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Bai F, Bono V, Borghi L, Bonazza F, Falcinella C, Vitaletti V, Miraglia F, Trunfio M, Calcagno A, Cusato J, Vegni E, d’Arminio Monforte A, Marchetti G. Association between tight junction proteins and cognitive performance in untreated persons with HIV. AIDS 2024; 38:1292-1303. [PMID: 38704619 PMCID: PMC11216391 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) still affects persons with HIV (PWH) and their pathogenesis is not completely understood. We aimed to explore the association between plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment and HAND in untreated PWH. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS We enrolled untreated PWH, who underwent blood examinations and lumbar puncture to measure inflammation (IL-15, TNF-α), BBB damage (zonulin and tight junction proteins, tight junction proteins: occludin, claudin-5) and endothelial adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, ICAM-1). A comprehensive neurocognitive battery was used to diagnose HAND (Frascati criteria). RESULTS Twenty-one patients (21/78, 26.9%) patients presented HAND (100% ANI). HAND patients displayed more frequently non-CNS AIDS-defining conditions, lower nadir CD4 + T cells and increased CD4 + T-cell exhaustion (lower CD4 + CD127 + and CD4 + CD45RA + T-cell percentages), in comparison to individuals without cognitive impairment. Furthermore, HAND was characterized by higher plasma inflammation (IL-15) but lower CSF levels of biomarkers of BBB impairment (zonulin and occludin). The association between BBB damage with HAND was confirmed by fitting a multivariable logistic regression. CSF/plasma endothelial adhesion molecules were not associated with HAND but with a poor performance in different cognitive domains. CONCLUSION By showing heightened inflammation and BBB impairment, our study suggests loss of BBB integrity as a possible factor contributing to the development of HAND in untreated PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lidia Borghi
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan
| | - Federica Bonazza
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan
| | - Camilla Falcinella
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, ASST della Valle Olona, Busto Arsizio Hospital, Busto Arsizio
| | | | | | | | | | - Jessica Cusato
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Vegni
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan
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Wójcik-Cichy K, Piekarska A, Jabłonowska E. Has COVID-19 Changed the Incidence and Profile of Late Presenters for HIV Infection in Lodz, Polish Reference Centre, Poland? J Clin Med 2024; 13:4121. [PMID: 39064161 PMCID: PMC11278052 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13144121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and characteristics of HIV late presenters (LPs) and advanced LPs (aLPs) registered in the Lodz HIV centre during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021) with those of the pre-pandemic period (2017-2019). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of the predictive factors associated with HIV LPs and aLPs based on multivariable logistic regression. The patient entry into specialist HIV care after diagnosis during the pandemic was analysed. Results: Of 121 newly diagnosed HIV infections during the pandemic, 49.6% had late presentation and 36.4% had advanced HIV disease (AHD). In the pre-pandemic period, out of 154 newly diagnosed patients, 58.4% were LPs and 38.3% were aLPs. Independent risk factors for HIV late presentation were older age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.076; p = 0.008), diagnosis in hospital (OR: 5.63, 95% CI: 2.87-11.05; p < 0.001) and negative VDRL as compared to positive VDRL (OR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.19-5.15; p = 0.015). The same predictive factors were associated with aLPs: older age (OR: 1.07, 95% Cl 1.04-1.11; p < 0.001), HIV diagnosis in hospital (OR: 4.25, 95% CI 2.17-8.29; p < 0.001) and negative VDRL as compared to positive VDRL (OR: 4.95, 95% CI 1.87-13.10; p = 0.001). HIV diagnosis during the pandemic was not a risk factor for late presentation nor for advanced late presentation. However, the time between HIV diagnosis and the first visit to an HIV centre was statistically lower in the pre-pandemic period (p = 0.0048); the median lengths of time between the date of HIV testing, the first visit to the centre and the initiation of ART did not differ between these two periods in LPs and aLPs (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic did not change the prevalence or characteristics of late presentation and aLPs among newly diagnosed patients, nor did it extend the time to enrolment in HIV care or ART introduction in these groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamila Wójcik-Cichy
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lodz, Kniaziewicza 1/5, 91-347 Łódź, Poland; (A.P.); (E.J.)
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Ojukwu E, Pashaei A, Maia JC, Omobhude OF, Tawfik A, Nguyen Y. Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV care continuum and related factors in economically disadvantaged nations: an integrated analysis using mixed-methods systematic review. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:346. [PMID: 38926792 PMCID: PMC11202375 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01917-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic affected the self-management and care of people living with HIV, requiring adaptations in the way health services are provided. However, it is unclear how these changes impacted HIV care in low-income countries. METHODS A systematic review including the current evidence related to changes in HIV care continuum during COVID-19 was conducted through a systematic search in the online databases including CINAHL, OVID-Medline, CAB Direct, and OVID-Embase. A two-step screening process was carried out to include eligible papers and reports according to inclusion criteria. RESULTS From the searches we identified 21 total studies published between 2021 and 2024, the studies revealed mostly negative impacts on all stages of the HIV care continuum in low-income countries. There were impacts related to the blocking measures due to COVID-19, fear of contracting the disease, difficulties in providing resources such as income, food and transports, reductions in the provision of care from prevention to viral suppression. CONCLUSION Overall, researchers identified several negative impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on HIV care continuum during pandemic; however, some observations indicated indirect positive impacts on some aspects of HIV care. Decline in HIV care practices during pandemic compared to before pandemic were observed including using preventative methods, counseling and testing, receiving HIV healthcare services, HIV medical appointments, antiretroviral adherence, engagement with treatment, and poor viral suppression. However, in some evidence improvement in ART adherence and PrEP use were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuela Ojukwu
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ava Pashaei
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | | | | | - Abdulaziz Tawfik
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yvonne Nguyen
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Dorrucci M, Regine V, Pugliese L, Suligoi B. Impact of COVID-19 epidemic on temporal pattern of new HIV diagnoses in Italy, 2021 database. Eur J Public Health 2023; 33:1171-1176. [PMID: 37651709 PMCID: PMC10710354 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New HIV diagnoses in Italy decreased drastically in 2020 due to COVID-19 related effects: 50% fewer diagnoses were reported by the National HIV Surveillance System. COVID-19 pandemic impact on HIV surveillance is unclear. We estimated the expected number of new HIV diagnoses in 2020 in order to isolate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We analyzed 29 697 new HIV infections diagnosed from 2012 to 2020, reported to the National HIV Surveillance System. We assessed temporal trends of new HIV diagnoses applying negative binomial mixed effects models. We estimated the COVID-19 impact as the difference between the model-estimated slopes from 2012 to 2019 and the change reported in the diagnoses. The expected number of new HIV diagnoses in 2020 was also estimated and compared with the reported count. RESULTS Based on the historical trend, we expected a 15% (95% CI: 5-25%) decline of new HIV diagnoses in 2020. We reported, however, a 49% decrease, yielding to a 34% net decrease in the number of new diagnoses. The strongest impact was estimated in northern regions (-40%) and MSM (-38%). We estimated 761 (95% prediction interval: 350-1277) missed diagnoses during 2020, the majority of them occurring in the North (465 cases), among MSM (416) and heterosexual males (217). CONCLUSIONS In 2020, when excluding 15% decrease of new diagnoses attributable to the expected reduction, an additional 34% decrease was observed, representing a large decline in new HIV diagnoses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dorrucci
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenza Regine
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Pugliese
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Suligoi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Boesecke C, Schellberg S, Schneider J, Schuettfort G, Stocker H. Prevalence, characteristics and challenges of late HIV diagnosis in Germany: an expert narrative review. Infection 2023; 51:1223-1239. [PMID: 37470977 PMCID: PMC10545628 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to review the landscape of late HIV diagnosis in Germany and discuss persisting and emerging barriers to earlier diagnosis alongside potential solutions. METHODS We searched PubMed for studies informing the prevalence, trends, and factors associated with late HIV diagnosis in Germany. Author opinions were considered alongside relevant data. RESULTS In Germany, older individuals, heterosexuals, and migrants living with HIV are more likely to be diagnosed late. The rate of late diagnosis in men who have sex with men (MSM), however, continues to decrease. Indicator conditions less often prompt HIV testing in women and non-MSM. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the absolute number of late diagnoses fell in Germany, but the overall proportion increased, probably reflecting lower HIV testing rates. The Ukraine war and subsequent influx of Ukrainians living with HIV may have substantially increased undiagnosed HIV cases in Germany. Improved indicator testing (based on unbiased assessments of patient risk) and universal testing could help reduce late diagnoses. In patients who receive a late HIV diagnosis, rapid treatment initiation with robust ART regimens, and management and prevention of opportunistic infections, are recommended owing to severely compromised immunity and increased risks of morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION Joint efforts are needed to ensure that UNAIDS 95-95-95 2030 goals are met in Germany. These include greater political will, increased funding of education and testing campaigns (from government institutions and the pharmaceutical industry), continued education about HIV testing by HIV experts, and broad testing support for physicians not routinely involved in HIV care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jochen Schneider
- School of Medicine, University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gundolf Schuettfort
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hartmut Stocker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Joseph Hospital, Berlin, Germany.
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Sevgi DY, Demirbas ND, Genc Yaman I, Derin O, Oncul A, Atasoy Tahtasakal C, Gul O, Diktas H, Dokmetas I. Evaluation of the late presentation and associated factors of people living with HIV in Turkey. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28781. [PMID: 37212337 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
To identify the frequency of late presentation and late presentation with advanced disease, and associated factors in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Data from PLHIV diagnosed between 2008 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Time of diagnosis (categorized based on key events affecting HIV care continuum e.g., national strategies, HIV guidelines, COVID-19 pandemic) and characteristics of late presenters (LP: CD4 ≤350 cells/mm³ or an AIDS defining event) and late presenters with advanced disease (LPAD: CD4 <200 cells/mm³) were describe. Associations between dependent (LP, LPAD) and independent variables were assessed using univariate/multivariate regression tests and presented as odds ratios (95% confidential interval). Of 1585 individuals (93.7% men), 42.5% were LPs and 19.3% were LPADs. Most common route of transmission was sex between men (54.3%). Non-LPs were younger (30 vs. 34 and 36 years; p < 0.001) and included more men who have sex with men (60.3% vs. 46.3% and 39.5%; p < 0.001). Factors associated with being LP and LPAD were age >30 years, heterosexual/unknown route of transmission (vs. sex between men), diagnosis in 2008-2013 or 2020-2021, (vs. 2014-2019). With reference to Turkish subjects, migrants from Africa had higher odds of being LPAD. LP is still an important health issue in HIV care. Heterosexuality, older age (>30 years), migration from Africa, and the COVID-19 pandemic are associated with delays in HIV presentation in Turkey. These factors need to be considered when developing and implementing policies to enable earlier diagnosis and treatment of PLHIV to achieve UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Yildiz Sevgi
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nazife Duygu Demirbas
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Irem Genc Yaman
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Okan Derin
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahsen Oncul
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ceren Atasoy Tahtasakal
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Gul
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Husrev Diktas
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ilyas Dokmetas
- Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
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van Bremen K, Monin M, Schlabe S, Bischoff J, Rieke GJ, Schwarze‐Zander C, Wasmuth J, Rockstroh JK, Boesecke C. Impact of COVID-19 on HIV late diagnosis in a specialized German centre. HIV Med 2022; 23:1209-1213. [PMID: 36263724 PMCID: PMC9874758 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has been impeding HIV diagnosis and treatment worldwide. Data on the impact of COVID-19 on late diagnosis (LD) in Germany are lacking. Here we present novel data of a single-centre German HIV cohort assessing LD during COVID-19. METHODS This is a non-interventional, single-centre retrospective cohort assessing the rate of LD comparing HIV diagnoses pre-COVID-19 with those during the COVID-19 pandemic. New diagnoses between 1 January 2019 and 1 February 2020 were classified as pre-COVID-19, and diagnoses between 1 February 2020 and 1 October 2021 were classified as during COVID-19. RESULTS Between 1 January 2019 and 1 October 2021, 75 patients presented with newly diagnosed HIV infection, 34 pre-COVID-19 and 41 during COVID-19. LD increased to 83% (n = 34/41) during COVID-19 versus 59% (n = 20/34) pre-COVID-19, and CDC stage C3 rose to 44% (n = 18) versus 27%. Hospitalization rate increased to 49% (n = 20) during COVID-19 versus 29% pre-COVID-19, and 12% (n = 5) presented with HIV-associated neurological disease, whereas none were observed in the pre-COVID-19 group. The incidence of LD (p = 0.020), CD4 count < 350 cells/μL (p = 0.037) and < 200 cells/μL (p = 0.022) were statistically significantly associated with the ongoing COVID-pandemic. An association with HIV transmission risk was borderline significant (p = 0.055). CONCLUSIONS Despite comparable annual rates of new HIV diagnoses, LD has been increasing during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in more opportunistic infections and higher hospitalization rates, possibly reflecting pandemic-related shortages in HIV testing and care facilities. Maintaining HIV testing opportunities and access to treatment during a pandemic is crucial so as not to impede WHO elimination goals and so as to prevent an increase in AIDS-related morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin van Bremen
- Bonn University HospitalBonnGermany,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF)BraunschweigGermany
| | - Malte Monin
- Bonn University HospitalBonnGermany,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF)BraunschweigGermany
| | - Stefan Schlabe
- Bonn University HospitalBonnGermany,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF)BraunschweigGermany
| | - Jenny Bischoff
- Bonn University HospitalBonnGermany,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF)BraunschweigGermany
| | - Gereon Jonas Rieke
- Bonn University HospitalBonnGermany,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF)BraunschweigGermany
| | | | - Jan‐Christian Wasmuth
- Bonn University HospitalBonnGermany,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF)BraunschweigGermany
| | - Jürgen K. Rockstroh
- Bonn University HospitalBonnGermany,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF)BraunschweigGermany
| | - Christoph Boesecke
- Bonn University HospitalBonnGermany,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF)BraunschweigGermany
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Vaz-Pinto I, Gorgulho A, Esteves C, Guimarães M, Castro V, Carrodeguas A, Medina D. Increasing HIV early diagnosis by implementing an automated screening strategy in emergency departments. HIV Med 2022; 23:1153-1162. [PMID: 36320172 PMCID: PMC10092854 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Late HIV diagnosis is associated with increased morbidity, mortality and risk of onward transmission. Increasing HIV early diagnosis is still a priority. In this observational study with historical control, we determined the impact of an opportunistic HIV screening strategy in the reduction of late diagnosis and missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis. METHODS The screening programme was implemented in the emergency department (ED) of the Hospital de Cascais between September 2018 and September 2021. Eligible patients were aged 18-64 years, with no known HIV diagnosis or antibody testing performed in the previous year, and who required blood work for any reason. Out of the 252 153 emergency visits to the ED, we identified 43 153 (17.1%) patients eligible for HIV testing. Among the total population eligible for the screening, 38 357 (88.9%) patients were ultimately tested for HIV. Impact of the ED screening was determined by analysing late diagnosis in the ED and missed opportunities at different healthcare settings 3 years before and 3 years after the start of the ED screening. RESULTS After 3 years of automated HIV ED testing, we found 69 newly diagnosed HIV cases (54% male, 39% Portuguese nationals, mean age 40.5 years). When comparing the characteristics of HIV diagnoses made in the ED, we observed a significant reduction in the number of people with late HIV diagnosis before and after implementation of the screening programme (78.4% vs. 39.1%, respectively; p = 0.0291). The mean number of missed opportunities for diagnosis also fell (2.6 vs. 1.5 annual encounters with the healthcare system per patient, p = 0.0997). CONCLUSIONS People living with HIV in Cascais and their providers miss several opportunities for earlier diagnosis. Opportunistic screening strategies in settings previously deemed to be unconventional, such as EDs, are feasible and effective in mitigating missed opportunities for timely HIV diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Vaz-Pinto
- HIV-AIDS Functional Unit, Cascais Hospital Dr. José de Almeida, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Ana Gorgulho
- HIV-AIDS Functional Unit, Cascais Hospital Dr. José de Almeida, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Catarina Esteves
- HIV-AIDS Functional Unit, Cascais Hospital Dr. José de Almeida, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Guimarães
- HIV-AIDS Functional Unit, Cascais Hospital Dr. José de Almeida, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Vanda Castro
- HIV-AIDS Functional Unit, Cascais Hospital Dr. José de Almeida, Cascais, Portugal
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Suchacz MM, Krankowska D, Cybula A, Kamerys J, Jabłonowska E, Rozpłochowski B, Bociąga‐Jasik M, Wiercińska‐Drapało A. Delayed HIV diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland: A call for targeted HIV testing for those under suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. HIV Med 2022; 23:1173-1183. [PMID: 36372396 PMCID: PMC9877591 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyse patients newly diagnosed with HIV who were originally admitted to hospitals with suspicion of COVID-19. METHODS This was a retrospective case series undertaken at four sites. Only adults with new HIV diagnosis and COVID-19 exclusion hospitalized in 2020-2021 were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from medical records. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were included in the analysis: 19 men (76%), 11 of Ukrainian origin (44%). The median age was 38.5 years (range 25-59). The mode of HIV transmission was heterosexual for 11 (44%) patients, eight (32%) were men who have sex with men and three (12%) were people who inject drugs. The median duration of symptoms prior to hospital presentation was 20.6 days (range 3-90). The median number of SARS-CoV-2 tests per patient was 2.62 (range 1-7). All SARS-CoV-2 tests were negative. Screening for HIV was performed on average on the 18th day of hospitalization (range 1-36 days). Twenty-three patients (92%) were late presenters, 22 (88%) had advanced disease, and 19 (76%) were in the AIDS stage. The median CD4 T-cell count was 72 cells/μL (range 3-382). The rate of positive HIV testing at the two sites where it was available for people with suspected COVID-19 was 0.13% (7/5458 during the study period). CONCLUSIONS We strongly recommend introducing the HIV screening test in the diagnostic algorithm for every patient suspected of having COVID-19, presenting with clinical and/or radiological pulmonary symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena M. Suchacz
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland,Hospital for Infectious DiseasesWarsawPoland
| | - Dagny Krankowska
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland,Hospital for Infectious DiseasesWarsawPoland
| | - Aneta Cybula
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland,Hospital for Infectious DiseasesWarsawPoland
| | - Juliusz Kamerys
- Department of Infectious Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
| | - Elżbieta Jabłonowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
| | | | - Monika Bociąga‐Jasik
- Department of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesJagiellonian University Medical CollegeKrakowPoland
| | - Alicja Wiercińska‐Drapało
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland,Hospital for Infectious DiseasesWarsawPoland
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Viro-Immunological, Clinical Outcomes and Costs of Switching to BIC/TAF/FTC in a Cohort of People Living with HIV: A 48-Week Prospective Analysis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081823. [PMID: 36009370 PMCID: PMC9405513 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, therapeutic switches are performed to reduce and prevent toxicity, improve adherence, promote virological control, and save costs. Drug switches are a daily challenge in the management of people living with HIV (PLWH), especially in those with multiple comorbidities and on polypharmacy. The objectives of this prospective analysis were: (I) to evaluate the viro-immunological efficacy of BIC/FTC/TAF in a cohort of PLWH who switched to this regimen from any other previous, at the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit of the Padua University Hospital; (II) to assess the impact on body weight, lipids, and renal function parameters at week 48; and (III) to evaluate daily costs changes, adherence, and the rate and causes of discontinuation of the regimen. We included all adult PLWH who switched to BIC/FTC/TAF from 1 February 2020 to 31 October 2021. We collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data at baseline and week 48 after the switch. In addition, the estimated cART-related cost changes over the follow-up period were calculated. Over the study period, 290 individuals who switched to BIC/FTC/TAF, 76.9% were males, with a median age of 52 years, and 94.8% had an undetectable baseline HIV viremia. After a median time of 35 days (IQR: 1–55), 41 (14.1%) individuals discontinued the regimen. Factors significantly associated with discontinuation were switching from dual regimens, and neurological disorders. At week 48, we detected a significant increase in body weight, BMI, CD4 T-cell count, and CD4/CD8 ratio, and a significant reduction in triglycerides and costs; all patients had undetectable HIV RNA. Our results showed that switching to BIC/FTC/TAF may favor slightly immunological recovery and cost saving (−4.2 EUR/day from baseline to week 48, equivalent to a mean saving of 1533 EUR/year/person). The reduction in triglycerides does not appear to be clinically relevant, even if statistically significant, nor do both the increase in body weight and BMI (+1 kg and +0.29 BMI, respectively) and the increase in CD4 T-cell count (+45 cells/mmc). Further studies are needed to confirm our results.
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