Incidence and predictors of recovery from anaemia within an HIV-infected South African Cohort, 2004-2010

Prevalence and trends of advanced HIV disease among antiretroviral therapy-naïve and antiretroviral therapy-experienced patients in South Africa between 2010-2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite the significant progress made in South Africa in getting millions of individuals living with HIV into care, many patients still present or re-enter care with Advanced HIV Disease (AHD). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of AHD among ART-naive and ART-experienced patients in South Africa using studies published between January 2010 and May 2022.

METHODS

We searched for relevant data on PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and other sources, with a geographical filters limited to South Africa, up to May 31, 2022. Two reviewers conducted all screening, eligibility assessment, data extraction, and critical appraisal. We synthesized the data using the inverse-variance heterogeneity model and Freeman-Tukey transformation. We assessed heterogeneity using the I2 statistic and publication bias using the Egger and Begg's test.

RESULTS

We identified 2,496 records, of which 53 met the eligibility criteria, involving 11,545,460 individuals. The pooled prevalence of AHD among ART-naive and ART-experienced patients was 43.45% (95% CI 40.1-46.8%, n = 53 studies) and 58.6% (95% CI 55.7 to 61.5%, n = 2) respectively. The time trend analysis showed a decline of 2% in the prevalence of AHD among ART-naive patients per year. However, given the high heterogeneity between studies, the pooled prevalence should be interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSION

Despite HIV's evolution to a chronic disease, our findings show that the burden of AHD remains high among both ART-naive and ART-experienced patients in South Africa. This emphasizes the importance of regular measurement of CD4 cell count as an essential component of HIV care. In addition, providing innovative adherence support and interventions to retain ART patients in effective care is a crucial priority for those on ART.

Predictors of Anemia Among Adult HIV Positive Patients on First-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in Northwest Ethiopia: A Retrospective Follow-Up Study

Background

Globally, anemia is a common hematological disorder among HIV-infected patients. People with anemia often suffer from impaired physical functioning, psychological distress, and poor quality of life. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the incidence of anemia and its determinants among HIV positive individuals in northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A total of 486 adult HIV positive patients on the first-line ART with complete information were enrolled in the adult care clinics of northwest Amhara referral hospitals from December 2015 to December 2018. EpiData version 4.2 was used for data entry and Stata version 14 for analysis. Variables having time to event nature were presented with the Kaplan–Meier function. The Cox regression model was used to identify predictors of anemia. Variables with P-values less than 0.2 in the bivariable analysis were considered in the multivariable regression. Adjusted hazard ratio with 95% CI was computed, and variables with less than 0.05 P-values in the multivariable Cox regression were taken as significant predictors of anemia.

Results

This study noted an overall 26.4 per 100 person-year observations (95% CI: 23.46, 30.74) incidence rate of anemia. According to the multivariable Cox regression, TB co-infection (AHR =1.99, 95% CI: 1.45, 2.74), zidovudine-based regimen (AHR=1.39, 95CI: 1.1, 1.85), CD4 level (AHR= 1.7, 95% CI: 1.23, 2.35), advanced WHO stage (AHR=1.32, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.74), and being underweight (AHR= 1.53, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.07) were predictors of anemia.

Conclusion

Anemia is a burden among HIV patients in the study setting. Baseline clinical variables, TB co-infection, and zidovudine-based were predictors of anemia. Therefore, early identification of anemia and addressing significant predictors are highly suggested to the study setting.

An investigation of maternal anaemia among HIV infected pregnant women on antiretroviral treatment in Johannesburg, South Africa

INTRODUCTION

maternal anaemia is a major public health problem in developing countries. Data suggests that anaemia contributes to the progression of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infection. The aim of this study was to investigate if pregnancy was an aggravating factor for anaemia among HIV-positive women on anti-retroviral treatment (ART).

METHODS

we analyzed data of all HIV-positive women aged 18-49 years receiving ART at Themba Lethu Clinic, Helen Joseph Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa, from 1st April 2004- 30t hApril 2011. HIV-positive pregnant women were matched with non-pregnant women using the year of initiation of treatment. The outcome of interest ´anaemia´ was defined as "no anaemia", "anaemia" and "moderate/severe anaemia". We fitted an ordered logistic regression model to predict the likelihood of having severe/moderate anaemia versus no anaemia. We included pregnancy status as a predictor of the outcome and controlled the effect of other covariates in the analysis.

RESULTS

the study included 236 HIV positive patients, of which half (n=118, 50%) were pregnant. At baseline, about (n=143, 60%) of patients were anaemic. The proportion of pregnant women classified as anaemic (anaemia, moderate/severe) differed significantly (p=0.02) from that of non-pregnant women. The following characteristics were significantly associated with anaemia at baseline: Body mass index (BMI) category (p=0.01); World Health Organization (WHO) stage (p=0.001) and CD4 count (p=0.001). Seven months after initiation of treatment, the proportion of HIV positive women with anaemia decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION

anaemia is a significant risk factor for untoward health outcomes, especially among HIV-positive pregnant women. Early ART access might result in a significant decrease in anaemia in pregnancy.

Anemia risk factors among people living with HIV across the United States in the current treatment era: a clinical cohort study

Background

Anemia is common among people living with HIV infection (PLWH) and is associated with adverse health outcomes. Information on risk factors for anemia incidence in the current antiretroviral therapy (ART) era is lacking.

Methods

Within a prospective clinical cohort of adult PLWH receiving care at eight sites across the United States between 1/2010–3/2018, Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted among a) PLWH free of anemia at baseline and b) PLWH free of severe anemia at baseline to determine associations between time-updated patient characteristics and development of anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dL), or severe anemia (hemoglobin < 7.5 g/dL). Linear mixed effects models were used to examine relationships between patient characteristics and hemoglobin levels during follow-up. Hemoglobin levels were ascertained using laboratory data from routine clinical care. Potential risk factors included: age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, smoking status, hazardous alcohol use, illicit drug use, hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), CD4 cell count, viral load, ART use and time in care at CNICS site.

Results

This retrospective cohort study included 15,126 PLWH. During a median follow-up of 6.6 (interquartile range [IQR] 4.3–7.6) years, 1086 participants developed anemia and 465 participants developed severe anemia. Factors that were associated with incident anemia included: older age, female sex, black race, HCV coinfection, lower CD4 cell counts, VL ≥400 copies/ml and lower eGFR.

Conclusion

Because anemia is a treatable condition associated with increased morbidity and mortality among PLWH, hemoglobin levels should be monitored routinely, especially among PLWH who have one or more risk factors for anemia.

Prevalence and predictors of anemia among adult HIV infected patients at the University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Background

Anemia is the leading hematologic complication of HIV infection occurring in approximately 30% of patients with an asymptomatic infection and in as many as 75–80% of those with AIDS. Anemia increases morbidity and mortality among HIV infected patients.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia in adult HIV infected patients and the associated factors.

Method

Retrospective record review was conducted for a total of 404 HIV infected adult patients who were started on HAART from January 2010 up to September 2015 at the University of Gondar Hospital adult ART clinic. Descriptive analysis, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to compute the different rates, proportions, and associations.

Results

The prevalence of anemia was 32.9%, 14.4%, and 9.4% at baseline, after 6 and 12 months of HAART. Lower CD4 count (AOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.1–3.2) and opportunistic infections (AOR=3.0; 95% CI: 1.8–5.0) were associated with the odds of being anemic at baseline. Baseline anemia was a predictor for being anemic after 6 months (AOR=3.6; 95% CI: 2.0–6.7). Similarly, being anemic after 6 months of HAART predicted the odds of being anemic after 12 months on HAART (AOR=9.1; 95% CI: 4.1–19.9). Zidovudine based regimen was also found to be a predictor of anemia at three months after HAART (AOR=6.0; 95% CI: 2.5–14.3).

Conclusion

Anemia is a common problem in HIV patients at the University of Gondar Hospital, nearly a third of the HIV patients had anemia. A lower CD4 count and opportunistic infection were predictors of being anemic. Anemia during the early periods of HAART initiation was also a predictor of subsequent anemia in HIV patients.

High levels of serum IL-6 and serum hepcidin and low CD4 cell count were risk factors of anemia of chronic disease in HIV patients on the combination of antiretroviral therapy

Purpose: This study aimed to determine whether high levels of serum IL-6 and serum hepcidin and CD4<350 cells/ul were risk factors for the anemia of chronic disease (ACD) in HIV-infected patients on the combination of antiretroviral (cARV) therapy with successful clinically and immunological responses.

Patients and Methods: A matched case–control study was conducted in the VCT clinic of Sanglah General Hospital, Indonesia, between January 1 and September 1, 2016. The case group was HIV patients with ACD, while the control group was HIV patients without ACD. Purposive consecutive sampling was employed in HIV patients aged 15–65 years who have received cARV therapy for >6 months, had >95% adherence of cARV within 6 months, did not have any clinical failure, did not have any immunological failure and did not receive switch therapy within 6 months. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results: A total of 42 cases and 42 controls were included in this study. Significant differences were found between case and control, which included serum IL-6, serum hepcidin, smoking, creatinine clearance, anemia at the initiation of cARV, CD4 at the initiation of cARV and actual CD4 (cell/µL). High levels of serum IL-6, high levels of serum hepcidin and CD4< 350 cells/µl were risk factors for ACD. After adjusted with anemia at cARV initiation and BMI, we found that high levels of serum IL-6 (adjusted OR: 17.682; 95% CI: 3.442–90.826), high levels of serum hepcidin (adjusted OR: 10.562; 95% CI: 2.531–44.076) and CD4 <350 cells/µl (adjusted OR: 4.181; 95% CI: 5.6–12.381) remain as risk factors for ACD.

Conclusion: High levels of serum IL-6, high levels of serum hepcidin and CD4 count <350 cells/µL were risk factors for ACD in HIV patients with cARV therapy.

Timing of pregnancy, postpartum risk of virologic failure and loss to follow-up among HIV-positive women

OBJECTIVES

We assessed the association between the timing of pregnancy with the risk of postpartum virologic failure and loss from HIV care in South Africa.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of 6306 HIV-positive women aged 15-49 at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, initiated on ART between January 2004 and December 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

METHODS

The incidence of virologic failure (two consecutive viral load measurements of >1000 copies/ml) and loss to follow-up (>3 months late for a visit) during 24 months postpartum were assessed using Cox proportional hazards modelling.

RESULTS

The rate of postpartum virologic failure was higher following an incident pregnancy on ART [adjusted hazard ratio 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-2.7] than among women who initiated ART during pregnancy. This difference was sustained among women with CD4 cell count less than 350 cells/μl at delivery (adjusted hazard ratio 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-3.0). Predictors of postpartum virologic failure were being viremic, longer time on ART, being 25 or less years old and low CD4 cell count and anaemia at delivery, as well as initiating ART on stavudine-containing or abacavir-containing regimen. There was no difference postpartum loss to follow-up rates between the incident pregnancies group (hazard ratio 0.9, 95% CI: 0.7-1.1) and those who initiated ART in pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

The risk of virologic failure remains high among postpartum women, particularly those who conceive on ART. The results highlight the need to provide adequate support for HIV-positive women with fertility intention after ART initiation and to strengthen monitoring and retention efforts for postpartum women to sustain the benefits of ART.

Tobacco Consumption Among HIV-Positive Respondents: Findings From the Third Round of the National Family Health Survey

INTRODUCTION

HIV-positive people are often more susceptible to illnesses associated with smoking, for example, cardiovascular disease, than those in the general population. The purpose of this article is to examine the association between tobacco use and HIV-status in India.

METHODS

This article analyzed data from the National Family Health Survey III, which provides a representative sample of the Indian population. Patterns in tobacco consumption among HIV-positive and negative respondents were assessed through logistic and ordinal regression models. Associations between smoking, asthma, and tuberculosis were examined through bivariate logistic regressions.

RESULTS

A greater percentage of male HIV-positive participants (68%) reported current tobacco use in comparison to male HIV-negative respondents (58%) and female HIV-positive (12%) and negative (11%) participants. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that there was a positive correlation between male respondents' HIV-status and their propensity to use tobacco (odds ratio [OR] = 1.48, confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-2.1, P < .05) when controlled for extraneous variables. Results from ordinal regression analyses illustrated that male HIV-positive respondents had a twofold increased OR of smoking 20 or more cigarettes (OR = 2.1, CI = 1.4-3.2, P < .005). Finally, there was a positive association between being HIV-infected (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.6, CI = 2.02-10.6, P < .005), smoking 15-19 cigarettes (AOR = 2.11, CI = 1.1-4.1, P < .05) and male participants' TB-status.

CONCLUSIONS

Results in this article suggest HIV-positive men in India were not only significantly more likely to consume tobacco, but they also smoked a higher number of cigarettes compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. This is a cause for concern as our analyses revealed a possible association between the number of cigarettes smoked and TB-status.

IMPLICATIONS

This article contributes to knowledge on the intertwining epidemics of HIV and smoking through using cross-sectional data from the National Family Survey III to demonstrate that HIV-positive men in India display patterns of tobacco consumption which differs to that of HIV-negative men. These findings could have strong implications for long-term treatment of HIV-positive patients as smoking has been proven to increase the likelihood of contracting HIV-related illnesses.