Long-term virological outcome in children on antiretroviral therapy in the UK and Ireland

Cost-effectiveness of viral load testing for transitioning antiretroviral therapy-experienced children to dolutegravir in South Africa: a modelling analysis

BACKGROUND

For children with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART), transitioning to dolutegravir-containing regimens is recommended. The aim of this study was to assess whether introducing viral load testing to inform new nucleoside or nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) for children with HIV and viraemia alongside dolutegravir-based ART is beneficial and of good economic value.

METHODS

We used the Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications-Pediatric model to project clinical and cost implications of three strategies among a simulated cohort of South African children aged 8 years with HIV receiving abacavir-lamivudine-efavirenz: (1) continue current ART (no dolutegravir; abacavir-lamivudine-efavirenz); (2) transition all children with HIV to dolutegravir, keeping current NRTIs (dolutegravir; abacavir-lamivudine-dolutegravir); or (3) transition to dolutegravir based on viral load testing (viral load plus dolutegravir), keeping current NRTIs if virologically suppressed (abacavir-lamivudine-dolutegravir, 70% of cohort) or switching abacavir to zidovudine (zidovudine) if viraemic (zidovudine-lamivudine-dolutegravir, 30%). We assumed 50% of children who had viraemia after abacavir-lamivudine exposure had NRTI resistance; with resistance, we assumed zidovudine-lamivudine-dolutegravir was more effective than abacavir-lamivudine-dolutegravir. We designated a strategy as preferred if it was most effective and least costly or had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio less than half the South African 2020 gross domestic product per capita.

FINDINGS

Under base-case assumptions, the viral load plus dolutegravir strategy would be the most effective (projected undiscounted life expectancy of 39·72 life-years) and least costly strategy (US$24 600 per person); the no dolutegravir strategy was the least effective (34·49 life-years) and most expensive ($26 480 per person). In sensitivity analyses, the 24-week virological suppression probability and subsequent monthly virological failure risks (ie, late failure) were most influential on cost-effectiveness. Only with a high late-failure risk for zidovudine-lamivudine-dolutegravir (ie, ≥0·3% per month in the base case or >0·5% per month if abacavir also confers low virological suppression probability in the presence of NRTI resistance [65%]) would the dolutegravir strategy become preferred above the viral load plus dolutegravir strategy.

INTERPRETATION

For programmes transitioning to dolutegravir-based regimens, our model predicted that doing so would be more effective and less costly than continuing current ART regimens, regardless of NRTI choice. Whether viral load testing for children with HIV is necessary to inform NRTI choice depends substantially on the comparative outcomes of abacavir and zidovudine after switching to dolutegravir-containing ART.

FUNDING

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institute for Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Massachusetts General Hospital Executive Committee on Research, the Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Medical Research Council.

Prevalence and predictors of virological failure in pediatric patients on HAART in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Antiretroviral treatment failure has emerged as a challenge in the management of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients, especially in resource-limited countries despite accessibility to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize virological failure (VF) prevalence and ascertain its predictors in children in sub-Saharan Africa. An electronic database search strategy was conducted from January to September 2021 on PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, HINARI, and CINAHL. Further, manual searching was conducted on non-indexed journals. Utilizing the JASP© version 0.17.2 (2023) statistical software, a meta-analysis of pooled prevalence of VF was estimated using the standardized mean differences. Further, selection models were used to assess the risk of bias and heterogeneity. The pooled odds ratios were estimated for the respective studies reporting on predictors of VF. The overall pooled estimate of the prevalence of VF in sub-Saharan Africa among the sampled population was 29% (95% CI: 27.0-32.0; p<0.001). Predictors of VF were drug resistance (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 0.88-2.49; p < 0.001), poor adherence (OR: 5.35; 95% CI: 5.26-5.45; p < 0.001), nevirapine (NVP)-based regimen (OR: 5.11; 95% CI: 4.66-5.56; p < 0.001), non-usage of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (OR: 4.30; 95% CI: 4.13-4.47; p < 0.001), higher viral load at the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (OR: 244.32; 95% CI: 244.2-244.47; p <0.001), exposure to the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) (OR: 8.02; 95%CI: 7.58-8.46; p < 0.001), increased age/older age (OR: 3.37; 95% CI: 2.70-4.04; p < 0.001), advanced World Health Organization (WHO) stage (OR: 6.57; 95% CI: 6.17-6.98; p < 0.001), not having both parents as primary caregivers (OR: 3.01; 95% CI: 2.50-3.53; p < 0.001), and tuberclosis (TB) treatment (OR: 4.22; 95% CI: 3.68-4.76; p <0.001). The mean VF prevalence documented is at variance with studies in other developing countries outside the sub-Saharan region. The high prevalence of HIV cases contrasting with the limited expertise in the management of pediatric ART patients could explain this variance.

Determinants of nonsuppression of HIV viral load among children receiving antiretroviral therapy in the Simiyu region: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Despite substantial antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage among individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Tanzania, viral load suppression (VLS) among HIV-positive children receiving ART remains intolerably low. This study was conducted to determine factors affecting the nonsuppression of VL in children with HIV receiving ART in the Simiyu region; thus, an effective, sustainable intervention to address VL nonsuppression can be developed in the future.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study including children with HIV aged 2-14 years who were currently presenting to care and treatment clinics in the Simiyu region. We collected data from the children/caregivers and care and treatment center databases. We used Stata™ to perform data analysis. We used statistics, including means, standard deviations, medians, interquartile ranges (IQRs), frequencies, and percentages, to describe the data. We performed forward stepwise logistic regression, where the significance level for removal was 0.10 and that for entry was 0.05. The median age of the patients at ART initiation was 2.0 years (IQR, 1.0-5.0 years), and the mean age at HIV VL (HVL) nonsuppression was 8.8 ± 2.99 years. Of the 253 patients, 56% were female, and the mean ART duration was 64 ± 33.07 months. In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of HVL nonsuppression were older age at ART initiation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.012-1.443) and poor medication adherence (AOR, 0.06; 95% CI 0.004-0.867).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that older age at ART initiation and poor medication adherence play significant roles in HVL nonsuppression. HIV/AIDS programs should have intensive interventions targeting early identification, ART initiation, and adherence intensification.

Once-daily dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in infants and children living with HIV from age 4 weeks: results from the below 14 kg cohort in the randomised ODYSSEY trial

BACKGROUND

Young children living with HIV have few treatment options. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in children weighing between 3 kg and less than 14 kg.

METHODS

ODYSSEY is an open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial (10% margin) comparing dolutegravir-based ART with standard of care and comprises two cohorts (children weighing ≥14 kg and <14 kg). Children weighing less than 14 kg starting first-line or second-line ART were enrolled in seven HIV treatment centres in South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Randomisation, which was computer generated by the trial statistician, was stratified by first-line or second-line ART and three weight bands. Dispersible 5 mg dolutegravir was dosed according to WHO weight bands. The primary outcome was the Kaplan-Meier estimated proportion of children with virological or clinical failure by 96 weeks, defined as: confirmed viral load of at least 400 copies per mL after week 36; absence of virological suppression by 24 weeks followed by a switch to second-line or third-line ART; all-cause death; or a new or recurrent WHO stage 4 or severe WHO stage 3 event. The primary outcome was assessed by intention to treat in all randomly assigned participants. A primary Bayesian analysis of the difference in the proportion of children meeting the primary outcome between treatment groups incorporated evidence from the higher weight cohort (≥14 kg) in a prior distribution. A frequentist analysis was also done of the lower weight cohort (<14 kg) alone. Safety analyses are presented for all randomly assigned children in this study (<14 kg cohort). ODYSSEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02259127.

FINDINGS

Between July 5, 2018, and Aug 26, 2019, 85 children weighing less than 14 kg were randomly assigned to receive dolutegravir (n=42) or standard of care (n=43; 32 [74%] receiving protease inhibitor-based ART). Median age was 1·4 years (IQR 0·6-2·0) and median weight 8·1 kg (5·4-10·0). 72 (85%) children started first-line ART and 13 (15%) started second-line ART. Median follow-up was 124 weeks (112-137). By 96 weeks, treatment failure occurred in 12 children in the dolutegravir group (Kaplan-Meier estimated proportion 31%) versus 21 (48%) in the standard-of-care group. The Bayesian estimated difference in treatment failure (dolutegravir minus standard of care) was -10% (95% CI -19% to -2%; p=0·020), demonstrating superiority of dolutegravir. The frequentist estimated difference was -18% (-36% to 2%; p=0·057). 15 serious adverse events were reported in 11 (26%) children in the dolutegravir group, including two deaths, and 19 were reported in 11 (26%) children in the standard-of-care group, including four deaths (hazard ratio [HR] 1·08 [95% CI 0·47-2·49]; p=0·86). 36 adverse events of grade 3 or higher were reported in 19 (45%) children in the dolutegravir group, versus 34 events in 21 (49%) children in the standard-of-care group (HR 0·93 [0·50-1·74]; p=0·83). No events were considered related to dolutegravir.

INTERPRETATION

Dolutegravir-based ART was superior to standard of care (mainly protease inhibitor-based) with a lower risk of treatment failure in infants and young children, providing support for global dispersible dolutegravir roll-out for younger children and allowing alignment of adult and paediatric treatment.

FUNDING

Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS Foundation, ViiV Healthcare, UK Medical Research Council.

Virologic response of adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy in the period of early adolescence (10-14 years) in South Africa

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV (ALPHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been noted to have poorer adherence, retention and virologic control compared to adolescents with non-perinatally acquired HIV, children or adults. We aimed to describe and examine factors associated with longitudinal virologic response during early adolescence.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

We included ALPHIV who initiated ART before age 9.5 years in South African cohorts of the International epidemiology Database to Evaluate AIDS-Southern Africa (IeDEA-SA) collaboration (2004-2016); with viral load (VL) values <400 copies/ml at age 10 years and at least one VL measurement after age 10 years. We used a log-linear quantile mixed model to assess factors associated with elevated (75th quantile) VLs.

RESULTS

We included 4396 ALPHIV, 50.7% were male, with median (interquartile range) age at ART start of 6.5 (4.5, 8.1) years. Of these, 74.9% were on a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) at age 10 years. After adjusting for other patient characteristics, the 75th quantile VLs increased with increasing age being 3.13-fold (95% CI 2.66, 3.68) higher at age 14 versus age 10, were 3.25-fold (95% CI 2.81, 3.75) higher for patients on second-line protease-inhibitor and 1.81-fold for second-line NNRTI-based regimens (versus first-line NNRTI-based regimens). There was no difference by sex.

CONCLUSIONS

As adolescents age between 10 and 14 years, they are increasingly likely to experience higher VL values, particularly if receiving second-line protease inhibitor or NNRTI-based regimens, which warrant adherence support interventions.

Long-term outcomes of early initiated antiretroviral therapy in sub-Saharan children: a Cameroonian cohort study (ANRS-12140 Pediacam study, 2008-2013, Cameroon)

BACKGROUND

In most studies, the virological response is assessed during the first two years of antiretroviral treatment initiated in HIV-infected infants. However, early initiation of antiretroviral therapy exposes infants to very long-lasting treatment. Moreover, maintaining viral suppression in children is difficult. We aimed to assess the virologic response and mortality in HIV-infected children after five years of early initiated antiretroviral treatment (ART) and identify factors associated with virologic success in Cameroon.

METHODS

In the ANRS-12140 Pediacam cohort study, 2008-2013, Cameroon, we included all the 149 children who were still alive after two years of early ART. Virologic response was assessed after 5 years of treatment. The probability of maintaining virologic success between two and five years of ART was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curve. The immune status and mortality were also studied at five years after ART initiation. Factors associated with a viral load < 400 copies/mL in children still alive at five years of ART were studied using logistic regressions.

RESULTS

The viral load after five years of early ART was suppressed in 66.8% (60.1-73.5) of the 144 children still alive and in care. Among the children with viral suppression after two years of ART, the probability of maintaining viral suppression after five years of ART was 64.0% (54.0-74.0). The only factor associated with viral suppression after five years of ART was achievement of confirmed virological success within the first two years of ART (OR = 2.7 (1.1-6.8); p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

The probability of maintaining viral suppression between two and five years of early initiated ART which was quite low highlights the difficulty of parents to administer drugs daily to their children in sub-Saharan Africa. It also stressed the importance of initial viral suppression for achieving and maintaining virologic success in the long-term. Further studies should focus on identifying strategies that would enhance better retention in care and improved adherence to treatment within the first two years of ART early initiated in Sub-Saharan HIV-infected children.

Prevalence and Clinical Outcomes of Poor Immune Response Despite Virologically Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy Among Children and Adolescents With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Europe and Thailand: Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive adults, low CD4 cell counts despite fully suppressed HIV-1 RNA on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. We assessed the prevalence and outcomes of poor immune response (PIR) in children receiving suppressive ART.

METHODS

Sixteen cohorts from the European Pregnancy and Paediatric HIV Cohort Collaboration (EPPICC) contributed data. Children <18 years at ART initiation, with sustained viral suppression (VS) (≤400 copies/mL) for ≥1 year were included. The prevalence of PIR (defined as World Health Organization advanced/severe immunosuppression for age) at 1 year of VS was described. Factors associated with PIR were assessed using logistic regression. Rates of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or death on suppressive ART were calculated by PIR status.

RESULTS

Of 2318 children included, median age was 6.4 years and 68% had advanced/severe immunosuppression at ART initiation. At 1 year of VS, 12% had PIR. In multivariable analysis, PIR was associated with older age and worse immunological stage at ART start, hepatitis B coinfection, and residing in Thailand (all P ≤ .03). Rates of AIDS/death (95% confidence interval) per 100 000 person-years were 1052 (547, 2022) among PIR versus 261 (166, 409) among immune responders; rate ratio of 4.04 (1.83, 8.92; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

One in eight children in our cohort experienced PIR despite sustained VS. While the overall rate of AIDS/death was low, children with PIR had a 4-fold increase in risk of event as compared with immune responders.

Optimizing viral load suppression in Kenyan children on antiretroviral therapy (Opt4Kids)

Background

As many as 40% of the 1 million children living with HIV (CLHIV) receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) in resource limited settings have not achieved viral suppression (VS). Kenya has a large burden of pediatric HIV with nearly 140,000 CLHIV. Feasible, scalable, and cost-effective approaches to ensure VS in CLHIV are urgently needed. The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility and impact of point-of-care (POC) viral load (VL) and targeted drug resistance mutation (DRM) testing to improve VS in children on ART in Kenya.

Methods

We are conducting a randomized controlled study to evaluate the use of POC VL and targeted DRM testing among 704 children aged 1-14 years on ART at health facilities in western Kenya. Children are randomized 1:1 to intervention (higher frequency POC VL and targeted DRM testing) vs. control (standard-of-care) arms and followed for 12 months. Our primary outcome is VS (VL < 1000 copies/mL) 12 months after enrollment by study arm. Secondary outcomes include time to VS and the impact of targeted DRM testing on VS. In addition, key informant interviews with patients and providers will generate an understanding of how the POC VL intervention functions. Finally, we will model the cost-effectiveness of POC VL combined with targeted DRM testing.

Discussion

This study will provide critical information on the impact of POC VL and DRM testing on VS among CLHIV on ART in a resource-limited setting and directly address the need to find approaches that maximize VS among children on ART.

Trials registration

NCT03820323.

Unsatisfactory long-term virological suppression in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children in the Amazonas State, Brazil

INTRODUCTION:

Achieving viral suppression (VS) in children is challenging despite the exponential increase in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). We evaluated VS in children >1 year of age and adolescents 5 years after they had begun ART, in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil.

METHODS:

HIV-infected, ART-naive children >1 year of age between 1999 and 2016 were eligible. Analysis was stratified by age at ART initiation: 1-5 y, >5-10 y, and >10-19 y. CD4⁺ T-cell count and viral load were assessed on arrival at the clinic, on ART initiation, and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after ART initiation. The primary outcome was a viral load <50 copies/mL 5 years after ART initiation.

RESULTS:

Ultimately, 121 patients were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.8 years (SD 3.5), mean CD4% was 17.9 (SD 9.8), and mean viral load was 4.6 log10 copies/ml (SD 0.8). Five years after ART initiation, the overall VS rate was 46.9%. VS by patient age group was as follows: 36.6% for 1-5 y, 53.3% for >5-10 y, and 30% for >10-19 y. Almost all children (90,4%) showed an increase in CD4%+ T cell count. There were no statistically significant predictors for detecting children who do not achieve VS with treatment. VS remained below 65% in all the evaluated periods.

CONCLUSIONS:

Considerable immunological improvement is seen in children after ART initiation. Further efforts are needed to maintain adequate long-term VS levels and improve the survival of this vulnerable population.

Reduced Time to Suppression Among Neonates With HIV Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy Within 7 Days After Birth

There are limited data on infants with HIV starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the neonatal period. We investigated the association between the timing of ART initiation and time-to-suppression among infants who tested HIV-positive and initiated ART within the first 28 days of life. The effect was estimated using cumulative probability flexible parametric spline models and a multivariable generalized additive mixed model was performed to test nonlinear associations. Forty-four neonates were included. Nineteen (43.2%) initiated ART within 7 days of life and 25 (56.8%) from 8 to 28 days. Infants treated within 7 days were 4-fold more likely to suppress earlier than those treated after 7 days [Hazard ratio (HR) 4.01 (1.7-9.5)]. For each week the ART initiation was delayed, the probability of suppression decreased by 35% (HR 0.65 [0.46-0.92]). Age at ART start was linearly associated with time-to-suppression. However, a linear association with normally distributed residuals was not found between baseline viral load and time-to-suppression, with no association found when baseline viral loads were ≤5 log(10) copies/mL, but with exponential increase in time-to-suppression with > log5 copies/mL at baseline. Starting ART within 7 days of life led to 4-fold faster time to viral suppression, in comparison to initiation from 8 to 28 days.

Virological Failure and Associated Risk Factors among HIV/AIDS Pediatric Patients at the ART Clinic of Jimma university Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia

Background:

Pediatric antiretroviral treatment failure is an under-recognized issue that receives inadequate attention in the field of pediatrics and within HIV treatment programs. Despite the reduction in morbidity and mortality, a considerable proportion of patients fail to achieve a sustained virologic response to therapy. Thus virological failure is an increasing concern globally.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the virological failure and associated risk factors among HIV/AIDS pediatric patients at Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) follow up clinic of Jimma University Medical Center, southwest Ethiopia.

Methods:

An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted at the ART follow-up clinic of Jimma University Medical Center. A structured English version checklist was developed and used for data extraction from patients’ charts from April -May 2019. Then the data was coded and entered using epi data 4.2 and exported to statistical package for social science (SPSS version 22) for analysis. Descriptive analysis was conducted for categorical as well as continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression was performed in a backward, step-wise manner until a best-fit model was found.

Results:

Of 140 HIV/AIDS pediatric patients enrolled in this study, 72(51.4%) were male and the mean age was 9.7±3.3 Years. ABC-3TC-NVP was the commonly used ART medication in this population, which was 37.1% followed by AZT-3TC-EFV(32.1%). The mean duration of antiretroviral treatment (ART) follow-up was 63.8±29.4 months. Among the study population, 11.0% of them had virological failure. Weight at ART initiation [OR=1.104, 95 CI% [1.013-1.203], p=0.024] and WHO clinical stage 3 [AOR=0.325, 95CI, 0.107-0.991,P=0.048] were the significant risk factors for the virological failure.

Conclusion:

A significant proportion of HIV/AIDS pediatric patients had virological failure. Weight at ART initiation and patients having WHO clinical stage 3 were risk factors associated with virological failure in this study. Governmental and non-governmental concerned bodies should invest their effort to devise strategies for the achievement of HIV/AIDS treatment targets.

Challenges to achieving and maintaining viral suppression among children living with HIV

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to determine the time to, and durability of, viral suppression, among Canadian children living with HIV after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter Canadian cohort study (Early Pediatric Initiation Canada Child Cure Cohort), using both prospective and retrospectively collected data.

METHODS

Kaplan-Meir survival estimates with Cox regression were used to determine the time to and risk factors for viral suppression, defined as two consecutive undetectable viral loads (<50 copies/ml) at least 30 days apart after initiation of cART.

RESULTS

A total of 228 children were enrolled between December 2014 and December 2018. The time to viral suppression was significantly shorter among children initiating cART after 5 ≤ 5 vs. years or less of age [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-2.20], among those born after 2010 vs. prior (aHR 1.71, 95% CI 1.04-2.79), and among those without child protection services involvement (aHR 1.44, 95% CI 1.03-2.01). Overall, 27% of children had a viral rebound within 3 years of achieving viral suppression; the risk of viral rebound was significantly lower among children initiating cART after 5 vs. 5 years or less of age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.32, 95% CI 0.13-0.81], those whose families had not received social assistance (aOR 0.16, 95% CI 0.06-0.46), and females vs. males (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26-0.99).

CONCLUSION

Only 73% of the children in the Early Pediatric Initiation Canada Child Cure Cohort had maintained viral suppression 3 years after it was first achieved. Age at cART initiation, and socioeconomic factors were predictors of both time to viral suppression and risk of viral rebound in this cohort.

The cascade of care for children and adolescents with HIV in the UK and Ireland, 2010 to 2016

INTRODUCTION

The UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets for the cascade of care are widely used to monitor the success of HIV care programmes but there are few studies in children. We assessed the cascade for children and adolescents living with HIV in the national Collaborative HIV Paediatric Study (CHIPS) in the UK and Ireland.

METHODS

Utilizing longitudinal data from CHIPS we compared the cascade of care for 2010, 2013 and 2016. Among children diagnosed with HIV and not known to be lost to follow-up at the start of each calendar year, we summarized the proportion in active paediatric care during that year (defined as having ≥1 clinic visit, CD4 or viral load measurement, or change to antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen), and of these, the proportion on ART at last visit in that year. Among those on ART, the proportion with viral suppression (<200 copies/mL) and good immune status (WHO immunological stage none-/mild-for-age) at last visit in the year were summarized. Among those in care in 2016, outcomes were compared by current age, place of birth (born abroad vs. UK/Ireland) and sex.

RESULTS

Of children in paediatric HIV care at the start of 2010, 2013 and 2016 (n = 1249, 1157, 905 respectively), the proportion in active care during that calendar year was high throughout at 97 to 99%. Of those in active care, the proportion on ART increased from 79% to 85% and 92% respectively (p < 0.001). Among those on ART, the proportion with viral suppression and good immune status was stable at 83% to 86% and 85% to 88%, respectively, across the years. Among children in care in 2016, those aged ≥15 years were less likely to be virally suppressed (79% vs. 91%, p < 0.001) or to have good immune status (78% vs. 94%, p < 0.001) compared to younger children; there were no differences by place of birth or sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Children and adolescents in the UK and Ireland national cohort had high retention in care. The proportion on ART increased significantly over time although there was no change in viral suppression or good immune status. Poorer outcomes among adolescents highlight the need for targeted support for this population.

Predictors of faster virological suppression in early treated infants with perinatal HIV from Europe and Thailand

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text

Objective:

To identify predictors of faster time to virological suppression among infants starting combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) early in infancy.

Design:

Cohort study of infants from Europe and Thailand included in studies participating in the European Pregnancy and Paediatric HIV Cohort Collaboration.

Methods:

Infants with perinatal HIV starting cART aged less than 6 months with at least 1 viral load measurement within 15 months of cART initiation were included. Multivariable interval-censored flexible parametric proportional hazards models were used to assess predictors of faster virological suppression, with timing of suppression assumed to lie in the interval between last viral load at least 400 and first viral load less than 400 copies/ml.

Results:

Of 420 infants, 59% were female and 56% from Central/Western Europe, 26% United Kingdom/Ireland, 15% Eastern Europe and 3% Thailand; 46 and 54% started a boosted protease inhibitor-based or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based regimen, respectively. At cART initiation, the median age, CD4⁺% and viral load were 2.9 [interquartile range (IQR): 1.4–4.1] months, 34 (IQR: 24–45)% and 5.5 (IQR: 4.5–6.0) log₁₀ copies/ml, respectively. Overall, an estimated 89% (95% confidence interval: 86–92%) achieved virological suppression within 12 months of cART start. In multivariable analysis, younger age [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.84 per month older; P < 0.001], higher CD4⁺% (aHR: 1.11 per 10% higher; P = 0.010) and lower log₁₀ viral load (aHR: 0.85 per log₁₀ higher; P < 0.001) at cART initiation independently predicted faster virological suppression.

Conclusion:

We observed a significant independent effect of age at cART initiation, even within a narrow 6 months window from birth. These findings support the earliest feasible cART initiation in infants and suggest that early therapy influences key virological and immunological parameters that could have important consequences for long-term health.

Viral suppression among children and their caregivers living with HIV in western Kenya

INTRODUCTION

Despite the central role of caregivers in managing HIV treatment for children living with HIV, viral suppression within caregiver-child dyads in which both members are living with HIV is not well described.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of children living with HIV <15 years of age and their caregivers living with HIV attending HIV clinics affiliated with the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) in Kenya between 2015 and 2017. To be included in the analysis, children and caregivers must have had ≥1 viral load (VL) during the study period while receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for ≥6 months, and the date of the caregiver's VL must have occurred ±90 days from the date of the child's VL. The characteristics of children, caregivers and dyads were descriptively summarized. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of viral non-suppression (≥ 1000 copies/mL) in children, adjusting for caregiver and child characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 7667 children who received care at AMPATH during the study period, 1698 were linked to a caregiver living with HIV and included as caregiver-child dyads. For caregivers, 94% were mothers, median age at ART initiation 32.8 years, median CD4 count at ART initiation 164 cells/mm3 and 23% were not virally suppressed. For children, 52% were female, median age at ART initiation 4.2 years, median CD4 values at ART initiation were 15% (age < 5 years) and 396 cells/mm3 (age ≥ 5 years), and 38% were not virally suppressed. In the multivariable model, children were found more likely to not be virally suppressed if their caregivers were not suppressed compared to children with suppressed caregivers (aOR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.86 to 3.10). Other characteristics associated with child viral non-suppression included caregiver ART regimen change prior to the VL, caregiver receipt of a non-NNRTI-based regimen at the time of the VL, younger child age at ART initiation and child tuberculosis treatment at the time of the VL.

CONCLUSIONS

Children were at higher risk of viral non-suppression if their caregivers were not virally suppressed compared to children with suppressed caregivers. A child's viral suppression status should be closely monitored if his or her caregiver is not suppressed.

Long-term virological outcome in children receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Studies relating to long-term virological outcomes among children on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) from low and middle-income countries are limited.

METHODS

Perinatally HIV infected, ART-naive children, between 2 and 12 years of age, initiating NNRTI-based ART during 2010-2015, with at least 12 months of follow-up, were included in the analysis. CD4 cell counts and plasma HIV-1 RNA were measured every 24 weeks post-ART initiation. Immunologic failure was defined as a decrease in the CD4 count to pre-therapy levels or below and virologic failure as HIV-RNA of > 1000 copies/ml at 48 weeks after ART initiation. Genotypic resistance testing was performed for children with virologic failure. Logistic regression analysis was done to identify predictors of virologic failure.

RESULTS

Three hundred and ninety-three ART-naïve children living with HIV [mean (SD) age: 7.6 (3) years; mean (SD) CD4%: 16% (8); median (IQR) HIV-RNA: 5.1 (3.5-5.7) log10 copies/ml] were enrolled into the study. At 48 weeks, significant improvement occurred in weight-for-age and height-for-age z-scores from baseline (all p < 0.001). The immunologic response was good; almost 90% of children showing an increase in their absolute CD4+ T cell count to more than 350 cells/mm3. Immunological failure was noted among 11% (28/261) and virologic failure in 29% (94/328) of children. Of the 94 children with virologic failure at 12 months, 36 children showed immunologic failure while the rest had good immunologic improvement. There was no demonstrable correlation between virologic and immunologic failure. 62% had reported > 90% adherence to ART. At the time of virologic failure, multiple NNRTI-associated mutations were observed: 80%-K103N and Y181C being the major NNRTI mutations-observed. Sensitivity (95% CI) of immunologic failure to detect virologic failure was 7% (2-12), specificity 97% (92.4-98.9), PPV 44% (13.7-78.8) and NPV was 72% (65-77.9). There were no statistically significant predictors to detect children who will develop virologic failure on treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Considerable immunological improvement is seen in children with ART initiation, but may not be an effective tool to monitor treatment response in the long-term. There is a lack of correlation between immunologic and virologic response while on ART, which may lead to a delay in identifying treatment failures. Periodic viral load monitoring is, therefore, a priority.

Discontinuation of Efavirenz in Paediatric Patients: Why do Children Switch?

BACKGROUND

Efavirenz, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) is used globally as first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in combination with a dual nucleoside backbone in adults and children from 3 years of age. Up to 40% of adults taking efavirenz report central nervous system (CNS) adverse effects, and the rates of discontinuation of efavirenz-based treatment are higher than other first-line regimens. Data on efavirenz discontinuation are more limited for children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to describe our single-centre paediatric experience of efavirenz.

METHODS

Retrospective case-note audit of children and adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV who ever received efavirenz.

RESULTS

From 1998 and 2014, 51 children and adolescents aged ≤ 18 years received efavirenz-based treatment. Median age at efavirenz initiation was 9.4 years (interquartile range [IQR] 7-13). More than half (30/51; 59%) subsequently switched off efavirenz-15 (29%) following virological failure with NNRTI-associated resistance mutations, and 16 (30%) after reporting adverse effects. Of those who experienced adverse effects, one-fifth (19.6%) described CNS adverse effects, including sleep disturbance, reduced concentration, headaches, mood change and psychosis. Four children (three males) developed gynaecomastia, two developed hypercholesterolaemia, and one child developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Comparison between those reporting side effects and the rest of the cohort showed no difference in age, sex, initial CD4 cell count, viral suppression, length of efavirenz-based treatment, weight, or efavirenz dose per kilogram. Median time to switch was 25 months (IQR 10-71) in those who experienced side effects and 22 months (IQR 12-50) for virological failure. One individual experienced both virological failure and adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Almost two-thirds of this paediatric cohort switched from efavirenz-based treatment to an alternative regimen, due in equal proportions to both virological failure and toxicity. The majority of side effects involved the CNS. First-line regimens with improved tolerability and a higher genetic barrier to resistance should be the preferred option for children.

Time to Switch to Second-line Antiretroviral Therapy in Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Europe and Thailand

Background

Data on durability of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are limited. We assessed time to switch to second-line therapy in 16 European countries and Thailand.

Methods

Children aged <18 years initiating combination ART (≥2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [NRTIs] plus nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [NNRTI] or boosted protease inhibitor [PI]) were included. Switch to second-line was defined as (i) change across drug class (PI to NNRTI or vice versa) or within PI class plus change of ≥1 NRTI; (ii) change from single to dual PI; or (iii) addition of a new drug class. Cumulative incidence of switch was calculated with death and loss to follow-up as competing risks.

Results

Of 3668 children included, median age at ART initiation was 6.1 (interquartile range (IQR), 1.7-10.5) years. Initial regimens were 32% PI based, 34% nevirapine (NVP) based, and 33% efavirenz based. Median duration of follow-up was 5.4 (IQR, 2.9-8.3) years. Cumulative incidence of switch at 5 years was 21% (95% confidence interval, 20%-23%), with significant regional variations. Median time to switch was 30 (IQR, 16-58) months; two-thirds of switches were related to treatment failure. In multivariable analysis, older age, severe immunosuppression and higher viral load (VL) at ART start, and NVP-based initial regimens were associated with increased risk of switch.

Conclusions

One in 5 children switched to a second-line regimen by 5 years of ART, with two-thirds failure related. Advanced HIV, older age, and NVP-based regimens were associated with increased risk of switch.

Virologic Response to Early Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-infected Infants: Evaluation After 2 Years of Treatment in the Pediacam Study, Cameroon

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about virologic responses to early antiretroviral therapy (ART) in HIV-infected infants in resource-limited settings. We estimated the probability of achieving viral suppression within 2 years of ART initiation and investigated the factors associated with success.

METHODS

We analyzed all 190 infants from the Cameroon Pediacam who initiated ART by 12 months of age. The main outcome measure was viral suppression (<1000 copies/mL) on at least 1 occasion; the other outcome measures considered were viral suppression (<400 copies/mL) on at least 1 occasion and confirmed viral suppression (both thresholds) on 2 consecutive occasions. We used competing-risks regression for a time-to-event analysis to estimate the cumulative incidence of outcomes and univariate and multivariate models to identify risk factors.

RESULTS

During the first 24 months of ART, 20.0% (38) of the infants died, giving a mortality rate of 11.9 deaths per 100 infant-years (95% confidence interval: 8.1-15.7). The probability of achieving a viral load below 1000 or 400 copies/mL was 80.0% (69.0-81.0) and 78.0% (66.0-79.0), respectively. The probability of virologic suppression (with these 2 thresholds) on 2 consecutive occasions was 67.0% (56.0-70.0) and 60.0% (49.0-64.0), respectively. Virologic success was associated with not having missed any doses of treatment before the visit, but not with socioeconomic and living conditions.

CONCLUSION

Many early treated children failed to achieve virologic suppression, likely due to a combination of adherence difficulties, drug dosing and viral resistance, which highlights the need for routine viral load monitoring. The high infant mortality despite early ART initiation needs to be addressed in sub-Saharan countries.

Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drug Resistance on Treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) experience higher rates of virologic failure than adults. Human immunodeficiency virus drug resistance (HIVDR) plays a major role in pediatric HIV treatment failure because nonsuppressive maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well as infant antiretroviral prophylaxis lead to high rates of pretreatment drug resistance to regimens most commonly used in children living with HIV. Lack of availability of durable, potent drugs in child-friendly formulations in LMICs and adherence difficulties contribute to acquired drug resistance during treatment. Optimizing drugs available for treating children living with HIV in LMICs, providing robust adherence support, and ensuring virologic monitoring for children receiving ART are essential for reducing HIVDR and improving treatment outcomes for children living with HIV in LMICs.

Adolescents with HIV and transition to adult care in the Caribbean, Central America and South America, Eastern Europe and Asia and Pacific regions

INTRODUCTION

The HIV epidemics in the Caribbean, Central America and South America (CCASA), Eastern Europe (EE) and Asia and Pacific (AP) regions are diverse epidemics affecting different key populations in predominantly middle-income countries. This narrative review describes the populations of HIV-positive youth approaching adolescence and adulthood in CCASA, EE and AP, what is known of their outcomes in paediatric and adult care to date, ongoing research efforts and future research priorities.

METHODS

We searched PubMed and abstracts from recent conferences and workshops using keywords including HIV, transition and adolescents, to identify published data on transition outcomes in CCASA, EE and AP. We also searched within our regional clinical/research networks for work conducted in this area and presented at local or national meetings. To give insight into future research priorities, we describe published data on characteristics and health status of young people as they approach age of transition, as a key determinant of health in early adulthood, and information available on current transition processes.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The perinatally HIV-infected populations in these three regions face a range of challenges including parental death and loss of family support; HIV-related stigma and socio-economic disparities; exposure to maternal injecting drug use; and late disclosure of HIV status. Behaviourally HIV-infected youth often belong to marginalized sub-groups, with particular challenges accessing services and care. Differences between and within countries in characteristics of HIV-positive youth and models of care need to be considered in comparisons of outcomes in young adulthood. The very little data published to date on transition outcomes across these three regions highlight some emerging issues around adherence, virological failure and loss to follow-up, alongside examples of programmes which have successfully supported adolescents to remain engaged with services and virologically suppressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited data available indicate uneven outcomes in paediatric services and some shared challenges for adolescent transition including retention in care and adherence. The impact of issues specific to low prevalence, concentrated epidemic settings are poorly understood to date. Outcome data are urgently needed to guide management strategies and advocate for service provision in these regions.

Sustained Viral Suppression in HIV-infected Children on Once-daily Lopinavir/Ritonavir in Clinical Practice

BACKGROUND

The use of lopinavir/ritonavir once-daily (LPV/r QD) has not been approved for children. Good short-term clinical, virologic and immunologic outcomes have been observed in children on LPV/r QD.

METHODS

We evaluated the long-term effectiveness of a LPV/r QD containing regimen in HIV-1-infected children in clinical practice. Selected children (0-18 years of age) with an undetectable HIV-1 RNA viral load (<50 copies/mL) for at least 6 months on a twice-daily LPV/r-containing regimen switched to LPV/r QD. The main outcome measures were the percentage of patients with an undetectable HIV-1 viral load each subsequent year after switch to LPV/r QD (on treatment and last observation carried forward), and virologic failure during follow-up (>400 copies/mL twice within 6 months). Also, the exposure to LPV on the initial once-daily dosing regimen was determined.

RESULTS

Forty children (median age: 6.5 years; range: 1.0-17) were included. Median follow-up was 6.3 years (range: 1.0-10.3). During yearly follow-up, the percentage of children with an undetectable viral load varied between 82% and 100% (on treatment) and 83% and 93% (last observation carried forward). Five children (12.5%) met the criteria for failure. CD4+ and CD8+ counts remained stable at normal values. Geometric mean LPV area under the plasma concentration-time curve (linear up-log down method) over a dosing interval from time 0 to 24 hours after dosing was 169.3 mg x h/L, and last observed drug concentration was 1.35 mg/L. Adverse events were encountered in 8 patients, were mainly gastrointestinal, and in these cases, no reason to stop treatment.

CONCLUSION

A once-daily LPV/r-containing regimen in HIV-1-infected children with intensive clinical and therapeutic drug monitoring is well tolerated and has good long-term clinical, virologic and immunologic outcomes.

Transitioning to Second-line Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents in Copperbelt Province, Zambia: Predictors of Treatment Switching and Adherence to Second-line Regimens

BACKGROUND

Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) experience less favorable antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes than other age groups. First-line treatment failure complicates ART management as second-line regimens can be costlier and have greater pill burdens. Understanding predictors of switching ART regimens and adherence among adolescents on second-line ART may help to prevent poor treatment outcomes.

METHODS

A quantitative survey was administered to 309 ALHIV attending 3 ART clinics in the Copperbelt Province, Zambia. Medical chart data, including pharmacy refill data, were abstracted. Associations between being on second-line ART and sociodemographic, psychosocial and ART adherence characteristics were tested. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effect of baseline ART variables on time to switching.

RESULTS

Ten percent of participants were on second-line regimens. Compared with ALHIV on first-line ART, adolescents on second-line regimens were older (P = 0.02), out of school due to completion of secondary studies (P = 0.04) and on ART longer (P = 0.03). Adolescents on second-line regimens were more likely to report missing ≥48 consecutive hours of drugs in the last 3 months (P = 0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that adolescents who initiated ART with efavirenz-based regimens were more likely to switch to second-line than those put on nevirapine-based regimens (hazard ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-6.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater support is needed for ALHIV who are on second-line regimens. Interventions for older adolescents that bridge the gap between school years and young adulthood would be helpful. More research is needed on why ALHIV who start on efavirenz-based regimens are more likely to switch within this population.

Virologic Response to First-line Efavirenz- or Nevirapine-based Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-infected African Children

BACKGROUND

Poorer virologic response to nevirapine- versus efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been reported in adult systematic reviews and pediatric studies.

METHODS

We compared drug discontinuation and viral load (VL) response in ART-naïve Ugandan/Zimbabwean children ≥3 years of age initiating ART with clinician-chosen nevirapine versus efavirenz in the ARROW trial. Predictors of suppression <80, <400 and <1000 copies/mL at 36, 48 and 144 weeks were identified using multivariable logistic regression with backwards elimination (P = 0.1).

RESULTS

A total of 445 (53%) children received efavirenz and 391 (47%) nevirapine. Children receiving efavirenz were older (median age, 8.6 vs. 7.5 years nevirapine, P < 0.001) and had higher CD4% (12% vs. 10%, P = 0.05), but similar pre-ART VL (P = 0.17). The initial non-nucleoside-reverse-transcriptase-inhibitor (NNRTI) was permanently discontinued for adverse events in 7 of 445 (2%) children initiating efavirenz versus 9 of 391 (2%) initiating nevirapine (P = 0.46); at switch to second line in 17 versus 23, for tuberculosis in 0 versus 26, for pregnancy in 6 versus 0 and for other reasons in 15 versus 5. Early (36-48 weeks) virologic suppression <80 copies/mL was superior with efavirenz, particularly in children with higher pre-ART VL (P = 0.0004); longer-term suppression was superior with nevirapine in older children (P = 0.05). Early suppression was poorer in the youngest and oldest children, regardless of NNRTI (P = 0.02); longer-term suppression was poorer in those with higher pre-ART VL regardless of NNRTI (P = 0.05). Results were broadly similar for <400 and <1000 copies/mL.

CONCLUSION

Short-term VL suppression favored efavirenz, but long-term relative performance was age dependent, with better suppression in older children with nevirapine, supporting World Health Organization recommendation that nevirapine remains an alternative NNRTI.

Determinants of virological outcome and adverse events in African children treated with paediatric nevirapine fixed-dose-combination tablets

BACKGROUND

Nevirapine is the only nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor currently available as a paediatric fixed-dose-combination tablet and is widely used in African children. Nonetheless, the number of investigations into pharmacokinetic determinants of virological suppression in African children is limited, and the predictive power of the current therapeutic range was never evaluated in this population, thereby limiting treatment optimization.

METHODS

We analysed data from 322 African children (aged 0.3-13 years) treated with nevirapine, lamivudine, and either abacavir, stavudine, or zidovudine, and followed up to 144 weeks. Nevirapine trough concentration (Cmin) and other factors were tested for associations with viral load more than 100 copies/ml and transaminase increases more than grade 1 using proportional hazard and logistic models in 219 initially antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive children.

RESULTS

Pre-ART viral load, adherence, and nevirapine Cmin were associated with viral load nonsuppression [hazard ratio = 2.08 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.50-2.90, P < 0.001) for 10-fold higher pre-ART viral load, hazard ratio = 0.78 (95% CI: 0.68-0.90, P < 0.001) for 10% improvement in adherence, and hazard ratio = 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90-0.99, P = 0.014) for a 1 mg/l increase in nevirapine Cmin]. There were additional effects of pre-ART CD4 cell percentage and clinical site. The risk of virological nonsuppression decreased with increasing nevirapine Cmin, and there was no clear Cmin threshold predictive of virological nonsuppression. Transient transaminase elevations more than grade 1 were associated with high Cmin (>12.4 mg/l), hazard ratio = 5.18 (95% CI 1.95-13.80, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Treatment initiation at lower pre-ART viral load and higher pre-ART CD4 cell percentage, increased adherence, and maintaining average Cmin higher than current target could improve virological suppression of African children treated with nevirapine without increasing toxicity.

High levels of pre-treatment HIV drug resistance and treatment failure in Nigerian children

Introduction

Pre-treatment HIV drug resistance (PDR) is an increasing problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Children are an especially vulnerable population to develop PDR given that paediatric second-line treatment options are limited. Although monitoring of PDR is important, data on the paediatric prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa and its consequences for treatment outcomes are scarce. We designed a prospective paediatric cohort study to document the prevalence of PDR and its effect on subsequent treatment failure in Nigeria, the country with the second highest number of HIV-infected children in the world.

Methods

HIV-1-infected children ≤12 years, who had not been exposed to drugs for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), were enrolled between 2012 and 2013, and followed up for 24 months in Lagos, Nigeria. Pre-antiretroviral treatment (ART) population-based pol genotypic testing and six-monthly viral load (VL) testing were performed. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of PDR (World Health Organization (WHO) list for transmitted drug resistance) on subsequent treatment failure (two consecutive VL measurements >1000 cps/ml or death).

Results

Of the total 82 PMTCT-naïve children, 13 (15.9%) had PDR. All 13 children harboured non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) mutations, of whom seven also had nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance. After 24 months, 33% had experienced treatment failure. Treatment failure was associated with PDR and a higher log VL before treatment initiation (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 7.53 (95%CI 1.61–35.15) and 2.85 (95%CI 1.04–7.78), respectively).

Discussion

PDR was present in one out of six Nigerian children. These high numbers corroborate with recent findings in other African countries. The presence of PDR was relevant as it was the strongest predictor of first-line treatment failure.

Conclusions

Our findings stress the importance of implementing fully active regimens in children living with HIV. This includes the implementation of protease inhibitor (PI)-based first-line ART, as is recommended by the WHO for all HIV-infected children <3 years of age. Overcoming practical barriers to implement PI-based regimens is essential to ensure optimal treatment for HIV-infected children in sub-Saharan Africa. In countries where individual VL or resistance testing is not possible, more attention should be given to paediatric PDR surveys.

Suboptimal Viral Suppression Rates Among HIV-Infected Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

 The 90-90-90 goal to achieve viral suppression in 90% of all human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is especially challenging in children. Global estimates of viral suppression among children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are lacking.

METHODS

 We searched for randomized controlled trials and observational studies and analyzed viral suppression rates among children started on ART during 3 time periods: early (2000-2005), intermediate (2006-2009), and current (2010 and later), using random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

 Seventy-two studies, reporting on 51 347 children (aged <18 years), were included. After 12 months on first-line ART, viral suppression was achieved by 64.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 57.5-71.8) in the early, 74.2% (95% CI, 70.2-78.2) in the intermediate, and 72.7% (95% 62.6-82.8) in the current time period. Rates were similar after 6 and 24 months of ART. Using an intention-to-treat analysis, 42.7% (95% CI, 33.7-51.7) in the early, 45.7% (95% CI, 33.2-58.3) in the intermediate, and 62.5% (95% CI, 53.3-72.6) in the current period were suppressed. Long-term follow-up data were scarce.

CONCLUSIONS

 Viral suppression rates among children on ART in LMICs were low and considerably poorer than those previously found in adults in LMICs and children in high-income countries. Little progress has been made in improving viral suppression rates over the past years. Without increased efforts to improve pediatric HIV treatment, the 90-90-90 goal for children in LMIC will not be reached.

Outcomes after viral load rebound on first-line antiretroviraltreatment in children with HIV in the UK and Ireland: an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

About a third of children with HIV have virological failure within 2 years of beginning antiretroviral treatment (ART). We assessed the probability of switch to second-line ART or virological re-suppression without switch in children who had virological rebound on first-line ART in the UK and Ireland.

METHODS

In this study, we used data reported to the Collaborative HIV Paediatric Study (CHIPS), a national multicentre observational cohort. We included children with virological rebound (confirmed viral load>400 copies per mL after suppression<400 copies per mL) on first-line ART. We did a competing-risk analysis to estimate the probability of switch to second-line treatment, confirmed resuppression (two consecutive viral load measurments<400 copies per mL) without switch, and continued viral load above 400 copies per mL without switch. We also assessed factors that predicted a faster time to switch.

FINDINGS

Of the 900 children starting first-line ART who had a viral load below 400 copies per mL within a year of starting treatment, 170 (19%) had virological rebound by a median of 20·6 months (IQR 9·7–40·5). At rebound, median age was 10·6 years (5·6–13·4), median viral load was 3·6 log10 copies per mL (3·1–4·2), and median CD4% was 24% (17–32). 89 patients (52%) switched to second-line ART at a median of 4·9 months (1·7–13·4) after virological rebound, 53 (31%) resuppressed without switch (19 [61%] of 31 patients on a first-line regimen that included a protease inhibitor and 31 [24%] of 127 patients on a first-line regimen that included a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor; NNRTI), and 28 (16%) neither resuppressed nor switched. At 12 months after rebound, the estimated probability of switch was 38% (95% CI 30–45) and of resuppression was 27% (21–34). Faster time to switch was associated with a higher viral load (p<0·0001), later calendar year at virological rebound (p=0·02), and being on an NNRTI-based or triple nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based versus protease-inhibitor-based first-line regimen (p=0·001).

INTERPRETATION

A third of children with virological rebound resuppressed without switch. Clinicians should consider the possibility of resuppression with adherence support before switching treatment in children with HIV.

FUNDING

NHS England (London Specialised Commissioning Group).

Still Far From 90-90-90: Virologic Outcomes of Children on Antiretroviral Therapy in Nurse-led Clinics in Rural Lesotho

This survey assessed virologic outcomes of children on antiretroviral therapy and potential predictors in 10 nurse-led clinics in Lesotho. Viral suppression was achieved in 72% of the 191 children. No predictors for virologic outcome were found, underlining the need for routine viral load testing in resource-limited settings to achieve 90-90-90.

Persistent subclinical immune defects in HIV-1-infected children treated with antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

With the introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV-infected children can reach adulthood with minimal clinical complications. However, long-term HIV and cART in adults are associated with immunosenescence and end-organ damage. Long-term consequences of HIV and cART in children are currently unknown.

DESIGN AND METHOD

We studied 69 HIV-infected children and adolescents under cART (0-23 years) for the occurrence of subclinical immunological aberrations in blood B and T cells, using detailed flow cytometric immunophenotyping and molecular analyses.

RESULTS

Children with undetectable plasma HIV viral loads for more than 1 year showed near-normal to normal CD4 T-cell numbers and near-normal numbers of most class-switched memory B cells. Furthermore, expansions of aberrant CD21 B cells contracted in patients with virus suppression. In contrast, CD8 effector T cells were increased, and CD4 memory T cells, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and CD27IgA memory B cells were decreased and did not normalize under ART. Moreover, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells showed defects in their T-cell receptor repertoire selection.

CONCLUSION

Our results show the effectiveness of current cART to enable the build-up of phenotypically diverse B-cell and T-cell memory in HIV-infected children. However, several subclinical immune abnormalities were detected, which were partially caused by defective immune maturation. These persistent abnormalities were most severe in adolescents and therefore warrant long-term follow-up of HIV-infected children. Early identification of such immune defects might provide targets for monitoring future treatment optimization.

Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) guidelines for treatment of paediatric HIV-1 infection 2015: optimizing health in preparation for adult life

The 2015 Paediatric European Network for Treatment of AIDS (PENTA) guidelines provide practical recommendations on the management of HIV‐1 infection in children in Europe and are an update to those published in 2009. Aims of treatment have progressed significantly over the last decade, moving far beyond limitation of short‐term morbidity and mortality to optimizing health status for adult life and minimizing the impact of chronic HIV infection on immune system development and health in general. Additionally, there is a greater need for increased awareness and minimization of long‐term drug toxicity. The main updates to the previous guidelines include: an increase in the number of indications for antiretroviral therapy (ART) at all ages (higher CD4 thresholds for consideration of ART initiation and additional clinical indications), revised guidance on first‐ and second‐line ART recommendations, including more recently available drug classes, expanded guidance on management of coinfections (including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C) and additional emphasis on the needs of adolescents as they approach transition to adult services. There is a new section on the current ART ‘pipeline’ of drug development, a comprehensive summary table of currently recommended ART with dosing recommendations. Differences between PENTA and current US and World Health Organization guidelines are highlighted and explained.