1
|
Sornillo JB, Ditangco R, Kinikar A, Wati DK, Du QT, Nguyen DQ, Khol V, Nguyen LV, Puthanakit T, Ounchanum P, Kurniati N, Chokephaibulkit K, Jamal Mohamed TA, Sudjaritruk T, Fong SM, Kumarasamy N, Kosalaraksa P, Nallusamy RA, Nik Yusoff NK, Sohn AH, Kariminia A. The changing characteristics of a cohort of children and adolescents living with HIV at antiretroviral therapy initiation in Asia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291523. [PMID: 37708128 PMCID: PMC10501581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite improvements in HIV testing and earlier antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in children living with HIV through the years, a considerable proportion start treatment with advanced disease. We studied characteristics of children and adolescents living with HIV and their level of immunodeficiency at ART initiation using data from a multi-country Asian cohort. We included children and adolescents who were ART-naïve and <18 years of age at ART initiation from 2011 to 2020 at 17 HIV clinics in six countries. Incidence rates of opportunistic infections (OIs) in the first two years of triple-drug ART (≥3 antiretrovirals) was also reported. Competing risk regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with first occurrence of OI. In 2,027 children and adolescents (54% males), median age at ART initiation increased from 4.5 years in 2011-2013 to 6.7 in 2017-2020, median CD4 count doubled from 237 cells/μl to 466 cells/μl, and proportion of children who initiated ART as severely immunodeficient decreased from 70% to 45%. During follow-up, 275 (14%) children who received triple-drug ART as first treatment and had at least one clinic visit, developed at least one OI in the first two years of treatment (9.40 per 100 person-years). The incidence rate of any first OI declined from 12.52 to 7.58 per 100 person-years during 2011-2013 and 2017-2020. Lower hazard of OIs were found in those with age at first ART 2-14 years, current CD4 ≥200 cells/μl, and receiving ART between 2017 and 2020. The analysis demonstrated increasing number of children and adolescents starting ART with high CD4 count at ART start. The rate of first OI markedly decreased in children who started ART in more recent years. There remains a clear need for improvement in HIV control strategies in children, by promoting earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Beulah Sornillo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Rossana Ditangco
- Medical Department, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Aarti Kinikar
- BJ Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Dewi Kumara Wati
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanglah Hospital, Udayana University, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Quy Tuan Du
- Infectious Diseases Department, Children’s Hospital 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Dinh Qui Nguyen
- Infectious Diseases Department, Children’s Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Vohith Khol
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Dermatology and STD, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Lam Van Nguyen
- Infectious Diseases Department, National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanyawee Puthanakit
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Research Unit in Pediatric and Infectious Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pradthana Ounchanum
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiang Rai, Thailand
| | - Nia Kurniati
- Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Tavitiya Sudjaritruk
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Siew Moy Fong
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
| | | | - Pope Kosalaraksa
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | | | - Annette H. Sohn
- TREAT Asia, amfAR—The Foundation for AIDS Research, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Azar Kariminia
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bubadué RDM, Cabral IE, Carnevale F. Nurses' patterns of knowing about HIV disclosure to children. Rev Bras Enferm 2022; 75Suppl 2:e20210103. [PMID: 35858020 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2021-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to identify and analyze nurses' patterns of knowing and experiences with the preparation of families for disclosure to children living with HIV seropositivity. METHODS thirteen pediatric nurses from Rio de Janeiro participated in the research using the sensitive creative method. Data were treated with Orlandi's discourse analysis and Carper's patterns of knowing. RESULTS nurses' speeches revealed socioculturally constructed imaginary and ideological formations. The personal pattern of knowing, under the influence of negative media about the disease in the 1980s, generated stigma and prejudice. Empirical, esthetic, and ethical patterns were built on training and professional practice of the 1990s-2010s. They composed a context of (in)security about competence, to contribute to preparing families to disclose HIV to children. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS nurses' experience demonstrates knowledge to intervene and many challenges for their practical appropriation.
Collapse
|
3
|
McLigeyo A, Wekesa P, Owuor K, Mwangi J, Isavwa L, Mutisya I. Factors Associated with Treatment Outcomes Among Children and Adolescents Living with HIV Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Central Kenya. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2022; 38:480-490. [PMID: 35229643 PMCID: PMC9225829 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2021.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Expanded access to HIV treatment services has improved outcomes for children and adolescents living with HIV in Kenya. Minimal data are available on these outcomes. We describe temporal trends in outcomes for children and adolescents initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2004 to 2014 at sites supported by Centre for Health Solutions—Kenya, in central Kenya. We retrospectively analyzed data from children 0–9 years of age (n = 3,519) and adolescents 10–19 years of age (n = 1,663) living with HIV, who newly initiated ART at 47 health facilities in central Kenya. Year cohorts were analyzed from the Comprehensive Patient Application Database (CPAD) and International Quality Care (IQCare) electronic medical databases, including temporal trends in outcomes and associated factors using multivariable competing risk regression analysis. There were more girls (2,453 [52.7%]) than boys, with most enrolled at World Health Organization (WHO) stage II (1,813 [37.7%]) or III disease (1,694 [35.1%]). Most of the children and adolescents (4,431 [96.4%]) did not have tuberculosis (TB) symptoms. Cumulative lost to follow-up (LTFU) incidence at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 5.0%, 9.9%, 22.9%, and 33.1%, respectively. Cumulative mortality incidence at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 0.7%, 1.0%, 1.2%, and 1.5%, respectively. The incidence of LTFU was higher among female children and adolescents, those initiated on tenofovir-based regimens, and those with presumptive TB symptoms. Mortality risk was higher among those with WHO stage III or IV disease, and children and adolescents on TB treatment or who had presumptive TB. Enrollment occurred at a young age and pediatric-friendly ART regimens were initiated at earlier WHO stages implying effective early infant diagnosis and treatment for all strategies, resulting in improved treatment outcomes. The higher retention rates in recent years as well as the lower retention after many years of follow-up underscore the importance of implementing longitudinal follow-up strategies targeting this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Wekesa
- Centre for Health Solutions—Kenya (CHS), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kevin Owuor
- Centre for Health Solutions—Kenya (CHS), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jonathan Mwangi
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Linda Isavwa
- Centre for Health Solutions—Kenya (CHS), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Immaculate Mutisya
- Division of Global HIV and TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nairobi, Kenya
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bubadué RDM, Cabral IE, Carnevale F. Padrões do conhecer de enfermeiras sobre revelação do HIV à criança. Rev Bras Enferm 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2021-0103pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Objetivos: identificar e analisar os padrões do conhecer e as experiências de enfermeiras com a preparação de familiares para a revelação à criança que (con)vive com a soropositividade pelo HIV. Métodos: 13 enfermeiras pediátricas do Rio de Janeiro participaram da pesquisa com o método criativo sensível. Dados foram tratados com análise de discurso de Orlandi e padrões do conhecer de Carper. Resultados: os discursos das enfermeiras revelaram formações imaginárias e ideológicas socioculturalmente construídas. O padrão de conhecer pessoal, sob influência da mídia negativa da doença na década de 1980, gerou estigma e preconceito. Os padrões empírico, estético e ético foram construídos nas capacitações e prática profissional das décadas de 1990-2010. Eles compuseram um contexto de (in)segurança sobre a competência, para contribuir na preparação de familiares para a revelação do HIV à criança. Considerações Finais: a experiência das enfermeiras demonstra conhecimentos para intervir e muitos desafios para sua apropriação prática.
Collapse
|
5
|
Schue JL, van Dijk JH, Hamangaba F, Hamahuwa M, Moyo N, Thuma PE, Moss WJ, Sutcliffe CG. Treatment outcomes among children younger than five years living with HIV in rural Zambia, 2008-2018: a cohort study. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:315. [PMID: 34261465 PMCID: PMC8278691 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02793-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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV testing and treatment guidelines for children in sub-Saharan Africa have evolved over time, such that children are now treated at younger ages. The objective of this study was to describe the treatment experience for immunologic, virologic, and growth outcomes among HIV-infected Zambian children younger than 5 years of age from 2008 to 2018. Methods Participants enrolled in a clinical cohort study in Macha, Zambia and initiating antiretroviral treatment before 5 years of age between 2008 and 2015 were included in the analysis and followed up to the end of 2018. Outcomes, including growth, CD4+ T-cell percentage, viral suppression, and mortality, were evaluated among all children using longitudinal and survival analyses. Comparisons by age at treatment initiation (< 1, 1 to < 2, and 2 to < 5 years) were also evaluated. Results Three hundred eighty-one children initiating treatment before 5 years of age between 2008 and 2015 were included in the analysis. Growth metrics and CD4+ T-cell percentage improved over time after treatment initiation. However, 20% of children remained underweight and 40% of children remained stunted after the first 36 months of treatment. 85% of children had a viral load < 400 copies/mL after 12 months of treatment. However, children < 1 year at treatment initiation were more likely to have a detectable viral load in the first 12 months of treatment and less likely to achieve viral suppression compared to older children. Mortality was highest in the first 12 months of treatment, among underweight children, and among children initiating treatment in 2008–2010 compared to 2011–2015. Conclusions Most children initiating antiretroviral treatment from 2008 to 2015 in rural Zambia responded well to treatment. However, many children remained underweight and stunted, and experienced high mortality rates during the first few months of treatment. This supports continued efforts to improve early infant diagnosis, nutritional support, and pediatric drug formulations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-02793-y.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Schue
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Janneke H van Dijk
- Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062, PA, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Philip E Thuma
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, USA.,Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
| | - William J Moss
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Catherine G Sutcliffe
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Iyun V, Technau KG, Vinikoor M, Yotebieng M, Vreeman R, Abuogi L, Desmonde S, Edmonds A, Amorissani-Folquet M, Davies MA. Variations in the characteristics and outcomes of children living with HIV following universal ART in sub-Saharan Africa (2006-17): a retrospective cohort study. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e353-e362. [PMID: 33932330 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(21)00004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proportion of children living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa has increased greatly since 2006, yet the changes in their demographic characteristics and treatment outcomes have not been well described. We examine the trends in characteristics and outcomes of children living with HIV who were younger than 5 years at ART initiation, and compare outcomes over time and across country income groups. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of data from children living with HIV who were younger than 5 years at ART initiation from 45 paediatric sites in 16 low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Benin, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). Outcomes were trends in patient characteristics at ART initiation (age, weight, height, and CD4%), and comparisons of mortality and loss to follow-up during ART over time and in various economic settings. We identified risk factors for mortality using Cox proportional hazards models. Each participating region had relevant institutional ethics review board approvals to contribute data to the analysis. FINDINGS We included 32 221 children living with HIV and initiating ART younger than 5 years between Jan 1, 2006, and Dec 31, 2017. Median age at ART initiation was 20·4 months (IQR 9·4-36·0) in 2006-10, 19·2 months (8·3-33·6) in 2011-13, and 19·2 months (8·8-33·7) in 2014-17. Median age at ART initiation was 13·2 months (IQR 4·7-26·8) in upper-middle-income countries, 22·6 months (13·2-37·5) in lower-middle-income countries and 24·2 months (13·5-39·1) in low-income countries. The proportion of children initiating ART younger than 3 months increased from 770 (5·1%) of 14 943 children in 2006-10 to 728 (10·0%) of 7290 children in 2014-17. The proportion of children initiating ART with severe immunosuppression decreased from 5469 (74·7%) of 7314 children for whom CD4% data were available in 2006-10 to 2353 (55·2%) of 4269 children in 2014-17. Mortality at 24 months on ART decreased from 970 (6·5%) of 14 943 children in 2006-10 to 214 (2·9%) of 7290 children in 2014-17. Loss to follow-up was 20·5% (95% CI 20·1-21·0) overall, and was similar across time periods. In multivariable analysis, lower mortality was observed for more recent ART initiation cohorts (adjusted hazard ratio 0·70, 95% CI 0·63-0·79 for 2011-13; 0·53, 0·45-0·72 for 2014-17 vs 2006-10) and for those residing in an upper-middle-income country (0·42, 0·35-0·49 vs low-income countries). INTERPRETATION Mortality declined significantly after universal ART recommendations for children younger than 2 years in 2010 and children younger than 5 years in 2013. However, substantial variations persisted across country income groups, and one in five children continue to be lost to follow-up. Targeted interventions are required to improve outcomes of children living with HIV, especially in the poorest countries. FUNDING National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Iyun
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Karl-Gunter Technau
- Empilweni Service and Research Centre, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Michael Vinikoor
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Vreeman
- Department of Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Abuogi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sophie Desmonde
- Inserm U1027, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Andrew Edmonds
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Health Impact Assessment, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Siriruchatanon M, Liu S, Carlucci JG, Enns EA, Duarte HA. Addressing Pediatric HIV Pretreatment Drug Resistance and Virologic Failure in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Diagnostic-Based Strategies in Children ≥3 Years Old. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11030567. [PMID: 33801154 PMCID: PMC8004076 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11030567] [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: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvement of antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen switching practices and implementation of pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) testing are two potential approaches to improve health outcomes for children living with HIV. We developed a microsimulation model of disease progression and treatment focused on children with perinatally acquired HIV in sub-Saharan Africa who initiate ART at 3 years of age. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic-based strategies (improved switching and PDR testing), over a 10-year time horizon, in settings without and with pediatric dolutegravir (DTG) availability as first-line ART. The improved switching strategy increases the probability of switching to second-line ART when virologic failure is diagnosed through viral load testing. The PDR testing strategy involves a one-time PDR test prior to ART initiation to guide choice of initial regimen. When DTG is not available, PDR testing is dominated by the improved switching strategy, which has an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of USD 579/life-year gained (LY), relative to the status quo. If DTG is available, improved switching has a similar ICER (USD 591/LY) relative to the DTGstatus quo. Even when substantial financial investment is needed to achieve improved regimen switching practices, the improved switching strategy still has the potential to be cost-effective in a wide range of sub-Saharan African countries. Our analysis highlights the importance of strengthening existing laboratory monitoring systems to improve the health of children living with HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mutita Siriruchatanon
- Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98185, USA; (M.S.); (S.L.)
| | - Shan Liu
- Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98185, USA; (M.S.); (S.L.)
| | - James G. Carlucci
- Department of Pediatrics, Ryan White Center for Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Eva A. Enns
- Division of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55408, USA;
| | - Horacio A. Duarte
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-206-884-8233; Fax: +1-206-884-7311
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gone But Not Lost: Implications for Estimating HIV Care Outcomes When Loss to Clinic Is Not Loss to Care. Epidemiology 2021; 31:570-577. [PMID: 32483067 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In some time-to-event analyses, it is unclear whether loss to follow up should be treated as a censoring event or competing event. Such ambiguity is particularly common in HIV research that uses routinely collected clinical data to report the timing of key milestones along the HIV care continuum. In this setting, loss to follow up may be viewed as a censoring event, under the assumption that patients who are "lost" from a study clinic immediately enroll in care elsewhere, or a competing event, under the assumption that people "lost" are out of care all together. METHODS We illustrate an approach to address this ambiguity when estimating the 2-year risk of antiretroviral treatment initiation among 19,506 people living with HIV who enrolled in the IeDEA Central Africa cohort between 2006 and 2017, along with published estimates from tracing studies in Africa. We also assessed the finite sample properties of the proposed approach using simulation experiments. RESULTS The estimated 2-year risk of treatment initiation was 69% if patients were censored at loss to follow up or 59% if losses to follow up were treated as competing events. Using the proposed approach, we estimated that the 2-year risk of antiretroviral therapy initiation was 62% (95% confidence interval: 61, 62). The proposed approach had little bias and appropriate confidence interval coverage under scenarios examined in the simulation experiments. CONCLUSIONS The proposed approach relaxes the assumptions inherent in treating loss to follow up as a censoring or competing event in clinical HIV cohort studies.
Collapse
|
9
|
Impact of WHO guidelines on trends in HIV testing and ART initiation among children living with HIV in Zambia. AIDS Res Ther 2020; 17:18. [PMID: 32408890 PMCID: PMC7226945 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-020-00277-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 13 years since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for children living with HIV (CLHIV) in Zambia, HIV/AIDS testing and treatment guidelines for children have evolved over the years with limited documentation of long-term trends in the numbers testing HIV positive and initiating ART. We examined trends in HIV testing and ART initiation in Zambia. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected patient level data from 496 health facilities across Zambia. We used Poisson regression to derive incident rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for background characteristics and used a Cuzick non-parametric test for trends to test the 13-year trends. Median time from testing to ART initiation in days and incidence rates were derived using life tables in survival analysis. We used multi-level random effects Poisson regression model to determine variations in time from HIV testing to ART initiation by facility. RESULTS Overall, the cumulative proportion of the children who tested positive and initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART for HIV) from 2004 to 2017 was 69% (n = 99 592). During the period under review proportions of ART initiation increased from 52% in 2004-2006 to 97% in 2016-2017 (P < 0.001) and time from testing to ART initiation reduced from a median of 17 days IQR (1-161) in 2004 to one day IQR (1-14), P < 0.001 in 2016-2017. CLHIV were 15 times more likely to be initiated on ART in 2016-17 compared to period 2004-6 (IRR = 15.2, 95% CI 14.7-15.7). Time to ART initiation increased with age and was higher in rural health facilities compared to urban facilities. About 11% of the variability in time to ART initiation in children could be attributed to differences between facilities. CONCLUSIONS The substantial increase in ART initiation and reduction in time to ART initiation among CLHIV identified in this study, reflects improvements in the paediatric HIV programme in Zambia in relation to health care delivery and adherence to national testing and treatment guidelines that were adapted from WHO guidelines. However, age-related differentials in rates of ART initiation suggests that urgent interventions are needed to sustain and further improve programme performance.
Collapse
|
10
|
Earlier Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation and Decreasing Mortality Among HIV-infected Infants Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy Within 3 Months of Age in South Africa, 2006-2017. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2020; 39:127-133. [PMID: 31725119 PMCID: PMC7073445 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000002516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early infant diagnosis of HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been rapidly scaled-up. We aimed to examine the effect of expanded access to early ART on the characteristics and outcomes of infants initiating ART. METHODS From 9 cohorts within the International epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS-Southern Africa collaboration, we included infants with HIV initiating ART ≤3 months of age between 2006 and 2017. We described ART initiation characteristics and the probability of mortality, loss to follow-up (LTFU) and transfer out after 6 months on ART and assessed factors associated with mortality and LTFU. RESULTS A total of 1847 infants started ART at a median age of 60 days [interquartile range: 29-77] and CD4 percentage (%) of 27% (18%-38%). Across ART initiation calendar periods 2006-2009 to 2013-2017, ART initiation age decreased from 68 (53-81) to 45 days (7-71) (P < 0.001), median CD4% improved from 22% (15%-34%) to 32% (22-43) (P < 0.001) and the proportion with World Health Organization clinical disease stage 3 or 4 declined from 81.6% to 32.7% (P < 0.001). Overall, the 6-month mortality probability was 5.0% and LTFU was 20.4%. Mortality was 10.6% (95% confidence interval: 7.8%-14.4%) in 2006-2009 and 4.6% (3.1%-6.7%) in 2013-2017 (P < 0.001), with similar LTFU across calendar periods (P = 0.274). Pretreatment weight-for-age Z score <-2 was associated with higher mortality. CONCLUSIONS Infants with HIV are starting ART younger and healthier with associated declines in mortality. However, the risk of mortality remained undesirably high in recent years. Focused interventions are needed to optimize the benefits of earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chaudhury S, Hertzmark E, Muya A, Sando D, Ulenga N, Machumi L, Spiegelman D, Fawzi WW. Equity of child and adolescent treatment, continuity of care and mortality, according to age and gender among enrollees in a large HIV programme in Tanzania. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 21 Suppl 1. [PMID: 29485735 PMCID: PMC5978660 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Global scale up of anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) has led to expansion of HIV treatment and prevention across sub‐Saharan Africa. However, age and gender‐specific disparities persist leading to failures in fulfillment of Sustainability Development Goals, including SDG3 (achieving healthy lives and wellbeing for all, at all ages) and SDG5 (gender equality). We assessed ART initiation and adherence, loss to follow‐up, all‐cause death and early death, according to SDG3 and SDG5 indicators among a cohort of HIV‐infected children and adolescents enrolled in care in Dar‐es‐Salaam, Tanzania Methods SDG3 indicators included young (<5 years) and older paediatric children (5 to <10 years), early adolescent (10 to <15 years) and late adolescent (15 to <20 years) age group divisions and the SDG5 indicator was gender. Associations of age group and gender with ART initiation, loss to follow‐up and all‐cause death, were analysed using Cox proportional hazards regression and with adherence, using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with the Poisson distribution. Associations of age group and gender with early death were analysed, using log‐Poisson regression with empirical variance. Results A total of 18,315 enrollees with at least one clinic visit were included in this cohort study. Of these 7238 (40%) were young paediatric , 4169 (23%) older paediatric, 2922 (16%) early adolescent and 3986 (22%) late adolescent patients at enrolment. Just over half of paediatric and early adolescents and around four fifths of the late adolescents were female. Young paediatric patients were at greater risk of early death, being almost twice as likely to die within 90 days. Males were at greater risk of early death once initiated on ART (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09, 1.66)), while females in late adolescence were at greatest risk of late death (HR 2.44 [1.60, 3.74] <0.01). Late adolescents demonstrated greater non‐engagement in care (RR 1.21 (95% CI 1.16, 1.26)). Among both males and females, early paediatric and late adolescent groups experienced significantly greater loss to follow‐up. Conclusion These findings highlight equity concerns critical to the fulfillment of SDG3 and SDG5 within services for children and adolescents living with HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa. Young paediatric and late adolescent age groups were at increased risk of late diagnosis, early death, delayed treatment initiation and loss of continuity of care. Males were more likely to die earlier. Special attention to SDG3 and SDG5 disparities for children and adolescents living with HIV will be critical for fulfillment of the 2030 SDG agenda.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sumona Chaudhury
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Hertzmark
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aisa Muya
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - David Sando
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Nzovu Ulenga
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lameck Machumi
- Management and Development for Health, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wafaie W Fawzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We present an overview of recent research in the inter-related areas of growth and pubertal development among adolescents with HIV. Growth deficits early in childhood can lead to delayed puberty, with subsequent effects on pubertal growth spurts and bone health. RECENT FINDINGS Impaired growth remains a critical concern, particularly in low-resource settings, where stunting, wasting and underweight remain pervasive. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation results in improved growth, with greatest growth recovery in the first years and more improvement in weight than in height. However, even years after ART initiation, growth deficits persist in low-resource settings (LRS), and adolescents appear at particularly increased risk. The high prevalence of stunting translates to delays in pubertal onset and sexual maturity. In contrast, HIV-infected adolescents in developed countries do not demonstrate persistent wasting, yet still have delayed pubertal development. Impaired growth increases the risk for mortality, virologic failure, and abnormal bone health, as well as increased depression and stigma. SUMMARY Early initiation of ART across all age groups regardless of immunological status is essential for restoring growth. Coordination of ART initiation, nutritional supplementation programs, and concurrent prophylaxis is required to ameliorate growth deficits and pubertal delays, particularly in LRS.
Collapse
|