Pathophysiology and management of cardiovascular disease in patients with HIV

Higher cardiovascular disease risks in people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The prognosis of AIDS after active antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the quality of life of people living with HIV (PLWH) are both affected by non-AIDS-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the specific risk ratios between PLWH and individuals negative for HIV are poorly understood. We aimed to systematically review and investigate the CVD risk factors associated with HIV.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases between 1 January 2015, and 12 May 2023 for articles reported the prevalence and risk factors of CVD such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, coronary artery disease (CAD), and myocardial infarction (MI). Due to the high heterogeneity, we used a random-effects model to analyse the data. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata/MP 17.0 with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We analysed 31 eligible studies including 312 913 PLWH. People living with HIV had higher risks of dyslipidaemia (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.29, 1.82), CAD (HR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.24, 1.51), and MI (HR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.28, 1.68) compared to individuals without HIV. However, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of hypertension between groups (HR = 1.17; 95% CI = 0.97, 1.41). Subgroup analysis revealed that men with HIV, PLWH who smoked and the elderly PLWH had a high prevalence of CVD. Moreover, the disease prevalence patterns varied among regions. In the USA and Europe, for instance, some HRs for CVD were higher than in other regions. Active ART initiation after 2015 appears to have a lower risk of CVD (hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, CAD). All outcomes under analysis showed significant heterogeneity (I2>70%, P < 0.001), which the available study-level variables could only partially account for.

Conclusions

People living with HIV had a higher CVD risk than the general population; thus, CVD prevention in PLWH requires further attention. Rapid initiation of ART may reduce the incidence of CVD in PLWH. For timely screening of CVD high-risk individuals and thorough disease management to prevent CVD, further studies are required to evaluate the risk factors for CVD among PLWH, such as age, region, etc.

Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42021255508).

Effectiveness of statins in people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

People living with HIV (PLWH) receiving statin therapy have shown improved lipid profiles. However, they are not free from side effects, thereby requiring strict monitoring of the therapy. The meta-analysis aims to analyze the effect of statins in PLWH and critically appraise the effectiveness of statin therapy in PLWH.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science servers were used to conduct a systematic search in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis of pooled effect estimates is produced using Revman software.

RESULTS

A total of 12 RCTs with 8716 participants were included in the analysis. Analysis of the overall effect estimates found that statins resulted in a mean reduction of 41.15 mg/dl (MD = -41.15; 95% CI: -44.19, -38.11; p < 0.00001), 34.99 mg/dl (MD = -34.99; 95% CI: -34.99; 95% CI: -41.16, -28.82; p < 0.00001), and 7.36 mg/dl (MD = -7.36; 95% CI = -48.35, -33.62; p < 0.00001) in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels, respectively. It is revealed that statins are associated with a significant increase in the discontinuation rate of treatment compared to placebo treatment (RR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.36-2.65; p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

When considered collectively, statin therapy's advantages appear to exceed its occasional predictable side effects like liver or muscle toxicity.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42023469521.

Plasma Lipidomic Profiles in cART-Treated Adolescents with Perinatally Acquired HIV Compared to Matched Controls

Children with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) are growing into adulthood with HIV and treatment-associated comorbidities, such as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. HIV is identified as independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The hypothesis behind increased CVD risk associated with HIV includes vascular inflammation, dyslipidemia and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) metabolomic toxicity. To investigate differences in lipid profiles and pathophysiological mechanisms of CVD risk in adolescents with PHIV, we compared the plasma lipidome of PHIV adolescents and HIV-negative controls. We additionally investigated the influence of current cART regimens and increased lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels on the plasma lipidome. We included 20 PHIV-infected adolescents and 20 HIV-negative controls matched for age, sex, ethnic origin and socio-economic status. Plasma lipidome was measured using Thermo Scientific Ultimate 3000 binary high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-mass spectrometry. We evaluated the plasma lipidome in PHIV adolescents using different cART regimens (including those known to be associated with lipid alterations). The median age was 17.5 years (15.5-20.7) and 16.5 years (15.7-19.8) for PHIV adolescents and controls, respectively. Of PHIV adolescents, 45% used a non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based (25%) or protease inhibitor (PI)-based (20%) cART regimen. In this pilot study, we observed no significant differences between lipidomic profiles between PHIV adolescents and controls. We observed no differences in the plasma lipidome in participants with increased versus normal Lp(a) levels. Different cART regimens appear to influence chain length differences in the plasma lipidome of PHIV adolescents; however, the significance and causality of this observation remains undetermined. Further research on the influence of cART on lipid composition could further identify these alterations.

Prevalence and risk factors of cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific region: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) due to atherosclerosis have become one of the major causes of death among people living with HIV (PLHIV) since effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been available throughout the world. However, the epidemiologic evidence of this problem from the Asia-Pacific region remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review of the situation and risk factors for CVD among PLHIV in countries with the greatest impact of CVD attributable to HIV in the Asia-Pacific region.

METHODS

A systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases for articles published before 2019 was conducted. Publications reported situations and risk factors both traditional and HIV-specific for CVD among PLHIV in the region were included. Two reviewers working on duplicate and quality assessments, independently extracted data, and thematically analyzed the data.

RESULTS

Among PLHIV, the prevalence of subclinical CVD ranged from 10 to 28% and the incidence rate of clinical CVD ranged from 0.37 to 1.17 /100 person-years. Clinical CVD was frequently observed in the early era of the highly active antiretroviral therapy. A higher prevalence of subclinical CVD such as abnormal cIMT and carotid plaques was frequently observed in the PLHIV rather than in the nonHIV population and a high proportion of early onset of CVD was found among young PLHIV adults. The traditional risk factors for CVD such as hypertension, diabetes and smoking behavior were prevalent in both PLHIV and nonHIV populations ranging from 5 to 45%. HIV-specific risk factor, and lower CD4 presented almost twice the significantly increased risks for CVD while the synergistic interaction among traditional risk factors, i.e., diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and family history steeply increased the risk for CVD among PLHIV by almost 20 times.

CONCLUSION

The limited existing data suggested the risk of early CVD among PLHIV. We identified the crucial gaps in HIV/CVD work from the Asia-Pacific region and recommended longer prospective studies with larger sample sizes or meta-analyses to better capture CVD risk and interactions of crucial risk factors of this vulnerable population in this region.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY202290108 ( https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2022-9-0108/ ).

The association of epicardial adipose tissue volume and density with coronary calcium in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients

AIMS

We sought to assess and compare the association of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using existing clinical databases, we analyzed 700 patients (195 HIV-positive, 505 HIV-negative). CVD was quantified by the presence of coronary calcification from both dedicated cardiac computed tomography (CT) and non-dedicated CT of the thorax. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) was quantified using dedicated software. The HIV-positive group had lower mean age (49.2 versus 57.8, p < 0.005), higher proportion of male sex (75.9 % versus 48.1 %, p < 0.005), and lower rates of coronary calcification (29.2 % versus 58.2 %, p < 0.005). Mean EAT volume was also lower in the HIV-positive group (68mm3 versus 118.3mm3, p < 0.005). Multiple linear regression demonstrated EAT volume was associated with hepatosteatosis (HS) in the HIV-positive group but not the HIV-negative group after adjustment for BMI (p < 0.005 versus p = 0.066). In the multivariate analysis, after adjustment for CVD risk factors, age, sex, statin use, and body mass index (BMI), EAT volume and hepatosteatosis were significantly associated with coronary calcification (odds ratio [OR] 1.14, p < 0.005 and OR 3.17, p < 0.005 respectively). In the HIV-negative group, the only significant association with EAT volume after adjustment was total cholesterol (OR 0.75, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated a strong and significant independent association of EAT volume and coronary calcium, after adjustment, in HIV-positive group but not in the HIV-negative group. This result hints at differences in the mechanistic drivers of atherosclerosis between HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups.

Prevalence and risk factors for subclinical atherosclerosis amongst adults living with HIV in University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada

Background

Subclinical atherosclerosis characterizes cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are identified risk factors for atherosclerosis. Meanwhile, data on HIV and atherosclerosis in Nigeria are limited.

Objectives

We sought to estimate the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis and associated risk factors amongst adult persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) enrolled at University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja (UATH).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 277 consecutively selected PLHIV ≥18 years enrolled for HIV care and treatment at UATH. Pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect data from consenting ART-experienced and ART-naïve patients on risk factors of atherosclerosis. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) ≥0.71 mm as measured by Doppler ultrasonography was used to identify patients with sub-clinical atherosclerosis. Two logistic regression models with (Model-A) and without (Model-B) traditional risk factors were fitted to identify risk factors of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Results

Participants' mean age was 39.44 ± 10.71 years with female preponderance (64.26%). Overall prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis was 43.32% (62.25% in ART-experienced). Model-A identified male sex [AOR 4.33(1.74-10.76), p = 0.002], advancing age [30-39 years AOR 5.95(1.31-26.96), p = 0.021]; ≥40 years AOR 19.51(4.30-88.56), p ≤ 0.001), advancing HIV infection [≥WHO stage II AOR 4.19(1.11-15.92), p = 0.035], hypercholesterolemia [AOR 3.88(1.47-10.25), p ≤ 0.001] and ≥5 year duration on ART [AOR 9.05(3.16-25.92), p ≤ 0.001] as risk factors of subclinical atherosclerosis. In Model-B (excluding traditional risk factors) on the other hand, advancing HIV infection [≥WHO stage II AOR 3.93(1.19-13.042), p = 0.025] and duration on ART [≥5 years AOR 11.43(4.62-28.29), p = 0.001] were found as risk factors of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

Subclinical atherosclerosis was higher in ART-experienced patients, and this was irrespective of presence or absence of traditional risk factors. And advancing HIV disease and duration on ART were found as significant risk factors for subclinical atherosclerosis. We therefore recommend routine CVD risk screening in PLHIV.

Predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people with HIV. The detection of subclinical atherosclerosis through vascular ultrasound allows us to identify patients at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as a primary prevention strategy; this test is not routine. Our objective is to identify predictors of subclinical atherosclerosis in a population with HIV.

METHODS

People with HIV infection were selected for primary prevention and underwent carotid and femoral ultrasound to detect atheromatous plaques. Logistic regression analysis including vascular risk factors was performed to predict the presence of atherosclerosis.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-three patients were included, 54% of whom were smokers; the mean duration of HIV infection was 9.52 years, and all patients were undergoing antiretroviral treatment. Subclinical atherosclerosis was present in 62.29% of the patients; 83.32% had plaque in the carotid territory, 57.93% in the femoral territory and 25.6% in both vascular territories. Compared to those without atherosclerosis, patients with atherosclerosis were on average 5.35 years older (53.86 vs. 48.51, p < 0.001) and had a higher prevalence of smoking (63.23% vs. 39.12%, p = 0.020) and a CD4/CD8 ratio below 0.7 (44.23% vs. 29.02%, p = 0.043). A CD4/CD8 ratio lower than 0.3 was always associated with subclinical atherosclerosis (95% confidence interval (CI): 83.9-100%). The inclusion of smoking, the CD4/CD8 ratio and age in the logistic regression analysis led to a diagnostic yield of 72% measured by the area under the receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curve (95% CI: 64-80%).

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco use, age and a CD4/CD8 ratio below 0.7 allow prediction of the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in primary prevention. A CD4/CD8 ratio below 0.3 was a diagnostic indicator of atherosclerosis in HIV patients undergoing primary prevention in our sample.

Older PLHIV are at Higher Cardiovascular Risk with Poor Quality of Life

BACKGROUND

People with HIV (PLHIV) face increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk due to inflammation and immune activation. Aging further amplifies this risk. Limited data exist on CVD risk in older PLHIV in India despite 2.14 million PLHIV with higher CVD risk factors.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study in Bihar, India, 73 PLHIV and 30 control participants were enrolled. Demographics, social factors, clinical information, and CVD risk factors were collected. HbA1c levels and lipid profiles were analyzed, and 10-year CVD risk scores were calculated using the Framingham risk score (FRS) and Qrisk3. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using WHOQOL- HIV-BREF.

RESULTS

Results showed higher LDL levels in non-HIV older participants and higher HDL levels in younger PLHIV participants. BMI differed significantly, with higher BMI in non-HIV older individuals and lower BMI in younger PLHIV individuals. Older PLHIV participants had significantly higher mean FRS and Q-Risk scores compared to older non-PLHIV and younger PLHIV groups. Among older PLHIV participants, six had higher CVD risk per FRS, while none in the other groups were classified as high CVD risk. Psychological, social relations and spirituality domains were highly deteriorated in older PLHIV, scoring 44.48, 42.72, and 41.2, respectively. The physical domain scored 57.6, and the environment scored 52.72 in the WHOQOL-HIV bref.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, older PLHIV in Bihar, India, face higher CVD risk compared to younger PLHIV and non-HIV individuals. FRS and Q-Risk scores effectively assessed CVD risk, identifying higher risk in older PLHIV. Age and BMI were significant predictors of high CVD risk. These findings emphasize CVD risk assessment and tailored management for older PLHIV. The QoL assessment findings indicate moderate deterioration in psychological, social relations, and spirituality domains among older PLHIV individuals. These results suggest greater challenges in psychological well-being, social interactions, and spirituality compared to the overall sample. Further research with larger samples and longitudinal designs is needed to confirm and extend these findings.

Trans women have worse cardiovascular biomarker profiles than cisgender men independent of hormone use and HIV serostatus

BACKGROUND

Feminizing hormonal therapy (FHT) and HIV potentially alter cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in transgender women (TW).

METHODS

TW were enrolled in Los Angeles, California and Houston, Texas and frequency-matched to Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study cisgender men (CM) on age, race, substance use, and abacavir use. Biomarkers of CVD risk and inflammation were assessed via ELISA. Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher's exact tests compared TW and CM. Multivariable linear regression assessed factors associated with biomarker concentrations.

RESULTS

TW (HIV+ n  = 75, HIV- n  = 47) and CM (HIV+ n  = 40, HIV- n  = 40) had mean age 43-45 years; TW/CM were 90%/91% non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, or Multiracial, 26%/53% obese, and 34%/24% current smokers; 67% of TW were on FHT. Among people with HIV (PWH), TW had higher median extracellular newly-identified receptor for advanced glycation end-products (EN-RAGE), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type (sTNFR) I/II, interleukin (IL)-8 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, but lower soluble CD14, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and endothelin (ET)-1 levels than CM. Findings were similar for participants without HIV (all P  < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, TW had higher EN-RAGE, IL-6, IL-8, P selectin, PAI-1, oxLDL and sTNFRI/II concentrations, and lower vWF, independent of HIV serostatus and current FHT use. Both being a TW and a PWH were associated with lower ET-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to matched cisgender men, trans women have altered profiles of biomarkers associated with systemic inflammation and CVD. Further work is needed to decipher the contributions of FHT to CVD risk in TW with HIV.

Bacterial Infections and Atherosclerosis – A Mini Review

Atherosclerosis is the most challenging subsets of coronary artery disease in humans, in which risk factors emerge from childhood, and its prevalence increases with age. Experimental research demonstrates that infections due to bacteria stimulate atherogenic events. Atherosclerosis has complex pathophysiology that is linked with several bacterial infections by damaging the inner arterial wall and heart muscles directly and indirectly by provoking a systemic pro-inflammation and acute-phase protein. Repeated bacterial infections trigger an inflammatory cascade that triggers immunological responses that negatively impact cardiovascular biomarkers includes triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, C-reactive protein, heat shock proteins, cytokines, fibrinogen, and leukocyte count. Herein, we intended to share the role of bacterial infection in atherosclerosis and evaluate existing evidence of animal and human trials on the association between bacterial infections and atherosclerosis on update.

Ectopic Fat and Cardiac Health in People with HIV: Serious as a Heart Attack

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This study aims to summarize knowledge of alterations in adipose tissue distribution among people with HIV (PWH), with a focus on the cardiac depot and how this relates to the known higher risk of cardiovascular disease in this unique population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Similar to the general population, cardiac fat depots mirror visceral adipose tissue in PWH. However, altered fat distribution, altered fat quality, and higher prevalence of enlarged epicardial adipose tissue depots are associated with increased coronary artery disease among PWH. Adipose tissue disturbances present in PWH ultimately contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease beyond traditional risk factors. Future research should aim to understand how regulating adipose tissue quantity and quality can modify cardiovascular risk.

HIV and Global Cardiovascular Health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Because of effective combination antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV (PLWH) are living longer but developing chronic age-related conditions including cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death globally. This review aims to discuss the epidemiology, mechanisms, and clinical considerations of CVD in PLWH from a global perspective.

RECENT FINDINGS

PLWH are at greater risk for CVD at chronologically younger ages than those without HIV. Potential underlying mechanisms for CVD in PLWH include systemic inflammation, comorbidities, immune-mediated, or treatment-related mechanisms. There is also risk factor variation based on geographical location, including non-traditional CVD risk factors. CVD is prevalent in PLWH and increasing on a global scale. Further understanding the unique epidemiology, risk factors, and treatment of CVD in this population will improve the care of PLWH.

Association of inflammatory biomarkers and cardiovascular risk scores in an Italian cohort of HIV positive patient undergoing antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Several algorithms have been developed to predict cardiovascular risk (CVR) over time, however none of them seem to be accurate when applied to HIV patients.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess plasma inflammatory biomarkers in relation to multiple CVR scores (FRS, ASCVD, PROCAM and the DAD-5 Years-Estimated-Risk) in an Italian cohort of HIV patients undergoing a combined Antiretroviral Therapy (cART).

METHODS

We enrolled HIV patients undergoing cART without any change in the HIV-related pharmacological therapy over the last 48 weeks Demographic and anamnestic data were collected, and a biochemical panel including the following biomarkers was collected: CRP, Cystatin-C, microalbuminuria, IL-18, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α and IFN- γ. CVR scores were obtained for each patient and compared to the biochemical panel to assess statistical correlation.

RESULTS

90 Caucasian HIV patients were enrolled. Assessment of CVR scores showed FRS values of 6.98±6.11%, ASCVD 7.18±6.25%, PROCAM 6.7±7.4% and DAD-5 Years Estimated Risk 3.10±3.41%. We found correlations between the levels of circulating cytokines measured and the cardiovascular risk prediction scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data showed that the values of selected inflammatory biomarkers strongly correlate with the CVR scores, suggesting that they can be employed as reliable predictors of cardiovascular disease in HIV patients. The routine use of selected biomarkers associated with systemic inflammation could be a valid and readily available tool for clinicians to assess and monitor cardiovascular risk in HIV patients.

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Long-term effects of evolocumab in participants with HIV and dyslipidemia: results from the open-label extension period

OBJECTIVES

People with HIV (PWH) are at an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Suboptimal responses to statin therapy in PWH may result from antiretroviral therapies (ARTs). This open-label extension study aimed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of evolocumab up to 52 weeks in PWH.

DESIGN

This final analysis of a multinational, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized phase 3 trial evaluated the effect of monthly subcutaneous evolocumab 420 mg on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) during the open-label period (OLP) following 24 weeks of double-blind period in PWH with hypercholesterolemia/mixed dyslipidemia. All participants enrolled had elevated LDL-C or nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and were on stable maximally tolerated statin and stable ART.

METHODS

Efficacy was assessed by percentage change from baseline in LDL-C, triglycerides, and atherogenic lipoproteins. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were examined.

RESULTS

Of the 467 participants randomized in the double-blind period, 451 (96.6%) received at least one dose of evolocumab during the OLP (mean age of 56.4 years, 82.5% male, mean duration with HIV of 17.4 years). By the end of the 52-week OLP, the overall mean (SD) percentage change in LDL-C from baseline was -57.8% (22.8%). Evolocumab also reduced triglycerides, atherogenic lipid parameters (non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein[a]), and increased HDL-C. TEAEs were similar between placebo and evolocumab during the OLP.

CONCLUSION

Long-term administration of evolocumab lowered LDL-C and non-HDL-C, allowing more PWH to achieve recommended lipid goals with no serious adverse events.

TRAIL REGISTRATION

NCT02833844.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

http://links.lww.com/QAD/C441.

Cardiovascular risk assessment in people living with HIV compared to the general population

AIMS

We prospectively assessed and compared the accuracy of cardiovascular risk scores in people living with HIV (PLWH) and individuals from the general population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation Score 2 (SCORE2), the Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE), and the HIV-specific Data Collection on Adverse events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) score were calculated in participants free from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) between 2003 and 2009. In total, 6373 [mean age, 40.6 years (SD, 9.9)] PLWH from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) and 5403 [52.8 years (SD, 10.7)] individuals from the CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study were eligible for analysis. We tested discrimination and calibration, and the value of adding HIV-specific factors to scores using the net reclassification improvement (NRI). During mean follow-ups of 13.5 (SD, 4.1) in SHCS and 9.9 (SD, 2.3) years in CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study, 533 (8.4%) and 374 (6.9%) people developed an incident ASCVD, respectively. This translated into age-adjusted incidence rates of 12.9 and 7.5 per 1000 person-year, respectively. In SHCS, SCORE2, PCE, and D:A:D presented comparable discriminative capacities [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.745 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.723-0.767), 0.757 (95% CI, 0.736-0.777), and 0.763 (95% CI, 0.743-0.783)]. Adding HIV-specific variables (CD4 nadir and abacavir exposure) to SCORE2 and PCE resulted in an NRI of -0.1% (95% CI, -1.24 to 1, P = 0.83) and of 2.7% (95% CI, 0.3-5.1, P = 0.03), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

PLWH present a two-fold higher rate of incident ASCVD compared to individuals from the general population. SCORE2 and PCE, which are clinically easier to use (reduced set of variables without adding HIV-specific factors), are valid to predict ASCVD in PLWH.

Retrospective cohort study of statin prescribing for primary prevention among people living with HIV

Objective

To compare statin prescribing rates between intermediate-risk people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PLWH) and intermediate-risk patients without a diagnosis of HIV for primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Methods

Retrospective cohort study . Electronic health record data were used to identify a cohort of PLWH aged 40-75 years with a calculated 10-year ASCVD risk between 7.5%-19.9% as determined by the Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE). A matched cohort of primary prevention non-HIV patients was identified. The primary outcome was the proportion of PLWH who were prescribed statin therapy compared to patients who were not living with HIV and were prescribed statin therapy.

Results

81 patients meeting study criteria in the PLWH cohort were matched to 81 non-HIV patients. The proportion of patients prescribed statins was 33.0% and 30.9% in the PLWH and non-HIV cohorts, respectively (p = 0.74).Conclusion and relevance: This study evaluated statin prescribing in PLWH for primary prevention of ASCVD as described in the 2018 AHA/ACC/Multisociety guideline. Rates of statin prescribing were similar, yet overall low, among intermediate-risk primary prevention PLWH compared to those not diagnosed with HIV.

Clinical profile, anatomical features and long-term outcome of acute coronary syndromes in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Long-term prognosis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is unknown.

AIMS

To compare outcomes after ACS in HIV-infected and uninfected patients.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study. HIV cases were matched with two HIV-uninfected controls for age, sex and type of ACS.

RESULTS

In 92 HIV patients (mean age 51.3 ± 9.0 years, 7.6% women), the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was high (smoking 71.7%; hypertension 41.3%; diabetes 14.1%); dyslipidaemia was more frequent (53 (57.6%) vs 79 (42.9%), P = 0.02) and obesity less common (8 (8.7%) vs 41 (22.3%), P = 0.002) than in controls. Eighty-seven (94.6%) HIV patients had undetectable viral load and 85 (92.4%) were under anti-retroviral therapy. Multivessel disease was more common in HIV patients than in controls (44 (47.8%) vs 71 (39.1%); P = 0.05) as was Killip class 3-4 on admission (9 (9.8%) vs 6 (3.3%); P = 0.04). The rate of in-hospital mortality was similar in both groups (2%), and there were no significant differences in 3-year mortality (10.2% vs 5.7%; P = 0.27). Non-cardiovascular readmissions at 3 years were more frequent in HIV patients than in controls (36.5% vs 7.4%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified previous coronary artery disease as the strongest predictor of mortality in HIV patients (hazard ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 1.4-15.7, P = 0.01), whereas HIV infection was not associated with prognosis.

CONCLUSION

HIV patients with ACS had more frequent multivessel disease and heart failure than matched controls. However, in-hospital and long-term mortality was similar in both groups. Non-cardiovascular re-hospitalisations were more common in HIV patients.

The pharmacological management of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV (PLWH)

ABSTARCTIntroduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to be an essential cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus infection (PLWH). Since the bulk of cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors are shared between PLWH and the general population, prevention and treatment strategies are similar. However, there are CVR factors particular to PLWH, which need separate consideration. These factors are those HIV-dependent, those related to HIV-derived consequences, and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)-dependent.Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss the management of CVD in PLWH, with a special interest in pharmacological treatment and drug-drug interactions with cART.Expert opinion: In recent years, we have witnessed a decreased CVD morbidity and mortality in PLWH, which probably reflects an improvement in the management of CVR factors and CVD in these patients, partially thanks to new developments in antiretroviral therapy. Therefore, although there is still room for improvement, at present, the old desideratum of equaling PLWH and the general population in terms of CVD incidence and prognosis is a little closer.

Associations of depression and anxiety with cardiovascular risk among people living with HIV/AIDS in Korea

OBJECTIVES

As HIV/AIDS is becoming a chronic disease, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people living with HIV/AIDS is rising. Anxiety and depression, which are common among people living with HIV/AIDS, have been linked with CVD. This study investigated the risk of CVD in people living with HIV/AIDS and explored the effects of depression and anxiety on CVD risk.

METHODS

Data were collected for 457 people enrolled in the Korea Cohort HIV/AIDS study after 2010. Framingham risk scores were calculated to quantify the 10-year risk of developing CVD. Depression and anxiety variables were re-coded as a single combined variable. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for age, body mass index, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), duration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity after entry into the cohort, and depression/anxiety.

RESULTS

Participants with both depression and anxiety were 2.28 times more likely than those with neither depression nor anxiety to have moderate/high-risk CVD risk. The 10-year risk of developing CVD was affected by LDL cholesterol, TG, age, and duration of HIV infection. LDL cholesterol and TG levels change according to the duration of HIV infection, and metabolic disorders affect the risk of CVD. Thus, a longer duration of HIV infection is associated with a higher risk of developing CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

Screenings for depression and anxiety need to be provided regularly to assess the severity of those symptoms. To help decrease their risk of developing CVD, people living with HIV/AIDS should be offered behavioral modification interventions aimed at developing healthy lifestyle habits.

A Meta-Analysis of Different Types of Cardiac Adipose Tissue in HIV Patients

Background

Antiretroviral therapy transformed HIV infection into a chronic disease but accelerated cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and pericardial fat (PCF) have close relationships with CVD. The associations between these two cardiac adipose tissue and HIV are unclear.

Methods

Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from database inception to March 24, 2020. The summarized standard mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to assess the association between EAT/PCF and HIV. Subgroup analysis was performed based on EAT types. Trial sequential analysis was conducted to estimate whether the evidence of the results is sufficient.

Results

In total, 2561 HIV patients and 1767 non-HIV participants were included. Compared to the control group, EAT was significantly higher in the HIV overall group and subgroup with EAT thickness (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.24-0.95, P = 0.001; SMD = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.41-1.79, P = 0.002); however, the EAT volume and PCF volume were unchanged in the HIV group (SMD = 0.16, 95% CI: -0.07-0.39, P = 0.169; WMD = 10.78, 95% CI: -14.11-35.67, P = 0.396). Trial sequential analysis indicated that the available samples were sufficient in the HIV overall group and subgroup with EAT thickness, and more studies are needed for EAT volume and PCF volume.

Conclusions

EAT thickness was significantly higher in patients with HIV. The association between EAT/PCF volume and HIV needs more studies to confirm.

Management of cardiovascular diseases in HIV/AIDS patients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a pandemic in the current population causes severe weakness of the body's immune system making the infected patient more vulnerable to life-threatening conditions. The disease predisposes the infected patient to several cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular diseases such as heart failure and stroke. The decline in CD4 cells following HIV infection, vulnerability to opportunistic infections and underlying HIV pathology plays a major role in the development of cardiovascular manifestations, and treatment targeting cardiomyopathy in this specific patient subset is not well recognized. Patients living with HIV (PLWH) also experience discrimination in receiving cardiovascular disease care and this needs to be addressed by strengthening frameworks for monitoring and providing nonjudgmental healthcare. This review aims to study the profile of the cardiovascular disease in HIV patients, treatment, and provide evidence of the disparity in the provision of healthcare with regard to PLWH.

Ischemic Heart Disease Pathophysiology Paradigms Overview: From Plaque Activation to Microvascular Dysfunction

Ischemic heart disease still represents a large burden on individuals and health care resources worldwide. By conventions, it is equated with atherosclerotic plaque due to flow-limiting obstruction in large-medium sized coronary arteries. However, clinical, angiographic and autoptic findings suggest a multifaceted pathophysiology for ischemic heart disease and just some cases are caused by severe or complicated atherosclerotic plaques. Currently there is no well-defined assessment of ischemic heart disease pathophysiology that satisfies all the observations and sometimes the underlying mechanism to everyday ischemic heart disease ward cases is misleading. In order to better examine this complicated disease and to provide future perspectives, it is important to know and analyze the pathophysiological mechanisms that underline it, because ischemic heart disease is not always determined by atherosclerotic plaque complication. Therefore, in order to have a more complete comprehension of ischemic heart disease we propose an overview of the available pathophysiological paradigms, from plaque activation to microvascular dysfunction.

Implementation of Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Persons Living with HIV

The widespread availability of highly effective antiretroviral therapies has reduced mortality from opportunistic infections in persons living with HIV (PLHIV), resulting in an increase in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and other chronic illnesses (Samji et al. 2013). Although there has been a decline in morbidity and mortality from ASCVD in the past several decades, contemporary studies continue to report higher rates of cardiovascular events (Rosenson et al. 2020). HIV has been identified as a risk enhancer for ASCVD by multiple professional guideline writing committees (Grundy Scott et al. 2019, Mach et al. 2020); however, the utilization of cholesterol-lowering therapies in PLHIV remains low (Rosenson et al. 2018). Moreover, the use of statin therapy in PLHIV is complicated by drug-drug interactions that may either elevate or lower the blood statin concentrations resulting in increased toxicity or reduced efficacy respectively. Other comorbidities commonly associated with HIV present other challenges for the use of cholesterol-lowering therapies. This review will summarize the data on lipoprotein-associated ASCVD risk in PLHIV and discuss the challenges with effective treatment. Finally, we present a clinical algorithm to optimize cardiovascular risk reduction in this high-risk population.

Increased prevalence of hypertension among people living with HIV: where to begin?

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases (CDVs) have become increasingly important for progressively older people living with HIV (PLHIV). Identification of gaps requiring improvement in the care cascade for hypertension, a primary risk factor for CVDs, is of utmost importance. This study analyzed the prevalence of hypertensive status and described the care cascade for hypertension screening, diagnosis, treatment, treatment adherence, and management in PLHIV.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 298 PLHIV (age >40 years) who visited a referral center in the western Brazilian Amazon. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire interview and medical examinations. Thus, information regarding sociodemographic and clinical aspects, blood pressure, weight, height, body mass index, and laboratory profile was obtained. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed, and results were considered significant ifp <0.05.

RESULTS

In total, 132 (44.3%) participants reported that their blood pressure was never measured. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 35.9% (107/298). Of these 107 participants, only 36 (33.6%) had prior knowledge of their hypertensive status, and 19 of 36 (52.7%) participants had visited a physician or cardiologist to seek treatment. Adherence to the BP-lowering treatment was noted in 11 (10.2%) participants.

CONCLUSIONS

An increased prevalence of hypertension was found, and most of the hypertensive participants were unaware of their hypertensive status. In addition, blood pressure control was poor in the study population. This indicated that public health professionals did not sufficiently consider the full spectrum of healthcare and disease management for PLHIV.

HIV Infection and Long-Term Residual Cardiovascular Risk After Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background It is unclear whether HIV infection affects the long-term prognosis after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The objective of the current study was to compare rates of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events after a first ACS between people living with HIV (PLHIV) and HIV-uninfected (HIV-) patients, and to identify determinants of cardiovascular prognosis. Methods and Results Consecutive PLHIV and matched HIV- patients with a first episode of ACS were enrolled in 23 coronary intensive care units in France. Patients were matched for age, sex, and ACS type. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (cardiac death, recurrent ACS, recurrent coronary revascularization, and stroke) at 36-month follow-up. A total of 103 PLHIV and 195 HIV- patients (mean age, 49 years [SD, 9 years]; 94.0% men) were included. After a mean of 36.6 months (SD, 6.1 months) of follow-up, the risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events was not statistically significant between PLHIV and HIV- patients (17.8% and 15.1%, P=0.22; multivariable hazard ratio [HR], 1.60; 95% CI, 0.67-3.82 [P=0.29]). Recurrence of ACS was more frequent among PLHIV (multivariable HR, 6.31; 95% CI, 1.32-30.21 [P=0.02]). Stratified multivariable Cox models showed that HIV infection was the only independent predictor for ACS recurrence. PLHIV were less likely to stop smoking (47% versus 75%; P=0.01) and had smaller total cholesterol decreases (-22.3 versus -35.0 mg/dL; P=0.04). Conclusions Although the overall risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events was not statistically significant between PLHIV and HIV- individuals, PLHIV had a higher rate of recurrent ACS. Registration URL: https://www.clini​caltr​ials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00139958.

Early scale-up of antiretroviral therapy at diagnosis for reducing economic burden of cardiometabolic disease in HIV-infected population

OBJECTIVE

The current study aims to assess the effect of early scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) at HIV diagnosis on the economic burden of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) in HIV-infected population.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

The study cohort comprised 10 693 newly diagnosed HIV patients without CMDs before HIV diagnosis identified from a nationwide HIV cohort in Taiwan. The patients were stratified by ART use [medication possession ratio ≥0.8: (high) vs. <0.8: (low)] and AIDS-defining illnesses (ADI) status [present: (+) vs. absent: (-)] at the first year of HIV diagnosis into four groups: ART (low) and ADI (-), ART (low) and ADI (+), ART (high) and ADI (-), and ART (high) and ADI (+). The economic analysis of incident CMDs was from the perspective of Taiwan's single-payer healthcare system and estimated using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

CMDs significantly increased annual direct medical costs by 31% (hypertension) to 127% [cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)]. The annual cost burden of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and CVDs in the ART (high) and ADI (-) group significantly decreased by 42, 30, and 31%, respectively, compared with the ART (low) and ADI (+) group. Compared with the ART (low) and ADI (+) group, the annual cost burden of CVDs in the ART (high) and ADI (-) and ART (high) and ADI (+) groups decreased by 31 and 14%, respectively, suggesting increased cost-savings when ART is initiated at diagnosis before ADI occurrence.

CONCLUSION

The early scale-up of ART at diagnosis before ADI occurrence is important for minimizing the economic burden of incident CMDs among HIV-infected patients.

Evolocumab in HIV-Infected Patients With Dyslipidemia: Primary Results of the Randomized, Double-Blind BEIJERINCK Study

BACKGROUND

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) are at increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and are prone to statin-related adverse events from drug-drug interactions with certain antiretroviral regimens.

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of evolocumab in dyslipidemic PLHIV.

METHODS

BEIJERINCK (EvolocumaB Effect on LDL-C Lowering in SubJEcts with Human Immunodeficiency VirRus and INcreased Cardiovascular RisK) is a randomized, double-blind, multinational trial comparing monthly subcutaneous evolocumab 420 mg with placebo in PLHIV with hypercholesterolemia/mixed dyslipidemia taking maximally-tolerated statin therapy. The primary endpoint was the percent change (baseline to week 24) in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); secondary endpoints included achievement of LDL-C <70 mg/dl and percent change in other plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels. Treatment-emergent adverse events were also examined.

RESULTS

A total of 464 patients were analyzed (mean age of 56.4 years, 82.5% male, mean duration with HIV of 17.4 years). ASCVD was documented in 35.6% of patients, and statin intolerance/contraindications to statin use were present in 20.7% of patients. Evolocumab reduced LDL-C by 56.9% (95% confidence interval: 61.6% to 52.3%) from baseline to week 24 versus placebo. An LDL-C level of <70 mg/dl was achieved in 73.3% of patients in the evolocumab group versus 7.9% in the placebo group. Evolocumab also significantly reduced other atherogenic lipid levels, including non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein(a) (all p < 0.0001). Evolocumab was well tolerated, and treatment-emergent adverse events patient incidence was similar among evolocumab and placebo groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Evolocumab was safe and significantly reduced lipid levels in dyslipidemic PLHIV on maximally-tolerated statin therapy. Evolocumab is an effective therapy for lowering atherogenic lipoproteins in PLHIV with high cardiovascular risk. (Safety, Tolerability & Efficacy on LDL-C of Evolocumab in Subjects With HIV & Hyperlipidemia/Mixed Dyslipidemia; NCT02833844).

Evolocumab treatment in patients with HIV and hypercholesterolemia/mixed dyslipidemia: BEIJERINCK study design and baseline characteristics

BACKGROUND

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) are at higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) due to traditional and HIV- or antiretroviral treatment (ART)-related risk factors. The use of high-intensity statin therapy is often limited by comorbidities and drug-drug interactions with ART. Herein, we present the design and baseline characteristics of the BEIJERINCK study, which will assess the safety and efficacy of evolocumab in PLHIV and hypercholesterolemia/mixed dyslipidemia.

METHODS

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multinational trial that investigates monthly subcutaneous evolocumab 420 mg versus placebo in PLHIV with hypercholesterolemia/mixed dyslipidemia who are treated with maximally-tolerated statin therapy. The primary outcome is the baseline to week 24 percent change in low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Secondary outcomes include achievement of LDL-C < 70 mg/dL and percent change in other plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels. Safety will also be examined.

RESULTS

This study enrolled and dosed 464 patients who had a mean age of 56.4 years and were mostly male (82.5%). Mean duration with HIV was 17.4 years, and, by design, HIV viral load at screening was ≤50 copies/mL. ASCVD was documented in 35.6% of patients. Mean LDL-C of enrolled patients at baseline was 133.3 mg/dL. Statin use was prevalent (79.3% overall) with 74.6% receiving moderate or high-intensity statins. In total, 20.7% of patients did not receive statins due to intolerance/contraindications.

CONCLUSIONS

The BEIJERINCK study is the first clinical trial to examine the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of a fully human PCSK9 monoclonal antibody inhibitor in a moderate/high cardiovascular risk population of PLHIV.

Ageing, frailty and resilience in Botswana: rapid ageing, rapid change. Findings from a national working group meeting and literature review

Background

The demography of Botswana is rapidly changing. Successes in tackling communicable diseases and economic development increased life expectancy from 53.7 years in 2006 to 66.8 years in 2016. The prevalence of diseases associated with older age, especially chronic non-communicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension and cerebrovascular disease are suspected to have increased but accurate data are lacking. The country has high youth unemployment and national retirement is at the age of 60, which limits the opportunity to build pensions for prosperity in older age. Changes across health, social care and economic policy are needed to prepare for a future ageing population.

Methods

This article reports on the national working group meeting outputs on issues that face older people, their families, healthcare providers, and policy makers in Botswana. A collaborative working group meeting was convened in Gaborone, Botswana on 25th September 2018 by the University of Botswana and University of Birmingham, UK, to identify key challenges and opportunities for an ageing Batswana population.

Results

There was agreement across diverse stakeholders of a need for effective and rapid policy formation to prepare and protect the future health and economy of an ageing Batswana population with a high burden of NCDs. The main priorities for policy-makers must be social care, poverty reduction and healthcare provision, conducted in an evidence-based manner, as far as practicable. To effectively achieve this, research and high-quality data collection mechanisms are required.

Conclusions

Future policy in Botswana must focus on the challenges that an ageing population brings, and development of health and care system resilience for the demographic change could be a model for healthcare policy across Southern Africa.

A Wake-up Call for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Providers: Obstructive Sleep Apnea in People Living With HIV

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is defined by repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep leading to transient hypoxemia and arousals from sleep. Surges in sympathetic activity, repeated oxygen desaturation, and sleep fragmentation can lead to cardiovascular (eg, myocardial infarction) and neurocognitive (eg, excessive daytime sleepiness) consequences. Emerging data suggest that OSA is common in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and that traditional risk factors for OSA, such as obesity, are not highly predictive of OSA in PLWH. Untreated OSA is associated with increased fatigue and levels of inflammation. Despite these data, most PLWH with OSA remain undiagnosed and untreated. Improved awareness of OSA among healthcare providers and greater use of OSA diagnostic approaches have the potential to substantially improve quality of life and outcomes in PLWH.

Alexithymia Predicts Carotid Atherosclerosis, Vascular Events, and All-Cause Mortality in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients: An Italian Multisite Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Psychological factors (PFs) are known predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in many clinical settings, but data are lacking for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We carried out a prospective study to evaluate (1) psychological predictors of preclinical and clinical vascular disease and (2) all-cause mortality (ACM) in HIV patients.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data to evaluate the predictors of carotid plaques (CPs) and a prospective analysis to explore predictors of vascular events (VEs) and ACM over 10 years. Human immunodeficiency virus patients monitored at the Infectious Disease Units of 6 Italian regions were consecutively enrolled. Traditional CVD risk factors, PFs (depressive symptoms, alexithymia, distress personality), and CPs were investigated. Vascular events and ACM after enrollment were censored at March 2018.

Results

A multicenter cohort of 712 HIV-positive patients (75.3% males, aged 46.1 ± 10.1 years) was recruited. One hundred seventy-five (31.6%) patients had CPs at baseline. At the cross-sectional analysis, alexithymia was independently associated with CPs (odds ratio, 4.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.90–8.50; P < .001), after adjustment for sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables. After an average follow-up of 4.4 ± 2.4 years, 54 (7.6%) patients developed a VE, whereas 41 (5.68%) died. Age, current smoking, hypertension, and alexithymia (hazard ratio [HR], 3.66; 95% CI, 1.80–7.44; P < .001) were independent predictors of VE. Likewise, alexithymia was an independent predictor of ACM (HR, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.65–9.0; P = .002), regardless of other clinical predictors.

Conclusions

The present results validate our previous monocentric finding. Alexithymia may be an additional tool for the multifactorial assessment of cardiovascular risk in HIV.

Impact of CCR5, integrase and protease inhibitors on human endothelial cell function, stress, inflammation and senescence

BACKGROUND

Ageing HIV-infected patients present an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, endothelial dysfunction being an early alteration. Some protease inhibitors (PIs) have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. We evaluated here the effects of CCR5 or integrase inhibitors as compared to PIs on endothelial functions in vitro.

METHODS

Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) from adult and old non-HIV-infected donors were treated for 15 days with the CCR5 inhibitor maraviroc, the integrase inhibitors dolutegravir or raltegravir or the ritonavir-boosted PIs, darunavir (DRV/r) or atazanavir (ATV/r), all at C_max concentrations. We evaluated endothelial function, secretion of adhesion molecules and cytokines, inflammation, oxidative stress and senescence.

RESULTS

In endothelial cells from adult donors, we confirmed that ATV/r and DRV/r adversely affected all assessed endothelial functions and enhanced senescence, these effects being mild for DRV/r. Raltegravir had no effect and maraviroc a mild anti-inflammatory effect. Dolutegravir decreased inflammation, by inhibiting the NFκB pathway, and senescence, by repressing the p21 pathway. Moreover, HCAEC from an old donor presented, constitutively, a high level of senescence. Raltegravir mildly affected inflammation and senescence while maraviroc and dolutegravir decreased oxidative stress, inflammation and senescence and improved endothelial dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

We report here that the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir and the CCR5 inhibitor maraviroc reduced inflammation of human adult endothelial cells to different extents while raltegravir was neutral. Dolutegravir also reduced senescence, while PI/r increased inflammation and senescence. It is important to address the clinical relevance of these results.

Statins and aspirin in the prevention of cardiovascular disease among HIV-positive patients between controversies and unmet needs: review of the literature and suggestions for a friendly use

BACKGROUND

As in non-infected subjects, statins and aspirin have a pivotal preventive role in reducing the cardiovascular related morbidity and mortality in HIV infected patients. The persistence of immune activation in these subjects, could contribute to accelerate atherosclerosis, therefore, these treatments that reduce inflammation could provide additional cardiovascular protection. However the current guidelines for the use of these drugs in general population are dissimilar, with important differences between American and European ones. Aim of the present position paper is to provide recommendations aimed to overcome the actual differences and limitations among the current ones and to adapt them to the needs of HIV infected patients.

RESULTS

We propose to adopt the new ACC/AHA guidelines, simple to use and cost effective, to use the ASCVD score that seems to estimate more accurately the cardiovascular risk among these patients. We suggest to start statin therapy in all patients with a calculated 10-year risk of a cardiovascular event of 10% or greater. Rosuvastatin and atorvastatin should be preferred. LDL-C target may be adopted. Aspirin should be always associated with a statin, in secondary prevention, while in primary prevention it should be reserved only to patients with ≥ 20% 10-year risk particularly adherent to treatments, and with low risk of bleeding. We suggest to start with a dose of 100 mg/day. Finally, management of antiplatelet agents or novel oral anticoagulants may include selecting antiretrovirals with a lower potential for drug interactions or choosing agents least likely to interact with antiretrovirals.

CONCLUSIONS

As demonstrated in surveys, HIV physicians are generally highly committed regarding CVD and autonomous in prescribing statins and ASA. Consequently, in the light of the previously discussed discrepancies among the different guidelines and of the incomplete indications regarding HIV-positive persons, the present suggestions could overcome the actual differences and limitations among the current ones.

Cardiovascular Disease and HIV Infection in Sub-Saharan Africa: Misplaced Priorities in the Public Health and Research Agendas?

The effectiveness of combined antiretroviral therapy, not only allows people living with HIV (PLHIV) to live longer, but also exposes them to extra cardiometabolic risks. The recent report of the International AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Society and the Lancet commission are clear on the fact that, the world is not on track regarding ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic by the year 2030 (UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets). We highlight the priority public health interventions, as well as research actions to cope with this almost inevitable triple burden of disease for the continent. Improvement of routine data collection within the health systems strengthening agenda, prioritization of primary health care as the cornerstone of an effective health care system to contain HIV as a chronic disease, and multiplication of large cohort studies in Sub-Saharan Africa are the main public health and research imperatives.

HIV and aging: A primer for NPs

Estimates indicate 70% of all individuals with HIV will be age 50 or older by 2030. Chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, malignancies, neurocognitive disorders, and osteopenia or osteoporosis, occur more frequently in patients with HIV and have become the leading cause of morbidity in this population. NPs play an integral role in helping this population age healthfully.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic will not end by the year 2030 in low and middle income countries

The recent Lancet Commission-International AIDS Society report: Advancing Global health and strengthening the HIV response in the Era of the Sustainable Development Goals; clearly highlights the fact that the world is NOT on track in ending the AIDS pandemic by 2030. Emphasis on massive and early diagnosis and placement on Combined Anti- Retroviral Therapy (cART) remain key cornerstones in reaching these goals. Effective viral load informed care remains very promising in reducing drug resistance, and improving outcomes in infected persons. The authors argue that the current funding trends, management paradigms, research agendas, data collection and information system models, as well as the overall appreciation of the evolution of the pandemic in low and middle- income countries, lead to a logical conclusion that this pandemic will not end, especially in these countries by 2030. Major action areas are proposed for policy makers and researchers for appreciation and action.

Cardiovascular disease-related mortality and factors associated with cardiovascular events in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD)

OBJECTIVES

With aging of the HIV-positive population, cardiovascular disease (CVD) increasingly contributes to morbidity and mortality. We investigated CVD-related and other causes of death (CODs) and factors associated with CVD in a multi-country Asian HIV-positive cohort.

METHODS

Patient data from 2003-2017 were obtained from the Therapeutics, Research, Education and AIDS Training in Asia (TREAT Asia) HIV Observational Database (TAHOD). We included patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with > 1 day of follow-up. Cumulative incidences were plotted for CVD-related, AIDS-related, non-AIDS-related, and unknown CODs, and any CVD (i.e. fatal and nonfatal). Competing risk regression was used to assess risk factors of any CVD.

RESULTS

Of 8069 patients with a median follow-up of 7.3 years [interquartile range (IQR) 4.4-10.7 years], 378 patients died [incidence rate (IR) 6.2 per 1000 person-years (PY)], and this total included 22 CVD-related deaths (IR 0.36 per 1000 PY). Factors significantly associated with any CVD event (IR 2.2 per 1000 PY) were older age [sub-hazard ratio (sHR) 2.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36-3.58 for age 41-50 years; sHR 5.52; 95% CI 3.43-8.91 for ≥ 51 years, compared with < 40 years], high blood pressure (sHR 1.62; 95% CI 1.04-2.52), high total cholesterol (sHR 1.89; 95% CI 1.27-2.82), high triglycerides (sHR 1.55; 95% CI 1.02-2.37) and high body mass index (BMI) (sHR 1.66; 95% CI 1.12-2.46). CVD crude IRs were lower in the later ART initiation period and in lower middle- and upper middle-income countries.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of fatal and nonfatal CVD events in our cohort was associated with older age, and treatable risk factors such as high blood pressure, triglycerides, total cholesterol and BMI. Lower CVD event rates in middle-income countries may indicate under-diagnosis of CVD in Asian-Pacific resource-limited settings.

Von Willebrand Factor Adhesive Activity and ADAMTS13 Protease Activity in HIV-1-Infected Men

Background: Endothelial activation caused by HIV-1 infection leads to release of von Willebrand factor (VWF), which enters the circulation or attaches to vessel walls and self-assembles into strings and fibers, enabling platelet adhesion; this adhesive activity is regulated by the VWF-cleaving protease ADAMTS13. Our objective was to assess VWF adhesive activity and ADAMTS13 protease activity in HIV-1 infection. Methods: We measured levels of VWF antigen, VWF activation factor (a measure of adhesive activity), ADAMTS13 antigen, ADAMTS13 activity, and apolipoprotein A1 (which interferes with VWF self-association) in serum samples from HIV-1-infected men whose infections were acute (n=10), chronic untreated (n=10), or chronic treated (n=10), compared to uninfected controls (n=10). Means across groups were compared using analysis of variance with contrasts, and Pearson correlations were calculated. Results: Plasma viral load was positively correlated with VWF adhesive activity, which was elevated in acute relative to chronic treated HIV-1 infection. ADAMTS13 antigen and activity were both positively correlated with plasma viral load, and ADAMTS13 activity was significantly higher in men with acute HIV infection than in uninfected controls, and in both acute and chronic untreated HIV infection relative to chronic treated infection. Conclusion: These findings suggest that even in the setting of increased ADAMTS13 protease activity, VWF in HIV-1 infection is hyperadhesive, which may favor development of microvascular and arterial thromboses and thereby contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in HIV-1-infected individuals.

Metabolic risk factors in young adults infected with HIV since childhood compared with the general population

AIM

Metabolic risk factors are poorly documented for the first generation of young adults who have lived with HIV since childhood. We compared their metabolic profile with that of adults of same age from the general population.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from two populations: (1) COVERTE (ANRS-CO19), a French national cohort of 18 to 30-year-old patients HIV-infected since childhood, and (2) ENNS, a national cross-sectional population-based household survey on nutrition. Body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and HDL-, LDL- and total cholesterol were measured in both studies. Direct standardization on overweight and education level and logistic regression were used to compare the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities between the two populations.

RESULTS

Data from 268 patients from COVERTE and 245 subjects from ENNS were analyzed. Tobacco use was similar in both groups. HIV-infected patients had increased mean waist-to-hip ratio and triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol ratio and decreased mean HDL-cholesterol as compared to their counterparts from the general population in both genders. In HIV-infected patients, metabolic syndrome was identified in 13.2% of men (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.1-19.2) and 10.4% (95% CI: 5.4-15.3) of women versus 10.6% (95%CI: 1.5-19.7) and 1.7% (95%CI: 0-4.1) in subjects from the general population, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Young adults infected with HIV since childhood had a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia and metabolically detrimental fat distribution than adults of same age of the general population, supporting close monitoring for cardiometabolic diseases.

High Irisin levels in nondiabetic HIV-infected males are associated with insulin resistance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and subclinical atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

HIV infection is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Irisin is a miokyne secreted by skeletal muscle, which may influence insulin homeostasis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and atherosclerosis. Our objective was to evaluate the relationships between serum irisin, insulin homeostasis, NAFLD and subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV-infected males.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study in a cohort of HIV-infected patients.

PATIENTS

Inclusion criteria: men older than 18 years; antiretroviral therapy (ART) -naïve or on effective ART (<50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL) without changes in the previous 6 months; no diabetes or hepatitis C.

MEASUREMENTS

Irisin was measured by enzymatic immunoassay (Phoenix Pharmaceuticals), insulin sensitivity by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), as well as the 2-hour continuous infusion of glucose with model assessment (CIGMA-HOMA). Hepatic steatosis was measured by 1-H magnetic resonance spectroscopy, subclinical atherosclerosis by evaluation of carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), measured by Ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Eight nine men (age 42.0 ± 8.3 years, duration of HIV infection 7.9 ± 5.6 years, CD4 count 547 ± 279 cells/mL) were included. Circulating irisin was positively related to HOMA-IR and CIGMA-HOMA, hepatic triglyceride content, and to VAT/SAT ratio. Higher irisin concentrations were associated with higher C-IMT, although this association did not persist in multivariate analysis. Lipodystrophy and a higher baseline PAI-1 concentration were independently associated with C-IMT.

CONCLUSIONS

In male HIV patients without diabetes, higher irisin concentrations are positively associated with insulin resistance, NAFLD and subclinical atherosclerosis. However, waist-hip-ratio is the main determinant of insulin resistance, and PAI-1 and lipodystrophy were the strongest determinants of IMT in this population.

"I attend at Vanguard and I attend here as well": barriers to accessing healthcare services among older South Africans with HIV and non-communicable diseases

Background

HIV and non-communicable disease (NCD) are syndemic within sub-Saharan Africa especially among older persons. The two epidemics interact with one another within a context of poverty, inequality and inequitable access to healthcare resulting in an increase in those aged 50 and older living with HIV and experiencing an NCD co-morbidity. We explore the challenges of navigating healthcare for older persons living with HIV and NCD co-morbidity.

Methods

In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with a small sample of older persons living with HIV (OPLWH). The perspectives of key informants were also sought to triangulate the evidence of OPLWH. The research took place in two communities on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. All interviews were conducted by a trained interviewer and transcribed and translated for analysis. Thematic content analysis guided data analysis.

Results

OPLWH experienced an HIV-NCD syndemic. Our respondents sought care and accessed treatment for both HIV and other chronic (and acute) conditions, though these services were provided at different health facilities or by different health providers. Through the syndemic theory, it is possible to observe that OPLWH and NCDs face a number of physical and structural barriers to accessing the healthcare system. These barriers are compounded by separate appointments and spaces for each condition. These difficulties can exacerbate the impact of their ill-health and perpetuate structural vulnerabilities. Despite policy changes towards integrated care, this is not the experience of OPLWH in these communities.

Conclusions

The population living with HIV is aging increasing the likelihood that those living with HIV will also be living with other chronic conditions including NCDs. Thus, it is essential that health policy address this basic need to integrate HIV and NCD care.

Recent Recommendations for Management of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become a chronic condition. HIV is not a valid reason to deny, delay, or withhold dental treatment. There are no absolute contraindications and few complications associated with comprehensive oral health care treatment delivered in an outpatient setting for asymptomatic HIV-infected patients and clinically stable patients with AIDS. Consultation with the patient's medical provider and modifications in the delivery of dental treatment may be necessary when treating patients with advanced HIV disease or other comorbid conditions. Oral health care is an integral and important part of comprehensive health care for all patients with HIV/AIDS.

Dyslipidemia among rural and urban HIV patients in south-east Malawi

Background

While dyslipidemia importantly contributes to increased cardiovascular disease risk among patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART), data on lipid patterns among African adults on ART are limited. We describe the prevalence of lipid abnormalities and associated factors in two HIV clinics in Malawi.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2014 and enrolled adult patients at a rural and an urban HIV clinic in Zomba district, Malawi. We recorded patient characteristics, CVD risk factors and anthropometric measurements, using the WHO STEPS validated instrument. Non-fasting samples were taken for determination of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with elevated TC and elevated TC/HDL-c ratio.

Results

554 patients were enrolled, 50% at the rural HIV clinic, 72.7% were female, the median (IQR) age was 42 years (36–50); 97.3% were on ART, 84.4% on tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz, 17.5% were overweight/obese and 27.8%% had elevated waist/hip ratio. 15.5% had elevated TC, 15.9% reduced HDL-c, 28.7% had elevated TG and 3.8% had elevated TC/HDL-c ratio. Lipid abnormalities were similar in rural and urban patients. Women had significantly higher burden of elevated TC and TG whereas men had higher prevalence of reduced HDL-c. Waist-to-hip ratio was independently associated with elevated TC (aOR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.17–3.10, p = 0.01) and elevated TC/HDL-c ratio (aOR = 3.50; 95% CI: 1.38–8.85, p = 0.008). Increasing age was independently associated with elevated TC level (aOR = 1.54, 95% CI 0.51–4.59 for age 31–45; aOR = 3.69, 95% CI 1.24–10.95 for age >45 years vs. ≤30 years; p-trend <0.01).

Conclusions

We found a moderate burden of dyslipidemia among Malawian adults on ART, which was similar in rural and urban patients but differed significantly between men and women. High waist-hip ratio predicted elevated TC and elevated TC/HDL-c ratio and may be a practical tool for CVD risk indication in resource limited settings.

Is metformin poised for a second career as an antimicrobial?

Metformin, a widely used antihyperglycaemic, has a good safety profile, reasonably manageable side-effects, is inexpensive, and causes a desirable amount of weight loss. In 4 studies of patients with tuberculosis (1 prospective and 3 retrospective), metformin administration resulted in better outcomes. In mice with several models of endotoxemia, metformin diminished levels of proinflammatory cytokines and improved survival. Laboratory studies showed effectiveness of the drug on multiple pathogens, including Trichinella spiralis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus. Metformin administration in humans and mice produced major changes in the composition of the gut microbiota. These recently discovered microbe-modulating properties of the drug have led investigators to predict wide therapeutic utility for metformin. The recent easing in United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines regarding administration of metformin to patients with kidney disease, and reduced anxiety about patient safety in terms of lactic acidosis, increase the probability of broadening of metformin's usage as a treatment of infectious agents. In this text we review articles pertinent to metformin's effects on microorganisms, both pathogens and commensals. We highlight the possible role of metformin in a wide range of infectious diseases and a possible expansion of its therapeutic profile in this field. A systematic review was done of PubMed indexed articles that examined the effects of metformin on a wide range of pathogens. Metformin was found to have efficacy as an antimicrobial agent in patients with tuberculosis. Mice infected with Trypanosomiasis cruzi had higher survival when also treated with metformin. The drug in vitro was active against T. spiralis, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and hepatitis B virus. In addition there is emerging literature on its role in sepsis. We conclude that metformin may have a potential role in the therapy for multiple infectious diseases. Metformin, in addition to its traditional effects on glucose metabolism, provides anti-microbial benefits in patients with tuberculosis and in a very wide range of other infections encounters in vitro and in vivo.

Effect of aspirin treatment on abacavir-associated platelet hyperreactivity in HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Ischemic cardiovascular events are a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients. Use of abacavir (ABC), a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor, has been associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and with platelet hyperreactivity. We explored whether low-dose aspirin reduces in vivo platelet activation and platelet hyperreactivity induced by ABC in HIV-infected subjects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study forty HIV-infected patients with ABC-associated platelet hyperreactivity, defined by a score based on laboratory variables reflecting in vivo platelet activation and ex vivo platelet hyperresponsiveness, were randomized to aspirin 100 mg daily for 15 days with subsequent cross-over to placebo for additional 15 days or placebo for 15 days with subsequent cross-over to aspirin for further 15 days. In vivo and ex vivo platelet activation markers were measured at day 15 and 30. One group of healthy subjects, one of untreated HIV infected-patients and one treated without ABC, were studied concomitantly. Serum TxB₂ and urinary 11-dehydro-TxB₂ were decreased by aspirin in ABC-treated patients, but not as much as in healthy controls. Aspirin therapy reduced significantly platelet hyperreactivity (score: from 9.3, 95% CIs 8.7 to 10.0, to 7.5, 6.9 to 8.0), however without bringing it back to the levels of healthy controls (score: 4.6, 95% CIs 3.6 to 5.6).

CONCLUSION

Aspirin reduces ABC-induced in vivo platelet activation and platelet hyperreactivity in HIV-infected patients, however without normalizing them. Whether the observed reduction of platelet activation is sufficient to prevent cardiovascular events requires a prospective trial.

High prevalence of HIV and non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

INTRODUCTION

South Africa faces epidemics of HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors and depression, stratified by HIV status, in a community with a high burden of HIV.

METHODS

We conducted a home-based HIV counselling and testing study in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa between November 2011 and June 2012. Contiguous households were approached and all adults ≥18 years old were offered an HIV test. During follow-up visits in January 2015, screening for HIV, depression, obesity, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure were conducted using point-of-care tests.

RESULTS

Of the 570 participants located and screened; 69% were female and 33% were HIV-positive. NCD risk factor prevalence was high in this sample; 71% were overweight (body mass index (BMI) 25 to 29.9 kg/m² ) or obese (BMI≥30 kg/m² ), 4% had hyperglycaemia (plasma glucose >11.0 mmol/l/200 mg/dl), 33% had hypertension (HTN, >140/90 mmHg), 20% had hyperlipidaemia (low density cholesterol >5.2 mmol/l/193.6 mg/dl) and 12% had major depressive symptoms (nine item Patient Health Questionnaire ≥10). Of the 570 participants, 87% had one or more of HIV, hyperglycaemia, HTN, hyperlipidaemia and/or depression. Over half (56%) had two or more. Older age and female gender were significantly associated with the prevalence of both HIV infection and NCD risk factors. Around 80% of both HIV-positive and negative persons had one of the measured risk factors (i.e. obesity, hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, HTN), or depression.

CONCLUSIONS

In a community-based sample of adults in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the prevalence of both HIV infection and NCD risk factors were high. This study is among the first to quantify the substantial burden of NCD risk factors and depression in this non-clinic based population.