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Hunt JH, Peay HL, Henderson GE. Facilitators and Barriers to Adherence to Anti-Retroviral Treatment Among Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women Living with HIV and Perinatally Infected Infants: A Scoping Review. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:2910-2925. [PMID: 38767727 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04373-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
In 2022, 54% of 1.5 million children (age 0-14) living with HIV had access to anti-retroviral medication (ART). Adherence to ART for pregnant or breastfeeding HIV + women is critical for maintaining their personal health and to prevent mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT). For HIV + infants, adherence is essential to establish early viremic control and is contingent on caregiver administration. We conducted a scoping review to systematically identify and categorize the influences on ART adherence for pregnant or breastfeeding HIV + women and their HIV + infants. We searched databases in June 2023 and employed the Social-Ecological Model (SEM) to organize facilitators and barriers to adherence referenced in published articles. All articles published before 2016 were excluded due to updated guidelines from WHO on MTCT and ART. Our analysis included 52 articles. 50/52 took place in Africa and used cross-sectional and mixed-methods design. Barriers to adherence for pregnant or breastfeeding HIV + women included maternal education, self-efficacy, social support, and social/economic context. Barriers to infant adherence included development, nutrition, age of treatment initiation, disclosure, and ART side effects. Additional facilitators and barriers to adherence are presented at family, extra-familial, and socio-cultural SEM levels. Stigma was the most salient barrier referenced across the entire continuum of HIV care and all SEM levels. This review revealed a dearth of literature focusing on HIV + infants who are dependent on their caregivers for ART adherence and lack of a standard adherence measure. We identified multi-leveled influences on adherence impacting both the mother and infant and are amenable to public health intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne H Hunt
- Department of Sociology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Holly L Peay
- Research Triangle International, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gail E Henderson
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Ajibola G, Mdluli C, Bennett K, Sakoi M, Batlang O, Makhema J, Lockman S, Shapiro R, Myer L, Powis K. No increased in utero and peripartum HIV acquisition risk in HIV-exposed preterm infants. South Afr J HIV Med 2023; 24:1509. [PMID: 37928500 PMCID: PMC10623649 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v24i1.1509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Limited data exist on the differential risk of HIV acquisition between infants born preterm versus those born at term to women living with HIV (WLHIV). With a reported increase in preterm delivery among pregnant WLHIV, understanding the risk of vertical transmission of HIV in preterm infants can inform strategies to optimise the timing of diagnostic testing, antiretroviral prophylaxis, and infant feeding. Objectives To describe the prevalence and timing of HIV acquisition, in utero versus perinatal, among infants with perinatal HIV exposure born prior to 37 weeks completed gestation age compared to those born at term in the Botswana-based Mpepu study and explore predictors of infant HIV acquisition. Method Using data extracted from the Mpepu study, we describe the prevalence, timing and risk factors for HIV acquisition in infants born preterm versus those born at term. Fisher exact testing was used to test for differences in prevalence and timing of HIV and a multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess risk factors for infant HIV acquisition. Results 2866 infants born to WLHIV were included in this secondary analysis. 532 (19%) were born preterm. There was no observed difference in the prevalence of HIV acquisition among infants born preterm versus at term overall (0.8% vs 0.6%, P = 0.54), at birth (0.2% vs 0.3%, P = 1.00) or between 14 and 34 days post-delivery (0.6% vs 0.3%, P = 0.41). The absence of maternal antiretroviral use during pregnancy significantly predicted infant HIV acquisition, with the risk of HIV acquisition reduced by 96% among infants whose mothers were taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio: 0.003, confidence interval: 0.01-0.02, P < 0.001). Conclusion There was no observed increase of in utero and peripartum HIV acquisition among infants born preterm following foetal exposure to HIV compared to those born at term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kara Bennett
- Bennett Statistical Consulting Inc, New York, United States of America
| | - Maureen Sakoi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Research Institute, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Oganne Batlang
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Research Institute, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Joseph Makhema
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Research Institute, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Shahin Lockman
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Research Institute, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Womens Hospital, Boston, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States of America
| | - Roger Shapiro
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Research Institute, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States of America
| | - Landon Myer
- Department of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kathleen Powis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Research Institute, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States of America
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Ong JJ, Coulthard K, Quinn C, Tang MJ, Huynh T, Jamil MS, Baggaley R, Johnson C. Risk-Based Screening Tools to Optimise HIV Testing Services: a Systematic Review. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2022; 19:154-165. [PMID: 35147855 PMCID: PMC8832417 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-022-00601-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Effective ways to diagnose the remaining people living with HIV who do not know their status are a global priority. We reviewed the use of risk-based tools, a set of criteria to identify individuals who would not otherwise be tested (screen in) or excluded people from testing (screen out). RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies suggest that there may be value in risk-based tools to improve testing efficiency (i.e. identifying those who need to be tested). However, there has not been any systematic reviews to synthesize these studies. We identified 18,238 citations, and 71 were included. The risk-based tools identified were most commonly from high-income (51%) and low HIV (<5%) prevalence countries (73%). The majority were for "screening in" (70%), with the highest performance tools related to identifying MSM with acute HIV. Screening in tools may be helpful in settings where it is not feasible or recommended to offer testing routinely. Caution is needed for screening out tools, where there is a trade-off between reducing costs of testing with missing cases of people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - K Coulthard
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - C Quinn
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M J Tang
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - T Huynh
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M S Jamil
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - R Baggaley
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C Johnson
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Interventions to improve early retention of patients in antiretroviral therapy programmes in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263663. [PMID: 35139118 PMCID: PMC8827476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several interventions to improve long term retention (12 months and above) on treatment have been rigorously evaluated in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, research on interventions to improve retention of patients in the early stages of treatment (6 months) during this era of Universal Test and Treat has only recently emerged. The aim of this study is to systematically map evidence of interventions used to improve early retention of patients in antiretroviral therapy (ART) programmes in SSA. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane electronic databases to identify studies describing interventions aimed at improving early retention in ART treatment. We applied the methodological frameworks by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and Levac et al. (2010). We also followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Interventions were categorized according to key broad areas in the existing literature. Results A total of 2,241 articles were identified of which 19 met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for this review, with the majority either being randomized control trials 32% (n = 6) or cohort studies 32% (n = 6). The studies reviewed were conducted in 11 SSA countries. The most common interventions described under key broad areas included: Health system interventions such as Universal Test-and-Treat, integration of ART initiation, HIV Testing and Counselling and Antenatal Care services and reduction of ART drug costs; Patient centered approaches such as fast track ART initiation, Differentiated Drug Delivery models and point of care HIV birth testing; Behavioral interventions and support through lay counselors, mentor mothers, nurse counselors and application of quality improvement interventions and financial incentives. Majority of the studies targeted the HIV positive adults and pregnant women. Conclusion With the introduction of Universal Test-and-Treat and same-day initiation of ART, findings suggest that adoption of policies that expand ART uptake with the goal of reducing HIV transmission at the population level, promoting patient centered approaches such as fast track ART initiation, Differentiated Service Delivery models and providing adequate support through Mentor Mothers, lay and nurse counselors may improve early retention in HIV care in SSA. However, these interventions have only been tested in few countries in the region which points to how hard evidence based HIV programming is. Further research investigating the impact of individual and a combination of interventions to improve early retention in HIV care, including for various groups at high risk of attrition, is warranted across SSA countries to fast track the achievement of 95-95-95 Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) targets by 2030.
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Mafaune HW, Sacks E, Chadambuka A, Musarandega R, Tachiwenyika E, Simmonds FM, Nyamundaya T, Cohn J, Mahomva A, Mushavi A. Effectiveness of Maternal Transmission Risk Stratification in Identification of Infants for HIV Birth Testing: Lessons From Zimbabwe. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 84 Suppl 1:S28-S33. [PMID: 32520912 PMCID: PMC7302327 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, Zimbabwe adopted a modified version of the World Health Organization 2016 recommendation on HIV birth testing by offering HIV testing at birth only to infants at "high risk" of HIV transmission. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of this approach. Our study assessed the sensitivity and specificity of birth testing "high risk" infants only. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study at 10 health facilities from November 2018 to July 2019. A nucleic acid test for HIV was performed on all HIV-exposed infants identified within 48 hours of life, irrespective of risk status. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used to estimate the performance of the risk screening tool. RESULTS HIV nucleic acid test was successfully performed on 1970 infants (95%), of whom 266 (13.5%) were classified as high-risk infants. HIV prevalence for all infants tested was 1.5% (95% CI: 1% to 2%), whereas prevalence among high-risk infants and low-risk infants was 6.8% (95% CI: 3.7% to 9.8%) and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3% to 1%) respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the maternal risk screening tool was at 62.1% (95% CI: 44.4% to 79.7%) and 87.2% (95% CI: 85.7% to 88.7%), respectively; positive and negative predictive values were 6.8% (95% CI: 3.7% to 9.8%) and 99.4% (95% CI: 99.0% to 99.7%) respectively. CONCLUSIONS Despite high negative predictive value, sensitivity was relatively low, with potential of missing 2 in every 5 HIV infected infants. Given the potential benefits of early ART initiation for all exposed infants, where feasible, universal testing for HIV-exposed infants at birth may be preferred to reduce missing infected infants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Sacks
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Cohn
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland; and
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Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission With In Utero Dolutegravir vs. Efavirenz in Botswana. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 84:235-241. [PMID: 32195745 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large-scale evaluation of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) with dolutegravir (DTG)-based antiretroviral treatment (ART) has not been conducted previously. SETTING Botswana was the first African country to change from efavirenz (EFV)/tenofovir (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) to DTG/TDF/FTC first-line ART. METHODS From April 2015 to July 2018, the Early Infant Treatment Study offered HIV DNA testing at <96 hours of life. Maternal ART regimen was available for screened infants who could be linked to the separate Tsepamo surveillance study database. We evaluated characteristics of HIV-positive infants, and compared MTCT rates by ART regimen for linked infants. RESULTS Of 10,622 HIV-exposed infants screened, 42 (0.40%) were HIV-positive. In total, 5064 screened infants could be linked to the surveillance database, including 1235 (24.4%) exposed to DTG/TDF/FTC and 2411 (47.6%) exposed to EFV/TDF/FTC. MTCT was rare when either regimen was started before conception: 0/213 [0.00%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.00% to 1.72%] on DTG, 1/1497 (0.07%, 95% CI: 0.00% to 0.37%) on EFV. MTCT was similar for women starting each ART regimen in pregnancy: 8/999 (0.80%, 95% CI: 0.35% to 1.57%) for DTG and 8/883 (0.91%, 95% CI: 0.39% to 1.78%) for EFV (risk difference 0.11%, 95% CI: -0.79% to 1.06%). Most MTCT events (4/8 with DTG, 6/9 with EFV) occurred when ART was started <90 days before delivery. Infants exposed to DTG in utero had lower baseline HIV RNA compared with other HIV-infected infants. CONCLUSION In utero MTCT in Botswana remains rare in the DTG era. No significant MTCT differences were observed between DTG/TDF/FTC and EFV/TDF/FTC. Risk was highest for both groups when ART was started in the third trimester.
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Birth Testing for Infant HIV Diagnosis in Eswatini: Implementation Experience and Uptake Among Women Living With HIV in Manzini Region. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2020; 39:e235-e241. [PMID: 32453193 PMCID: PMC8317136 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000002734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV testing at birth of HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) may improve the identification of infants infected with HIV in utero and accelerate antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation. METHODS ICAP at Columbia University supported implementation of a national pilot of HIV testing at birth (0-7 days) in Eswatini at 2 maternity facilities. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples from neonates of women living with HIV (WLHIV) were collected and processed at the National Molecular Reference Laboratory using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mothers received birth test results at community health clinics. We report data on HIV birth testing uptake and outcomes for HIV-positive infants from the initial intensive phase (October 2017-March 2018) and routine support phase (April-December 2018). RESULTS During the initial intensive pilot phase, 1669 WLHIV delivered 1697 live-born HEI at 2 health facilities and 1480 (90.3%) HEI received birth testing. During the routine support phase, 2546 WLHIV delivered and 2277 (93.5%) HEI received birth testing. Overall October 2017-December 2018, 22 (0.6%) infants of 3757 receiving birth testing had a positive PCR test, 15 (68.2%) of whom were successfully traced and linked for confirmatory testing (2 infants were reported by caregivers to have negative follow-up HIV tests). Median time from birth test to receipt of results by the caregiver was 13 days (range: 8-23). Twelve (60.0%) of 20 infants confirmed to be HIV-positive started ART at median age of 17.5 days (12-43). One mother of an HIV-positive infant who was successfully traced refused ART following linkage to care and another child died after ART initiation. Three infants (15.0%) had died by the time their mothers were reached and 4 (15.0%) infants were never located. CONCLUSION This pilot of universal birth testing in Eswatini demonstrates the feasibility of using a standard of care approach in a low resource and high burden setting. We document high uptake of testing for newborns among HIV-positive mothers and very few infants were found to be infected through birth testing.
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Chi BH, Mbori‐Ngacha D, Essajee S, Mofenson LM, Tsiouris F, Mahy M, Luo C. Accelerating progress towards the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV: a narrative review. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25571. [PMID: 32820609 PMCID: PMC7440973 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Findings from biomedical, behavioural and implementation studies provide a rich foundation to guide programmatic efforts for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT). METHODS We summarized the current evidence base to support policy makers, programme managers, funding agencies and other stakeholders in designing and optimizing PMTCT programmes. We searched the scientific literature for PMTCT interventions in the era of universal antiretroviral therapy for pregnant and breastfeeding women (i.e. 2013 onward). Where evidence was sparse, relevant studies from the general HIV treatment literature or from prior eras of PMTCT programme implementation were also considered. Studies were organized into six categories: HIV prevention services for women, timely access to HIV testing, timely access to ART, programme retention and adherence support, timely engagement in antenatal care and services for infants at highest risk of HIV acquisition. These were mapped to specific missed opportunities identified by the UNAIDS Spectrum model and embedded in UNICEF operational guidance to optimize PMTCT services. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION From May to November 2019, we identified numerous promising, evidence-based strategies that, properly tailored and adopted, could contribute to population reductions in vertical HIV transmission. These spanned the HIV and maternal and child health literature, emphasizing the importance of continued alignment and integration of services. We observed overlap between several intervention domains, suggesting potential for synergies and increased downstream impact. Common themes included integration of facility-based healthcare; decentralization of health services from facilities to communities; and engagement of partners, peers and lay workers for social support. Approaches to ensure early HIV diagnosis and treatment prior to pregnancy would strengthen care across the maternal lifespan and should be promoted in the context of PMTCT. CONCLUSIONS A wide range of effective strategies exist to improve PMTCT access, uptake and retention. Programmes should carefully consider, prioritize and plan those that are most appropriate for the local setting and best address existing gaps in PMTCT health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin H Chi
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | | | | | | | - Mary Mahy
- Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Chewe Luo
- United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)New YorkNYUSA
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Sacks E, Khumalo P, Tsabedze B, Montgomery W, Mthethwa N, Nhlabatsi B, Masuku T, Cohn J, Chouraya C. "The right time is just after birth": acceptability of point-of-care birth testing in Eswatini: qualitative results from infant caregivers, health care workers, and policymakers. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:347. [PMID: 32669131 PMCID: PMC7362515 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testing for HIV at birth has the potential to identify infants infected in utero, and allows for the possibility of beginning treatment immediately after birth; point of care (POC) testing allows rapid return of results and faster initiation on treatment for positive infants. Eswatini piloted birth testing in three public maternities for over 2 years. METHODS In order to assess the acceptability of POC birth testing in the pilot sites in Eswatini, interviews were held with caregivers of HIV-exposed infants who were offered birth testing (N = 28), health care workers (N = 14), and policymakers (N = 10). Participants were purposively sampled. Interviews were held in English or SiSwati, and transcribed in English. Transcripts were coded by line, and content analysis and constant comparison were used to identify key themes for each respondent type. RESULTS Responses were categorized into: knowledge, experience, opinions, barriers and challenges, facilitators, and suggestions to improve POC birth testing. Preliminary findings reveal that point of care birth testing has been very well received but challenges were raised. Most caregivers appreciated testing the newborns at birth and getting results quickly, since it reduced anxiety of waiting for several weeks. However, having a favorable experience with testing was linked to having supportive and informed family members and receiving a negative result. Caregivers did not fully understand the need for blood draws as opposed to tests with saliva, and expressed the fears of seeing their newborns in pain. They were specifically grateful for supportive nursing staff who respected their confidentiality. Health care workers expressed strong support for the program but commented on the high demand for testing, increased workload, difficulty with errors in the testing machine itself, and struggles to implement the program without sufficient staffing, especially on evenings and weekends when phlebotomists were not available. Policymakers noted that there have been challenges within the program of losing mothers to follow up after they leave hospital, and recommended stronger linkages to community groups. CONCLUSIONS There is strong support for scale-up of POC birth testing, but countries should consider ways to optimize staffing and manage demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sacks
- Department of Global Health, George Washington University School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
| | | | | | - William Montgomery
- Department of Global Health, George Washington University School of Public Health, 950 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | | | | | - Thembie Masuku
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Jennifer Cohn
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
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HIV diagnostic algorithm requires confirmatory testing for initial indeterminate or positive screens in the first week of life. AIDS 2020; 34:1029-1035. [PMID: 32287064 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk for nondiagnostic and false-positive HIV testing has not been quantified for neonates. METHODS From April 2015 to July 2018, we screened HIV-exposed infants in Botswana less than 96 h from birth by qualitative DNA PCR. Repeat blood draws for DNA and RNA PCR testing occurred for initial positive and indeterminate results to establish final diagnosis. We compared screening DNA PCR cycle threshold values with final HIV status of the child. RESULTS Of 10 622 HIV-exposed infants, 10 549 (99.3%) had no HIV DNA detected (negative), 42 (0.4%) had HIV DNA detected (positive), and 31 (0.3%) tested indeterminate at first HIV screen. Repeat testing identified 2 (5.0%) of 40 positive screens (2 declined additional testing) as false positives and confirmed 2 (6.5%) of 31 indeterminate screens as infected. Median cycle threshold value at screening was 28.1 (IQR 19.8--34.8) for children with final positive status, and 35.5 (IQR 32.8--41.4) for indeterminates who were ultimately negative. Six (15%) of 40 infants with final positive status had cycle threshold value greater than 33 at first screen, whereas 3 (9.7%) of 31 indeterminates with final negative status had cycle threshold value 33 or less at first screen. This threshold resulted in a negative predictive value of 82% and a positive predictive value of 92% for a single screen. CONCLUSION Although a DNA PCR cycle threshold value of 33 was predictive of the final HIV status in newborns, overlap occurred for true positives, false positives, and initial indeterminates. Testing additional samples should be standard practice for positive and indeterminate HIV DNA PCR tests in the first week of life.
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Predictors of faster virological suppression in early treated infants with perinatal HIV from Europe and Thailand. AIDS 2019; 33:1155-1165. [PMID: 30741823 PMCID: PMC6511423 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: To identify predictors of faster time to virological suppression among infants starting combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) early in infancy. Design: Cohort study of infants from Europe and Thailand included in studies participating in the European Pregnancy and Paediatric HIV Cohort Collaboration. Methods: Infants with perinatal HIV starting cART aged less than 6 months with at least 1 viral load measurement within 15 months of cART initiation were included. Multivariable interval-censored flexible parametric proportional hazards models were used to assess predictors of faster virological suppression, with timing of suppression assumed to lie in the interval between last viral load at least 400 and first viral load less than 400 copies/ml. Results: Of 420 infants, 59% were female and 56% from Central/Western Europe, 26% United Kingdom/Ireland, 15% Eastern Europe and 3% Thailand; 46 and 54% started a boosted protease inhibitor-based or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based regimen, respectively. At cART initiation, the median age, CD4+% and viral load were 2.9 [interquartile range (IQR): 1.4–4.1] months, 34 (IQR: 24–45)% and 5.5 (IQR: 4.5–6.0) log10 copies/ml, respectively. Overall, an estimated 89% (95% confidence interval: 86–92%) achieved virological suppression within 12 months of cART start. In multivariable analysis, younger age [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.84 per month older; P < 0.001], higher CD4+% (aHR: 1.11 per 10% higher; P = 0.010) and lower log10 viral load (aHR: 0.85 per log10 higher; P < 0.001) at cART initiation independently predicted faster virological suppression. Conclusion: We observed a significant independent effect of age at cART initiation, even within a narrow 6 months window from birth. These findings support the earliest feasible cART initiation in infants and suggest that early therapy influences key virological and immunological parameters that could have important consequences for long-term health.
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Enane LA, Davies MA, Leroy V, Edmonds A, Apondi E, Adedimeji A, Vreeman RC. Traversing the cascade: urgent research priorities for implementing the 'treat all' strategy for children and adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. J Virus Erad 2018; 4:40-46. [PMID: 30515313 PMCID: PMC6248846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa experience significant morbidity and alarmingly high mortality rates due to critical gaps in the HIV care cascade, including late diagnosis and initiation of treatment, as well as poor retention in care and adherence to treatment. Interventions to strengthen the adult HIV care cascade may not be as effective in improving the cascade for CALHIV, for whom specific strategies are needed. Particular attention needs to be paid to the contexts of sub-Saharan Africa, where more than 85% of the world's CALHIV live. Implementing the 'treat all' strategy in sub-Saharan Africa requires dedicated efforts to address the unique diagnosis and care needs of CALHIV, in order to improve paediatric and adolescent outcomes, prevent viral resistance and reduce the number of new HIV infections. We consider the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets from the perspective of infants, children and adolescents, and discuss the key challenges, knowledge gaps and urgent research priorities for CALHIV in implementation of the 'treat all' strategy in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie A Enane
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine,
Indianapolis, IN,
USA,Corresponding author:
Leslie Enane, 1044 W Walnut Street, Room 402A,
Indianapolis,
Indiana,
46202,
USA
| | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Center for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, University of Cape Town,
South Africa
| | - Valériane Leroy
- Inserm (French Institute of Health and Medical Research), UMR 1027, Université Toulouse 3,
France
| | - Andrew Edmonds
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,
NC,
USA
| | - Edith Apondi
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital,
Eldoret,
Kenya
| | - Adebola Adedimeji
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine,
Bronx, NY,
USA
| | - Rachel C Vreeman
- Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Disease and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine,
Indianapolis, IN,
USA
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Kalk E, Kroon M, Boulle A, Osler M, Euvrard J, Stinson K, Timmerman V, Davies M. Neonatal and infant diagnostic HIV-PCR uptake and associations during three sequential policy periods in Cape Town, South Africa: a longitudinal analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25212. [PMID: 30480373 PMCID: PMC6256843 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To strengthen the early infant diagnosis (EID) programmes and timeously identify and treat HIV-infected infants, birth HIV-PCR for some/all infants has been recommended in the Western Cape, South Africa since 2014. Operational data on the implementation of such programmes in low- and middle-income countries are limited. METHODS Utilizing the electronic records platform at primary care facilities, we developed an electronic register which consolidated obstetric and HIV-related data, allowing us to track a cohort of HIV-infected/exposed mother/infant dyads longitudinally from antenatal care through delivery to infant HIV-PCR. We assessed guideline implementation and impact on EID of three sequential EID policies in a referral chain of facilities in Cape Town (primary-tertiary care). Birth HIV-PCR was indicated in period 1 if symptomatic; period 2 if meeting high-risk criteria for transmission; and period 3 for all HIV-exposed neonates. RESULTS We enrolled 2012 HIV-exposed infants; 89.2% had at least one HIV-PCR at any point. The majority of birth tests were performed in hospital versus primary care regardless of policy period. Almost half of all infants (47.9%) had at least one high-risk criterion for vertical infection; of these, 39.7% had a birth test. Infants with more risk factors were more likely to have birth EID. Receipt of a birth HIV-PCR significantly reduced the likelihood of receiving a follow-up test at six to ten weeks, even after adjusting for potential confounders (aOR 0.18 (0.12 to 0.26)). The proportion of infants tested at six to ten weeks old dropped from 92.9% (period 1) to 80.2% in period 3 and those receiving birth HIV-PCR increased, peaking at 67.4% during period 3. The proportion of positive birth tests was highest (2.9%) when birth tests were restricted to infants meeting high-risk criteria, with a low proportion positive for the first time at six to ten weeks. During period 3, the proportion positive at six to ten weeks was high (2.4%), highlighting the importance of follow-up to detect intrapartum and early postpartum infections. CONCLUSIONS Over all policy periods, EID guidelines were incompletely implemented across all levels of care but especially in primary care. Birth HIV-PCR reduced return for follow-up testing, such follow-up testing is critical for the effectiveness of the programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kalk
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Max Kroon
- Department of PaediatricsMowbray Maternity HospitalUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Health Impact Assessment Provincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Meg Osler
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Kathryn Stinson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Venessa Timmerman
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Mary‐Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology & ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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Enane LA, Davies MA, Leroy V, Edmonds A, Apondi E, Adedimeji A, Vreeman RC. Traversing the cascade: urgent research priorities for implementing the ‘treat all’ strategy for children and adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa. J Virus Erad 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s2055-6640(20)30344-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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