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

Mortality and comorbidities in a Nationwide cohort of HIV-infected adults: comparison to a matched non-HIV adults' cohort, France, 2006-18

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the mortality rate and associated comorbidities in a nationwide population-based cohort of persons living with HIV (PLWHIV) and to compare it with mortality in an age and gender-matched cohort of non-HIV individuals in France.

METHODS

Using data from the French national health data system, we identified and included 173 712 PLWHIV (66.5% men) and 173 712 non-HIV participants (66.5% men) matched for age and gender. PLHIV were identified based on ICD-10 HIV diagnoses, HIV-specific laboratory tests, and/or prescriptions for antiretroviral therapy specific to HIV. Hazard ratios (HRs) of mortality were assessed using multiple Cox regression models.

RESULTS

During the 13 years of follow-up (2006-18), we observed 20 018 deaths among PLWHIV compared with 6262 deaths among non-HIV participants (11.52% vs. 3.60%, P < 0.001). The over-mortality of PLWHIV was expressed by univariable HR = 2.135 (2.072-2.199), which remained significant after adjustment for region, Complementary Universal Health Insurance and AME, with multivariable HR = 2.182 (2.118-2.248). The results remained significant after adjusting for comorbidities, including infectious diseases [HR = 1.587 (1.538-1.638)]. Notably, PLWHIV were more importantly associated with mortality in women [HR = 2.966 (2.767-3.180)], compared in men [HR = 1.961 (1.898-2.027)].

CONCLUSION

Although the life expectancy of PLWHIV has globally increased, the causes of death should be prioritized in prevention policies and care management. Gender-specific policies should be highlighted, as we observed a higher impact of HIV mortality in women.

Atherosclerosis and HIV: Exploring Cardiovascular Risks and Management

The advent of antiretroviral therapy has markedly improved the life expectancy of individuals with HIV, leading to a shift in clinical focus from managing opportunistic infections to addressing chronic conditions, such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Emerging evidence highlights an elevated risk of ASCVD among people living with HIV, characterized by a higher incidence of acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and heart failure compared with the general population. This review examines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of ASCVD in the context of HIV. It explores the interplay between HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, underscoring the need for comprehensive cardiovascular risk reduction strategies tailored to people living with HIV. Through synthesizing data from clinical trials, observational studies, and basic research, the review aims to enhance understanding of HIV-associated ASCVD and inform healthcare practices to improve the longevity and quality of life for this patient population.

A mixed methods approach identifying facilitators and barriers to guide adaptations to InterCARE strategies: an integrated HIV and hypertension care model in Botswana

BACKGROUND

Botswana serves as a model of success for HIV with 95% of people living with HIV (PLWH) virally suppressed. Yet, only 19% of PLWH and hypertension have controlled blood pressure. To address this gap, InterCARE, a care model that integrates HIV and hypertension care through a) provider training; b) adapted electronic health record; and c) treatment partners (peer support), was designed. This study presents results from our baseline assessment of the determinants and factors used to guide adaptations to InterCARE implementation strategies prior to a hybrid type 2 effectiveness-implementation study.

METHODS

This study employed a convergent mixed methods design across two clinics (one rural, one urban) to collect quantitative and qualitative data through facility assessments, 100 stakeholder surveys (20 each PLWH and hypertension, existing HIV treatment partners, clinical healthcare providers (HCPs), and 40 community leaders) and ten stakeholder key informative interviews (KIIs). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and deductive qualitative analysis organized by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and compared to identify areas of convergence and divergence.

RESULTS

Although 90.3% of 290 PLWH and hypertension at the clinics were taking antihypertensive medications, 52.8% had uncontrolled blood pressure. Results from facility assessments, surveys, and KIIs identified key determinants in the CFIR innovation and inner setting domains. Most stakeholders (> 85%) agreed that InterCARE was adaptable, compatible and would be successful at improving blood pressure control in PLWH and hypertension. HCPs agreed that there were insufficient resources (40%), consistent with facility assessments and KIIs which identified limited staffing, inconsistent electricity, and a lack of supplies as key barriers. Adaptations to InterCARE included a task-sharing strategy and expanded treatment partner training and support.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating hypertension services into HIV clinics was perceived as more advantageous for PLWH than the current model of hypertension care delivered outside of HIV clinics. Identified barriers were used to adapt InterCARE implementation strategies for more effective intervention delivery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05414526 . Registered 18 May 2022 - Retrospectively registered.

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.

Life course history of physical and sexual abuse is associated with cardiovascular disease risk among women living with and without HIV

OBJECTIVE

Sexual and physical abuse predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women in the general population. Women living with HIV (WLWH) report more abuse and have higher CVD risk compared with other women, yet associations between abuse history and CVD have not been considered among WLWH. This study fills this gap, and describes possible pathways linking abuse to CVD risk among WLWH and women living without HIV (WLWOH).

METHODS

Using 25 years of data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS; n  = 2734; WLWH n  = 1963; WLWOH n  = 771), we used longitudinal generalized estimating equations (GEE) to test associations between sexual and physical abuse with CVD risk. Framingham (FRS-H) and the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association-Pooled Cohort Equation (ACC/AHA-PCE) scores were examined. Analyses were stratified by HIV-serostatus.

RESULTS

Among WLWH, childhood sexual abuse was associated with higher CVD risk ( βFRS-H  = 1.25, SE = 1.08, P  = 0.005; βACC/AHA-PCE  = 1.14, SE = 1.07, P  = 0.04) compared with no abuse. Adulthood sexual abuse was associated with higher CVD risk for WLWH ( βFRS-H  = 1.39, SE = 1.08, P  < 0.0001) and WLWOH ( βFRS-H  = 1.58, SE = 1.14, P  = 0.0006). Childhood physical abuse was not associated with CVD risk for either group. Adulthood physical abuse was associated with CVD risk for WLWH ( βFRS-H  = 1.44, SE = 1.07; P  < 0.0001, βACC/AHA-PCE  = 1.18, SE = 1.06, P  = 0.002) and WLWOH ( βFRS-H  = 1.68, SE = 1.12, P  < 0.0001; βACC/AHA-PCE  = 1.24, SE = 1.11, P  = 0.03). Several pathway factors were significant, including depression, smoking, and hepatitis C infection.

CONCLUSION

Life course abuse may increase CVD risk among WLWH and women at high risk of acquiring HIV. Some comorbidities help explain the associations. Assessing abuse experiences in clinical encounters may help contextualize cardiovascular risk among this vulnerable population and inform intervention.

The Association of HIV-Specific Risk Factors with Cardiovascular Events in Addition to Traditional Risk Factors in People Living with HIV

Traditional cardiovascular risk scores underestimate the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in people living with HIV (PLH). This study compared the effect of HIV-specific cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) with traditional CRF at baseline for their association with incident CVD in PLH. The ongoing, prospective HIV HEART Aging (HIVH) study assesses CVD in PLH in the German Ruhr Area since 2004. PLH from the HIVH study with at least 5 years of follow-up were examined with the help of Cox proportional hazards models using inverse probability-of-censoring weights. The models were adjusted for age and sex. The obtained hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence limits (CL) assessed the strength of the associations between CRF and CVD. One thousand two hundred forty-three individuals (male 1,040, female 203; mean age of 43 ± 10 years) with 116 incident CVD events were analyzed. After adjusting for the traditional CRF, the HIV-specific CRF "a history of AIDS" and "higher age at diagnosis of HIV infection" (per 10 years) were associated with an increased CVD risk (HR 1.55, 95% CL: 1.05-2.28 and HR 1.55, 95% CL: 1.09-1.22, respectively). Higher CD4/CD8 ratio (per standard deviation), longer cumulative duration of antiretroviral therapies, and longer duration of HIV infection (per 10 years) showed indications for a decreased CVD risk (HR 0.75, 95% CL: 0.58-0.97, HR 0.71, 95% CL: 0.41-1.23, and HR 0.63, 95% CL: 0.44-0.90, respectively). Out of the traditional CRF, current smoking showed the strongest impact on CVD risk (HR 3.12, 95% CL: 2.06-4.74). In conclusion, HIV-specific factors, such as history of AIDS and CD4/CD8 ratio, were independently associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. Traditional CRF maintained a major effect on CVD. Clinical Trials Number (NCT04330287).

Factors associated with coronary artery disease among people living with human immunodeficiency virus: Results from the Colombian HIV/AIDS registry

Background

People living with HIV (PLWHIV) are at a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to assess the factors associated with CAD among PLWHIV in Colombia.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on adults newly diagnosed with HIV, reported to the Colombian HIV/AIDS registry from 2018 to 2021. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were compared by age (<50 and ≥ 50 years). Our main outcome was the presence of CAD. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between traditional and HIV-related factors with CAD. These associations were also evaluated in stratified models by age. Effect measures were odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Among 36,483 PLWHIV, the frequency of CAD was 0.53% (n = 196). There was a high prevalence of impaired fasting glucose/diabetes mellitus (12.62%), overweight/obesity (27.79%), elevated LDL-c (86.69%), and hypertriglyceridemia (72.76%). Factors associated with CAD included male gender (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.12-3.58), age ≥50 years (OR: 4.96, 95% CI: 3.29-7.45), lipoatrophy or lipodystrophy (OR 5.12, 95% CI: 1.12-23.33), AIDS-defining conditions (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.07-3.12), obesity (OR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.69-5.10), diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.25-4.97), and renal impairment (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.83-5.42).

Conclusions

Traditional CAD risk factors are common in PLWHIV. There were traditional and disease-specific factors associated with increased odds of CAD. These findings may aid clinicians and decision-makers in reducing the impact of CAD in PLWHIV.

Cardiovascular disease and risk assessment in people living with HIV: Current practices and novel perspectives

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection represents a major cardiovascular risk factor, and the cumulative cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden among aging people living with HIV (PLWH) constitutes a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. To date, CVD risk assessment in PLWH remains challenging. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate and stratify the cardiovascular risk in PLWH with appropriate screening and risk assessment tools and protocols to correctly identify which patients are at a higher risk for CVD and will benefit most from prevention measures and timely management. This review aims to accumulate the current evidence on the association between HIV infection and CVD, as well as the risk factors contributing to CVD in PLWH. Furthermore, considering the need for cardiovascular risk assessment in daily clinical practice, the purpose of this review is also to report the current practices and novel perspectives in cardiovascular risk assessment of PLWH and provide further insights into the development and implementation of appropriate CVD risk stratification and treatment strategies, particularly in countries with high HIV burden and limited resources.

Prediction models for cardiovascular disease risk among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

HIV continues to be a major global health issue. The relative risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people living with HIV (PLWH) was 2.16 compared to non-HIV-infections. The prediction of CVD is becoming an important issue in current HIV management. However, there is no consensus on optional CVD risk models for PLWH. Therefore, we aimed to systematically summarize and compare prediction models for CVD risk among PLWH.

Methods

Longitudinal studies that developed or validated prediction models for CVD risk among PLWH were systematically searched. Five databases were searched up to January 2022. The quality of the included articles was evaluated by using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST). We applied meta-analysis to pool the logit-transformed C-statistics for discrimination performance.

Results

Thirteen articles describing 17 models were included. All the included studies had a high risk of bias. In the meta-analysis, the pooled estimated C-statistic was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.72-0.81, I ² = 84.8%) for the Data collection on Adverse Effects of Anti-HIV Drugs Study risk equation (D:A:D) (2010), 0.75 (95% CI: 0.70-0.79, I ² = 82.4%) for the D:A:D (2010) 10-year risk version, 0.77 (95% CI: 0.74-0.80, I ² = 82.2%) for the full D:A:D (2016) model, 0.74 (95% CI: 0.68-0.79, I ² = 86.2%) for the reduced D:A:D (2016) model, 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61-0.79, I ² = 87.9%) for the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) for coronary heart disease (CHD) (1998), 0.74 (95% CI: 0.70-0.78, I ² = 87.8%) for the FRS CVD model (2008), 0.72 (95% CI: 0.67-0.76, I ² = 75.0%) for the pooled cohort equations of the American Heart Society/ American score (PCE), and 0.67 (95% CI: 0.56-0.77, I ² = 51.3%) for the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE). In the subgroup analysis, the discrimination of PCE was significantly better in the group aged ≤40 years than in the group aged 40-45 years (P = 0.024) and the group aged ≥45 years (P = 0.010). No models were developed or validated in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia region.

Conclusions

The full D:A:D (2016) model performed the best in terms of discrimination, followed by the D:A:D (2010) and PCE. However, there were no significant differences between any of the model pairings. Specific CVD risk models for older PLWH and for PLWH in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Asia region should be established.Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022322024.