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Suchacz MM, Krankowska D, Cybula A, Kamerys J, Jabłonowska E, Rozpłochowski B, Bociąga‐Jasik M, Wiercińska‐Drapało A. Delayed HIV diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland: A call for targeted HIV testing for those under suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. HIV Med 2022; 23:1173-1183. [PMID: 36372396 PMCID: PMC9877591 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyse patients newly diagnosed with HIV who were originally admitted to hospitals with suspicion of COVID-19. METHODS This was a retrospective case series undertaken at four sites. Only adults with new HIV diagnosis and COVID-19 exclusion hospitalized in 2020-2021 were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected from medical records. RESULTS Twenty-five patients were included in the analysis: 19 men (76%), 11 of Ukrainian origin (44%). The median age was 38.5 years (range 25-59). The mode of HIV transmission was heterosexual for 11 (44%) patients, eight (32%) were men who have sex with men and three (12%) were people who inject drugs. The median duration of symptoms prior to hospital presentation was 20.6 days (range 3-90). The median number of SARS-CoV-2 tests per patient was 2.62 (range 1-7). All SARS-CoV-2 tests were negative. Screening for HIV was performed on average on the 18th day of hospitalization (range 1-36 days). Twenty-three patients (92%) were late presenters, 22 (88%) had advanced disease, and 19 (76%) were in the AIDS stage. The median CD4 T-cell count was 72 cells/μL (range 3-382). The rate of positive HIV testing at the two sites where it was available for people with suspected COVID-19 was 0.13% (7/5458 during the study period). CONCLUSIONS We strongly recommend introducing the HIV screening test in the diagnostic algorithm for every patient suspected of having COVID-19, presenting with clinical and/or radiological pulmonary symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena M. Suchacz
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland,Hospital for Infectious DiseasesWarsawPoland
| | - Dagny Krankowska
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland,Hospital for Infectious DiseasesWarsawPoland
| | - Aneta Cybula
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland,Hospital for Infectious DiseasesWarsawPoland
| | - Juliusz Kamerys
- Department of Infectious Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
| | - Elżbieta Jabłonowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of LodzLodzPoland
| | | | - Monika Bociąga‐Jasik
- Department of Infectious and Tropical DiseasesJagiellonian University Medical CollegeKrakowPoland
| | - Alicja Wiercińska‐Drapało
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and HepatologyMedical University of WarsawWarsawPoland,Hospital for Infectious DiseasesWarsawPoland
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Bieńkowski C, Aniszewska M, Kowalska JD, Pokorska-Śpiewak M. Testing for HIV Increases the Odds of Correct Fetal Ultrasound Result. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7090242. [PMID: 36136653 PMCID: PMC9504467 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7090242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Infectious diseases during pregnancy may pose a threat to both mother and the developing fetus. It also creates an opportunity to screen for diseases being widely underdiagnosed among women in Poland, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or sexually transmitted infections (STI). Therefore, we aimed to assess the number of pregnant women that had not been tested for HIV despite the recommendations. In addition, a comparison of clinical evaluation between HIV-tested and non-tested pregnant women was also performed. Material and methods: Medical records of all consecutive pregnant women, referred to our Infectious Diseases Hospital between September 2019 and March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Implementation of recommended screening testing towards infectious diseases during pregnancy including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), syphilis, and rubella, were also analyzed. Results: Medical records of 273 women were included in the analysis. The median age was 32 years (interquartile range: 26−33 years). In total 243/273 (89.0%) had been tested for HIV as recommended, and the remaining 30/273 (11.0%) had not been tested. HIV infection was not confirmed in any of the participants. Only one woman within the HIV non-tested group had been correctly tested towards other infections during her pregnancy. The recommended full testing was more likely to be correctly implemented in women who had also been tested for HIV (171/243, 70.4% vs. 1/30, 3.3%, OR 68.9; 95% CI 9.2−515.3, p < 0.00001). Moreover, the correct fetal ultrasound result was more likely to be obtained in women who had been tested for HIV as recommended (234/243, 96.3% vs. 11/30, 36.7%, OR 44.9; 95% CI 16.6−121.8, p < 0.00001). Conclusions: Despite the law regulations, 11% of pregnant women referred to consultations to the infectious diseases center had not been tested for HIV. At the same time, correct fetal ultrasound results are more likely to occur in women tested for HIV according to recommendations. This suggests that a holistic approach to screening, both for communicable and non-communicable diseases, among pregnant women may translate to better pregnancy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Bieńkowski
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Wolska 37, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-3355-301
| | - Małgorzata Aniszewska
- Department of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Wolska 37, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna D. Kowalska
- Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Wolska 37, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Pokorska-Śpiewak
- Department of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Wolska 37, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Hospital of Infectious Diseases, 01-201 Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Kowalska JD, Wójcik G, Rutkowski J, Antonyak S, Siewaszewicz E. Rapid antiretroviral treatment start seems as vital and cost-effective strategy in Central and Eastern Europe. PRZEGLAD EPIDEMIOLOGICZNY 2022; 76:304-313. [PMID: 36520041 DOI: 10.32394/pe.76.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is essential to deliver specialist human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care with maximum effectiveness, but also minimum time delay. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether rapid linkage to care defined as starting combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) on the day of the first visit at the HIV clinic is a costeffective approach. METHODS In the analysis, Markov's lifetime model presented in our previous study was implemented. The inputs used in the model were updated in the terms of costs, life expectancy, and patient characteristics. For the analysis we used information from the previous model about the additional costs of treatment and qualityadjusted life years (QALYs) lost in the life horizon for people newly infected with HIV. The number of newly infected persons was estimated based on available data. RESULTS Input data was available for 344 men having sex with men (MSM) who registered in the HIV specialist care between 2016 and 2017. The estimated QALY loss due to lack of rapid treatment initiation, where the viral load is not (was) taken into account, equals 0·018 (0·022), 0·039 (0·047), 0·131 (0·158) respectively in low, medium and high risk transmission groups. Rapid cART initiation was dominant regardless of the chosen scenarios. CONCLUSIONS Cost-effectiveness analysis considering the HIV transmission indicates that the rapid initiation of HIV treatment is a cost-effective and potentially cost-saving approach to improve HIV care and reduce HIV transmission in Central and Eastern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna D Kowalska
- Department of Adults' Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- HIV Out-Patients Clinic, Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Svitlana Antonyak
- HIV Department of Clinic of the Gromashevsky Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases, Kiev, Ukraine
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4
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Jabłonowska E, Szetela B, Bielecki M, Horban A, Bociąga-Jasik M, Mularska E, Hlebowicz M, Olczak A, Parczewski M, Grzeszczuk A, Bielec D, Cybula A, Kocbach-Przudzik A, Ankiersztejn-Bartczak M, Kowalska JD. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and late presentation in Poland - data from Test and Keep in Care (TAK) Polska project. HIV Med 2021; 22:387-396. [PMID: 33410278 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Late presentation (LP) at HIV diagnosis is associated with worse prognosis and an increase in the number of new infections. We analyse the proportion of patients diagnosed late and factors related to LP in Poland in 2016-2017. METHODS Data were obtained from 13 out of 17 HIV centres in Poland from 2016 and 2017, including date of diagnosis, age, sex, transmission route, anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), Venereal Diseases Research Laboratory (VDRL) antibodies, AIDS diagnosis, baseline HIV viral load and CD4 count. RESULTS Out of 1522 patients, 88.9% were male with median age of 33.6 years. Men who have sex with men (MSM) comprised 69.4% of all new infections, heterosexual route of transmission (HTX) 18.2% and injecting drug use (IDU) 4.7%. Late presenters comprised 44.8% of the study group. Factors associated with LP were female sex [odds ratio (OR) = 1.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.09-2.08], older age (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.42-1.79 per decade), route of transmission (HTX: OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.50-2.56; IDU: OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.92-5.37), positive HCV results (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.23-2.95) and syphilis diagnosis (OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 2.29-3.31). Adjusting for these factors, the only independent factors associated with LP were age (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.35-1.71) and route of transmission (HTX: OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.23-2.44; IDU: OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.25-4.10). CONCLUSIONS Late presentation in Poland follows European trends. A total of 44.8% of all newly diagnosed patients in Poland continue to present late or at the AIDS stage. Independent factors associated with LP/AIDS were older age, IDU and HTX. Patients from these groups should be targeted to improve early diagnosis and medical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jabłonowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - B Szetela
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Liver Diseases and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - M Bielecki
- Department of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warszawa, Poland
| | - A Horban
- Department of Adults' Infectious Diseases, Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Bociąga-Jasik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - E Mularska
- Outpatient Clinic for AIDS Diagnostics and Therapy Specialistic Hospital, Chorzow, Poland
| | - M Hlebowicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Gdansk Medical University, Gdansk, Poland
| | - A Olczak
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Nicolaus Copernicus University Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - M Parczewski
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - A Grzeszczuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Neuroinfections, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - D Bielec
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - A Cybula
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Kocbach-Przudzik
- Clinical Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | - J D Kowalska
- Department of Adults' Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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5
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Siwak E, Horban A, Witak-Jędra M, Cielniak I, Firląg-Burkacka E, Leszczyszyn-Pynka M, Witor A, Muller K, Bociąga-Jasik M, Kalinowska-Nowak A, Gąsiorowski J, Szetela B, Jabłonowska E, Wójcik-Cichy K, Jankowska J, Lemańska M, Olczak A, Grąbczewska E, Grzeszczuk A, Rogalska-Plonska M, Suchacz M, Mikuła T, Łojewski W, Bielec D, Kocbach P, Błudzin W, Parczewski M. Long-term trends in HIV care entry: over 15 years of clinical experience from Poland. HIV Med 2019; 20:581-590. [PMID: 31250958 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Delay in HIV diagnosis and consequently late care entry with low CD4 counts remain a major challenge for the control of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The aim of this study was to analyse the evolution of characteristics of the HIV epidemic in Poland. METHODS Cross-sectional data were collected for 3972 HIV-infected patients followed up in 14 of 17 Polish HIV treatment centres in the years 2000-2015. Clinical data were analysed and factors associated with late presentation (baseline CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or history of AIDS-defining illness) and advanced HIV disease (baseline CD4 count < 200 cells/μL or history of AIDS) were identified. RESULTS The majority (57.6%) of patients entered care late, while 35.6% presented with advanced HIV disease. The odds of being linked to care late or with advanced HIV disease increased consistently across age categories, increasing from 2.55 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.46-4.47] for late presentation and 3.13 (95% CI 1.49-6.58) for advanced disease for the 21-30-year-old category to 5.2 (95% CI 1.94-14.04) and 8.15 (95% CI 2.88-23.01), respectively, for individuals > 60 years of age. Increased risks of late entry and advanced HIV disease were also observed for injecting drug users [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.74 (95% CI 1.16-2.60) and 1.55 (95% CI 1.05-2.30), respectively], with lower aOR associated with the men who have sex with men transmission route [aOR 0.3 (95% CI 0.31-0.59) and 0.39 (95% CI 0.29-0.53), respectively]. The frequencies of cases in which patients were linked to care late and with advanced HIV disease decreased over time from 67.6% (2000) to 53.5% (2015) (P < 0.0001) and from 43.5% (2000) to 28.4% (2015) (P = 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Despite improvements over time, most patients diagnosed with HIV infection entered care late, with a third presenting with advanced HIV disease. Late care entry remains common among people who inject drugs and heterosexual groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Siwak
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases, HIV Out-Patient's Clinic, Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Horban
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases, HIV Out-Patient's Clinic, Warsaw, Poland.,Department for Adults Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Witak-Jędra
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - I Cielniak
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases, HIV Out-Patient's Clinic, Warsaw, Poland
| | - E Firląg-Burkacka
- Hospital for Infectious Diseases, HIV Out-Patient's Clinic, Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Leszczyszyn-Pynka
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - A Witor
- Regional Hospital, Out-Patient's Clinic for Immune Deficiency, Chorzów, Poland
| | - K Muller
- Regional Hospital, Out-Patient's Clinic for Immune Deficiency, Chorzów, Poland
| | - M Bociąga-Jasik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - A Kalinowska-Nowak
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - J Gąsiorowski
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - B Szetela
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - E Jabłonowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - K Wójcik-Cichy
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - J Jankowska
- Pomeranian Center of Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis in Gdańsk, HIV Outpatient Clinic, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - M Lemańska
- Pomeranian Center of Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis in Gdańsk, HIV Outpatient Clinic, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - A Olczak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - E Grąbczewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Nicolaus Copernicus University Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - A Grzeszczuk
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - M Rogalska-Plonska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - M Suchacz
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - T Mikuła
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - W Łojewski
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital in Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - D Bielec
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - P Kocbach
- Clinical Ward of Infectious Diseases, Collegium Medicum University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - W Błudzin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Regional Hospital in Opole, Opole, Poland
| | - M Parczewski
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Immune Deficiency, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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Platteau T, van Lankveld J, Apers L, Fransen K, Rockstroh J, Florence E. HIV testing for key populations in Europe: A decade of technological innovation and patient empowerment complement the role of health care professionals. HIV Med 2019; 19 Suppl 1:71-76. [PMID: 29488698 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With persisting high numbers of new HIV diagnoses in Europe, HIV testing remains an important aspect of HIV prevention. The traditional centralized and medicalized HIV testing approach has been complemented with newly developed and evaluated non-traditional approaches. Two important factors guided this process: technological innovation and empowerment of the patient. METHODS We present a matrix to develop an HIV testing approach, and elaborate on three commonly used ones: community based testing, self-testing, and self-sampling. Despite non-traditional HIV testing approaches, barriers for testing remain. A potential disadvantage for users is the risk for false-reactive test results. As users receive an orientation test result, a reactive result should be confirmed. Another issue is the window phase, which is longer for some orientation tests compared to a traditional, laboratory-based test. RESULTS Future implementation of non-traditional HIV testing approaches will depend on legal frameworks throughout Europe. Community testing centers may additionally improve empowerment of key populations by expanding their portfolio to testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Community engagement and ownership may imply a shrinking role for health care providers, but they remain crucial actors for personalized information, counselling and referral to specialized HIV-care for many people. CONCLUSIONS A highly effective HIV testing strategy to reduce undiagnosed people living with HIV in Europe is needed. Any approach, chosen according to the principles outlined in this paper, should reach the right people, diagnose them in the most accurate way, and optimize linkage to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Platteau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J van Lankveld
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Open University, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - L Apers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - K Fransen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J Rockstroh
- Department of Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - E Florence
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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7
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Croxford S, Burns F, Copas A, Pharris A, Rinder Stengaard A, Delpech V. Factors associated with delayed linkage to care following HIV diagnosis in the WHO European Region. HIV Med 2019; 19 Suppl 1:40-46. [PMID: 29488702 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe linkage to HIV care following diagnosis in Europe and to identify factors associated with delayed linkage. METHODS We analysed data of adults (aged ≥ 15 years) diagnosed with HIV from 2010 to 2014 in 31 European countries. Linkage to care was calculated using the time between HIV diagnosis and first CD4 count. Linkage was considered delayed if the CD4 count was taken more than 3 months after diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to determine factors for delayed linkage. RESULTS Of the 120 129 adults diagnosed from 2010 to 2014, 4560 were previously diagnosed elsewhere, 808 died within 3 months of diagnosis and 54 731 people were missing CD4 count and/or date information. Among the 60 030 people included, linkage to care within 3 months was 96%. A lower bound (LB) for this was 55%, when those missing CD4 data were assumed not to be linked. Prompt linkage varied significantly by region [Western: 97% (LB: 65%); Central: 90% (LB: 65%); Eastern: 91% (LB: 11%)] and risk group. In multivariable analysis, delayed linkage to care was associated with: acquiring HIV through injecting drug use/heterosexual contact, being diagnosed in Central/Eastern Europe and having a first CD4 count > 200 cells/μL. People of older age at diagnosis and those diagnosed after 2011 were more likely to be linked promptly. Associations differed by region. CONCLUSIONS Among those with CD4 data available, linkage to care is prompt. However, HIV surveillance must be strengthened and data quality improved, particularly in Eastern Europe. Our findings highlight disparities in care access and significant differences between regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Croxford
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, UK.,Centre for Population Research in Sexual Health and HIV, Institute of Global Health, University College London, Mortimer Market Centre, London, UK
| | - F Burns
- Centre for Population Research in Sexual Health and HIV, Institute of Global Health, University College London, Mortimer Market Centre, London, UK.,Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - A Copas
- Centre for Population Research in Sexual Health and HIV, Institute of Global Health, University College London, Mortimer Market Centre, London, UK
| | - A Pharris
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Solna, Sweden
| | - A Rinder Stengaard
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, UN City, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - V Delpech
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, UK
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8
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Kowalska JD, Ankiersztejn-Bartczak M, Shepherd L, Mocroft A. Cascade of care and factors associated with virological suppression among HIV-positive persons linked to care in the Test and Keep in Care (TAK) project. Infection 2018; 46:533-540. [PMID: 29785614 PMCID: PMC6096934 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-018-1154-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Early treatment remains the most effective HIV prevention strategy; poor linkage to care after HIV diagnosis may compromise this benefit. We sought to better understand patient characteristics and their association with virological suppression (VS) following cART initiation. Methods The TAK project collects pre-linkage to care and clinical data on patients diagnosed with HIV in voluntary testing facilities in central Poland. Data collected for persons diagnosed in 2010–2013 were linked with HIV clinic records. Individuals linked to care who commenced cART were followed from until the earliest of first VS (HIV RNA < 50 copies/ml), last visit, death or 6 January 2016. Cox-proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with first viral suppression. Results 232 persons were HIV positive, 144 (62%, 95% CI 55, 68%) linked to care, 116 (81% of those linked to care, 95% CI 73, 87%) started cART during follow up, of which 113 (97%, 95% CI 93, 99%) achieved VS. Non-PI based regimen (for integrase inhibitors aHR: 5.03: 1.90, 13.32) and HLA B5701-positive (aHR: 3.97: 1.33, 11.85) were associated with higher chance of VS. Unknown syphilis status (aHR: 0.27: 0.13, 0.57) and higher HIV RNA (aHR a tenfold increase: 0.56: 0.42, 0.75) remained associated with lower chance of VS. Conclusions Although a low proportion of persons were linked to care, almost all those linked to care started cART and achieved rapid VS. The high rates of VS were irrespective of prior HIV-associated risk behaviours. Linkage to care remains the highest priority in prevention strategies in central Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna D Kowalska
- Department of Adults' Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Ul. Wolska 37, 01-201, Warsaw, Poland. .,Hospital for Infectious Diseases, HIV Out-Patient Clinic, Warsaw, Poland.
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9
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Croxford S, Yin Z, Burns F, Copas A, Town K, Desai S, Skingsley A, Delpech V. Linkage to HIV care following diagnosis in the WHO European Region: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2006-2017. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192403. [PMID: 29451875 PMCID: PMC5815583 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Timely linkage to care after HIV diagnosis is crucial as delayed access can result in poor patient outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the evidence to achieve a better understanding of what proportion of patients are linked to care and what factors impact linkage. METHODS Systematic searches were run in six databases up to the end of February 2017. The grey literature was also reviewed. Inclusion criteria were: sample size ≥50 people (aged ≥15), from the WHO European Region, published 2006-2017 and in English. Linkage to care was defined as a patient seen for HIV care after diagnosis. Study selection, data extraction and quality assurance were performed by two independent reviewers. Random-effects meta-analysis was carried out to summarise linkage to care within three months of diagnosis. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included; 22 presented linkage to care data and seven examined factors for linkage. Linkage among 89,006 people in 19 countries was captured. Meta-analysis, restricted to 12 studies and measuring prompt linkage within three months, gave a pooled estimate of 85% (95% CI: 75%-93%). Prompt linkage was higher in studies including only people in care (94%; 95% CI: 91%-97%) than in those of all new diagnoses (71%; 95% CI: 50%-87%). Heterogeneity was high across and within strata (>99%). Factors associated with delaying or not linking to care included: acquiring HIV through heterosexual contact/injecting drug use, younger age at diagnosis, lower levels of education, feeling well at diagnosis and diagnosis outside an STI clinic. CONCLUSION Overall, linkage to care was high, though estimates were lower in studies with a high proportion of people who inject drugs. The high heterogeneity between studies made it challenging to synthesise findings. Studies should adopt a standardised definition with a three month cut-off to measure prompt linkage to care to ensure comparability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Croxford
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Population Research in Sexual Health and HIV, Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zheng Yin
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Burns
- Centre for Population Research in Sexual Health and HIV, Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Copas
- Centre for Population Research in Sexual Health and HIV, Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katy Town
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Population Research in Sexual Health and HIV, Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarika Desai
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Skingsley
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie Delpech
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
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Kowalska JD, Wójcik G, Rutkowski J, Ankiersztejn-Bartczak M, Siewaszewicz E. Modelling the cost-effectiveness of HIV care shows a clear benefit when transmission risk is considered in the calculations - A message for Central and Eastern Europe. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0186131. [PMID: 29131849 PMCID: PMC5683634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV epidemic remains a major global health issue. Data from cost-effectiveness analyses base on CD4+ count and morbidity in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic HIV infection. The approach adopted in these analyses includes many other factors, previously not investigated. Additionally, we evaluate the impact of sexual HIV transmission due to delayed cART on the cost-effectiveness of care. METHODS A lifetime Markov model (1-month cycle) was developed to estimate the cost per quality adjusted life years (QALY) for a 1- and 3-year delay in starting cART (as compared to starting immediately at linkage to care) lifetime costs, clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Patients were categorized into having asymptomatic HIV, AIDS, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and non-AIDS defining condition. Mortality rates and utility values were obtained from published literature. The number of new infected persons was estimated on the basis of sexual orientation, the number of sexual partners per year, the number of sex acts per month, frequency of condom use and use of cART. For the input Test and Keep in Care (TAK) project cohort data were used. Costs of care, cART and potential life-years lost were based on estimated total costs and the difference in expected QALY gained between an HIV-positive and an average person in Polish population. Costs were based on real expenditures of the Ministry of Health, National Health Fund, available studies and experts' opinion. Costs and effects were discounted at rates of 5% and 3.5%, respectively. RESULTS Input data were available for 141 patients form TAK cohort. The estimated number of new HIV infections in low, medium and high risk transmission groups were 0.28, 0.61, 2.07 with 1 and 0.82, 1.80, 6.11 with a 3-year delay, respectively. This reflected QALY loss due to cART delay of 0.52, 1.13, 3.84 and 2.02, 4.43, 15.03 for a 1- and 3-year delay, respectively. If additional costs of treatment and potential life-years lost due to new HIV infections were not taken into account, initiating cART immediately at linkage to care was not cost-saving irrespective of cART delay. Otherwise, when additional costs and QALY lost due to new HIV infections were included, immediate cART initiation was cost-saving regardless of the chosen scenarios. CONCLUSIONS If new HIV infections are not taken into account, then starting cART immediately does not dominate comparing to delaying cART. When taking into account HIV transmission in cost-effectiveness analysis, immediate initiation of HIV treatment is a profitable decision from the public payer's perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna D. Kowalska
- Department of Adults’ Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- HIV Out-Patients Clinic, Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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