The HIV-Brazil cohort study: design, methods and participant characteristics

Suppression of HIV in the first 12 months of antiretroviral therapy: a comparative analysis of dolutegravir- and efavirenz-based regimens

OBJECTIVE

To compare viral suppression in treatment-naïve adults starting antiretroviral therapy with dolutegravir (50mg)- and efavirenz (600mg)-based regimens.

METHODS

We analyzed secondary data from Brazilian health information systems of people living with human immunodeficiency virus who started antiretroviral therapy between 2015 and 2017 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The outcome was viral suppression, defined as the achievement of the first viral load <50 copies/mL within 12 months after initiating antiretroviral therapy. This outcome was also compared with viral load <1,000 copies/mL and analyzed in two scenarios: intention-to-treat versus per-protocol. Time to viral suppression and adjusted odds ratio accompanied by 95% confidence intervals were estimated.

RESULTS

Of the 2,599 participants enrolled, 77.5% were men, and the median age was 34 years. In the intention-to-treat analysis, viral suppression was 58.1% for efavirenz and 76.7% for dolutegravir. People living with HIV on dolutegravir-based regimen were more likely to achieve viral suppression (aOR: 2.44; 95%CI: 2.01-2.95) and had a shorter median time to viral suppression (p<0.0001). Antiretroviral therapy initiation within <120 days, baseline CD4⁺T-cells ≥200 cells/mm3, and viral load <100,000 copies/mL had higher odds of viral suppression. According to the per-protocol analysis, viral suppression ≥90% was observed by considering viral load <1,000 copies/mL.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that viral suppression improved after introducing dolutegravir, although the proportion of patients with viral load <50 copies/mL was lower than expected. Improved access to routine viral load examinations and continuous surveillance of the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy should be considered.

Polymorphisms at CYP enzymes, NR1I2 and NR1I3 in association with virologic response to antiretroviral therapy in Brazilian HIV-positive individuals

Virologic failure of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may be explained by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in drug absorption and metabolism genes. Here, we characterized the associations between polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 enzymes' genes CYP2B6 and CYP3A4/A5, nuclear receptor genes NR1I2/3, and initial ART efficacy among 203 HIV-positive individuals from Rio de Janeiro. Association between SNPs and virologic control was evaluated after 6 and 12 months of follow-up using Cox regression models. The SNP rs2307424 (NR1I3) was associated with increased virologic response after 12 months of treatment, while rs1523127 (NR1I2), rs3003596, and rs2502815 (NR1I3) were associated with decreased response. Increased virologic response after 12 months (_adjHR = 1.54; p = 0.02) was also observed among carriers of the NR1I3 haplotype rs2502815G-rs3003596A-rs2307424A versus the reference haplotype G-A-G. Our results suggest that NR1I2 and NR1I3 variants are associated with virologic responses to ART among Brazilians.

Incidence and associated factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus onset in the Brazilian HIV/AIDS cohort study

Background

People living with HIV (PLH) under combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective

We examined the incidence of T2DM, associated factors and mean time to outcome in PLH under cART.

Method

Data for this multicenter cohort study were obtained from PLH aged over 18, who started cART in 13 Brazilian sites from 2003 to 2013. Factors associated with incident T2DM were evaluated by Cox multiple regression models.

Results

A total of 6724 patients (30,997.93 person-years) were followed from January 2003 to December 2016. A T2DM incidence rate of 17.3/1000 person-years (95%CI 15.8-18.8) was observed. Incidence of isolated hypertriglyceridemia and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were 84.3 (95%CI 81.1-87.6) and 14.5/1000 person-years (95%CI 13.2-15.9), respectively. Mean time to T2DM onset was 10.5 years (95%CI 10.3-10.6). Variables associated with incident T2DM were age 40-50 [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.7, 95%CI 1.4-2.1] and ≥ 50 years (HR 2.4, 95%CI 1.9-3.1); obesity (HR 2.1, 95%CI 1.6-2.8); abnormal triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio (HR 1.8, 95%CI 1.51-2.2). IFG predicted T2DM (HR 2.6, 95%CI 1.7-2.5) and occurred on average 3.3 years before diabetes onset. Exposure to stavudine for ≥ 2 years was independently associated with incident T2DM [HR 1.6, 95%CI 1.0-2.2).

Conclusion

Brazilian PLH under cART are at significant risk of developing T2DM and share risk factors for diabetes onset with the general population, such as older age, obesity, and having metabolic abnormalities at baseline. Moreover, stavudine use was independently associated with incident T2DM. Identifying PLH at a higher risk of T2DM can help caretakers trigger health promotion and establish specific targets for implementation of preventive measures.

Antiretroviral therapy and Kaposi's sarcoma trends and outcomes among adults with HIV in Latin America

INTRODUCTION

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) remains the most frequent malignancy in persons living with HIV (PWH) in Latin America. We examined KS trends and outcomes from Latin American clinical sites in the era of increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART).

METHODS

Cohorts in Brazil, Peru, Mexico, Honduras, Argentina and Chile contributed clinical data of PWH ≥16 years old from 2000 to 2017, excluding patients with KS diagnosed before clinic enrolment. We compared KS incidence over time using multivariable incidence rate ratios. Predictors of KS before/at or after ART initiation and of mortality after KS were examined using Cox regression.

RESULTS

Of 25 981 PWH, 481 had incident KS, including 200 ART-naïve and 281 ART-treated patients. From 2000 to 2017, the incidence of KS decreased from 55.1 to 3.0 per 1000 person-years. In models adjusting for CD4 and other factors, the relative risk for KS decreased from 2000 to 2008. Since 2010, the adjusted risk of KS increased in the periods before and ≤90 days after ART initiation but decreased >90 days after ART. In addition to low CD4 and male-to-male sex, KS risk after ART was associated with age and history of other AIDS-defining illnesses. Mortality after KS (approximately 25% after five years) was not associated with either year of KS diagnosis nor timing of diagnosis relative to ART initiation.

CONCLUSIONS

KS incidence in Latin America has remained stable in recent years and risk is highest before and shortly after ART initiation. Early diagnosis of HIV and ART initiation remain critical priorities in the region.

Quality of life in individuals initiating antiretroviral therapy: a cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess longitudinally the change in quality of life in people living with HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy in three public reference services specialized in HIV care in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study among people living with HIV, aged 18 years or older, and initiating antiretroviral therapy. We obtained sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical data related to pharmacological treatment and to the service by face-to-face interviews, and supplemented these data with information from clinical records and Information Systems of the Brazilian HIV/AIDS Program. We measured the quality of life using the WHOQOL-HIV bref instrument, with a minimum interval of six months between the baseline and the follow-up interviews. We used paired t-test to assess the mean change in quality of life between the two interviewsand evaluated factors associated with this outcome using multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The overall quality of life, as well as the physical, psychological, level of independence, environment and spiritual quality of life domains were statistically higher in people living with HIV using antiretroviral therapy at the end of the follow-up. Factors independently associated with the increase in quality of life were having religious belief and living with other people. Having signs or symptoms of anxiety and depression and the number of adverse drug reactions reported were predictors associated with worsening quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show an improvement in the quality of life over time in people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. They also highlight the need to monitor and provide health care support, especially for individuals with signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression and that report adverse reactions to medicines at the beginning of treatment.

Cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV in Brazil

OBJECTIVES

There is a paucity of data on cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource-limited countries. We assessed factors associated with CVD and the impact of prevalent CVD on all-cause mortality in PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy in Brazil.

METHODS

Competing risk regression to assess factors associated with CVD and all-cause mortality in the HIV-Brazil Cohort Study between 2003 and 2014.

RESULTS

Among 5614 patients, the rate of CVD was 3.5 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.9-4.3) per 1000 person-years. CVD was associated with older age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 6.4 for ≥55 years vs. <35 years, 95% CI: 2.5-16.3, P < 0.01), black race (aHR 1.8 vs. white race, 95% CI: 1.0-3.1, P = 0.04), past CVD (aHR 3.0 vs. no past CVD, 95% CI: 1.4-6.2, P < 0.01), hypertension (aHR 1.8 vs. no hypertension, 95% CI: 1.0-3.1, P = 0.04), high-grade dyslipidemia (aHR 9.3 vs. no high-grade dyslipidemia, 95% CI: 6.0-14.6, P < 0.01), ever smoking (aHR 2.4 vs. never, 95% CI: 1.2-5.0, P = 0.02) and low nadir CD4 cell count (aHR 1.8 for 100-250 cells/mm3 vs. >250 cells/mm3 , 95% CI: 1.0-3.2, P = 0.05). The rate of death was 16.6 (95% CI: 15.1-18.3) per 1000 person-years. Death was strongly associated with having had a past CVD event (aHR 1.7 vs. no past CVD event, 95% CI: 1.1-2.7, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Traditional and HIV-specific factors associated with CVD among PLHIV in Brazil are similar to those identified among PLHIV in high-income countries. PLHIV in Brazil with a history of CVD have a high risk of death. CVD care and treatment remain priorities for PLHIV in Brazil as this population ages and antiretroviral therapy use expands.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Persons Living With HIV by Enrollment Status in Washington, DC: Evaluation of a Large Longitudinal HIV Cohort Study

Background

HIV cohort studies have been used to assess health outcomes and inform the care and treatment of people living with HIV disease. However, there may be similarities and differences between cohort participants and the general population from which they are drawn.

Objective

The objective of this analysis was to compare people living with HIV who have and have not been enrolled in the DC Cohort study and assess whether participants are a representative citywide sample of people living with HIV in the District of Columbia (DC).

Methods

Data from the DC Health (DCDOH) HIV surveillance system and the DC Cohort study were matched to identify people living with HIV who were DC residents and had consented for the study by the end of 2016. Analysis was performed to identify differences between DC Cohort and noncohort participants by demographics and comorbid conditions. HIV disease stage, receipt of care, and viral suppression were evaluated. Adjusted logistic regression assessed correlates of health outcomes between the two groups.

Results

There were 12,964 known people living with HIV in DC at the end of 2016, of which 40.1% were DC Cohort participants. Compared with nonparticipants, participants were less likely to be male (68.0% vs 74.9%, P<.001) but more likely to be black (82.3% vs 69.5%, P<.001) and have a heterosexual contact HIV transmission risk (30.3% vs 25.9%, P<.001). DC Cohort participants were also more likely to have ever been diagnosed with stage 3 HIV disease (59.6% vs 47.0%, P<.001), have a CD4 <200 cells/µL in 2017 (6.2% vs 4.6%, P<.001), be retained in any HIV care in 2017 (72.9% vs 59.4%, P<.001), and be virally suppressed in 2017. After adjusting for demographics, DC Cohort participants were significantly more likely to have received care in 2017 (adjusted odds ratio 1.8, 95% CI 1.70-2.00) and to have ever been virally suppressed (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, 95% CI 1.20-1.40).

Conclusions

These data have important implications when assessing the representativeness of patients enrolled in clinic-based cohorts compared with the DC-area general HIV population. As participants continue to enroll in the DC Cohort study, ongoing assessment of representativeness will be required.

Evaluation of Selected Outcomes of Combination Antiretroviral Therapy: Yemen Cohort Retrospective Descriptive Studies

In 2007, HIV treatment services were established in five main governorates out of twenty-two which resulted in low access to services and poor treatment outcomes. The main goal of this study was to evaluate and analyse the selected treatment outcomes of eight cohorts of PLHIV who were treated with cART during 2007–2014. The method used was a retrospective descriptive study of 1,703 PLHIV who initiated cART at five public health facilities. The results: Retention rate was less than 80%, male: female ratio 1.661, with a mean age of 35 years (±9.2 SD), 85% had been infected with HIV via heterosexual contact. 65% of patients presented with clinical stages 3 and 4, and 52% of them were initiated cART at a CD4 T-cell count ≤200 cells/mm. 61% of cART included Tenofovir and Efavirenz. TB treatment started for 5% of PLHIV, and 22% developed HIV-related clinical manifestations after cART initiation. 67% of PLHIV had experienced cART substitution. The mean AIDS-mortality rate was 15% and the mean LTFU rate was 16%. Conclusion: Although cART showed effectiveness in public health, mobilization of resources and formulation of better health policies are important steps toward improving access to cART and achieving the desired treatment outcomes.

New patient-reported outcome measure to assess perceived barriers to antiretroviral therapy adherence: the PEDIA scale

This study sought to develop and evaluate a new patient-reported outcome measure to assess perceived barriers to antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. The Perceived Barriers to Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence (PEDIA) scale was developed based on individual interviews with patients. After pilot testing and assessing the evidence based on content analysis, the scale's revisions resulted in a 40-item version. The PEDIA was applied to 415 HIV-infected adults receiving ART for a maximum of 180 days, recruited from three healthcare facilities of reference in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The analyses included exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, item response theory, temporal stability, and predictive test-criterion relationship. The scale's final version contains 18 items distributed in three dimensions, as follows: cognitive and routine problems (4 items); medication and health concerns (6 items); and patient's fears and feelings (8 items). The results of McDonald's omega and temporal stability demonstrate that the PEDIA is internally consistent and yields stable scores over time. The assessment of the information's functions suggested that the three dimensions were informative for assessing a broad range of latent traits. Evidence concerning the test-criterion relationship confirmed that the PEDIA was able to predict non-adherence three months later. Our findings suggest that the PEDIA is a psychometrically adequate tool for evaluating perceived barriers in adult patients initiating ART. It could be used in both research and clinical practice for the early detection of patients at risk of non-adherence and for the identification of potentially modifiable barriers.

Late Onset of Antiretroviral Therapy in Adults Living with HIV in an Urban Area in Brazil: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Introduction

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has been available since 1996. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) leads to improved therapeutic response and reduced HIV transmission. However, a significant number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) still start treatment late.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze characteristics and factors associated with late initiation of ART among HIV-infected treatment-naïve patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included PLHIV older than 17 years who initiated ART at two public health facilities from 2009 to 2012, in a city located in Midwestern Brazil. Pregnant women were excluded. Data were collected from medical records, antiviral dispensing forms, and the Logistics Control of Medications System (SICLOM) of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Late initiation of ART was defined as CD4+ cell count < 200 cells/mm³ or presence of AIDS-defining illness. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to evaluate associated factors for late ARV using SPSS®, version 21. The significance level was set at p<0.05.

Results

1,141 individuals were included, with a median age of 41 years, and 69.1% were male. The prevalence of late initiation of ART was 55.8% (95%CI: 52.9-58.7). The more common opportunistic infections at ART initiation were pneumocystosis, cerebral toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and histoplasmosis. Overall, 38.8% of patients had HIV viral load equal to or greater than 100,000 copies/mL. Late onset of ART was associated with higher mortality. After logistic regression, factors shown to be associated with late initiation of ARV were low education level, sexual orientation, high baseline viral load, place of residence outside metropolitan area, and concomitant infection with hepatitis B virus.

Conclusion

These results revealed the need to increase early treatment of HIV infection, focusing especially on groups of people who are more socially vulnerable or have lower self-perceived risk.

Trends and predictors of non-communicable disease multimorbidity among adults living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy in Brazil

INTRODUCTION

People living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) experience high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These co-morbidities often accumulate and older adults may suffer from multimorbidity. Multimorbidity has been associated with loss of quality of life, polypharmacy, and increased risk of frailty and mortality. Little is known of the trends or predictors NCD multimorbidity in PLHIV in low- and middle-income countries.

METHODS

We examined NCD multimorbidity in adult PLHIV initiating ART between 2003 and 2014 using a multi-site, observational cohort in Brazil. NCDs included cardiovascular artery disease, hyperlipidemia (HLD), diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, venous thromboembolism and non-AIDS-defining cancers. Multimorbidity was defined as the incident accumulation of two or more unique NCDs. We used Poisson regression to examine trends and Cox proportional hazard models to examine predictors of multimorbidity.

RESULTS

Of the 6206 adults, 332 (5%) developed multimorbidity during the study period. Parallel to the ageing of the cohort, the prevalence of multimorbidity rose from 3% to 11% during the study period. Older age, female sex (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.30 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03 to 1.65)) and low CD4 nadir (<100 vs. ≥200 cells/mm3 aHR = 1.52 (95% CI: 1.15 to 2.01)) at cohort entry were significantly associated with increased risk of multimorbidity. Among patients with incident multimorbidity, the most common NCDs were HLD and diabetes; however, osteoporosis was also frequent in women (16 vs. 35% of men and women with multimorbidity respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Among adult PLHIV in Brazil, NCD multimorbidity increased from 2003 to 2014. Females and adults with low CD4 nadir were at increased risk in adjusted analyses. Further studies examining prevention, screening and management of NCDs in PLHIV in low- and middle-income countries are needed.

Validation of CD4+ T-cell and viral load data from the HIV-Brazil Cohort Study using secondary system data

BACKGROUND

The HIV-Brazil Cohort Study (HIV-BCS) is a research primarily based on data collection from medical records of people living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil. The aim of this study was to present the validating design and results for the laboratory biomarkers viral load and CD4+ T-cell count from the HIV-Brazil Cohort Study.

METHODS

A total of 8007 patients who were started cART from 2003 to 2013 were considered eligible for this study. Total follow-up time was 32,397 years. The median duration of follow-up was 3.51 years (interquartile range - IQR 1.63-6.13 years; maximum 11.51 years). We used secondary data from the Brazilian Laboratory Tests Control System (SISCEL). Incidence of lab testing rates per 100 person years (100 py) were used to compare the number of laboratory tests carried out among cohort sites considering different databases for CD4+ T-cell counts and HIV viral load assessments. Descriptive statistics including 95% confidence interval, Pearson correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman agreement analysis and kappa coefficient agreement were applied for analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 80,302 CD4+ T-cell counts and 79,997 HIV viral load assessments were observed in HIV-BCS versus 94,083 CD4+ T-cell counts and 84,810 viral loads from the Brazilian Laboratory Tests Control System. The general CD4+ T-cell HIV-BCS testing rate was 247 per 100 py versus 290 per 100 py and the viral load HIV-BCS testing rate was 246 per 100 py versus 261 per 100 py. The general correlation observed for the lowest quantitative CD4+ T-cell count before cART was 0.970 (p < 0.001) and for the log of the highest viral load before cART was 0.971 (p < 0.001). The general agreement coefficient for categorized CD4+ T-cell count was 0.932 (p < 0.001) and for viral load was 0.996 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study confirms that biomarkers CD4⁺ T-cell count and viral load from the HIV-BCS have a high correlation and agreement with data from SISCEL, rendering both databases reliable and useful for epidemiological studies on HIV care in Brazil.

Effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy in the single-tablet regimen era

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy and the associated factors according to the type of regimen used: Single Tablet Regimen or Multiple Tablet Regimen.

METHODS

Prospective cohort of 440 patients (male, 74.3%, median age, 36 years old) who initiated antiretroviral therapy between Jan/14 and Dec/15 at a referral service in Belo Horizonte. Efficacy was defined as viral suppression (viral load, VL < 50 copies/ml) and evaluated after six and twelve months of treatment. Sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral data were collected from clinical charts and from Information Systems. Multivariate analysis of overall effectiveness was performed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

Most patients initiated Multiple Tablet Regimen antiretroviral therapy (n = 255, 58%). At six months, overall viral suppression was 74.6%, being higher among patients who used Single Tablet Regimen (80.6%, p = 0.04). At twelve months, 83.2% of patients reached viral suppression, with no difference between groups (p = 0.93). Factors independently associated with viral suppression at six and twelve months varied, being negatively associated with effectiveness: VL ≥ 100,000 copies/ml, symptoms of AIDS, longer interval time between diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy, antiretroviral switching, smoking or current illicit drugs usage (p < 0.05). Factors positively associated with viral suppression included adherence to antiretroviral therapy and category of risk/exposure of men who have sex with men (p < 0.05). Reaching viral suppression at six months was the main predictor of effectiveness at one year (OR = 8.96 and p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Viral suppression was high and better results were achieved for patients who used Single Tablet Regimen regimens at six months. Clinical, behavioral, and antiretroviral therapy -related factors influence viral suppression and highlight the need for interventions to increase early diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy, patient’s adherence, and to reduce illicit drugs and cigarette smoking in this population.

Inequalities in HAART uptake and differential survival according to exposure category in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Despite substantial improvement in prognosis and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Brazil, inequalities in access to treatment remain. We assessed the impact of these inequalities on survival in Rio de Janeiro over a 12-year period (2000/11). Data were merged from four databases that comprise the national AIDS monitoring system: SINAN-AIDS (Brazilian Information System for Notificable Diseases; AIDS cases), SISCEL (laboratory tests), SICLOM (electronic dispensing system), and SIM (Brazilian Mortality Information System), using probabilistic linkage. Cox regressions were fitted to assess the impact of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) on AIDS-related mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and heterosexuals diagnosed with AIDS, between 2000 and 2011, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Among 15,420 cases, 60.7% were heterosexuals, 36.1% MSM and 3.2% PWID. There were 2,807 (18.2%) deaths and the median survival time was 6.29. HAART and CD4+ > 200 at baseline were associated with important protective effects. Non-whites had a 33% higher risk of dying in consequence of AIDS than whites. PWID had a 56% higher risk and MSM a 11% lower risk of dying of AIDS than heterosexuals. Non-white individuals, those with less than eight years of formal education, and PWID, were more likely to die of AIDS and less likely to receive HAART. Important inequalities persist in access to treatment, resulting in disparate impacts on mortality among exposure categories. Despite these persistent disparities, mortality decreased significantly during the period for all categories under analysis, and the overall positive impact of HAART on survival has been dramatic.

Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study: study design and baseline characteristics

The number of persons infected by HIV/AIDS has consistently increased in Korea since the first case of HIV/AIDS infection in 1985 and reached 15,208 by 2016. About 1,100 new patients with HIV/ AIDS infections have emerged every year since 2013. In Korea, the Korea HIV/AIDS Cohort Study was established for the evidenced-based prevention, treatment, and effective management of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in December 2006. This study monitored 1,438 patients, who accounted for about 10% of all patients with HIV/AIDS in Korea, for 10 years with the following aims: (1) to develop an administrative system for the establishment of a HIV/AIDS cohort-based study; (2) to standardize methodologies and the case report forms; and (3) to standardize multi-cohort data and develop a data cleaning method. This study aims to monitor at least 1,000 patients (excluding those for whom investigation had been completed) per year (estimated number of patients who can be monitored by January 2018: 939). By December 2016, the sex distribution was 93.3% for men, and 6.7% for women (gender ratio, 13.9:1.0), and 98.9% of all participants were Korean. More than 50.0% of the participants were confirmed as HIV positive after 2006. This study reports competitive, long-term research that aimed to develop policies for the prevention of chronic infectious diseases for patients with HIV. The data collected over the last decade will be used to develop indices for HIV treatment and health promotion.

Adverse reactions associated with first-line regimens in patient initiating antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of adverse drug reactions (ADR) and associated factors during the use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) in patients initiating treatment.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective study conducted in three public referral services specialized in HIV/AIDS care in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Self-reported ADR and explanatory variables were obtained from face-to-face interview and from Information Systems. Associated factors with ADR were evaluated by logistic regression in SPSS software v.22.

RESULTS

We included 399 patients, of which 85.5% reported at least one and 72.7% up to 5 ADRs after HAART initiation. Neurological reactions were the most frequent, with self-reported ADRs being distinct according to HAART regimen used. The global model showed higher chance of ADRs among females (OR = 3.52) and illicit drug users (OR = 2.28). Lower chance of ADRs was found for patients aged > 33 years (OR = 0.37), DTG/TDF/3TC users (OR = 0.41), and higher physical domain of quality of life (OR = 0.78). The model restricted to patients using the single-tablet regimen EFV/TDF/3TC showed lower ADRs among patients with CD4+ T lymphocyte count > 200 cells/mm³ (OR = 0.23) and higher independence domain of quality of life (OR = 0.74). The model restricted to DTG/TDF/3TC and to other regimens showed lower ADRs with higher physical domain of quality of life (OR = 0.74 and OR = 0.55, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of self-reported ADRs to first-line antiretroviral regimens was high and patients using DTG/TDF/3TC had a smaller number of ADRs. In addition to HAART regimen, sociodemographic, clinical, and quality of life characteristics were associated with ADRs.

Treatment adherence in patients living with HIV/AIDS assisted at a specialized facility in Brazil

INTRODUCTION

In the 1990s, Brazil adopted a public policy that allowed for universal, free access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Since then, treatment adherence has become a new challenge for administrators of sexually transmitted disease/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (STD/AIDS) policies. This study quantified adherence to ART and verified whether there is an association between sociodemographic variables and clinical/laboratory data in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, exploratory study with a quantitative approach that was conducted over 8 months. The target population contained patients who were assisted at the ambulatory care facility specialized in STD/AIDS of a medium-size city located in Northwest São Paulo. In order to verify the level of adherence to ART, a validated CEAT-VIH (Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Questionnaire) questionnaire was used. Sociodemographic aspects and clinical/laboratory data were obtained from the medical records. The results were analyzed using the Student's t-test and Pearson's coefficient.

RESULTS

Herein, 109 patients were interviewed, 56% of whom were male. The age of the population ranged 18-74 years (mean 45.67 years). Adherence to ART was classified as insufficient in 80.7% of cases. There was an association between ART adherence and presence of symptoms and/or opportunistic infection (p=0.008) and economic status (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to ART among HIV carriers cared for by the public health system is low. Patients who reported a favorable economic status and those without symptoms and/or opportunistic infection demonstrated greater treatment adherence than those who needed to take more than 3 pills a day.

Impact of public health strategies on reducing AIDS mortality in southern Brazil

In Brazil, all patients who fulfill the criteria for AIDS have had free access to antiretroviral therapy since 1996. We performed this cross-sectional study to evaluate the causes of death among 643 HIV-infected patients over three non-consecutive years (2000, 2006, and 2010), using their epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data. The causes of death were classified as AIDS-defining or non-AIDS-defining conditions. We observed a progressive increase in the prevalence of HIV infection over the study period, although there was also a decrease in the mortality rate for various groups, and especially among pediatric patients. An AIDS-defining condition was recorded as the cause of death for approximately 30% of the patients. There was also a high frequency (>70%) of infectious and parasitic diseases, including opportunistic infections, and the most common diagnoses were septicemia, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and pneumocystosis. Acute respiratory failure was the underlying cause of death in 30% of these cases. Despite advances in HIV therapy, the mortality rate remains high in Brazil. As few Brazilian studies have investigated HIV/AIDS-related mortality, it is important to evaluate and improve the mortality notification databases, in order to provide information regarding the effects of HIV and to guide the implementation of appropriate healthcare measures.

Survival benefits of antiretroviral therapy in Brazil: a model-based analysis

Objective

In Brazil, universal provision of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been guaranteed free of charge to eligible HIV-positive patients since December 1996. We sought to quantify the survival benefits of ART attributable to this programme.

Methods

We used a previously published microsimulation model of HIV disease and treatment (CEPAC-International) and data from Brazil to estimate life expectancy increase for HIV-positive patients initiating ART in Brazil. We divided the period of 1997 to 2014 into six eras reflecting increased drug regimen efficacy, regimen availability and era-specific mean CD4 count at ART initiation. Patients were simulated first without ART and then with ART. The 2014-censored and lifetime survival benefits attributable to ART in each era were calculated as the product of the number of patients initiating ART in a given era and the increase in life expectancy attributable to ART in that era.

Results

In total, we estimated that 598,741 individuals initiated ART. Projected life expectancy increased from 2.7, 3.3, 4.1, 4.9, 5.5 and 7.1 years without ART to 11.0, 17.5, 20.7, 23.0, 25.3, and 27.0 years with ART in Eras 1 through 6, respectively. Of the total projected lifetime survival benefit of 9.3 million life-years, 16% (or 1.5 million life-years) has been realized as of December 2014.

Conclusions

Provision of ART through a national programme has led to dramatic survival benefits in Brazil, the majority of which are still to be realized. Improvements in initial and subsequent ART regimens and higher CD4 counts at ART initiation have contributed to these increasing benefits.

Qualidade de vida e adesão à medicação antirretroviral em pessoas com HIV

Objetivo Avaliar e correlacionar a qualidade de vida e a adesão à terapia antirretroviral em pessoas com HIV. Métodos Estudo transversal, desenvolvido com 45 pessoas com HIV em tratamento ambulatorial. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: questionário para avaliação da adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral (CEAT-VIH) e escala para avaliação da qualidade de vida em pessoas com HIV (HAT-QoL). Foi realizada análise descritiva e empregado o teste de correlação linear de Spearman. Resultados A qualidade de vida mostrou-se comprometida nos domínios relacionados às atividades gerais; sexuais; preocupação com a saúde, com o sigilo, com questões financeiras; e conscientização sobre o HIV. Houve predomínio da adesão inadequada em 51,3% dos participantes. A correlação entre os escores das escalas mostrou significância estatística nos domínios relacionados à medicação e confiança no profissional. Conclusão A qualidade de vida apresentou comprometimento em seis domínios da escala e a adesão encontrou-se inadequada na maioria das pessoas com HIV.

Survival of AIDS patients in Sao Paulo-Brazil in the pre- and post-HAART eras: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

Brazil was the first middle-income country to provide free and universal access to AIDS treatment. Understanding the impact of this policy is key to promote ongoing improvement of current intervention strategies. The aim of this study was to compare mortality rates and survival in a cohort of AIDS patients before and after the introduction of antiretrovirals (ARV) and to investigate predictors of survival.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of AIDS patients aged 13 years or more living in the city of Sao Paulo was conducted. All patients were recruited from an STD/HIV outpatient clinic between 1988 and 2003 and followed up until 2005. We estimated AIDS mortality rates in person-years (py) and carried out a survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess predictors of survival in AIDS patients.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 6,594 patients. The yearly mean mortality rates were 17.6, 23.2, and 7.8 per 1,000 py for the study periods 1988-1993, 1994-1996, and 1997-2003, respectively. Median survival time was 13.4 and 22.3 months for patients entering the study in the first and second study periods and survival time was 108 months or more in 72% of those entering the study during 1997-2003. Factors independently associated with shorter survival included: AIDS diagnosis during the 1994-1996 (HR 2.0) and 1988-1993 (HR 3.2) periods; 50 years of age or more (HR 2.0); exposure category of injection drug users (IDU) (HR 1.5); 8 years of schooling or less (HR 1.4); no schooling (HR 2.1); and CD4+ counts between 350 and 500 cells/mm(3) (HR 1.2) and less than 350 cells/mm(3) at AIDS diagnosis (HR 1.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The study showed a strong impact following the introduction of HAART in 1996 with decreased AIDS mortality, increased survival rates, and benefits with early introduction of HAART. However, some groups of patients were less likely to benefit from the new drug regimens. Public policies promoting health equity create an enabling environment helping AIDS control programs in developing countries to achieve their goals as effectively as in developed countries.