Subclinical atherosclerosis and markers of immune activation in HIV-infected children and adolescents: the CaroVIH Study

Plasma galectin-9 relates to cognitive performance and inflammation among adolescents with vertically acquired HIV

OBJECTIVE

Adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV (AWH) are at an increased risk of poor cognitive development yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Circulating galectin-9 (Gal-9) has been associated with increased inflammation and multimorbidity in adults with HIV despite antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, the relationship between Gal-9 in AWH and cognition remain unexplored.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study of two independent age-matched cohorts from India [AWH on ART ( n  = 15), ART-naive ( n  = 15), and adolescents without HIV (AWOH; n  = 10)] and Myanmar [AWH on ART ( n  = 54) and AWOH ( n  = 22)] were studied. Adolescents from Myanmar underwent standardized cognitive tests.

METHODS

Plasma Gal-9 and soluble mediators were measured by immunoassays and cellular immune markers by flow cytometry. We used Mann-Whitney U tests to determine group-wise differences, Spearman's correlation for associations and machine learning to identify a classifier of cognitive status (impaired vs. unimpaired) built from clinical (age, sex, HIV status) and immunological markers.

RESULTS

Gal-9 levels were elevated in ART-treated AWH compared with AWOH in both cohorts (all P  < 0.05). Higher Gal-9 in AWH correlated with increased levels of inflammatory mediators (sCD14, TNFα, MCP-1, IP-10, IL-10) and activated CD8 + T cells (all P  < 0.05). Irrespective of HIV status, higher Gal-9 levels correlated with lower cognitive test scores in multiple domains [verbal learning, visuospatial learning, memory, motor skills (all P  < 0.05)]. ML classification identified Gal-9, CTLA-4, HVEM, and TIM-3 as significant predictors of cognitive deficits in adolescents [mean area under the curve (AUC) = 0.837].

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight a potential role of Gal-9 as a biomarker of inflammation and cognitive health among adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV.

Exercise to Prevent Accelerated Vascular Aging in People Living With HIV

Given advances in antiretroviral therapy, the mortality rate for HIV infection has dropped considerably over recent decades. However, people living with HIV (PLWH) experience longer life spans coupled with persistent immune activation despite viral suppression and potential toxicity from long-term antiretroviral therapy use. Consequently, PLWH face a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk more than twice that of the general population, making it the leading cause of death among this group. Here, we briefly review the epidemiology of CVD in PLWH highlighting disparities at the intersections of sex and gender, age, race/ethnicity, and the contributions of social determinants of health and psychosocial stress to increased CVD risk among individuals with marginalized identities. We then overview the pathophysiology of HIV and discuss the primary factors implicated as contributors to CVD risk among PLWH on antiretroviral therapy. Subsequently, we highlight the functional evidence of premature vascular dysfunction as an early pathophysiological determinant of CVD risk among PLWH, discuss several mechanisms underlying premature vascular dysfunction in PLWH, and synthesize current research on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying accelerated vascular aging in PLWH, focusing on immune activation, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. We consider understudied aspects such as HIV-related changes to the gut microbiome and psychosocial stress, which may serve as mechanisms through which exercise can abrogate accelerated vascular aging. Emphasizing the significance of exercise, we review various modalities and their impacts on vascular health, proposing a holistic approach to managing CVD risks in PLWH. The discussion extends to critical future study areas related to vascular aging, CVD, and the efficacy of exercise interventions, with a call for more inclusive research that considers the diversity of the PLWH population.

Adults with Perinatally Acquired HIV; Emerging Clinical Outcomes and Data Gaps

In resourced settings, adults living with perinatally acquired HIV are approaching the 5th decade of life. Their clinical and psychological outcomes highlight potential future issues for the much larger number of adolescents growing up with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, and will inform the development of appropriate healthcare services. Lifelong exposure to HIV, and increasingly to antiretroviral therapy throughout growth and development, contrasts with adults acquiring HIV in later life. This review describes the clinical outcomes for adults living with perinatally acquired HIV including post transition mortality, morbidity and retention in care. Rates of viral suppression, drug resistance and immunological function are explored. Co-morbidities focus on metabolic, cardiovascular, respiratory and bone health with quality-of-life data including neurocognitive functioning and mental health. Sexual and reproductive health including vaccine-preventable disease and the prevention of onward transmission to partners and infants are considered. The data gaps and future research questions to optimise outcomes for this emerging adult cohort are highlighted.

Pulse wave velocity in early-treated children living with perinatal HIV infection is similar to uninfected children

INTRODUCTION

HIV is associated with accelerated cardiovascular disease, due to HIV-associated metabolic abnormalities, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and HIV itself. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) is the noninvasive gold standard measurement of arterial stiffness, and associated with incident vascular events in adults. It is unclear if arterial stiffness is accelerated in children living with perinatal HIV (CHIV) who initiate ART early in life. We compared the longitudinal trajectory of PWV in CHIV to children unexposed to HIV. A secondary comparison compared HIV exposed uninfected children (CHEU) to unexposed children.

METHODS

Four hundred and sixty-five children (141 CHIV, 160 CHEU, 164 unexposed) previously in the children with HIV early antiretroviral therapy (ART) (CHER) and P1060 trials were followed annually at Tygerberg Children's Hospital, South Africa between 2014 and 2020. CHIV initiated ART in infancy or early childhood, with excellent ART adherence and largely sustained viral suppression. The primary outcome was PWV, measured using the Vicorder system, and evaluated using linear mixed effects models.

RESULTS

Median (interquartile range) age at first PWV measurement was 8.64 (7.7-9.1) years, and median follow-up time 2.9 (1.6-4.0) years. Adjusted analyses showed no significant mean difference in PWV in CHIV and CHEU compared to unexposed [CHIV: 0.101 m/s, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.012 to 0.214; CHEU: 0.068 m/s, 95% CI -0.047 to 0.183], after adjusting for gender, age, ethnicity, mean arterial pressure, resting average heart rate and family history of cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Early-treated CHIV with sustained viral suppression have similar PWV to unexposed children. Excellent adherence and early ART initiation may protect against cardiovascular disease.

Longitudinal Changes in Subclinical Vascular Disease in Ugandan Youth With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

BACKGROUND

Prospective investigations on the risk of cardiovascular disease among youth with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa are lacking.

METHODS

A prospective observational cohort study was performed in 101 youth (aged 10-18 years) with PHIV and 97 who were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) uninfected (HIV-), from 2017 to 2021 at the Joint Clinical Research Center in Uganda. Participants with PHIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and had HIV-1 RNA levels ≤400 copies/mL. The common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were evaluated at baseline and at 96 weeks. Groups were compared using unpaired t-test, and potential predictors of IMT and PWV were assessed using quantile regression.

RESULTS

Of the 198 participants recruited at baseline, 168 (89 with PHIV, 79 HIV-) had measurements at 96 weeks. The median age (interquartile range) age was 13 (11-15) years; 52% were female, and 85% had viral loads <50 copies/mL that remained undetectable at week 96. The baseline mean common carotid artery IMT was slightly higher in participants with PHIV compared with controls (P < .01), and PWV did not differ between groups (P = .08). At week 96, IMT decreased and PWV increased in the PHIV group (P ≤ .03); IMT increased in the HIV- group (P = .03), with no change in PWV (P = .92). In longitudinal analyses in those with PHIV, longer ART duration was associated with lower PWV (β = .008 [95% confidence interval, -.008 to .003]), and abacavir use with greater IMT (β = .043 [.012-.074]).

CONCLUSIONS

In healthy Ugandan youth with PHIV, virally suppressed by ART, the common carotid artery IMT did not progress over 2 years. Prolonged and early ART may prevent progression of subclinical vascular disease, while prolonged use of abacavir may increase it.

HIV and cardiovascular disease: the role of inflammation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) use are linked to an increased incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Immune activation persists in ART-treated people with HIV (PWH), and markers of inflammation (i.e. IL-6, C-reactive protein) predict mortality in this population. This review discusses underlying mechanisms that likely contribute to inflammation and the development of ASCVD in PWH.

RECENT FINDINGS

Persistent inflammation contributes to accelerated ASCVD in HIV and several new insights into the underlying immunologic mechanisms of chronic inflammation in PWH have been made (e.g. clonal haematopoiesis, trained immunity, lipidomics). We will also highlight potential pro-inflammatory mechanisms that may differ in vulnerable populations, including women, minorities and children.

SUMMARY

Mechanistic studies into the drivers of chronic inflammation in PWH are ongoing and may aid in tailoring effective therapeutic strategies that can reduce ASCVD risk in this population. Focus should also include factors that lead to persistent disparities in HIV care and comorbidities, including sex as a biological factor and social determinants of health. It remains unclear whether ASCVD progression in HIV is driven by unique mediators (HIV itself, ART, immunodeficiency), or if it is an accelerated version of disease progression seen in the general population.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease using noninvasive techniques among children, adolescents, and youths living with HIV

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence of subclinical liver abnormalities is high among people with HIV, but data regarding perinatally HIV-infected children and adolescents (PHIV) are scarce. Noninvasive image techniques offer an opportunity to address nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a population in which the scores validated for adults have not been tested.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional study including PHIV and uninfected controls.

METHODS

Noninvasive imaging techniques for the diagnosis of NAFLD and/or fibrosis were performed, and four scores to predict NAFLD were evaluated.

RESULTS

Seventy-six participants (59.2% women) with a median of 19 years old (interquartile range: 15.5-25.6) were included, 38 were PHIV and 38 were age and sex-matched controls. All HIV participants were on ART at the moment of inclusion, and 86.8% were virologically suppressed. A total of 11 PHIV and three controls were diagnosed with NAFLD (28.9% vs. 7.9%; P = 0.02) by noninvasive imaging techniques. The performance of scores based on clinical and analytical parameters was very poor. Although nonsignificant, overweight was more common among participants with NAFLD, who had a significantly higher BMI. Differences in HIV-related parameters between the groups were nonsignificant, except for the CD4+/CD8+ T-cells ratio, decreased among PHIV diagnosed with NAFLD (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of NAFLD was high (28.9%) among PHIV, and only partially explained by overweight and metabolic syndrome defining factors. The scores based on clinical and analytical parameters did not accurately identify participants at risk. Therefore, liver ultrasound assessment should be considered for the screening of NAFLD among PHIV in routine clinical practice.

Impaired fasting glucose levels among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and youths in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed impaired fasting glucose and associated factors among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and youths in Dar es salaam Tanzania.

BACKGROUND

Impaired fasting glucose is a marker of heightened risk for developing type 2 diabetes among perinatally HIV-infected individuals. Therefore, identifying individuals at this stage is crucial to enable early intervention. Therefore, we assessed impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and associated factors among perinatally HIV-infected population in Dar es salaam Tanzania.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 152 adolescents and youth attending HIV clinic at Muhimbili National Hospital and Infectious Disease Centre from July to August 2020. Fasting blood glucose (>8 hours) was measured using one-touch selects LifeScan, CA, USA. We also examined C-Reactive Protein and interleukin-6 inflammatory biomarkers in relation to impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Associations between categorical variables were explored using Chi-square, and poison regression with robust variance was used to calculate the prevalence ratios.

RESULTS

Of the 152 participants, the majority were male (n=83[54.6%]), and the median age was 15(14-18) years. Overweight or obesity was prevalent in 16.4%, while more than one in ten (13.2%) had high blood pressure (≥149/90mmHg). All participants were on antiretroviral therapy (ART); 46% had used medication for over ten years, and about one in three had poor medication adherence. Among the recruited participants, 29% had impaired fasting glucose. The odds of IFG were two times higher in males compared to females (PR, 2.07, 95% CI 1.19 -3.59 p=0.001). Moreover, we found with every increase of Interleukin 6 biomarker there was a 1.01 probability increase of impaired fasting glucose (PR, 1.01, 95% CI 1.00 - 1.02 p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

About one in three perinatally HIV-infected youths had impaired fasting glucose in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with males bearing the biggest brunt. Moreover, with every increase of 1.101 of the probability of having IFG increased. This calls for urgent measures to interrupt the progression to diabetes disease and prevent the dual burden of disease for this uniquely challenged population.

Multi-Parametric Diagnostic Approach and Potential Markers of Early Onset Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in a Cohort of Children, Adolescents and Young Adults Vertically Infected with HIV on cART

Background: HIV infection and lifelong cART are responsible of an increase in cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to describe the subclinical cardiovascular disease and to identify early markers of cardiovascular damage in adolescents and young adults vertically infected with HIV on cART, through an innovative multi-parametric approach. Methods: We enrolled 52 patients vertically infected with HIV. Demographic records, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, laboratory findings and echocardiographic measurements were collected in a one-year routine follow up. The echocardiographic examination included measurements of the 2D and 3D ejection fraction (EF), E/A ratio, E/E′ ratio, carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results: At the time of enrolment, all the patients were on cART therapy. The viral load was suppressed in 95% of them. EF was normal in 94.2% of patients (66 ± 7.2%), and GLS (mean value: −20.0 ± 2.5%) was reduced in 29% of patients. The cIMT mean value was higher than the 95th centile for sex and age in 73%, and FMD was impaired in 45% of patients. Clinically evident disease was found in three patients: dilative cardiomyopathy in one, thoracic-abdominal aneurysm Crawford type II with a bilateral carotid dilation in one and carotid plaque with 30% of stenosis in a third patient. Conclusions: This study confirms the presence of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease in a very young population vertically infected with HIV, underlining the importance of an early, multi-parametric cardiovascular follow up.

Assessing risk factors for hypertension in young adults with perinatally acquired HIV infection: A case-control study

OBJECTIVES

Although the risk of AIDS-associated diseases has declined dramatically with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the incidence rates of chronic non-AIDS-associated diseases in perinatally HIV-infected adults have risen and have not been well characterized. Both traditional and HIV-associated risk factors have been found to contribute to hypertension in non-perinatally HIV-infected adults; whether these same factors contribute to hypertension in perinatally infected adults is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the socio-demographic, clinical, virological and immunological factors associated with systemic hypertension among a cohort of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and young adults.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study among a population of adults aged 18-35 years with perinatally acquired HIV infection receiving care at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Covariates assessed included traditional risk factors such as age, family history of hypertension, and smoking, as well as numerous HIV- and antiretroviral-associated covariates, including CD4 nadir.

RESULTS

Approximately 31% of the cohort met criteria for hypertension. There were no significant differences in the odds of most traditional or HIV-associated risk factors among perinatally HIV-infected adults with hypertension compared with those with no diagnosis of hypertension. Exposure to lopinavir/ritonavir was associated with greater odds of not having hypertension, while a concurrent diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) was associated with greater odds of having hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that most traditional and HIV-related risk factors do not appear to increase the odds of having hypertension in this cohort of individuals. The aetiology of hypertension in this population remains to be elucidated.

Cardiometabolic Complications in Youth With Perinatally Acquired HIV in the Era of Antiretroviral Therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up has dramatically reduced rates of pediatric HIV mortality and morbidity. Children living with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) are now expected to live through adolescence and well into adulthood, such that adolescents now represent the largest growing population living with HIV. This review aims to discuss the prevalence and mechanisms for cardiometabolic comorbidities in the setting of newer ART regimens and the research gaps that remain.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data highlight the continued risks of subclinical cardiometabolic complications in PHIV in the setting of newer ART. Novel techniques in imaging and omics may help identify early cardiometabolic abnormalities in this young population and potentially identify early changes in the mechanistic pathways related to these changes. Further studies to determine risk and management strategies of the cardiometabolic effects in PHIV adolescents, beyond ART, are warranted. Focus should be on prevention of these complications in youth to avoid new epidemic of diabetes and cardiovascular disease when these youths become aging adults.

Subclinical Vascular Disease in Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Uganda Is Associated With Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its mechanisms in children living with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa has been understudied.

METHODS

Mean common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse-wave velocity (PWV) were evaluated in 101 PHIV and 96 HIV-negative (HIV-) children. PHIV were on ART, with HIV-1 RNA levels ≤400 copies/mL. We measured plasma and cellular markers of monocyte activation, T-cell activation, oxidized lipids, and gut integrity.

RESULTS

Overall median (interquartile range, Q1-Q3) age was 13 (11-15) years and 52% were females. Groups were similar by age, sex, and BMI. Median ART duration was 10 (8-11) years. PHIV had higher waist-hip ratio, triglycerides, and insulin resistance (P ≤ .03). Median IMT was slightly thicker in PHIVs than HIV- children (1.05 vs 1.02 mm for mean IMT and 1.25 vs 1.21 mm for max IMT; P < .05), while PWV did not differ between groups (P = .06). In univariate analyses, lower BMI and oxidized LDL, and higher waist-hip ratio, hsCRP, and zonulin correlated with thicker IMT in PHIV (P ≤ .05). After adjustment for age, BMI, sex, CD4 cell count, triglycerides, and separately adding sCD163, sCD14, and hsCRP, higher levels of intestinal permeability as measured by zonulin remained associated with IMT (β = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively; P ≤ .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that African PHIV have evidence of CVD risk and structural vascular changes despite viral suppression. Intestinal intestinal barrier dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of subclinical vascular disease in this population.

Altered Intestinal Permeability and Fungal Translocation in Ugandan Children With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

BACKGROUND

Children with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PHIVs) face a lifelong cumulative exposure to HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART). The relationship between gut integrity, microbial translocation, and inflammation in PHIV is poorly understood.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study in 57 PHIVs, 59 HIV-exposed but uninfected children, and 56 HIV-unexposed and -uninfected children aged 2-10 years old in Uganda. PHIVs were on stable ART with HIV-1 RNA <400 copies/mL. We measured markers of systemic inflammation, monocyte activation, and gut integrity. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare markers by group and the Spearman correlation was used to assess correlations between biomarkers.

RESULTS

The mean age of all participants was 7 years and 55% were girls. Among PHIVs, the mean CD4 % was 34%, 93% had a viral load ≤20 copies/mL, and 79% were on a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor regimen. Soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14), beta-D-glucan (BDG), and zonulin were higher in the PHIV group (P ≤ .01). Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) did not differ between groups (P > .05). Among PHIVs who were breastfed, levels of sCD163 and interleukin 6 (IL6) were higher than levels in PHIV who were not breastfed (P < .05). Additionally, in PHIVs with a history of breastfeeding, sCD14, BDG, LBP, zonulin, and I-FABP correlated with several markers of systemic inflammation, including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL6, d-dimer, and systemic tumor necrosis factor receptors I and II (P ≤ .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite viral suppression, PHIVs have evidence of altered gut permeability and fungal translocation. Intestinal damage and the resultant bacterial and fungal translocations in PHIVs may play a role in the persistent inflammation that leads to many end-organ diseases in adults.Despite viral suppression, children with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Uganda have evidence of alterations in intestinal permeability and fungal translocation, compared to HIV-exposed but uninfected and HIV-unexposed children, which may play a role in HIV-associated chronic inflammation.

A Meta-Analysis of Different Types of Cardiac Adipose Tissue in HIV Patients

Background

Antiretroviral therapy transformed HIV infection into a chronic disease but accelerated cardiovascular disease (CVD). Both of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and pericardial fat (PCF) have close relationships with CVD. The associations between these two cardiac adipose tissue and HIV are unclear.

Methods

Eligible studies were searched in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from database inception to March 24, 2020. The summarized standard mean difference (SMD) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to assess the association between EAT/PCF and HIV. Subgroup analysis was performed based on EAT types. Trial sequential analysis was conducted to estimate whether the evidence of the results is sufficient.

Results

In total, 2561 HIV patients and 1767 non-HIV participants were included. Compared to the control group, EAT was significantly higher in the HIV overall group and subgroup with EAT thickness (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.24-0.95, P = 0.001; SMD = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.41-1.79, P = 0.002); however, the EAT volume and PCF volume were unchanged in the HIV group (SMD = 0.16, 95% CI: -0.07-0.39, P = 0.169; WMD = 10.78, 95% CI: -14.11-35.67, P = 0.396). Trial sequential analysis indicated that the available samples were sufficient in the HIV overall group and subgroup with EAT thickness, and more studies are needed for EAT volume and PCF volume.

Conclusions

EAT thickness was significantly higher in patients with HIV. The association between EAT/PCF volume and HIV needs more studies to confirm.

Craniofacial morphology of HIV-infected adolescents undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): An original research

OBJECTIVES:

To analyze the craniofacial morphology in child patients and adolescents by evaluating the skeletal cephalometric profile of the HIV infected patients in this age group and comparing them with the HIV-negative controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a planned case-control study which included 25 HIV-positive adolescent patients aged between 10 and 18 years (the study group) who were compared with 25 age- and sex-matched HIV-negative adolescent controls (the control group). All the patients had been HIV infected via a vertical transmission with positive serology confirmed in two different tests and had been kept on HAART since they were born. The diagnostic aids used for orthodontic documentation included facial photographs, digital orthopantomographs, lateral teleradiographs, and study models.

RESULTS:

With reference to the methodologies used for taking the cephalometric values, all the methods used were in strong agreement with each other for almost all the variables studied and had high intra-class correlation coefficient values except Co-A, SN.ANSPNS, and SNB which, too, had a good agreement of 60%. Nevertheless, the agreement was positive for these variables, too, since the P values obtained were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Most of the measurements in the HIV-infected adolescents were found to be similar to the ones obtained for the HIV-negative controls, although, the study results highlighted the significance of further studies to be conducted in this regard, especially, the longitudinal study designs wherein the said variables can be studied on a follow-up basis in longitudinal studies to have an idea of the exact changes observed and their pattern in the included groups.

Increased monocyte and T-cell activation in treated HIV+ Ugandan children: associations with gut alteration and HIV factors

INTRODUCTION

The pathophysiology of immune activation and its mechanisms in children living with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa has been understudied.

METHODS

We enrolled 101 children living with PHIV and 96 HIV-negative controls (HIV-). All participants were between 10 and 18 years of age with no known active infections. PHIVs were on ART with HIV-1 RNA level 400 copies/ml or less. We measured plasma and cellular markers of monocyte activation, T-cell activation (expression of CD38 and HLA-DR on CD4 and CD8), oxidized lipids, markers of gut integrity and fungal translocation. Spearman correlations and linear regression models were used.

RESULTS

Overall median (Q1; Q3) age was 13 years (11; 15) and 52% were girls. Groups were similar by age, sex and BMI. Median ART duration was 10 years (8; 11). PHIVs had higher monocyte and T-cell activation; higher sCD14 (P = 0.01) and elevated frequencies of nonclassical monocytes (P < 0.001 for both). Markers of systemic inflammation (hsCRP), fungal translocation (BDG), intestinal permeability (zonulin) and oxidized lipids (ox LDL) correlated with monocyte and T-cell activation in PHIV (≤0.05). After adjusting for age, sex, ART duration, protease inhibitor and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor use, a modest association between BDG and activated CD4 T cells was observed (β=0.65, P < 0.01). Oxidized LDL was inversely associated with activated T cells, inflammatory and nonclassical monocytes (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Ugandan children with perinatally acquired HIV with viral suppression have evidence of ongoing immune activation. Intestinal barrier dysfunction and fungal translocation may be involved in chronic immune dysfunction.

Biological Aging and Immune Senescence in Children with Perinatally Acquired HIV

Chronic HIV-infected children suffer from premature aging and aging-related diseases. Viral replication induces an ongoing inflammation process, with the release of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), the activation of the immune system, and the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Although combined highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly modified the natural course of HIV infection, normalization of T and B cell phenotype is not completely achievable; thus, many HIV-infected children display several phenotypical alterations, including higher percentages of activated cells, that favor an accelerated telomere attrition, and higher percentages of exhausted and senescent cells. All these features ultimately lead to the clinical manifestations related to premature aging and comorbidities typically observed in older general population, including non-AIDS-related malignancies. Therefore, even under effective treatment, the premature aging process of HIV-infected children negatively impacts their quality and length of life. This review examines the available data on the impact of HIV and ART on immune and biological senescence of HIV-infected children.

Carotid intima media thickness in older children and adolescents with HIV taking antiretroviral therapy

Increased carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is reported in both adults and children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in high income settings and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but data from sub-Saharan Africa is lacking.We assessed cIMT using ultrasound in perinatally HIV-infected children aged 6 to 16 years taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) for ≥6 months compared with HIV-uninfected controls in Harare, Zimbabwe. Groups were compared using unpaired t test and potential predictors of cIMT were assessed using multiple linear regression.A total of 117 participants with HIV, of whom 55 (45%) were female and 75 healthy uninfected controls were included. Participants with HIV were younger than uninfected controls, 10.7 (2.4) years versus 11.9 (2.6) years (P = .001). Mean cIMT was 0.40 (0.05) mm in those with HIV versus 0.40 (0.04) mm in healthy controls (P = .377). There was no association between cluster of differentiation 4 count, HIV viral load, and duration on ART and cIMT.Children with HIV taking ART have similar cIMT to uninfected children. Increasing numbers of children with HIV are reaching adulthood and longitudinal studies to assess the effect of long-term HIV and ART on vascular changes are required.

HIV-related cardiovascular diseases: the search for a unifying hypothesis

Although the extensive rollout of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy resulted in a longer life expectancy for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), such individuals display a relatively increased occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This health challenge stimulated significant research interests in the field, leading to an improved understanding of both lifestyle-related risk factors and the underlying mechanisms of CVD onset in PLHIV. However, despite such progress, the precise role of various risk factors and mechanisms underlying the development of HIV-mediated CVD still remains relatively poorly understood. Therefore, we review CVD onset in PLHIV and focus on 1) the spectrum of cardiovascular complications that typically manifest in such persons and 2) underlying mechanisms that are implicated in this process. Here, the contributions of such factors and modulators and underlying mechanisms are considered in a holistic and integrative manner to generate a unifying hypothesis that includes identification of the core pathways mediating CVD onset. The review focuses on the sub-Saharan African context, as there are relatively high numbers of PLHIV residing within this region, indicating that the greater CVD risk will increasingly threaten the well-being and health of its citizens. It is our opinion that such an approach helps point the way for future research efforts to improve treatment strategies and/or lifestyle-related modifications for PLHIV.

Accelerated aging in perinatally HIV-infected children: clinical manifestations and pathogenetic mechanisms

Background: Premature aging and related diseases have been documented in HIV-infected adults. Data are now emerging also regarding accelerated aging process in HIV-infected children.

Methods: A narrative review was performed searching studies on PubMed published in English language in 2004-2017, using appropriate key words, including “aging”, “children”, “HIV”, “AIDS”, “immunosenescence”, “pathogenesis”, “clinical conditions”.

Results: Premature immunosenescence phenotype of B and T cells in HIV-infected children is mediated through immune system activation and chronic inflammation. Ongoing inflammation processes have been documented by increased levels of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPS), increased mitochondrial damage, higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a positive correlation between sCD14 levels and percentages of activated CD8⁺ cells. Other reported features of premature aging include cellular replicative senescence, linked to an accelerated telomeres shortening. Finally, acceleration of age-associated methylation pattern and other epigenetic modifications have been described in HIV-infected children. All these features may favor the clinical manifestations related to premature aging. Lipid and bone metabolism, cancers, cardiovascular, renal, and neurological systems should be carefully monitored, particularly in children with detectable viremia and/or with CD4/CD8 ratio inversion.

Conclusion: Aging processes in children with HIV infection impact their quality and length of life. Further studies regarding the mechanisms involved in premature aging are needed to search for potential targets of treatment.

Age-specific associations between HIV infection and carotid artery intima-media thickness in China: a cross-sectional evaluation of baseline data from the CHART cohort

BACKGROUND

Inconclusive results have been reported in studies evaluating the association between HIV infection and subclinical atherosclerosis. Unsolved issues include whether the increased atherosclerosis burden observed in some studies is attributed to greater prevalence of traditional risk factors or HIV infection. Therefore, we evaluated the association of HIV infection with subclinical atherosclerosis as assessed by carotid artery intima-media thickness, while controlling for the effects of traditional risk factors as operationalised by the Framingham risk score (FRS).

METHODS

We did a cross-sectional evaluation of data derived from the baseline assessment of the Comparative HIV and Aging Research in Taizhou (CHART) cohort, an ongoing longitudinal study being done in Zhejiang province, China. HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals aged 18 years and older were recruited between Feb 1, and Dec 10, 2017, and were frequency-matched for age and sex in a 1:2 ratio. Subclinical atherosclerosis was defined as carotid artery intima-media thickness of 780 μm or higher. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations of HIV-positive serostatus and FRS with subclinical atherosclerosis.

FINDINGS

480 of 1425 (36·1%, 95% CI 33·6-38·6) HIV-positive and 784 of 2850 (27·5%, 95% CI 25·9-29·2) HIV-negative individuals had subclinical atherosclerosis (p<0·0001), and these patterns remained significant (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR] 1·72, 95% CI 1·47-2·01) in the adjusted model. After stratifying by age, higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis was observed in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative individuals across the age groups 18-29 years (41 [16·0%] of 256 vs 13 [2·5%] of 512, p<0·0001), 30-44 years (128 [24·0%] of 533 vs 153 [14·4%] of 1066, p<0·0001), and 45-59 years (182 [46·6%] of 391 vs 294 [37·6%] of 782, p=0·0032), but not 60-75 years (163 [66·5%] of 245 vs 324 [66·1%] of 490, p=0·912). Significant negative interaction between HIV-positive serostatus and age on subclinical atherosclerosis was observed (p<0·0001). ORs adjusted for age, sex, and FRS were 8·84 (95% CI 4·50-17·34) for the age group 18-29 years, 2·09 (1·59-2·74) for 30-44 years, 1·54 (1·19-1·98) for 45-59 years, and 1·04 (0·75-1·44) for 60-75 years. Among HIV-positive individuals, none of the HIV-specific variables were significantly associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness estimates except for being antiretroviral therapy naive.

INTERPRETATION

HIV infection is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, independent of classic risk factors. The association is stronger at younger ages, suggesting early onset of subclinical atherosclerosis among young adults. These findings highlight the need to modify HIV/AIDS treatment guidelines to incorporate cardiovascular evaluation in China.

FUNDING

China National Science and Technology Major Projects on Infectious Diseases, National Natural Science Foundation of China, and Shanghai Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission.

Subclinical Atherosclerosis Imaging in People Living with HIV

In many, but not all studies, people living with HIV (PLWH) have an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) events compared to the general population. This has generated considerable interest in the early, non-invasive detection of asymptomatic (subclinical) atherosclerosis in PLWH. Ultrasound studies assessing carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) have tended to show a somewhat greater thickness in HIV+ compared to HIV-, likely due to an increased prevalence of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in PLWH. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) determination by non-contrast computed tomography (CT) seems promising to predict CV events but is limited to the detection of calcified plaque. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) detects calcified and non-calcified plaque and predicts CAD better than either CAC or CIMT. A normal CCTA predicts survival free of CV events over a very long time-span. Research imaging techniques, including black-blood magnetic resonance imaging of the vessel wall and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography for the assessment of arterial inflammation have provided insights into the prevalence of HIV-vasculopathy and associated risk factors, but their clinical applicability remains limited. Therefore, CCTA currently appears as the most promising cardiac imaging modality in PLWH for the evaluation of suspected CAD, particularly in patients <50 years, in whom most atherosclerotic coronary lesions are non-calcified.

Fungal Translocation Is Associated with Immune Activation and Systemic Inflammation in Treated HIV

The mechanisms causing HIV-associated immune activation remain incompletely understood. Alteration of intestinal integrity with subsequent translocation of bacterial products appears to play an important role; however, little is known about the impact of fungal translocation. We assessed the effect of fungal translocation and its association with immune activation in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared with uninfected controls. We measured serum levels of β-D-glucan (BDG) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) and markers of systemic inflammation and immune activation in virally suppressed PLWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and uninfected controls. T-test and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare markers by HIV status and correlation and regression analyses were used to assess associations of fungal translocation markers with markers of inflammation. One hundred seventy-six participants were included (128 HIV+ and 48 HIV-); 72% male, 65% African American, median age was 50 years, and CD4 was 710 cells/cm³. Levels of BDG tended to be lower in HIV+ when compared with controls (p = .05). No significant difference in levels of ASCA IgG and IgA was seen between groups (p > .75). There was a significant correlation between BDG and several markers of inflammation and immune activation in PLWH, not seen in uninfected controls. In contrast, no correlations were seen between levels of ASCA IgG and IgA with inflammatory markers. PLWH on ART do not have higher levels of BDG or ASCA when compared with uninfected controls, however, the association found between BDG and several inflammation markers suggests a potential role of fungal translocation in the heightened immune activation seen in treated HIV.

Insulin Resistance in South African Youth Living with Perinatally Acquired HIV Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy

To investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for insulin resistance (IR) in a cohort of youth living with perinatally acquired HIV (YLPHIV) receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART). A cross-sectional analysis of IR in YLPHIV and age-matched HIV-uninfected youth enrolled in the Cape Town Adolescent Antiretroviral Cohort. South African youth ages 9-14 years, with perinatally acquired HIV who were on ART for >6 months and age-matched HIV-uninfected adolescents, were eligible. The homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), calculated from fasting insulin and glucose measurements at enrollment, was used to assess IR. Multiple linear regression was used to examine adjusted associations between HOMA and HIV-related and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Of 448 adolescents, 385 (85.9%) were YLPHIV; median age was 12.1 years [interquartile range (IQR): 10.8-13.5], and 50.4% were female. Median duration on ART was 7.5 (IQR: 4.5-9.2) years. The prevalence of IR in YLPHIV was 18%. Among YLPHIV, waist circumference (ß = 0.01, p = .01), hypertriglyceridemia (ß = 0.07, p = .01), CD4 count >500 cells/mm³ (ß = 0.08, p = .02), or prior use of abacavir (ß = 0.06, p = .04) were associated with increased HOMA, after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and Tanner stage. In a South African cohort of YLPHIV on ART, IR was not significantly different from uninfected adolescents. YLPHIV with traditional cardiovascular risk factors or abacavir exposure may be at higher risk for IR.

CD4:CD8 ratio in children with perinatally acquired HIV-1 infection

Objectives

In adults with horizontally acquired HIV infection, an inverted CD4:CD8 ratio is associated with persistent immune activation, size of HIV reservoir and predicts an increased risk of non‐AIDS‐defining adverse events. Normalization of this ratio with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is suboptimal in adults, despite viral suppression, and is less well described in paediatric populations. We investigated rates of CD4:CD8 ratio recovery in children with perinatally acquired HIV infection (PaHIV) on ART.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, retrospective analysis of routine clinical data in children with PaHIV (5–18 years old) attending a single UK centre was carried out.

Results

CD4:CD8 normalization was seen in 62% of children on suppressive ART. A negative correlation was found between current CD4:CD8 ratio and age at start of ART. Positive correlations were found between current CD4:CD8 ratio and total time with suppressed HIV viral load and nadir CD4 counts. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age at start of ART was significantly associated with current CD4:CD8 ratio (standardized β = −0.680; P < 0.001). Patient sex, ethnicity and antiretroviral regimen did not affect ratio recovery.

Conclusions

We found higher rates of CD4:CD8 ratio normalization compared with previous adult studies. Children who started ART at a younger age were more likely to recover a normal ratio. The current policy of universal treatment for all HIV‐positive adults and children will enhance immunological normalization.

Craniofacial morphology of HIV-positive children and adolescents undergoing antiretroviral therapy: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we aimed to analyze craniofacial morphology by assessing the skeletal cephalometric profiles of HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

For this study, 21 HIV-positive patients aged between 6 and 17 years (study group) were selected and compared with 21 normoreactive patients (control group), paired by sex and age. The patients were also divided into 3 age ranges (6-8, 9-12, and 13-17 years) considering the pubertal growth spurt as the central event. Eighteen (linear and angular) measurements were traced on teleradiographs by using 2 methodologies. The mean values of each measurement were compared between the study and control groups by age range.

RESULTS

The majority of the measurements checked in the HIV-positive children and adolescents for the 13-to-17 year age range were diminished, but not enough to generate a statistically significant difference in craniofacial growth. Statistically significant differences (P <0.05) were found only in the inclination of the palatal plane (6-8 years) and the position of the maxilla in the anteroposterior direction (13-17 years).

CONCLUSIONS

These results led us to conclude that some cephalometric measurements of HIV-positive children and adolescents may be similar to those of normoreactive subjects.

Dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation, and subclinical atherosclerosis in children and adolescents infected with HIV: The PositHIVe Health Study

HIV-infected children and adolescents may be at risk for cardiovascular disease due to chronic inflammation and exacerbation of risk factors. The aim of this study was as follows: 1) compare cardiovascular risk factors, chronic inflammation, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMTc) between the HIV and control groups; 2) determine the association of HIV and antiretroviral (ART) regimens with cardiovascular risk factors, chronic inflammation, and IMTc; and 3) identify variables associated with elevated IMTc. Cross-sectional analysis of 130 children and adolescents, 8-15 years of age, divided into HIV-infected (n = 65) and healthy control (n = 65) participants. Body fat, blood pressure, glycemia, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol and fractions (LDL-C and HDL-C), triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and the IMTc were measured. The results showed HIV-infected children and adolescents had higher levels of glycemia (87.9 vs. 75.9 mg.dL-1, p< 0.001), LDL-c (94.7 vs. 79.5 mg.dL-1, p = 0.010), triglycerides (101.2 vs. 61.6 mg.dL-1, p< 0.001), CRP (1.6 vs. 1.0 mg.L-1, p = 0.007), IL-6 (1.42 vs. 0.01 pg.mL-1, p< 0.001), TNF-α (0.49 vs. 0.01 pg.mL-1, p< 0.001), mean IMTc (0.526 vs. 0.499 mm, p = 0.009), and lower HDL-c (53.7 vs. 69.4 mg.dL-1, p< 0.001) compared to controls. Systolic blood pressure (β = 0.006, p = 0.004) and TNF-α (β = -0.033, p = 0.029) accounted for 16% of IMTc variability in HIV-infected children and adolescents. In patients using protease inhibitors-based ART, male gender (β = -0.186, p = 0.008), trunk body fat (β = -0.011, p = 0.006), glucose (β = 0.005, p = 0.046), and IL-6 (β = 0.017, p = 0.039) accounted for 28% of IMTc variability. HIV-infected children and adolescents may be at risk for premature atherosclerosis due to chronic inflammation and dyslipidemia. Interventions with the potential to improve lipid profile, mitigate inflammation, and reduce cardiovascular risk are needed.

Complications of Treatment in Youth with HIV

While combination antiretroviral therapy allows HIV-infected patients to have life expectancies similar to that of the general population, it may also contribute to the development of co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Such complications could compromise long-term quality of life, especially in HIV-infected youth whose lifetime cumulative exposure to antiretrovirals is likely to be many decades. Recent studies continue to demonstrate abnormalities associated with antiretroviral therapy, although clinical manifestations are rare in this younger population, especially with modern antiretrovirals. The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent literature on complications of treatment in youth with HIV.

HIV Infection and Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases Beyond Coronary Artery Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) increasingly afflicts people living with HIV (PLWH) in the contemporary era of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most widely studied cardiovascular problem in PLWH; however, less is known about other clinically relevant subtypes of CVD such as heart failure (HF), cerebrovascular disease, sudden cardiac death, pericardial diseases, and pulmonary hypertension. This paper reviews evidence of other subtypes of CVD as emerging issues in the post-ART era.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have shown that PLWH have higher risk of HF as well as subclinical impairment of left ventricular (LV) mechanics (systolic and diastolic dysfunction) and myocardial abnormalities (fibrosis and steatosis). The underlying mechanisms, however, are not well-understood. A few studies have also shown higher rates of atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death in PLWH. Ischemic stroke is the most common stroke type in the post-ART era, with underlying mechanisms like those identified in CAD: chronic inflammation and associated vasculopathy. Studies of great vessels (carotid artery and aorta) and peripheral arterial disease show heterogeneous results. Small subclinical pericardial effusions are common in PLWH in post-ART era. Pulmonary hypertension continues to be an underdiagnosed and potentially fatal complication of HIV infection. PLWH remain at higher risk for all types of CVD including heart failure, stroke, and arrhythmias in the post-ART era. Chronic inflammation may play an important role in this increased risk. More studies are needed to further elucidate the extent of non-coronary CVD in PLWH and the underlying mechanisms for them.

Premature Coronary Artery Disease and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in a 24-Year-Old Man With Perinatally Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Case Report

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Although evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis in perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) is available, myocardial infarction has not been described in this population. We report a case of myocardial infarction in a patient with PHIV with a brief literature review.

Increased Immune Activation and Exhaustion in HIV-infected Youth

BACKGROUND

Immune activation and exhaustion drive several comorbidities and disease progression in HIV-infected adults; however, they are not well studied in HIV-infected youth. Thus, this study sought to examine levels of immune activation and exhaustion in this population, investigate associated HIV- and non-HIV-related variables and compare results with a matched healthy control group.

METHODS

HIV-infected youth 8-25 years of age on stable antiretroviral therapy with an HIV-1 RNA level <1000 copies/mL were enrolled, along with matched healthy controls. We measured T-cell and monocyte immune activation and exhaustion markers in cryopreserved peripheral blood mononuclear cell and plasma samples.

RESULTS

A total of 136 subjects (80 HIV+: 66% male; 91% black) were enrolled. Markers of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation were higher in the HIV-infected group versus controls [mean % CD4+CD38+HLA-DR+ and CD8+CD38+HLA-DR+ = 2.2 versus 1.5 (P=0.002) and 4.9 versus 2.2 (P<0.0001), respectively], as were exhausted CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells [mean % CD4+CD38+HLA-DR+PD-1+ and CD8+CD38+HLA-DR+PD-1+ = 1.0 versus 0.5 (P<0.0001) and 1.6 versus 0.7 (P<0.0001), respectively]. There were no differences in proportions of inflammatory or patrolling monocytes between groups (P>0.05); however, soluble CD14 was higher in HIV-infected compared with controls (1.6 versus 1.4 µg/mL; P=0.01). Current CD4 count, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and age were the variables most associated with CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell activation.

CONCLUSIONS

CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell immune activation and exhaustion are higher in HIV-infected youth compared with matched controls, while monocyte subpopulations are not altered despite a high soluble CD14 level. The clinical significance of the increased immune activation and exhaustion should be further explored.

Association between human immunodeficiency virus infection and arterial stiffness in children

Background Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and adverse cardiovascular outcome in adults. Early recognition of changes in vascular properties might prove essential in cardiovascular prevention in HIV-infected patients. We investigated the relations between HIV infection and arterial stiffness in children. Methods This cross-sectional study included 51 HIV-infected and 52 healthy children (age 3.2-14.5 years, 49 males). All infected children had acquired HIV by vertical transmission and were receiving antiretroviral therapy at time of assessment. Arterial stiffness was measured by pulse wave velocity and aortic augmentation index, using the Arteriograph system (Tensiomed Kft, Budapest, Hungary). We applied multivariable general linear modeling to evaluate the relationship between HIV infection and arterial stiffness with further adjustment for confounders and possible intermediary variables. Findings represent mean group differences with 95% confidence intervals and p values. Results Aortic augmentation index was higher by 9.0% (5.6-12.5, p < 0.001) in HIV-infected than in healthy children. Adjustment for blood pressure, protease inhibitor use, biomarkers for level of inflammation, lipid- and glucose-metabolism, as possible intermediary variables, did not appreciably alter the results. There were no significant differences in pulse wave velocity between HIV-infected and healthy children (mean difference 0.28 m/s, -0.14-0.69, p = 0.19). Conclusion HIV-infected children have an increased aortic augmentation index, compared to healthy children. Early cardiovascular assessment may be important in targeted prevention for HIV-infected children.

HIV Infection and Carotid Artery Intima-media Thickness: Pooled Analyses Across 5 Cohorts of the NHLBI HIV-CVD Collaborative

BACKGROUND

Age and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment may affect the association of HIV infection with atherosclerosis.

METHODS

We used identical carotid artery B-mode ultrasonographic methods in 5 cohorts participating in the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute HIV-CVD Collaborative to measure intima-media thickness of the right far wall of the common carotid artery (CCA-IMT) and carotid artery bifurcation (BIF-IMT) between 2010 and 2013. Participants aged 6-75 years were either HIV infected or uninfected. Linear regression assessed associations of CCA-IMT and BIF-IMT with HIV infection and cardiovascular disease risk factors, within age and HIV treatment groups. Adjustment variables included sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, height, weight, and use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs.

RESULTS

We studied 867 HIV-infected and 338 HIV-uninfected male and 696 HIV-infected and 246 HIV-uninfected female participants. Among both middle-aged (30-49 years) and older adults (50-75 years), HIV-infected participants had CCA-IMT and BIF-IMT values that were similar to or lower than those in HIV-uninfected participants. In contrast, among those aged 6-29 years, HIV infection was associated with higher CCA-IMT and BIF-IMT values. Among HIV-infected participants, associations of higher systolic blood pressure and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with Carotid artery intima-media thickness strengthened with age.

CONCLUSIONS

The effects of HIV on carotid artery structure may differ across the lifespan, with traditional determinants of cardiovascular disease burden playing a larger role and HIV playing a lesser role in older adults than in young adults and children.

Systemic Immune Activation Profiles of HIV-1 Subtype C-Infected Children and Their Mothers

Little is known about immune activation profiles of children infected with HIV-1 subtype C. The current study compared levels of selected circulating biomarkers of immune activation in HIV-1 subtype C-infected untreated mothers and their children with those of healthy controls. Multiplex bead array, ELISA, and immunonephelometric procedures were used to measure soluble CD14 (sCD14), beta-2 microglobulin (β2M), CRP, MIG, IP-10, and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Levels of all 6 biomarkers were significantly elevated in the HIV-infected mothers and, with the exception of MIG, in their children (P < 0.01–P < 0.0001). The effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and maternal smoking on these biomarkers were also assessed. With the exception of TGF-β1, which was unchanged in the children 12 months after therapy, initiation of ART was accompanied by decreases in the other biomarkers. Regression analysis revealed that although most biomarkers were apparently unaffected by smoking, exposure of children to maternal smoking was associated with a significant increase in IP-10. These findings demonstrate that biomarkers of immune activation are elevated in HIV-infected children pre-ART and decline, with the exception of TGF-β1, after therapy. Although preliminary, elevation of IP-10 in smoke-exposed infants is consistent with a higher level of immune activation in this group.

Effects of paediatric HIV infection on childhood vasculature

AIMS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may alter childhood vascular properties and influence future cardiovascular risk. Whether vascular changes are associated with HIV infection per se or antiretroviral therapy (ART) is unknown. We investigated the effects of ART-naive or ART-exposed HIV infection in children on childhood vascular characteristics.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed vascular ultrasound to measure carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), distensibility, and elastic modulus on 114 children with vertically acquired HIV infection (56 ART-naive, 58 ART treated) and 51 healthy children in Jakarta, Indonesia. Children also underwent clinical and blood examinations. We used general linear modelling to estimate associations between HIV infection/treatment status and vascular characteristics with adjustment for confounders or possible mediators. Vascular measurements were successful in 42 ART-naive HIV-infected [median age 4.0 years (min 0.4-max 11.5)]; 53 ART-treated HIV infected [5.7 years (0.6-12.2), median ART duration 2.4 years (0.1-9.9)]; and 48 healthy children, 6.5 years (2.4-14.0). The ART-naive HIV infected had thicker cIMT (difference 70.4 µm, 95% CI 32.1-108.7, P < 0.001), adjusted for age, sex, socioeconomic status, parental smoking, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and HbA1c. Addition of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level to the model did not affect the results (71.6 µm, 31.9-111.2, P = 0.001). The ART-exposed children had similar cIMT dimensions to healthy children. Distensibility was not significantly different between HIV infected, either ART-naive or -exposed, and healthy children, but adjusted analysis including only ART-exposed children with controlled HIV (CD4+ ≥200/mm³ or CD4+ ≥15%) showed that the ART-exposed had an increased elastic modulus (difference 37.9 kPa, 95% CI 6.5-69.3, P = 0.02), and following adjustment for hs-CRP (35.5 kPa, 95% CI 4.2-66.8, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

ART-naive HIV infection in children is associated with increased cIMT. Children with ART-controlled HIV may have increased arterial stiffness, although further confirmation is required.

Cardiac function in vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated increased risk of adverse cardiac outcomes in adults with HIV infection. However, few studies have addressed this problem in vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents, and the long-term cardiac health of this unique population in the antiretroviral therapy era is still unknown.

METHODS

Ventricular function was evaluated cross-sectionally in a group of HIV-infected children and adolescents and healthy controls, using conventional echocardiography along with tissue Doppler imaging and strain analysis by speckle tracking. Simultaneously, measurements of carotid intima-media thickness were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 64 cases and 58 controls were included, mean age was 13.6 ± 5.4 years and 64% were females. All but 2 patients were on antiretroviral treatment, and 64% had undetectable viral load. HIV-infected patients showed higher intima-media thickness (0.425 ± 0.019 vs. 0.415 ± 0.019 mm, P = 0.003). Statistically significant differences were found between groups in ejection fraction and fractional shortening (66.1% and 36.2% in the HIV-infected group vs. 71.5% and 40.8% in the control group, respectively, P = 0.001), although individual values fell within or near normal ranges. There were no significant differences in diastolic function, tissue Doppler imaging or cardiac strain (longitudinal and rotational) between both groups. No associations were identified between echocardiographic parameters and current CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, CD4+ T-lymphocyte nadir, HIV viral load, duration or type of antiretroviral treatment regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

In a context of highly effective antiretroviral treatment, no differences were found regarding cardiac abnormalities using conventional and advanced ultrasound imaging techniques in this cohort of vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents, when compared with healthy controls.

Metabolic and renal adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected children and adolescents

Worldwide, the benefits of combined antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in morbidity and mortality due to perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus infection are beyond question and outweigh the toxicity these drugs have been associated with in HIV-infected children and adolescents to date. In puberty, abnormal body fat distribution is stigmatizating and leads to low adherence to ARV treatment. The other metabolic comorbidities (mitochondrial toxicity, dyslipidemias, insulin resistance and low bone mineral density) and renal toxicity, albeit nonsymptomatic in most children, are increasingly being reported and potentially put this population at risk for early cardiovascular or cerebrovascular atherosclerotic disease, diabetes, pathologic fractures or premature renal failure in the third and fourth decades of life. Evidence from available studies is limited because of methodological limitations and also because of several HIV-unrelated factors influencing, to some degree, the development of these conditions. Current recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of metabolic and renal adverse effects in HIV-children and adolescents are based on adult studies, observational pediatric studies and experts' consensus. Healthy lifestyle habits (regarding diet, exercise and refraining from toxic substances) and wise use of ARV options are the only preventive tools for the majority of patients. Should abnormal findings arise, switches in one or more ARV drugs have proved useful. Specific therapies are also available for some of these comorbidities, although the experience in the pediatric age is still very scarce. We aim to summarize the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of metabolic and renal adverse effects in vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents.

Lipid and glucose alterations in perinatally-acquired HIV-infected adolescents and young adults

Background

Successful antiretroviral therapy (ART) has dramatically reduced mortality among HIV-infected children. However, there is growing concern about long-term effects associated to ART. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities in a cohort of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and young adults and to identify associated factors.

Methods

We present results from a cross-sectional analysis including individuals 12 to 20 years of age, from a prospective, longitudinal cohort of perinatally-acquired HIV-infected children, adolescents and young adults in Madrid. Clinical and immunological data were recorded and complete lipid and glycemic profiles were determined.

Results

Ninety-nine adolescents were included, with a median age of 15.3 years [13.6-16.7]. Patients with abnormal levels of lipids were as follows: 27.2% total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dl, 25.9% LDL cholesterol (LDL-c) ≥ 130 mg/dl, 14.1% HDL-C < 35 mg/dl and 39.8% triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl. Current use of protease inhibitors (PI) was associated with higher triglyceride values (p = 0.022). Four (4.6%) patients showed fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl and 30.6% presented with insulin resistance (IR) (HOMA-IR over the 90th centile). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex, age, weight, Tanner stage, protease inhibitors (PI) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) treatment length and CD4 nadir, IR was associated with higher waist circumference Z score; OR: 3.92(CI95%: 1.15-13.4) (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

There was a high prevalence of insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities in this cohort of perinatally-acquired HIV-infected adolescents. A simple clinical measurement like waist circumference Z score might be a reliable marker and predictor of insulin resistance in these patients.

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.

Cardiovascular disease risk in an aging HIV population: not just a question of biology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The objective of this review is to appraise recently published literature that describes the relationship between HIV, biologic and environmental risk factors, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk with particular emphasis on the aging HIV population and to demonstrate that these biologic and environmental factors may interact to increase the risk of CVD in the HIV population.

RECENT FINDINGS

The mechanisms linking HIV and CVD are multifactorial and encompass biological and 'environmental' modalities including multimorbid conditions that co-occur with HIV, immunologic alterations associated with HIV, polypharmacy (which affects adherence and increases likelihood of adverse drug-drug interactions) and healthcare disparities in CVD risk reduction by HIV status.

SUMMARY

Data regarding optimal treatment strategies that balance immunological restoration and CVD risk reduction are needed.

Carotid artery intima-media thickness measurements in the youth: reproducibility and technical considerations

BACKGROUND

Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), a marker of atherosclerosis, is increased in youth at risk for future cardiovascular disease. Some pediatric studies have used CIMT as a primary outcome in clinical trials, yet data are limited on the standardization of methodology in children. The goal of this study was to evaluate reproducibility of CIMT measurements using two different measurement techniques.

METHODS

Carotid artery ultrasound studies of children and adolescents obtained as a component of a research study in Kawasaki syndrome were retrospectively analyzed. The CIMTs of both common carotid arteries (CCAs) were measured by one of two sonographers at the time in the cardiac cycle when resolution subjectively was determined to be optimal (Opt-CIMT). These sonographers blindly remeasured a random sample of studies of their own and each other's, using the same method. Another observer made CIMT measurements using exclusively frames on the R wave (R-CIMT). A fourth observer independently measured a random sample of studies twice with the R-CIMT method.

RESULTS

Carotid artery images from 184 subjects (mean age, 14.7 ± 2.2 years) were analyzed. The intraclass correlation coefficient for interobserver variability was 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.94) compared with 0.85 (95% CI, 0.65-0.93) for the right and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.67-0.94) versus 0.95 (95% CI, 0.87-0.98) for the left CCA for Opt-CIMT and R-CIMT, respectively. R-CIMT was significantly thicker than Opt-CIMT (right CCA, 0.439 ± 0.030 vs 0.428 ± 0.024 mm, P < .001; left CCA, 0.446 ± 0.030 vs 0.434 ± 0.025 mm, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Pediatric CIMT measurements have excellent reproducibility when the same methodology is applied but vary significantly throughout the cardiac cycle. This report highlights the need to standardize CIMT measurements in the youth and supports the use of electrocardiographic timing, as recommended in adults, in pediatric longitudinal studies.

Cardiovascular manifestations of HIV infection in children

BACKGROUND

HIV infection in children is now considered as a chronic condition, in which various non-infectious complications may occur, including those affecting the developing cardiovascular system. As children are expected to survive well into adulthood, understanding childhood as well as potential future cardiovascular complications is of major importance.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We reviewed published literature on childhood cardiac manifestations and longer term effects of pediatric HIV infection on the cardiovascular system. Evidence gaps that should be prioritized in research are highlighted. Through poorly understood mechanisms, HIV infection may cause various cardiac complications already manifesting in childhood, such as structural and functional myocardial derangements, pulmonary hypertension, pericardial effusion and possibly endocarditis. Evidence indicates that HIV infection in children also has unfavorable effects on the vasculature and cardiovascular biomarkers, such as increased intima-media thickness and decreased flow-mediated dilation, a marker of endothelial function. However, studies are small and predominantly include antiretroviral therapy-treated children, so that it is difficult to differentiate between effects of HIV infection per se and antiretroviral therapy treatment, reported in adults to have cardiovascular side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV infection in children may greatly impact the cardiovascular system, including effects on the heart, which tend to manifest early in childhood, and on the vasculature. The underlying mechanisms, essential for targeted prevention, are poorly understood. Current evidence largely stems from research in adults. However, as modes of infection, immune maturity, growth and development, and treatment are markedly different in children, specific pediatric research, accounting for the complex interplay of normal growth and development, HIV infection and treatment, is clearly warranted.

Increased coronary vessel wall thickness in HIV-infected young adults

BACKGROUND

Individuals with long-term human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are at risk for premature vasculopathy and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We evaluated coronary vessel wall thickening, coronary plaque, and epicardial fat in patients infected with HIV early in life compared with healthy controls.

METHODS

This is a prospective cross-sectional study of 35 young adults who acquired HIV in early life and 11 healthy controls, free of CVD. Time resolved phase-sensitive dual inversion recovery black-blood vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (TRAPD) was used to measure proximal right coronary artery (RCA) wall thickness, and multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography was used to quantify coronary plaque and epicardial fat.

RESULTS

RCA vessel wall thickness was significantly increased in HIV-infected patients compared with sex- and race-matched controls (1.32 ± 0.21 mm vs 1.09 ± 0.14 mm, P = .002). No subject had discrete plaque on CT sufficient to cause luminal narrowing, and plaque was not related to RCA wall thickness. In multivariate regression analyses, smoking pack-years (P = .004) and HIV infection (P = .007) were independently associated with thicker RCA vessel walls. Epicardial fat did not differ between groups. Among the HIV-infected group, duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (P = .02), duration of stavudine exposure (P < .01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = .04), and smoking pack-years (P < .01) were positively correlated with RCA wall thickness.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation provides evidence of subclinical coronary vascular disease among individuals infected with HIV in early life. Increased duration of ART, hyperlipidemia, and smoking contributed to proximal RCA thickening, independent of atherosclerotic plaque quantified by CT. These modifiable risk factors appear to influence early atherogenesis as measured by coronary wall thickness and may be important targets for CVD risk reduction.

Cardiovascular biomarkers in vertically HIV-infected children without metabolic abnormalities

Early cardiovascular disease is a major concern for ART-suppressed vertically HIV-infected children; however, evidence is lacking regarding specific preventive measures. In this study, a complete panel of biomarkers was determined together with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), in a cohort of 64 HIV-infected children and 30 controls. Mean age of participants was 14.1±5 years. HIV-infected patients showed normal lipid profile, with only slightly higher triglycerides, and no differences between groups were found regarding IMT. HIV-infected patients displayed higher levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM) (all p<0.05). However, levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, myeloperoxidase, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, P-selectin and tissue plasminogen activator were similar between groups. Vertically HIV-infected subjects on ART with no significant metabolic disturbances displayed increased sCD14 and sVCAM but not up-regulation of proinflammatory pathways. Larger studies are warranted to assess the impact of a strict metabolic control on cardiovascular risk and to define specific cardiovascular disease preventive strategies in this population.