Rapid disease progression in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected individuals with adverse reactions to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions among people living with human immunodeficiency virus in a tertiary care hospital in Johor, Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous adverse drug reactions (cADRs) among people living with HIV (PLWH) are common. Data on drug eruptions among PLWH in Malaysia are limited. Thus, our study aimed to determine the clinical patterns of cADRs among PLWH and the risk factors associated with severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among PLWH who developed cADRs presenting to our dermatology clinic from June 2020 to December 2020. The Naranjo scale was used for drug causality assessment.

RESULTS

A total of 78 PLWH were recruited with a male-to-female ratio of 12:1. The maculopapular eruption was the commonest type of cADRs (75.6%), followed by drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) (15.4%). SCAR is defined as a potentially life-threatening, immunologically mediated, drug-induced disease, accounting for 17.9% of the cases. Most of the patients were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) (85.9%), with efavirenz + tenofovir/emtricitabine being the most common combination (80.6%). Efavirenz (51.3%) was the main culprit drug implicated, followed by trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (23.1%) and nevirapine (11.5%). CD4 T-cell count <100 cells/μL (p = 0.006) was the independent risk factor for SCAR. Most cases had probable causal relationships with the culprit drugs (84.6%) and were not preventable (93.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

The commonest cADR seen in PLWH was maculopapular eruption, while efavirenz, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and nevirapine were the three main implicated drugs. Most of the cases had probable drug causality and were not preventable. PLWH with CD4 count <100 cells/μL were particularly at risk of developing SCAR. Overall, this study showed that immune suppression and polypharmacy as a consequence of opportunistic infection prophylaxis are important factors contributing to the increased risk of ADRs among PLWH.

The association of CD4 lymphocyte count with drug hypersensitivity reaction to highly active antiretroviral therapy, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, and antitubercular agents in human immunodeficiency virus patients

Background

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and antibiotic regimens for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its concomitant opportunistic infections, respectively, significantly improve the morbidity and mortality of the infected patients. However, these drugs commonly cause drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The reason proposed are multifactorial, which includes immune hyperactivation, changes in drug metabolism, patient cytokine profiles, oxidative stress, genetic predisposition, and the principal target in HIV patients, the CD4+ lymphocytes.

Objective

This study determined the association of CD4 count and DHRs to first-line HAART, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, and antitubercular agents among HIV patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective analytical study. Review of charts were done. The demographic and clinical profile used a descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation for quantitative data and frequency and percent for categorical data. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to measure the degree of the relationship of CD4 count and DHRs.

Results

A total of 337 eligible patients were included. There was a 25% incidence of hypersensitivity reactions. However, the prevalence of DHRs across the different CD4 groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.167). Likewise, the study found no significant association between the CD4 count and DHRs to first-line HAART, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, and antitubercular agents (p = 0.311). The most common DHR was morbilliform rash, and nevirapine was the most reported antiretroviral drug causing DHR.

Conclusion

There was no association in the CD4 count and DHRs to first-line HAART, trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole, and antitubercular agents. Hence, regardless of the baseline CD4 lymphocyte count, the physician should be vigilant in monitoring hypersensitivity reactions. Patient education on common DHRs is very important upon diagnosis of HIV and/or initiation of treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in HIV-infected or non-HIV-infected patients-difficulties in diagnosis and adverse effects of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

The clinical characteristics of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in patients with immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (HIV-PCP) differ from those in patients without HIV infection (non-HIV-PCP). We analyzed 31 adult HIV-PCP cases and 44 non-HIV-PCP cases between 2008 and 2018. The symptomatic period before the diagnosis was shorter in non-HIV-PCP (5 [3-8] days vs. 29 [14-55] days, P < 0.001) and the overall survival rate was lower in the non-HIV-PCP group (P = 0.022). Serum β-D glucan positivity (72.7% vs. 93.5%, P = 0.034) and Grocott stain positivity for Pneumocystis jirovecii in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (4.3% vs. 73.3%, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the non-HIV-PCP group. This difficulty in laboratory diagnosis possibly resulted in the administration of concurrent antibiotics such as quinolones and macrolides (56.8% vs. 19.4% P = 0.002) in the non-HIV-PCP group. The adverse effects due to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were more frequently observed in HIV-PCP (86.2% vs. 35.3%, P < 0.001). The duration of discontinuation of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was 11 [8-14.5] days in HIV-PCP cases. Co-administration of adjunctive corticosteroid therapy did not mitigate hypersensitivity to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Our analysis indicated that the characteristics of PCP in patients with or without HIV was quite different. HIV-positive patients with PCP should be monitored closely to avoid adverse effects due to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Because positivity polymerase chain reaction test for P. jirovecii remained high (91.7%), it is suggested that bronchofiberscopy is warranted for diagnosis of PCP in HIV-negative patients.

An Adverse Drug Reaction to Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Revealing Primary HIV: A Case Report and Literature Review

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to antibiotics complicate the management of any infection, particularly opportunistic infections in advanced HIV as some ADRs are potentiated by HIV. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) causes ADRs in 40-80% of HIV infected individuals, compared to 3-5% in the general population. The incidence and severity of ADRs among HIV infected individuals appear to increase as they progress from latent infection to AIDS. We present a single case report of a 55-year-old African American male found to have an otherwise asymptomatic acute HIV infection who developed an ADR to TMP-SMX, despite having previously tolerating the medication. The proposed mechanisms for the increased incidence of sulfa hypersensitivity reactions among HIV infected individuals focus on either (1) HIV-induced changes in the immune function driven by falling levels of CD4 cells or (2) other HIV-specific factors correlated with rising viral load. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of new sulfa hypersensitivity in primary HIV and may provide clinical evidence to support the correlation between viral load and ADRs to TMP-SMX without a severely diminished CD4 count, though further research is necessary. This case also demonstrates a rare and easily overlooked presentation of HIV that may aid in early diagnosis.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-induced Steven Johnson syndrome in an HIV-infected patient

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is a widely prescribed antimicrobial for the management of several uncomplicated infections. It is commonly used for the treatment and prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in the HIV-infected population. The adverse reaction to TMP/SMX is more frequent and severe in HIV-infected patients as compared to the general population. Here, we report a case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) secondary to TMP/SMX. The patient had a generalized cutaneous reaction with involvement of the eyes, oral cavity, and genitals. He had elevated hepatic alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzyme. TMP/SMX therapy was stopped and supportive treatment was started. His condition improved after eight days of stopping TMP/SMX therapy.

Refining Abacavir Hypersensitivity Diagnoses using a Structured Clinical Assessment and Genetic Testing in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study

Background

We aimed to assess the value of a structured clinical assessment and genetic testing for refining the diagnosis of abacavir hypersensitivity reactions (ABC-HSRs) in a routine clinical setting.

Methods

We performed a diagnostic reassessment using a structured patient chart review in individuals who had stopped ABC because of suspected HSR. Two HIV physicians blinded to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing results independently classified these individuals on a scale between 3 (ABC-HSR highly likely) and -3 (ABC-HSR highly unlikely). Scoring was based on symptoms, onset of symptoms and comedication use. Patients were classified as clinically likely (mean score ≥2), uncertain (mean score ≥-1 and ≤1) and unlikely (mean score ≤-2). HLA typing was performed using sequence-based methods.

Results

From 131 reassessed individuals, 27 (21%) were classified as likely, 43 (33%) as unlikely and 61 (47%) as uncertain ABC-HSR. Of the 131 individuals with suspected ABC-HSR, 31% were HLA-B*5701-positive compared with 1% of 140 ABC-tolerant controls ( P<0.001). HLA-B*5701 carriage rate was higher in individuals with likely ABC-HSR compared with those with uncertain or unlikely ABC-HSR (78%, 30% and 5%, respectively, P<0.001). Only six (7%) HLA-B*5701-negative individuals were classified as likely HSR after reassessment.

Conclusions

HLA-B*5701 carriage is highly predictive of clinically diagnosed ABC-HSR. The high proportion of HLA-B*5701-negative individuals with minor symptoms among individuals with suspected HSR indicates overdiagnosis of ABC-HSR in the era preceding genetic screening. A structured clinical assessment and genetic testing could reduce the rate of inappropriate ABC discontinuation and identify individuals at high risk for ABC-HSR.

Spectrum of skin disorders in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in Singapore and the relationship to CD4 lymphocyte counts

BACKGROUND

Skin disorders are extremely common and cause significant morbidity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. There are few data on their prevalence and association with CD4 counts in Asians.

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence of skin disorders in ambulatory HIV-infected individuals attending a specialized skin clinic in Singapore and the association with the degree of immunosuppression.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study on skin disorders in HIV-positive outpatients in the Communicable Disease Centre of Singapore was performed. The association between skin disease prevalence and CD4 count was evaluated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Ninety-six patients (male : female, 8 : 1) were enrolled. The most common mode of HIV transmission was heterosexual (75%), followed by homosexual/bisexual contacts (22%), and intravenous drug abuse (3%). The distribution of patients in terms of current CD4 cell counts was as follows: 38.5% with less than 50 x 10(6)/L, 25% with between 50 and 199/microL, and 36.5% with at least 200 x 10(6)/L. The most common skin disorder was pruritic papular eruption (PPE) of HIV infection (31 cases), followed by psoriasis (24), seborrheic dermatitis (18), xerosis (17), herpes simplex (17), and adverse drug eruptions (17). A CD4 cell count of less than 200 x 10(6)/L was significantly associated with a higher number of skin disorders (P = 0.002) and the development of psoriasis [odds ratio (OR), 8.97; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.70-47.16; P = 0.010], PPE (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.21-9.53; P = 0.020), and adverse drug eruption (OR, 5.83; 95% CI, 1.21-28.00; P = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

A preponderance of inflammatory dermatoses and an absence of skin tumors characterized this study. A low CD4 cell count was associated with a higher number of skin disorders and an increased incidence of PPE, psoriasis, and adverse drug eruptions.

Prospective evaluation of risk factors of cutaneous drug reactions to sulfonamides in patients with AIDS

BACKGROUND

Persons with HIV infection have increased rates of drug eruptions.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to evaluate the risk factors of drug eruptions in response to sulfonamides in patients with AIDS, using a case-control analysis.

METHODS

One hundred thirty-six patients who were hospitalized for pneumocystosis or toxoplasmosis were evaluated at the onset of treatment for various risk factors, which were then compared among patients with (48, 36%) and without (88, 64%) a drug eruption.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis, high CD8(+) cell count and age less than 36 years indicated a risk of drug eruption (respective odds ratios: 3.5 [95% CI 1.6-7.8], P =.002, and 2.1 [95% CI 1-4.6], P =.06). Markers of viral replication for HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus 6, and parvovirus B19, slow acetylation phenotype or genotype, and glutathione level were not associated with a risk. Administration of corticosteroids had no preventive effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results challenge several current concepts regarding drug eruptions by discarding a strong association with glutathione deficiency, slow acetylation, or active viral infections and by showing no preventive effect of corticosteroids.

Management of cutaneous drug reactions

Drugs are potent chemicals that often have effects in the body beyond the desired action. These effects may range from mild and expected side effects to dramatic and life-threatening anaphylaxis. Adverse drug reactions account for between 2% and 6% of hospital admissions and may prevent administration of otherwise effective therapeutic agents. Cutaneous and mucocutaneous eruptions are the most common adverse reactions to oral or parenteral drug therapy, and the spectrum ranges from transitory exanthematous rash to the potentially fatal toxic epidermal necrolysis. Different mechanisms, including both immunologic and nonimmunologic, are responsible for cutaneous adverse drug reaction. The treatment of cutaneous drug eruptions essentially rests on accurate history, a thorough physical examination, discontinuation of the offending drug, and supportive care. The management of a cutaneous drug eruption is very much individualized, based on the clinical setting. This review aims to provide a general approach to the patient with a presumed cutaneous drug reaction.

Incidence and risk factors for toxoplasmic encephalitis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients before and during the highly active antiretroviral therapy era

The occurrence of toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) was studied among 19,598 and 17,016 patients enrolled in the French Hospital Database on human immunodeficiency virus whose CD4 cell counts decreased to < or =200x10(6) cells/L before (1992-1995) or after (1996-1998) the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy, respectively. The incidence of TE decreased from 3.9 cases per 100 person-years in the first period (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7-4.1) to 1.0 cases per 100 person-years in the second period (95% CI, 0.9-1.1). After adjustment for known risk factors for TE, patients who received cotrimoxazole prophylaxis had a lower risk of TE (adjusted relative hazard, 0.6 and 0.5, respectively, for the first and second periods; P < .001). For patients treated with cotrimoxazole at inclusion, discontinuation of cotrimoxazole increased the risk of TE in both periods (adjusted relative hazard, 4.8 and 4.2, respectively; P < .001). Among patients whose CD4 cell counts increased to > 200 x 10(6) cells/L while undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of TE was 0.1 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI, 0.0-0.2) and was not increased by discontinuation of cotrimoxazole.

HIV and AIDS in inpatient dermatology. Approach to the consultation

In the inpatient setting, the dermatologic consultant is called on to address the whole spectrum of cutaneous disease seen in HIV/AIDS patients, with severity varying from severe life-threatening to less serious conditions that dramatically affect quality of life. Rather than reviewing a "laundry list" of conditions associated with HIV/AIDS or the most severe conditions, this article aims to demonstrate a systematic approach to inpatient dermatology consultation in HIV/AIDS patients and to briefly review several common and interesting topics frequently addressed in the inpatient setting (e.g., medications issues, and phototherapy in HIV-infected patients).

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole

After 25 years of use in the United States, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is widely prescribed for various indications. By virtue of sequential blockade of microbial folic acid synthesis, the antimicrobial combination has excellent in vitro inhibitory activity against many common respiratory and urinary tract pathogens, as well as many nosocomial infecting strains. In patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, TMP-SMX provides prophylactic and therapeutic potency against Pneumocystis carinii but at the risk of frequent side effects. TMP-SMX is also used for treatment of pulmonary and disseminated nocardiosis and some forms of Wegener's granulomatosis, as well as for prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Increasing bacterial resistance and concern about occasional severe adverse effects suggest that the usefulness of TMP-SMX may diminish in the future.

The compromised traveler

Compromised travelers represent a diverse and challenging group of individuals. They include HIV-infected patients who are at risk for potentially adverse reactions to immunizations, and new exposures to enteric water-borne opportunistic pathogens associated with chronic infections. Such travelers may encounter unfamiliar opportunistic fungi and classical tropical infections, such as leishmaniasis, whose pathogenesis can be enhanced by the presence of prior HIV infection. Other immunocompromised groups include those who are functionally or anatomically asplenic, and patients who are iatrogenically immunosuppressed from medications utilized for solid organ transplantation, chemotherapy, or treatment of malignancies. This population of travelers also includes those with diabetes mellitus who may require adjustments in their dosing, administration, and possibly even the types of insulin used on their trips. These patients are also at greater risk for acquisition of tuberculosis, severe community-acquired pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and pyomyositis. Older travelers present both the infectious disease and travel medicine specialist with issues such events, malignancy-related infections, myocardial infarction, and other forms of cardiopulmonary compromise, which the authors address in this article.

Cotrimoxazole is effective as primary prophylaxis for toxoplasmic encephalitis in HIV-infected patients: a case control study

In a case-control study, prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole for toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) in HIV-infected patients was evaluated. Cotrimoxazole had been given as PCP prophylaxis. 20 patients with TE were identified and 72 matching control cases were found. All patients had IgG-antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and CD4+ T-cell counts < or = 100/microliter. The use and duration of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis were recorded. It was found that among the patients with TE, none had used cotrimoxazole for > 70% of the observation time, and that the 1-y incidence was 0% in the control group vs. 41% in those patients without sufficient cotrimoxazole use. The conclusion is that cotrimoxazole is effective as primary prophylaxis for TE, even in a dose of 480 mg daily.