Antiretroviral and immunosuppressive drug-drug interactions: an update

Tacrolimus toxicity management in a pregnant kidney transplant recipient with newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus: A case report

Managing kidney transplant recipients during pregnancy presents significant challenges, particularly in balancing the interactions and safety concerns of immunosuppressive medications such as mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus. Pregnancy can affect tacrolimus levels, and its safety profile during pregnancy remains underexplored. When the patient also hasa human immunodeficiency virus, management becomes even more complicated due to potential interactions between antiretrovirals and immunosuppressants. Notably, tacrolimus is highly susceptible to drug-drug interactions. Even minor adjustments in highly active antiretroviral therapy can result in significant fluctuations in tacrolimus levels, potentially leading to subtherapeutic concentrations (increasing the risk of rejection) or supratherapeutic levels with toxicity. Tacrolimus toxicity is often managed by administering cytochrome P450 enzyme inducers, with the choice of agent depending on factors such as the degree of enzyme induction. Agents such as isoniazid or rifampicin are typically considered. In this case report, we described the treatment of tacrolimus toxicity with rifampicin in a pregnant kidney transplant recipient with a newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus infection.

Pharmacokinetic Boosting of Calcineurin Inhibitors in Transplantation: Pros, Cons, and Perspectives

ABSTRACT

The concept of pharmacokinetic (PK) boosting of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) emerged after the FDA approval of cyclosporine-A. Several studies followed, and the proof of concept was well established by the late 1990s. This also continued for the next blockbuster immunosuppressant, tacrolimus. The driver for such research was an endeavor to save costs, as both drugs were expensive due to patent protection. Two CYP inhibitors, ketoconazole and diltiazem, have been extensively studied in this context and continue to be prescribed off-label along with the CNI. It has been observed that using ketoconazole reduces the dose requirement of tacrolimus by about 50% and 30% with diltiazem, which is in conformity with their pharmacological actions. Off-label co-prescription of these drugs with CNI is often encountered in low and middle-income countries. The foremost reason cited is economic. This article collates the evidence from the clinical studies that evaluate the PK-boosting effects of CNI and also reviews the gaps in the current evidence base. The current knowledge prevents the transplant community from making meaningful inferences about the risks and benefits of such strategies. Although the PK-boosting strategy can lead to serious adverse events, emerging evidence suggests that it may be advantageous for individuals with high CNI dose requirements. Hence, PK boosting may be an unmet need in the therapeutics of CNI. Nevertheless, there are several unanswered questions surrounding such use, and therefore, this merits testing in well-designed clinical studies. Moreover, drugs with better safer profiles and a history of successful PK boosting may be considered for evaluation with CNI.

Assessing Long-Term Adverse Outcomes in Older Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Propensity Score-Matched Comparison of Early Steroid Withdrawal Versus Continuous Steroid Immunosuppression Using a Large Real-World Database

BACKGROUND

Steroids are widely used in maintenance immunosuppression treatment in kidney transplant recipients. Older individuals undergo age-related immunosenescence that consequently decreases their ability to process and evoke a response to foreign antigens. Thus, steroids may not be necessary in preventing allograft rejection and may consequently increase older recipients' risk of long-term steroid-related adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyze the adverse outcomes of long-term steroid immunosuppression in older kidney transplant recipients using real-world electronic medical record data.

METHODS

The TriNetX database "US Collaborative Network" was utilized to perform a propensity score-matched case-control study comparing 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year adverse effects of steroid immunosuppression in older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) kidney transplant recipients who underwent either an early-steroid withdrawal (ESW) maintenance regimen or a steroid continuous immunosuppression (SCI) regimen between 31 December, 2010 and 31 December, 2020. Early-steroid withdrawal was defined as tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil maintenance with no prednisone after the seventh day post-transplant. Steroid continuous immunosuppression was defined as tacrolimus plus mycophenolate mofetil plus prednisone maintenance. Cohorts were matched on age, race/ethnicity, and risk factors for adverse steroid-related outcomes and rejection. Outcomes included post-transplant diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia osteoporosis/fractures, myocardial infarction, glaucoma/cataract, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and malignancy. Secondary outcomes analyzed incidences of infection-related outcomes, graft-related outcomes, and recipient mortality.

RESULTS

After matching, there were 304 recipients in each group (ESW, SCI). Mean age at the time of transplant was 69.2 ± 3.7 years (ESW) and 69.2 ± 3.4 years (SCI, p = 0.96). The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed recipients who underwent SCI had increased incidences of post-transplant diabetes mellitus at 1 year (22.36% vs 30.37%, p = 0.01) and 3 years (34.89% vs 44.29%, p = 0.01), but this became non-significant at 5 years post-transplant (41.97% vs 42.6%, p = 0.34). Incidences of acute pancreatitis were higher for the SCI cohort at 3 years (p = 0.02) as well as incidences of acute myocardial infarction at 5 years post-kidney transplant (6.75% vs 14.39%, p < 0.01). No difference was found for other adverse outcomes. Early-steroid withdrawal recipients experienced significantly fewer infection-related outcomes, such as cytomegalovirus, BK virus, sepsis/bacteremia, and fungal infections, compared with SCI recipients. Last, recipients who underwent ESW experienced fewer incidences of rejection and death-censored graft failure at 5 years post-transplant.

CONCLUSIONS

There is currently no standard maintenance immunosuppression protocol for older kidney transplant recipients. Death-censored graft survival, rejection, and patient survival were improved with ESW. Steroid minimization may be beneficial in this population given that it lowers the risk of drug-induced adverse effects.

Evolution of heart transplant donor characteristics in the 21st century: A United States single center's experience

Despite a record setting number of heart transplants performed annually, the national donor shortage continues to plague transplant teams across the United States. Here we describe the barriers to adaptation of numerous "non-traditional" orthotopic heart transplant donor characteristics including donors with hepatitis C virus, those meeting criteria for donation after cardiac death, donors with coronavirus disease 19 infection, donors with the human immunodeficiency virus, and grafts with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Our center's objective was to increase our transplant volume by expanding our donor pool from "traditional" donors to these "non-traditional" donors. We detail how medical advances such as certain laboratory studies, pharmacologic interventions, and organ care systems have allowed our center to expand the donor pool thereby increasing transplantation volume without adverse effects on outcomes.

Approach to the Patient: Diagnosis of Cushing Syndrome

Cushing syndrome results from supraphysiological exposure to glucocorticoids and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis includes administration of corticosteroids (exogenous Cushing syndrome) or autonomous cortisol overproduction, whether or not ACTH-dependent (endogenous Cushing syndrome). An early diagnosis of Cushing syndrome is warranted; however, in clinical practice, it is very challenging partly because of resemblance with other common conditions (ie, pseudo-Cushing syndrome). Initial workup should start with excluding local and systemic corticosteroid use. First-line screening tests including the 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test, 24-hour urinary free cortisol excretion, and late-night salivary cortisol measurement should be performed to screen for endogenous Cushing syndrome. Scalp-hair cortisol/cortisone analysis helps in the assessment of long-term glucocorticoid exposure as well as in detection of transient periods of hypercortisolism as observed in cyclical Cushing syndrome. Interpretation of results can be difficult because of individual patient characteristics and hence requires awareness of test limitations. Once endogenous Cushing syndrome is established, measurement of plasma ACTH concentrations differentiates between ACTH-dependent (80%-85%) or ACTH-independent (15%-20%) causes. Further assessment with different imaging modalities and dynamic biochemical testing including bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling helps further pinpoint the cause of Cushing's syndrome. In this issue of "Approach to the patient," the diagnostic workup of Cushing syndrome is discussed with answering the questions when to screen, how to screen, and how to differentiate the different causes. In this respect, the latest developments in biochemical and imaging techniques are discussed as well.

Retrospective Review of ART Regimens in HIV-Positive to HIV-Positive Kidney Transplant Recipients

Introduction

The management of complex interactions between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) immunosuppression regimens in HIV-positive to HIV-positive renal transplant recipients can be challenging. Literature describing ART regimens and indications for regimen switching in these patients is limited.

Methods

This retrospective review included 53 HIV-positive to HIV-positive renal transplant recipients. Data on ART regimens, reasons for ART switching, and timing of switches were described from day of transplant to study endpoint (end of study date, death, or graft failure). The association between rejection and ART regimen (protease inhibitor [PI] -based vs. non-PI-based regimen) was analyzed using negative binomial regression.

Results

There were a total of 46 switches in 31 of 53 patients (58%). Protocol switches (n = 17 of 46, 37%) accounted for most switches, of which the majority were from non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) to PIs. Other common reasons for switching include cytochrome P450 enzyme induction from efavirenz (EFV) (9 of 46, 20%), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) nephrotoxicity (8 of 46, 17%) or side effects (6 of 46, 13%). Of the 46 switches, nearly half (n = 21, 46%) occurred during the transplant admission period, and approximately two-thirds (n = 28, 62%) were during the first year post-transplantation. There was an association between rejection and being maintained on a PI-based regimen (incidence rate ratio 2.77 (95% confidence interval 1.03-7.48), P = 0.044).

Conclusion

Despite frequent switching of ART regimens, HIV viral loads remained supressed and graft function remained stable in most HIV-positive kidney transplant recipients in our cohort. There was however a concerning signal for increased rejection rates in those on a PI-based regimen.

Corticosteroids Use and Incidence of Severe Infections in People Living with HIV Compared to a Matched Population

Background:

People living with HIV (PLWH) have been shown to have an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Corticosteroids are the cornerstone of autoimmune diseases treatment, but their use is associated with an increased risk of infections. It is unclear how HIV status affects the risk of infection associated with corticosteroids use.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 1991 to 2011, using a medico-administrative database from Quebec. Medical billing codes were used to identify PLWH, and we matched them on age, sex, and index date with up to 4 HIV-negative controls. The exposure of interest was the use of corticosteroids, defined as a systemic corticosteroid dispensation lasting at least 20 days. The outcome of interest was hospitalization for severe infection. Crude and adjusted incidence rates ratios of infection were obtained using a random effect Poisson model, and results were stratified by HIV status.

Results:

In total, 4798 PLWH were matched to 17 644 HIV-negative controls, among which 1083 (22.6%) PLWH and 1854 (10.5%) HIV-negative controls received at least one course of corticosteroid. The mean duration of corticosteroids use was 4 ± 4.4 months in PLWH and 1.6 ± 5.5 months in HIV-negative controls. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) for infections associated with corticosteroids use was 2.49[1.71–3.60] in PLWH and 1.32[0.71–2.47] in HIV-negative controls (P value for interaction 0.18). The most frequent infections were pulmonary infections (50.4%), followed by urinary tract infections (26%) and opportunistic infections (10.5%).

Conclusion:

Although our interaction term did not reach significance, the increased risk of infection associated with corticosteroids use was more pronounced in PLWH. However, further research with contemporary data is warranted to confirm if the risk associated with corticosteroids use remains high in PLWH with well-controlled HIV infection.

Antiviral activity of sirolimus in an HIV-positive kidney transplant recipient

Sirolimus (SIR) is a potent immunosuppressive agent with multiple proprieties. We report beneficial antiviral effects of SIR in an HIV-positive kidney transplant recipient who experienced low-level HIV-1 replication. The immunosuppressive agent was well tolerated by the patient, and no side effects were reported during follow-up. Despite immunosuppressive monotherapy, SIR ensured stable graft function.

Challenges of kidney transplantation in HIV positive recipients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has long been a contraindication to kidney transplantation due to transplant immunosuppression, HIV-associated renal dysfunction, and nephrotoxicity associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, advances in antiretroviral therapies and transplant immunosuppression regimens have allowed patients to successfully undergo kidney transplantation. Emerging data has shown that kidney transplantation may be a viable option for appropriately selected HIV patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this review, we discuss the indications, immunosuppression protocols, and outcomes of kidney transplantation in HIV patients.

Deceased Donor Kidney Transplantation in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Recipient: A Case Report

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has traditionally been considered an absolute contraindication for transplantation because immunosuppression will accelerate the disease progression and increase mortality. New antiretroviral agents have given rise to new perspectives and transplantation practices. Now renal transplantation is the gold standard treatment for end-stage renal disease in HIV-infected patients, but increased rejection and toxicity rates and compliance with treatment are important issues. Therefore, patient selection and follow-up should be done carefully in this patient group. Here we present a 51-year-old, male, HIV-infected patient who was diagnosed with HIV at his routine serologic investigation at 2015. Highly active antiretroviral therapy was initiated. One haplotype-matched kidney transplantation from a deceased donor was performed on October 19, 2016. Induction therapy was not administered, and the immunosuppressive regimen included tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone. After 26 months, serum creatinine was 1.1 mg/dL and proteinuria 0.1 g/day. There was no development of donor-specific antibodies. The patient's current HIV viral load remains undetectable (and had been the entire time post-transplantation) while his CD4⁺ T-cell count currently is 543/mm³.

Pharmacokinetic Considerations with the Use of Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients with HIV and Organ Transplants

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Antiepileptic drugs are frequently administered to patients with HIV infection or in recipients of organ transplants. The potentially serious drug-drug interactions between the "classic" antiepileptic drugs, antiretrovirals, and immunosuppressants have been extensively studied. Evidence-based information on the second and third generation of antiepileptic drugs is almost non-existent. The purpose of this review is to analyze the pharmacokinetic profile of these newer agents to assess their potential for drug interactions with antiretrovirals and immunosuppressants.

RECENT FINDINGS

As a group, the newer generations of antiepileptic drugs have shown a more favorable drug interaction potential compared to the "classic" ones. A group of moderate enzyme-inducing drugs includes eslicarbazepine acetate, oxcarbazepine, rufinamide, and topiramate. These drugs are not as potent inducers as the "classic" drugs but may potentially decrease the serum concentrations of some antiretrovirals and immunosuppressants. Antiepileptic drugs with no or minimal enzyme-inducing properties include brivaracetam, gabapentin, lacosamide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, perampanel, pregabalin, and vigabatrin. The newer generations of antiepileptic drugs have expanded the therapeutic options in patients with HIV infection or organ transplants.

Renal Transplantation in HIV-positive Renal Transplant Recipients: Experience at the Mannheim University Hospital

Renal transplantation in HIV-positive patients with end-stage renal disease has in recent years become a successful treatment option. We report two patients who underwent renal transplantation using a combination of basiliximab, calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and steroids with a "non-interacting" antiretroviral combination therapy consisting of stavudine or abacavir, lamivudine, and nevirapine. We observed no acute rejection but a BK polyomavirus infection in both patients. In conclusion, a quadruple immunosuppression with an interleukin 2 receptor antagonist, a calcineurin inhibitor, MMF, and steroids appears to be advisable to prevent high rates of acute rejection, but if possible thereafter immunosuppression should be tapered rapidly (eg, MMF stop, prednisolone dose 5 mg/d). The selection of antiretroviral agents should avoid compounds that interact severely with the immunosuppression used.

Drug-Drug Interactions and HIV Therapy: What Should Pharmacists Know?

Drug-interaction issues continue to present a major dilemma for the clinician caring for complex patients such as those infected with HIV. The inherent possibility of a drug interaction is magnified by the multitude of drugs being administered in highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). In addition, other classes of medications are used to alleviate side effects, reduce toxicities associated with HAART, or treat concomitant diseases. The modification of one drug by another substance or drug-drug interaction is the main focus of this article. Drug-drug interactions may result in toxicity, treatment failure, or loss of effectiveness and can significantly affect a patient’s clinical outcome. An understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of HIV drug-drug interactions may allow for the early detection or avoidance of troublesome regimens and prudent management if they develop. Although HIV drug interactions are usually thought of as detrimental, resulting in a loss of therapeutic effect or toxicity, some drug interactions such as ritonavir boosted protease inhibitor–based antiretroviral treatments are beneficial and are commonly used in clinical practice. Therefore, pharmacists need to understand drug interaction mechanisms, remember key drug interactions, and vigilantly monitor patients for potential complications.

Heart transplantation bridged by mechanical circulatory support in a HIV-positive patient

We report on the unique clinical course of a 44-year-old male HIV-positive heart transplant recipient, who was bridged by mechanical circulatory support (MCS). The patient was admitted with acute ischemic heart failure due to severe myocardial infarction. After emergency coronary artery bypass grafting and nine days of extracorporeal life support, we implanted a left ventricular assist device. As HIV infection was effectively treated and other contraindications were not present, we decided to perform a heart transplantation (HTX). At the current time, 34 months after unremarkable HTX, rejection or opportunistic infections have not occurred.

Rheumatoid arthritis in patients with HIV: management challenges

Over the past few decades, HIV has been transformed from a once-uniformly fatal disease to now a manageable but complex multisystem illness. Before highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), reports suggested that HIV-infected patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) would experience remission of their disease. It has now become clear that RA can develop in HIV-infected patients at any time, independent of HAART. Choosing the right medication to treat symptoms related to RA while avoiding excess weakening of the immune system remains a clinical challenge. Agents such as hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine might best balance safety with efficacy, making them reasonable first choices for therapy in HIV-infected patients with RA. More immune suppressing agents such as methotrexate may balance safety with efficacy, but data are limited. Corticosteroids such as prednisone may also be reasonable but could increase the risk of osteonecrosis. Among biologic response modifiers, tumor necrosis factor α inhibitors may balance safety with efficacy, but perhaps when HIV replication is controlled with HAART. Monitoring RA disease activity remains challenging as only one retrospective study has been published in this area. Those with HIV infection and RA can experience comorbidities such as accelerated heart disease and osteoporosis, a consequence of the chronic inflammatory state that each illness generates. Although HIV-infected patients are at risk for developing the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome when starting HAART, it appears that immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome has a minimal effect on triggering the onset or the worsening of RA.

Role of MRP transporters in regulating antimicrobial drug inefficacy and oxidative stress-induced pathogenesis during HIV-1 and TB infections

Multi-Drug Resistance Proteins (MRPs) are members of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) drug-efflux transporter superfamily. MRPs are known to regulate the efficacy of a broad range of anti-retroviral drugs (ARV) used in highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and antibacterial agents used in Tuberculus Bacilli (TB) therapy. Due to their role in efflux of glutathione (GSH) conjugated drugs, MRPs can also regulate cellular oxidative stress, which may contribute to both HIV and/or TB pathogenesis. This review focuses on the characteristics, functional expression, and modulation of known members of the MRP family in HIV infected cells exposed to ARV drugs and discusses their known role in drug-inefficacy in HIV/TB-induced dysfunctions. Currently, nine members of the MRP family (MRP1-MRP9) have been identified, with MRP1 and MRP2 being the most extensively studied. Details of the other members of this family have not been known until recently, but differential expression has been documented in inflammatory tissues. Researchers have found that the distribution, function, and reactivity of members of MRP family vary in different types of lymphocytes and macrophages, and are differentially expressed at the basal and apical surfaces of both endothelial and epithelial cells. Therefore, the prime objective of this review is to delineate the role of MRP transporters in HAART and TB therapy and their potential in precipitating cellular dysfunctions manifested in these chronic infectious diseases. We also provide an overview of different available options and novel experimental strategies that are being utilized to overcome the drug resistance and disease pathogenesis mediated by these membrane transporters.

A case of nephrotic syndrome, showing evidence of response to saquinavir

The treatment of primary nephrotic syndrome such as minimal change nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis nephropathy remains challenging. Whilst most cases of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome respond to steroid therapy and experience a limited number of relapses prior to complete remission, some cases suffer from frequent relapses and become steroid dependent or are primarily steroid resistant. Treatment options are limited to immunosuppressive drugs with significant side effect profiles. New modalities targeting novel pathways in the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome are actively sought. Here we report the case of a patient with steroid dependent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) nephrotic syndrome with a favourable response to a novel proteasome inhibitor saquinavir.

Solid organ transplants in HIV-infected patients

There is a growing need for kidney and liver transplants in persons living with HIV. Fortunately, with the significant advances in antiretroviral therapy and management of opportunistic infections, HIV infection is no longer an absolute contraindication for solid organ transplantation. Data from several large prospective multi-center cohort studies have shown that solid organ transplantation in carefully selected HIV-infected individuals is safe. However, significant challenges have been identified including prevention of acute rejection, management of drug-drug interactions and treatment of recurrent viral hepatitis. This article reviews the selection criteria, outcomes, and special management considerations for HIV-infected patients undergoing liver or kidney transplantation.

A Simplified HAART Regimen with Raltegravir and Lamivudine, and Pharmacokinetic Interactions with a Combined Immunosuppressive Therapy with Tacrolimus and Everolimus in an HIV/HCV/HBV/HDV Patient after Liver Transplantation

In this case report, we examine the impact of a simplified two-drug highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimen of raltegravir and lamivudine in a patient co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C, D and B viruses (HCV/HDV/HBV) under immunosuppressive therapy after liver transplantation. Pharmacokinetic interactions between integrase inhibitors and immunosuppressant drugs are described. Raltegravir, the first integrase inhibitor, associated with lamivudine, was introduced because its metabolism does not interfere with immunosuppressant therapy. During post-orthotopic liver transplantation follow-up, the patient's transaminases level increased and his antiretroviral therapy (HAART) of tenofovir/emtricitabine and fosamprenavir was changed, due to suspected drug toxicity. After seven months of follow-up, the patient showed good tolerance, good viro-immunological control with undetectable HIV viraemia and stable concentrations of immunosuppressive drugs. This case indicates that the combination of raltegravir and lamivudine is an optimal and effective strategy because it resulted in an important reduction of hepatic transaminases in a patient with very critical clinical conditions.

Perspectives on liver and kidney transplantation in the human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is no longer an absolute contraindication for transplantation for patients with advanced kidney and liver failure. This article reviews the outcome data in the solid organ transplantation of HIV-infected patients that led to a change in thinking by the transplant community. Several emerging issues are also reviewed, such as eligibility criteria, selection of optimal immunosuppression agents and antiretroviral therapy in this population, and management of coinfection with hepatitis B and hepatitis C after transplant.

Organ Transplantation and HIV Progress or Success? A Review of Current Status

Advancements in the scientific understanding of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and care of those afflicted have progressed to make HIV a chronic disease and significantly extend the lives of HIV patients. Subsequently, an aging population has emerged, with the conditions inherent with advanced years, including organ failure. Organ transplantation is an accepted modality for organ failure; however, it was felt to be contraindicated in HIV patients because HIV was an ultimately fatal condition that would be hastened by additional immune suppression. Highly active antiretroviral therapy has dramatically altered that mind-set. After limited early experience and a recent large national trial, HIV organ transplantation has gained a degree of acceptance. This article will review the progress and unresolved issues.

Renal transplantation in HIV patients: A series of four cases

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in a patient with end-stage renal disease was considered a contraindication for renal transplantation till now despite the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy with the apprehension that immunosuppression would further jeopardize the already compromised immune status of the patients. Renal transplantation in HIV patients is rare in developing countries including ours. Here we report a series of four cases of renal transplantation in HIV patients.

Liver transplantation in HCV/HIV positive patients

Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996 for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, the incidence of liver diseases secondary to co-infection with hepatitis C has increased. Although data on the outcome of liver transplantation in HIV-infected recipients is limited, the overall results to date seem to be comparable to that in non-HIV-infected recipients. Liver transplant centers are now accepting HIV-infected individuals as organ recipients. Post-transplantation HIV replication is controlled by HAART. Hepatitis C re-infection of the liver graft, however, remains an important problem because cirrhotic changes of the liver graft may be more rapid in HIV-infected recipients. Interactions between the HAART components and immunosuppressive drugs influence drug metabolism and therefore meticulous monitoring of drug blood level concentrations is required. The risk of opportunistic infection in HIV-positive transplant patients seems to be similar to that in HIV-negative transplant recipients.

Renal transplantation in an HIV-infected patient: pharmacokinetic aspects

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy in the mid-1990s led to a dramatic reduction in mortality and progression to AIDS, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)infection has now turned into a chronic disease with improved survival and prognosis. Hence, patients with well-controlled HIV infection are no longer prevented from receiving transplants, but treatment must be based on knowledge of pharmacokinetics for the drugs involved. The common approach measuring the cyclosporine level after 2 h or trough level is misleading and it was necessary to determine the area under the curve.

Fatal lactic acidosis in a kidney transplant recipient on combination antiretroviral therapy after initiation of tacrolimus therapy

In general, kidney transplantation is safe and efficacious in patients receiving treatment for HIV. Although multiple drug interactions between antiviral and immunosuppressive treatments exist, few patients experience serious adverse reactions. We report a case of fatal lactic acidosis in a healthy kidney transplant recipient with stable HIV infection who had previously received treatment for and cleared hepatitis C virus infection. Death occurred less than one month following the initiation of tacrolimus therapy. Based on predicted drug interactions, appropriate tacrolimus dosing was calculated prior to its commencement, yet plasma tacrolimus levels were initially unexpectedly high. The patient subsequently developed lactic acidosis and hepatic steatosis, presumably due to mitochondrial toxicity from the antiretroviral regimen on which he had previously been stable. We suspect CYP2C19*2 (poor metaboliser) genotype status and concomitant treatment with lansoprazole, tacrolimus, and antiretroviral (ARV) medications resulted in hepatic decompensation. This highlights the importance of careful interaction screening for all new drugs administered to patients with HIV who have complex treatment regimens as well as heightened clinical vigilance for unexpected toxicities.

Recipient-based approach to tailoring immunosuppression in liver transplantation

Improvements in the field of transplant immunosuppression (IS) have led to significant advances in long-term survival of liver transplant recipients. Despite this progress, survival rates vary depending on recipient, donor and/or perioperative factors. Tailoring IS based on recipient factors is of growing interest among health care providers involved in the care of organ transplant recipients. To date there is no consensus document addressing individualized IS therapy for liver transplant recipients. This review will discuss the information available on the effect of the various IS drugs on recipient-based factors such as age, ethnicity, and liver disease etiology.

Liver transplantation in HIV-positive patients

Death from end-stage liver disease (ESLD) because of chronic hepatitis B and C has become an increasing problem in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in the last years. This is mainly because of the dramatic decrease of HIV-related morbidity and mortality since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Although the data on the outcome of liver transplantation in HIV-infected recipients with ESLD is limited, overall results seem comparable to non-HIV-infected recipients. Therefore, liver transplant centres around the world are increasingly accepting HIV-infected individuals as organ recipients. Post-transplantation control of HIV replication is achieved by continuing HAART. As in non-HIV-infected patients, hepatitis B virus recurrence is efficiently prevented by hepatitis B immunoglobulin and antiviral therapy. Re-infection of the allograft with hepatitis C virus, however, remains an important problem, and progress to allograft cirrhosis may even be more rapid than in HIV-negative patients. Interactions in drug metabolism between the HAART components and the immunosuppressive drugs are difficult to predict and require close monitoring of drug levels and dose adjustments. The complexity in this setting makes close cooperation between transplant surgeons, hepatologists, HIV-clinicians and pharmacologists mandatory. As experience on liver transplantation in HIV-infected individuals is still limited, to date results from large prospective trials addressing key issues are needed.

Kidney transplantation in HIV-positive patients: report of our first 7 cases

INTRODUCTION

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Although many teams initially were reluctant to offer kidney transplantation as a therapeutic option in HIV-positive patients with ESRD, new drug regimens introduced in the late 1990s have dramatically improved the life expectancy in these patients.

OBJECTIVE

To report the results of the first 7 kidney transplantation procedures in HIV-positive patients at our institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were selected to minimize the risks of HIV disease progression, opportunistic infections, and tumors. Protease-inhibitor therapies were suspended because of possible interaction with immunosuppression drugs. The induction regimen did not include lymphocyte-depleting drugs. After undergoing transplantation, patients were monitored by the transplantation and infectious disease teams.

RESULTS

To date, all patients are alive with functioning grafts. We did not observe any episodes of acute rejection, and there were few adverse events. Drug tolerance was good for both immunosuppression and antiretroviral therapies.

CONCLUSION

Kidney transplantation in HIV-positive patients with ESRD is warranted. Provided that patients are carefully selected, good results can be achieved with few adverse events, episodes of acute rejection, and drug interactions. Posttransplantation, these patients must be closely monitored by both the transplantation and infectious diseases teams to ensure optimal management.

Kidney transplantation in patients with HIV infection

HIV infection is a common cause of ESRD, particularly among blacks. Advances in antiretroviral therapy have greatly improved the survival of HIV patients, including those with renal disease. Despite concerns about the risk of immunosuppressive medications for HIV patients, emerging studies have now reported acceptable short-term outcomes for eligible HIV recipients undergoing renal transplantation, and an ongoing multicenter clinical trial reported 1-year patient and graft survival similar to that of HIV-uninfected kidney recipients. In these studies, the interactions between calcineurin inhibitors and HIV medications that are also metabolized by the cytochrome P450 system required substantial dosing modifications and careful monitoring of calcineurin inhibitor trough levels. These studies also revealed an elevated risk of acute rejection of the kidney allograft but few reports of opportunistic infections or viremia that could not be controlled. Long-term follow-up studies will be important to examine these outcomes and the development of malignancy to fully evaluate the risk and benefits of kidney transplantation among HIV-positive recipients.

Management of HIV-infected patients with ESRD

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often progress to ESRD. In the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the care of these patients has become increasingly complex as survival has improved. Patients infected with HIV who also have ESRD are at risk for critical interactions between medication regimens to treat both of these conditions. Within this population, hemo- and peritoneal dialysis as well as kidney transplantation are life sustaining but present a host of obstacles related to HIV monitoring and risk of transmission, access thrombosis, infection, and rejection. Knowledge of antiretroviral regimens, drug interactions, and HIV resistance as well as the management of ESRD in the presence of HIV infection will improve the care of these unique patients.

Enfuvirtide: a safe and effective antiretroviral agent for human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients shortly after liver transplantation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an enfuvirtide-based antiretroviral (ARV) regimen on the management of immunosuppression and follow-up in hepatitis C virus (HCV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV)/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-coinfected liver transplant patients in comparison with a lopinavir/ritonavir-based ARV regimen. Tacrolimus and cyclosporine trough concentrations were determined at a steady state during 3 periods: after liver transplantation without ARV treatment (period 1), at the time of ARV reintroduction (period 2), and 2 to 3 months after liver transplantation (period 3). The findings for 22 HIV-coinfected patients were compared (18 with HCV and 4 with HBV); 11 patients were treated with enfuvirtide and were matched with 11 lopinavir/ritonavir-exposed patients. During period 1, tacrolimus and cyclosporine A doses were 8 and 600 mg/day, respectively, and the trough concentrations were within the therapeutic range in both groups. In period 2, the addition of lopinavir/ritonavir to the immunosuppressant regimen enabled a reduction in the dose of immunosuppressants required to maintain trough concentrations within the therapeutic range (to 0.3 mg/day for tacrolimus and 75 mg/day for cyclosporine). Immunosuppressant doses were not modified by the reintroduction of enfuvirtide, there being no change in the mean trough concentrations over the 3 periods. CD4 cell counts remained at about 200 cells/mm3. The HIV RNA viral load remained undetectable. Both groups displayed signs of mild cytolysis and cholestasis due to the recurrence of HCV, whereas no renal insufficiency was observed. Enfuvirtide is an attractive alternative to standard ARV therapy, facilitating the management of drug-drug interactions shortly after liver transplantation. Moreover, the lack of liver toxicity renders this drug valuable in the event of a severe HCV recurrence.

Successful lung transplantation in an HIV- and HBV-positive patient with cystic fibrosis

Prior to the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV-infected patients were usually not considered as transplant candidates because of the poor prognosis of their underlying disease and concerns regarding the potential detrimental effects of immunosuppression on viral load and immune status. However, with the significant HAART-associated improvements in morbidity and mortality, good short-term outcomes after liver and kidney transplantation for patients with HIV infection have been reported. Nevertheless, HIV infection is currently considered a contraindication to lung transplantation in most transplant centers worldwide. The results of a double lung transplant performed in an HIV and HBV co-infected patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) and end-stage respiratory failure (ESRF) are presented after a 2-year follow-up. Approval of and recommendations for the management of this patient were obtained from the Italian National Center for Transplantation as an extension of the ongoing Italian protocol for liver and kidney transplantation in HIV-infected individuals. The operation was successful and the patient recovered rapidly after surgery. A cautious infectious and immunosuppressive management allowed so far the avoidance of major infectious complications and rejection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of lung transplantation in an HIV and HBV co-infected patient.

Management of hepatitis C virus infection in HIV/HCV co-infected patients: Clinical review

Nearly one fourth of individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the US and Western Europe. With the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy and the consequent reduction in opportunistic infections, resulting in the prolongation of the life span of HIV-infected patients, HCV co-infection has emerged as a significant factor influencing the survival of HIV patients. Patients with HIV/HCV co-infection have a faster rate of fibrosis progression resulting in more frequent occurrences of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanism of interaction between the two viruses is not completely understood. The treatment for HCV in co-infected patients is similar to that of HCV mono-infection; i.e., a combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The presence of any barriers to anti-HCV therapy should be identified and eliminated in order to recruit all eligible patients. The response to treatment in co-infected patients is inferior compared to the response in patients with HCV mono-infection. The sustained virologic response rate is only 38% for genotype-1 and 75% for genotype-2 and -3 infections. Liver transplantation is no longer considered a contraindication for end-stage liver disease in co-infected patients. However, the 5 year survival rate is lower in co-infected patients compared to patients with HCV mono-infection (33% vs 72%, P = 0.07). A better understanding of liver disease in co-infected patients is needed to derive new strategies for improving outcome and survival.

Safety and efficacy of raltegravir in HIV-infected transplant patients cotreated with immunosuppressive drugs

Solid organ transplantations (SOT) are performed successfully in selected HIV-infected patients. However, multiple and reciprocal drug-drug interactions are observed between antiretroviral (ARV) drugs and calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) through CYP450 metabolization. Raltegravir (RAL), a novel HIV-1 integrase inhibitor, is not a substrate of CYP450 enzymes. We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 13 HIV-infected transplant patients treated by an RAL + two nucleosidic reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) regimen, in terms of tolerability, ARV efficacy (plasma viral load, CD4 cell count), drug interactions, RAL pharmacokinetics and transplant outcome. Thirteen patients with liver (n = 8) or kidney (n = 5) transplantation were included. RAL was initiated (400 mg BID) either at time of transplantation (n = 6), or after transplantation (n = 7). Median RAL trough concentration was 507 ng/mL (176-890), which is above the in vitro IC95 for wild type HIV-1 strains (15 ng/mL). Target trough levels of CNIs were promptly obtained with standard dosages of tacrolimus or cyclosporine. RAL tolerability was excellent. There was no episode of acute rejection. HIV infection remained controlled. After a median follow-up of 9 months (range: 6-14), all patients were alive with satisfactory graft function. The use of an RAL + two NRTI-based regimen is a good alternative in HIV-infected patients undergoing SOT.

HIV and the kidney

Kidney disease is an important complication of HIV infection. Antiretroviral therapy has dramatically improved the life expectancy of HIV-infected patients with end-stage renal disease. Renal replacement therapy, including kidney transplantation, should be offered to HIV-positive patients.

Impact of human immunodeficiency virus on survival after liver transplantation: analysis of United Network for Organ Sharing database

BACKGROUND

The outcome of liver transplantation (LT) in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been a matter of controversy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed to assess the impact of HIV on LT survival by using United Network for Organ Sharing registry Standard Transplant Analysis and Research files.

RESULTS

A total of 138 HIV(+) and 30,520 HIV(-) patients who were > or =18 years old and underwent LT during the highly active antiretroviral therapy era (starting January 1, 1997) in the United States were included. Among all HIV(+) patients, the estimated 2-year survival probability was lower (70%) than among non-HIV patients (81%). This excess risk appeared entirely among those with coinfections, that is, HIV with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus (HCV), as none of the 24 HIV-infected patients who did not have hepatitis B virus or HCV died during an average of 1.2 years of follow-up per person. Among HCV(+) patients, those with HIV coinfection had significantly lower survival rates than patients without HIV (P=0.006). Controlling for age, coinfection, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores, and other potential confounders in a proportional hazards regression analysis, HIV(+) patients had a hazard ratio of 1.41 (P=0.14, 95% confidence interval: 0.90-2.22) for mortality after LT.

CONCLUSION

HIV(+) patients without HCV coinfection seemed to have good prognosis, whereas patients who had HIV/HCV coinfection had poor outcomes, which were significantly worse than that seen in those with HCV alone.

Effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics in hepatitis C virus and HIV co-infected liver transplant recipients in the ANRS HC-08 study

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the interactions between tacrolimus and antiretroviral drug combinations in hepatitis C virus-HIV co-infected patients who had received a liver transplant.

DESIGN

An observational, open-label, multiple-dose, two-period, one-sequence design clinical trial in which patients received tacrolimus as an immunosuppressive therapy during the postoperative period and then had an antiretroviral drug regimen added. Tacrolimus pharmacokinetics were evaluated at steady state during these two periods.

METHODS

Fourteen patients participated in the study and seven participated in the intensified pharmacokinetic protocol. Patients were included if they had undergone liver transplantation for end-stage chronic hepatitis C, absence of opportunistic infection, a CD4 cell count of >150 cells/microL and an undetectable HIV plasma viral load (<50 copies/mL) under highly active antiretroviral therapy. During the posttransplantation period, the tacrolimus dose was adjusted according to blood concentrations. When liver function and the tacrolimus dose were stable, antiretroviral therapy was reintroduced.

RESULTS

When lopinavir/ritonavir were added to the tacrolimus regimen (seven patients), the tacrolimus dose was reduced by 99% to maintain the tacrolimus concentration within the therapeutic range. Only two patients were treated with nelfinavir, which led to a wide variation in inhibition of tacrolimus metabolism. When efavirenz (four patients) or a nucleoside analogue combination (one patient) was added, very little change in tacrolimus dosing was required.

CONCLUSION

The lopinavir/ritonavir combination markedly inhibited tacrolimus metabolism, whereas the effect of efavirenz was small. Tacrolimus dosing must be optimised according to therapeutic drug monitoring and the antiretroviral drug combination.

Factors affecting reproductive hormones in HIV-infected, substance-using middle-aged women

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether reproductive hormone levels are affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and drug use.

DESIGN

HIV-infected and uninfected women (N=429), median age 45, were interviewed on menstrual frequency, demographic and psychosocial characteristics, and drug use behaviors. Serum was obtained on cycle days 1 to 5 in women reporting regular menses. Premenopausal-, early menopausal, and late menopausal transition and postmenopausal stages were assigned based on menstrual history. Serum was assayed for follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and inhibin B. Body mass index, HIV serostatus, and CD4+ counts were measured. Factors associated with hormone concentrations were assessed using uni- and multivariable analyses. Hormone concentrations were compared within menstrual status categories using nonparametric comparisons of means.

RESULTS

In this cross-sectional analysis, LH and FSH increased, and E2 and inhibin B were significantly lower in women of older age and more advanced menopausal status. Increased body mass index was strongly associated with decreased LH. Opiate use was significantly associated with lower inhibin B and E2 and increased prolactin. Poorer self-rated health was statistically significantly associated with lower LH and FSH, but increased education was associated with higher LH and FSH. Among HIV-seropositive women, opiate users had detectably lower FSH and LH than nonusers, and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy was significantly related to higher LH, FSH, and E2, whereas cocaine use was associated with lower E2.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and menopausal status are strongly related to reproductive hormones. Body mass index and use of opiates, cocaine, and highly active antiretroviral therapy as well as educational attainment and perceived health can significantly modify reproductive hormones during the menopausal transition and need to be considered when interpreting hormone levels in middle-aged women.