Pharmacological management of cardiovascular conditions and diabetes in older adults with HIV infection

Increased In Vivo Exposure of N-(4-Hydroxyphenyl) Retinamide (4-HPR) to Achieve Plasma Concentrations Effective against Dengue Virus

N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR, or fenretinide) has promising in vitro and in vivo antiviral activity against a range of flaviviruses and an established safety record, but there are challenges to its clinical use. This study evaluated the in vivo exposure profile of a 4-HPR dosage regime previously shown to be effective in a mouse model of severe dengue virus (DENV) infection, comparing it to an existing formulation for human clinical use for other indications and developed/characterised self-emulsifying lipid-based formulations of 4-HPR to enhance 4-HPR in vivo exposure. Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis comprising single-dose oral and IV plasma concentration-time profiles was performed in mice; equilibrium solubility testing of 4-HPR in a range of lipids, surfactants and cosolvents was used to inform formulation approaches, with lead formulation candidates digested in vitro to analyse solubilisation/precipitation prior to in vivo testing. PK analysis suggested that effective plasma concentrations could be achieved with the clinical formulation, while novel lipid-based formulations achieved > 3-fold improvement. Additionally, 4-HPR exposure was found to be limited by both solubility and first-pass intestinal elimination but could be improved through inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolism. Simulated exposure profiles suggest that a b.i.d dosage regime is likely to maintain 4-HPR above the minimum effective plasma concentration for anti-DENV activity using the clinical formulation, with new formulations/CYP inhibition viable options to increase exposure in the future.

Predictive factors of renal impairment in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy: Results from the VACH longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

The use of combination antiretroviral therapy has led to dramatic improvements in the life expectancy of HIV-infected persons. As result, the HIV population is aging and increasingly facing illnesses typically seen in the elderly, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD).

METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted using data from years 2010 and 2014 in all HIV-infected persons enrolled at the Spanish VACH cohort. We analyzed the prevalence and the predictive factors for developing CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m²).

RESULTS

The CKD prevalence at baseline was 456/8968, 5.1% [4.6-5.6%]. Of 8512 HIV-positive individuals examined without CKD at baseline (73.7% male, median age 44 years-old), 2.15% developed CKD (eGFR<60mL/min/1.73m²). The odds ratios [95%CI] for the independent predictive factors identified were gender (male) 0.54 [0.39-0.75], age (per year) 1.08 [1.07-1.10], AIDS diagnosis 1.40 [1.03-1.91], protease inhibitor-based regimens 1.49 [1.10-2.02], hypertension 1.37 [0.94-1.99], diabetes 1.84 [1.33-2.55] and history of cardiovascular events 1.66 [0.96-2.86].

CONCLUSION

The prevalence and risk factors for CKD and its progression are high in the VACH cohort. Thus, preventive measures such as control of hypertension, diabetes and obesity, as well as efforts for avoiding exposure to nephrotoxic drugs, including some antiretrovirals, are warranted in this aging HIV population.

Greater burden of chronic comorbidities and co-medications among people living with HIV versus people without HIV in Japan: A hospital claims database study

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the prevalence of chronic comorbidities and the use of co-medications among people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretrovirals in Japan, compared with age-matched controls without HIV.

METHODS

This was an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study using a hospital claims database of Japanese hospitals with advanced medical capabilities (i.e., advanced treatment hospitals, general hospitals, acute care hospitals). We extracted data for PLWH aged ≥18 years with a prescription record of antiretrovirals between January 2010 and December 2015, and for age-, sex-, and hospital-matched people without HIV. For each group, chronic comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, lipid disorders, vascular diseases, chronic kidney failure, cancers, psychiatric disorders, osteoporosis, and hepatitis B/C co-infection), and co-medications were examined by age group.

RESULTS

We analyzed data for 1445 PLWH and 14,450 people without HIV. The proportion of patients with multiple comorbidities was much greater among PLWH than controls of the same age group. Lipid disorders and diabetes were more prevalent in PLWH than controls (31.6% vs. 10.3% and 26.8% vs. 13.2%, respectively), both of which were more common in PLWH at earlier ages. Cancer was present in 8.1% of PLWH and 8.9% of controls. A greater proportion of PLWH used multiple co-medications other than antiretrovirals at earlier ages than controls.

CONCLUSION

PLWH taking antiretrovirals in Japan had a greater burden of comorbidities and co-medications with increasing age than people without HIV. In addition to appropriate management of comorbidities, medication reconciliation according to patients' co-medication profiles is important for successful management of this patient population.

Cardiovascular disease in women with HIV-1 infection

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in women, nevertheless it is often underestimated in female patients without overt risk factors. The chronic infection by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is clearly associated, along with the use of certain antiretroviral drugs and traditional risk factors, with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this manuscript is to review the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnostic approach, primary and secondary prevention strategies of cardiovascular disease in HIV-negative and HIV-positive female subjects. The ultimate goal is to promote knowledge and development of specific and appropriate clinical interventions and guidelines in this group of high-risk patients, mostly in view of the expected growth of ageing females with HIV.

Mail-order pharmacy experience of veterans living with AIDS/HIV

BACKGROUND

The VA system is the largest single provider of healthcare in the United States and to individuals infected with HIV specifically. High quality medication management is particularly important since HIV is a chronic infectious condition which requires taking multiple medications with strict requirements for adherence to medication regimens. Veterans Administration (VA) patients are required to obtain all chronic medications using the VA mail-order pharmacy system.

OBJECTIVE

Drawing on Donabedian's Quality Improvement framework, this study sought to examine experiences that Veterans with HIV have with the Veterans Administration medication mail-order system, and to explore opportunities for quality improvement.

METHODS

A sequential, explanatory mixed-methods design was used to interview Veterans receiving care at a Midwestern Veterans Administration Hospital using a mail-order experience survey followed by in-depth interviews. All 57 Veterans, out of 72, who were successfully contacted consented to participate.

RESULTS

Overall, Veterans evaluated the mail-order service positively and valued the accuracy (correct medication delivery). However, a notable problem emerged with respect to assuring access to HIV medications with about half (47%) indicating running out of HIV medication. Respondents identified structural issues with respect to days covered by mailed medications (90 versus current 30 days) and process issues with scheduling new refills. Veterans also indicated the information sheets were too long, complex and not helpful for their queries. Patients were open to pharmacists playing an active role during clinic visits and felt this would help manage their conditions better.

CONCLUSIONS

Veterans generally reported that the VA Mail-order service was of high quality. However, some findings indicate there are opportunities to improve this service to be more patient-centered particularly for vulnerable HIV patients.

Impact of Age-related Comorbidities on Five-year Overall Mortality among Elderly HIV-Infected Patients in the Late HAART Era--Role of Chronic Renal Disease

OBJECTIVES

To identify main prognostic factors for 5-year mortality among age-related comorbidities (ARCs) in older people living with HIV (PLHIV).

DESIGN

A prospective, multicentre cohort study with a 5-year follow-up period in the late HAART era (from January 2008 to December 2012).

SETTING

The Dat'AIDS cohort involving 12 French hospitals.

PARTICIPANTS

All actively followed HIV-1 infected patients aged 60 or older.

MEASUREMENTS

The study endpoint was all-cause five-year mortality. The following ARCs were considered: chronic renal disease, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic pulmonary disease, cirrhosis, diabetes and nutritional status. Hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV) co-infection and sociodemographic characteristics were also evaluated. Cox's Proportional Hazards model was used for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Among 1415 PLHIV aged 60 or more patients included, mean age was 66±5.5 years; 154 died (mortality rate 2.47/100 patient-years). The most prevalent ARCs were chronic renal disease (20.1%), diabetes (14.2%) and cardiovascular diseases (12.2%). By multivariate analysis, chronic renal disease (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.58-2.21]; p<10-4), cardiovascular diseases (aHR=2.40; 95%CI[1.64-3.52]; p<10-4), non-HIV related cancer (aHR=1.91; 95%CI[1.20-3.05]; p=0.007), cirrhosis (aHR=2.99; 95%CI[1.68-5.33]; p<10-3), HCV co-infection (aHR=2.00; 95%CI[1.18-3.38]; p=0.009), low body mass index (aHR=2.42; 95%CI[1.46-4.01]; p<10-3) and CD4 cell count < 200 cells/µl (aHR=2.23; 95%CI[1.36-3.65]; p=0.002) were independently associated with 5 year mortality.

CONCLUSION

Due to a high prevalence, chronic renal disease and cardiovascular disease are main prognostic factors for 5-year mortality among aged PLHIV.

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes among older people in Africa: a systematic review

Little information is available on the prevalence of diabetes in people aged 55 years or older living on the African continent. We did a systematic review of the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in studies reported from Jan 1, 2000, to June 30, 2015, to provide accurate data for monitoring future trends. We did a comprehensive literature search using an African search filter and extracted and synthesised data from full papers. Among 1473 identified citations, 41 studies providing 49 separate data contributions involving 16 086 individuals met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of diabetes was 13·7% (95% CI 11·3-16·3) and was higher in studies based on the oral glucose tolerance test (23·9%, 17·7-30·7, 12 contributions with 3415 participants) than fasting blood glucose criteria (10·9%, 8·9-13·0, 37 contributions with 12 671 participants; p<0·001). Prevalence was also higher in non-STEPS than in STEPS studies (17·1%, 95% CI 13·6-20·9) vs 9·6%, 6·6-13·0, p=0·003) and in urban than in rural settings (19·7%, 15·0-24·9 vs 7·9%, 4·6-12·0, p=0·0002), but did not differ significantly across age groups, sex, sample size, year of publication, region, or population coverage. These data highlight the need to reduce diabetes risk factors and implement adequate management strategies. In addition, they suggest that uniform diagnostic methods should be used across African countries and elsewhere to enable assessment of trends in diabetes prevalence and the success of diabetes prevention strategies. A collaborative initiative is required between key international and national diabetes and geriatric organisations to improve diabetes care for the older population in Africa and worldwide.

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.

Tackling cardiovascular co-morbidities in HIV-positive patients: who, how and where?

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant cause of non-AIDS-related morbidity and mortality in HIV-positive individuals [1]. Management of CVD and associated risk factors in HIV are complicated by drug interactions [2]. Optimal management can require specialist input. A previous cohort review highlighted CVD, comorbidity and cardiovascular (CV) risk in our patients [3]. In response, a combined HIV and cardiovascular monthly clinic was established: an HIV consultant works in real time with a cardiologist. The clinic manages CV disease, complex CV co-morbidities e.g. refractory hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and assesses primary prevention. A dietician works alongside the clinic.

Aims

Describe the clinic caseload; record clinic interventions and outcomes; recommend service development.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a retrospective notes review of patients attending the co-morbidity clinic from January 2012 to May 2014. Data collected: demographic, HIV, CVD, CV risk, investigations and clinical interventions.

Results

From a cohort of approximately 960 patients (70% African), 60 (6%) were seen in the co-morbidity clinic over the specified time period. Median age was 53 (range 24-80). Although 60% of our cohort is female, 43% (26/60) of the CVD clinic were female. 42 (70%) were African. The mean CD4 was 560 (range 48-1339). All patients were on ART and 6 (10%) had a detectable viral load > 400 copies/mL. Clinic caseload: i) CVD: 9 had a prior CV event (ACS or CVA); 5 had CCF; new diagnoses included LVH (2), cardiac dysfunction (6); AF (2); atrial thrombus (1). ii) Co-morbidities: 48(80%) had hypertension – 10 (16.6%) were on quadruple therapy; 17 (28%) had diabetes; 35 (58%) were on a statin. Three had their smoking status clearly documented. Seventeen (28%) were referred to the dietician. Investigations included echo, 24-hour BP/ tape, CT angio, cardiac MR.

Conclusions

The joint clinic facilitated real-time decision making on clinical interventions. Patient access to cardiac investigations was expedited. Patients attended fewer outpatient appointments. Both cardiology and HIV clinicians preferred the benefits of joint working. Clinical outcomes were difficult to assess and will need further definition. Recommendations for development include: improved CV risk assessment, improved outcome measures, links to smoking cessation services.