INSTI-Based Triple Regimens in Treatment-Naïve HIV-Infected Patients Are Associated With HIV-RNA Viral Load Suppression at Ultralow Levels

Expanding Access to Organ Transplant for People Living With HIV: Can Policy Catch Up to Outcomes Data?

Advances in antiretroviral and immunosuppressive regimens have improved outcomes following solid organ transplantation in people living with HIV (PLWH). The HIV Organ Policy and Equity Act was conceived to reduce the discard of HIV-positive organs and improve access to transplant for PLWH. Nevertheless, PLWH continue to experience disproportionately low rates of transplant. This overview examines the hurdles to transplantation in PLWH with end-organ disease, the potential and realized impact of the HIV Organ Policy and Equity Act, and changes that could permit expanded access to organ transplant in this population.

Integrated analysis of viral blips, residual viremia, and associated factors in people with HIV: Results from a retrospective cohort study

The etiology of viral blips is not yet fully elucidated. One of the hypotheses is that blips reflect variations in residual viremia (RV) near the detectability threshold. In this study, we evaluated whether RV is associated with viral blips and which factors are associated with RV. All treatment regimens in 2010-2020 consisting of two nucleos(-t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors and one anchor (integrase strand transfer inhibitor [INSTI], non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [NNRTI], or protease inhibitor [PI]) in people with HIV (PWH) were evaluated for RV (detectable viremia <50 cp/mL) and blips (isolated viral loads [VLs] 50-499 cp/mL between measurements <50 cp/mL). All medical records were reviewed and regimens in which a VL ≥ 50 cp/mL was deemed to result from non-adherence (based on the documented conclusion by the treating physician) were excluded. Factors associated with blips and RV were identified using generalized linear mixed models. In total, 24 518 VLs from 1658 PWH were analyzed. VLs were measured during INSTI- (n = 5119; 20.9%), PI- (n = 8935; 36.4%), and NNRTI-use (n = 10 464; 42.7%). VLs were categorized as blips in 1.4% (n = 332). The 24,186 non-blip VLs were RNAneg (no RV) (n = 15 326; 63.4%), 1-19 cp/mL (n = 6318; 26.1%), 20-49 cp/mL (n = 1620; 6.7%), or <50 cp/mL with an unknown RV level (n = 922; 3.8%). In 193/1658 PWH (11.6%), the RV level was RNAneg in all VLs assessed. RV 1-19 cp/mL and 20-49 cp/mL (vs. RNAneg ) were significantly associated with subsequent viral blips (respective odds ratio 2.66 and 4.90 [95% confidence intervals: 1.98-3.58 and 3.41-7.04]). Zenith VL and use of PIs (vs. INSTIs/NNRTIs) were associated with higher RV and blip odds. This large cohort study showed that blips were associated with higher preceding RV. Both the anchor type and factors previously linked to the latent viral reservoir were associated with RV, suggesting blips having a multifactorial origin.

Plasma Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 RNA and CD4+ T-Cell Counts Are Determinants of Virological Nonsuppression Outcomes With Initial Integrase Inhibitor-Based Regimens: A Prospective RESPOND Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

There are conflicting data regarding baseline determinants of virological nonsuppression outcomes in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) starting antiretroviral treatment (ART). We evaluated the impact of different baseline variables in the RESPOND cohort.

METHODS

We included treatment-naive participants aged ≥18 who initiated 3-drug ART, in 2014-2020. We assessed the odds of virological suppression (VS) at weeks 48 and 96 using logistic regression. Viral blips, low-level viremia (LLV), residual viremia (RV), and virological failure (VF) rates were assessed using Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 4310 eligible participants, 72% started integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens. At 48 and 96 weeks, 91.0% and 93.3% achieved VS, respectively. At 48 weeks, Kaplan-Meier estimates of rates were 9.6% for viral blips, 2.1% for LLV, 22.2% for RV, and 2.1% for VF. Baseline HIV-1 RNA levels >100 000 copies/mL and CD4+ T-cell counts ≤200/µL were negatively associated with VS at weeks 48 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.51 [95% confidence interval, .39-.68] and .40 [.27-.58], respectively) and 96 and with significantly higher rates of blips, LLV, and RV. CD4+ T-cell counts ≤200/µL were associated with higher risk of VF (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.12 [95% confidence interval, 2.02-4.83]). Results were consistent in those starting INSTIs versus other regimens and those starting dolutegravir versus other INSTIs.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial high HIV-1 RNA and low CD4+ T-cell counts are associated with lower rates of VS at 48 and 96 weeks and higher rates of viral blips, LLV, and RV. Low baseline CD4+ T-cell counts are associated with higher VF rates. These associations remain with INSTI-based and specifically with dolutegravir-based regimens. These findings suggest that the impact of these baseline determinants is independent of the ART regimen initiated.

CASCADE protocol: exploring current viral and host characteristics, measuring clinical and patient-reported outcomes, and understanding the lived experiences and needs of individuals with recently acquired HIV infection through a multicentre mixed-methods observational study in Europe and Canada

INTRODUCTION

Despite the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART), 21 793 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in Europe in 2019. The Concerted action on seroconversion to AIDS and death in Europe study aims to understand current drivers of the HIV epidemic; factors associated with access to, and uptake of prevention methods and ART initiation; and the experiences, needs and outcomes of people with recently acquired HIV.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This longitudinal observational study is recruiting participants aged ≥16 years with documented laboratory evidence of HIV seroconversion from clinics in Canada and six European countries. We will analyse data from medical records, self-administered questionnaires, semistructured interviews and participatory photography. We will assess temporal trends in transmitted drug resistance and viral subtype and examine outcomes following early ART initiation. We will investigate patient-reported outcomes, well-being, and experiences of, knowledge of, and attitudes to HIV preventions, including PrEP. We will analyse qualitative data thematically and triangulate quantitative and qualitative findings. As patient public involvement is central to this work, we have convened a community advisory board (CAB) comprising people living with HIV.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

All respective research ethics committees have approval for data to contribute to international collaborations. Written informed consent is required to take part. A dissemination strategy will be developed in collaboration with CAB and the scientific committee. It will include peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and accessible summaries of findings on the study's website, social media and via community organisations.

Lower Incidence of HIV-1 Blips Observed During Integrase Inhibitor-Based Combination Antiretroviral Therapy

BACKGROUND

As the nature of viral blips remains unclear, their occurrence often leads to uncertainty. This study compares blip incidence rates during treatment with different combination antiretroviral therapy anchors.

SETTING

Retrospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

All antiretroviral regimens between 2010 and 2020 containing 2 nucleos(-t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors and 1 anchor in virologically suppressed people living with HIV (PLWH) from our center were evaluated for the occurrence of blips [isolated viral loads (VLs) 50-499 copies/mL between measurements <50 copies/mL]. Factors associated with blips were identified using multivariable generalized estimating equation-based negative binomial models. The relationship between blips and either persistent low-level viremia (consecutive VLs ≥ 50 copies/mL not classified as failure) or virologic failure (consecutive VLs ≥ 200 or 1 VL ≥ 500 copies/mL) was also evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 308 blips occurred during 3405 treatment courses in 1661 PLWH. Compared with a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor anchor, blip incidence was higher for protease inhibitors (incidence rate ratio 1.37; 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 1.78) and lower for integrase inhibitors (INSTIs) (incidence rate ratio 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.43 to 0.96). In addition, blips were associated with higher zenith VL, higher VL test frequency, and shorter time since antiretroviral therapy initiation. PLWH experiencing blips were more likely to demonstrate persistent low-level viremia but not virologic failure. Blips led to extra consultations and measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

INSTI-based regimens display a low number of blips. Although we found no correlation with virologic failure, the occurrence of blips led to an increased clinical burden. Further research is needed to elucidate the implications and underlying mechanisms of these findings.

Two-Drug Regimens for HIV-Current Evidence, Research Gaps and Future Challenges

During the last 30 years, antiretroviral treatment (ART) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been continuously evolving. Since 1996, three-drug regimens (3DR) have been standard-of-care for HIV treatment and are based on a protease inhibitor (PI) or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) plus two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). The effectiveness of first-generation 3DRs allowed a dramatic increase in the life expectancy of HIV-infected patients, although it was associated with several side effects and ART-related toxicities. The development of novel two-drug regimens (2DRs) started in the mid-2000s in order to minimize side effects, reduce drug-drug interactions and improve treatment compliance. Several clinical trials compared 2DRs and 3DRs in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients and showed the non-inferiority of 2DRs in terms of efficacy, which led to 2DRs being used as first-line treatment in several clinical scenarios, according to HIV clinical guidelines. In this review, we summarize the current evidence, research gaps and future prospects of 2DRs.

Differences in HIV Markers between Infected Individuals Treated with Different ART Regimens: Implications for the Persistence of Viral Reservoirs

In adherent individuals, antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses HIV replication, restores immune function, and prevents the development of AIDS. However, ART is not curative and has to be followed lifelong. Persistence of viral reservoirs forms the major obstacle to an HIV cure. HIV latent reservoirs persist primarily by cell longevity and proliferation, but replenishment by residual virus replication despite ART has been proposed as another potential mechanism of HIV persistence. It is a matter of debate whether different ART regimens are equally potent in suppressing HIV replication. Here, we summarized the current knowledge on the role of ART regimens in HIV persistence, focusing on differences in residual plasma viremia and other virological markers of the HIV reservoir between infected individuals treated with combination ART composed of different antiretroviral drug classes.

Detectability of HIV Residual Viremia despite Therapy Is Highly Associated with Treatment with a Protease Inhibitor-Based Combination Antiretroviral Therapy

HIV persistence despite therapy contributes to chronic immune activation and inflammation, increasing the risk of aging-associated events in HIV-infected individuals. We sought here to better understand the complex link between clinical and treatment features and HIV persistence despite therapy. A total of 11,045 samples from 1,160 individuals under combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) with an unquantifiable viral load (VL; limit of quantification, 20 copies/ml) were categorized as detectable or undetectable depending on the detection of a PCR signal using a commercially available assay. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression was used to model viral load detectability and to assess the determinants of residual viremia (RV; VL detected below 20 copies/ml) despite therapy. A high VL zenith was associated with a higher probability to have a detectable viremia under cART. Conversely, the probability to have a detectable viral load below 20 copies/ml decreased with time under therapy. Of therapy regimens, protease inhibitor (PI)-based cART was associated with a significantly higher probability of detectable RV compared to nonnucleoside transcriptase inhibitor- or integrase inhibitor-based cART. We found that a PI-based treatment regimen is highly associated with an increased frequency of RV, supporting previous evidence suggesting that PI-based cART regimens could favor ongoing viral replication in some individuals.