Managing HIV infection in patients older than 50 years

Factors influencing the health-related quality of life of older men and women living with HIV in Spain

The number of older people living with HIV (OPLHIV) is increasing worldwide. However, little is known about the factors that better predict their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We administered the validated WHOQoL-HIV BREF questionnaire to 247 Spanish OPLHIV (192 men and 55 women). In addition to the six domains of the questionnaire, we constructed a seventh domain as theaverage of punctuations of all domains. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust estimates by sex were constructed for the seven domains (14 in total). The best-subset selection method together with Mallow's Cp metric was used to select the model factors. The percentage of variability explained by Poisson models ranged from15-38% for men and 29-70% for women. The analysis showed that women were most affected by ageing (four domains), mobility impairments (five domains), and mental disorders (five domains). The factors with the greatest negative influence on men were heterosexuality (six domains), mental disorders (six domains), being single (five domains), and poverty risk (three domains). Physical activity was found to improve HRQoL in both men (six domains) and women (four domains). Future OPLHIV programmes would benefit from considering sex specific HRQoL factors. This could also improve the cost-effectiveness of interventions.

Epigenetic aging in older people living with HIV in Eswatini: a pilot study of HIV and lifestyle factors and epigenetic aging

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PLHIV) on effective antiretroviral therapy are living near-normal lives. Although they are less susceptible to AIDS-related complications, they remain highly vulnerable to non-communicable diseases. In this exploratory study of older PLHIV (OPLHIV) in Eswatini, we investigated whether epigenetic aging (i.e., the residual between regressing epigenetic age on chronological age) was associated with HIV-related parameters, and whether lifestyle factors modified these relationships. We calculated epigenetic aging focusing on the Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge and GrimAge epigenetic clocks, and a pace of biological aging biomarker (DunedinPACE) among 44 OPLHIV in Eswatini.

RESULTS

Age at HIV diagnosis was associated with Hannum epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) (β-coefficient [95% Confidence Interval]; 0.53 [0.05, 1.00], p = 0.03) and longer duration since HIV diagnosis was associated with slower Hannum EAA (- 0.53 [- 1.00, - 0.05], p = 0.03). The average daily dietary intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with DunedinPACE (0.12 [0.03, 0.22], p = 0.01). The associations of Hannum EAA with the age at HIV diagnosis and duration of time since HIV diagnosis were attenuated when the average daily intake of fruits and vegetables or physical activity were included in our models. Diet and self-perceived quality of life measures modified the relationship between CD4+ T cell counts at participant enrollment and Hannum EAA.

CONCLUSIONS

Epigenetic age is more advanced in OPLHIV in Eswatini in those diagnosed with HIV at an older age and slowed in those who have lived for a longer time with diagnosed HIV. Lifestyle and quality of life factors may differentially affect epigenetic aging in OPLHIV. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess epigenetic aging in OPLHIV in Eswatini and one of the few in sub-Saharan Africa.

Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing in Older People Living With HIV: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV from a progressive and often fatal infection to a chronic disease. Currently, people living with HIV (PLHIV) have near-normal life expectancy; however, they face accelerated ageing and a rise in non-AIDS-defining HIV-associated conditions. Comorbidities increase the number of prescribed drugs and, therefore, the risk of polypharmacy and prescribing potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Still, there are no specific tools to identify PIMs in older PLHIV, which opens a pathway to investigate the particularities in the prescription of medication in this population.

METHODS

We conducted a scoping review in 5 electronic databases for studies reporting the use of tools to identify PIMs in older PLHIV. No language or date restrictions were applied. To complete the search, abstracts published in the most relevant HIV Conferences and Events in their editions from 2010 to 2022 were screened.

RESULTS

Of 50,193 records returned (13,701 of the databases and 36,492 of the Congresses), 39 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were single-centre and conducted in Europe. Twenty-eight studies were cross-sectional, and most researchers used explicit criteria, mainly Beers and STOPP-START criteria, to identify PIMs.

CONCLUSIONS

Potentially inappropriate prescribing is frequent among older PLHIV. Explicit conventional tools to identify PIMs in older populations may need to be adapted to tackle the needs of PLHIV. Implicit tools may be more valid, although their use is more time-consuming, and standardization is complex.

An overview of neurocognitive impairment in older people living with HIV

Background

With improved survival among People Living with HIV (PLHIV), many are confronted with age associated comorbidities and geriatric syndromes. Neurocognitive impairment is one of the three most frequent conditions that affects quality of life of PLHIV despite achieving viral suppression. Healthcare providers face challenges in early identification of neurocognitive impairment, performing comprehensive assessment and managing older PLHIV.

Objectives

This paper aims to review available evidence regarding aetiology and management of older PLHIV who develop neurocognitive impairment, suggest improvements on current management and postulate future study direction.

Methods

A PubMed search for original articles and Clinical Guidelines was conducted from September 2021 to August 2022 using a combination of keywords related to neurocognitive impairment in PLHIV. The citations from all selected articles were reviewed for additional studies.

Results

Older PLHIV tend to be frailer than their uninfected counterparts, are plagued with multi-morbidity and are at increased risk of cognitive impairment. The aetiologies for neurocognitive impairment are multifactorial, multi-dimensional and complex. The management of neurocognitive impairment in older PLHIV involves identifying and optimizing predisposing factors, physical function, social and psychological health with appropriate care navigation.

Conclusion

Identification and management of neurocognitive impairment in older PLHIV through interdisciplinary collaboration among stakeholders is important. This exemplifies an integrated model of care for older PLHIV and promotes the notion of living well beyond viral suppression.

Sexual Practices and Predisposition to PrEP Use Among Men Ages 50 Years and Older Who Have Sex With Men: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to evaluate the sexual practices of men ages 50 years or older who have sex with men (MSM) and factors influencing their predisposition to use preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP). An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Brazil and Portugal with 718 MSM. Of these, 278 (38.7%) were categorized as being at high risk for HIV based on the HIV Incidence Risk Index (HIRI), and 418 (58.2%) expressed a predisposition to use PrEP. Overall, sociodemographic factors and specific sexual practices increased the likelihood of being classified as high risk for HIV, particularly sexual position and sexual activity. However, factors that influenced the predisposition to use PrEP included age group, receptive anal sex, knowledge of postexposure prophylaxis, high HIRI score, and a history of syphilis. These findings underscore the urgent need for health services to provide comprehensive and adequate attention to the realities of this population, considering its complexities and specificities.

Psychosocial interventions and their effectiveness on quality of life among elderly persons living with HIV in Africa South of the Sahara: Systematic review and meta -analysis protocol

BACKGROUND

The number of elderly people living with HIV (EPLHIV) has increased significantly as a result of antiretroviral treatment (ART) and this has brought about a variety of psychosocial challenges that have an impact on their quality of life (QoL). Various psychosocial interventions have been tried or implemented in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to improve QoL of EPLHIV. However, there is paucity of data on the types and effectiveness of these interventions. This systematic review, therefore, aims to explore available psychosocial interventions in SSA and their effectiveness in improving the QoL of EPLHIV.

METHODS

We will search PubMed, PsycINFO, LILACS, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, HINARI, Africa Journals Online, Scopus and Web of Science to retrieve publications on psychosocial interventions implemented to improve QoL of EPLHIV from inception of the identified databases to 31st December 2023 without language restrictions. Also, supplementary sources such as conference proceedings, preprint repositories, databases of dissertations, as well as WHO and governmental databases can be explored for additional studies. For unpublished studies, trial registries and experts would be contacted, and reference lists of retrieved papers will be manually searched. Retrieved studies will be deduplicated using Mendeley and exported to Rayyan. At least two reviewers will independently select studies, extract data and assess the quality of the included studies using validated tools. Dichotomous outcomes data will be assessed and reported as odds ratio (OR) or risk ratio (RR) and for continuous outcomes, mean difference (MD) will be used; all reported with their 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity will be explored graphically by inspecting the overlapping of CIs and assessed quantitatively using the I2 statistic.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

This systematic review will be the first to rigorously identify psychosocial intervention on QoL of EPLHIV in SSA and assess their effectiveness with the aim to provide regional and country- specific data that will inform the selection and implementation of appropriate and socially acceptable policies across countries in SSA. Key findings of the review are expected to contribute critical evidence on availability, types and effectiveness of psychosocial interventions for improving quality of life of vulnerable elderly persons in SSA living with HIV. Furthermore, the review will explore any variation and possible correlates of psychosocial interventions by age, sex, CD4 count (if available), setting and geographic location within SSA that will provide healthcare professionals with reliable evidence, with the ultimate goal of inspiring countries in SSA to adopt innovative interventions to improve HIV care.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Systematic review registration: The systematic review protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with registration ID CRD42021278218.

Factors Informing the Development of a Clinical Pathway and Patients' Quality of Life after a Non-Union Fracture of the Lower Limb

Patients with non-union fractures spend extended periods of time in the hospital following poor healing. Patients have to make several follow-up visits for medical and rehabilitation purposes. However, the clinical pathways and quality of life of these patients are unknown. This prospective study aimed to identify the clinical pathways (CPs) of 22 patients with lower-limb non-union fractures whilst determining their quality of life. Data were collected from hospital records from admission to discharge, utilizing a CP questionnaire. We used the same questionnaire to track patients' follow-up frequency, involvement in activities of daily living, and final outcomes at six months. We used the Short Form-36 questionnaire to assess patients' initial quality of life. The Kruskal-Wallis test compared the quality of life domains across different fracture sites. We examined CPs using medians and inter-quantile ranges. During the six-month follow-up period, 12 patients with lower-limb non-union fractures were readmitted. All of the patients had impairments, limited activity, and participation restrictions. Lower-limb fractures can have a substantial impact on emotional and physical health, and lower-limb non-union fractures may have an even greater effect on the emotional and physical health of patients, necessitating a more holistic approach to patient care.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Chronic Kidney Disease in People Living with HIV in a Resource-Limited Center of Central China

Clinical management and optimal treatment are essential to improving outcomes for people living with HIV (PLWH). We assessed trends and outcomes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in PLWH in a resource-limited center of central China. All PLWH who were followed up in a tertiary referral center in Wuhan, China, from July 2016 to June 2021 were evaluated. CKD was defined as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m² during two consecutive measurements 3 months apart. Baseline characteristics of the participants were extracted from the hospital medical records. The prevalence rate and associated risk factors of CKD were analyzed. A total of 863 PLWH with normal kidney function at baseline were analyzed. The median age was 33 (interquartile ranges: 26-49) years, and 778 (90.2%) were male and 85 (9.8%) were female. Among them, 50 (5.8%) had their GFR falling below 60 mL/min/1.73 m² after a median of 54 months. Adjusted multivariate logistic regression revealed older age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.01-1.07], female sex (aOR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.14-8.84), lower body weight (aOR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91-1.00), lower hemoglobin (aOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.51-8.30), longer duration of antiretroviral therapy exposure (aOR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.04), and a baseline GFR between 60 and 90 mL/min/1.73 m² (aOR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.21-12.46) were associated with the development of CKD. Our findings showed that CKD is not infrequent in PLWH with a combination of traditional and HIV-specific risk factors for kidney disease, highlighting the suboptimal monitoring and treatment options of CKD in PLWH in resource-limited settings. Scalable monitoring strategy to improve care for this population is warranted.

Advance Care Planning among Older Gay Men Living with HIV in Montreal, Canada: Challenges to Thinking and Talking about Future Care

This qualitative study employed a cross sectional focus group design to explore how older gay men living with HIV, experience, perceive, and engage with advance care planning (ACP). Seven gay men 50+, residing in Montreal, Canada, participated in a focus group that was audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Findings suggested that social isolation, preoccupations with day-to-day living, and managing disclosures related to sexual orientation and HIV status created barriers to these men's capacities to think about let alone talk about future care. These findings challenge current conceptualizations of ACP, which position reflection as an individual process that precedes allocating a decision-maker and communicating care preferences. Analyses further revealed that relational connections helped create a space where ACP could occur for participants. Hence, improving the uptake of ACP amongst older gay men with HIV may require interventions that embed such discussions into broader programs aimed at building support and community.

Study of natural product adverse events in adult HIV-infected patients in Canada

INTRODUCTION

Many individuals living with HIV use natural health products (NHPs) in an effort to decrease medication side effects and to enhance overall well-being.

METHODS

An active surveillance study of adult patients (≥ 18 years) with HIV was conducted between 2012 and 2014 to detect prescription drug and NHP use and associated adverse events (AEs) in the last month.

RESULTS

Of the 167 participants, 85 (50.9%) took prescription medications only, three (1.8%) took NHPs only, 75 (44.9%) took NHPs and prescription medications concurrently, and four (2.4%) took neither. Patients who used both prescription drugs and NHPs concurrently were more than three times more likely to experience an AE compared with those who used prescription drugs only (OR, P = 0.003, 95% CI: 1.47-6.91).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased AEs are reported in patients with HIV who combine NHPs and prescription medications, and no serious AEs were reported. Active surveillance was found to be feasible in this clinical setting.

Comorbidity and polypharmacy among women living with HIV in British Columbia

OBJECTIVE

To characterize comorbid disease and medication burden among women living with HIV (WLWH) in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

DESIGN

We examined baseline data from 267 WLWH and 276 HIV-negative women, aged at least 19 years, enrolled in the Children and Women: Antiretrovirals and Markers of Aging (CARMA) cohort.

METHODS

Self-reported demographic, medical condition, medication, vitamin, and substance exposure data were collected at baseline CARMA study visits. We considered conditions with appropriate concomitant medications to be 'treated'. Wilcoxon rank-sum and Fisher's exact tests compared continuous and categorical variables between WLWH and HIV-negative women. Number of diagnoses, prescribed medications (excluding HIV/antiretrovirals), vitamins, and prevalence of depression/anxiety/panic disorder were compared using negative binomial and logistic regressions for continuous and binary variables, respectively.

RESULTS

WLWH were younger [median, interquartile range (IQR) 39.9, 33.6-46.9 vs. 43.6, 31.8-54.6 years; P = 0.01], attained lower education (40.5 vs. 69.6% college/university; P < 0.001), and more often currently smoked tobacco (47.9 vs. 31.9%; P < 0.001) or had income less than $15 000/year (49.0 vs. 43.1%; P < 0.001). Although younger, and despite omitting HIV infection, WLWH had a greater number of diagnoses (incidence rate ratio, 95% confidence interval 1.58, 1.38-1.81; P < 0.001), and more depression/anxiety/panic disorder vs. controls (odds ratio, 95% CI 1.86, 1.22-2.83; P = 0.004). Our model predicts that with mean BMI (26.3), WLWH and HIV-negative peers would have two comorbid diagnoses by age 30 and 60, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

WLWH living in BC have more comorbid illness earlier in life than their HIV-negative peers, and have very high rates of depression/anxiety/panic disorder. Addressing mental health and comorbid conditions is essential to improving health outcomes among WLWH.