Perinatally infected adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (perinatally human immunodeficiency virus)

Treatment outcomes among young persons living with HIV who transitioned to adult care in southern Nigeria: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In October 2019, a peer-based transition preparedness model was introduced as part of peer club activities to prepare young persons living with HIV (YLHIV) for adult care. This study compared the 12 and 24 months treatment outcomes of YLHIV who transitioned to adult care in primary, secondary and tertiary health facilities in Southern Nigeria, following the introduction of this model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study using data extracted from the medical records of YLHIV who transitioned to adult care at 25 years in 2018 and in 2021 across 155 healthcare facilities in southern Nigeria. Baseline data at transition, as well as 12 and 24 months post-transition data were extracted for comparison between those who were transitioned before (2018 cohort) and after (2021 cohort) the transition preparedness model was introduced. Logistics regression analysis was used to compare client continuity on treatment and undetectable viral load between the two groups at 12 and 24 months after transitioning to adult care.

RESULTS

Most of the1,555 YLHIV who transitioned to adult care in 2018 (n = 343, 22.1%) and 2021 (n = 1,212, 77.9%) were females (91.0% in 2018 v.82.6% in 2021) and initiated ART at 20 years or older (92.7% v. 95.7%). A higher proportion of those in the 2021 cohort were continuously retained both at 12 months and 24 months post-transitioning compared to those in the 2018 cohort (12 months: 96.7% vs 80.2%, p < 0.001; 24 months: 92.7% vs 77.6% p < 0.001). Similarly, the proportion of YLHIV with undetectable viral load in the 2021 cohort was significantly higher than those in the 2018 cohort at both 12 months (96.1% vs 60.1%, p < 0.001) and 24 months (93.3% vs 80.6%, p < 0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Peer-based transition preparedness model improved treatment outcomes of YLHIV who transition to adult care. Programs should implement tailored, peer-based interventions to address gaps in service delivery.

The Long-Term Health Outcomes of People Living with Perinatal Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Scoping Review

Since the first reported cases of perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1982, a generation born with HIV has reached adulthood. The authors conducted a scoping review of PubMed and Google Scholar for articles published between January 2000 and June 2023 to assess the long-term, multisystem health outcomes of this population. Long-term health outcomes studied in this population pertain to the effects of perinatal HIV (PHIV) infection and life-long antiretroviral therapy on the endocrine, reproductive, psychosocial, neurobehavioral, immunologic, and cardiovascular systems. Holistic health of all body systems should be considered in the long-term care of people with PHIV.

An interprofessional model of care for adolescents with perinatal HIV: A qualitative study

Background and Aims

The number of perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHIVA) is increasing however many health care systems are not prepared for this population and their health challenges, specifically a model of care (MoC) is lacking. Thus the objective of this study was to develop and propose a MoC for PHIVA.

Methods

Through a qualitative study design, a MoC was developed and ratified with two focus groups, consisting of PHIVA and healthcare professionals.

Results

Seven participants were included in each focus group and the following themes were developed: relatable attributes; missing components; implementation and suggestions. Changes were made to the drafts of the MoC in response to the focus group results, leading to the finalisation of a MoC for PHIVA. The MoC focused on the importance of interprofessional health care and addressed the physical sequelae that PHIVA are likely to encounter. A schematic of the MoC was created for the use in general public education.

Conclusion

It is important that healthcare facilities are equipped to handle the specific needs of PHIVA. The interprofessional MoC developed in this study helps to address the requirements of this population.

Evaluation of HIV-1 DNA levels among adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV-1 in Yaounde, Cameroon: A contribution to paediatric HIV cure research in Sub-Saharan Africa

Background

With the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART), most children living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are growing toward adolescence, with scarcity of evidence on the size of viral reservoirs to enhance paediatric cure research strategies. This study aims to compare HIV-1 proviral DNA levels according to virological response among adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV-1 (ALPHIV) and identify associated-factors in the Cameroonian context.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, HIV-1 RNA viremia and CD4+ T-cell count were assessed through RT-PCR and flow cytometry respectively at three time-points over 18 months of observation. At the third time-point, 80 randomly-selected participants were classified as with viremia (≥50 HIV-1 copies/mL; n = 40) or without viremia (<50 HIV-1 copies/mL; n = 40); immune-competent (≥500 CD4+ T cells/mm3) or immunocompromised (<500 CD4+ T cells/mm3). Among these participants, total HIV-1 DNA load was quantified through droplet digital PCR using Bio-Rad QX200.

Results

Of the 80 randomly-selected adolescents, median [IQR] age was 15 (13-17) years, 56.2% were female, duration on ART was 9.3 [5.4-12.2] years. Among the 40 viremic ones (median viremia 7312 [283-71482]) HIV-1 copies/ml, 75.0% (30/40) were in virological failure (≥1000 HIV-1 copies/ml), while median of CD4 T cells were 494 [360-793] cell/mm3 with 48.8% (39/80) immunocompromised. No significant variation in HIV-1 RNA viremia and CD4 T cell count was observed between the three time-points, and 13.7% (11/80) adolescents remained aviremic and immune-competent throughout (stable adolescents). A positive and moderate correlation (r = 0.59; p < 0.001) was found between HIV-1 DNA levels and HIV- 1 RNA viremia. Regarding the CD4 T cell count, a negative and weak correlation (r = -0.28; p = 0.014) was found with HIV-1 DNA loads only among adolescents with viremia. Starting ART within the first year of life, ART for over 9 years and aviremia appear as predictors of low HIV-1 DNA loads.

Conclusion

Among ALPHIV, high HIV-1 RNA indicates an elevated viral reservoir size, representing a drawback to cure research. Interestingly, early ART initiation and longer ARTduration lead to sustained viral control and limited HIV-1 reservoir size. As limited size of viral reservoir appears consistent with viral control and immune competence, adolescents with sustained viral control (about 14% of this target population) would be candidates for analytical ART interruptions toward establishing paediatric post-treatment controllers in SSA.

Physical functioning in adolescents with perinatal HIV

Perinatal HIV impacts on growth and development in childhood, with physical impairments such as growth limitations, decreased physical activity, reduced exercise tolerance and cardiopulmonary dysfunction continuing into adolescence. There is limited data on other physical functioning domains in perinatally HIV-infected adolescents (PHIVA) thus the aim of this study was to establish the physical sequelae of perinatal HIV in adolescents. This South African cross-sectional study compared PHIVA with HIV-negative adolescents, assessing anthropometry, muscle strength, endurance and motor performance. All ethical considerations were adhered to. The study included 147 PHIVA and 102 HIV-negative adolescents, aged 10-16 years. The majority (87.1%) of PHIVA were virally suppressed however, they still showed significant deficits in height (p < 0.001), weight (p < 0.001) and BMI (p = 0.004). Both groups performed poorly in muscle strength and endurance but did not differ significantly. In motor performance, the PHIVA scored significantly lower for manual dexterity and balance, with significantly more PHIVA with motor difficulty. A regression analysis showed that viral suppression predicted muscle strength (p = 0.032) and age positively predicted endurance (p = 0.044) and negatively predicated aiming and catching (p = 0.009). In conclusion, PHIVA face growth deficits and challenges with motor performance, especially with manual dexterity and balance.

Current ART, determinants for virologic failure and implications for HIV drug resistance: an umbrella review

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of determinants for virologic failure and to identify predisposing factors to enhance treatment efficacy. Tackling this global public health issue is the key to reducing the rate of virological failure and increasing the success of treatment for those living with HIV.

METHODS

This umbrella review delves into various aspects of current anti-retroviral therapy (ART) which is the primary treatment for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Comprehensive searches were conducted in online databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, up to May 26, 2023. Following the screening and selection of relevant articles, eligible articles were included in the data extraction. This study adhered to the PRISMA guideline to report the results and employed the NIH quality and bias risk assessment tool to ensure the quality of included studies.

RESULTS

In total, 40 review studies published from 2015 to 2023 were included. The bulk of these studies concurred on several major factors contributing to HIV drug resistance and virological failure. Key among these were medication adherence, baseline and therapeutic CD4 levels, the presence of co-infections, and the advanced clinical stage of the infection.

CONCLUSION

The resistance to HIV drugs and instances of determinants for virologic failure have a profound impact on the life quality of those infected with HIV. Primary contributors to this scenario include insufficient adherence to treatment, decreased CD4 T-cell count, elevated viral levels, and certain treatment regimens. Implementing appropriate interventions could address these issues. Sub-Saharan Africa exhibits elevated rates of determinants for virologic failure, attributed to the delay in HIV testing and diagnosis, and late initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is essential to undertake further research aimed at enhancing the detection of resistance in HIV patients and mitigating viral failure by addressing these underlying causes.

Social effects of HIV disclosure, an ongoing challenge in young adults living with perinatal HIV: a qualitative study

Introduction

Young adults with perinatal HIV (YAPHIV) have survived the long journey of life while living with HIV since early childhood. We explore the HIV disclosure experience and its social effects from their perspectives.

Methods

The qualitative study was conducted from June to November 2022 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Data were collected through individual in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 YAPHIV at the median age of 25 years. Content analysis was used to identify themes from the interview transcripts.

Results

Most participants learned their HIV status from their parents, caregivers, healthcare providers, or other people in community during their childhood. Some were disclosed later in adolescent years. HIV disclosure to others was associated with various experiences in different stages of life. While some YAPHIV decided not to disclose their HIV status to anyone, it also had social effects. Three major themes were identified: (1) positive social effects of HIV disclosure (perceived social acceptance, perceived social support); (2) negative social effects of HIV disclosure (effects on child rearing, schooling, and family relationship); and (3) HIV non-disclosure (anticipated stigma, negative effects on the quality of employment, and relationships). An emerging theme was a need for peer support mentioned by several YAPHIV as they would like to discuss with somebody and share their feelings while living with HIV.

Conclusion

HIV disclosure remains challenging for YAPHIV while growing up and moving toward adult milestones. Better understanding their situations and perspectives would allow healthcare providers to provide them with updated HIV knowledge, coping skills, and psychosocial support.

The proportion of loss to follow-up from antiretroviral therapy (ART) and its association with age among adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a global health threat, especially in developing countries. The successful scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs to address this threat is hindered by a high proportion of patient loss to follow-up (LTFU). LTFU is associated with poor viral suppression and increased mortality. It is particularly acute among adolescents, who face unique adherence challenges. Although LTFU is a critical obstacle on the continuum of care for adolescents, few regional-level studies report the proportion of LTFU among adolescents receiving ART. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to estimate the pooled LTFU in ART programs among adolescents living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

METHODS

We searched five databases (PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) for articles published between 2005 and 2020 and reference lists of included articles. The PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. A standardised checklist to extract data was used. Descriptive summaries were presented using narrative tables and figures. Heterogeneity within the included studies was examined using the Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test. Random effect models were used to estimate the pooled prevalence of LTFU among ALHIV. We used Stata version 16 statistical software for our analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine eligible studies (n = 285,564) were included. An estimated 15.07% (95% CI: 11.07, 19.07) of ALHIV were LTFU. Older adolescents (15-19 years old) were 43% (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.87) more likely to be LTFU than younger (10-14 years old) adolescents. We find an insignificant relationship between gender and LTFU (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.03). A subgroup analysis found that regional differences in the proportion of adolescent LTFU were not statistically significant. The trend analysis indicates an increasing proportion of adolescent LTFU over time.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The proportion of LTFU among HIV-positive adolescents in SSA seems higher than those reported in other regions. Older adolescents in the region are at an increased risk for LTFU than younger adolescents. These findings may help policymakers develop appropriate strategies to retain ALHIV in ART services. Such strategies could include community ART distribution points, appointment spacing, adherence clubs, continuous free access to ART, and community-based adherence support.

Height adjustment reduces occurrence of low bone mineral density in children and adolescents with HIV

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to quantify the reduction of bone mineral density with and without height adjustment.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed with 69 Brazilian children and adolescents vertically infected by HIV. Bone mineral density was measured by dual-energy absorptiometry in the lumbar spine. Anthropometric, demographic, and clinical variables were analyzed. A specific calculator was used for height adjustment.

RESULTS

The majority of participants (52.2%) were adolescents and did not present with immunological alterations (61%). Reduced bone mineral density (Z-score <-1) was present in 23.2% and low bone mass (Z-score <-2) in 5.8%. After height adjustment, these occurrences decreased to 11.6% and 0%, respectively. Patients with reduced bone mineral density had a higher mean age and lower body mass index than patients with normal bone mineral density.

CONCLUSION

The occurrence of reduced bone mineral density decreased after adjustment for height.

Brief Report: Time to Repeat Viral Load Testing Among Unsuppressed Adolescents and Young Adults Living With HIV in Kenya

BACKGROUND

Repeat HIV viral load (VL) testing is required after unsuppressed VL to confirm treatment failure. We assessed proportion of adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALHIV) in Kenya with a confirmatory VL test and time to repeat testing.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of longitudinal data abstracted from Kenya's national VL database.

METHODS

VL data for AYALHIV who were 10-24 year old between April 2017 and May 2019 were abstracted from 117 HIV care clinics. Records were eligible if at least one VL test was performed ≥6 months after antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. The proportion of unsuppressed AYALHIV (≥1000 copies/mL) and time in months between first unsuppressed VL and repeat VL was determined.

RESULTS

We abstracted 40,928 VL records for 23,969 AYALHIV; of whom, 17,092 (71%) were eligible for this analysis. Of these, 12,122 (71%) were women, median age of 19 years [interquartile range (IQR): 13-23], and median ART duration of 38 months (IQR: 16-76). Among eligible AYALHIV, 4010 (23%) had an unsuppressed VL at first eligible measurement. Only 316 (8%) of the unsuppressed AYALHIV had a repeat VL within 3 months and 1176 (29%) within 6 months. Among 2311 virally unsuppressed AYALHIV with a repeat VL, the median time between the first and the repeat VL was 6 months (IQR: 4-8), with 1330 (58%) having confirmed treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

One-quarter of AYALHIV on ART had unsuppressed VL, with less than a third receiving a repeat VL within 6 months. Strategies to improve VL testing practices are needed to improve AYALHIV's outcomes.

Craniofacial morphology of HIV-infected adolescents undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART): An original research

OBJECTIVES:

To analyze the craniofacial morphology in child patients and adolescents by evaluating the skeletal cephalometric profile of the HIV infected patients in this age group and comparing them with the HIV-negative controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present study was a planned case-control study which included 25 HIV-positive adolescent patients aged between 10 and 18 years (the study group) who were compared with 25 age- and sex-matched HIV-negative adolescent controls (the control group). All the patients had been HIV infected via a vertical transmission with positive serology confirmed in two different tests and had been kept on HAART since they were born. The diagnostic aids used for orthodontic documentation included facial photographs, digital orthopantomographs, lateral teleradiographs, and study models.

RESULTS:

With reference to the methodologies used for taking the cephalometric values, all the methods used were in strong agreement with each other for almost all the variables studied and had high intra-class correlation coefficient values except Co-A, SN.ANSPNS, and SNB which, too, had a good agreement of 60%. Nevertheless, the agreement was positive for these variables, too, since the P values obtained were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Most of the measurements in the HIV-infected adolescents were found to be similar to the ones obtained for the HIV-negative controls, although, the study results highlighted the significance of further studies to be conducted in this regard, especially, the longitudinal study designs wherein the said variables can be studied on a follow-up basis in longitudinal studies to have an idea of the exact changes observed and their pattern in the included groups.

Social cognition in patients with acquired brain lesions: An overview on an under-reported problem

Social cognition (SC) consists of mental representations of interpersonal relationships, which are used flexibly by the individual to promote functional social behaviors and achieve the goals. SC is a multidimensional construct and is supported by the activity of distributed neural networks in which different cortical and subcortical regions of the brain are involved. The review aims to evaluate the current literature on SC taking into account how it is compromised in acquired brain injury. Studies performed between 2010 and 2019 and fulfilling the selected criteria were searched on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Sciences databases. Impairment of SC is a neglected but common consequence of ABI, often leading to disordered interpersonal functioning and poor regulation of personal behavior with impaired social adaptation and quality of life of both the patient and his/her family. This review supports the idea that SC could have an important role in the management of neurological patients by both clinicians and caregivers.

Long-term outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected adolescents and young adults on antiretroviral therapy: a review of South African and global literature

Paediatric antiretroviral programmes have been implemented globally for more than a decade, yet information on long-term treatment outcomes in perinatally HIV-infected adolescents is limited. Published literature on long-term treatment outcomes was reviewed, including virologic, immunologic and growth outcomes, as well as drug resistance and factors associated with drug resistance. Outcomes were compared between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), with additional focus on South Africa, the country with the biggest HIV epidemic in the world and the largest treatment programme. Treatment outcomes varied but viral suppression results globally were generally concerning. No studies from LMIC have reported on outcomes after >10 years follow-up, demonstrating that further studies are needed.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Adolescents: Risk, Prevention, Screening, and Treatment

Adolescents and young adults are at high risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Several risk factors that strongly contribute to HIV infection risk are described, including physical, cognitive, social, and economic factors. Strategies for screening and prevention of HIV infection, including universal screening, behavioral counseling, and preexposure prophylaxis, are reviewed, and the initial treatment approach to a diagnosis of HIV in adolescents is outlined.

Craniofacial morphology of HIV-positive children and adolescents undergoing antiretroviral therapy: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

In this study, we aimed to analyze craniofacial morphology by assessing the skeletal cephalometric profiles of HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

For this study, 21 HIV-positive patients aged between 6 and 17 years (study group) were selected and compared with 21 normoreactive patients (control group), paired by sex and age. The patients were also divided into 3 age ranges (6-8, 9-12, and 13-17 years) considering the pubertal growth spurt as the central event. Eighteen (linear and angular) measurements were traced on teleradiographs by using 2 methodologies. The mean values of each measurement were compared between the study and control groups by age range.

RESULTS

The majority of the measurements checked in the HIV-positive children and adolescents for the 13-to-17 year age range were diminished, but not enough to generate a statistically significant difference in craniofacial growth. Statistically significant differences (P <0.05) were found only in the inclination of the palatal plane (6-8 years) and the position of the maxilla in the anteroposterior direction (13-17 years).

CONCLUSIONS

These results led us to conclude that some cephalometric measurements of HIV-positive children and adolescents may be similar to those of normoreactive subjects.

Cultural Adaptation of an Evidence-Informed Psychosocial Intervention to Address the Needs of PHIV+ Youth in Thailand

Globally, pediatric HIV has largely become an adolescent epidemic. Thailand has the highest HIV prevalence in Asia (1.2%), with more than 14,000 children living with HIV. There is growing demand for evidence-based psychosocial interventions for this population that include health and mental health support and sexual risk reduction, which can be integrated into HIV care systems. To address this need, a multidisciplinary team of Thai and US researchers adapted an existing evidence-informed, family-based intervention, The Collaborative HIV Prevention and Adolescent Mental Health Program + (CHAMP+), which has been tested in multiple global trials. Using community-based participatory research methods, changes to the intervention curriculum were made to address language, culture, and Thai family life. Involvement of families, youth, and stakeholders in the adaptation process allowed for identification of salient issues and of program delivery methods that would increase engagement. Participants endorsed using a cartoon-based curriculum format for fostering discussion (as in CHAMP+ South Africa) given stigma around discussing HIV in the Thai context. The Thai version of CHAMP+ retained much of the curriculum content incorporating culturally appropriate metaphors and story line. Sessions focus on family communication, coping, disclosure, stigma, social support, and HIV education. This paper explores lessons learned through the adaption process of CHAMP+ Thailand that are applicable to other interventions and settings. It discusses how culturally informed adaptations can be made to interventions while maintaining core program components.