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Chiron AS, Locher L, Sarthou A, Gleizes A, Krzysiek R, Chretien P, Hacein-Bey-Abina S. Evaluation of analytical performance of AQUIOS CL flow cytometer and method comparison with bead-based flow cytometry methods. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 0:cclm-2023-1498. [PMID: 38584471 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-1498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Given that method validation is mandatory for compliance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15,189 standard requirements, we evaluated the analytical performance of the AQUIOS CL system (Beckman Coulter) and compared it with two bead-based flow cytometry (FCM) protocols (BD FACSCAntoTM-II and Beckman Coulter DxFLEX). There are no comparative literature data on standardized protocols for counting lymphocyte subsets on the new-generation cytometer DxFLEX. METHODS We evaluated the AQUIOS CL's performance with regard to accuracy, linearity and stability by using dedicated control cell samples and patient samples. We also compared the lymphocyte counts measured on the AQUIOS CL (n=69 samples) with those measured on the BD FACSCAntoTM-II and DxFLEX FCM systems. For 61 samples, FCM results were compared with those measured on the XN-3000 Sysmex hematology analyzer. RESULTS AQUIOS CL showed acceptable performance - even outside the manufacturer's quantification ranges- and strong correlations with bead-based FCM methods. The FCM techniques and the XN-3000 gave similar absolute lymphocyte counts, although values in samples with intense lymphocytosis (B cell lymphoma/leukemia) were underestimated. CONCLUSIONS The AQUIOS CL flow cytometer is a time-saving, single-platform system with good performance, especially when the manufacturer's instructions for use are followed. However, AQUIOS CL's possible limitations and pitfalls impose validation of a bead-based FCM method for immunophenotyping verification or as a back-up system. Although the DxFLEX flow cytometer is more time-consuming to use, it can provide standardized lymphocyte subset counts in case of aberrant results on AQUIOS CL or in the event of equipment failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrada S Chiron
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Lucy Locher
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Aurélie Sarthou
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Aude Gleizes
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Roman Krzysiek
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, Orsay, UMR-996 INSERM, Paris-Saclay University, Orsay, France
| | - Pascale Chretien
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Salima Hacein-Bey-Abina
- Clinical Immunology Laboratory, Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire Paris Saclay, Hôpital Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- UTCBS, Unité des technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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2
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Ray JE, Dobbs KR, Ogolla SO, Daud II, Midem D, Omenda MM, Nowacki AS, Beeson JG, Sabourin KR, Rochford R, Dent AE. Clinical and immunological outcomes of HIV-exposed uninfected and HIV-unexposed uninfected children in the first 24 months of life in Western Kenya. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:156. [PMID: 38302888 PMCID: PMC10835872 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09051-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies show increased morbidity in children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) compared to children who are HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU). We sought to evaluate the effects of prenatal HIV exposure on clinical and immunological outcomes in the first 24 months of life. METHODS Eighty-five HEU and 168 HUU children from Kenya were followed from birth to 24 months. All mothers living with HIV received combination antiretroviral therapy. Children who were HEU received standard-of-care cotrimoxazole prophylaxis through 18 months. Episodes of acute illness were identified through a combination of active and passive follow up. Trajectories of plasma cytokines, vaccine-specific antibodies, and antimalarial antibodies were examined. RESULTS Children who were HEU and children who were HUU had similar growth curves. Children who were HEU had lower rates of malaria (rate ratio 0.54, 95% CI 0.38, 0.77) and respiratory illness (rate ratio 0.80, 95% CI 0.68, 0.93). Trajectories of plasma cytokines and vaccine-specific antibodies were similar in children who were HEU and HUU. There were subtle differences in antimalarial antibody dynamics, in which children who were HEU had overall lower antibody levels against five of the 14 malaria antigens tested. CONCLUSIONS Children who were HEU and born to optimally treated mothers living with HIV had similar growth characteristics and immune profiles compared to children who were HUU. Children who were HEU had reduced risk for malaria and respiratory illness, which may be secondary to cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Ray
- Center for Global Health & Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue LC: 4983, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Katherine R Dobbs
- Center for Global Health & Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue LC: 4983, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, LC: 4983, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
| | - Sidney O Ogolla
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ibrahim I Daud
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - David Midem
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Maxwel M Omenda
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Amy S Nowacki
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Katherine R Sabourin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rosemary Rochford
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Arlene E Dent
- Center for Global Health & Diseases, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue LC: 4983, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, LC: 4983, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
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3
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Ray JE, Dobbs KR, Ogolla SO, Daud II, Midem D, Omenda MM, Nowacki AS, Beeson JG, Sabourin KR, Rochford R, Dent AE. Clinical and Immunological Outcomes of HIV-Exposed Uninfected and HIV-Unexposed Uninfected Children in the First 24 Months of Life in Western Kenya. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3073433. [PMID: 37461578 PMCID: PMC10350191 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3073433/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Previous studies show increased morbidity in children who are HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) compared to children who are HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU). We sought to evaluate the effects of prenatal HIV exposure on clinical and immunological outcomes in the first 24 months of life. Methods Eighty-five HEU and 168 HUU children from Kenya were followed from birth to 24 months. All mothers with HIV received combination antiretroviral therapy. HEU children received standard-of-care cotrimoxazole prophylaxis through 18 months. Episodes of acute illness were identified through a combination of active and passive follow up. Trajectories of plasma cytokines, vaccine-specific antibodies, and antimalarial antibodies were examined. Results HEU and HUU children had similar growth curves. HEU children had lower rates of malaria and respiratory illness. Trajectories of plasma cytokines and vaccine-specific antibodies were similar in HEU and HUU children. There were subtle differences in antimalarial antibody dynamics, in which HEU children had overall lower antibody levels against five of the 14 malaria antigens tested. Conclusions HEU children born to optimally treated mothers living with HIV had similar growth characteristics and immune profiles compared to HUU children. HEU children had reduced risk for malaria and respiratory illness, which may be secondary to cotrimoxazole prophylaxis.
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4
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Haddaji A, Ouladlahsen A, Lkhider M, Bensghir R, Jebbar S, Hilmi S, Abbadi I, Sodqi M, Marih L, Pineau P, El Filali KM, Ezzikouri S. Impact of the first-line antiretroviral therapy on soluble markers of inflammation in cohort of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in Moroccan patients: a prospective study. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:223. [PMID: 37154966 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03574-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation and immune activation are a hallmark of HIV-1 infection. In this study, we assessed inflammation biomarkers in a cohort of people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) before and after long-term suppressive combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted to assess inflammatory biomarkers in 86 cART-naive PLWH and after receiving suppressive cART and 50 uninfected controls. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and soluble CD14 (sCD14) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No significant difference was found in IL-6 levels between cART-naïve PLWH and controls (p = 0.753). In contrast, TNF-α level showed a significant difference between cART naïve-PLWH and controls (p = 0.019). Interestingly, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly decreased in PLWH after cART (p < 0.0001). The sCD14 showed no significant difference between cART-naïve patients and controls (p = 0.839) and similar levels were observed in pre- and post-treatment (p = 0.719). Our results highlight the critical importance of early treatment to reduce inflammation and its consequences during HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Haddaji
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, 20360, Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Virology, Oncology, Biosciences, Environment and New Energies, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia, Morocco
| | - Ahd Ouladlahsen
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
- Service Des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Lkhider
- Laboratory of Virology, Oncology, Biosciences, Environment and New Energies, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia, Morocco
| | - Rajaa Bensghir
- Service Des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sanaa Jebbar
- Service Des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Soufiane Hilmi
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, 20360, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Islam Abbadi
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, 20360, Casablanca, Morocco
- Laboratory of Virology, Oncology, Biosciences, Environment and New Energies, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques of Mohammedia, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Mohammedia, Morocco
| | - Mustapha Sodqi
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
- Service Des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Latifa Marih
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
- Service Des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Pascal Pineau
- Unité "Organisation Nucléaire et Oncogenèse", INSERM U993, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Kamal Marhoum El Filali
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco
- Service Des Maladies Infectieuses, CHU Ibn Rochd, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, 1, Place Louis Pasteur, 20360, Casablanca, Morocco.
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Thymic Exhaustion and Increased Immune Activation Are the Main Mechanisms Involved in Impaired Immunological Recovery of HIV-Positive Patients under ART. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020440. [PMID: 36851655 PMCID: PMC9961132 DOI: 10.3390/v15020440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Decades of studies in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have passed, and the mechanisms that determine impaired immunological recovery in HIV-positive patients receiving ART have not been completely elucidated yet. Thus, T-lymphocytes immunophenotyping and cytokines levels were analyzed in 44 ART-treated HIV-positive patients who had a prolonged undetectable plasma viral load. The patients were classified as immunological non-responders (INR = 13) and immunological responders (IR = 31), according to their CD4+ T cell levels. Evaluating pre-CD4+ levels, we observed a statistically significant trend between lower CD4+ T cell levels and INR status (Z = 3.486, p < 0.001), and during 18 months of ART, the CD4+ T cell levels maintained statistical differences between the INR and IR groups (WTS = 37.252, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the INRs were associated with an elevated age at ART start; a lower pre-treatment CD4+ T cell count and a percentage that remained low even after 18 months of ART; lower levels of recent thymic emigrant (RTE) CD4+ T cell (CD45RA + CD31+) and a naïve CD4+ T cell (CD45RA + CD62L+); higher levels of central memory CD4+ T cells (CD45RA-CD62L+); and higher immune activation by CD4+ expressing HLA-DR+ or both (HLA-DR+ and CD38+) when compared with IRs. Our study demonstrates that thymic exhaustion and increased immune activation are two mechanisms substantially implicated in the impaired immune recovery of ART-treated HIV patients.
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6
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Pereira LL, Veiga Siqueira Amorim D, Brito Sampaio W, Almeida Cruz Azevêdo T, Bispo Pereira Cardoso V, Barreto Lemos F, Silva Chang A, Machado F, Pereira Lima F, Sampaio Neves F, Leal Figueiredo AC. Factors Associated with Periodontitis in Patients with and without HIV. Int J Dent 2023; 2023:9929835. [PMID: 37159593 PMCID: PMC10163962 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9929835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to compare clinical periodontal conditions in HIV-positive people on HAART with an HIV-negative group, in addition to investigating factors associated with periodontitis in the entire sample. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected by oral clinical examination for the diagnosis of periodontitis, review of medical records, and application of a questionnaire containing personal data, deleterious habits, and oral hygiene habits for the other variables. The results were analyzed by Pearson's χ 2 test and Student's t-test. A logistic regression model was constructed for the multivariate analysis and periodontitis was defined as a dependent variable. The analysis was performed on the entire sample (HIV+ and HIV-) and also on the group consisting of only people living with HIV. Results Individuals older than 43 years old and with HIV were more likely to develop moderate and severe periodontitis (47.80 and 4.84 times, respectively). When analyzing only HIV+, in addition to age (OR = 2.795; CI = 1.080-7.233), the use of nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) (OR = 2.841; CI = 1.135-7.112) was also associated with moderate and severe periodontitis. Conclusion It was possible to observe a higher prevalence of periodontitis among individuals with HIV, showing an association between the virus, advanced age, and moderate or severe periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luanderson Lopes Pereira
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry and Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | | | - Willian Brito Sampaio
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry and Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | | | | | - Felipe Barreto Lemos
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry and Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
| | - Andressa Silva Chang
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry and Health, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Brazil
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7
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Lechiile K, Leeme TB, Tenforde MW, Bapabi M, Magwenzi J, Maithamako O, Mulenga F, Mohammed T, Ngidi J, Mokomane M, Lawrence DS, Mine M, Jarvis JN. Laboratory Evaluation of the VISITECT Advanced Disease Semiquantitative Point-of-Care CD4 Test. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 91:502-507. [PMID: 36084198 PMCID: PMC9646408 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced HIV disease (AHD; CD4 counts <200 cells/µL) remains common in many low- and middle-income settings. An instrument-free point-of-care test to rapidly identify patients with AHD would facilitate implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended package of care. We performed a laboratory-based validation study to evaluate the performance of the VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease assay in Botswana. SETTING A laboratory validation study. METHODS Venous blood samples from people living with HIV having baseline CD4 testing in Gaborone, Botswana, underwent routine testing using flow cytometry, followed by testing with the VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease assay by a laboratory scientist blinded to the flow cytometry result with a visual read to determine whether the CD4 count was below 200 cells/µL. A second independent investigator conducted a visual read blinded to the results of flow cytometry and the initial visual read. The sensitivity and specificity of the VISITECT for detection of AHD were determined using flow cytometry as a reference standard, and interrater agreement in VISITECT visual reads assessed. RESULTS One thousand fifty-three samples were included in the analysis. The VISITECT test correctly identified 112/119 samples as having a CD4 count <200 cells/µL, giving a sensitivity of 94.1% (95% confidence interval: 88.3% to 97.6%) and specificity of 85.9% (95% confidence interval: 83.5% to 88.0%) compared with flow cytometry. Interrater agreement between the 2 independent readers was 97.5%, Kappa 0.92 ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The VISITECT CD4 advanced disease reliably identified individuals with low CD4 counts and could facilitate implementation of the WHO recommended package of interventions for AHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwana Lechiile
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Tshepo B. Leeme
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Mbabi Bapabi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Julita Magwenzi
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Fredah Mulenga
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Julia Ngidi
- Botswana National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - David S. Lawrence
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Madisa Mine
- Botswana National Health Laboratory, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Joseph N. Jarvis
- Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
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Kibuuka H, Musingye E, Mwesigwa B, Semwogerere M, Iroezindu M, Bahemana E, Maswai J, Owuoth J, Esber A, Dear N, Crowell TA, Polyak CS, Ake JA. Predictors of All-Cause Mortality among People with HIV in a Prospective Cohort Study in East Africa and Nigeria. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 75:657-664. [PMID: 34864933 PMCID: PMC9464064 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been associated with a decline in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related mortality, although HIV remains a leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa. We describe all-cause mortality and its predictors in people living with HIV (PLWH) in the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS). Methods AFRICOS enrolls participants with or without HIV at 12 sites in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Evaluations every 6 months include sociobehavioral questionnaires, medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Mortality data are collected from medical records and survivor interviews. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with mortality. Results From 2013 through 2020, 2724 PLWH completed at least 1 follow-up visit or experienced death. Of these 58.4% were females, 25.8% were aged ≥ 50 years, and 98.3% were ART-experienced. We observed 11.42 deaths per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 9.53–13.68) with causes ascertained in 54% of participants. Deaths were caused by malignancy (28.1%), infections (29.7%), and other non-HIV related conditions. Predictors of mortality included CD4 ≤ 350 cells/µL (aHR 2.01 [95% CI: 1.31–3.08]), a log10copies/mL increase of viral load (aHR 1.36 [95% CI: 1.22–1.51]), recent fever (aHR 1.85[95% CI: 1.22–2.81]), body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2 (aHR 2.20 [95% CI: 1.44–3.38]), clinical depression (aHR 2.42 [95% CI: 1.40–4.18]), World Health Organization (WHO) stage III (aHR 2.18 [95% CI: 1.31–3.61]), a g/dL increase in hemoglobin (aHR 0.79 [95% CI: .72–.85]), and every year on ART (aHR 0.67 [95% CI: .56–.81]). Conclusions The mortality rate was low in this cohort of mostly virally suppressed PLWH. Patterns of deaths and identified predictors suggest multiple targets for interventions to reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Kibuuka
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ezra Musingye
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Betty Mwesigwa
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Michael Iroezindu
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,HJF Medical Research International, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel Bahemana
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,HJF Medical Research International, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Jonah Maswai
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,HJF Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - John Owuoth
- U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate - Africa, Kisumu, Kenya.,HJF Medical Research International, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Allahna Esber
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicole Dear
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Trevor A Crowell
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christina S Polyak
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julie A Ake
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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9
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Zhang Y, Jiang T, Li A, Li Z, Hou J, Gao M, Huang X, Su B, Wu H, Zhang T, Jiang W. Adjunct Therapy for CD4 + T-Cell Recovery, Inflammation and Immune Activation in People Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:632119. [PMID: 33679779 PMCID: PMC7925844 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.632119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: HIV infection results in immune homeostasis perturbations, which is characterized by CD4+ T-cell depletion, immune activation, and inflammation. Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) does not fully restore immunologic and clinical health in people living with HIV (PLWH). Various drugs have been used to improve their immune status and CD4+ T-cell counts, but no measures have been tested effective. Here we conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing clinical studies on improving CD4+ T-cell count while decreasing inflammation and immune activation. Methods: We retrieved possible relevant publications from a total of five electronic databases and selected eligible studies, which dealt with outcomes of medical therapy for CD4+ T-cell count recovery, inflammation, and immune activation with or without ART. We paid particular attention to immunologic non-responders with a favorable treatment regimen. Results: Thirty-three articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. However, there were no safe and effective medications specific for improving CD4+ T-cell reconstitution. The immunological benefits or adverse events mainly depend on the safety, dosage, and duration of the candidate medication use, as well as whether it is combined with ART. Conclusion: Under the “safe, combined, adequate and long (SCAL)” principles, alternative approaches are needed to accelerate the recovery of CD4+ T-cells, and to prevent adverse long-term outcomes in PLWH with standard ART treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of AIDS Research, Beijing, China.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Taiyi Jiang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Aixin Li
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jianhua Hou
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Meixia Gao
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Su
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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10
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Mölzer C, Heissigerova J, Wilson HM, Kuffova L, Forrester JV. Immune Privilege: The Microbiome and Uveitis. Front Immunol 2021; 11:608377. [PMID: 33569055 PMCID: PMC7868421 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.608377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune privilege (IP), a term introduced to explain the unpredicted acceptance of allogeneic grafts by the eye and the brain, is considered a unique property of these tissues. However, immune responses are modified by the tissue in which they occur, most of which possess IP to some degree. The eye therefore displays a spectrum of IP because it comprises several tissues. IP as originally conceived can only apply to the retina as it contains few tissue-resident bone-marrow derived myeloid cells and is immunologically shielded by a sophisticated barrier – an inner vascular and an outer epithelial barrier at the retinal pigment epithelium. The vascular barrier comprises the vascular endothelium and the glia limitans. Immune cells do not cross the blood-retinal barrier (BRB) despite two-way transport of interstitial fluid, governed by tissue oncotic pressure. The BRB, and the blood-brain barrier (BBB) mature in the neonatal period under signals from the expanding microbiome and by 18 months are fully established. However, the adult eye is susceptible to intraocular inflammation (uveitis; frequency ~200/100,000 population). Uveitis involving the retinal parenchyma (posterior uveitis, PU) breaches IP, while IP is essentially irrelevant in inflammation involving the ocular chambers, uveal tract and ocular coats (anterior/intermediate uveitis/sclerouveitis, AU). Infections cause ~50% cases of AU and PU but infection may also underlie the pathogenesis of immune-mediated “non-infectious” uveitis. Dysbiosis accompanies the commonest form, HLA-B27–associated AU, while latent infections underlie BRB breakdown in PU. This review considers the pathogenesis of uveitis in the context of IP, infection, environment, and the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Mölzer
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Jarmila Heissigerova
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Heather M Wilson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lucia Kuffova
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom.,Eye Clinic, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - John V Forrester
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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11
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Effects of the implementation of the HIV Treat All guidelines on key ART treatment outcomes in Namibia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243749. [PMID: 33370313 PMCID: PMC7769455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to help the Namibian government understand the impact of Treat All implementation (started on April 1, 2017) on key antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes, and how this transition impacts progress toward the UNAIDS’s 90-90-90 HIV targets. Methods We collected clinical records from two separate cohorts (before and after treat-all) of ART patients in 10 high- and medium-volume facilities in 6 northern Namibia districts. Each cohort contains 12-month data on patients’ scheduled appointments and visits, health status, and viral load results. We also measured patients’ wait time and perceptions of service quality using exit interviews with 300 randomly selected patients (per round). We compared ART outcomes of the two cohorts: ART initiation within 7 days from diagnosis, loss to follow-up (LTFU), missed scheduled appointments for at least 30 days, and viral suppression using unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Results Among new ART clients (on ART for less than 3 months or had not yet initiated treatment as of the start date for the ART record review period), rapid ART initiation (within 7 days from diagnosis) was 5.2 times higher after Treat All than that among clients assessed before the policy took effect [AOR: 5.2 (3.8–6.9)]. However, LTFU was higher after Treat All roll-out compared to before Treat All [AOR: 1.9 (1.3–2.8)]. Established ART clients (on ART treatment for at least three months at the start date of the ART record review period) had over 3 times greater odds of achieving viral suppression after Treat All roll-out compared to established ART clients assessed before Treat All [AOR: 3.1 (1.6–5.9)]. Conclusions and recommendations The findings indicate positive effect of the “Treat All” implementation on ART initiation and viral suppression, and negative effect on LTFU. Additionally, by April 2018, Namibia seems to have reached the UNAIDS’s 90-90-90 targets.
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12
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Govere SM, Chimbari MJ. The evolution and adoption of World Health Organization policy guidelines on antiretroviral therapy initiation in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review. South Afr J HIV Med 2020; 21:1103. [PMID: 33101722 PMCID: PMC7564818 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v21i1.1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite past and present global interventions, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic remains a public health problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization (WHO) has assisted these countries by providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) policies for adoption and adaptation to local needs. Objectives This article describes the response of countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), to the WHO’s changing CD4-threshold ART-initiation recommendations of the past two decades. Methods Relevant articles published in international peer-reviewed journals were accessed via the following search engines: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, Embase and EBSCOhost. The study’s inclusion criteria were articles published in the English language between 2000 and 2019 that highlighted changes to the CD4 ART-initiation threshold and that focused on the WHO’s ‘commencement of ART’ policy guidelines. Sixteen studies (n = 16) from SSA were identified and included in this review: four are cross-sectional, four deal with cost-effectiveness, four are retrospective, one is a randomised trial and three are observational studies. Only studies conducted in SSA were assessed. Results Four themes emerged: (1) adoption of the WHO CD4-ART-initiation policy by SSA countries, (2) timely implementation of the changing guideline initiation policy in the region, (3) barriers and facilitators encountered in the implementation of the changing guidelines and (4) description of similarities in policy implementation at country level from 2002 to 2019. Regional studies – cross-sectional, observational, retrospective, cost-effectiveness and randomised have described greater access to ART in SSA. However, barriers remain. The most common barriers to the timely implementation of ‘new’ ART-initiation guidelines were economic constraints, drug stock-outs, delays in obtaining baseline blood-test results and staff shortages. Conclusion Although countries in SSA have adopted the WHO-ART-CD4 initiation-threshold policy guidelines, implementation has seldom occurred in a timely manner. Barriers have been identified. Whilst a small number of countries have implemented recommendations promptly, for many, the barriers still require to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina M Govere
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moses J Chimbari
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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13
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Cao Z, Li J, Chen H, Song C, Shen Z, Zhou X, Lan G, Zhu Q, Liang S, Xing H, Liao L, Feng Y, Shao Y, Ruan Y. Effects of HIV-1 genotype on baseline CD4+ cell count and mortality before and after antiretroviral therapy. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15875. [PMID: 32985559 PMCID: PMC7522205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72701-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To assess whether human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genotype influences baseline CD4+ T lymphocyte (CD4+) cell count and mortality of patients. The study was conducted from 2014 to 2019 in Guangxi, China, and included 2845 newly diagnosed HIV patients. We used a median regression model to compare CD4+ cell counts in patients newly diagnosed with different HIV-1 genotypes, and a Cox regression model to analyze the associations between HIV-1 genotypes and mortality before and after antiretroviral treatment (ART). In newly diagnosed HIV patients, the baseline CD4+ cell counts of patients with CRF01_AE were significantly lower than those of patients with CRF07_BC, CRF08_BC, and other genotypes. Compared with CRF01_AE, patients infected with CRF07_BC (hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI 0.36–0.85), CRF08_BC (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% CI 0.52–0.85), or other genotypes (hazard ratio, 0.52; 95% CI 0.29–0.94) had significantly lower mortality rates before ART. There were no significant associations between different HIV-1 genotypes and mortality after ART. HIV-1 genotype significantly influences baseline CD4+ cell count and mortality before ART in newly diagnosed HIV patients. We find no significant difference in the outcome of death after ART in patients with different HIV-1 genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjun Li
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, China
| | - Huanhuan Chen
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, China
| | - Chang Song
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Shen
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, China
| | - Xinjuan Zhou
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, China
| | - Guanghua Lan
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, China
| | - Qiuying Zhu
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, China
| | - Shujia Liang
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Nanning, China
| | - Hui Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Lingjie Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yiming Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhua Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control (SKLID), National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention (NCAIDS), Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China.
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Differences in Growth of HIV-exposed Uninfected Infants in Ethiopia According to Timing of In-utero Antiretroviral Therapy Exposure. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2020; 39:730-736. [PMID: 32516280 PMCID: PMC7360102 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000002678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are concerns about the adverse effect of in-utero exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the growth of HIV exposed-uninfected (HEU) infants. We compared growth of HEU-infants according to the timing and type of ART exposure. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted by abstracting clinical data from HIV-infected mothers and HEU-infants in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia between February 2013 and October 2016. Mixed-effects linear models were used to compare changes in weight and length and cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate stunting (length-for-age z score <-2.0) and underweight (weight-for-age z score <-2.0). RESULTS A total of 624 HEU-infants were included in the analyses. Infants exposed to ART from conception had a lower rate of change in length [β = -0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.00 to -0.08] the first 3 months of life, as compared with infants exposed from late pregnancy. Risk of stunting was 51.9 per 100 person-years and risk of underweight was 26.7 per 100 person-years. Exposure to ART from conception was associated with a higher rate of stunting as compared with exposure from late pregnancy (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.27-2.99). Infants born to mothers with advanced disease had a higher incidence of underweight compared with infants born to mothers with early-stage disease adjusted hazard ratio = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.32-3.03). CONCLUSIONS In HEU-infants, exposure to ART from conception was associated with decrease growth during early infancy and higher incidence of stunting compared with treatment exposure later in pregnancy. Close monitoring of HEU-infants' growth and prompt nutritional intervention is essential.
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Abstract
The benefits of “early” antiretroviral therapy (ART; ie, initiation when CD4 ≥500 cells/mm3) are now well accepted as reflected in the removal of the CD4-based eligibility from new ART guidelines by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, neither the “treat-all” strategy recommendations presented in the guidelines nor the HIV care cascade goals in the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 90-90-90 targets adequately address the issue of ART timing. Our recent study on “immediate” ART (ie, ≤30 days after HIV diagnosis) adds important evidence demonstrating the real and meaningful benefits of rapid ART initiation even among those who have CD4 ≥500 cells/mm3. We call on WHO and UNAIDS to consider this research and encourage a shift from the treat-all strategy to an “immediately-treat-all” strategy, and from a slow, fragmented, complicated, multistep HIV care cascade to a fast, easy, and simple cascade with effectiveness measures that incorporate the important aspect of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- 1 National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jennifer M McGoogan
- 1 National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zunyou Wu
- 1 National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
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Talal AH, Ding Y, Venuto CS, Chakan LM, McLeod A, Dharia A, Morse GD, Brown LS, Markatou M, Kharasch ED. Toward precision prescribing for methadone: Determinants of methadone deposition. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231467. [PMID: 32302325 PMCID: PMC7164646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the World Health Organization listing methadone as an essential medication, effective dose selection is challenging, especially in racial and ethnic minority populations. Subtherapeutic doses can result in withdrawal symptoms while supratherapeutic doses can result in overdose and death. Although CYP3A4 was conventionally considered the principal methadone metabolizing enzyme, more recent data have identified CYP2B6 as the principal enzyme. CYP2B6 has ethnically-associated polymorphisms that affect the metabolic rate. Our objective was to investigate the effects of genetic and nongenetic factors on methadone metabolism. METHODS We measured trough plasma methadone levels in 100 participants with opioid use disorder. We assessed methadone metabolism by calculating the metabolite ratio (major metabolite: 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine [EDDP] divided by methadone concentration). We assessed hepatic fibrosis and steatosis by transient elastography and CYP2B6 alleles, principally responsible for methadone metabolism. Mixed effects models modeled the data in 97 participants. RESULTS Participants were largely male (58%), minority (61% African American) and non-Hispanic (68%). Forty percent were HCV mono-infected, 40% were uninfected, and 20% were HCV/HIV co-infected. Female sex had significant effects on (R)- and (S)-methadone metabolism (p = 0.016 and p = 0.044, respectively). CYP2B6 loss of function (LOF) alleles significantly affected (S)-methadone metabolism (p = 0.012). Body mass index (BMI) significantly affected (R)-methadone metabolism (p = 0.034). Methadone metabolism appeared to be lower in males, in individuals with LOF alleles, and elevated BMI. CONCLUSIONS Genetic analysis, especially in minority populations, is essential to delivering individualized treatments. Although the principal methadone metabolizing enzyme remains controversial, our results suggest that sex, CYP2B6 genotype, and BMI should be incorporated into multivariate models to create methadone dosing algorithms. Methadone dosing algorithms should facilitate medication delivery, improve patient satisfaction, and diminish overdose potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H. Talal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Yuxin Ding
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Charles S. Venuto
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Lindsay M. Chakan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Anthony McLeod
- START Treatment & Recovery Centers, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Arpan Dharia
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Gene D. Morse
- NYS Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Lawrence S. Brown
- START Treatment & Recovery Centers, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Marianthi Markatou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Health Professions, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States of America
| | - Evan D. Kharasch
- Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
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Morando N, Vaulet MLG, Melgar A, Fermepin MR, Casco R, Pando MDLÁ. Incorporation of the rapid HIV test in a sexually-transmitted disease clinic in Buenos Aires: Dramatic increase in the frequency of HIV diagnosis. Rev Argent Microbiol 2020; 52:272-277. [PMID: 32273129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ram.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving access to diagnosis constitutes a key step in the control of the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS epidemic. Rapid testing is increasingly gaining interest as a powerful diagnostic tool to achieve this goal. The purpose of this study was to implement the rapid HIV test (RHT) in a clinical setting in order to evaluate its effectiveness in increasing HIV diagnosis and patient linkage to the healthcare system. The RHT was offered to all patients attending a sexually-transmitted disease clinic in the City of Buenos Aires between March and December 2015. A total of 593 RHT were performed. The implementation of the RHT yielded an increase in frequency of diagnosis from 6.9% to 31.4% (p<0.001). The first steps of the care cascade showed high retention rates around 90%. RHT yielded an HIV prevalence of 6.3% (95% CI: 4.2-8.5) in this population. HIV prevalence tended to be higher in individuals with no previous HIV testing (p=0.09). Linkage to the healthcare system was associated with a higher probability of having been tested for HIV (p=0.008). The incorporation of the RHT resulted in a high retention of patients and an increase in both frequency of diagnosis and results reception when compared to the classic methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Morando
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Paraguay 2155, CABA, Argentina
| | - María Lucía Gallo Vaulet
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Inmunología y Virología Clínica, Junín 954, CABA, Argentina
| | - Asunta Melgar
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Programa de Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual, Av. Córdoba 2351, CABA, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Rodríguez Fermepin
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Inmunología y Virología Clínica, Junín 954, CABA, Argentina
| | - Ricardo Casco
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Programa de Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual, Av. Córdoba 2351, CABA, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Pando
- CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Paraguay 2155, CABA, Argentina.
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Association between quality-of-care indicators for HIV infection and healthcare resource utilization and costs. AIDS 2020; 34:291-300. [PMID: 31714351 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Multiple care quality indicators for HIV infection exist but few studies examine their impact on health outcomes. This study assessed which HIV care quality indicators were associated with healthcare resource utilization and costs. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of Texas Medicaid claims data (01 January 2012 to 31 September 2016). METHODS Included patients had at least two HIV-related medical claims during the identification period (01 July 2012 to 31 August 2014) (index = date of first HIV claim), were 18-62 years at index, and were continuously enrolled in the 6-month pre-index and 1-year post-index periods. Dependent variables included emergency department (ED) visits, inpatient hospitalizations, prescription count, and all-cause healthcare costs. Independent variables included CD4 cell count monitoring, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis screenings, influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, retention in care, and HAART initiation. Covariates included age, chronic hepatitis C virus infection, AIDS diagnosis, sex, and baseline healthcare cost. The study objective was addressed using generalized linear modeling. RESULTS CD4 cell count monitoring and HAART initiation were significantly associated with reduced emergency department visits (P < 0.0001 for each). Influenza vaccination was significantly associated with reduced inpatient hospitalization (P < 0.0001). CD4 cell count monitoring (P < 0.0001), TB screening (P = 0.0006), influenza vaccination (P < 0.0001), and HAART initiation (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with increase prescription claims. CD4 cell count monitoring, TB screening, and HAART initiation (P < 0.0001 for each) were significantly associated with all-cause healthcare costs. CONCLUSION HAART may reduce use of emergency care services as early as 1 year following initiation.
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Fatti G, Grimwood A, Nachega JB, Nelson JA, LaSorda K, van Zyl G, Grobbelaar N, Ayles H, Hayes R, Beyers N, Fidler S, Bock P. Better Virological Outcomes Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Initiating Early Antiretroviral Treatment (CD4 Counts ≥500 Cells/µL) in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 071 (PopART) Trial in South Africa. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:395-403. [PMID: 30877753 PMCID: PMC7768744 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been concerns about reduced adherence and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) virological suppression (VS) among clinically well people initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) with high pre-ART CD4 cell counts. We compared virological outcomes by pre-ART CD4 count, where universal ART initiation was provided in the HIV Prevention Trials Network 071 (PopART) trial in South Africa prior to routine national and international implementation. METHODS This prospective cohort study included adults initiating ART at facilities providing universal ART since January 2014. VS (<400 copies/mL), confirmed virological failure (VF) (2 consecutive viral loads >1000 copies/mL), and viral rebound were compared between participants in strata of baseline CD4 cell count. RESULTS The sample included 1901 participants. VS was ≥94% among participants with baseline CD4 count ≥500 cells/µL at all 6-month intervals to 30 months. The risk of an elevated viral load (≥400 copies/mL) was independently lower among participants with baseline CD4 count ≥500 cells/µL (3.3%) compared to those with CD4 count 200-499 cells/µL (9.2%) between months 18 and 30 (adjusted relative risk, 0.30 [95% confidence interval, .12-.74]; P = .010). The incidence rate of VF was 7.0, 2.0, and 0.5 per 100 person-years among participants with baseline CD4 count <200, 200-499, and ≥500 cells/µL, respectively (P < .0001). VF was independently lower among participants with baseline CD4 count ≥500 cells/µL (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.23; P = .045) and 3-fold higher among those with baseline CD4 count <200 cells/µL (aHR, 3.49; P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Despite previous concerns, participants initiating ART with CD4 counts ≥500 cells/µL had very good virological outcomes, being better than those with CD4 counts 200-499 cells/µL. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT01900977.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Fatti
- Kheth’Impilo AIDS Free Living, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Jean B Nachega
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pennsylvania
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pennsylvania
- Department of Epidemiology and International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Medicine and Centre for Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town
| | - Jenna A Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pennsylvania
| | - Kelsea LaSorda
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pennsylvania
| | - Gert van Zyl
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and National Health Laboratory Service, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | | | - Helen Ayles
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
- Zambart, Ridgeway Campus University of Zambia, Lusaka
| | - Richard Hayes
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Nulda Beyers
- Desmond Tutu Tuberculosis Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sarah Fidler
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London and Imperial College National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Bock
- Desmond Tutu Tuberculosis Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Zhang Y, Xu G, Hou J, Shi P, Chang S, Wu A, Song A, Gao M, Cheng X, Cui D, Wu H, Huang X, Shi J. Problem-Based Learning Could Tackle the Issue of Insufficient Education and Adherence in People Living With HIV/AIDS. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:901. [PMID: 31507409 PMCID: PMC6716138 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Poor medication adherence is still the main cause of antiretroviral therapy (ART) failure among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Effective behavioral interventions are needed to improve HIV awareness and medication adherence. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed the effect of problem-based learning (PBL) approaches to HIV-related education and adherence outcomes among PLWHA and a college student sample. In our study, compared with 309 demography-matched control participants using conventional counseling methods (109 PLWHA and 200 college students), 321 subjects (111 PLWHA and 210 college students) chose to learn HIV-related knowledge via PBL-integrated methods. Co-primary outcomes were self-administered questionnaire after HIV-related education by all participants and self-reported medication adherence by newly diagnosed PLWHA, measured in terms of the number of missed doses in the past week at each of the seven visits during a 1-year period. Multivariate regression models adjusting different covariates were used to test the robustness of HIV awareness and adherence association. Mediation model was used to investigate the relationship among PBL training, awareness of HIV, and ART adherence. Results: The knowledge scores of participants in the PBL group were higher than those in the controls (P = 0.001), especially the subgroup of newly diagnosed PLWHA in the PBL group (P = 0.001). The HIV-related health scores of the PBL college students were also higher than those of subjects exposed to conventional education (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two by newly diagnosed PLWHA groups in the number of missed doses during the past week at each visit except at the first follow-up visit (P = 0.018). The indirect effect of PBL-integrated education on ART adherence at the 2-week visit through HIV awareness had a point estimate of 0.0349 and a 95% bias-corrected bootstrap confidence interval of 0.0061∼0.0874 in newly diagnosed PLWHA. Conclusions: PLWHA and college students using PBL showed improved awareness of HIV and higher levels of recent ART adherence; however, there was no change in long-term ART adherence in newly diagnosed PLWHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Dermatological department, Qingdao Infectious Diseases Hospital, Qingdao, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Guangyong Xu
- Dermatological department, Qingdao Infectious Diseases Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianhua Hou
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peirong Shi
- Dermatological department, Qingdao Infectious Diseases Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Suhua Chang
- Institute of Mental Health/Peking University Sixth Hospital and Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Amos Wu
- The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center, The Rockfeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Aixin Song
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Meixia Gao
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangpu Cheng
- Education Department, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Cui
- Education Department, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of AIDS Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory on Drug Dependence Research, Beijing, China
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Horter S, Bernays S, Thabede Z, Dlamini V, Kerschberger B, Pasipamire M, Rusch B, Wringe A. "I don't want them to know": how stigma creates dilemmas for engagement with Treat-all HIV care for people living with HIV in Eswatini. AJAR-AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH 2019; 18:27-37. [PMID: 30782082 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2018.1552163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
"Treat-all" programmes aim to improve clinical outcomes and to reduce HIV transmission through regular HIV testing and immediate offer of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for those diagnosed HIV-positive, irrespective of immunological status and symptoms of disease. Global narratives on the benefits of Treat-all anticipate reduced HIV-related stigma and increased "normalisation" of HIV with Treat-all implementation, whereby HIV is remoulded as a manageable, chronic condition where stigmatising symptoms can be concealed. Drawing on Goffman's stigma work, we aimed to investigate how stigma may influence the engagement of clinically asymptomatic people living with HIV (PLHIV) with Treat-all HIV care in Shiselweni, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). This longitudinal research comprised 106 interviews conducted from August 2016 to September 2017, including repeated interviews with 30 PLHIV, and one-off interviews with 20 healthcare workers. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo 11, drawing upon principles of grounded theory to generate findings inductively from participants' accounts. Stigma was pervasive within the narratives of PLHIV, framing their engagement with treatment and care. Many asymptomatic PLHIV were motivated to initiate ART in order to maintain a "discreditable" status, by preventing the development of visible and exposing symptoms. However, engagement with treatment and care services could itself be exposing. PLHIV described the ways in which these "invisibilising" benefits and exposing risks of ART were continually assessed and navigated over time. Where the risk of exposure was deemed too great, this could lead to intermittent treatment-taking, and disengagement from care. Addressing HIV related stigma is crucial to the success of Treat-all, and should thus be a core component of HIV responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona Horter
- a London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , UK.,b Médecins sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders , Nhlangano , Eswatini
| | - Sarah Bernays
- c Sydney School of Public Health , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Zanele Thabede
- b Médecins sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders , Nhlangano , Eswatini
| | - Velibanti Dlamini
- b Médecins sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders , Nhlangano , Eswatini
| | | | - Munyaradzi Pasipamire
- d Swaziland National AIDS Programme , Swaziland Ministry of Health , Mbabane , Eswatini
| | - Barbara Rusch
- e Médecins sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Alison Wringe
- a London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , London , UK
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Kiragga AN, Mubiru F, Kambugu AD, Kamya MR, Castelnuovo B. A decade of antiretroviral therapy in Uganda: what are the emerging causes of death? BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:77. [PMID: 30665434 PMCID: PMC6341568 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3724-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The roll out of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Sub-Saharan Africa led to a decrease in mortality. Few studies have documented the causes of deaths among patients on long term antiretroviral therapy in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our objective was to describe the causes of death among patients on long term ART in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We used data from a prospective cohort of ART naïve patients receiving care and treatment at the Infectious Diseases Institute in Kampala, Uganda. Patients were followed up for 10 years. All deaths were recorded and possible causes established using verbal autopsy. Deaths were grouped as HIV-related (ART toxicities, any opportunistic infections (OIs) and HIV-related malignancies) and non-HIV related deaths while some remained unknown. We used Kaplan Meier survival methods to estimate cumulative incidence and rates of mortality for all causes of death. RESULTS Of the 559, (386, 69%) were female, median age 36 years (IQR: 21-44), 89% had WHO clinical stages 3 and 4, and median CD4 count at ART initiation was 98 cells/μL (IQR: 21-163). A total of 127 (22.7%) deaths occurred in 10 years. The HIV related causes of death (n = 70) included the following; Tuberculosis 17 (24.3%), Cryptococcal meningitis 10 (15.7%), Kaposi's Sarcoma 7(10%), HIV related toxicity 6 (8.6%), HIV related anemia 5(7.1%), Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia (PCP) 5 (7.1%), HIV related chronic diarrhea 4 (5.7%), Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma 3 (4.3%), Herpes Zoster 2 (2.8%), other 10 (14.3%). The non-HIV related causes of death (n = 20) included non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, stroke) 6 (30%), malaria 3 (15%), pregnancy-related death 2 (10%), cervical cancer 2 (10%), trauma 1(5%) and others 6 (30%). CONCLUSION Despite the higher rates of deaths from OIs in the early years of ART initiation, we observed an emergence of non-HIV related causes of morbidity and mortality. It is recommended that HIV programs in resource-limited settings start planning for screening and treatment of non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes N. Kiragga
- Research Department, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Frank Mubiru
- Research Department, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Andrew D. Kambugu
- Research Department, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses R. Kamya
- School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barbara Castelnuovo
- Research Department, Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Horter S, Wringe A, Thabede Z, Dlamini V, Kerschberger B, Pasipamire M, Lukhele N, Rusch B, Seeley J. "Is it making any difference?" A qualitative study examining the treatment-taking experiences of asymptomatic people living with HIV in the context of Treat-all in Eswatini. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25220. [PMID: 30697970 PMCID: PMC6351702 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treat-all is being implemented in several African settings, in accordance with 2015 World Health Organisation guidelines. The factors known to undermine adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) may change in the context of Treat-all, where people living with HIV (PLHIV) increasingly initiate ART at earlier, asymptomatic stages of disease, soon after diagnosis. This paper aimed to examine the asymptomatic PLHIV's experiences engaging with early ART initiation under the Treat-all policy, including how they navigate treatment-taking over the longer term. METHODS A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted within a Médecins Sans Frontières/Ministry of Health Treat-all pilot in Shiselweni, southern Eswatini. The Treat-all pilot began in October 2014, adopted into national policy in October 2016. Participants were recruited purposively to include newly diagnosed, clinically asymptomatic PLHIV with a range of treatment-taking experiences, and healthcare workers (HCW) with various roles. This analysis drew upon a sub-sample of 17 PLHIV who had been on ART for at least 12 months, with mean 20 months on ART at first interview, and who undertook three interviews each. Additionally, 20 HCWs were interviewed once. Interviews were conducted from August 2016 to September 2017. Data were analysed thematically using coding, drawing upon principles of grounded theory, and aided by Nvivo 11. RESULTS It was important for PLHIV to perceive the need for treatment, and to have evidence of its effectiveness to motivate their treatment-taking, thereby supporting engagement with care. For some, coming to terms with a HIV diagnosis or re-interpreting past illnesses as signs of HIV could point to the need for ART to prevent health deterioration and prolong life. However, others doubted the accuracy of an HIV diagnosis and the need for treatment in the absence of symptoms or signs of ill health, with some experimenting with treatment-taking as a means of seeking evidence of their need for treatment and its effect. Viral load monitoring appeared important in offering a view of the effect of treatment on the level of the virus, thereby motivating continued treatment-taking. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of PLHIV perceiving need for treatment and having evidence of the difference that ART is making to them for motivating treatment-taking. Patient support should be adapted to address these concerns, and viral load monitoring made routinely available within Treat-all care, with communication of suppressed results emphasized to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shona Horter
- Médecins Sans FrontièresNhlanganoEswatini
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
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