Renal Impairment and Cardiovascular Disease in HIV-Positive Individuals: The D:A:D Study

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.

Clinical characteristics of women with HIV in the RESPOND cohort: A descriptive analysis and comparison to men

BACKGROUND

Women with HIV are globally underrepresented in clinical research. Existing studies often focus on reproductive outcomes, seldom focus on older women, and are often underpowered to assess sex/gender differences. We describe CD4, HIV viral load (VL), clinical characteristics, comorbidity burden, and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among women with HIV in the RESPOND study and compare them with those of the men in RESPOND.

METHODS

RESPOND is a prospective, multi-cohort collaboration including over 34 000 people with HIV from across Europe and Australia. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including CD4/VL, comorbidity burden, and ART are presented at baseline, defined as the latter of 1 January 2012 or enrolment into the local cohort, stratified by age and sex/gender. We further stratify men by reported mode of HIV acquisition, men who have sex with men (MSM) and non-MSM.

RESULTS

Women account for 26.0% (n = 9019) of the cohort, with a median age of 42.2 years (interquartile range [IQR] 34.7-49.1). The majority (59.3%) of women were white, followed by 30.3% Black. Most women (75.8%) had acquired HIV heterosexually and 15.9% via injecting drug use. Nearly half (44.8%) were receiving a boosted protease inhibitor, 31.4% a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, and 7.8% an integrase strand transfer inhibitor. The baseline year was 2012 for 73.2% of women and >2019 for 4.2%. Median CD4 was 523 (IQR 350-722) cells/μl, and 73.6% of women had a VL <200 copies/mL. Among the ART-naïve population, women were more likely than MSM but less likely than non-MSM (p < 0.001) to have CD4 <200 cells/μL and less likely than both MSM and non-MSM (p < 0.001) to have VL ≥100 000 copies/mL. Women were also more likely to be free of comorbidity than were both MSM and non-MSM (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

RESPOND women are diverse in age, ethnicity/race, CD4/VL, and comorbidity burden, with important differences relative to men. This work highlights the importance of stratification by sex/gender for future research that may help improve screening and management guidelines specifically for women with HIV.

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.

Immunosuppression in HIV-positive kidney transplant recipients

PURPOSE OF STUDY

The purpose of this review is to provide the current state of immunosuppression therapy in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) with HIV and to discuss practical dilemmas to better understand and manage these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Certain studies find higher rates of rejection, which raises the need to critically assess the approach to immunosuppression management in HIV-positive KTR. Induction immunosuppression is guided by transplant center-level preference rather than by the individual patient characteristics. Earlier recommendations expressed concerns about the use of induction immunosuppression, especially utilizing lymphocyte-depleting agents; however, updated guidelines based on newer data recommend that induction can be used in HIV-positive KTR, and the choice of agent be made according to immunological risk. Likewise, most studies point out success with using first-line maintenance immunosuppression including tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and steroids. In selected patients, belatacept appears to be a promising alternative to calcineurin inhibitors with some well established advantages. Early discontinuation of steroids in this population carries a high risk of rejection and should be avoided.

SUMMARY

Immunosuppression management in HIV-positive KTR is complex and challenging, mainly because of the difficulty of maintaining a proper balance between rejection and infection. Interpretation and understanding of the current data towards a personalized approach of immunosuppression could improve management in HIV-positive KTR.

Development and Validation of the HIV-CARDIO-PREDICT Score to Estimate the Risk of Cardiovascular Events in HIV-Infected Patients

IMPORTANCE

Commonly used risk assessment tools for cardiovascular disease might not be accurate for HIV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop a model to accurately predict the 10-year cardiovascular disease (CV) risk of HIV-infected patients.

DESIGN

In this retrospective cohort study, adult HIV-infected patients seen at Boston Medical Center between March 2012 and January 2017 were divided into model development and validation cohorts.

SETTING

Boston Medical Center, a tertiary, academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult HIV-infected patients, seen in inpatient and outpatient setting.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

We used logistic regression to create a prediction risk model for cardiovascular events using data from the development cohort. Using a point-based risk-scoring system, we summarized the relationship between risk factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We then used the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) to evaluate model discrimination. Finally, we tested the model using a validation cohort.

RESULTS

1914 individuals met the inclusion criteria. The model had excellent discrimination for CVD risk [AUC 0.989; (95% CI: 0.986-0.993)] and included the following 11 variables: male sex (95% CI: 2.53-3.99), African American race/ethnicity (95% CI: 1.50-3.13), current age (95% CI: 0.07-0.13), age at HIV diagnosis (95% CI: -0.10-(-0.02)), peak HIV viral load (95% CI: 9.89 × 10-7-3.00 × 10-6), nadir CD4 lymphocyte count (95% CI: -0.03-(-0.02)), hypertension (95% CI: 0.20-1.54), hyperlipidemia (95% CI: 3.03-4.60), diabetes (95% CI: 0.61-1.89), chronic kidney disease (95% CI: 1.26-2.62), and smoking (95% CI: 0.12-2.39). The eleven-parameter multiple logistic regression model had excellent discrimination [AUC 0.957; (95% CI: 0.938-0.975)] when applied to the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Our novel HIV-CARDIO-PREDICT Score may provide a rapid and accurate evaluation of CV disease risk among HIV-infected patients and inform prevention measures.

Examining Depression as a Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in People with HIV: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) not fully accounted for by traditional or HIV-specific risk factors. Successful management of HIV does not eliminate this excess risk. Thus, there is a need to identify novel risk factors for CVD among people with HIV (PWH).

PURPOSE

Our objective was to systematically review the literature on one such candidate CVD risk factor in PWH-depression.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL was performed to identify published English-language studies examining associations of depression with clinical CVD, subclinical CVD, and biological mechanisms (immune activation, systemic inflammation, altered coagulation) among PWH between the earliest date and June 22, 2021.

RESULTS

Thirty-five articles were included. For clinical CVD (k = 8), findings suggests that depression is consistently associated with an increased risk of incident CVD. For subclinical CVD (k = 5), one longitudinal analysis reported a positive association, and four cross-sectional analyses reported null associations. For immune activation (k = 13), systemic inflammation (k = 17), and altered coagulation (k = 5), findings were mixed, and there was considerable heterogeneity in sample characteristics and methodological quality across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression may be an independent risk factor for CVD among PWH. Additional research is needed to confirm depression's association with clinical CVD and to determine whether depression is consistently and meaningfully associated with subclinical CVD and biological mechanisms of CVD in HIV. We propose a research agenda for this emerging area.

Prevalence, progression, and management of advanced chronic kidney disease in a cohort of people living with HIV

BACKGROUND

Advanced kidney disease is an emerging problem in people living with HIV despite sustained viral suppression.

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study to identify people living with HIV with advanced kidney disease according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria and to assess disease progression over a 48-week period following the offer of targeted multidisciplinary management.

RESULTS

From our cohort of 3090 individuals, 55 (1.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31-2.25) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Most were male (83.6%), and the median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 58 (53.25-66.75) years. Nadir CD4 T-cell count was 135.5 (IQR 43.5-262.75) cells/μl, current CD4 T-cell count was 574 (IQR 438.5-816) cells/μl, and 96% had maintained HIV viral suppression. The most frequent comorbidity was arterial hypertension (85.5%). Inadequate antiretroviral dose was detected in three individuals (5.5%), and drug-drug interactions were recorded in eight (14.5%), mainly involving the use of cobicistat (n = 5 [9%]). Four individuals (7%) required modification of their concomitant treatment. Seven (13%) had to start or resume follow-up with a nephrologist. Nine participants (16.4%) experienced an improvement in kidney disease stage, three individuals (5.5%) underwent renal transplantation, and one (2%) started haemodialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that a multidisciplinary approach, including a critical review of treatment and evaluation of specific requirements, could be useful for anticipating drug-drug interactions and toxicities and for reducing death and hospitalization in people living with HIV with advanced kidney disease.

Predicting cardiovascular risk using a novel risk score in young and middle-age adults with HIV: associations with biomarkers and carotid atherosclerotic plaque

BACKGROUND

Traditional risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) include older age, smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history. Young-to-middle age adults (YMAA) are less often identified as being at risk of CVD, but traditional risk scores primarily target older adults and do not accurately estimate risk among YMAA.

METHODS

This study examined biomarkers associated with CVD risk in YMAA in the context of HIV and cocaine use; risk was assessed by two methods: (1) a relative cardiovascular (CV) risk score that includes several factors and (2) carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Associations between CVD risk (CV risk score and carotid atherosclerotic plaque) and proinflammatory cytokines, markers of immune activation, HIV status, and cocaine use were examined. Participants (N = 506) included people with and without HIV and people who use or do not use cocaine.

RESULTS

Participants' mean age was 36 (SD = 9.53); half (51%) were men. Cocaine use and C-reactive protein were associated with greater relative CV risk scores, but no associations between biomarkers and CV risk emerged. Age and CV risk scores were associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaque, but biomarkers were not. HIV was not associated with CV risk scores or carotid atherosclerotic plaque.

CONCLUSIONS

Among YMAA, CV risk scores may help providers identify lifestyle changes needed among those at risk for CVD before more advanced risk (e.g., atherosclerotic plaque) is identified. Implications are discussed.

Cardiovascular risks associated with protease inhibitors for the treatment of HIV

Introduction: Cumulative use of some first-generation protease inhibitors has been associated with higher rates of dyslipidemia and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The protease inhibitors most commonly in use are atazanavir and darunavir, which have fewer detrimental lipid effects and greater tolerability. This paper aims to review the evidence of a potential association of these contemporary protease inhibitors with the risk of ischemic CVD and atherosclerotic markers.Areas covered: We searched for publications of randomized trials and observational studies on PubMed from 1 January 2000 onwards, using search terms including: protease inhibitors; darunavir; atazanavir; cardiovascular disease; cardiovascular events; dyslipidemia; mortality; carotid intima media thickness; arterial elasticity; arterial stiffness and drug discontinuation. Ongoing studies registered on clinicaltrials.gov as well as conference abstracts from major HIV conferences from 2015-2020 were also searched.Expert opinion: Atazanavir and darunavir are no longer part of first-line HIV treatment, but continue to be recommended as alternative first line, second- and third-line regimens, as part of two drug regimens, and darunavir is used as salvage therapy. Although these drugs will likely remain in use globally for several years to come, baseline CVD risk should be considered when considering their use, especially as the population with HIV ages.

Association of Kidney Disease With Abnormal Cardiac Structure and Function Among Ugandans With HIV Infection

BACKGROUND

People with HIV (PWH) are at an increased risk of both heart and kidney disease, but the relationship between kidney disease and cardiac structure and function in this population has not been well studied. In particular, whether the relationship between kidney disease and cardiac structure and function is stronger for PWH compared with uninfected controls is unknown.

METHODS

One hundred PWH on antiretroviral therapy were compared with 100 age-matched and sex-matched controls without HIV in Uganda. Multivariable regression models were used to examine associations between creatinine-based and cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin-creatinine ratio, and echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function.

RESULTS

PWH had lower eGFRcr (β -7.486, 95% confidence interval: -13.868 to -1.104, P = 0.022) and a higher rate of albumin-creatinine ratio ≥30 (odds ratio 2.146, 95% confidence interval: 1.027 to 4.484, P = 0.042) after adjustment for traditional risk factors. eGFR was inversely associated with both left ventricular mass index and diastolic dysfunction in adjusted models but not with systolic function. Albuminuria was associated with more diastolic dysfunction among PWH but not controls (P for interaction = 0.046). The association of HIV with a higher left ventricular mass index (P = 0.005) was not substantially affected by adjusting for eGFRcr.

CONCLUSION

Among Ugandans, eGFR is associated with elevated LV mass and diastolic dysfunction. The association between albuminuria and diastolic dysfunction is particularly strong for PWH.

Mechanisms and primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight mechanisms of elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among people living with HIV (PLWH), discuss therapeutic strategies, and opportunities for primary prevention.

RECENT FINDINGS

HIV-associated ASCVD risk is likely multifactorial and due to HIV-specific factors and traditional risk factors even in the setting of treated and suppressed HIV disease. Although a growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation and immune activation are key drivers of atherogenesis, therapies designed to lower inflammation including colchicine and low-dose methotrexate have not improved secondary cardiovascular endpoints among PLWH. Statins continue to be the mainstay of management of hyperlipidemia in HIV, but the impact of newer lipid therapies including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors on ASCVD risk among PLWH is under investigation. Aside from the factors mentioned above, healthcare disparities are particularly prominent among PLWH and thus likely contribute to increased ASCVD risk.

SUMMARY

Our understanding of mechanisms of elevated ASCVD risk in HIV continues to evolve, and the optimal treatment for CVD in HIV aside from targeting traditional risk factors remains unknown. Future studies including novel therapies to lower inflammation, control of risk factors, and implementation science are needed to ascertain optimal ways to treat and prevent ASCVD among PLWH.

Risks of cardio-vascular diseases among highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) treated HIV seropositive volunteers at a treatment centre in Lagos, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to a decline in HIV-induced morbidity and mortality in recent years. However, it has been opined that this has led to elevated risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study assessed the risks of CVDs among HAART experienced individuals living with HIV.

METHODS

a cross sectional study involving 196 adults consisting of 118 HAART experienced and 78 HAART naïve was conducted. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were recorded for all participants. Blood samples obtained from the volunteers were used to determine glucose, creatinine, HIV viral load, CD4 count and lipid profile using standard methods. Lipid ratios, atherogenic indices and QRISK3 risk score were calculated.

RESULTS

the median CD4 lymphocyte, mean body mass index (BMI) and HDL-c in HAART experienced participants were higher (P<0.05) than HAART naive individuals. The QRISK3 risk score and creatinine were higher (p<0.05) among HAART experienced group. In HAART experienced group, the risk of hypertension, increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and QRISK3 were 3.7, 2.0, 2.38 and 3.85 times (p<0.05) higher respectively than in HAART naive. Atherogenic coefficient (AC) increase was more prevalent among male (p<0.05) participants. Risk of chronic renal disease (eGFR), hypertension and CVD (as measured by QRISK3) was higher (p<0.05) among the female and older participants respectively.

CONCLUSION

the risk of CVDs and renal disease appeared to be higher among HAART experienced volunteers and older (>45 years) volunteers. The risk of renal disease appeared higher in females.

Effects of HIV Infection on Arterial Endothelial Function: Results From a Large Pooled Cohort Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of HIV serostatus and disease severity on endothelial function in a large pooled cohort study of people living with HIV infection and HIV- controls. Approach and Results: We used participant-level data from 9 studies: 7 included people living with HIV (2 treatment-naïve) and 4 had HIV- controls. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured using a standardized ultrasound imaging protocol with central reading. After data harmonization, multiple linear regression was used to examine the effects of HIV- serostatus, HIV disease severity measures, and cardiovascular disease risk factors on FMD. Of 2533 participants, 986 were people living with HIV (mean 44.4 [SD 11.8] years old) and 1547 were HIV- controls (42.9 [12.2] years old). The strongest and most consistent associates of FMD were brachial artery diameter, age, sex, and body mass index. The effect of HIV+ serostatus on FMD was strongly influenced by kidney function. In the highest tertile of creatinine (1.0 mg/dL), the effect of HIV+ serostatus was strong (β=-1.59% [95% CI, -2.58% to -0.60%], P=0.002), even after covariate adjustment (β=-1.36% [95% CI, -2.46% to -0.47%], P=0.003). In the lowest tertile (0.8 mg/dL), the effect of HIV+ serostatus was strong (β=-1.90% [95% CI, -2.58% to -1.21%], P<0.001), but disappeared after covariate adjustment. HIV RNA viremia, CD4+ T-cell count, and use of antiretroviral therapy were not meaningfully associated with FMD.

CONCLUSIONS

The significant effect of HIV+ serostatus on FMD suggests that people living with HIV are at increased cardiovascular disease risk, especially if they have kidney disease.

Factors associated to chronic kidney disease in people living with HIV/AIDS

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the factors associated to chronic kidney disease in people living with HIV (PLHIV).

METHOD

a paired case-control study (4 controls for each case) carried out in a specialized care service in the Southeastern of Brazil, by analyzing PLHIV medical records. The sample consisted of 85 participants, corresponding to 17 cases and 68 controls. Pearson's chi-square test (Χ2) and Fisher's exact test, logistic regression, Odds Ratio (OR), 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p<0.05 were used. SPSS version 25.0 and R Core Team, 2018 version 3.5.1 were used.

RESULTS

the factors associated with chronic kidney disease identified in this study were the following: presence of Systemic Arterial Hypertension [OR=5.8, CI (95%)=1.84-18.42, p=0.001] and use of nephrotoxic anti-retrovirals in the previous therapeutic regimen [OR=3.3, CI (95%)=1.105-10.221, p=0.028]. On the other hand, age below 40 years old [OR: 0.122, CI (95%)=0.015-0.981, p=0.022] was identified as a protective factor.

CONCLUSION

the PLHIV under study have multi-factorial exposure associated with chronic kidney disease. However, knowing these factors helps to identify the existing risks and/or renal dysfunction, in addition to supporting the clinical decision of the health professionals who directly assist them.

HIV infection and coronary heart disease: mechanisms and management

Antiretroviral therapy has largely transformed HIV infection into a chronic disease condition. As such, physicians and other providers caring for individuals living with HIV infection need to be aware of the potential cardiovascular complications of HIV infection and the nuances of how HIV infection increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral artery disease, heart failure and sudden cardiac death, as well as how to select available therapies to reduce this risk. In this Review, we discuss the epidemiology and clinical features of cardiovascular disease, with a focus on coronary heart disease, in the setting of HIV infection, which includes a substantially increased risk of myocardial infarction even when the HIV infection is well controlled. We also discuss the mechanisms underlying HIV-associated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, such as the high rates of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in patients with HIV infection and HIV-related factors, including the use of antiretroviral therapy and chronic inflammation in the setting of effectively treated HIV infection. Finally, we highlight available therapeutic strategies, as well as approaches under investigation, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower inflammation in patients with HIV infection.

Serious clinical events in HIV-positive persons with chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVES

Predictors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) amongst HIV-positive persons are well established, but insights into the prognosis after CKD including the role of modifiable risk factors are limited.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

METHODS

D:A:D participants developing CKD (confirmed, >3 months apart, eGFR ≤ 60 ml/min per 1.73 m or 25% eGFR decrease when eGFR ≤ 60 ml/min per 1.73 m) were followed to incident serious clinical events (SCE); end stage renal and liver disease (ESRL and ESLD), cardiovascular disease (CVD), AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining malignancies (NADM), other AIDS or death, 6 months after last visit or 1 February 2016. Poisson regression models considered associations between SCE and modifiable risk factors.

RESULTS

During 2.7 (IQR 1.1-5.1) years median follow-up 595 persons with CKD (24.1%) developed a SCE [incidence rate 68.9/1000 PYFU (95% confidence interval 63.4-74.4)] with 8.3% (6.9-9.0) estimated to experience any SCE at 1 year. The most common SCE was death (12.7%), followed by NADM (5.8%), CVD (5.6%), other AIDS (5.0%) and ESRD (2.9%). Crude SCE ratios were significantly higher in those with vs. without CKD, strongest for ESRD [65.9 (43.8-100.9)] and death [4.8 (4.3-5.3)]. Smoking was consistently associated with all CKD-related SCE. Diabetes predicted CVD, NADM and death, whereas dyslipidaemia was only significantly associated with CVD. Poor HIV-status predicted other AIDS and death, eGFR less than 30 ml/min per 1.73 m predicted CVD and death and low BMI predicted other AIDS and death.

CONCLUSION

In an era where many HIV-positive persons require less monitoring because of efficient antiretroviral treatment, persons with CKD carry a high burden of SCE. Several potentially modifiable risk factors play a central role for CKD-related morbidity and mortality.

Body Mass Index and the Risk of Serious Non-AIDS Events and All-Cause Mortality in Treated HIV-Positive Individuals: D: A: D Cohort Analysis

BACKGROUND

The relationship between body mass index (BMI) [weight (kg)/height (m)] and serious non-AIDS events is not well understood.

METHODS

We followed D:A:D study participants on antiretroviral therapy from their first BMI measurement to the first occurrence of the endpoint or end of follow-up (N = 41,149 followed for 295,147 person-years). The endpoints were cardiovascular disease (CVD); diabetes; non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) and BMI-NADCs (cancers known to be associated with BMI in general population); and all-cause mortality. Using Poisson regression models, we analyzed BMI as time-updated, lagged by 1 year, and categorized at: 18.5, 23, 25, 27.5, and 30 kg/m.

RESULTS

Participants were largely male (73%) with the mean age of 40 years (SD 9.7) and baseline median BMI of 23.3 (interquartile range: 21.2-25.7). Overall, BMI showed a statistically significant J-shaped relationship with the risk of all outcomes except diabetes. The relative risk (RR) for the BMI of <18.5 and >30 (95% confidence interval) compared with 23-25, respectively, was as follows: CVD: 1.46 (1.15-1.84) and 1.31 (1.03-1.67); NADCs: 1.78 (1.39-2.28) and 1.17 (0.88-1.54); and "BMI-NADCs": 1.29 (0.66-2.55) and 1.92 (1.10-3.36). For all-cause mortality, there was an interaction by sex (P < 0.001): RR in males: 2.47 (2.12-2.89) and 1.21 (0.97-1.50); and in females: 1.60 (1.30-1.98) and 1.02 (0.74-1.42). RR remained around 1 for intermediate categories of BMI. The risk of diabetes linearly increased with increasing BMI (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of CVD, a range of cancers, and all-cause mortality increased at low BMI (<18.5) and then tended to increase only at BMI > 30 with a relatively low risk at BMI of 23-25 and 25-30. High BMI was also associated with risk of diabetes.

Predictors of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes Among People Living With HIV: The D:A:D International Prospective Multicohort Study

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a stronger predictor of hemorrhagic than ischemic strokes in the general population. We aimed to identify whether hypertension or other risk factors, including HIV-related factors, differ in their associations with stroke subtypes in people living with HIV (PLWHIV).

METHODS

HIV-1-positive individuals from the Data collection on Adverse events of anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) study were followed from the time of first blood pressure (BP) measurement after 1/1/1999 or study entry until the first of a validated stroke, 6 months after last follow-up or 1/2/2014. Stroke events were centrally validated using standardized criteria. Hypertension was defined as one systolic BP ≥ 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mm Hg. Poisson and Cox proportional hazards regression models determined associations of established cerebro/cardiovascular disease and HIV-related risk factors with stroke and tested whether these differed by stroke subtype.

FINDINGS

590 strokes (83 hemorrhagic, 296 ischemic, 211 unknown) occurred over 339,979 person-years (PYRS) (incidence rate/1000 PYRS 1.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.60-1.88]). Common predictors of both hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes were hypertension (relative hazard 3.55 [95% CI 2.29-5.50] and 2.24 [1.77-2.84] respectively) and older age (1.28 [1.17-1.39] and 1.19 [1.12-1.25]). Male gender (1.62 [1.14-2.31] and 0.60 [0.35-0.91]), previous cardiovascular events (4.03 [2.91-5.57] and 1.44 [0.66-3.16]) and smoking (1.90 [1.41-2.56] and 1.08 [0.68-1.71]) were stronger predictors of ischemic then hemorrhagic strokes, whereas hypertension, hepatitis C (1.32 [0.72-2.40] and 0.46 [0.30-0.70]) and estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.72 m³ (4.80 [2.47-9.36] and 1.04 [0.67-1.60]) were stronger predictors of hemorrhagic than ischemic strokes. A CD4 count < 200 cells/μL was associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke only.

INTERPRETATION

Risk factors for stroke may differ by subtype in PLWHIV, emphasizing the importance of further research to increase the precision of stroke risk estimation.

Prevalence of impaired renal function in virologically suppressed people living with HIV compared with controls: the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection (COCOMO) study

OBJECTIVES

While renal impairment is reported more frequently in people living with HIV (PLWH) than in the general population, the PLWH samples in previous studies have generally been dominated by those at high renal risk.

METHODS

Caucasian PLWH who were virologically suppressed on antiretroviral treatment and did not have injecting drug use or hepatitis C were recruited from the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection (COCOMO) study. Sex- and age-matched controls were recruited 1:4 from the Copenhagen General Population Study up to November 2016. We defined renal impairment as one measurement of estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73 m² , and assessed associated factors using adjusted logistic regression models. The impact of HIV-related factors was explored in a subanalysis.

RESULTS

Among 598 PLWH and 2598 controls, the prevalence of renal impairment was 3.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-5.5%] and 1.7% (95% CI 1.2-2.2%; P = 0.0014), respectively. After adjustment, HIV status was independently associated with renal impairment [odds ratio (OR) 3.4; 95% CI 1.8-6.3]. In addition, older age [OR 5.4 (95% CI 3.9-7.5) per 10 years], female sex [OR 5.0 (95% CI 2.6-9.8)] and diabetes [OR 2.9 (95% CI 1.3-6.7)] were strongly associated with renal impairment. The association between HIV status and renal impairment became stronger with older age (P = 0.02 for interaction). Current and nadir CD4 counts, duration of HIV infection and previous AIDS-defining diagnosis were not associated with renal impairment among virologically suppressed PLWH.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of renal impairment is low among low-risk virologically suppressed Caucasian PLWH, but remains significantly higher than in controls. Renal impairment therefore remains a concern in all PLWH and requires ongoing attention.

Serious Non-AIDS Conditions in HIV: Benefit of Early ART

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Optimal control of HIV can be achieved by early diagnosis followed by the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Two large randomised trials (TEMPRANO and START) have recently been published documenting the clinical benefits to HIV-positive adults of early ART initiation. Main findings are reviewed with a focus on serious non-AIDS (SNA) conditions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data from the two trials demonstrated that initiating ART early in the course of HIV infection resulted in marked reductions in the risk of opportunistic diseases and invasive bacterial infections. This indicates that HIV causes immune impairment in early infection that is remedied by controlling viral replication. Intriguingly, in START, a marked reduction in risk of cancers, both infection-related and unrelated types of cancers, was observed. Like the findings for opportunistic infections, this anti-cancer effect of early ART shows how the immune system influences important pro-oncogenic processes. In START, there was also some evidence suggesting that early ART initiation preserved kidney function, although the clinical consequence of this remains unclear. Conversely, while no adverse effects were evident, the trials did not demonstrate a clear effect on metabolic-related disease outcomes, pulmonary disease, or neurocognitive function. HIV causes immune impairment soon after acquisition of infection. ART reverses this harm at least partially. The biological nature of the immune impairment needs further elucidation, as well as mechanisms and clinical impact of innate immune activation. Based on the findings from TEMPRANO and START, and because ART lowers the risk of onward transmission, ART initiation should be offered to all persons following their diagnosis of HIV.

Prevalence and incidence of kidney diseases leading to hospital admission in people living with HIV in France: an observational nationwide study

OBJECTIVES

To describe hospitalisations for kidney disease (KD) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in France and to identify the factors associated with such hospitalisations since data on the epidemiology of KD leading to hospitalisation are globally scarce.

DESIGN

Observational nationwide study using the French Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information database.

SETTING

France 2008-2013.

PARTICIPANTS

Around 10 862 PLHIV out of a mean of 5 210 856 patients hospitalised each year. All hospital admissions with a main diagnosis code indicating KD (International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision codes, N00 to -N39) were collected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The prevalence and incidence of KD leading to hospital admission in PLHIV and the associated risk factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of patients hospitalised for KD was 1.5 higher in PLHIV than in the general population, and increased significantly from 3.0% in 2008 to 3.7% in 2013 (p<0.01). The main cause of hospitalisation for KD was acute renal failure (ARF, 25.4%). Glomerular diseases remained stable (6.4%) throughout the study period, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis being the main diagnosis (37.6%). Only 41.3% of patients hospitalised for glomerular disease were biopsied. The other common motives for admission were nephrolithiasis (22.1%) and pyelonephritis (22.6%).The 5-year cumulative incidence of KD requiring hospitalisation was 5.9% in HIV patients newly diagnosed for HIV in 2009. Factors associated with a higher risk of incident KD requiring hospitalisation were cardiovascular disease (HR 3.30, 95% CI 1.46 to 7.49), and, for female patients, AIDS (HR 2.45, 95% CI 1.07 to 5.58). Two-thirds of hospitalisations for incident ARF occurred in the first 2 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital admission for KD is more frequent in PLHIV than in the general population and increases over time. ARF remains the leading cause. Glomerular diseases are infrequently documented by renal biopsies. Older patients and those with cardiovascular disease are particularly concerned.

Mild renal impairment is associated with calcified plaque parameters assessed by computed tomography angiography in people living with HIV

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of mild renal impairment and coronary plaque in people living with HIV (PLHIV).

METHODS

PLHIV and non-HIV controls with serum creatinine less than 1.5 mg/dl were investigated. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (calculated by CKD-EPI formula) was related to coronary plaque indices obtained by CT angiography.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-four PLHIV [HIV viral load, 49 (47,49) copies/ml, CD4+ cell count, median 536 (370, 770) cells/μl, duration HIV, 15 ± 7 years] and 72 HIV-negative controls without known cardiovascular disease (CVD) were studied. The two groups were well matched for traditional CVD risk factors. Serum creatinine (0.9 ± 0.2 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/dl, P = 0.96) and eGFR (96 ± 22 vs. 96 ± 24 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), P = 0.99) were similar between PLHIV and non-HIV, respectively. In PLHIV, eGFR inversely related to total severity of coronary plaque score (r = -0.27, P = 0.002), total coronary segments with plaque (r = -0.21, P = 0.005), calcified plaque segments (r = -0.15, P = 0.045), and Agatston score (r = -0.21, P = 0.006). Adjusting for total Framingham point score, BMI, and HIV parameters, eGFR remained significantly associated with calcified plaque and Agatston score in PLHIV. In HIV negative controls, eGFR did not correlate with calcified plaque (r = -0.20, P = 0.10) or Agatston score (r = -0.13, P = 0.29). Among PLHIV, those with eGFR less than 90 ml/min per 1.73 m(2) demonstrated increased total severity of coronary plaque score compared with those with eGFR greater than or equal to 90, P = 0.02). This relationship was stronger in PLHIV than the non-HIV group.

CONCLUSION

Our data highlight a robust relationship between subclinical renal impairment and coronary artery disease among PLHIV. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between mild renal impairment and CVD in HIV.

Lipid Abnormalities in Persons Living With HIV Infection

Lipid abnormalities are prevalent among persons living with HIV infection and contribute to increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with lipid abnormalities, most commonly hypertriglyceridemia, but also increases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol. Different classes of ART, and different drugs within classes, have differing effects on lipid levels, but in general newer drugs have more favourable effects compared with older ones. Low-level inflammation and chronic immune activation act on lipids through a variety of mechanisms to make them more atherogenic. As a consequence, risk is higher than would be expected for any given cholesterol level. Clinical outcome trials of cholesterol-lowering therapies have not yet been completed in people living with HIV, so that treatment decisions depend on extrapolation from studies in uninfected populations. Traditional risk assessment tools underestimate cardiovascular risk in individuals with HIV. Statins are the mainstay of lipid-lowering drug treatment; however, drug-drug interactions with ART must be considered. Simvastatin and lovastatin are contraindicated in patients taking protease inhibitors, and the dose of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin should be limited to 40 mg and 10 mg/d with some ART combinations. Switching from older forms of ART to lipid-friendly newer ones is a useful strategy as long as virologic suppression is maintained, but adding a statin lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol more effectively. Studies indicate that lipid abnormalities are not treated as aggressively in individuals living with HIV as they are in uninfected people, making this an opportunity to improve care.

Association between exposure to antiretroviral drugs and the incidence of hypertension in HIV-positive persons: the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) study

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have suggested that hypertension in HIV-positive individuals is associated primarily with traditional risk factors such as older age, diabetes and dyslipidaemia. However, controversy remains as to whether exposure to antiretroviral (ARV) drugs poses additional risk, and we investigated this question in the Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) cohort.

METHODS

The incidence of hypertension [systolic blood pressure (BP) > 140 and/or diastolic BP > 90 mmHg and/or initiation of antihypertensive treatment] was determined overall and in strata defined by demographic, metabolic and HIV-related factors, including cumulative exposure to each individual ARV drug. Predictors of hypertension were identified using uni- and multivariable Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

Of 33 278 included persons, 7636 (22.9%) developed hypertension over 223 149 person-years (PY) [incidence rate: 3.42 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.35-3.50) per 100 PY]. In univariable analyses, cumulative exposure to most ARV drugs was associated with an increased risk of hypertension. After adjustment for demographic, metabolic and HIV-related factors, only associations for nevirapine [rate ratio 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04-1.13) per 5 years] and indinavir/ritonavir [rate ratio 1.12 (95% CI: 1.04-1.20) per 5 years] remained statistically significant, although effects were small. The strongest independent predictors of hypertension were male gender, older age, black African ethnicity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, use of lipid-lowering drugs, high body mass index (BMI), renal impairment and a low CD4 count.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find evidence for any strong independent association between exposure to any of the individual ARV drugs and the risk of hypertension. Findings provide reassurance that screening policies and preventative measures for hypertension in HIV-positive persons should follow algorithms used for the general population.

Absence of effect of the antiretrovirals Duovir and Viraday on mitochondrial bioenergetics

Most toxicity associated with antiretroviral drugs is thought to result from disruption of mitochondrial function. Unfortunately, there are no validated laboratory markers for clinically assessing the onset of mitochondrial toxicity associated with antiretroviral therapy. In a previous study on mitochondrial hepatocytes, the protease inhibitor lopimune was shown to induce mitochondrial toxicity by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and decreasing respiratory control ratio (RCR) reflecting compromised mitochondrial efficiency in adenosine triphosphate production. Mitochondrial dysfunction and ROS production were directly correlated with the expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). In the current study we aim to determine the toxicity of nucleoside or nucleotide and nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors, Duovir and Viraday on liver mitochondria isolated from treated mice by monitoring UCP2 expression. Our results showed that both Duovir and Viraday had no effect on mitochondrial respiration states 2, 3, 4, and on RCR. In addition, ROS generation and UCP2 expression were not affected. In conclusion, our results indicate the difference in the mechanism of action of distinct classes of antiretroviral drugs on mitochondrial functions and may associate UCP2 expression with subclinical mitochondrial damage as marker of cellular oxidative stress.

Epidemiology of ischemic heart disease in HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to summarize and synthesize recent data on the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) in HIV-infected individuals.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies in the field demonstrate an increasing impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on morbidity and mortality in HIV relative to AIDS-related diagnoses. Studies continue to support an approximately 1.5 to two-fold increased risk of IHD conferred by HIV, with specific risk varying by sex and virologic/immunologic status. Risk factors include both traditional CVD risk factors and novel, HIV-specific factors including inflammation and immune activation. Specific antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs may increase CVD risk, yet the net effect of ART with viral suppression is beneficial with regard to CVD risk. Management of cardiovascular risk and prevention of CVD is complex, because current general population strategies target traditional CVD risk factors only. Extensive investigation is being directed at developing tailored CVD risk prediction algorithms and interventions to reduce CVD risk in HIV.

SUMMARY

Increased IHD risk is a significant clinical and public health challenge in HIV. The development and application of HIV-specific interventions to manage CVD risk factors and reduce CVD risk will improve the long-term health of this ageing population.

Are we successfully managing cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to discuss the most recent research in the management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) with a focus on screening, primary and secondary prevention.

RECENT FINDINGS

The cause of CVD in PLWHIV is complex and multifactorial and creates a demand for a multifaceted approach to screening and prevention. Current screening and management of CVD risk factors in PLWHIV is suboptimal, reasons for this are not clear and the data are still scarce both in the primary and secondary preventive setting. There are no optimal routine risk screening tools available to accurately detect early and subclinical disease; PLWHIV are undertreated with preventive drugs such as statins and aspirin and antihypertensives; there are still no programmes that have been shown significantly efficient over time with regards to improved smoking cessation, increased physical activity and optimal diet, and recent reports call for intensified focus on HIV-positive women as a particularly vulnerable subgroup.

SUMMARY

There is a need for further studies investigating barriers to optimal CVD risk factor management in PLWHIV and an increased focus of CVD prevention in HIV-positive women.

Hepatitis C virus cure does not impact kidney function decline in HIV co-infected patients

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text

Objective:

To examine the impact of sustained virologic response (SVR) and illicit (injection and noninjection) drug use on kidney function among hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV co-infected individuals.

Design:

Longitudinal observational cohort study of HCV-HIV co-infected patients.

Methods:

Data from 1631 patients enrolled in the Canadian Co-Infection Cohort between 2003 and 2016 were analyzed. Patients who achieved SVR were matched 1 : 2 with chronically infected patients using time-dependent propensity scores. Linear regression with generalized estimating equations was used to model differences in estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) between chronic HCV-infected patients and those achieving SVR. The relationship between illicit drug use and eGFR was explored in patients who achieved SVR.

Results:

We identified 384 co-infected patients who achieved SVR (53% treated with interferon-free antiviral regimens) and 768 propensity-score matched patients with chronic HCV infection. Most patients were men (78%) and white (87%), with a median age of 51 years (interquartile range: 45–56). During 1767 person-years of follow-up, 4041 eGFR measurements were available for analysis. Annual rates of decline in eGFR were similar between patients with SVR [−1.32 (ml/min per 1.73 m²)/year, 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.75 to −0.90] and chronic infection [−1.19 (ml/min per 1.73 m²) per year, 95% CI −1.55 to −0.84]. Among SVR patients, recent injection cocaine use was associated with rapid eGFR decline [−2.16 (ml/min per 1.73 m²)/year, 95% CI −4.17 to −0.16].

Conclusion:

SVR did not reduce the rate of kidney function decline among HCV–HIV co-infected patients. Increased risk of chronic kidney disease in co-infection may not be related to persistent HCV replication but to ongoing injection cocaine use.

Antiretroviral treatment Long-Term (ALT) cohort: a prospective cohort of 10 years of ART-experienced patients in Uganda

PURPOSE

Little information is available on patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) after a long-term period from sub-Saharan Africa, with the longest follow-up and related outcomes being after 10 years on ART. At the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) (Kampala, Uganda), we set up a cohort of patients already on ART for 10 years at the time of enrolment, who will be followed up for additional 10 years.

PARTICIPANTS

A prospective observational cohort of 1000 adult patients previously on ART for 10 years was enrolled between May 2014 and September 2015. Patients were eligible for enrolment if they were in their consecutive 10th year of ART regardless of the combination of drugs for both first- and second-line ART. Data were collected at enrolment and all annual study visits. Follow-up visits are scheduled once a year for 10 years. Biological samples (packed cells, plasma and serum) are stored at enrolment and follow-up visits.

FINDINGS TO DATE

Out of 1000 patients enrolled, 345 (34.5%) originate from a pre-existing research cohort at IDI, while 655 (65.5%) were enrolled from the routine clinic. Overall, 81% of the patients were on first line at the time of the enrolment in the ART long-term cohort, with the more frequent regimen being zidovudine plus lamivudine plus nevirapine (44% of the cohort), followed by zidovudine plus lamivudine plus efavirenz (22%) and tenofovir plus lamivudine or emtricitabine plus efavirenz (10%). At cohort enrolment, viral suppression was defined as HIV-RNA <400 copies/mL was 95.8%.

FUTURE PLANS

Through collaboration with other institutions, we are planning several substudies, including the evaluation of the risk for cardiovascular diseases, the assessment of bone mineral density, screening for liver cirrhosis using fibroscan technology and investigation of drug-drug interactions between ART and common drugs used for non-communicable diseases.

Abacavir use and risk of recurrent myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between abacavir (ABC) use and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) among HIV-positive people with a prior MI.

DESIGN

International multicohort collaboration with follow-up from 1999 to 2016.

METHODS

The rate of recurrent MI was described among D:A:D participants who experienced an index MI whilst in the study, and who remained under follow-up beyond 28 days after this MI. Follow-up was considered to the date of next MI, death, 1 February 2016 or 6 months after last clinic visit. Poisson regression models considered associations between recurrent MI and exposure to ABC (use at index MI, current post-MI exposure and cumulative exposure), before and after adjusting for calendar year.

RESULTS

The 984 individuals who experienced an index MI during the study (91.3% male, median age 51 at index MI) were followed for 5312 person-years, over which time there were 136 recurrent MIs (rate 2.56/100 person-years, 95% confidence interval 2.13-2.99). Rates were 2.40 (1.71-3.09) and 2.65 (2.10-3.21)/100 person-years in those who were and were not on ABC, respectively, at the index MI, and 2.90 (2.01-3.78) and 2.44 (1.95-2.93)/100 person-years in those who were and were not currently receiving ABC, respectively, post-MI. No association was seen with recurrent MI and either cumulative exposure to ABC [relative rate 0.86 (0.68-1.10)/5 years], receipt of ABC at index MI [0.90 (0.63-1.29)] nor recent post-MI exposure to ABC [1.19 (0.82-1.71)].

CONCLUSION

Among people with a previous MI, there was no evidence for an association between use of ABC post-MI and an elevated risk of a recurrent MI.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) event rates in HIV-positive persons at high predicted CVD and CKD risk: A prospective analysis of the D:A:D observational study

BACKGROUND

The Data Collection on Adverse Events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) study has developed predictive risk scores for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD, defined as confirmed estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≤ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) events in HIV-positive people. We hypothesized that participants in D:A:D at high (>5%) predicted risk for both CVD and CKD would be at even greater risk for CVD and CKD events.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We included all participants with complete risk factor (covariate) data, baseline eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and a confirmed (>3 months apart) eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 thereafter to calculate CVD and CKD risk scores. We calculated CVD and CKD event rates by predicted 5-year CVD and CKD risk groups (≤1%, >1%-5%, >5%) and fitted Poisson models to assess whether CVD and CKD risk group effects were multiplicative. A total of 27,215 participants contributed 202,034 person-years of follow-up: 74% male, median (IQR) age 42 (36, 49) years, median (IQR) baseline year of follow-up 2005 (2004, 2008). D:A:D risk equations predicted 3,560 (13.1%) participants at high CVD risk, 4,996 (18.4%) participants at high CKD risk, and 1,585 (5.8%) participants at both high CKD and high CVD risk. CVD and CKD event rates by predicted risk group were multiplicative. Participants at high CVD risk had a 5.63-fold (95% CI 4.47, 7.09, p < 0.001) increase in CKD events compared to those at low risk; participants at high CKD risk had a 1.31-fold (95% CI 1.09, 1.56, p = 0.005) increase in CVD events compared to those at low risk. Participants' CVD and CKD risk groups had multiplicative predictive effects, with no evidence of an interaction (p = 0.329 and p = 0.291 for CKD and CVD, respectively). The main study limitation is the difference in the ascertainment of the clinically defined CVD endpoints and the laboratory-defined CKD endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that people at high predicted risk for both CVD and CKD have substantially greater risks for both CVD and CKD events compared with those at low predicted risk for both outcomes, and compared to those at high predicted risk for only CVD or CKD events. This suggests that CVD and CKD risk in HIV-positive persons should be assessed together. The results further encourage clinicians to prioritise addressing modifiable risks for CVD and CKD in HIV-positive people.

Cardiovascular outcomes among HIV-infected veterans receiving atazanavir

OBJECTIVE

Patients with HIV infection have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared with uninfected individuals. Antiretroviral therapy with atazanavir (ATV) delays progression of atherosclerosis markers; whether this reduces cardiovascular disease event risk compared with other antiretroviral regimens is currently unknown.

DESIGN

Population-based, noninterventional, historical cohort study conducted from 1 July 2003 through 31 December 2015.

SETTING

Veterans Health Administration hospitals and clinics throughout the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Treatment-naive patients with HIV infection (N = 9500).

ANTIRETROVIRAL EXPOSURES

Initiating antiretroviral regimens containing ATV, other protease inhibitors, nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), or integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs).

MAIN OUTCOME/EFFECT SIZE MEASURES

Incidence rates of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and all-cause mortality within each regimen. ATV versus other protease inhibitor, NNRTI, or INSTI covariate-adjusted hazard ratios by using Cox proportional hazards models and inverse probability of treatment weighting.

RESULTS

Incidence rates for MI, stroke, and all-cause mortality with ATV-containing regimens (5.2, 10.4, and 16.0 per 1000 patient-years, respectively) were lower than with regimens containing other protease inhibitors (10.2, 21.9, and 23.3 per 1000 patient-years), NNRTIs (7.5, 15.9, and 17.5 per 1000 patient-years), or INSTIs (13.0, 33.1, and 21.5 per 1000 patient-years). After inverse probability of treatment weighting, adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for MI, stroke, and all-cause mortality with ATV-containing regimens versus all non-ATV-containing regimens were 0.59 (0.41-0.84), 0.64 (0.50-0.81), and 0.90 (0.73-1.11), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Among treatment-naive HIV-infected patients in the Veterans Health Administration initiating ATV-containing regimens, risk of both MI and stroke were significantly lower than in those initiating regimens containing other protease inhibitors, NNRTIs, or INSTIs.

Cardiovascular health in an aging HIV population

: Populations living with HIV who access effective antiretroviral therapies are ageing and thus facing chronic disease-related comorbidities. Cardiovascular disease is now a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the HIV population as in the general population. The increased incidence of cardiovascular complications experienced by the HIV population is due to physiological aging and consequently the increased risk of hypertension, diabetes, and renal failure. Whether HIV itself is an additive and independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a central question. If and how HIV impacts the ageing process is an important and related question. The purpose of the present review is to highlight the risk of CVD in the ageing HIV population, particularly concerning atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) and heart failure, and to address effective CVD prevention in an aging HIV population at risk of poly-pharmacy.

Hepatitis C co-infection is associated with an increased risk of incident chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected patients initiating combination antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has reduced mortality from AIDS-related illnesses and chronic comorbidities have become prevalent among HIV-infected patients. We examined the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients initiating modern antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Canadian HIV Observational Cohort for individuals initiating cART from 2000 to 2012. Incident CKD was defined as two consecutive serum creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) measurements <60 mL/min/1.73m² obtained ≥3 months apart. CKD incidence rates after cART initiation were compared between HCV co-infected and HIV mono-infected patients. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

We included 2595 HIV-infected patients with eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73m² at cART initiation, of which 19% were HCV co-infected. One hundred and fifty patients developed CKD during 10,903 person-years of follow-up (PYFU). The CKD incidence rate was higher among co-infected than HIV mono-infected patients (26.0 per 1000 PYFU vs. 10.7 per 1000 PYFU). After adjusting for demographics, virologic parameters and traditional CKD risk factors, HCV co-infection was associated with a significantly shorter time to incident CKD (HR 1.97; 95% CI: 1.33, 2.90). Additional factors associated with incident CKD were female sex, increasing age after 40 years, lower baseline eGFR below 100 mL/min/1.73m², increasing HIV viral load and cumulative exposure to tenofovir and lopinavir.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV co-infection was associated with an increased risk of incident CKD among HIV-infected patients initiating cART. HCV-HIV co-infected patients should be monitored for kidney disease and may benefit from available HCV treatments.

Adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy on liver hepatocytes and endothelium in HIV patients: An ultrastructural perspective

Human immunodeficiency virus and antiretroviral therapy (ART) together can be far more detrimental to liver cells than either of the two unaided. However, ultrastructural aspects of the synergistic effects of HIV and ART have been understudied. In a patient cohort receiving ART, this study characterizes ultrastructurally sinusoidal degeneration, hepatocytic aberrations, mitochondrial dysfunction, accumulation of bulky lipid droplets (steatosis), and occlusion of sinusoidal lumina. Mitochondrial dysfunction causes the accumulation of acetyl-CoA which leads to insulin upregulation and resistance, lipid synthesis, and steatosis. Lipid droplets deposited in the sinusoids could be the source of the blood's lipid profile alterations in HIV patients on ART.