Pitavastatin to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in HIV Infection

Evolution of LDL-C lowering medications and their cardiovascular benefits: Past, present, and future

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hyperlipidemia, particularly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of the major risk factors for CVD. Major landmark cardiovascular outcome clinical trials demonstrated that LDL-C lowering medications reduce cardiovascular events, and the lower the LDL-C the better the outcome. This article discusses the evolution of LDL-C lowering medications starting from bile acid sequestrants (BAS), statin therapy, bempedoic acid, the proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) synthesis inhibitor, novel small interfering RNA-based therapy (inclisiran) to the most recent oral PCSK9 inhibitors (MK-0616) which is currently under phase 3 clinical trial studies.

Changes in blood lipid levels and influencing factors among treatment-naïve adult male HIV/AIDS patients following BIC/FTC/TAF vs . 3TC+EFV+TDF

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was often associated with dyslipidemia among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. This study aimed to assess treatment-naïve adult male patients with HIV/AIDS who initiated ART with either co-formulated bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) or lamivudine, efavirenz, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (3TC+EFV+TDF), monitoring at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48.

METHODS

A case-control retrospective study was conducted. The newly diagnosed HIV-infected individuals attending the sexual transmission disease (STD)/AIDS clinic of Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January to December 2021. The patients were divided into BIC/FTC/TAF group or 3TC+EFV+TDF group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) at different time points over 48 weeks between two groups were compared. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to identify relevant influencing factors for the population at high risk of increased LDL-C.

RESULTS

A total of 870 participants, with 510 in BIC/FTC/TAF group and 360 in 3TC+EFV+TDF group. There were no statistically significant differences in median age, baseline CD4/CD8 ratio, median body mass index (BMI) between the two groups. In both two groups, levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C were higher at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks of treatment (all P <0.05), and there were no statistically significant differences at 48 weeks compared to those at baseline (all P >0.05). In addition, the differences in average changes of the level of TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C from weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 to baseline between two groups were not statistically significant (all P >0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional risk model analysis showed that initiating ART with HIV RNA ≥10 5 copies/mL (compared with <10 5 copies/mL) was associated with an increased risk of elevated LDL-C (hazard ratio = 1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.48, P  = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Transient elevations in blood lipid levels (TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C) were observed in treatment-naïve adult male HIV/AIDS patients with BIC/FTC/TAF at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks of treatment. However, these levels did not differ significantly from baseline after 48 weeks of treatment, regardless of whether patients were in the BIC/FTC/TAF or 3TC+EFV+TDF group.

Gut microbiome and cardiometabolic comorbidities in people living with HIV

BACKGROUND

Despite modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) have increased relative risk of inflammatory-driven comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). The gut microbiome could be one of several driving factors, along with traditional risk factors and HIV-related risk factors such as coinfections, ART toxicity, and past immunodeficiency.

RESULTS

PLWH have an altered gut microbiome, even after adjustment for known confounding factors including sexual preference. The HIV-related microbiome has been associated with cardiometabolic comorbidities, and shares features with CVD-related microbiota profiles, in particular reduced capacity for short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) generation. Substantial inter-individual variation has so far been an obstacle for applying microbiota profiles for risk stratification. This review covers updated knowledge and recent advances in our understanding of the gut microbiome and comorbidities in PLWH, with specific focus on cardiometabolic comorbidities and inflammation. It covers a comprehensive overview of HIV-related and comorbidity-related dysbiosis, microbial translocation, and microbiota-derived metabolites. It also contains recent data from studies in PLWH on circulating metabolites related to comorbidities and underlying gut microbiota alterations, including circulating levels of the SCFA propionate, the histidine-analogue imidazole propionate, and the protective metabolite indole-3-propionic acid.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite recent advances, the gut microbiome and related metabolites are not yet established as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. The review gives directions for future research needed to advance the field into clinical practice, including promises and pitfalls for precision medicine. Video Abstract.

From Evidence to Effectiveness: Implications of the Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV Study for People With HIV in Low- and Middle-Income Settings

The Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) study found a 35% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events for people with human immunodeficiency virus who received daily pitavastatin. However, how this evidence will change practice is far from certain. Here, we outline evidence gaps and political and healthcare delivery challenges that will need to be addressed for REPRIEVE to offer public health benefits in low- and middle-income countries.

Drug-drug interactions between gender-affirming hormone therapy and antiretrovirals for treatment/prevention of HIV

Transgender persons face a greater burden of HIV compared to cisgender counterparts. Concerns around drug-drug interactions (DDIs) have been cited as reasons for lower engagement in HIV care and lower pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake among transgender populations. It is therefore imperative for hormone therapy, PrEP and antiretroviral therapy providers to understand the DDI potential between these therapies. Studies of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) PrEP with feminizing hormone therapies (FHTs) show reduced plasma tenofovir concentrations, but intracellular concentrations of tenofovir-diphosphate are not reduced. Efficacy of PrEP is expected to be maintained despite this interaction. Masculinizing hormone therapies have no effect on tenofovir concentrations but may increase FTC to a nonclinically relevant extent. No interactions between FHT and cabotegravir or tenofovir alafenamide have been demonstrated. Administration of TDF/FTC PrEP has no effect on hormone levels in transmen or transwomen. PrEP is expected to be effective and safe in transpersons and should be provided to high-risk individuals regardless of gender affirming hormone use. Enzyme inducing/inhibiting antiretroviral therapy may decrease or increase, respectively, the concentrations of FHT and masculinizing hormone therapy. Unboosted integrase inhibitors or enzyme neutral non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are not expected to affect and are not affected by gender affirming hormones and can be considered in transmen and transwomen. Overlapping toxicities including weight gain, dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disease and bone density effects should be considered, and antiretroviral modifications can be made to minimize toxicities. Interactions between supportive care medications should be assessed to avoid chelation interactions and hyperkalaemia.

Advances in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease in the Setting of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

This state-of-the art review discusses the underlying mechanisms that contribute to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure and arrhythmias among people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), risk prediction and prevention, management, and outstanding research questions, including a discussion of how the Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV may inform clinical practice.

Cardiometabolic health in people with HIV: expert consensus review

OBJECTIVES

To develop consensus data statements and clinical recommendations to provide guidance for improving cardiometabolic health outcomes in people with HIV based on the knowledge and experience of an international panel of experts.

METHODS

A targeted literature review including 281 conference presentations, peer-reviewed articles, and background references on cardiometabolic health in adults with HIV published between January 2016 and April 2022 was conducted and used to develop draft consensus data statements. Using a modified Delphi method, an international panel of 16 experts convened in workshops and completed surveys to refine consensus data statements and generate clinical recommendations.

RESULTS

Overall, 10 data statements, five data gaps and 14 clinical recommendations achieved consensus. In the data statements, the panel describes increased risk of cardiometabolic health concerns in people with HIV compared with the general population, known risk factors, and the potential impact of antiretroviral therapy. The panel also identified data gaps to inform future research in people with HIV. Finally, in the clinical recommendations, the panel emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to comprehensive care that includes regular assessment of cardiometabolic health, access to cardiometabolic health services, counselling on potential changes in weight after initiating or switching antiretroviral therapy and encouraging a healthy lifestyle to lower cardiometabolic health risk.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of available data and expert consensus, an international panel developed clinical recommendations to address the increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders in people with HIV to ensure appropriate cardiometabolic health management for this population.

Framingham risk score based vascular outcomes in acute versus chronic HIV cohorts after 6 years of ART

INTRODUCTION

Immune dysregulation persists in people with HIV (PWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and may lead to accelerated vascular ageing and cardiovascular disease (CVD). While delayed time to initiation of ART has been linked to worse cardiovascular outcomes, the effect of ART initiation during acute infection on these outcomes is not well understood.

METHODS

Participants were enrolled from the SEARCH010/RV254 acute HIV (AHI) and HIV-NAT chronic HIV (CHI) cohorts in Thailand. Participants with 6-year follow-up and viral suppression (viral load < 50 copies/μL) at follow-up were included. Both unmatched cohorts and age and gender-matched cohorts were analysed. Demographics, HIV laboratories, and cardiovascular risk factors from enrolment and 6-year follow-up were obtained from electronic records. Framingham Risk Score (FRS), vascular age (VA), vascular age deviation (VAD), and 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk were calculated from previously published equations. Vascular outcomes in AHI and CHI cohorts were compared, and univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to investigate risk factors associated with worse vascular scores.

RESULTS

In all, 373 AHI participants and 608 CHI participants were identified. AHI participants were of younger age, had a higher prevalence of syphilis and a lower prevalence of prior hepatitis B, tuberculosis, diabetes, and hypertension. Higher CD4 T-cell and lower CD8 T-cell counts were seen in the AHI cohort at enrolment and 6-year follow-up. In all participants, the AHI cohort had a lower median FRS (p < 0.001) and VA (p < 0.001), but higher VAD (p < 0.001). However, in matched cohorts, no differences were found in FRS-based outcomes. In all participants, higher VAD after 6 years of ART was associated with higher body mass index (p < 0.001) and higher CD4 count (p < 0.001), which persisted in multivariable analysis. When FRS components were analysed individually, CD4 count was associated only with male sex and cholesterol.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not identify differences in FRS-based vascular outcomes at 6 years in matched cohorts of participants who started ART during AHI versus CHI. We identified a correlation between higher CD4 count and worse FRS-based vascular outcomes, which may be driven by underlying metabolic risk factors. Further study is needed to confirm these findings and evaluate underlying mechanisms.

The importance of LDL-C lowering in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention: Lower for longer is better

Cumulative exposure to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a key driver of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. An armamentarium of therapies to achieve robust and sustained reduction in LDL-C can reduce ASCVD risk. The gold standard for LDL-C assessment is ultracentrifugation but in routine clinical practice LDL-C is usually calculated and the most accurate calculation is the Martin/Hopkins equation. For primary prevention, consideration of estimated ASCVD risk frames decision making regarding use of statins and other therapies, and tools such as risk enhancing factors and coronary artery calcium enable tailoring of risk assessment and decision making. In patients with diabetes, lipid lowering therapy is recommended in most patients to reduce ASCVD risk with an opportunity to tailor therapy based on other risk factors. Patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with baseline LDL-C greater than or equal to 190 mg/dL are at elevated risk, and LDL-C lowering with high-intensity statin therapy is often combined with non-statin therapies to prevent ASCVD. Secondary prevention of ASCVD, including in patients with prior myocardial infarction or stroke, requires intensive lipid lowering therapy and lifestyle modification approaches. There is no established LDL-C level below which benefit ceases or safety concerns arise. When further LDL-C lowering is required beyond lifestyle modifications and statin therapy, additional medications include oral ezetimibe and bempedoic acid, or injectables such as PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies or siRNA therapy. A novel agent that acts independently of hepatic LDL receptors is evinacumab, which is approved for patients with homozygous FH. Other emerging agents are targeted at Lp(a) and CETP. In light of the expanding lipid treatment landscape, this manuscript reviews the importance of early, intensive, and sustained LDL-C-lowering for primary and secondary prevention of ASCVD.

Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease for People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

People living with HIV (PLWH) have a risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that is 1.5 to 2 times higher than the general population owing to traditional risk factors, HIV-mediated factors like chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, and exposure to antiretroviral therapy. Currently available CVD risk estimation calculators tend to underestimate risk in PLWH but can be useful when an individual's HIV history is considered. Improving modifiable risks is the primary intervention for reducing CVD risk in PLWH. Statin therapy is important for specific individuals, but attention should be given to drug interactions with antiretroviral agents used to treat HIV.

Update in Outpatient General Internal Medicine: Practice-Changing Evidence Published in 2023

The expansive scope of internal medicine can make it challenging for clinicians to stay informed about new literature that changes practice. Guideline updates and synthesis of relevant evidence can facilitate incorporation of advancements into clinical practice. The titles and abstracts from the seven general medicine journals with highest impact factors and relevance to outpatient internal medicine were reviewed by six internal medicine physicians. Coronavirus disease 19 research was excluded. The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), The Lancet, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), The British Medical Journal (BMJ), Annals of Internal Medicine, JAMA Internal Medicine, and Mayo Clinic Proceedings were reviewed. Additionally, article synopsis collections and databases were evaluated: American College of Physicians Journal Club, NEJM Journal Watch, BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine, McMaster ACCESSSS/DynaMed Evidence Alerts, and Cochrane Reviews. A modified Delphi method was used to gain consensus based on clinical relevance to outpatient internal medicine, potential impact on practice, and strength of evidence. Article qualities and importance were debated until consensus was reached. Clusters of articles pertinent to the same topic were considered together. In total, seven practice-changing articles were included.

The Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Women in the United States

Substantial improvements have been made in reducing HIV incidence rates among women in the United States. However, numerous disparities affect women's risk of HIV acquisition, in addition to affecting treatment outcomes for women living with HIV. As people with HIV continue to live longer due to antiretroviral therapy, clinicians must be cognizant of various health, financial, and social implications that can affect HIV self-management. Successfully ending the HIV epidemic will require more targeted approaches on prevention, linkage to care, and treatment while also addressing underlying factors that affect women's engagement in HIV-related services across the HIV care continuum.

HIV-Associated Hypertension: Risks, Mechanisms, and Knowledge Gaps

HIV type 1 (HIV-1) is the causative agent of AIDS. Since the start of the epidemic, HIV/AIDS has been responsible for ≈40 million deaths. Additionally, an estimated 39 million people are currently infected with the virus. HIV-1 primarily infects immune cells, such as CD4+ (cluster of differentiation 4+) T lymphocytes (T cells), and as a consequence, the number of CD4+ T cells progressively declines in people living with HIV. Within a span of ≈10 years, HIV-1 infection leads to the systemic failure of the immune system and progression to AIDS. Fortunately, potent antiviral therapy effectively controls HIV-1 infection and prevents AIDS-related deaths. The efficacy of the current antiviral therapy regimens has transformed the outcome of HIV/AIDS from a death sentence to a chronic disease with a prolonged lifespan of people living with HIV. However, antiviral therapy is not curative, is challenged by virus resistance, can be toxic, and, most importantly, requires lifelong adherence. Furthermore, the improved lifespan has resulted in an increased incidence of non-AIDS-related morbidities in people living with HIV including cardiovascular diseases, renal disease, liver disease, bone disease, cancer, and neurological conditions. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge of the cardiovascular comorbidities associated with HIV-1 infection, with a particular focus on hypertension. We also discuss the potential mechanisms known to drive HIV-1-associated hypertension and the knowledge gaps in our understanding of this comorbid condition. Finally, we suggest several directions of future research to better understand the factors, pathways, and mechanisms underlying HIV-1-associated hypertension in the post-antiviral therapy era.

Inflammation in HIV and Its Impact on Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease

People living with HIV have a 1.5- to 2-fold increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Despite treatment with highly effective antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV have chronic inflammation that makes them susceptible to multiple comorbidities. Several factors, including the HIV reservoir, coinfections, clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), microbial translocation, and antiretroviral therapy, may contribute to the chronic state of inflammation. Within the innate immune system, macrophages harbor latent HIV and are among the prominent immune cells present in atheroma during the progression of atherosclerosis. They secrete inflammatory cytokines such as IL (interleukin)-6 and tumor necrosis-α that stimulate the expression of adhesion molecules on the endothelium. This leads to the recruitment of other immune cells, including cluster of differentiation (CD)8+ and CD4+ T cells, also present in early and late atheroma. As such, cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems contribute to both systemic inflammation and vascular inflammation. On a molecular level, HIV-1 primes the NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome, leading to an increased expression of IL-1β, which is important for cardiovascular outcomes. Moreover, activation of TLRs (toll-like receptors) by HIV, gut microbes, and substance abuse further activates the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Finally, HIV proteins such as Nef (negative regulatory factor) can inhibit cholesterol efflux in monocytes and macrophages through direct action on the cholesterol transporter ABCA1 (ATP-binding cassette transporter A1), which promotes the formation of foam cells and the progression of atherosclerotic plaque. Here, we summarize the stages of atherosclerosis in the context of HIV, highlighting the effects of HIV, coinfections, and antiretroviral therapy on cells of the innate and adaptive immune system and describe current and future interventions to reduce residual inflammation and improve cardiovascular outcomes among people living with HIV.

Exercise to Prevent Accelerated Vascular Aging in People Living With HIV

Given advances in antiretroviral therapy, the mortality rate for HIV infection has dropped considerably over recent decades. However, people living with HIV (PLWH) experience longer life spans coupled with persistent immune activation despite viral suppression and potential toxicity from long-term antiretroviral therapy use. Consequently, PLWH face a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk more than twice that of the general population, making it the leading cause of death among this group. Here, we briefly review the epidemiology of CVD in PLWH highlighting disparities at the intersections of sex and gender, age, race/ethnicity, and the contributions of social determinants of health and psychosocial stress to increased CVD risk among individuals with marginalized identities. We then overview the pathophysiology of HIV and discuss the primary factors implicated as contributors to CVD risk among PLWH on antiretroviral therapy. Subsequently, we highlight the functional evidence of premature vascular dysfunction as an early pathophysiological determinant of CVD risk among PLWH, discuss several mechanisms underlying premature vascular dysfunction in PLWH, and synthesize current research on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying accelerated vascular aging in PLWH, focusing on immune activation, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. We consider understudied aspects such as HIV-related changes to the gut microbiome and psychosocial stress, which may serve as mechanisms through which exercise can abrogate accelerated vascular aging. Emphasizing the significance of exercise, we review various modalities and their impacts on vascular health, proposing a holistic approach to managing CVD risks in PLWH. The discussion extends to critical future study areas related to vascular aging, CVD, and the efficacy of exercise interventions, with a call for more inclusive research that considers the diversity of the PLWH population.

HIV-Associated Cardiovascular Disease Pathogenesis: An Emerging Understanding Through Imaging and Immunology

Cardiac abnormalities were identified early in the epidemic of AIDS, predating the isolation and characterization of the etiologic agent, HIV. Several decades later, the causation and pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) linked to HIV infection continue to be the focus of intense speculation. Before the widespread use of antiretroviral therapy, HIV-associated CVD was primarily characterized by HIV-associated cardiomyopathy linked to profound immunodeficiency. With increasing antiretroviral therapy use, viral load suppression, and establishment of immune competency, the effects of HIV on the cardiovascular system are more subtle. Yet, people living with HIV still face an increased incidence of cardiovascular pathology. Advances in cardiac imaging modalities and immunology have deepened our understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV-associated CVD. This review provides an overview of the pathogenesis of HIV-associated CVD integrating data from imaging and immunologic studies with particular relevance to the HIV population originating from high-endemic regions, such as sub-Saharan Africa. The review highlights key evidence gaps in the field and suggests future directions for research to better understand the complex HIV-CVD interactions.

Connection Between HIV and Mitochondria in Cardiovascular Disease and Implications for Treatments

HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy alter mitochondrial function, which can progressively lead to mitochondrial damage and accelerated aging. The interaction between persistent HIV reservoirs and mitochondria may provide insight into the relatively high rates of cardiovascular disease and mortality in persons living with HIV. In this review, we explore the intricate relationship between HIV and mitochondrial function, highlighting the potential for novel therapeutic strategies in the context of cardiovascular diseases. We reflect on mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial DNA, and mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein in the context of HIV. Furthermore, we summarize how toxicities related to early antiretroviral therapy and current highly active antiretroviral therapy can contribute to mitochondrial dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and poor clinical outcomes. There is a need to understand the mechanisms and develop new targeted therapies. We further consider current and potential future therapies for HIV and their interplay with mitochondria. We reflect on the next-generation antiretroviral therapies and HIV cure due to the direct and indirect effects of HIV persistence, associated comorbidities, coinfections, and the advancement of interdisciplinary research fields. This includes exploring novel and creative approaches to target mitochondria for therapeutic intervention.

Cardiac and Renal Comorbidities in Aging People Living With HIV

Contemporary World Health Organization data indicates that ≈39 million people are living with the human immunodeficiency virus. Of these, 24 million have been reported to have successfully accessed combination antiretroviral therapy. In 1996, the World Health Organization endorsed the widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapy, transforming human immunodeficiency virus infection from being a life-threatening disease to a chronic illness characterized by multiple comorbidities. The increased access to combination antiretroviral therapy has translated to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) no longer having a reduced life expectancy. Although aging as a biological process increases exposure to oxidative stress and subsequent systemic inflammation, this effect is likely enhanced in PLWH as they age. This narrative review engages the intricate interplay between human immunodeficiency virus associated chronic inflammation, combination antiretroviral therapy, and cardiac and renal comorbidities development in aging PLWH. We examine the evolving demographic profile of PLWH, emphasizing the increasing prevalence of aging individuals within this population. A central focus of the review discusses the pathophysiological mechanisms that underpin the heightened susceptibility of PLWH to renal and cardiac diseases as they age.

An update on drug-drug interactions in older adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

INTRODUCTION

People with HIV are living longer due to advances in antiretroviral therapy. With improved life expectancy comes an increased lifetime risk of comorbid conditions - such as cardiovascular disease and cancer - and polypharmacy. Older adults, particularly those living with HIV, are more vulnerable to drug interactions and adverse effects, resulting in negative health outcomes.

AREA COVERED

Antiretrovirals are involved in many potential drug interactions with medications used to treat common comorbidities and geriatric conditions in an aging population of people with HIV. We review the mechanisms and management of significant drug-drug interactions involving antiretroviral medications and non-antiretroviral medications commonly used among older people living with HIV. The management of these interactions may require dose adjustments, medication switches to alternatives, enhanced monitoring, and considerations of patient- and disease-specific factors.

EXPERT OPINION

Clinicians managing comorbid conditions among older people with HIV must be particularly vigilant to side effect profiles, drug-drug interactions, pill burden, and cost when optimizing treatment. To support healthier aging among people living with HIV, there is a growing need for antiretroviral stewardship, multidisciplinary care models, and advances that promote insight into the correlations between an individual, their conditions, and their medications.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factor Control in People With and Without HIV

BACKGROUND

Management of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes and other modifiable factors may mitigate the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PWH) compared with people without HIV (PWoH).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of 8285 PWH and 170 517 PWoH from an integrated health system. Risk factor control was measured using a novel disease management index (DMI) accounting for amount/duration above treatment goals (0% to 100% [perfect control]), including 2 DMIs for hypertension (diastolic and systolic blood pressure), 3 for dyslipidemia (low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, triglycerides), and 1 for diabetes (HbA1c). CVD risk by HIV status was evaluated overall and in subgroups defined by DMIs, smoking, alcohol use, and overweight/obesity in adjusted Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

PWH and PWoH had similar DMIs (80%-100%) except for triglycerides (worse for PWH) and HbA1c (better for PWH). In adjusted models, PWH had an elevated risk of CVD compared with PWoH (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.31). This association was attenuated in subgroups with controlled dyslipidemia and diabetes but remained elevated for PWH with controlled hypertension or higher total cholesterol. The strongest HIV status association with CVD was seen in the subgroup with frequent unhealthy alcohol use (HR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.04-4.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Control of dyslipidemia and diabetes, but not hypertension, attenuated the HIV status association with CVD. The strong association of HIV and CVD with frequent unhealthy alcohol use suggests enhanced screening and treatment of alcohol problems in PWH is warranted.

Potentially inappropriate prescriptions and potential prescription omissions in older people living with HIV

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs) and potential prescription omissions (PPOs) in a Spanish cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH) aged ≥65 years and to identify risk factors for the presence of PIPs and PPOs.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted across 10 public hospitals in the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Spain. Clinical and demographic data were cross-checked against hospital and community pharmacy dispensation registries. PIPs and PPOs were assessed using the American Geriatrics Society (AGS)/Beers and Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions (STOPP)/Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment (START) criteria. Risk factors for PIPs and PPOs and agreement between AGS/Beers and STOPP/START criteria were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

This study included 313 PLWH (median age 72 years), of whom 80.5% were men. PIP prevalence rates were 29.4% and 44.4% based on the AGS/Beers and STOPP criteria, respectively. The concordance between AGS/Beers and STOPP criteria was moderate. Benzodiazepines and proton pump inhibitors were the chronic comedications most commonly involved in PIPs. PPOs were observed in 61.4% of the patients. The leading omissions were insufficient influenza and pneumococcal vaccine coverage and inadequate bone health-related treatments. The number of chronic comedications, female sex, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cancer diagnosis were risk factors for PIPs, whereas osteopenia and osteoporosis were risk factors for PPOs.

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of PIPs and PPOs was observed in our cohort of older PLWH. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive medication reviews in this population to reduce inappropriate medication use and address their specific and underserved therapeutic needs.

Infectious Diseases: What You May Have Missed in 2023

In 2023, published research on COVID-19 remains prominent. The aim of this article is to highlight important developments in infectious disease evidence unrelated to COVID-19 that were published in 2023. The literature was screened for sound new evidence relevant to internal medicine specialists and subspecialists whose focus of practice is not infectious diseases. The highlighted publications relate to various organisms and patient populations. One article provides insight into the updated guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis. Several articles address the management of sepsis and bacteremia: comparison of cefepime versus piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftobiprole for the treatment of complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, and early switch from intravenous to oral antibiotics in patients with gram-negative bacteremia. Another article examines differences in all-cause mortality in patients with Clostridioides difficile infection who receive different treatments. Additional articles provide evidence about the treatment of patients with HIV infection: the utility of preexposure prophylaxis to prevent HIV infection, the efficacy of pitavastatin in reducing cardiovascular disease, and the efficacy of dexamethasone for the treatment of tuberculous meningitis in persons with HIV.

Effects of statin therapy on diagnoses of new-onset diabetes and worsening glycaemia in large-scale randomised blinded statin trials: an individual participant data meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous meta-analyses of summary data from randomised controlled trials have shown that statin therapy increases the risk of diabetes, but less is known about the size or timing of this effect, or who is at greatest risk. We aimed to address these gaps in knowledge through analysis of individual participant data from large, long-term, randomised, double-blind trials of statin therapy.

METHODS

We conducted a meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomised controlled trials of statin therapy that participated in the CTT Collaboration. All double-blind randomised controlled trials of statin therapy of at least 2 years' scheduled duration and with at least 1000 participants were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. All recorded diabetes-related adverse events, treatments, and measures of glycaemia were sought from eligible trials. Meta-analyses assessed the effects of allocation to statin therapy on new-onset diabetes (defined by diabetes-related adverse events, use of new glucose-lowering medications, glucose concentrations, or HbA1c values) and on worsening glycaemia in people with diabetes (defined by complications of glucose control, increased use of glucose-lowering medication, or HbA1c increase of ≥0·5%). Standard inverse-variance-weighted meta-analyses of the effects on these outcomes were conducted according to a prespecified protocol.

FINDINGS

Of the trials participating in the CTT Collaboration, 19 trials compared statin versus placebo (123 940 participants, 25 701 [21%] with diabetes; median follow-up of 4·3 years), and four trials compared more versus less intensive statin therapy (30 724 participants, 5340 [17%] with diabetes, median follow-up of 4·9 years). Compared with placebo, allocation to low-intensity or moderate-intensity statin therapy resulted in a 10% proportional increase in new-onset diabetes (2420 of 39 179 participants assigned to receive a statin [1·3% per year] vs 2214 of 39 266 participants assigned to receive placebo [1·2% per year]; rate ratio [RR] 1·10, 95% CI 1·04-1·16), and allocation to high-intensity statin therapy resulted in a 36% proportional increase (1221 of 9935 participants assigned to receive a statin [4·8% per year] vs 905 of 9859 participants assigned to receive placebo [3·5% per year]; 1·36, 1·25-1·48). For each trial, the rate of new-onset diabetes among participants allocated to receive placebo depended mostly on the proportion of participants who had at least one follow-up HbA1c measurement; this proportion was much higher in the high-intensity than the low-intensity or moderate-intensity trials. Consequently, the main determinant of the magnitude of the absolute excesses in the two types of trial was the extent of HbA1c measurement rather than the proportional increase in risk associated with statin therapy. In participants without baseline diabetes, mean glucose increased by 0·04 mmol/L with both low-intensity or moderate-intensity (95% CI 0·03-0·05) and high-intensity statins (0·02-0·06), and mean HbA1c increased by 0·06% (0·00-0·12) with low-intensity or moderate-intensity statins and 0·08% (0·07-0·09) with high-intensity statins. Among those with a baseline measure of glycaemia, approximately 62% of new-onset diabetes cases were among participants who were already in the top quarter of the baseline distribution. The relative effects of statin therapy on new-onset diabetes were similar among different types of participants and over time. Among participants with baseline diabetes, the RRs for worsening glycaemia were 1·10 (1·06-1·14) for low-intensity or moderate-intensity statin therapy and 1·24 (1·06-1·44) for high-intensity statin therapy compared with placebo.

INTERPRETATION

Statins cause a moderate dose-dependent increase in new diagnoses of diabetes that is consistent with a small upwards shift in glycaemia, with the majority of new diagnoses of diabetes occurring in people with baseline glycaemic markers that are close to the diagnostic threshold for diabetes. Importantly, however, any theoretical adverse effects of statins on cardiovascular risk that might arise from these small increases in glycaemia (or, indeed, from any other mechanism) are already accounted for in the overall reduction in cardiovascular risk that is seen with statin therapy in these trials. These findings should further inform clinical guidelines regarding clinical management of people taking statin therapy.

FUNDING

British Heart Foundation, UK Medical Research Council, and Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

Major cardiovascular events after COVID-19 in people with HIV

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of COVID-19 on the postacute risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs) among people with HIV (PWH).

METHODS

Population-based matched cohort, including all PWH ≥16 years in the Catalan PISCIS HIV cohort. We estimated the incidence rate of the first CVE after COVID-19, analysed it a composite outcome (2020-2022). We adjusted for baseline differences using inverse probability weighting and used competing risk analysis.

RESULTS

We included 4199 PWH with and 14 004 PWH without COVID-19. The median follow-up was 243 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 93-455), 82% (14 941/18 203) were men, with a median age of 47 years. Overall, 211 PWH with COVID-19 and 621 without developed CVE, with an incidence rate of 70.2 and 56.8/1000 person-years, respectively. During COVID-19 infection, 7.6% (320/4199) required hospitalization and 0.6% (25/4199) intensive care unit admission, 97% (4079/4199) had CD4+T-cell ≥200 cells/μL, 90% (3791/4199) had HIV-RNA<50 copies/mL and 11.8% (496/4199) had previous CVE at baseline. The cumulative CVE incidence was higher among PWH after COVID-19 compared with PWH without COVID-19 during the first year (log-rank p=0.011). The multivariable analysis identified significantly increased CVE risk with age, heterosexual men, previous cardiovascular disease (CVD), and chronic kidney or liver disease. COVID-19 was associated with increased subsequent risk of CVE (adjusted hazard ratio 1.30 [95% CI, 1.09-1.55]), also when only including individuals without previous CVD (1.60 [95% CI, 1.11-2.29]) or nonhospitalized patients (1.34 [95% CI, 1.11-1.62]).

DISCUSSION

COVID-19 was associated with a 30% increased risk of major CVE in PWH during the subsequent year, suggesting that COVID-19 should be considered an additional CVD risk in PWH in the short term.

Clinical Outcomes After Acute Coronary Syndromes or Revascularization Among People Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Importance

Clinical outcomes after acute coronary syndromes (ACS) or percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) in people living with HIV have not been characterized in sufficient detail, and extant data have not been synthesized adequately.

Objective

To better characterize clinical outcomes and postdischarge treatment of patients living with HIV after ACS or PCIs compared with patients in an HIV-negative control group.

Data Sources

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for all available longitudinal studies of patients living with HIV after ACS or PCIs from inception until August 2023.

Study Selection

Included studies met the following criteria: patients living with HIV and HIV-negative comparator group included, patients presenting with ACS or undergoing PCI included, and longitudinal follow-up data collected after the initial event.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data extraction was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement. Clinical outcome data were pooled using a random-effects model meta-analysis.

Main Outcome and Measures

The following clinical outcomes were studied: all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiovascular death, recurrent ACS, stroke, new heart failure, total lesion revascularization, and total vessel revascularization. The maximally adjusted relative risk (RR) of clinical outcomes on follow-up comparing patients living with HIV with patients in control groups was taken as the main outcome measure.

Results

A total of 15 studies including 9499 patients living with HIV (pooled proportion [range], 76.4% [64.3%-100%] male; pooled mean [range] age, 56.2 [47.0-63.0] years) and 1 531 117 patients without HIV in a control group (pooled proportion [range], 61.7% [59.7%-100%] male; pooled mean [range] age, 67.7 [42.0-69.4] years) were included; both populations were predominantly male, but patients living with HIV were younger by approximately 11 years. Patients living with HIV were also significantly more likely to be current smokers (pooled proportion [range], 59.1% [24.0%-75.0%] smokers vs 42.8% [26.0%-64.1%] smokers) and engage in illicit drug use (pooled proportion [range], 31.2% [2.0%-33.7%] drug use vs 6.8% [0%-11.5%] drug use) and had higher triglyceride (pooled mean [range], 233 [167-268] vs 171 [148-220] mg/dL) and lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (pooled mean [range], 40 [26-43] vs 46 [29-46] mg/dL) levels. Populations with and without HIV were followed up for a pooled mean (range) of 16.2 (3.0-60.8) months and 11.9 (3.0-60.8) months, respectively. On postdischarge follow-up, patients living with HIV had lower prevalence of statin (pooled proportion [range], 53.3% [45.8%-96.1%] vs 59.9% [58.4%-99.0%]) and β-blocker (pooled proportion [range], 54.0% [51.3%-90.0%] vs 60.6% [59.6%-93.6%]) prescriptions compared with those in the control group, but these differences were not statistically significant. There was a significantly increased risk among patients living with HIV vs those without HIV for all-cause mortality (RR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.32-2.04), major adverse cardiovascular events (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.22), recurrent ACS (RR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.12-2.97), and admissions for new heart failure (RR, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.73-6.62).

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest the need for attention toward secondary prevention strategies to address poor outcomes of cardiovascular disease among patients living with HIV.

The Impact of Regular Screening and Lifestyle Modification on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in South African Women Living With HIV

BACKGROUND

The Integration of cardiovascular disease SCreening and prevention in the HIV MAnagement plan for women of reproductive age study set out to determine the effectiveness of screening and lifestyle modification in modifying cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in women living with HIV (WLHIV).

METHODS

In this prospective, quasiexperimental, intervention study, WLHIV aged 18-<50 years were enrolled from 2 clinics (intervention [I-arm]) and (control arms [C-arm]) in Umlazi, South Africa, between November 2018 and May 2019. Women in the I-arm received lifestyle modification advice on diet, physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking cessation and underwent annual screening for CVD risk. The CVD risk factors were assessed through standardized questionnaires and clinical and laboratory procedures at baseline and at end of 3 years of follow-up. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and other CVD indices were compared between arms at end-of-study (EOS).

RESULTS

Total of 269 WLHIV (149 I-arm and 120 C-arm) with a mean ± SD age of 36 ± 1 years were included in the EOS analyses after 32 ± 2 months of follow-up. The metabolic syndrome prevalence at EOS was 16.8% (25/149) in the I-arm and 24% (24/120) in the C-arm (risk ratio 0.9; 95% CI: 0.5 to 1.1; P 0.86). Proportion of women with fasting blood glucose >5.6 mmol/L in the I-arm and C-arm were 2.7% (4/149) and 13.3% (16/120) respectively (risk ratio 0.2; 95% CI: 0.069 to 0.646; P < 0.01). High-density lipoprotein improved with the intervention arm from baseline to EOS (95% CI: -0.157 to -0.034; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was no significant difference in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between study arms, we observed decreased blood glucose levels in the I-arm compared with the C-arm and improved high-density lipoprotein within the I-arm, following lifestyle modification and regular screening for CVD risk factors in WLHIV.

Subclinical cardiovascular remodelling in HIV-infection: A multimodal case study of 2 serodiscordant, monozygotic twins

Cardiovascular abnormalities are increasingly recognised among people newly diagnosed with HIV, but subclinical pathology may be challenging to diagnose. We present a case study of subtle cardiovascular changes in identical twins, one without HIV-infection and the other recently diagnosed with HIV (serodiscordant). We hypothesise that cardiovascular parameters would be similar between the twins, unless non-genetic (environmental) factors are at play. These differences likely represent occult pathology secondary to the effects of early HIV-infection. A 25-year-old female incidentally diagnosed with HIV, and her HIV-uninfected identical twin, living with her since birth, underwent comprehensive cardiovascular assessments. The HIV-positive twin exhibited a globular left ventricle (LV), larger LV volumes, decreased LV strain, peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) and higher native T1 and T2 mapping values compared to her sister. Cardiac biomarkers high sensitivity cardiac troponin T and N-terminal proBNP, as well as the novel markers of fibrosis and remodelling, galectin-3 and soluble-ST2, were higher in the HIV-infected twin. Given the twins' shared environment and genetic makeup, these differences likely stem from HIV-infection. Our study supports previous findings and suggests potential screening markers for HIV-associated cardiovascular disease, including PALS. Further research is warranted to explore PALS' utility in this context.

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.

Cytomegalovirus Immunoglobulin G Levels and Subclinical Arterial Disease among People Living with HIV in Botswana: A Cross-Sectional Study

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been linked with increased cardiovascular risk and monocyte activation in people living with HIV (PLWH). This cross-sectional study aimed to compare CMV immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels between combined antiretroviral therapy (cART)-treated PLWH versus ART-naïve PLWH and those without HIV, and to investigate their associations with biomarkers of endothelial injury and carotid atherosclerosis, in Gaborone, Botswana. All participants were between 30 and 50 years old. Carotid intimal media thickness (cIMT) and biomarkers of endothelial injury and monocyte activation were also assessed. The association between quantitative CMV IgG and cardiovascular disease risk was assessed in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The results showed that the mean CMV IgG level among ART-naïve participants was significantly higher than both the cART group and controls. However, CMV IgG levels did not differ significantly between the controls and cART groups. Among PLWH, CMV IgG levels were associated with ICAM-1 levels and cIMT. Increases in CMV IgG among ART-naïve participants were significantly associated with increases in log VCAM-1. In conclusion, CMV IgG levels are elevated among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa, and higher levels are associated with biomarkers of endothelial injury and cIMT. Future research should investigate the long-term impact of elevated CMV IgG among PLWH.

Statin use for cardiovascular disease prevention: perceptions among people living with HIV in the United States

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PLWH) may be at heightened risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Statin use and lifestyle changes reduce the risk of CVD but remain under-prescribed among PLWH. The objective of this study was to characterize knowledge of CVD and statin use, current usage, barriers to taking statins, and information desired by PLWH to improve statin uptake among PLWH in Los Angeles, CA.

METHODS

Between April 2019 and April 2020, we conducted four focus group discussions (n = 37) with patients across three public community health clinics that serve PLWH in Los Angeles County, California. All clinics participated in a larger study to improve statin prescribing for PLWH. We asked about knowledge of statins, willingness to take a statin, possible barriers to statin usage, preferred information sources for health information, and desired information about statins. We utilized standard qualitative content analysis methods to identify themes.

RESULTS

We found a range in the awareness of statins, with some participants reporting never having heard of statins while others had a history of statin use. There were concerns about the potential long-term effect of statin use, but participants expressed willingness to use CVD medications generally and statins specifically, especially if recommended by their healthcare provider. Participants also expressed interest in potential alternatives to statin usage such as exercising regularly and nutritious eating.

CONCLUSIONS

More interventions are needed to increase statin use among PLWH to improve CVD outcomes, which also has implications for HIV progression. Clinics should aim to increase patient and provider knowledge about CVD risk and statin use for PLWH and provide shared decision-making tools that are easy to use and culturally appropriate.

Risk of Cardiovascular Events in People with HIV (PWH) Treated with Integrase Strand-Transfer Inhibitors: The Debate Is Not Over; Results of the SCOLTA Study

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is common in people with HIV (PWH), and has great impact in terms of morbidity and mortality. Several intertwined mechanisms are believed to play a role in determining the increased risk of CVD, including the effect of certain antiretrovirals; among these, the role of integrase strand-transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) is yet to be fully elucidated. We conducted a multicenter, observational study comprising 4984 PWH evaluating the antiretroviral therapy (ART)-related nature of CVD in real life settings, both in naïve vs. treatment-experienced people. A comparison was conducted between INSTIs vs. either protease inhibitors (PIs) or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) considering demographic, baseline clinical characteristics, incidence of CVD in both 2-year and complete follow-up periods. Among 2357 PWH exposed to INSTIs, 24 people experienced CVD; the corresponding figure was 12 cases out of 2599 PWH exposed to other ART classes. At univariate and multivariate analysis, a tendency towards an increased risk of CVD was observed in the 2-year follow-up period in PWH exposed to INSTIs in the absence, however, of statistical significance. These findings leave open the hypothesis that INSTIs may play a role, albeit minimal, in determining an increased risk of CVD in PWH.

Evaluating the use of antiviral drugs in HIV patients with cardiovascular diseases and how to reduce the incidence of cardiac events in these patients

Globally, the incidence of newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections is concerning. Despite enhancing the quality of life for this patient population, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In people living with HIV (PLWH) undergoing ART, recent research has demonstrated that the use of statins and aspirin (ASA) can reduce the incidence or progression of CVD. However, research has demonstrated that interactions may occur when these medications are used concurrently in the treatment regimen of PLWH. Therefore, we conclude this systematic review to evaluate the use of ART in HIV individuals with CVD and also the effect of adding ASA and statins to ART for reducing the cardiac adverse events.

Effects of statins beyond lipid-lowering agents in ART-treated HIV infection

Antiretroviral therapies (ART) have reduced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection-associated morbidity and mortality improving the life of people with HIV (PWH). However, ART lead to residual HIV production, which in conjunction with microbial translocation and immune dysfunction contributes to chronic inflammation and immune activation. PWH on ART remain at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including myocardial infarction and stroke; which in part is explained by chronic inflammation and immune activation. Lifestyle factors and certain ART are associated with dyslipidemia characterized by an increase of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which further contributes in the increased risk for CVDs. Lipid-lowering agents like statins are emerging as immune modulators in decreasing inflammation in a variety of conditions including HIV. The international randomized clinical trial REPRIEVE has shed light on the reduction of CVDs with statin therapy among PWH. Such reports indicate a more than expected benefit of statins beyond their lipid-lowering effects. Bempedoic acid, a first-in-class non-statin LDL-lowering drug with immune modulatory effects, may further aid PWH in combination with statins. Herein, we critically reviewed studies aimed at lipid-lowering and immune-modulating roles of statins that may benefit aging PWH.

Achievement of Primary Prevention Cardiometabolic Targets in Women with HIV: An Urgent Call to Action to Pursue Cardiovascular Health

BACKGROUND

Cardiometabolic health has become crucial, especially for women with HIV (WWH). We assessed the achievement of targets for hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes (H/Dy/DT) in primary prevention in a WWH cohort.

METHODS

Cross-sectional analysis including all WWH in our clinic, excluding those who had a myocardial infarction. H/Dy/DT achievement was assessed by both EACS guidelines and individual cardiovascular risk, CVR (measured by ESC calculator), using logistic regression to evaluate differences in H/Dy/DT achievement between migrant and Italian women.

RESULTS

We included 292 WWH, 55.5% Italian and 44.5% migrant women; the median age was 50 (IQR:42-58) years, 94.5% had undetectable HIV-RNA, 55.1% had a high level of education, 27.1% were smokers, and 19.2% did regularly physical exercise. Overall, 76%, 19%, and 5% of women presented a low, a high, and a very high CVR, respectively. Among Italians, 28.4% and 6.2% women presented a high and a very high CVR, respectively. Considering migrants, 7.7% and 3.8% women presented a high and a very high CVR, respectively. Overall, among migrant women, those with a high CVR were more likely to be not at target than those with a low risk (especially for LDL-c and blood pressure among people on treatment), despite the fact that we did not detect a statistically significant difference. By contrast, migrants were more likely to achieve glycemic targets than Italians (p = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

H/Dy/DT target achievement is suboptimal, especially in migrants. A more aggressive pharmacological treatment, also assessing adherence to medical prescriptions, and promotion of healthy lifestyle should be urgently implemented, possibly redrawing the current model of care.

Adults with Perinatally Acquired HIV; Emerging Clinical Outcomes and Data Gaps

In resourced settings, adults living with perinatally acquired HIV are approaching the 5th decade of life. Their clinical and psychological outcomes highlight potential future issues for the much larger number of adolescents growing up with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, and will inform the development of appropriate healthcare services. Lifelong exposure to HIV, and increasingly to antiretroviral therapy throughout growth and development, contrasts with adults acquiring HIV in later life. This review describes the clinical outcomes for adults living with perinatally acquired HIV including post transition mortality, morbidity and retention in care. Rates of viral suppression, drug resistance and immunological function are explored. Co-morbidities focus on metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory and bone health with quality-of-life data including neurocognitive functioning and mental health. Sexual and reproductive health including vaccine-preventable disease and the prevention of onward transmission to partners and infants are considered. The data gaps and future research questions to optimise outcomes for this emerging adult cohort are highlighted.

Polygenic Scores and Preclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Individuals With HIV: Insights From the REPRIEVE Trial

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death among the 38.4 million people with HIV globally. The extent to which cardiovascular polygenic risk scores (PRSs) derived in non-HIV populations generalize to people with HIV is not well understood.

METHODS AND RESULTS

PRSs for CAD (GPSMult) and lipid traits were calculated in a global cohort of people with HIV treated with antiretroviral therapy with low-to-moderate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk enrolled in REPRIEVE (Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV). The PRSs were associated with baseline lipid traits in 4495 genotyped participants, and with subclinical CAD in a subset of 662 who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography. Among participants who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (mean age, 50.9 [SD, 5.8] years; 16.1% women; 41.8% African, 57.3% European, 1.1% Asian), GPSMult was associated with plaque presence with odds ratio (OR) per SD in GPSMult of 1.42 (95% CI, 1.20-1.68; P=3.8×10-5), stenosis >50% (OR, 2.39 [95% CI, 1.48-3.85]; P=3.4×10-4), and noncalcified/vulnerable plaque (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.23-1.72]; P=9.6×10-6). Effects were consistent in subgroups of age, sex, 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, ancestry, and CD4 count. Adding GPSMult to established risk factors increased the C-statistic for predicting plaque presence from 0.718 to 0.734 (P=0.02). Furthermore, a PRS for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with plaque presence with OR of 1.21 (95% CI, 1.01-1.44; P=0.04), and partially calcified plaque with OR of 1.21 (95% CI, 1.01-1.45; P=0.04) per SD.

CONCLUSIONS

Among people with HIV treated with antiretroviral therapy without documented atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and at low-to-moderate calculated risk in REPRIEVE, an externally developed CAD PRS was predictive of subclinical atherosclerosis. PRS for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was also associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, supporting a role for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in HIV-associated CAD.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.reprievetrial.org; Unique identifier: NCT02344290.

Brief Report: The Role of Substance Use in Structural Heart Disease Among Women Living With HIV

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV have increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but few studies focus on women with HIV (WWH) and few account for the use of multiple substances.

SETTING

We recruited WWH from San Francisco shelters, free meal programs, street encampments, and a safety net HIV clinic.

METHODS

Between 2016 and 2019, participants completed 6 monthly interviews, specimen collection, and a transthoracic echocardiogram. We assessed associations between 3 echocardiographic indices of cardiac hypertrophy (concentric hypertrophy, concentric remodeling, and eccentric hypertrophy) and study factors, including cardiovascular risk factors, substance use, and HIV-specific factors (CD4 + count, viral load, HIV medication).

RESULTS

Among 62 participants, the average age was 53 years and 70% were ethnic minority women. Just over 70% had elevated blood pressure. Toxicology-confirmed substance use included tobacco (63%), cannabis (52%), cocaine (51%), methamphetamine (29%), and alcohol (26%). Concentric hypertrophy was detected in 26% of participants. It was positively associated with cocaine use [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 32.5, P < 0.01] and negatively associated with cannabis use (aRR = 0.07, P < 0.01). Concentric remodeling was detected in 40% of participants. It was positively associated with cocaine use (aRR = 11.2, P < 0.01) and negatively associated with cannabis use (aRR = 0.17, P = 0.02). Eccentric hypertrophy was not significantly associated with factors studied here.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine evaluation of stimulant use as a contributing factor to cardiovascular risk may improve risk assessment in WWH. Whether cannabis use mitigates the impact of cocaine use on structural heart disease among WWH merits further investigation.

Human immunodeficiency virus infection is associated with greater risk of pneumonia and readmission after cardiac surgery

Objective

Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV+) is associated with a 2-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Increasingly, patients who are HIV + are being evaluated to undergo cardiac surgery. Current risk-adjusted scoring systems, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score, fail to stratify HIV + risk. Unfortunately, there exists a paucity of cardiac surgery outcomes data in modern patients who are HIV+.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of PearlDiver, an all-payer claims administrative database. In total, 14,714,743 patients were captured between 2010 and 2020. Of these, 59,695 (0.4%) of patients had a history of HIV+, and 1759 (2.95%) of these patients underwent cardiac surgery. Patients who were HIV+ were younger, more often male, and had greater comorbidity, history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, and heart failure.

Results

Postoperatively, patients who were HIV + had significantly greater rates of pneumonia (relative risk, 1.70; P = .0003) and 30-day all-cause readmission (relative risk, 1.28, P < .0001). After linear regression analysis, these results remained significant. Data also show that a lesser proportion of patients with HIV + underwent coronary artery bypass grafting, aortic valve replacement, and any cardiac surgery compared with controls.

Conclusions

Patients who are HIV + undergoing cardiac surgery are at greater risk of pneumonia and readmission. Moreover, we discovered lower rates of cardiac surgery in patients who are HIV+, which may reflect limited access to surgery when indicated. Today's risk-adjusted scoring systems in cardiac surgery need to better account for the modern patient who is HIV+.

Effects of Pitavastatin on Coronary Artery Disease and Inflammatory Biomarkers in HIV: Mechanistic Substudy of the REPRIEVE Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased in people with HIV (PWH) and is characterized by premature noncalcified coronary plaque. In the Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE), pitavastatin reduced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 35% over a median of 5.1 years.

Objective

To investigate the effects of pitavastatin on noncalcified coronary artery plaque by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and on inflammatory biomarkers as potential mechanisms for MACE prevention.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial enrolled participants from April 2015 to February 2018 at 31 US clinical research sites. PWH without known CVD who were taking antiretroviral therapy and had low to moderate 10-year CVD risk were included. Data were analyzed from April to November 2023.

Intervention

Oral pitavastatin calcium, 4 mg per day.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Coronary CTA and inflammatory biomarkers at baseline and 24 months. The primary outcomes were change in noncalcified coronary plaque volume and progression of noncalcified plaque.

Results

Of 804 enrolled persons, 774 had at least 1 evaluable CTA. Plaque changes were assessed in 611 who completed both CT scans. Of 611 analyzed participants, 513 (84.0%) were male, the mean (SD) age was 51 (6) years, and the median (IQR) 10-year CVD risk was 4.5% (2.6-7.0). A total of 302 were included in the pitavastatin arm and 309 in the placebo arm. The mean noncalcified plaque volume decreased with pitavastatin compared with placebo (mean [SD] change, -1.7 [25.2] mm3 vs 2.6 [27.1] mm3; baseline adjusted difference, -4.3 mm3; 95% CI, -8.6 to -0.1; P = .04; 7% [95% CI, 1-12] greater reduction relative to placebo). A larger effect size was seen among the subgroup with plaque at baseline (-8.8 mm3 [95% CI, -17.9 to 0.4]). Progression of noncalcified plaque was 33% less likely with pitavastatin compared with placebo (relative risk, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.52-0.88; P = .003). Compared with placebo, the mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased with pitavastatin (mean change: pitavastatin, -28.5 mg/dL; 95% CI, -31.9 to -25.1; placebo, -0.8; 95% CI, -3.8 to 2.2). The pitavastatin arm had a reduction in both oxidized low-density lipoprotein (-29% [95% CI, -32 to -26] vs -13% [95% CI, -17 to -9]; P < .001) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (-7% [95% CI, -11 to -4] vs 14% [95% CI, 10-18]; P < .001) compared with placebo at 24 months.

Conclusions and Relevance

In PWH at low to moderate CVD risk, 24 months of pitavastatin reduced noncalcified plaque volume and progression as well as markers of lipid oxidation and arterial inflammation. These changes may contribute to the observed MACE reduction in REPRIEVE.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02344290.

Pathophysiology and Clinical Management of Dyslipidemia in People Living with HIV: Sailing through Rough Seas

Infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) represent one of the greatest health burdens worldwide. The complex pathophysiological pathways that link highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HIV infection per se with dyslipidemia make the management of lipid disorders and the subsequent increase in cardiovascular risk essential for the treatment of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Amongst HAART regimens, darunavir and atazanavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, nevirapine, rilpivirine, and especially integrase inhibitors have demonstrated the most favorable lipid profile, emerging as sustainable options in HAART substitution. To this day, statins remain the cornerstone pharmacotherapy for dyslipidemia in PLHIV, although important drug-drug interactions with different HAART agents should be taken into account upon treatment initiation. For those intolerant or not meeting therapeutic goals, the addition of ezetimibe, PCSK9, bempedoic acid, fibrates, or fish oils should also be considered. This review summarizes the current literature on the multifactorial etiology and intricate pathophysiology of hyperlipidemia in PLHIV, with an emphasis on the role of different HAART agents, while also providing valuable insights into potential switching strategies and therapeutic options.

Associations of HIV and prevalent type 2 diabetes mellitus in the context of obesity in South Africa

It is unclear how rising obesity among people with HIV (PWH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) impacts their risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (diabetes). Using a South African national cross-sectional sample of adult PWH and their peers without HIV (PWOH), we examined the associations between HIV and prevalent diabetes across the spectrum of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-height ratio (WtHR). Analyses were sex stratified, and adjusted for age, sociodemographic and behavioral factors. The prevalence of diabetes among males was similar between PWH and PWOH, overall and at all levels of adiposity. In contrast, overall diabetes prevalence was higher among female PWOH than female PWH. However, there were differences according to adiposity such that, compared to female PWOH, relative diabetes prevalence in female PWH was reduced with obesity but accentuated with leanness. These differences in the relationship between adiposity and diabetes by HIV serostatus call for better mechanistic understanding of sex-specific adipose tissue biology in HIV in South Africa, and possibly in other HIV endemic settings in SSA.

Oxidative phosphorylation in HIV-1 infection: impacts on cellular metabolism and immune function

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) presents significant challenges to the immune system, predominantly characterized by CD4+ T cell depletion, leading to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectively suppresses the viral load in people with HIV (PWH), leading to a state of chronic infection that is associated with inflammation. This review explores the complex relationship between oxidative phosphorylation, a crucial metabolic pathway for cellular energy production, and HIV-1, emphasizing the dual impact of HIV-1 infection and the metabolic and mitochondrial effects of ART. The review highlights how HIV-1 infection disrupts oxidative phosphorylation, promoting glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis to facilitate viral replication. ART can exacerbate metabolic dysregulation despite controlling viral replication, impacting mitochondrial DNA synthesis and enhancing reactive oxygen species production. These effects collectively contribute to significant changes in oxidative phosphorylation, influencing immune cell metabolism and function. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generated through oxidative phosphorylation can influence the metabolic landscape of infected cells through ATP-detected purinergic signaling and contributes to immunometabolic dysfunction. Future research should focus on identifying specific targets within this pathway and exploring the role of purinergic signaling in HIV-1 pathogenesis to enhance HIV-1 treatment modalities, addressing both viral infection and its metabolic consequences.