Effect of antiretroviral therapy on longitudinal lung function trends in older children and adolescents with HIV-infection

Lung function tracking in children with perinatally acquired HIV following early antiretroviral therapy initiation

INTRODUCTION

Lung disease remains a frequent complication in children with perinatal HIV infection (CHIV) and exposure without infection (CHEU), resulting in diminished lung function. In CHIV, early antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation improves survival and extrapulmonary outcomes. However, it is unknown if there is benefit to lung function.

METHODS

Cohorts of CHIV (ART initiated at median 4.0 months), CHEU and HIV-unexposed children (CHU) prospectively performed pulmonary function testing (PFT) consisting of spirometry, plethysmography and diffusing capacity from 2013 to 2020. We determined lung function trajectories for PFT outcomes comparing CHIV to CHU and CHEU to CHU, using linear mixed effects models with multiple imputation. Potential confounders included sex, age, height, weight, body mass index z-score, urine cotinine and Tanner stage.

RESULTS

328 participants (122 CHIV, 126 CHEU, 80 CHU) performed PFT (ages 6.6-15.6 years). Spirometry (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC) outcomes were similar between groups. In plethysmography, the mean residual volume (RV) z-score was 17% greater in CHIV than CHU (95% CI 1% to 33%, p=0.042). There was no difference in total lung capacity (TLC) or RV/TLC z-scores between groups. Diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was similar in all groups, while alveolar volume (VA) differed between HIV groups by sex.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that early ART initiation can mitigate the loss of lung function in CHIV with lasting benefit through childhood; however, there remains concern of small airway disease. CHEU does not appear to disrupt childhood lung function trajectory.

Pulmonary function tests and their associated factors in people living with HIV at Jimma medical center; Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

Background

People living with HIV (PLHIV) have a greater risk of developing respiratory disorders. The problems are linked to poor socio-economic status, high viral load, low CD4 counts, and antiretroviral therapy. Despite the high prevalence of respiratory disorders, the association between HIV infection and pulmonary function status, as well as the associated factors, is not well established in resource-limited countries.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from September 24 to October 15 2020 at Jimma Medical Center among people living with HIV who were arranged into an age-sex-matched comparison group. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire administered via face-to-face interviews. The collected data included socio-demographic, respiratory, HIV infection, and substance use variables. Pulmonary function tests were conducted using an SP10 spirometer. The collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Independent t-test and multiple linear regressions were carried out to identify factors associated with the pulmonary function status of the study participants.

Results

A total of 96 PLHIV and 96 matched control individuals participated in the study. The mean of pulmonary function test parameters among the PLHIV respondents was FVC (l) (67.35 ± 19.12, p0.003), FEV1s (l) (61.76 ± 16.04, p0.001), and PEFR (50.14 ± 23.32, p0.001), with a significant lowering in the study group. Female sex, respiratory symptoms, duration of HIV, duration of treatment, and khat chewing were associated with lowered FEV1s (l) (p < 0.05) in HIV-positive respondents.

Conclusion

PLHIV had significantly lower mean lung function parameters than HIV-uninfected participants. As a result, health providers should screen HIV-positive patients with respiratory symptoms, prolonged duration of HIV infection, prolonged treatment, and khat chewing for non-infectious lung disorders while treating them.

Pulmonary Function in HIV-Infected Children at a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Background The global burden of HIV remains significant, particularly in India. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved outcomes for children with HIV, yet understanding the virus's impact on respiratory health is essential. Pulmonary complications, common in HIV-infected adults, are poorly understood in children. Despite India's high HIV prevalence, data on pediatric lung function are lacking. This study aims to evaluate spirometry-based pulmonary function in perinatally HIV-infected children, exploring associations with disease severity, immune status, and other factors. Methods This prospective cross-sectional study conducted in a North Indian tertiary care hospital aimed to assess pulmonary function using spirometry in children (6-18 years) with HIV infection. Ethical approval and informed consent were secured. Data on demographics, clinical history, CD4+ T-cell counts, and viral load were collected. Certified respiratory therapists performed spirometry using standardized protocols. Descriptive statistics were computed, and differences in pulmonary function based on CD4+ T-cell counts, viral load, and opportunistic infection were analyzed. The study adhered to ethical guidelines and maintained participants' confidentiality. Results This cross-sectional study enrolled 57 children (mean age 13.6±3.2 years) with HIV infection. Age distribution was <9 years (24.6%), 9-11 years (28.1%), and >11 years (47.4%). Males constituted 56.1%. The mean BMI was 15.92±2.78 kg/m². HIV viral load (87.23±56.28 copies/μL) and CD4 count (1146.32±103.98 cells/mm³) were recorded. ART duration averaged 6.21±1.36 years. Viral load groups were <1 (52.6%), 1-1000 (26.3%), and >1000 copies/μL (21.1%). CD4 categories were >500 cells/mm³ (47.4%), 200-499 (42.1%), and <200 cells/mm³ (10.5%). Spirometry showed 71.9% normal and 28.1% abnormal (mild/moderate obstruction: 18.8%, mild/moderate restriction: 81.3%). No significant spirometric differences were observed among CD4 or viral load groups (p>0.05), nor with opportunistic infections (p>0.05). Conclusion This study reveals complex associations between spirometric parameters and CD4 count, viral load, and opportunistic infections in children with HIV. Further research, including longitudinal studies, is needed to unravel the intricate interplay and improve management strategies for this population.

Prevalence, clinical presentation and factors associated with chronic lung disease among children and adolescents living with HIV in Kenya

INTRODUCTION

Children and adolescents with HIV (CAHIV) may experience recurrent and severe respiratory disease and are at risk of residual lung sequelae, and long-term morbidity from chronically damaged lungs. With improved survival due to increased access to effective antiretroviral therapy there is an increasing population of CAHIV who require optimal life-long care. Chronic lung disease in CAHIV is an under-recognised problem in African settings. We sought to determine the prevalence, clinical presentation and factors associated with chronic lung disease (CLD) among CAHIV in Kenya.

METHODS

CAHIV aged ≤19 years in care at a public hospital in Nairobi were enrolled into a longitudinal cohort study. Sociodemographic and clinical information were obtained through interview, medical record review, physical examination and six-minute walk test. CD4 counts and viral load were determined. Enrolment data was analysed to determine baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Prevalence of CLD defined as presence of ≥2 respiratory symptoms or signs at enrolment was computed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate for association between various factors and presence or absence of CLD.

RESULTS

We enrolled 320 CAHIV of median age 13 (IQR 10-16) years, 80 (25%) were <10 years, 46% were female, 31% lived in a one-room house and 51% used polluting cooking fuel. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was initiated after age five years in 56%, 43% had prior pneumonia or tuberculosis, 11% had low CD4 count and 79% were virologically suppressed. Common respiratory symptoms and signs were exertional breathlessness (40%), chronic cough (23%), chest problems in the preceding year (24%), tachypnoea (52%), finger clubbing (6%), exercise limitation (59%) and oxygen desaturation during exercise (7%). CLD was present in 82 (26%) participants, and adding the six-minute walk distance <70% of predicted (exercise limitation) identified an additional 28 (9%) CAHIV with CLD. CLD was more common among older teenagers (odds ratio (OR) 1.95), those who had prior TB or pneumonia (OR 2.04), delayed initiation of ART (OR 2.60), cotrimoxazole prophylaxis (OR 3.35) or TB preventive therapy (OR 2.81). CLD was associated with viraemia (OR 2.7), lower quality of life (OR 12.7), small houses (OR 2.05), caregiver having fewer years of education (OR 2.46), outdoor pollution exposure (OR 3.31) and lower use of polluting cooking fuel indoors (OR 0.26). Adjusted analysis revealed CLD to be associated with prior tuberculosis or pneumonia (adjusted OR (aOR) [95%CI] 2.15 [1.18-3.91]), small house (aOR 1.95 [1.02-3.73]), lower use of polluting cooking fuel (aOR 0.35 [0.13-0.94]) and negative impact on health-related quality of life (aOR 6.91 [3.66-13.03]).

CONCLUSIONS

CLD is highly prevalent across the age spectrum of CAHIV, and most are symptomatic with cough or exertional breathlessness. CLD is associated with prior tuberculosis or pneumonia, socio-environmental factors, and lower quality of life. Structured interventions are needed to provide optimal care specific to their needs.

A scoping review of lung function in children and adolescents living with HIV in the era of antiretroviral treatment

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in children and adolescents remains an important health challenge in many countries and is commonly associated with lung disease. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has greatly improved survival but chronic lung disease is a common ongoing challenge. We conducted a scoping review of studies that have reported lung function in school-aged children and adolescents living with HIV.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed by searching Medline, Embase, and PubMed databases, limited to articles published between 2011 and 2021 in English language. Inclusion criteria were studies involving participants living with HIV aged 5-18 years and having spirometry data. The primary outcome was lung function as measured by spirometry.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were included in the review. Most study participants were living in the sub-Saharan African region. The prevalence of reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁ ) ranged from 25.3% to 73% across studies, reduced forced vital capacity (FVC) ranged from 10% to 42% and reduced FEV₁ /FVC ranged from 3% to 26%. The mean z-score of FEV₁ ranged from -2.19 to -0.73, mean zFEV₁ /FVC ranged from -0.74 to 0.2, and mean FVC ranged from -1.86 to -0.63.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of lung function impairment in children and adolescents living with HIV, which persists in the ART era. Further studies are needed of interventions that might improve lung function in these vulnerable populations.

Bronchiectasis in African children: Challenges and barriers to care

Bronchiectasis (BE) is a chronic condition affecting the bronchial tree. It is characterized by the dilatation of large and medium-sized airways, secondary to damage of the underlying bronchial wall structural elements and accompanied by the clinical picture of recurrent or persistent cough. Despite an increased awareness of childhood BE, there is still a paucity of data on the epidemiology, pathophysiological phenotypes, diagnosis, management, and outcomes in Africa where the prevalence is mostly unmeasured, and likely to be higher than high-income countries. Diagnostic pathways and management principles have largely been extrapolated from approaches in adults and children in high-income countries or from data in children with cystic fibrosis. Here we provide an overview of pediatric BE in Africa, highlighting risk factors, diagnostic and management challenges, need for a global approach to addressing key research gaps, and recommendations for practitioners working in Africa.

Most Early-Treated Children With Perinatally Acquired HIV Have Preserved Lung Function at School Age

BACKGROUND

Impaired lung function is common among older children with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) late in childhood. We determined the prevalence of abnormal spirometry and cofactors for impaired lung function among school-age children with PHIV who initiated ART when aged 12 months or younger.

SETTING

Children who received early ART in the Optimizing Pediatric HIV-1 Therapy study in Kenya and underwent spirometry at school age.

METHODS

Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were measured. Abnormal spirometry was defined as follows: obstructive (FEV1/FVC <1.64 z score [zFEV1/FVC]) and restricted (zFVC <1.64 with zFEV1/FVC ≥1.64). Characteristics, including anthropometric and HIV-related data, were ascertained in infancy and at school age. Caregiver carbon monoxide exposure served as a proxy for school-age child exposure. Linear regression determined associations of cofactors with lung function.

RESULTS

Among 40 children, the median age was 5 months at ART initiation and 8.5 years at spirometry. The mean zFEV1, zFVC, and zFEV1/FVC (SD) were 0.21 (1.35), 0.31 (1.22), and -0.24 (0.82), respectively. Five (13%) children had abnormal spirometry. Spirometry z scores were significantly lower among children with pre-ART pneumonia, WHO HIV stage 3/4, higher HIV RNA at 6 months after ART initiation, low anthropometric z scores, and higher carbon monoxide exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the children with PHIV who initiated ART at age 12 months or younger had normal spirometry, suggesting that ART in infancy preserved lung function. However, 13% had abnormal spirometry despite early ART. Modifiable factors were associated with impaired lung function, providing potential targets for interventions to prevent chronic lung disease.

Childhood lung function following perinatal HIV infection and early antiretroviral therapy initiation: a cross-sectional study

Despite the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-associated pulmonary complications remain prevalent in children following perinatal HIV infection. In the post-ART era the incidence of opportunistic infections has decreased; however, non-infectious complications including diminished lung function are common. It is unclear whether early initiation of ART influences lung function later in life. We performed a cross-sectional study examining pulmonary function tests (PFT) (spirometry, plethysmography, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity) in HIV-unexposed (HU), HIV-exposed-uninfected (HEU) and perinatally HIV-infected children on early ART (HIV+) recruited from the Cape Town arms of the CHER and IMPAACT 1060 trials. PFT was performed once children could participate (October 2013 to January 2020). Global Lung Initiative reference software was used for Z-standardisation of lung function by sex, age and height. In total 394 children (HU n=90, HEU n=162, HIV+ n=142) underwent PFT, median age 8.7 (IQR 7.7-9.8) years. HIV+ had ART initiated at a median age of 17.6 (8.0-36.7) weeks. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC Z-scores were similar in all groups. Plethysmography demonstrated air-trapping with increased total lung capacity (TLC), functional residual capacity, residual volume (RV) and RV/TLC Z-scores in HIV+. There were no differences in alveolar volume; however, diffusing capacity was increased in HIV+. Our findings indicate that following perinatal HIV infection, early ART may attenuate HIV-associated lung disease and is associated with normal childhood spirometry. However plethysmography demonstrates that small airway dysfunction is more pronounced in HIV+. Longitudinal follow-up is required to assess if these children are at risk of obstructive airway disease later in life.

Respiratory Complications in Children and Adolescents with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Respiratory complications comprise a large proportion of the burden of mortality and morbidity in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV-associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) has declined in incidence with early diagnosis and use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) but is widespread in areas with limited access to ART. HIV-exposed uninfected infants have a higher risk of LRTI early in life than unexposed infants. Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) presenting as acute or chronic disease is common in highly TB endemic areas. Chronic lung disease is common; preceding LRTI, PTB or late initiation of ART are risk factors.

Effect of Once-Weekly Azithromycin vs Placebo in Children With HIV-Associated Chronic Lung Disease: The BREATHE Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

HIV-associated chronic lung disease (HCLD) in children is associated with small airways disease, is common despite antiretroviral therapy (ART), and is associated with substantial morbidity. Azithromycin has antibiotic and immunomodulatory activity and may be effective in treating HCLD through reducing respiratory tract infections and inflammation.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether prophylactic azithromycin is effective in preventing worsening of lung function and in reducing acute respiratory exacerbations (AREs) in children with HCLD taking ART.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial (BREATHE) was conducted between 2016 and 2019, including 12 months of follow-up, at outpatient HIV clinics in 2 public sector hospitals in Malawi and Zimbabwe. Participants were randomized 1:1 to intervention or placebo, and participants and study personnel were blinded to treatment allocation. Participants included children aged 6 to 19 years with perinatally acquired HIV and HCLD (defined as forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] z score < -1) who were taking ART for 6 months or longer. Data analysis was performed from September 2019 to April 2020.

INTERVENTION

Once-weekly oral azithromycin with weight-based dosing, for 48 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

All outcomes were prespecified. The primary outcome was the mean difference in FEV1 z score using intention-to-treat analysis for participants seen at end line. Secondary outcomes included AREs, all-cause hospitalizations, mortality, and weight-for-age z score.

RESULTS

A total of 347 individuals (median [interquartile range] age, 15.3 [12.7-17.7] years; 177 boys [51.0%]) were randomized, 174 to the azithromycin group and 173 to the placebo group; 162 participants in the azithromycin group and 146 placebo group participants had a primary outcome available and were analyzed. The mean difference in FEV1 z score was 0.06 (95% CI, -0.10 to 0.21; P = .48) higher in the azithromycin group than in the placebo group, a nonsignificant difference. The rate of AREs was 12.1 events per 100 person-years in the azithromycin group and 24.7 events per 100 person-years in the placebo groups (hazard ratio, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.93; P = .03). The hospitalization rate was 1.3 events per 100 person-years in the azithromycin group and 7.1 events per 100 person-years in the placebo groups, but the difference was not significant (hazard ratio, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.06 to 1.07; P = .06). Three deaths occurred, all in the placebo group. The mean weight-for-age z score was 0.03 (95% CI, -0.08 to 0.14; P = .56) higher in the azithromycin group than in the placebo group, although the difference was not significant. There were no drug-related severe adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this randomized clinical trial specifically addressing childhood HCLD, once-weekly azithromycin did not improve lung function or growth but was associated with reduced AREs; the number of hospitalizations was also lower in the azithromycin group but the difference was not significant. Future research should identify patient groups who would benefit most from this intervention and optimum treatment length, to maximize benefits while reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02426112.