Loss to follow-up and associated factors of patients in the National AIDS Program in Thailand

Long-term outcomes of rapid antiretroviral NNRTI-based initiation among Thai youth living with HIV: a national registry database study

INTRODUCTION

The Thai National AIDS programme (NAP) treatment guidelines have recommended rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, regardless of CD4 count since 2014. We assessed treatment outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLHIV), initiating first-line ART and assessed the association between virological failure (VF) and timing of ART initiation.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data for YLHIV aged 15-24 years, initiating non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based ART from 2014 to 2019, through the NAP database. We classified the timing of ART into three groups based on duration from HIV-positive diagnosis or system registration to ART initiation: (1) <1 month (rapid ART); (2) 1-3 months (intermediate ART); and (3) >3 months (delayed ART). VF was defined as viral load (VL) ≥ 1000 copies/ml after at least 6 months of first-line ART. Factors associated with VF were analysed using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Of 19,825 YLHIV who started ART, 78% were male. Median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 21 (20-23) years and CD4 count was 338 (187-498) cells/mm³ . After registration, 12,216 (62%) started rapid ART, 4272 (22%) intermediate ART and 3337 (17%) delayed ART. The proportion of YLHIV starting ART <30 days significantly increased from 43% to 57% from 2014-2016 to 2017-2019 (p < 0.001). The median duration of first-line therapy was 2 (IQR 1-3) years and 89% started with efavirenz-based regimens. Attrition outcomes showed that 325 (2%) died (0.73 [95% CI 0.65-0.81] per 100 person-years [PY]) and 1762 (9%) were loss to follow-up (3.96 [95% CI 3.78-4.15] per 100 PY). Of 17,512 (88%) who had VL checked from 6 to 12 months after starting treatment, 80% achieved VL <200 copies/ml. Overall, 2512 experienced VF 5.87 (95% CI 5.65-6.11) per 100 PY). In a multivariate model, the adjusted incidence rate ratio for VF was 1.47 (95% CI 1.33-1.63, p < 0.001) in the delayed ART group and 1.14 (95% CI 1.03-1.25, p< 0.001) in the intermediate ART group, compared to YLHIV in the rapid ART group.

CONCLUSIONS

Rapid ART initiation after diagnosis was associated with significantly reduced risks of VF and death in YLHIV, supporting the implementation of rapid ART for optimizing health outcomes.

Treatment Outcomes After Switching to Second-Line Anti-Retroviral Therapy: Results From the Thai National Treatment Program

This study aimed to assess second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes in a National HIV Treatment program. People living with HIV aged ≥18 years initiating first-line ART who switched to second-line protease inhibitor-based regimens from January 2008 to May 2019, with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were studied. The primary outcome was second-line treatment failure (two consecutive virological failure episodes (viral load ≥1000 copies/mL)). Of 318,506 PLH initiating ART, 29,015 (9.1%) switched to second-line regimens after a median (IQR) ART duration of 1.63 (0.60-3.59) years. Lost to follow-up (LTFU) occurred in 5316 (18.3%) of whom 1376 (5%) remained LTFU and alive; 4606 (15.9%) died. Cumulative second-line failure incidence was 9.8% at 6 years, more common in females, younger PLH those with lower switch CD4 cell counts. Multidisciplinary, innovative support systems are needed to improve second-line treatment outcomes, particularly those relating to modifiable risk factors.

Brief Report: Mortality After Loss to Follow-Up-A Linkage Study of People Living With HIV in Thailand and Malaysia

BACKGROUND

Linkage studies have reported high rates of previously unascertained mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV) who have been lost to follow-up (LTFU). We assessed survival outcomes among PLHIV who were LTFU in Thailand and Malaysia, through linkages to a national death registry or HIV database.

METHODS

Data linkages with the national death registry or national HIV database were conducted in 2020 on all PLHIV who met LTFU criteria while enrolled in care at participating HIV clinical sites. LTFU was defined as having no documented clinical contact in the previous year, excluding transfers and deaths. Survival time was analyzed using the Cox regression, stratified by site.

RESULTS

Data linkages were performed for 489 PLHIV who had been LTFU at sites in Malaysia (n = 2) and Thailand (n = 4). There were 151 (31%) deaths after being LTFU; the mortality rate was 4.89 per 100 person-years. Risk factors for mortality after being LTFU were older age [41-50 years: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08 to 3.68; and older than 50 years: HR = 4.93, 95% CI: 2.63 to 9.22; vs. age 30 years or younger]; receiving NRTI + PI (HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.85 vs. NRTI + NNRTI); positive hepatitis C antibody (HR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.40 to 3.62); and having previous AIDS illness (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.03 to 2.05). An improved survival was seen with a higher CD4 count (CD4 351-500 cells/µL: HR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.21-0.76; and CD4 >500 cells/µL: HR = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.25-0.75; vs. CD4 ≤200 cells/µL).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost one-third of PLHIV who were LTFU in this cohort had died while out of care, emphasizing the importance of efforts to reengage PLHIV after they have been LTFU and ensure they have access to ongoing ART.

Rapid antiretroviral initiation among Thai youth living with HIV in the National AIDS programme in the era of treatment at any CD4 cell count: a national registry database study

INTRODUCTION

The process indicators of ending the HIV epidemic include 90% of people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The population of youth, however, has less access to healthcare. We assessed ART initiation and attrition outcomes of the HIV continuum from HIV diagnosis to ART initiation in youth living with HIV (YLHIV) and factors associated with ART initiation.

METHODS

We studied YLHIV aged 15 to 24 years who were registered on the National AIDS Program (NAP) from January 2008 to May 2019. The study period was divided into 2008 to 2013 (initiated ART by CD4-guided criteria) and 2014 to 2018 (initiate ART at any CD4). Date of registration was used as a surrogate for the diagnosis date and defined as the baseline. The database included ART prescription and laboratory results, and the vital status was linked daily with the National Death Registry. Competing risk methods were used to assess factors associated with accessing ART, with loss to follow-up (LTFU) and death considered as competing events. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with rapid ART initiation, defined as initiation ≤1 month after registration.

RESULTS

Overall, 51,607 youth registered on the NAP (42% between 2008 and 2013). Median age was 21 (IQR 20 to 23) years; 64% were male. Overall ART initiation was 80% in the first period and 83% in the second. The ART initiation rate was higher among YLHIV aged 15 to 19 years (86%) than 20 to 24 years (82%) (p < 0.001) in the second period. The proportion of youth starting rapid ART increased significantly from 27% to 52% between the two periods (p < 0.001). Factors associated with ART initiation were age 15 to 19 years (aSHR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.11), female (aSHR 1.26, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.29) and registration year 2014 to 2018 (aSHR 1.73, 95% CI 1.69 to 1.76). The cumulative incidence of LTFU/death prior to ART initiation at 12 months was 3.8% (95% CI 3.6% to 4.1%) in the first period and 1.9% (95% CI 1.8% to 2.1%) in the second period.

CONCLUSIONS

In the era of universal treatment of all at any CD4 level, 83% of YLHIV registered on the Thai National AIDS Program initiated ART. The majority initiated within one month of registration.

Long-term loss to follow-up in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD)

OBJECTIVES

With earlier antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, time spent in HIV care is expected to increase. We aimed to investigate loss to follow-up (LTFU) in Asian patients who remained in care 5 years after ART initiation.

METHODS

Long-term LTFU was defined as LTFU occurring after 5 years on ART. LTFU was defined as (1) patients not seen in the previous 12 months; and (2) patients not seen in the previous 6 months. Factors associated with LTFU were analysed using competing risk regression.

RESULTS

Under the 12-month definition, the LTFU rate was 2.0 per 100 person-years (PY) [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8-2.2 among 4889 patients included in the study. LTFU was associated with age > 50 years [sub-hazard ratio (SHR) 1.64; 95% CI 1.17-2.31] compared with 31-40 years, viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL (SHR 1.86; 95% CI 1.16-2.97) compared with viral load < 1000 copies/mL, and hepatitis C coinfection (SHR 1.48; 95% CI 1.06-2.05). LTFU was less likely to occur in females, in individuals with higher CD4 counts, in those with self-reported adherence ≥ 95%, and in those living in high-income countries. The 6-month LTFU definition produced an incidence rate of 3.2 per 100 PY (95% CI 2.9-3.4 and had similar associations but with greater risks of LTFU for ART initiation in later years (2006-2009: SHR 2.38; 95% CI 1.93-2.94; and 2010-2011: SHR 4.26; 95% CI 3.17-5.73) compared with 2003-2005.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term LTFU rate in our cohort was low, with older age being associated with LTFU. The increased risk of LTFU with later years of ART initiation in the 6-month analysis, but not the 12-month analysis, implies that there was a possible move towards longer HIV clinic scheduling in Asia.

Mortality and losses to follow-up among adolescents living with HIV in the IeDEA global cohort collaboration

INTRODUCTION

We assessed mortality and losses to follow-up (LTFU) during adolescence in routine care settings in the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium.

METHODS

Cohorts in the Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean, Central, and South America, and sub-Saharan Africa (Central, East, Southern, West) contributed data, and included adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) enrolled from January 2003 and aged 10 to 19 years (period of adolescence) while under care up to database closure (June 2016). Follow-up started at age 10 years or the first clinic visit, whichever was later. Entering care at <15 years was a proxy for perinatal infection, while entering care ≥15 years represented infection acquired during adolescence. Competing risk regression was used to assess associations with death and LTFU among those ever receiving triple-drug antiretroviral therapy (triple-ART).

RESULTS

Of the 61,242 ALHIV from 270 clinics in 34 countries included in the analysis, 69% (n = 42,138) entered care <15 years of age (53% female), and 31% (n = 19,104) entered care ≥15 years (81% female). During adolescence, 3.9% died, 30% were LTFU and 8.1% were transferred. For those with infection acquired perinatally versus during adolescence, the four-year cumulative incidences of mortality were 3.9% versus 5.4% and of LTFU were 26% versus 69% respectively (both p < 0.001). Overall, there were higher hazards of death for females (adjusted sub-hazard ratio (asHR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 1.33), and those starting treatment at ≥5 years of age (highest asHR for age ≥15: 8.72, 95% CI 5.85 to 13.02), and in care in mostly urban (asHR 1.40, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.75) and mostly rural settings (asHR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.87) compared to urban settings. Overall, higher hazards of LTFU were observed among females (asHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.17), and those starting treatment at age ≥5 years (highest asHR for age ≥15: 11.11, 95% CI 9.86 to 12.53), in care at district hospitals (asHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.37) or in rural settings (asHR 1.21, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.29), and starting triple-ART after 2006 (highest asHR for 2011 to 2016 1.84, 95% CI 1.71 to 1.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Both mortality and LTFU were worse among those entering care at ≥15 years. ALHIV should be evaluated apart from younger children and adults to identify population-specific reasons for death and LTFU.