1
|
Mesic A, Homan T, Lenglet A, Thit P, Mar HT, Sabai SM, Thandar MP, Thwe TT, Kyaw AA, Decroo T, Spina A, Ariti C, Ritmeijer K, Van Olmen J, Oo HN, Lynen L. Advanced HIV disease and associated attrition after re-engagement in HIV care in Myanmar from 2003 to 2019: a retrospective cohort study. Int Health 2023; 15:453-461. [PMID: 36318805 PMCID: PMC10318975 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihac069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of advanced HIV disease (AHD) and predictors of outcomes among people living with HIV (PLHIV) re-engaging in care are not well known. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PLHIV who re-engaged in care after being lost to follow-up (LFU), from 2003 to 2019, in Myanmar. We calculated the incidence rates of attrition after re-engagement and performed Cox regression to identify risk factors for attrition. RESULTS Of 44 131 PLHIV who started antiretroviral treatment, 12 338 (28.0%) were LFU at least once: 7608 (61.6%) re-engaged in care, 4672 (61.4%) with AHD at re-engagement. The death and LFU rates were 2.21-fold (95% CI 1.82 to 2.67) and 1.46-fold (95% CI 1.33 to 1.61) higher among patients who re-engaged with AHD (p>0.001). Death in patients who re-engaged with AHD was associated with male sex (adjusted HR [aHR] 2.63; 95% CI 1.31 to 5.26; p=0.006), TB coinfection (aHR 2.26; 95% CI 1.23 to 4.14; p=0.008) and sex work (aHR 7.49, 95% CI 2.29 to 22.52; p<0.001). History of intravenous drug use was identified as a predictor of being LFU. CONCLUSIONS Re-engagement in HIV care in Myanmar is frequent and those who re-engage carry a high burden of AHD. As AHD at re-engagement is associated with higher attrition rates, implementation of differentiated interventions that enable earlier linkage to care and prompt identification and management of AHD in this population is necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Mesic
- Corresponding author: Tel: +31(0)657879595; E-mail:
| | - Tobias Homan
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Annick Lenglet
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Public Health Department, Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1001DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Phone Thit
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Htay Thet Mar
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Saw Myat Sabai
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Moe Pyae Thandar
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Thin Thin Thwe
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Aung Aung Kyaw
- Médecins Sans Frontières, No 5/59, Ayeyadanar Street, Thirigon Villa, Waizayandar Road, Thingangyun Township, 11071, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Tom Decroo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Kronenburgstraat 43, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Research Foundation Flanders, Egmontstraat 5, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexander Spina
- University of Exeter Medical School, Heavitree Road, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Cono Ariti
- Centre for Trials Research, Cardiff University Medical School, Heath Park Cardiff, CF14 4XN, Cardiff, UK
| | - Koert Ritmeijer
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Public Health Department, Plantage Middenlaan 14, 1001DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Josefien Van Olmen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Kronenburgstraat 43, 2000, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Doornstraat 331 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Htun Nyunt Oo
- Ministry of Health and Sports, National AIDS Programme, Office No. 47, 15011, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
| | - Lutgarde Lynen
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Doornstraat 331 2610, Antwerpen, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Prabhu S, Harwell JI, Kumarasamy N. Advanced HIV: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Lancet HIV 2019; 6:e540-e551. [PMID: 31285181 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(19)30189-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Substantial progress has been made this century in bringing millions of people living with HIV into care, but progress for early HIV diagnosis has stalled. Individuals first diagnosed with advanced HIV have higher rates of mortality than those diagnosed at an earlier stage even after starting antiretroviral therapy (ART), resulting in substantial costs to health systems. Diagnosis of these individuals is hindered because many patients are asymptomatic, despite being severely immunosuppressed. Baseline CD4 counts and screening for opportunistic infections, such as tuberculosis and cryptococcus, is crucial because of the high mortality associated with these co-infections. Individuals with advanced HIV should have rapid ART initiation (except when found to have symptoms, signs, or a diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis) and those in treatment failure should switch treatment. Overcoming barriers to testing and adherence through the development of differentiated care models and providing psychosocial support will be key in reaching populations at high risk of presenting with advanced HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Prabhu
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Nagalingeswaran Kumarasamy
- Chennai Antiviral Research and Treatment Clinical Research Site, Voluntary Health Services, Chennai, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thay S, Peprah SA, Hur C, Tramontano AC, Maling E, Goldstein AT, Hong C. Prevalence of Cervical Dysplasia in HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Women at the Sihanouk Hospital Center of
HOPE, Phnom Penh , Cambodia. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2019; 20:653-659. [PMID: 30816687 PMCID: PMC6897022 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2019.20.2.653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: There is a high burden of cervical cancer in Cambodia, yet published data on the prevalence of cervical dysplasia and the risk factors contributing to the development of pre-cancerous lesions in Cambodian women is very limited. In addition, as it is well known that HIV positivity increases cervical cancer risk, it is important to quantify the prevalence of cervical dysplasia and carcinoma among Cambodian women living with HIV disease. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 499 HIV+ and 501 HIV- Cambodian women at the Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE. Visual inspection with 5% acetic acid was the method of screening. Colposcopy was performed on all VIA+ patients, and subsequent treatment followed WHO guidelines. Logistic regression models, stratified by both HIV+ and HIV- groups, were used to assess significant factors associated with having dysplasia. Results: VIA+ results were prevalent in both the HIV+ and HIV- arms of the study. The HIV+ patients were more likely to have a lower age at coitarche, lower weight, 2 or more lifetime sexual partners, two or greater pregnancies, or be unmarried. The estimated prevalence of VIA detected cervical dysplasia was 11% for the entire study sample, 13.4% in the HIV positive (HIV+) group and 8.6% in the HIV negative (HIV-) group (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.48; p=0.01). For the HIV+ group, having a history of 4 or more full-term pregnancies (OR: 3.42; 95% CI: 1.01-11.64; p=0.049) was found to be significantly associated with having an increased risk of developing cervical dysplasia in the multivariate model. Conclusion: Cervical dysplasia is prevalent in both HIV positive and negative Cambodian women and a VIA based national screening programs need to be developed and expanded to provide access to affordable and effective treatment for cervical dysplasia and cancers.
Collapse
|
4
|
Lay P, An S, Soeung S, Srey PS, Thai S, Lynen L, van Griensven J. Ten year experience with antiretroviral treatment in Cambodia: Trends in patient characteristics and treatment outcomes. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185348. [PMID: 29136011 PMCID: PMC5685593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although HIV disease stage at ART initiation critically determines ART outcomes, few reports have longitudinally monitored this within Asia. Using prospectively collected data from a large ART program at Sihanouk Hospital Center of Hope in Cambodia, we report on the change in patient characteristics and outcomes over a ten-year period. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis including all adults (≥ 18 years old) starting ART from March 2003-March 2013 in a non-governmental hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The cumulative incidence of death, lost to follow-up (LTFU), attrition (death or LTFU) and first line treatment failure were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. Independent risk factors for these outcomes were determined using Cox regression modeling. RESULTS Over the ten-year period, 3581 patients initiated ART with a median follow-up time of 4.8 years (IQR 2.8-7.2). The median age was 35 years (IQR 30-41), 54% were female. The median CD4 count at ART initiation increased from 22 cells/μL (IQR 4-129) in 2003 to 218 (IQR 57-302) in 2013. Over the 10 year period, a total of 282 (7.9%) individuals died and 433 (12.1%) were defined LTFU. Program attrition (died or LTFU) was 11.1% (95% CI: 10.1%- 12.4%) at one year, 16.3% (95% CI: 15.1%-17.6%) at three years, 19.8% (95% CI: 18.5%-21.2%) at five years and 23.3% (95% CI: 21.6-25.1) at ten years. Male sex and low baseline body mass index (BMI) were associated with increased attrition. Factors independently associated with mortality included a low baseline CD4 count, older age, male sex, low baseline BMI and hepatitis B co-infection. Individuals aged above 40 years old had an increased risk of mortality but were less likely to LTFU. There were a total of 137 individuals with first line ART failure starting second line treatment. The probability of first line failure was estimated at 2.8% (95% CI: 2.3%-3.4%) at 3 years, 4.6% (95% CI: 3.9%-5.5%) at 5 years and 7.8% (95% CI 4.8%-12.5%) at ten years of ART. The probability was particularly high in the first few program years. A lower risk was observed among individuals starting ART during the 2006-2008 period. Factors independently associated with an increased risk of treatment failure included ART-experience, NVP-based ART and a baseline CD4 count below 200 cells/μL. CONCLUSIONS Overall program outcomes were fair, and generally compare well to other reports from the region. Despite gradually earlier initiation of ART over the ten year period, ART is still initiated at too low CD4 count levels, warranting increased efforts for early HIV diagnosis and enrolment/retention into HIV care. Tailored strategies for poor prognostic groups (older age, male, low BMI) should be designed and evaluated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phirum Lay
- Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Sokkab An
- Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | | | - Sopheak Thai
- Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mecha JO, Kubo EN, Nganga LW, Muiruri PN, Njagi LN, Mutisya IN, Odionyi JJ, Ilovi SC, Wambui M, Githu C, Ngethe R, Obimbo EM, Ngumi ZW. Trends in clinical characteristics and outcomes of Pre-ART care at a large HIV clinic in Nairobi, Kenya: a retrospective cohort study. AIDS Res Ther 2016; 13:38. [PMID: 27895697 PMCID: PMC5109784 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-016-0122-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The success of antiretroviral therapy in resource-scarce settings is an illustration that complex healthcare interventions can be successfully delivered even in fragile health systems. Documenting the success factors in the scale-up of HIV care and treatment in resource constrained settings will enable health systems to prepare for changing population health needs. This study describes changing demographic and clinical characteristics of adult pre-ART cohorts, and identifies predictors of pre-ART attrition at a large urban HIV clinic in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of data on HIV infected adults (≥15 years) enrolling in pre-ART care between January 2004 and September 2015. Attrition (loss to program) was defined as those who died or were lost to follow-up (having no contact with the facility for at least 6 months). We used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to determine time to event for the different modes of transition, and Cox proportional hazards models to determine predictors of pre-ART attrition. Results Over the 12 years of observation, there were increases in the proportions of young people (age 15 to 24 years); and patients presenting with early disease (by WHO clinical stage and higher median CD4 cell counts), p = 0.0001 for trend. Independent predictors of attrition included: aHR (95% CI): male gender 1.98 (1.69–2.33), p = 0.0001; age 20–24 years 1.80 (1.37–2.37), p = 0.0001), or 25–34 years 1.22 (1.01–1.47), p = 0.0364; marital status single 1.55 (1.29–1.86), p = 0.0001) or divorced 1.41(1.02–1.95), p = 0.0370; urban residency 1.83 (1.40–2.38), p = 0.0001; CD4 count of 0–100 cells/µl 1.63 (1.003–2.658), p = 0.0486 or CD4 count >500 cells/µl 2.14(1.46–3.14), p = 0.0001. Conclusions In order to optimize the impact of HIV prevention, care and treatment in resource scarce settings, there is an urgent need to implement prevention and treatment interventions targeting young people and patients entering care with severe immunosuppression (CD4 cell counts <100 cells/µl). Additionally, care and treatment programmes should strengthen inter-facility referrals and linkages to improve care coordination and prevent leakages in the HIV care continuum.
Collapse
|
6
|
Oo MM, Gupta V, Aung TK, Kyaw NTT, Oo HN, Kumar AM. Alarming attrition rates among HIV-infected individuals in pre-antiretroviral therapy care in Myanmar, 2011-2014. Glob Health Action 2016; 9:31280. [PMID: 27562473 PMCID: PMC4999509 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v9.31280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High retention rates have been documented among patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Myanmar. However, there is no information on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals in care before initiation of ART (pre-ART care). We assessed attrition (loss-to-follow-up [LTFU] and death) rates among HIV-infected individuals in pre-ART care and their associated factors over a 4-year period. Design In this retrospective cohort study, we extracted routinely collected data of HIV-infected adults (>15 years old) entering pre-ART care (June 2011–June 2014) as part of an Integrated HIV Care (IHC) programme, Myanmar. Attrition rates per 100 person-years and cumulative incidence of attrition were calculated. Factors associated with attrition were examined by calculating hazard ratios (HRs). Results Of 18,037 HIV-infected adults enrolled in the IHC programme, 11,464 (63%) entered pre-ART care (60% men, mean age 37 years, median cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cell count 160 cells/µL). Of the 11,464 eligible participants, 3,712 (32%) underwent attrition of which 43% were due to deaths and 57% were due to LTFU. The attrition rate was 78 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 75–80). The cumulative incidence of attrition was 70% at the end of a 4-year follow-up, of which nearly 90% occurred in the first 6 months. Male sex (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.4–1.6), WHO clinical Stage 3 and 4, CD4 count <200 cells/µL, abnormal BMI, and anaemia were statistically significant predictors of attrition. Conclusions Pre-ART care attrition among persons living with HIV in Myanmar was alarmingly high – with most attrition occurring within the first 6 months. Strategies aimed at improving early HIV diagnosis and initiation of ART are needed. Suggestions include comprehensive nutrition support and intensified monitoring to prevent pre-ART care attrition by tracking patients who do not return for pre-ART care appointments. It is high time that Myanmar moves towards a ‘test and treat’ approach and ultimately eliminates the need for pre-ART care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myo Minn Oo
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Mandalay, Myanmar;
| | - Vivek Gupta
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India.,International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.,Community Ophthalmology, Dr. RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Thet Ko Aung
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Nang Thu Thu Kyaw
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| | | | - Ajay Mv Kumar
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, South-East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India.,International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|