Time trends for risk of severe age-related diseases in individuals with and without HIV infection in Denmark: a nationwide population-based cohort study

Observational study of effects of HIV acquisition and antiretroviral treatment on biomarkers of systemic immune activation

To assess whether biomarkers of systemic inflammation are associated with HIV acquisition or with the timing of ART initiation ("immediate", at diagnosis, versus "deferred", at 24 weeks post-diagnosis) in men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender women, we conducted a retrospective study comparing inflammatory biomarkers in participants' specimens collected before infection and after ≥2 years of effective ART. We measured biomarkers in four longitudinally collected plasma, including two specimens collected from each participant before and two after HIV acquisition and confirmed ART-suppression. Biomarkers were quantified by enzyme-linked immuno-assay or Meso Scale Discovery. When evaluating systematic variation in these markers over time, we found that multiple biomarkers consistently varied across participants' two pre-infection or two post-ART-suppression specimens. Additionally, we compared changes in biomarkers after vs before HIV acquisition. Across 47 participants, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon gamma-induced protein-10 significantly increased while leptin and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) significantly decreased following HIV infection. Randomization to deferred-ART initiation was associated with greater increases in CRP and no decrease in LBP. Acquisition of HIV appeared to induce systemic inflammation, with elevation of biomarkers previously associated with infections and cardiovascular disease. Initiation of ART during the early weeks of infection tempered the increase in pro-inflammatory biomarkers compared to delaying ART for ~24 weeks after HIV diagnosis. These findings provide insight into potential mediators by which immediate-ART initiation improves health outcomes, perhaps because immediate-ART limits the size of the HIV reservoir or limits immune dysregulation that in turn trigger systemic inflammation.

Chronic immune activation and accelerated immune aging among HIV-infected adults receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy for at least 12 years in an African cohort

Background

HIV-associated alterations innate and adaptive immune cell compartments are reminiscent of the process of immune aging.

Objectives

We described immune aging phenotypes among ART-treated HIV-infected adults relative to age-matched HIV-negative counterparts.

Methods

In a cross-sectional comparative study of HIV-infected adults with CD4≥500 cells/μl after at least 12 years of suppressive ART and age-and-gender-matched HIV-negative individuals, immune activation and immune aging phenotypes were measured, using multi-color flowcytometry.

Results

ART-treated HIV-infected individuals had higher body mass index (P = 0.004), waist-hip circumference (P = 0.041), hip circumference (P < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.012) and immune activation (CD4+CD38+HLADR+; median 4.15,IQR(1.030,14.6)] relative to the HIV-negative age-matched individuals [median 3.14,IQR(1.030, 6.68)]; P=0.0034. Immune aging markers [CD4+CD57+T-cells; median 13.00 IQR (0.45,64.1)] were higher among HIV-infected ART-treated adults<50 years relative to HIV-negative<50 years[median 8.020,IQR(0.004,21.2)]; P=0.0010. Naïve CD4 T-cells, Central memory CD4 T-cells, Terminal Effector Memory T cells (TEMRA: CD27-CD45RA + CCR7-) and immune senescence CD4/CD8+CD28-/CD57+ T-cells were similar among ART-treated HIV-infected individuals<45 years relative to 60 years-and-older HIV-negative counterparts≥; p = 0.0932, p = 0.05357, p = 0.0950 and p = 0.5714 respectively.

Conclusion

ART-treated adults are immunologically two decades older than their HIV-negative counterparts. Accelerated immune aging among individuals aging with HIV underscores the need for an HIV cure to avert the unprecedented complications of accelerated immune senescence and the associated NCD risk in African settings with protracted exposure to endemic co-infections.

An overview of multimorbidity and polypharmacy in older people living with HIV

The availability of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized the care of people living with HIV (PLHIV). As a result, PLHIV now have a life expectancy comparable with that of the general population. PLHIV are increasingly confronted with age-related comorbidities and geriatric syndromes, including frailty and polypharmacy, which occur at a higher prevalence and set in at an earlier age compared with their uninfected counterparts. The underlying pathophysiology for multimorbidity and polypharmacy are multifactorial, multidimensional and complex. Therefore, regular review and optimization of risk factors to maintain physical function, social and psychological health is of utmost importance. With an ever-growing population of older PLHIV, there is a pressing need to provide holistic care to address these emerging issues. Accelerated aging observed in PLHIV suggests that early involvement of a multidisciplinary team, including geriatricians, and implementation of integrated models of care can potentially improve the care of older PLHIV, who are at increased risk of frailty and complex multimorbidity. This article reviews the current global situation, discusses the challenges involved and suggests approaches to deliver comprehensive care for older PLHIV. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 49-59.

Renal outcomes in adults with HBV, HIV and HBV/HIV coinfection after 3 years of antiviral therapy in urban Tanzania

BACKGROUND

An enhanced understanding of renal outcomes in persons with chronic HBV, HIV, and HBV/HIV coinfection is needed to mitigate chronic kidney disease in regions where HBV and HIV are endemic.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in adults with HBV, HIV or HBV/HIV enrolled in a 3 year prospective cohort study of liver outcomes in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and initiated on antiviral therapy.

METHODS

We compared eGFR between and within groups over time using mixed-effects models.

RESULTS

Four hundred and ninety-nine participants were included in the analysis (HBV: 164; HIV: 271; HBV/HIV: 64). Mean baseline eGFRs were 106.88, 106.03 and 107.18 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. From baseline to Year 3, mean eGFR declined by 4.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI -9.3 to 0.7) and 3.7 (-7.8 to 0.5) in participants with HBV and HIV, respectively, and increased by 5.1 (-4.7 to 14.9) in those with HBV/HIV. In multivariable models, participants with HBV had lower eGFRs compared with those with HIV or HBV/HIV and, after adjusting for HBV DNA level and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status, significantly lower eGFRs than those with HBV/HIV at all follow-up visits.

CONCLUSIONS

In this Tanzanian cohort, coinfection with HBV/HIV did not appear to exacerbate renal dysfunction compared with those with either infection alone. Although overall changes in eGFR were small, persons with HBV experienced lower eGFRs throughout follow-up despite their younger age and similar baseline values. Longer-term studies are needed to evaluate continuing changes in eGFR and contributions from infection duration and other comorbidities.

Integrated analysis of gut and oral microbiome in men who have sex with men with HIV Infection

IMPORTANCE

Our longitudinal integrated study has shown the marked alterations in the gut and oral microbiome resulting from acute and chronic HIV infection and from antiretroviral therapy. Importantly, the relationship between oral and gut microbiomes in people living with acute and chronic HIV infection and "healthy" controls has also been explored. These findings might contribute to a better understanding of the interactions between the oral and gut microbiomes and its potential role in HIV disease progression.

Examining the Association Between a Modified Quan-Charlson Comorbidity Index and HIV Viral Suppression: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of DC Cohort Participants

With the advancement of effective antiretroviral therapy, people with HIV live longer, and many are developing non-AIDS comorbidities. It is important to assess how comorbidities are associated with HIV-related health outcomes, such as viral suppression (VS). The aim of this study was to analyze the association between comorbidity burden, measured using a modified Quan-Charlson Comorbidity Index (QCCI), and VS (viral load result of <200 copies/mL). We hypothesized that an increase in QCCI score, indicating a higher risk for mortality, would correlate with lower likelihood of VS because of the burden of comorbidity treatment, possibly leading to worse antiretroviral adherence. Our analysis included participants from the DC Cohort Longitudinal HIV Study in Washington, DC. Eligible participants were aged ≥18 years and enrolled in the cohort as of January 1, 2018 (n = 2,471). A modified QCCI score, which weighs selected comorbidities (not including HIV/AIDS) and predicts mortality, was calculated using International Classification of Disease-9/10 codes from electronic health records. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to characterize the association between QCCI composite scores and VS. Participants were predominantly virally suppressed (89.6%), male (73.9%), non-Hispanic Black (74.7%), and between 18 and 55 years (59.3%). The median QCCI score was 1 (range = 1-12, interquartile range = 0-2), demonstrating predominately low mortality risk. We did not establish a statistically significant association between QCCI score and VS (adjusted odds ratio = 1.06, 95% confidence interval 0.96-1.17). Our findings suggest that a higher QCCI score was not associated with lower VS in this population, which may be partly due to the high retention in care among cohort participants.

Frailty and prefrailty phenotypes increase the odds of abnormal cognitive impairment screens in people with HIV

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate whether prefrail and frail people with HIV (PWH) have a higher risk of cognitive impairment on screens.

METHODS

Analysis of PWH aged 70 or older included in the ANRS EP66 SEPTAVIH cohort, on antiretroviral therapy for at least 12 months and with a MoCA test at enrolment. Adjusted risk of a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) less than 26 was compared in frail/prefrail versus robust PWH.

RESULTS

A total of 503 PWH were enrolled with a median age of 73 years, IQR [71-77], 81.5% were male, 73.8% were French natives, 32.9% had low socio-economic status (EPICES score >30.2), and 41.3% were college graduates; 27.3% had a history of clinical AIDS. A total of 294 (58.5%) PWH had a MoCA score less than 26; 182 (36%) a MoCA score 23 or less. Frailty, prefrailty and robustness were found in 13.1, 63.6 and 23.3% participants, respectively. PWH with a MoCA less than 26 had a significantly higher risk of being frail/prefrail, this before [odds ratio (OR) = 2.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-3.57], and after adjustment for confounders (OR = 1.80; 95% CI 1.07-3.01). The risk of being frail/prefrail in patients with a MoCA 23 or less was higher (adjusted OR = 2.75; 95% CI 1.46-5.16). Other factors independently associated with a MoCA less than 26 were older age, birth outside of France and a lower education level and being diabetic.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal MoCA screens were frequent in our cohort of PWH aged 70 or older with controlled HIV disease. Cognitive impairment should be systematically screened in frail/prefrail PWH. Frailty/prefrailty, diabetes and social factors, but not HIV-related factors, are important determinants of cognitive function in PWH with controlled disease.

The incidence and dynamic risk factors of chronic kidney disease among people with HIV

OBJECTIVES

We investigate the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) among people with HIV (PWH) and the dynamic risk factors associated with CKD incidence.

DESIGN

A population-based cohort study of PWH in South Carolina.

METHODS

Adults (age ≥18 years) PWH diagnosed between 2006 and 2019 who were CKD-free at baseline were included. The associations of HIV-related risk factors and conventional risk factors with the incidence of CKD were investigated during the overall study period and by different follow-up periods (i.e. 5, 10, and 15 years) by multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Among 9514 PWH, the incidence of CKD was 12.39 per 1000 person-years. The overall model indicated that conventional risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, were significantly associated with a higher risk of developing CKD. HIV-related characteristics, such as high percentage of days with viral suppression, recent CD4 + cell count, and percentage of retention in care, were associated with a lower risk of CKD compared with their counterparts. In the subgroup analysis, the results were similar for the 5-year and 6-10 years follow-up groups. Among patients who did not develop CKD by the 10th year, the risk factors for developing CKD within 11-15 years were dyslipidemia, diabetes, low recent CD4 + cell count, and short duration of retention in care while other predictors vanished.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes, CD4 + cell count, and retention in care were persistently associated with CKD despite of follow-up duration. Closely monitoring diabetes and improving CD4 + cell count and retention in care are important to lower the risk of CKD in PWH.

A Risk Assessment Tool for Predicting Fragility Fractures in People with HIV: Derivation and Internal Validation of the FRESIA Model

People with HIV have a higher risk of fracture than the general population. Because of the low performance of the existing prediction tools, there is controversy surrounding fracture risk estimation in this population. The aim of the study was to develop a model for predicting the long-term risk of fragility fractures in people with HIV. We included 11,899 individuals aged ≥30 years from the Spanish HIV/AIDS research network cohort. We identified incident fragility fractures from medical records, defined as nontraumatic or those occurring after a casual fall, at major osteoporotic sites (hip, clinical spine, forearm, proximal humerus). Our model accounted for the competing risk of death and included 12 candidate predictors to estimate the time to first fragility fracture. We assessed the discrimination and calibration of the model and compared it with the FRAX tool. The incidence rate of fragility fractures was 4.34 (95% CI 3.61 to 5.22) per 1000 person-years. The final prediction model included age, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as significant predictors. The model accurately predicted the 5- and 10-year risk of fragility fractures, with an area under the receiving operator characteristic curve of 0.768 (95% CI 0.722 to 0.814) and agreement between the observed and expected probabilities. Furthermore, it demonstrated better discrimination and calibration than the FRAX tool, improving the classification of over 35% of individuals with fragility fractures compared to FRAX. Our prediction model demonstrated accuracy in predicting the long-term risk of fragility fractures. It can assist in making personalized intervention decisions for individuals with HIV and could potentially replace the current tools recommended for fracture risk assessment in this population. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Association of a Polygenic Risk Score With Osteoporosis in People Living With HIV: The Swiss HIV Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Bone mineral density (BMD) loss may be accelerated in people with HIV (PLWH). It is unknown whether a polygenic risk score (PRS) is associated with low BMD in PLWH.

METHODS

Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants of self-reported European descent underwent ≥2 per-protocol dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements ≥2 years apart (2011-2020). Univariable and multivariable odds ratios (ORs) for DXA-defined osteoporosis were based on traditional and HIV-related risk factors and a genome-wide PRS built from 9413 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with low BMD in the general population. Controls were free from osteoporosis/osteopenia on all DXA measurements.

RESULTS

We included 438 participants: 149 with osteoporosis and 289 controls (median age, 53 years; 82% male, 95% with suppressed HIV RNA). Participants with unfavorable osteoporosis PRS (top vs bottom quintile) had univariable and multivariable-adjusted osteoporosis ORs of 4.76 (95% CI, 2.34-9.67) and 4.13 (1.86-9.18), respectively. For comparison, hepatitis C seropositivity, 5-year tenofovir disoproxil fumarate exposure, and parent history of hip fracture yielded univariable osteoporosis ORs of 2.26 (1.37-3.74), 1.84 (1.40-2.43), and 1.54 (0.82-2.9).

CONCLUSIONS

In PLWH in Switzerland, osteoporosis was independently associated with a BMD-associated PRS after adjustment for established risk factors, including exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Global and Regional Estimate of HIV-Associated Stroke Burden: A Meta-Analysis and Population Attributable Modeling Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the correlation between human-immunodeficiency-virus (HIV) infection and stroke, as well as to estimate the global, regional, and national burden of HIV-associated stroke.

METHODS

A registered meta-analysis was performed by searching PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant literature up to October 31, 2022. The pooled relative risk of stroke in HIV-infected people was calculated using a random-effects model. HIV prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) datasets were obtained from the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS, and the Global Health Data Exchange, respectively. The population attributable fraction was estimated and delivered to calculate the HIV-associated DALYs of stroke from 1990 to 2019, at the global, regional, and national levels. Pearson correlation analysis were conducted to assess the correlation between the age-standardized rate or estimated annual percentage changes and the sociodemographic index.

RESULTS

Out of 10 080 identified studies, 11 were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with individuals without HIV-infection, the pooled relative risk of stroke in HIV-infected individuals was 1.40 (95% CI, 1.18-1.65). From 1990 to 2019, the global population attributable fraction of HIV-associated stroke increased almost 3-fold, while the HIV-associated DALYs increased from 18 595 (95% CI, 7485-31 196) in 1990 to 60 684 (95% CI, 24 281-101 894) in 2019. Meanwhile, HIV-associated DALYs varied by region, with Eastern and Southern Africa having the highest value of 126 160 in 2019. Moreover, countries with middle social development index were shouldering the highest increase trend of the HIV-associated DALYs age-standardized rates.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-infected individuals face a significantly higher risk of stroke, and the global burden of HIV-associated stroke has increased over the past 3 decades, showing regional variations. Eastern and Southern Africa bear the highest burden, while Eastern Europe and Central Asia have seen significant growth. Health care providers, researchers, and decision-makers should give increased attention to stroke prevention and management in HIV-endemic areas.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: CRD42022367450.

Cortical and Trabecular Bone Deficit in Middle-Aged Men Living with HIV

A significant increase in the risk of hip fracture was observed in middle-aged men living with human immunodeficiency virus (MLWH), almost a decade earlier than those without infection. Data regarding cortical and trabecular bone deficit of hip, an important determinant of bone strength, in MLWH are limited. Quantitative CT was performed in consecutive MLWH aged ≥30 years between November 2017 and October 2018 at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and cortical bone mapping parameters of hip (cortical thickness [CTh], cortical bone vBMD [CBMD], cortical mass surface density [CMSD], endocortical trabecular density [ECTD]) were compared to age-matched and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls (1:2) using a community-based healthy adults cohort. Among 83 MLWH and 166 controls (mean age: 47.2 years; BMI: 23.6 kg/m2 ), MLWH had lower total hip vBMD (280 ± 41 versus 296 ± 41 mg/cm3 ), CMSD (155 versus 160 mg/cm2 ), and ECTD (158 versus 175 mg/cm3 ) than controls that remained robust after adjustment for covariates (adjusted β: total hip vBMD, -18.8; CMSD, -7.3; ECTD, -18.0; p < 0.05 for all). Cortical bone mapping revealed localized deficit of CTh, CBMD, and CMSD in the anterolateral trochanteric region and femoral neck in MLWH compared to controls, with a more extensive ECTD deficit. In MLWH, lower CD4 T-cell count (/100 cells/mm3 decrement) and protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen (versus non-PI regimen) at the time of antiretroviral treatment initiation were associated with lower total hip vBMD (adjusted β -7.5 for lower CD4 count; -28.3 for PI-based regimen) and CMSD (adjusted β -2.6 for lower CD4 count; -12.7 for PI-based regimen; p < 0.05 for all) after adjustment for covariates including age, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, hepatitis C virus co-infection, tenofovir exposure, and CT scanner types. MLWH had lower hip bone density with cortical and trabecular bone deficit compared to community-dwelling controls. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Resting state network connectivity alterations in HIV: Parallels with aging

The increasing incidence of age-related comorbidities in people with HIV (PWH) has led to accelerated aging theories. Functional neuroimaging research, including functional connectivity (FC) using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), has identified neural aberrations related to HIV infection. Yet little is known about the relationship between aging and resting-state FC in PWH. This study included 86 virally suppressed PWH and 99 demographically matched controls spanning 22-72 years old who underwent rs-fMRI. The independent and interactive effects of HIV and aging on FC were investigated both within- and between-network using a 7-network atlas. The relationship between HIV-related cognitive deficits and FC was also examined. We also conducted network-based statistical analyses using a brain anatomical atlas (n = 512 regions) to ensure similar results across independent approaches. We found independent effects of age and HIV in between-network FC. The age-related increases in FC were widespread, while PWH displayed further increases above and beyond aging, particularly between-network FC of the default-mode and executive control networks. The results were overall similar using the regional approach. Since both HIV infection and aging are associated with independent increases in between-network FC, HIV infection may be associated with a reorganization of the major brain networks and their functional interactions in a manner similar to aging.

Prevalence and incidence of stroke among people with HIV

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to obtain more precise estimates of stroke to address the wide variation of stroke burden among people with HIV (PWH) in different clinical settings.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for original articles reporting the prevalence and incidence of stroke among PWH up to November 23, 2022. Der Simonian-Laird random effects were used to obtain pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

We included 17 observational studies covering 1 749 003 PWH on estimation of prevalence, and 17 cohort studies covering 249 606 PWH on estimation of incidence. The pooled prevalence of stroke was 1.30% (95% CI: 1.01%, 1.59%) for PWH aged at least 15 years, and 3.98% (95% CI: 2.45%, 5.51%) for PWH aged at least 50 years. The pooled incidence of stroke was 17.86 per 10 000 person-years (95% CI: 15.96, 19.76), meanwhile, the pooled incidence of ischemic stroke (31.50 per 10 000 person-years; 95% CI: 11.11, 51.89) was higher than hemorrhagic stroke (4.43 per 10 000 person-years; 95% CI: 1.95, 6.91) among PWH aged at least 15 years.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of stroke was nearly one per hundred among PWH aged ≥15 years, and reached four per hundred for those aged ≥50 years. The occurrence of stroke is common during HIV progression, particularly ischemic stroke. Therefore, more efforts should be made on implementing policies, strategies, and programs aimed at identifying the risk factors, improving treatment, and facilitating rehabilitation for stroke to reduce the disease burden among PWH.

Comparison of Inpatient Outcomes Between HIV Positive and Negative Hospitalizations for Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Treatment among Lymphoid Malignancies

BACKGROUND

Comorbidity burden is higher among people living with HIV (PLWH). In addition, they experience adverse effects associated with antiretrovirals. In this study we looked for differences in adverse hospital outcomes between those with and without HIV among hospitalizations for autologous stem cell transplantations (ASCTs) for lymphoid malignancies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current study was a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database, for the years 2005 to 2014. Adult hospitalizations ≥18 years of age, for ASCTs were included for the analysis, and were stratified into those with and without HIV. The primary outcome variables were in-hospital mortality, prolonged length of stay, and adverse dispositions.

RESULTS

We included a total of 117,686 ASCT hospitalizations, of which, 468 (0.4%) were HIV positive. Among HIV-positive hospitalizations, there were 251 (53.4%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 128 (27.4%), Hodgkin lymphoma, and 89 (19.2%) multiple myeloma cases. Only half of the PLWH among Black population received ASCT, compared to Whites (26.8% vs. 54.8%). Regression analyses showed that the odds of in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.13-4.44), prolonged length of stay (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.67-2.11), and dispositions other than home (OR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.61-2.59) did not differ significantly between 2 groups.

DISCUSSION

We found that adverse hospital outcomes did not differ between those with and without HIV among hospitalized autologous stem cell transplant recipients. However, the rates of ASCT were substantially lower among Black PLWH. New interventions and approaches should be developed to improve ASCT rates among HIV positive racial minorities.

Metabolomics Approaches for the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Better Disease Management of Viral Infections

Metabolomics is an analytical approach that involves profiling and comparing the metabolites present in biological samples. This scoping review article offers an overview of current metabolomics approaches and their utilization in evaluating metabolic changes in biological fluids that occur in response to viral infections. Here, we provide an overview of metabolomics methods including high-throughput analytical chemistry and multivariate data analysis to identify the specific metabolites associated with viral infections. This review also focuses on data interpretation and applications designed to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of these viral diseases.

Prevalence and risk factors for kidney disease among hospitalized PLWH in China

BACKGROUND

Kidney disease is an important comorbidity in people living with HIV(PLWH), and is associated with poor outcomes. However, data on renal function of PLWH are limited in China so far. In this study we assessed the prevalence of kidney disease in patients either on antiretroviral therapy (ART) or not respectively in a single center in China and explored the possible risk factors associated.

METHODS

In the cross-sectional study, we recruited hospitalized adult PLWH. Demographic characteristics, clinical information and laboratory variables were collected. Kidney disease was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, and/or isolated hematuria, proteinuria, microalbuminuria. We calculated the prevalence of kidney disease and used logistic regression to assess its associated risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 501 adult PLWH were enrolled, 446 (89.0%) males and 55 (11.0%) females. The median age was 39 (IQR 30-50) years old. The prevalence of kidney disease was 19.0%, 22 (4.4%) patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, 53 (10.6%) patients with hematuria, 11 (2.2%) patients with proteinuria, and 40 (8.0%) patients with microalbuminuria. 297 (59.3%) patients were receiving ART. The patients on ART had a higher prevalence of renal disease than those had not been administrated with ART (22.6% vs. 13.7%, P = 0.013). On the multivariate logistic regression analysis among patients not on ART, lower haemoglobin (OR 0.994, 95%CI: 0.902-0.988, P = 0.013) were significantly associated with kidney disease. While among those on ART, older age (OR 1.034, 95%CI: 1.003-1.066, P = 0.032), lower haemoglobin (OR 0.968, 95%CI: 0.948-0.988, P = 0.002) and lower albumin (OR 0.912, 95%CI: 0.834-0.997, P = 0.044) were significantly associated with kidney disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of kidney disease among hospitalized PLWH in China is high, especially in patients on ART. A larger scale study on Chinese outpatient PLWH should be conducted, so as to precisely assess prevalence of kidney disease in general Chinese PLWH.

Observational study of effects of HIV Acquisition and Antiretroviral Treatment on Biomarkers of Systemic Immune Activation

Objective

Assess whether biomarkers of systemic inflammation are associated with HIV acquisition or with the timing of ART initiation ("immediate", at diagnosis, versus "deferred", at 24 weeks post-diagnosis) in men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgender women.

Design

A retrospective study comparing inflammatory biomarkers in participants' specimens collected before and after ≥2 years of effective ART.

Methods

Inflammatory biomarkers were measured in four longitudinally collected plasma specimens, including two plasma specimens collected from each participant before and two after HIV acquisition and confirmed ART-suppression. Biomarkers were quantified by enzyme-linked immuno-assay or Meso Scale Discovery. Statistical measures compared intra-participant and between-group changes in biomarkers.

Results

Across 50 participants, the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon gamma-induced protein-10 significantly increased while leptin and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) significantly decreased following HIV infection. Randomization to deferred-ART initiation was associated with greater increases in CRP and no decreases in LBP. Multiple biomarkers varied significantly within participants' two pre-infection or two post-ART-suppression specimens.

Conclusions

Acquisition of HIV appeared to induce systemic inflammation, with elevation of biomarkers previously associated with infections and cardiovascular disease. Initiation of ART during the early weeks of infection tempered the increase in pro-inflammatory biomarkers compared to those who delayed ART for ~24 weeks after HIV diagnosis, perhaps because immediate-ART limited the size of the HIV reservoir or limited immune dysregulation. Some but not all biomarkers appeared sufficiently stable to assess intraparticipant changes over time. Given that pro-inflammatory biomarkers predict multiple co-morbidities, our findings suggest that immediate-ART initiation may improve health outcomes.

Age and Cancer Incidence in 5.2 Million People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The South African HIV Cancer Match Study

BACKGROUND

Old age is an important risk factor for developing cancer, but few data exist on this association in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

The South African HIV Cancer Match study is a nationwide cohort of PWH based on a linkage between HIV-related laboratory records from the National Health Laboratory Service and cancer diagnoses from the National Cancer Registry for 2004-2014. We included PWH who had HIV-related tests on separate days. Using natural splines, we modeled cancer incidence rates as a function of age.

RESULTS

We included 5 222 827 PWH with 29 580 incident cancer diagnoses-most commonly cervical cancer (n = 7418), Kaposi sarcoma (n = 6380), and breast cancer (n = 2748). In young PWH, the incidence rates for infection-related cancers were substantially higher than for infection-unrelated cancers. At age 40 years, the most frequent cancer was cervical cancer in female and Kaposi sarcoma in male PWH. Thereafter, the rates of infection-unrelated cancers increased steeply, particularly among male PWH, where prostate cancer became the most frequent cancer type at older age. Whereas Kaposi sarcoma rates peaked at 34 years (101/100 000 person-years) in male PWH, cervical cancer remained the most frequent cancer among older female PWH.

CONCLUSIONS

Infection-related cancers are common in PWH in South Africa, but rates of infection-unrelated cancers overtook those of infection-related cancers after age 54 years in the overall study population. As PWH in South Africa live longer, prevention and early detection of infection-unrelated cancers becomes increasingly important. Meanwhile, control strategies for infection-related cancers, especially cervical cancer, remain essential.

Long-term evolution of comorbidities and their disease burden in individuals with and without HIV as they age: analysis of the prospective AGEhIV cohort study

BACKGROUND

People with HIV generally have more ageing-associated comorbidities than those without HIV. We aimed to establish whether the difference in comorbidities and their disease burden changes with ageing.

METHODS

In this prospective, longitudinal cohort study, we assessed comorbidities commonly associated with ageing every 2 years in 596 HIV-positive and 550 HIV-negative participants. HIV-positive participants were recruited from the HIV outpatient clinic of the Amsterdam University Medical Centres (Amsterdam, Netherlands). HIV-negative participants were recruited from the sexual health clinic and the Amsterdam Cohort Studies at the Public Health Service of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands). Inclusion criteria were participants aged 45 years or older and, for HIV-negative participants, a documented HIV-negative antibody test. The mean number of comorbidities present over time was compared between groups by use of Poisson regression, accounting for dropout and death through joint survival models. Mean disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) accrued during 2-year intervals were compared between groups by use of an exponential hurdle model.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 29, 2010, and Oct 9, 2012, participants were enrolled and then prospectively followed up until their last visit before Oct 1, 2018. 1146 participants were followed up for a median 5·9 years (IQR 5·7-6·0), during which 231 participants (20·2%) dropped out: 145 (24·3%) of 596 HIV-positive and 86 (15·6%) of 550 HIV-negative. 38 (3·3%) of 1146 participants died: 31 (5·2%) of 596 HIV-positive and seven (1·3%) of 550 HIV-negative. 24 HIV-positive and two HIV-negative participants died from ageing-associated comorbidities. 15 HIV-positive participants versus one HIV-negative participant died from non-AIDS malignancies. At inclusion, mean number of comorbidities was higher in HIV-positive participants (0·65) than in HIV-negative participants (0·32; p<0·0001). Mean number of comorbidities increased at similar rates over time: rate ratio (RR) per year for HIV-positive participants 1·04 (95% CI 1·00-1·08), RR per year for HIV-negative participants 1·05 (1·01-1·08; p_interaction=0·78). Number of comorbidities was associated with an increased risk of death (hazard ratio 3·33 per additional comorbidity, 95% CI 2·27-4·88; p<0·0001). HIV-positive participants had higher increases in mean DALYs than HIV-negative participants (0·209 per year, 95% CI 0·162-0·256 vs 0·091 per year, 0·025-0·157; p_interaction=0·0045). This difference was reduced when deaths were excluded in establishing DALYs (0·127, 0·083-0·171 vs 0·066, 0·005-0·127; p_interaction =0·11).

INTERPRETATION

The larger comorbidity prevalence in HIV-positive participants aged 50-55 years on effective antiretroviral treatment than in HIV-negative participants increased similarly as participants aged and was associated with an increased risk of death, particularly of non-AIDS malignancies. Our findings reinforce the need for strategies to optimise prevention, screening, and early intervention.

FUNDING

Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development, Aidsfonds, Gilead Sciences, ViiV Healthcare, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and Merck & Co.

TRANSLATION

For the Dutch translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

SMAD2/3 Phosphorylation Is Downregulated in T Cells in HIV-Infected Patients

Persistent inflammation contributes to the exhaustion of immune system and non-AIDS-defining events in HIV-infected patients. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is generally considered an anti-inflammatory cytokine. It is unclear that why high-level TGF-β coexists with chronic inflammation during HIV infection. In this study, it was found that HIV-infected patients had lower proportion of phosphorylated SMAD2/3-positive cells among total CD3⁺ T cells and subsets of CD3⁺CD8⁺ and CD3⁺CD8^- T cells when compared with health subjects. The findings implied that phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 is inhibited in HIV-infected patients, and that disturbance of TGF-β/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway may be involved in HIV-related chronic inflammation.

Immune recovery among Romanian HIV/AIDS patients receiving darunavir/ritonavir or darunavir/cobicistat regimens in cART management: A three-year study

Approximately two-thirds of Romanian HIV patients were parenterally infected with the F subtype of HIV in early childhood. They are now in the context of immunological aging, with immunosuppression posing an additional challenge in developing the most effective and well-tolerated regimens. The risk of an improper immune recovery is higher in these patients than in newly diagnosed patients. The primary goal of this retrospective study was to conduct a comparative analysis of the immune recovery, measured at three time points, on 462 HIV-infected patients who were registered at the "Matei Balş National Institute of Infectious Diseases", Bucharest, Romania, between 2018 and 2021, as follows: darunavir (DRV) 600 mg plus ritonavir (RTV) 100 mg (twice daily) was given to 384 patients, while DRV 800 mg plus cobicistat (COBI) 150 mg was given to 78 patients (once daily). The immune response was assessed by counting T lymphocytes, CD4 count cells/mm³, and the CD4/CD8 lymphocyte count ratio. Additionally, the study assessed the relationship between the immune and virological responses to therapy. Using various statistical tests, the results revealed that the immune response is normal in both groups, but with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) for the DRV/c group. Statistical associations between RNA viral plasma load and immune response (CD4 count and CD4/CD8 ratio) were assessed at all three visits and showed an insignificant association for the first two time points; however, at the final visit, the outcomes changed and reached statistical significance for both groups.

Cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Titer and Coronary Artery Disease in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is thought to result in increased immune activation in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PWH). Although some data have linked asymptomatic CMV infection to cardiovascular disease among PWH, it remains unknown whether CMV is associated with increased or high-risk coronary plaque.

METHODS

The Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) enrolled PWH aged 40-75 years on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) with low-to-moderate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Among a subset of US REPRIEVE participants, coronary plaque was assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography. Here, we assessed the relationship between CMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer and (1) levels of immune activation, (2) inflammatory biomarkers, and (3) coronary plaque phenotypes at study entry.

RESULTS

Of 672 participants, mean age was 51 years, 83% were men, median ASCVD risk score was 4.5%, and 66% had current CD4+ T-cell count ≥500 cells/mm3. Higher CMV IgG quartile group was associated with older age and lower current and nadir CD4+ T-cell counts. CMV IgG titer was associated with specific inflammatory biomarkers (sCD163, MCP-1, interleukin [IL]-6, hsCRP) in univariate analysis, but not after controlling for HIV-specific factors. In contrast, CMV IgG titer was not associated with coronary artery disease indexes, including presence of plaque, coronary artery calcium (CAC) score >0, vulnerable plaque presence, or Leaman score >5.

CONCLUSIONS

No meaningful association was seen between CMV IgG titer and coronary artery disease indexes among ART-treated PWH at study enrollment. Longitudinal assessments in REPRIEVE will determine the relationship of CMV IgG titer to plaque progression and cardiovascular events.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT02344290.

Outcomes following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection among individuals with and without HIV in Denmark

OBJECTIVE

To compare the risk of a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes in people with HIV (PWH) with the general population, and estimate the association with vaccination status.

DESIGN

A nationwide, population based, matched cohort study.

METHODS

We included all Danish PWH ≥18 years ( n  = 5276) and an age and sex-matched general population cohort ( n  = 42 308). We used Cox regression analyses to calculate (adjusted) incidence rate ratios [(a)IRR] and further stratified and restricted the analyses.

RESULTS

We observed no major difference in risk of first positive SARS-CoV-2 test [aIRR: 0.8 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.8-0.9)], but a higher risk of first hospital contact with COVID-19 and hospitalization with severe COVID-19 for PWH vs. controls [IRR: 2.0; (1.6-2.5), 1.8 (1.4-2.3)]. Risk of first hospitalization decreased substantially in PWH with calendar time [first half of year 2022 vs. 2020 IRR: 0.3; (0.2-0.6)], whereas the risk compared to population controls remained almost twofold increased. We did not observe increased risk of death after SARS-CoV-2 infection [aIRR: 0.7 (95% CI: 0.3-2.0)]. Compared to PWH who had received two vaccines PWH who receiving a third vaccine had reduced risk of first positive SARS-CoV-2 test, death (individuals ≥60years) and hospitalization [aIRR: 0.9 (0.7-1.0); 0.2 (0.1-0.7); 0.6 (0.2-1.2)].

CONCLUSION

PWH have almost the same risk of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test as the general population. Although risk of hospital contacts and severe outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection is increased, the risk of death does not seem to be substantially increased. Importantly, a third vaccine is associated with reduced risk of infection, and death.

The Gut Microbiome, Microbial Metabolites, and Cardiovascular Disease in People Living with HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To synthesize recent evidence relating the gut microbiome and microbial metabolites to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people living with HIV (PLWH).

RECENT FINDINGS

A few cross-sectional studies have reported on the gut microbiome and cardiovascular outcomes in the context of HIV, with no consistent patterns emerging. The largest such study found that gut Fusobacterium was associated with carotid artery plaque. More studies have evaluated microbial metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide with CVD risk in PLWH, but results were inconsistent, with recent prospective analyses showing null effects. Studies of other microbial metabolites are scarce. Microbial translocation biomarkers (e.g., lipopolysaccharide binding protein) have been related to incident CVD in PLWH. Microbial translocation may increase CVD risk in PLWH, but there is insufficient and/or inconsistent evidence regarding specific microbial species and microbial metabolites associated with cardiovascular outcomes in PLWH. Further research is needed in large prospective studies integrating the gut microbiome, microbial translocation, and microbial metabolites with cardiovascular outcomes in PLWH.

Improving Recognition of Fracture Risk in People with Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Performance and Model Contribution of Two Common Risk Assessment Tools

Current guidelines recommend screening people with HIV (PWH) for bone disease using predictive tools developed for the general population, although data on PWH are scarce. In this study, we assessed the performance of FRAX and QFracture scoring systems to predict the occurrence of fragility fractures in a prospective cohort of 17,671 adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) included in the HIV/AIDS research network (CoRIS) in Spain. The survival estimates of fragility fractures during follow-up were calculated and FRAX and QFracture scores were computed at cohort inclusion. For both tools, discriminatory measures and the observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios were assessed. During a follow-up time of 42,411.55 person-years, 113 fragility fractures were recorded. Areas under the curve were 0.66 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.61-0.71] for FRAX and 0.67 (95% CI 0.62-0.73) for QFracture for major osteoporotic fractures, and 0.72 (95% CI 0.57-0.88) and 0.81 (95% CI 0.68-0.95) for hip fracture, respectively. The O/E was 1.67 for FRAX and 5.49 for QFracture for major osteoporotic fractures, and 11.23 for FRAX and 4.87 for QFracture for hip fractures. Moreover, O/E raised as the risk increased for both tools and in almost all age groups. When using the recommended assessment thresholds, <6% and 10% of major osteoporotic and hip fractures would have been identified, respectively. In conclusion, FRAX and QFracture displayed acceptable discrimination, although both tools significantly underestimated the risk of fragility fractures in PWH. The recommended assessment thresholds may not be appropriate for this population as they were unable to identify individuals with fragility fractures during follow-up.

Disability-adjusted life years associated with chronic comorbidities among people living with and without HIV: Estimating health burden in British Columbia, Canada

Life span of people living with HIV (PLWH) has increased dramatically with the advent of modern antiretroviral therapy. As a result, comorbidities have emerged as a significant concern in this population. To describe the burden of chronic comorbidities among PLWH and HIV-negative individuals in British Columbia (BC), Canada, we estimated disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to these comorbidities. Based on a population-based cohort in BC, antiretroviral-treated adult PLWH and 1:4 age-sex-matched HIV-negative controls were followed for ≥1 year during 2001-2012. DALYs combined years of life lost to premature mortality (YLLs) and due to disability (YLDs), and were estimated following the Global Burden of Diseases' approaches. DALYs associated with non-AIDS-defining cancers, diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension, dementia, cardiovascular (CVD), kidney, liver and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases were each measured for 2008-2012. Among PLWH, DALYs attributed to non-AIDS-related cancers were also estimated for 2013-2020. We observed that at baseline, our matched cohort consisted of 82% males with a median age of 40 years (25th-75th percentiles: 34-47). During 2008-2012, 7042 PLWH and 30,640 HIV-negative individuals were alive, where PLWH experienced a twofold higher DALYs associated with chronic comorbidities (770.2 years/1000 people [95% credible intervals: 710.2, 831.6] vs. 359.0 [336.0, 382.2]). Non-AIDS-defining cancers and CVD contributed the highest DALYs in both populations, driven by YLLs rather than YLDs. Among PLWH, we estimated increasing DALYs attributable to non-AIDS-defining cancers with 91.7 years/1000 people (77.4, 106.0) in 2013 vs. 97.6 (81.0, 115.2) in 2020. In this study, we showed that PLWH experience a disproportionate burden of chronic comorbidities compared to HIV-negative individuals. The observed disparities may relate to differential health behaviors, residual HIV-related inflammation, and ART-related toxicities. As aging shapes future healthcare needs, our findings highlight the need to enhance prevention and management of comorbidities as part of HIV care.

Antiplatelet Effects of Clopidogrel Vs Aspirin in Virologically Controlled HIV: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Patients with HIV exhibit platelet activation and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the prevention of which is not fully known. Fifty-five HIV-positive patients were randomized to clopidogrel, aspirin, or no-treatment for 14 days, and the platelet phenotype and ability to induce endothelial inflammation assessed. Clopidogrel as opposed to aspirin and no-treatment reduced platelet activation (P-selectin and PAC-1 expression). Compared with baseline, platelet-induced proinflammatory transcript expression of cultured endothelial cells were reduced in those assigned to clopidogrel, with no change in the aspirin and no-treatment arms. In HIV, clinical trials of clopidogrel to prevent cardiovascular disease are warranted. (Antiplatelet Therapy in HIV; NCT02559414).

Projection of age of individuals living with HIV and time since ART initiation in 2030: estimates for France

Introduction

Thanks to antiretroviral treatment (ART), people living with HIV (PLHIV) are living longer and ageing. However, ageing involves increased risks of co‐morbidities, which also depend on when PLHIV individuals started ART. To tackle the HIV age‐related upcoming challenges, knowledge of the current and future age structure of the HIV population is needed. Here, we forecast the demographic profile of the adult population living with diagnosed HIV (aPLdHIV) in France until 2030, accounting for the impact of the ART initiation period on mortality.

Methods

We used national data from the French Hospital Database on HIV (ANRS CO4‐FHDH) and a sample of the National Health Data System to, first, characterize the aPLdHIV in 2018 and estimate their mortality rates according to age, sex and ART initiation period. Second, we used national HIV surveillance data to define three scenarios for the numbers of newly diagnosed HIV cases over 2019–2030: 30% decrease in HIV cases (S1), status quo situation (S2) and epidemic elimination (S3). We then combined these data using a matrix model, to project the age structure of aPLdHIV and time since ART initiation.

Results

In 2018, there was an estimated 161,125 aPLdHIV (33% women), of which 55% were aged 50 or older (50+), 22% aged 60+ and 8% aged 70+. In 2030, the aPLdHIV would grow to 195,246 for S1, 207,972 for S2 and 167,221 for S3. Whatever the scenario, in 2030, the estimated median time since ART initiation would increase and age distribution would shift towards older ages: with 65–72% aPLdHIV aged 50+, 42–48% 60+ and 17–19% 70+. This corresponds to ∼83,400 aPLdHIV (28% women) aged 60+, among which ∼69% started ART more than 20 years ago (i.e. before 2010) and ∼39% ≥30 years ago (i.e. before 2000), and to ∼33,100 aPLdHIV (27% women) aged 70+, among which ∼72% started ART ≥20 years ago and ∼43% ≥30 years ago.

Conclusions

By 2030, in France, close to 20% of the aPLdHIV will be aged 70+, of which >40% would have started ART more than 30 years ago. These estimates are essential to adapt co‐morbidities screening and anticipate resource provision in the aged care sector.

Inflammatory and immune markers in HIV-infected older adults on long-term antiretroviral therapy: Persistent elevation of sCD14 and of proinflammatory effector memory T cells

HIV-positive patients whose viral loads are successfully controlled by active antiretroviral therapy (ART) show no clinical signs of AIDS. However, their lifespan is shorter compared with individuals with no HIV infection and they prematurely exhibit a multitude of chronic diseases typically associated with advanced age. It was hypothesized that immune system aging may correlate with, and provide useful biomarkers for, this premature loss of healthspan in HIV-positive subjects. Here, we tested whether the immune correlates of aging, including cell numbers and phenotypes, inflammatory status, and control of human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) in HIV-positive subjects on long-term successful ART (HIV+) may reveal increased "immunological age" compared with HIV-negative, age-matched cohort (HIV-) in participants between 50 and 69 years of age. Specifically, we expected that younger HIV+ subjects may immunologically resemble older individuals without HIV. We found no evidence to support this hypothesis. While T cells from HIV+ participants displayed differential expression in several differentiation and/or inhibitory/exhaustion markers in different T cell subpopulations, aging by a decade did not pronounce these changes. Similarly, while the HIV+ participants exhibited higher T cell responses and elevated inflammatory marker levels in plasma, indicative of chronic inflammation, this trait was not age-sensitive. We did find differences in immune control of hCMV, and, more importantly, a sustained elevation of sCD14 and of proinflammatory CD4 and CD8 T cell responses across age groups, pointing towards uncontrolled inflammation as a factor in reduced healthspan in successfully treated older HIV+ patients.

Cross-sectional comparison of age- and gender-related comorbidities in people living with HIV in Canada

Because antiretroviral therapy (ART) is allowing people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) to survive longer, they are developing more age-related comorbidities. We evaluated the effects of age and gender on the burden of age-related comorbidities among PLWH. In this retrospective real-world study, de-identified data were extracted from the medical charts of 2000 HIV-positive adults on ART across 10 sites in Canada. The prevalence of age-related comorbidities was determined in 6 age subgroups (<30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and ≥70 years). The effects of gender on these comorbidities were also examined. Risks of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were calculated using the Framingham and D:A:D equations. Most persons were White (68%), male (87%), and virologically suppressed (94%). The mean age was 50.3 years (57% aged ≥50 years), and mean CD4+ T-cell count was 616 cells/mm3. The most common comorbidities were neuropsychiatric symptoms (61%), overweight/obesity (43%), liver disease (37%), and dyslipidemia (37%). The mean number of comorbidities increased across age subgroups (P < .001). Across all age subgroups, the prevalence of hypertension (P = .04), dyslipidemia (P = .04), CKD (P = .03), bone fragility (P = .03), and depression (P = .02) differed between males and females. Both age (P < .001) and gender (P < .001) impacted cardiovascular disease and CKD risk. Age and gender influenced the burden, types, and risks of age-related comorbidities in PLWH in this Canadian cohort. These comorbidities should be diagnosed and treated in routine clinical practice.

Prevalence and determinants of non-communicable diseases including depression among HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

OBJECTIVE

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are experiencing growing co-morbidities due to an increase in life expectancy and the use of long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). The lack of integrated non-communicable diseases (NCDs) screening and management at the HIV care and treatment centres (CTCs) make it difficult to determine the trends of NCD co-morbidity among patients with HIV. This study aimed to assess the burden and determinants of common NCDs, including depression among patients with HIV.

METHODS

Analytical cross-sectional study of 1318 HIV patients enrolled using systematic random sampling conducted from April to November 2020. Five large CTCs in district referral hospitals were selected representing the five districts of Dar es Salaam including Mwananyamala, Temeke, and Amana regional referral hospitals and Sinza and Vijibweni hospitals. The study population consisted of adult PLHA aged 18 years and above. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of NCDs among HIV patients. Observation of actual NCD medications or their purchase receipts or booked NCD clinic appointments that PLHA had during the study period was used to verify the reported presence of NCDs. The secondary outcome measure was the prevalence of probable depression among PLHA. The locally validated Swahili Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to screen for depressive symptom severity. A logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with common NCDs and those associated with probable depression. Potential risk factors that were statistically significant at a P-value of 0.2 or less in univariable analysis were included as potential confounders in multivariable models.

RESULTS

The median age of participants was 42 (IQR 35-49) years, with 32.7% in the 36-45 years age group. The majority of patients were women (69%). Most (80.5%) had achieved HIV viral (VL) suppression (a serum HIV VL of <1000 copies/ml). Overall, 14.3% of self-reported an NCD with evidence of their current medication for the NCD from receipts for medication purchased and appointments from NCD clinics they attended. In the multivariable analyses, higher odds of NCDs were in older patients (>45 years) and those with a weight above 75 kg (P < 0.05). Male patients had 51% reduced odds of NCDs (aOR 0.49; 95% CI: 0.32-0.74) than females (P < 0.001). Probable depression prevalence was 11.8%, and depressed patients had more than twice the odds of having NCDs than those without depression (aOR 2.26; 95% CI: 1.45-3.51; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study determined co-existing previously diagnosed NCDs among PLHA accessing care and high levels of depressive symptom severity. We recommend additional research on the feasibility, acceptability, and cost implications of screening and treating NCDs on HIV care platforms to provide evidence for Tanzania's integrated HIV/NCD care model.

Risk of subarachnoid haemorrhages and aneurysms in Danish People Living With HIV, a nationwide cohort study

OBJECTIVE

It remains unclear whether people with HIV (PWH) have increased risk of aneurysms. We aimed to investigate if the risk of subarachnoid haemorrhage, cerebral aneurysm, aortic aneurysm and other arterial aneurysms and dissections is increased in PWH compared with the general population.

DESIGN

We performed a nationwide population-based matched cohort study.

METHODS

We compared PWH with age-matched and sex-matched comparison cohort members to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRR) of subarachnoid haemorrhage, cerebral aneurysm, aortic aneurysm and other arterial aneurysms and dissections as well as surgery for these conditions.

RESULTS

We included all PWH, who were Danish residents and treated at a HIV healthcare centre between January 1995 and February 2018 (n = 6935) and an age-matched and sex-matched comparison cohort (n = 55 480). PWH had increased risk of subarachnoid haemorrhage (IRR 1.7, 95% CI, 1.1-2.6), but no increased risk of surgery for this condition. PWH had no increased risk of cerebral aneurysm or aortic aneurysm or surgery for these conditions. The risk of other arterial aneurysms and dissections was increased in PWH (IRR 2.0, 95% CI, 1.4-2.9), but this only applied for PWH who reported intravenous substance use as route of HIV transmission (IRR 18.4, 95% CI, 9.3-36.6), and not for PWH without reported injection drug use (IRR 1.2, 95% CI, 0.73-1.7).

CONCLUSION

PWH were not at an increased risk of cerebral, aortic or other arterial aneurysms and dissections. Although PWH were at an increased risk of subarachnoid haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhages were rare among PWH.

Health conditions in adults with HIV compared with the general population: A population-based cross-sectional analysis

BACKGROUND

Life expectancy in adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has increased and managing other health conditions is increasingly important for patients and healthcare planning. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and association between different health conditions and HIV status.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of adult UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink primary care electronic medical records linked to hospital admissions as of Nov 30, 2015. We examined 47 health condition groups and 304 physical and mental health conditions by HIV status, after adjustment for age, sex, social deprivation status using logistic regression.

FINDINGS

There were 964 patients with HIV (61.7% male; 92.8% aged <65 years) and 941,113 non-HIV patients (49.4% male; 75.2% aged <65 years). Condition groups with the greatest prevalence in HIV that were also highly prevalent in adults without HIV included: lipid disorder (41.4% vs 40.2%), and hypertension (19.1% vs 24.6%). Following adjustment, 18 (37.5%) condition groups were more likely in adults with HIV and ten (20.8%) were less likely. Individual conditions that were less likely in adults with HIV included: atrial fibrillation (odds ratio [OR] 0.37 [95% CI 0.20-0.64]) and hypertension (OR_0.78 [0.65-0.94]); rheumatoid arthritis (OR 0.27 [0.05-0.84]); asthma (OR_0.65 (0.53-0.80]); and certain eye diseases such as macular degeneration (OR_0.30 [0.09-0.70]). Meanwhile individual conditions that were more likely included: liver fibrosis, sclerosis, and cirrhosis (OR_3.23 [1.85-5.20]); pulmonary embolism (OR_2.06 [1.15-3.36]); male infertility (OR_2.23 [1.50-3.16]) and female infertility (OR_2.01 [1.34-2.88]); bipolar disorder (OR_2.93 [1.52-5.05]) and depression (OR_1.49 [1.28-1.71]); cervical malignancy (OR_4.64 [1.15-12.15]); and infections.

INTERPRETATION

Comorbidity is common in adults with HIV, with physical and mental health conditions spanning a wide spectrum. HIV management should consider multidisciplinary care models to provide optimal patient care.

FUNDING

The project was funded by the Bart's Charity; DRM was funded by a Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Career Development Fellowship; DRM and DMM received funding from the HDR-UK Precision therapeutics programme.

T-Cell Immune Dysregulation and Mortality in Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

SUMMARY

In women with HIV, higher activation and exhaustion of CD4+ T cells were associated with risk of non-HIV-related mortality during a median of 13.3 years of follow-up, independent of baseline demographic, behavioral, HIV-related, and cardiometabolic factors and longitudinal HIV disease progression.

BACKGROUND

Dysregulation of adaptive immunity is a hallmark of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection that persists on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Few long-term prospective studies have related adaptive immunity impairments to mortality in HIV, particularly in women.

METHODS

Among 606 women with HIV in the Women's Interagency HIV Study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from 2002 to 2005 underwent multiparameter flow cytometry. Underlying cause of death was ascertained from the National Death Index up to 2018. We examined associations of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation (%CD38+HLA-DR+), senescence (%CD57+CD28-), exhaustion (%PD-1+), and nonactivation/normal function (%CD57-CD28+) with natural-cause, HIV-related, and non-HIV-related mortality.

RESULTS

At baseline, median participant age was 41, and 67% were on ART. Among 100 deaths during a median of 13.3 years follow-up, 90 were natural-cause (53 non-HIV-related, 37 HIV-related). Higher activation and exhaustion of CD4+ T cells were associated with risk of natural-cause and non-HIV-related mortality, adjusting for age, demographic, behavioral, HIV-related, and cardiometabolic factors at baseline. Additional adjustment for time-varying viral load and CD4+ T-cell count did not attenuate these associations. CD8+ T-cell markers were not associated with any outcomes adjusting for baseline factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Persistent CD4+ T-cell activation and exhaustion may contribute to excess long-term mortality risk in women with HIV, independent of HIV disease progression.

The impact of lookback windows on the prevalence and incidence of chronic diseases among people living with HIV: an exploration in administrative health data in Canada

BACKGROUND

We described the impact of different lengths of lookback window (LW), a retrospective time period to observe diagnoses in administrative data, on the prevalence and incidence of eight chronic diseases.

METHODS

Our study populations included people living with HIV (N = 5151) and 1:5 age-sex-matched HIV-negative individuals (N = 25,755) in British Columbia, Canada, with complete follow-up between 1996 and 2012. We measured period prevalence and incidence of diseases in 2012 using LWs ranging from 1 to 16 years. Cases were deemed prevalent if identified in 2012 or within a defined LW, and incident if newly identified in 2012 with no previous cases detected within a defined LW. Chronic disease cases were ascertained using published case-finding algorithms applied to population-based provincial administrative health datasets.

RESULTS

Overall, using cases identified by the full 16-year LW as the reference, LWs ≥8 years and ≥ 4 years reduced the proportion of misclassified prevalent and incidence cases of most diseases to < 20%, respectively. The impact of LWs varied across diseases and populations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscored the importance of carefully choosing LWs and demonstrated data-driven approaches that may inform these choices. To improve comparability of prevalence and incidence estimates across different settings, we recommend transparent reporting of the rationale and limitations of chosen LWs.

Epidemiology of Kaposi's Sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma is an angioproliferative tumor caused by human herpesvirus 8 in the context of immunodeficiency, such as that induced by HIV infection or immunosuppressive therapy. Its incidence has dramatically fallen in patients living with HIV (PLHIV) since the introduction of potent antiretroviral combinations 25 years ago due to the restoration of immunity and better control of HIV replication. However, KS is still one of the most frequently occurring cancers in PLHIV, in particular in men who have sex with men and in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is still endemic. Even in the context of restored immunity, the risk of KS is still more than 30 times higher in PLHIV than in the general population. Recent evidence indicates that early initiation of antiretroviral treatment, which is recommended by current guidelines, may reduce the risk of KS but it needs to be accompanied by early access to care. This review mainly focuses on the recent epidemiological features of KS in the context of HIV infection.

Diet quality, food insecurity and risk of cardiovascular diseases among adults living with HIV/AIDS: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the single greatest contributor to global mortality. The successful introduction and scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivered a reduction in HIV mortality. Consequently, an association was found between the scale-up of ART and an increased prevalence of comorbidities among people living with HIV (PLWH) such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia. A higher quality diet can delay the onset of comorbidities related to HIV infection. Diet quality and its methods of assessment are not fully established among PLWH. This review will identify the diet quality and food insecurity indices that have been used among PLWH and how these constructs are associated with risk of developing CVD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The frameworks recommended by Arksey and O'Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute's manual for conducting scoping reviews will be adopted. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines will be used for reporting. A search strategy was developed using keywords related to the topic. A preliminary MEDLINE (via PubMed) search was conducted on 11 November 2020 to develop a comprehensive search strategy. The final search will be conducted on PubMed, EbscoHost, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases. Titles and abstracts of retrieved records will be screened independently by two reviewers. Data will be extracted from records that meet the inclusion criteria using a predesigned charting tool. Discrepancies in decisions made by reviewers will be resolved by consensus or the decision of a third reviewer. Extracted data will be presented in tables or charts. A descriptive summary of the charts or tables will follow.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not required for a scoping review. Findings will inform other studies currently underway and will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. REGISTRATION NUMBER: https://osf.io/7k3ja.

Validation of a Triplex Pharmacokinetic Assay for Simultaneous Quantitation of HIV-1 Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies PGT121, PGDM1400, and VRC07-523-LS

The outcome of the recent Antibody Mediated Prevention (AMP) trials that tested infusion of the broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) VRC01 provides proof of concept for blocking infection from sensitive HIV-1 strains. These results also open up the possibility that triple combinations of bnAbs such as PGT121, PGDM1400, as well as long-lasting LS variants such as VRC07-523 LS, have immunoprophylactic potential. PGT121 and PGDM1400 target the HIV-1 V3 and V2 glycan regions of the gp120 envelope protein, respectively, while VRC07-523LS targets the HIV-1 CD4 binding site. These bnAbs demonstrate neutralization potency and complementary breadth of HIV-1 strain coverage. An important clinical trial outcome is the accurate measurement of in vivo concentrations of passively infused bnAbs to determine effective doses for therapy and/or prevention. Standardization and validation of this testing method is a key element for clinical studies as is the ability to simultaneously detect multiple bnAbs in a specific manner. Here we report the development of a sensitive, specific, accurate, and precise multiplexed microsphere-based assay that simultaneously quantifies the respective physiological concentrations of passively infused bnAbs in human serum to ultimately define the threshold needed for protection from HIV-1 infection.

Comprehensive metabolomics profiling reveals common metabolic alterations underlying the four major non-communicable diseases in treated HIV infection

Background

HIV infection and normal aging share immune and inflammatory changes that result in premature aging and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), but the exact pathophysiology is not yet uncovered. We identified the common metabolic pathways underlying various NCDs in treated HIV infection.

Methods

We performed untargeted metabolomics including 87 HIV-negative (–) normal controls (NCs), 87 HIV-positive (+) NCs, and 148 HIV+ subjects with only one type of NCDs, namely, subclinical carotid atherosclerosis, neurocognitive impairment (NCI), liver fibrosis (LF) and renal impairment. All HIV+ subjects were virally suppressed.

Results

HIV+ patients presented widespread alterations in cellular metabolism compared to HIV– NCs. Glycerophospholipid (GPL) metabolism was the only one disturbed pathway presented in comparisons including HIV– NCs across age groups, HIV+ NCs across age groups, HIV+ NCs vs HIV– NCs and each of HIV+ NCDs vs HIV+ NCs. D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism and alanine-aspartate-glutamate metabolism were presented in comparisons between HIV+ NCs vs HIV– NCs, HIV+ LF or HIV+ NCI vs HIV+ NCs. Consistently, subsequent analysis identified a metabolomic fingerprint specific for HIV+ NCDs, containing 42 metabolites whose relative abundance showed either an upward (mainly GPL-derived lipid mediators) or a downward trend (mainly plasmalogen phosphatidylcholines, plasmalogen phosphatidylethanolamines, and glutamine) from HIV– NCs to HIV+ NCs and then HIV+ NCDs, reflecting a trend of increased oxidative stress.

Interpretation

GPL metabolism emerges as the common metabolic disturbance linking HIV to NCDs, followed by glutamine and glutamate metabolism. Together, our data point to the aforementioned metabolisms and related metabolites as potential key targets in studying pathophysiology of NCDs in HIV infection and developing therapeutic interventions.

Funding

China National Science and Technology Major Projects on Infectious Diseases, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Yi-wu Institute of Fudan University, and Shanghai Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission.

Trends of age-related non-communicable diseases in people living with HIV and comparison with uninfected controls: A nationwide population-based study in South Korea

OBJECTIVES

We aim to compare the trends of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and death among people living with HIV (PLWH) and uninfected controls in South Korea.

METHODS

We identified PLWH from a nationwide database of all Korean citizens enrolled from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2016. A control cohort was randomly selected for PLWH by frequency matching for age and sex in a 20:1 ratio. To compare NCD trends between the groups, adjusted incidence rate ratios for outcomes across ages, calendar years and times after HIV diagnosis were calculated.

RESULTS

We included 14 134 PLWH and 282 039 controls in this study; 58.5% of PLWH and 36.4% of the controls were diagnosed with at least one NCD. The incidence rates of cancers, chronic kidney disease, depression, osteoporosis, diabetes and dyslipidaemia were higher in PLWH than in the controls, whereas those of cardiovascular disease, heart failure, ischaemic stroke and hypertension were lower in PLWH. Relative risks (RRs) for NCDs in PLWH were higher than controls in younger age groups. Trends in the RRs of NCDs tended to increase with the calendar year for PLWH vs. controls and either stabilized or decreased with time after HIV diagnosis. The RR of death from PLWH has decreased with the calendar year, but showed a tendency to rise again after 2014 and was significant at the early stage of HIV diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the RR of each NCD in PLWH showed variable trends compared with that in controls, NCDs in PLWH have been increasingly prevalent.

Translocated microbiome composition determines immunological outcome in treated HIV infection

The impact of the microbiome on HIV disease is widely acknowledged although the mechanisms downstream of fluctuations in microbial composition remain speculative. We detected rapid, dynamic changes in translocated microbial constituents during two years after cART initiation. An unbiased systems biology approach revealed two distinct pathways driven by changes in the abundance ratio of Serratia to other bacterial genera. Increased CD4 T cell numbers over the first year were associated with high Serratia abundance, pro-inflammatory innate cytokines, and metabolites that drive Th17 gene expression signatures and restoration of mucosal integrity. Subsequently, decreased Serratia abundance and downregulation of innate cytokines allowed re-establishment of systemic T cell homeostasis promoting restoration of Th1 and Th2 gene expression signatures. Analyses of three other geographically distinct cohorts of treated HIV infection established a more generalized principle that changes in diversity and composition of translocated microbial species influence systemic inflammation and consequently CD4 T cell recovery.

Multimorbidity patterns in people with HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

With the progressive aging of populations of people with HIV (PWH), multimorbidity is increasing. Multimorbidity patterns, that is groups of comorbidities that are likely to co-occur, may suggest shared causes or common risk factors. We review the literature regarding multimorbidity patterns identified with data-driven approaches and discuss the methodology and potential implications of the findings.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite the substantial heterogeneity in the methods used to identify multimorbidity patterns, patterns of mental health problems, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders and musculoskeletal problems are consistently reported in the general population, with patterns of mental health problems, cardiovascular diseases or metabolic disorders commonly reported in PWH. In addition to these, patterns of lifestyle-related comorbidities, such as sexually transmitted diseases, substance use (alcohol, recreational drugs and tobacco smoking) or their complications, seem to occur among PWH.

SUMMARY

Multimorbidity patterns could inform the development of appropriate guidelines for the prevention, monitoring and management of multiple comorbidities in PWH. They can also help to generate new hypotheses on the causes underlying previously known and unknown associations between comorbidities and facilitate the identification of risk factors and biomarkers for specific patterns.

Diabetes in a TB and HIV-endemic South African population: Analysis of a virtual cohort using routine health data

BACKGROUND

It is widely accepted that people living with diabetes (PLWD) are at increased risk of infectious disease, yet there is a paucity of epidemiology studies on the relationship between diabetes and infectious disease in SSA. In a region with a high burden of infectious disease, this has serious consequences for PLWD.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Using routinely collected longitudinal health data, we describe the epidemiology of diabetes in a large virtual cohort of PLWD who have a high burden of HIV and TB, from the Khayelitsha subdistrict in the Western Cape Province in South Africa. We described the relationship between previous TB, newly diagnosed TB disease and HIV infection on diabetes using HbA1c results as an outcome measure. The study population was predominately female (67%), 13% had a history of active TB disease and 18% were HIV positive. The HIV positive group had diabetes ascertained at a significantly younger age (46 years c.f. 53 years respectively, p<0.001) and in general had increased HbA1c values over time after their HIV diagnosis, when compared to the HIV-negative group. There was no evidence of TB disease influencing the trajectory of glycaemic control in the long term, but diabetes patients who developed active TB had higher mortality than those without TB (12.4% vs 6.7% p-value < 0.001). HIV and diabetes are both chronic diseases whose long-term management includes drug therapy, however, only 52.8% of the study population with an HIV-diabetes comorbidity had a record of diabetes treatment. In addition, the data suggest overall poor glycaemic control in the study population with only 24.5% of the participants having an HbA1c <7% at baseline despite 85% of the study population being on diabetes treatment.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiologic findings in this exploratory study highlight the need for further research into diabetes outcomes in a high TB and HIV burden setting and demonstrate that routine health data are a valuable resource for understanding disease epidemiology in the general population.

Types of Stroke Among People Living With HIV in the United States

BACKGROUND

Most studies of stroke in people living with HIV (PLWH) do not use verified stroke diagnoses, are small, and/or do not differentiate stroke types and subtypes.

SETTING

CNICS, a U.S. multisite clinical cohort of PLWH in care.

METHODS

We implemented a centralized adjudication stroke protocol to identify stroke type, subtype, and precipitating conditions identified as direct causes including infection and illicit drug use in a large diverse HIV cohort.

RESULTS

Among 26,514 PLWH, there were 401 strokes, 75% of which were ischemic. Precipitating factors such as sepsis or same-day cocaine use were identified in 40% of ischemic strokes. Those with precipitating factors were younger, had more severe HIV disease, and fewer traditional stroke risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension. Ischemic stroke subtypes included cardioembolic (20%), large vessel atherosclerosis (13%), and small vessel (24%) ischemic strokes. Individuals with small vessel strokes were older, were more likely to have a higher current CD4 cell count than those with cardioembolic strokes and had the highest mean blood pressure of the ischemic stroke subtypes.

CONCLUSION

Ischemic stroke, particularly small vessel and cardioembolic subtypes, were the most common strokes among PLWH. Traditional and HIV-related risk factors differed by stroke type/subtype. Precipitating factors including infections and drug use were common. These results suggest that there may be different biological phenomena occurring among PLWH and that understanding HIV-related and traditional risk factors and in particular precipitating factors for each type/subtype may be key to understanding, and therefore preventing, strokes among PLWH.

Reductions in Gray Matter Linked to Epigenetic HIV-Associated Accelerated Aging

A growing literature suggests a relationship between HIV-infection and a molecular profile of age acceleration. However, despite the widely known high prevalence of HIV-related brain atrophy and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), epigenetic age acceleration has not been linked to HIV-related changes in structural MRI. We applied morphological MRI methods to study the brain structure of 110 virally suppressed participants with HIV infection and 122 uninfected controls age 22-72. All participants were assessed for cognitive impairment, and blood samples were collected from a subset of 86 participants with HIV and 83 controls to estimate epigenetic age. We examined the group-level interactive effects of HIV and chronological age and then used individual estimations of epigenetic age to understand the relationship between age acceleration and brain structure. Finally, we studied the effects of HAND. HIV-infection was related to gray matter reductions, independent of age. However, using epigenetic age as a biomarker for age acceleration, individual HIV-related age acceleration was associated with reductions in total gray matter. HAND was associated with decreases in thalamic and hippocampal gray matter. In conclusion, despite viral suppression, accentuated gray matter loss is evident with HIV-infection, and greater biological age acceleration specifically relates to such gray matter loss.

Impact of Delaying Antiretroviral Treatment during Primary HIV Infection on Telomere Length

BACKGROUND

Telomere length (TL) shortens during aging, HIV-seroconversion and untreated chronic HIV infection. It is unknown whether early antiretroviral therapy (ART) start is associated with less TL shortening during primary HIV infection (PHI).

METHODS

We measured TL in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by quantitative PCR in participants of the Zurich PHI Study with samples available for >6 years. We obtained uni-/multivariable estimates from mixed-effects models and evaluated the association of delaying ART start or interrupting ART with baseline and longitudinal TL.

RESULTS

In 105 participants with PHI (median age 36 years, 9% women), median ART delay was 25, 42, and 60 days, respectively, in the 1 st (shortest), 2 nd, and 3 rd (longest) ART delay tertile. First ART delay tertile was associated with longer baseline TL (p for trend=0.034), and longer TL over 6 years, but only with continuous ART (p<0.001), not if ART was interrupted >12 months (p=0.408). In multivariable analysis, participants in the 2 nd and 3 rd ART delay tertile had 17.6% (5.4-29.7%; p=0.004) and 21.5% (9.4-33.5%; p<0.001) shorter TL, after adjustment for age, with limited effect modification by clinical variables.

DISCUSSION

In PHI, delaying ART start for even a matter of weeks was associated with significant and sustained TL shortening.