sessions were conducted weekly. FACE intervention groups received: Lyon FCACP Survey^©, the Respecting Choices^® interview, and completion of The Five Wishes^©. The Healthy Living Control (HLC) received: Developmental History, Healthy Tips, Future Planning (vocational, school or vocational rehabilitation). Three-month post-intervention outcomes were: completion of advance directive (Five Wishes^©); psychological adjustment (Beck Depression, Anxiety Inventories); quality of life (PedsQL^™); and HIV symptoms (General Health Self-Assessment).

Results

Adolescents had a mean age, 16 years; 40% male; 92% African-American; 68% with perinatally acquired HIV, 29% had AIDS diagnosis. FACE participants completed advance directives more than controls, using time matched comparison (P < 0.001). Neither anxiety, nor depression, increased at clinically or statistically significant levels post-intervention. FACE adolescents maintained quality of life. FACE families perceived their adolescents as worsening in their school (P = 0.018) and emotional (P = 0.029) quality of life at 3 months, compared with controls.

Conclusions

Participating in advance care planning did not unduly distress HIV+ adolescents.

HIV/AIDS, comorbidity, and alcohol: can we make a difference?

Alcohol use is common among people infected with HIV and plays an important role in their health outcomes. Because alcohol use complicates HIV infection and contributes to comorbid diseases, it is important for researchers and practitioners to understand these interactions and to integrate alcohol treatment with medical management of long-term HIV infection and associated comorbidity. The Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) is a large, multisite study of the effects of alcohol use on HIV outcomes in the broader context of aging. A multilevel strategy intervention trial is needed to address the many modifiable implications of alcohol consumption among those receiving treatment for HIV.