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Chipanta D, Amo-Agyei S, Giovenco D, Estill J, Keiser O. Socioeconomic inequalities in the 90-90-90 target, among people living with HIV in 12 sub-Saharan African countries - Implications for achieving the 95-95-95 target - Analysis of population-based surveys. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 53:101652. [PMID: 36159044 PMCID: PMC9489496 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inequalities undermine efforts to end AIDS by 2030. We examined socioeconomic inequalities in the 90-90-90 target among people living with HIV (PLHIV) -men (MLHIV), women (WLHIV) and adolescents (ALHIV). METHODS We analysed the available Population HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA) survey data for each of the 12 sub-Saharan African countries, collected between 2015 and 2018 to estimate the attainment of each step of the 90-90-90 target by wealth quintiles. We constructed concentration curves, computed concentration indices (CIX) -a negative (positive) CIX indicated pro-poor (pro-rich) inequalities- and identified factors associated with, and contributing to inequality. FINDINGS Socioeconomic inequalities in achieving the 90-90-90 target components among PLHIV were noted in 11 of the 12 countries surveyed: not in Rwanda. Awareness of HIV positive status was pro-rich in 5/12 countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi, and Zambia) ranging from CIX=0·085 (p< 0·05) in Tanzania for PLHIV, to CIX = 0·378 (p<0·1) in Côte d'Ivoire for ALHIV. It was pro-poor in 5/12 countries (Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Malawi, Namibia and Eswatini), ranging from CIX = -0·076 (p<0·05) for PLHIV in Eswatini, and CIX = -0·192 (p<0·05) for WLHIV in Ethiopia. Inequalities in accessing ART were pro-rich in 5/12 countries (Cameroun, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia) ranging from CIX=0·101 (p<0·05) among PLHIV in Zambia to CIX=0·774 (p<0·1) among ALHIV in Cameroun and pro-poor in 4/12 countries (Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Eswatini), ranging from CIX = -0·072 (p<0·1) among PLHIV in Zimbabwe to CIX = -0·203 (p<0·05) among WLHIV in Tanzania. Inequalities in HIV viral load suppression were pro-rich in 3/12 countries (Ethiopia, Uganda, and Lesotho), ranging from CIX = 0·089 (p< 0·1) among PLHIV in Uganda to CIX = 0·275 (p<0·01) among WLHIV in Ethiopia. Three countries (Tanzania CIX = 0·069 (p< 0·5), Uganda CIX = 0·077 (p< 0·1), and Zambia CIX = 0·116 (p< 0·1)) reported pro-rich and three countries (Côte d'Ivoire CIX = -0·125 (p< 0·1), Namibia CIX = -0·076 (p< 0·05), and Eswatini CIX = -0·050 (p< 0·05) pro-poor inequalities for the cumulative CIX for HIV viral load suppression. The decomposition analysis showed that age, rural-urban residence, education, and wealth were associated with and contributed the most to inequalities observed in achieving the 90-90-90 target. INTERPRETATION Some PLHIV in 11 of 12 countries were not receiving life-saving HIV testing, treatment, or achieving HIV viral load suppression due to socioeconomic inequalities. Socioeconomic factors were associated with and explained the inequalities observed in the 90-90-90 target among PLHIV. Governments should scale up equitable 95-95-95 target interventions, prioritizing the reduction of age, rural-urban, education and wealth-related inequalities. Research is needed to understand interventions to reduce socioeconomic inequities in achieving the 95-95-95 target. FUNDING This study was supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant 202660).
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chipanta
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- United nations joint programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Equality and Rights for All, Geneva 27, CH1211, Switzerland
- Corresponding author at: Institute of Global Health - University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Chemin des mines 9, 1202 Genève – CH, Switzerland.
| | - Silas Amo-Agyei
- Department of Economics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Danielle Giovenco
- Brown University, School of Public Health, International Health Institute, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Janne Estill
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Olivia Keiser
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Pham MD, Nguyen HV, Anderson D, Crowe S, Luchters S. Viral load monitoring for people living with HIV in the era of test and treat: progress made and challenges ahead - a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1203. [PMID: 35710413 PMCID: PMC9202111 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13504-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2016, we conducted a systematic review to assess the feasibility of treatment monitoring for people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), in line with the 90-90-90 treatment target. By 2020, global estimates suggest the 90-90-90 target, particularly the last 90, remains unattainable in many LMICs. This study aims to review the progress and identify needs for public health interventions to improve viral load monitoring and viral suppression for PLHIV in LMICs. Methods A literature search was conducted using an update of the initial search strategy developed for the 2016 review. Electronic databases (Medline and PubMed) were searched to identify relevant literature published in English between Dec 2015 and August 2021. The primary outcome was initial viral load (VL) monitoring (the proportion of PLHIV on ART and eligible for VL monitoring who received a VL test). Secondary outcomes included follow-up VL monitoring (the proportion of PLHIV who received a follow-up VL after an initial elevated VL test), confirmation of treatment failure (the proportion of PLHIV who had two consecutive elevated VL results) and switching treatment regimen rates (the proportion of PLHIV who switched treatment regimen after confirmation of treatment failure). Results The search strategy identified 1984 non-duplicate records, of which 34 studies were included in the review. Marked variations in initial VL monitoring coverage were reported across study settings/countries (range: 12–93% median: 74% IQR: 46–82%) and study populations (adults (range: 25–96%, median: 67% IQR: 50–84%), children, adolescents/young people (range: 2–94%, median: 72% IQR: 47–85%), and pregnant women (range: 32–82%, median: 57% IQR: 43–71%)). Community-based models reported higher VL monitoring (median: 85%, IQR: 82-88%) compared to decentralised care at primary health facility (median: 64%, IRQ: 48-82%). Suboptimal uptake of follow-up VL monitoring and low regimen switching rates were observed. Conclusions Substantial gaps in VL coverage across study settings and study populations were evident, with limited data availability outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Further research is needed to fill the data gaps. Development and implementation of innovative, community-based interventions are required to improve VL monitoring and address the “failure cascade” in PLHIV on ART who fail to achieve viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh D Pham
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Huy V Nguyen
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Federation University, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David Anderson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Suzanne Crowe
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Sexual Health and HIV & AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Public health and Primary care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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3
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Muhairwe JA, Brown JA, Motaboli L, Nsakala BL, Lerotholi M, Amstutz A, Klimkait T, Glass TR, Labhardt ND. The Suboptimal Pediatric HIV Viral Load Cascade: Multidistrict Cohort Study Among Children Taking Antiretroviral Therapy in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:e75-e80. [PMID: 34862344 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children living with HIV and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) are a priority group for routine viral load (VL) monitoring. As per Lesotho guidelines, a VL ≥1000 copies/mL ("unsuppressed") should trigger adherence counseling and a follow-up VL; 2 consecutive unsuppressed VLs ("virologic failure") qualify for switching to second-line ART, with some exceptions. Here, we describe the pediatric VL cascade in Lesotho. METHODS In a prospective open cohort study comprising routine VL results from 22 clinics in Lesotho, we assessed outcomes along the VL cascade for children who had at least 1 VL test from January 2016 through June 2020. Data were censored on February 10, 2021. RESULTS In total, 1215 children received 5443 VL tests. The median age was 10 years (interquartile range 7-13) and 627/1215 (52%) were female; 362/1215 (30%) had at least 1 unsuppressed VL. A follow-up VL was available for 325/362 (90%), although only for 159/362 (44%) within 6 months of the first unsuppressed VL. Of those with a follow-up VL, 172/329 (53%) had virologic failure and 123/329 (37%) qualified for switching to second-line ART. Of these, 55/123 (45%) were ever switched, although only 9/123 (7%) were switched within 12 weeks of the follow-up VL. Delays were more pronounced in rural facilities. Overall, 100/362 (28%) children with an unsuppressed VL received a timely follow-up VL and, if required, a timely regimen switch. CONCLUSIONS Despite access to VL monitoring, clinical management was suboptimal. HIV programs should prioritize timely clinical action to maximize the benefits of VL monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine A Muhairwe
- From the SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer A Brown
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Alain Amstutz
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy R Glass
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus D Labhardt
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Dias FA, Höfelmann DA, Rattmann YD. Virologic success under antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in the state of Paraná, Brazil. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2021; 19:eAO5800. [PMID: 34817033 PMCID: PMC8687700 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2021ao5800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To characterize the sociodemographic profile of the population undergoing antiretroviral treatment in the state of Paraná, Brazil, to investigate the proportion of people undergoing treatment among all those diagnosed, and to analyze the proportion of patients with suppressed viral load in different regions of the state. Methods: Observational descriptive and analytical study carried out with information referring to the period from January 2018 to January 2019. Data were obtained from the Sistema Informatizado de Monitoramento Clínico das Pessoas Vivendo com HIV/AIDS [Computerized System for Clinical Monitoring of People Living with HIV/AIDS] and Sistema de Controle Logístico de Medicamentos[Drug Supply Control System]. The proportion of people on antiretroviral treatment in the state and the proportion of patients with viral load ≤1,000 copies/mL and ≤50 copies/mL were calculated. The results were compared with the corresponding parameters of the World Health Organization goal 90-90-90. Results: The state of Paraná managed to reach the second and third parameters of the 90-90-90 goal of the World Health Organization. Among those diagnosed, 93.12% were on antiretroviral treatment, and 90.0% of them had a viral load below 50 copies of viral RNA/mL of blood, indicating virologic success. Conclusion: The health policy aimed at the population living with HIV/AIDS, and the health services available in Paraná have been successful in parameters relevant to the control of the epidemic. However, it is necessary to ensure the diagnosis of people infected with HIV in the population.
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Reynolds Z, McCluskey SM, Moosa MYS, Gilbert RF, Pillay S, Aturinda I, Ard KL, Muyindike W, Musinguzi N, Masette G, Moodley P, Brijkumar J, Rautenberg T, George G, Johnson BA, Gandhi RT, Sunpath H, Marconi VC, Bwana MB, Siedner MJ. Who's slipping through the cracks? A comprehensive individual, clinical and health system characterization of people with virological failure on first-line HIV treatment in Uganda and South Africa. HIV Med 2021; 23:474-484. [PMID: 34755438 PMCID: PMC9010349 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES HIV virological failure remains a major threat to programme success in sub-Saharan Africa. While HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) and inadequate adherence are the main drivers of virological failure, the individual, clinical and health system characteristics that lead to poor outcomes are not well understood. The objective of this paper is to identify those characteristics among people failing first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS We enrolled a cohort of adults in HIV care experiencing virological failure on first-line ART at five sites and used standard statistical methods to characterize them with a focus on three domains: individual/demographic, clinical, and health system, and compared each by country of enrolment. RESULTS Of 840 participants, 51% were women, the median duration on ART was 3.2 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1.1, 6.4 years] and the median CD4 cell count prior to failure was 281 cells/µL (IQR 121, 457 cells/µL). More than half of participants [53%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 49-56%] stated that they had > 90% adherence and 75% (95% CI 72-77%) took their ART on time all or most of the time. Conversely, the vast majority (90%; 95% CI 86-92%) with a completed genotypic drug resistance test had any HIV drug resistance. This population had high health system use, reporting a median of 3 (IQR 2.6) health care visits and a median of 1 (IQR 1.1) hospitalization in the preceding 6 months. CONCLUSIONS Patients failing first-line ART in sub-Saharan Africa generally report high rates of adherence to ART, have extremely high rates of HIV drug resistance and utilize significant health care resources. Health systems interventions to promptly detect and manage treatment failure will be a prerequisite to establishing control of the HIV epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzanne M McCluskey
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Isaac Aturinda
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Kevin L Ard
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Godfrey Masette
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Pravi Moodley
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Gavin George
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Brent A Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Computation Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Rajesh T Gandhi
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Vincent C Marconi
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Global Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Emory Vaccine Center, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Mark J Siedner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Dorward J, Sookrajh Y, Ngobese H, Lessells R, Sayed F, Bulo E, Moodley P, Samsunder N, Lewis L, Tonkin-Crine S, Drain PK, Hayward G, Butler CC, Garrett N. Protocol for a randomised feasibility study of Point-Of-care HIV viral load testing to Enhance Re-suppression in South Africa: the POwER study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045373. [PMID: 33593788 PMCID: PMC7888322 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Access to HIV viral load testing remains difficult for many people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low-income and middle-income countries. Weak laboratory and clinic systems often delay the detection and management of viraemia, which can lead to morbidity, drug resistance and HIV transmission. Point-of-care testing could overcome these challenges. We aim to assess whether it is feasible to conduct a randomised trial of point-of-care viral load testing to manage viraemia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct an open-label, single-site, individually randomised, feasibility study of Point-Of-care HIV viral load testing to Enhance Re-suppression, in Durban, South Africa. We will enrol approximately 100 people living with HIV who are aged ≥18 years, receiving first-line ART but with recent viraemia ≥1000 copies/mL, and randomise them 1:1 to receive point-of-care viral load or standard laboratory viral load monitoring, after 12 weeks. All participants will continue to receive care from public sector healthcare workers following South African HIV management guidelines. Participants with persistent viraemia ≥1000 copies/mL will be considered for switching to second-line ART. We will compare the proportion in each study arm who achieve the primary outcome of viral suppression <50 copies/mL at 24 weeks after enrolment. Additional outcomes include proportions retained in the study, proportions with HIV drug resistance, time to viral load results and time to switching to second-line ART. We will assess implementation of point-of-care viral load testing using process evaluation data, and through interviews and focus groups with healthcare workers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION University of Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee and the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the University of KwaZulu-Natal have approved the study. We will present results to stakeholders, and through conferences and open-access, peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PACTR202001785886049.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jienchi Dorward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Hope Ngobese
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Richard Lessells
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform (KRISP), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Fathima Sayed
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Elliot Bulo
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - P Moodley
- Department of Virology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Natasha Samsunder
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lara Lewis
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul K Drain
- Department of Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gail Hayward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Apollo T, Takarinda KC, Phillips A, Ndhlovu C, Cowan FM. Provision of HIV viral load testing services in Zimbabwe: Secondary data analyses using data from health facilities using the electronic Patient Monitoring System. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245720. [PMID: 33481931 PMCID: PMC7822242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Routine viral load (VL) testing among persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) enables earlier detection of sub-optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and for appropriate management of treatment failure. Since adoption of this policy by Zimbabwe in 2016, the extent of implementation is unclear. Therefore we set out to determine among PLHIV ever enrolled on ART from 2004–2017 and in ART care for ≥12 months at health facilities providing ART in Zimbabwe: numbers (proportions) with VL testing uptake, VL suppression and subsequently switched to 2nd-line ART following confirmed virologic failure. Materials and methods We used retrospective data from the electronic Patient Monitoring System (ePMS) in which PLHIV on ART are registered at 525 public and 4 private health facilities. Results Among the 392,832 PLHIV in ART care for ≥12 months, 99,721 (25.4%) had an initial VL test done and results available of whom 81,932 (82%) were virally suppressed. Among those with a VL>1000 copies/mL; 6,689 (37.2%) had a follow-up VL test and 4,086 (61%) had unsuppressed VLs of whom only 1,749 (42.8%) were switched to 2nd-line ART. Lower age particularly adolescents (10–19 years) were more likely (ARR 1.34; 95%CI: 1.25–1.44) to have virologic failure. Conclusion The study findings provide insights to implementation gaps including limitations in VL testing; low identification of high- risk PLHIV in care and lack of prompt utilization of test results. The use of electronic patient-level data has demonstrated its usefulness in assessing the performance of the national VL testing program. By end of 2017 implementation of VL testing was sub-optimal, and virological failure was relatively common, particularly among adolescents. Of concern is evidence of failure to act on VL test results that were received. A quality improvement initiative has been planned in response to these findings and its effect on patient management will be monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsitsi Apollo
- Department of HIV and TB, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
- * E-mail:
| | - Kudakwashe C. Takarinda
- Department of HIV and TB, Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Centre for Operations Research, International Union Against TB and Lung Disease, Paris, France
| | | | - Chiratidzo Ndhlovu
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Frances M. Cowan
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Iwuji CC, Shahmanesh M, Koole O, Herbst K, Pillay D, Siedner MJ, Baisley K. Clinical outcomes after first-line HIV treatment failure in South Africa: the next cascade of care. HIV Med 2020; 21:457-462. [PMID: 32495515 PMCID: PMC7384088 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction There is limited literature on the appropriateness of viral load (VL) monitoring and management of detectable VL in public health settings in rural South Africa. Methods We analysed data captured in the electronic patient register from HIV‐positive patients ≥ 15 years old initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 17 public sector clinics in rural KwaZulu‐Natal, during 2010–2016. We estimated the completion rate for VL monitoring at 6, 12, and 24 months. We described the cascade of care for those with any VL measurement ≥ 1000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL after ≥ 20 weeks on ART, including the following proportions: (1) repeat VL within 6 months; (2) re‐suppressed; (3) switched to second‐line regimen. Results There were 29 384 individuals who initiated ART during the period [69% female, median age 31 years (interquartile range 25–39)]. Of those in care at 6, 12, and 24 months, 40.7% (9861/24 199), 34% (7765/22 807), and 25.5% (4334/16 965) had a VL test at each recommended time‐point, respectively. The VL results were documented at all recommended time‐points for 12% (2730/22 807) and 6.2% (1054/16 965) of ART‐treated patients for 12 and 24 months, respectively. Only 391 (18.3%) of 2135 individuals with VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL on first‐line ART had a repeat VL documenting re‐suppression or were appropriately changed to second‐line with persistent failure. Completion of the treatment failure cascade occurred a median of 338 days after failure was detected. Conclusion We found suboptimal VL monitoring and poor responses to virologic failure in public‐sector ART clinics in rural South Arica. Implications include increased likelihood of morbidity and transmission of drug‐resistant HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Iwuji
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - M Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - O Koole
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - K Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,SAPRIN, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - D Pillay
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - M J Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K Baisley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Nicholas S, Poulet E, Wolters L, Wapling J, Rakesh A, Amoros I, Szumilin E, Gueguen M, Schramm B. Point-of-care viral load monitoring: outcomes from a decentralized HIV programme in Malawi. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 22:e25387. [PMID: 31441242 PMCID: PMC6706700 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Routinely monitoring the HIV viral load (VL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) facilitates intensive adherence counselling and faster ART regimen switch when treatment failure is indicated. Yet standard VL‐testing in centralized laboratories can be time‐intensive and logistically difficult in low‐resource settings. This paper evaluates the outcomes of the first four years of routine VL‐monitoring using Point‐of‐Care technology, implemented by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in rural clinics in Malawi. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients eligible for routine VL‐ testing between 2013 and 2017 in four decentralized ART‐clinics and the district hospital in Chiradzulu, Malawi. We assessed VL‐testing coverage and the treatment failure cascade (from suspected failure (first VL>1000 copies/mL) to VL suppression post regimen switch). We used descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to assess factors associated with suspected failure. Results and Discussion Among 21,400 eligible patients, VL‐testing coverage was 85% and VL suppression was found in 89% of those tested. In the decentralized clinics, 88% of test results were reviewed on the same day as blood collection, whereas in the district hospital the median turnaround‐time for results was 85 days. Among first‐line ART patients with suspected failure (N = 1544), 30% suppressed (VL<1000 copies/mL), 35% were treatment failures (confirmed by subsequent VL‐testing) and 35% had incomplete VL follow‐up. Among treatment failures, 80% (N = 540) were switched to a second‐line regimen, with a higher switching rate in the decentralized clinics than in the district hospital (86% vs. 67%, p < 0.01) and a shorter median time‐to‐switch (6.8 months vs. 9.7 months, p < 0.01). Similarly, the post‐switch VL‐testing rate was markedly higher in the decentralized clinics (61% vs. 26%, p < 0.01). Overall, 79% of patients with a post‐switch VL‐test were suppressed. Conclusions Viral load testing at the point‐of‐care in Chiradzulu, Malawi achieved high coverage and good drug regimen switch rates among those identified as treatment failures. In decentralized clinics, same‐day test results and shorter time‐to‐switch illustrated the game‐changing potential of POC‐based VL‐testing. Nevertheless, gaps were identified along all steps of the failure cascade. Regular staff training, continuous monitoring and creating demand are essential to the success of routine VL‐testing.
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Hermans LE, Carmona S, Nijhuis M, Tempelman HA, Richman DD, Moorhouse M, Grobbee DE, Venter WDF, Wensing AMJ. Virological suppression and clinical management in response to viremia in South African HIV treatment program: A multicenter cohort study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003037. [PMID: 32097428 PMCID: PMC7041795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uptake of antiretroviral treatment (ART) is expanding rapidly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Monitoring of virological suppression is recommended at 6 months of treatment and annually thereafter. In case of confirmed virological failure, a switch to second-line ART is indicated. There is a paucity of data on virological suppression and clinical management of patients experiencing viremia in clinical practice in LMIC. We report a large-scale multicenter assessment of virological suppression over time and management of viremia under programmatic conditions. METHODS AND FINDINGS Linked medical record and laboratory source data from adult patients on first-line ART at 52 South African centers between 1 January 2007 and 1 May 2018 were studied. Virological suppression, switch to second-line ART, death, and loss to follow-up were analyzed. Multistate models and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess suppression over time and predictors of treatment outcomes. A total of 104,719 patients were included. Patients were predominantly female (67.6%). Median age was 35.7 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 29.9-43.0). In on-treatment analysis, suppression below 1,000 copies/mL was 89.0% at month 12 and 90.4% at month 72. Suppression below 50 copies/mL was 73.1% at month 12 and 77.5% at month 72. Intention-to-treat suppression was 75.0% and 64.3% below 1,000 and 50 copies/mL at month 72, respectively. Viremia occurred in 19.8% (20,766/104,719) of patients during a median follow-up of 152 (IQR: 61-265) weeks. Being male and below 35 years of age and having a CD4 count below 200 cells/μL prior to start of ART were risk factors for viremia. After detection of viremia, confirmatory testing took 29 weeks (IQR: 16-54). Viral resuppression to below 1,000 copies/mL without switch of ART occurred frequently (45.6%; 6,030/13,210) but was associated with renewed viral rebound and switch. Of patients with confirmed failure who remained in care, only 41.5% (1,872/4,510) were switched. The median time to switch was 68 weeks (IQR: 35-127), resulting in 12,325 person-years spent with a viral load above 1,000 copies/mL. Limitations of this study include potential missing data, which is in part addressed by the use of cross-matched laboratory source data, and the possibility of unmeasured confounding. CONCLUSIONS In this study, 90% virological suppression below the threshold of 1,000 copies/mL was observed in on-treatment analysis. However, this target was not met at the 50-copies/mL threshold or in intention-to-treat analysis. Clinical management in response to viremia was profoundly delayed, prolonging the duration of viremia and potential for transmission. Diagnostic tools to establish the cause of viremia are urgently needed to accelerate clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E. Hermans
- Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
| | - Sergio Carmona
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Monique Nijhuis
- Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hugo A. Tempelman
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Douglas D. Richman
- Center for AIDS Research, University of California San Diego, United States of America
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, California, United States of America
| | - Michelle Moorhouse
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Diederick E. Grobbee
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
- Clinical Epidemiology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Willem D. F. Venter
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
| | - Annemarie M. J. Wensing
- Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
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Villa G, Abdullahi A, Owusu D, Smith C, Azumah M, Sayeed L, Austin H, Awuah D, Beloukas A, Chadwick D, Phillips R, Geretti AM. Determining virological suppression and resuppression by point-of-care viral load testing in a HIV care setting in sub-Saharan Africa. EClinicalMedicine 2020; 18:100231. [PMID: 31922120 PMCID: PMC6948257 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This prospective pilot study explored same-day point-of-care viral load testing in a setting in Ghana that has yet to implement virological monitoring of antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS Consecutive patients accessing outpatient care while on ART underwent HIV-1 RNA quantification by Xpert. Those with viraemia at the first measurement (T0) received immediate adherence counselling and were reassessed 8 weeks later (T1). Predictors of virological status were determined by logistic regression analysis. Drug resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) were detected by Sanger sequencing. FINDINGS At T0, participants had received treatment for a median of 8·9 years; 297/333 (89·2%) were on NNRTI-based ART. The viral load was ≥40 copies/mL in 164/333 (49·2%) patients and ≥1000 copies/mL in 71/333 (21·3%). In the latter group, 50/65 (76·9%) and 55/65 (84·6%) harboured NRTI and NNRTI RAMs, respectively, and 27/65 (41·5%) had ≥1 tenofovir RAM. Among 150/164 (91·5%) viraemic patients that reattended at T1, 32/150 (21·3%) showed resuppression <40 copies/mL, comprising 1/65 (1·5%) subjects with T0 viral load ≥1000 copies/mL and 31/85 (36·5%) subjects with lower levels. A T0 viral load ≥1000 copies/mL and detection of RAMs predicted ongoing T1 viraemia independently of self-reported adherence levels. Among participants with T0 viral load ≥1000 copies/mL, 23/65 (35·4%) showed resuppression <1000 copies/mL; the response was more likely among those with higher adherence levels and no RAMs. INTERPRETATION Same-day point-of-care viral load testing was feasible and revealed poor virological control and suboptimal resuppression rates despite adherence counselling. Controlled studies should determine optimal triaging modalities for same-day versus deferred viral load testing. FUNDING University of Liverpool, South Tees Infectious Diseases Research Fund.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Villa
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Global Health & Infection, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Abdullahi
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dorcas Owusu
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Colette Smith
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marilyn Azumah
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Laila Sayeed
- Centre for Clinical Infection, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Harrison Austin
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Awuah
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Apostolos Beloukas
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - David Chadwick
- Centre for Clinical Infection, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Phillips
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Anna Maria Geretti
- Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author at: Institute of Infection & Global Health, University of Liverpool, 8 West Derby Street, Liverpool L69 7BE, United Kingdom.
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13
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Ford N, Orrell C, Shubber Z, Apollo T, Vojnov L. HIV viral resuppression following an elevated viral load: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25415. [PMID: 31746541 PMCID: PMC6864498 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guidelines for antiretroviral therapy recommend enhanced adherence counselling be provided to individuals with an initial elevated viral load before making a decision whether to switch antiretroviral regimen. We undertook this systematic review to estimate the proportion of patients with an initial elevated viral load who resuppress following enhanced adherence counselling. METHODS Two databases and two conference abstract sites were searched from January 2012 to October 2019 for studies reporting the number of patients with an elevated viral load whose viral load was undetectable when subsequently assessed. Data were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Fifty-eight studies reported outcomes of 45,720 viraemic patients, mostly from Africa (48 studies), and among patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy (43 studies). Almost half (46.1%, 95% CI 42.6% to 49.5%) of patients with an initial elevated viral load resuppressed following an enhanced adherence intervention. Of those on first-line ART with confirmed virological failure (6280 patients, 21 studies), only 53.4% (40.1% to 66.8%) were appropriately switched to a different regimen. Resuppression was higher among studies that provided details of adherence support. The proportion resuppressing was lower among children (31.2%, 21.1% to 41.3%) and adolescents (40.4%, 15.7% to 65.2%) compared to adults (50.4%, 42.6% to 58.3%). No important differences were observed by date of study publication, gender, viral failure threshold, publication status, time between viral loads or treatment regimen. Information on resistance testing among people with an elevated viral load was inconsistently reported. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review suggest that in settings with limited resources, current guideline recommendations to provide enhanced adherence counselling can result in resuppression of a substantial number of these patients, avoiding unnecessary drug regimen changes. Appropriate action on viral load results is limited across a range of settings, highlighting the importance of viral load cascade analyses to identify gaps and focus quality improvement to ensure that action is taken on the results of viral load testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Ford
- Department of HIVWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV CentreInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Zara Shubber
- Department of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- Government of ZimbabweMinistry of Health and Child Care, AIDS and TB UnitHarareZimbabwe
| | - Lara Vojnov
- Department of HIVWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
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Atuhaire P, Hanley S, Yende-Zuma N, Aizire J, Stranix-Chibanda L, Makanani B, Milala B, Cassim H, Taha T, Fowler MG. Factors associated with unsuppressed viremia in women living with HIV on lifelong ART in the multi-country US-PEPFAR PROMOTE study: A cross-sectional analysis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219415. [PMID: 31647806 PMCID: PMC6812809 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent efforts to scale-up lifelong combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in sub-Saharan Africa, high rates of unsuppressed viremia persist among cART users, and many countries in the region fall short of the UNAIDS 2020 target to have 90% virally suppressed. We sought to determine the factors associated with unsuppressed viremia (defined for the purpose of this study as >200 copies/ml) among sub-Saharan African women on lifelong cART. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis was based on baseline data of the PROMOTE longitudinal cohort study at 8 sites in Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The study enrolled 1987 women living with HIV who initiated lifelong cART at least 1-5 years ago. Socio-demographic, clinical, and cART adherence data were collected. We used multivariable Poisson regression with robust variance to identify factors associated with unsuppressed viremia. RESULTS At enrolment, 1947/1987 (98%) women reported taking cART. Of these, HIV-1 remained detectable in 293/1934 (15%), while 216/1934 (11.2%) were considered unsuppressed (>200 copies/ml). The following factors were associated with an increased risk of unsuppressed viremia: not having household electricity (adjusted prevalence risk ratio (aPRR) 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28-2.36, p<0.001); not being married (aPRR 1.32, 95% CI 0.99-1.78, p = 0.061), self-reported missed cART doses (aPRR 1.63, 95% CI 1.24-2.13, p<0.001); recent hospitalization (aPRR 2.48, 95% CI 1.28-4.80, p = 0.007) and experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge in the last three months (aPRR 1.88; 95% CI 1.16-3.04, p = 0.010). Longer time on cART (aPRR 0.75, 95% CI 0.64-0.88, p<0.001) and being older (aPRR 0.77, 95% CI 0.76-0.88, p<0.001) were associated with reduced risk of unsuppressed viremia. CONCLUSION Socioeconomic barriers such as poverty, and individual barriers like not being married, young age, and self-reported missed doses are key predictors of unsuppressed viremia. Targeted interventions are needed to improve cART adherence among women living with HIV with this risk factor profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience Atuhaire
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sherika Hanley
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Umlazi Clinical Research Site, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Jim Aizire
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Lynda Stranix-Chibanda
- University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Bonus Makanani
- Malawi College of Medicine-John's Hopkins Research Project, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Beteniko Milala
- University of North Carolina (UNC) Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Haseena Cassim
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Taha Taha
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Mary Glenn Fowler
- Johns Hopkins University, Departments of Pathology and Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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Castelnuovo B, Mubiru F, Kalule I, Kiragga A. Reasons for first line ART modification over the years during the ART scale up in Uganda. AIDS Res Ther 2019; 16:31. [PMID: 31597561 PMCID: PMC6785877 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-019-0246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the initial scale up of ART in sub-Saharan Africa, prescribed regimens included drugs with high potential for toxicity (particularly stavudine). More recently a growing number of patients requires second line treatment due to treatment failure, especially following the expansion of viral load testing. We aim to determine the reasons and risk factors for modification of first line ART across the years. Methods We included patients started on standard first line ART (2NRTI + 1 NNRTI) between 2005 and 2016 at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Kampala, Uganda. We described the reasons for treatment modification categorized in (1) toxicity (2) treatment failure (3) other reason (new TB treatment, new pregnancy). We used Cox proportional hazard to identify factors associated with treatment modification due to toxicity. Results We included 14,261 patients; 9114 (63.9%), were female, the median age was 34 years (IQR: 29–40), 60.8% were in WHO stage 3 and 4. The median BMI and CD4 count were 21.9 (IQR: 19.6–24.8) and 188 cell/µL (IQR: 65–353) respectively; 27.5% were started on stavudine, 46% on zidovudine, and 26.5% on a tenofovir containing regimens. We observed 6248 ART modifications in 4868/14,261 patients (34.1%); 1615 were due to toxicity, 1077 to treatment failure, 1330 to contraindications, and 1860 patients following WHO recommendation of phasing out stavudine and substituting with another NRTI. Modification for drug toxicity declined rapidly after the phase out of stavudine (2008), while switches to second line regimes increased after the implementation of viral load monitoring (2015). Patients with normal BMI compared to underweight, (HR: 0.79, CI 0.69–0.91), with CD4 counts 200–350 cells/µL compared to < 200 cells/µL (HR: 0.81− CI 0.71–0.93), and started on zidovudine (HR: 0.51 CI 0.44–0.59) and tenofovir (HR: 0.16, CI 0.14–0.22) compared to stavudine were less likely to have ART modification due to toxicity. Older patients (HR: 1.14 per 5-year increase CI 1.11–1.18), those in WHO stage 3 and 4 (HR: 1.19, CI 1.06–1.34) were more likely to have ART modification due to toxicity. Conclusions Toxicity as reason for drugs substitution decreased over time mirroring the phase out of stavudine, while viral load expansion identified more patients in need of second line treatment.
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Glass TR, Motaboli L, Nsakala B, Lerotholi M, Vanobberghen F, Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Muhairwe J, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND. The viral load monitoring cascade in a resource-limited setting: A prospective multicentre cohort study after introduction of routine viral load monitoring in rural Lesotho. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220337. [PMID: 31461455 PMCID: PMC6713472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine viral load (VL) monitoring. We report on the cascade of care in individuals with unsuppressed VL after introduction of routine VL monitoring in a district in Lesotho. MATERIALS AND METHODS In Butha-Buthe district 12 clinics (11 rural, 1 hospital) send samples for VL testing to the district laboratory. We included data from patients aged ≥15 years from Dec 1, 2015 to November 1, 2018. As per WHO guidelines VL <1000 copies/mL are considered suppressed, those ≥1000copies/mL unsuppressed. Patients with unsuppressed VL receive adherence counseling and follow-up VL within 8-12 weeks. Two consecutively unsuppressed VLs should trigger switch to second-line ART. For analysis of the VL monitoring cascade we defined care to be "according to guidelines" if patients with unsuppressed VL received a follow-up VL within <180 days and follow-up VL was either re-suppressed, or again unsuppressed and the individual was switched to second-line within 90 days. RESULTS For 9,949 individuals 24,948 VL tests were available. The majority were female (73%), median age 41 years (interquartile range 33-52), and 58% seen at rural clinics. Overall, 25% (260/1028) of individuals were managed according to guidelines: 40% (410/1028) had a follow-up VL within 180 days of their initial unsuppressed VL and 25% (260/1028) of those either re-suppressed or switched to second-line within 90 days. Female patients were more likely to have a follow-up VL done, (p = 0.015). In rural clinics rates of two consecutively unsuppressed VLs were higher than in the hospital (64% vs. 44%, p<0.001), and rural clinics were less likely to switch these patients to second-line (35% vs. 66%, p<0001). CONCLUSIONS Our data show that in a real-life setting availability of routine VL monitoring may not be exploited to its potential. A lack of timely follow-up after a first unsuppressed VL and reluctance to switch patients with confirmed virological failure, reduce the benefit of VL monitoring, i.e. in the rural clinics. Future studies will have to assess models of care which ensure that VL results are met with an action and make use of scalable innovative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Renee Glass
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lipontso Motaboli
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organisation for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe,
Lesotho
| | - Bienvenu Nsakala
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organisation for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe,
Lesotho
| | | | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Hospital Basel, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital
Epidemiology, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organisation for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe,
Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel,
Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Hospital Basel, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital
Epidemiology, Basel, Switzerland
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Wu ZL, Guan GY, Zhao JH, Ma XM, Wang XM, Yang DZ, Cao M, Rawle DJ. Dynamic Characteristics and HIV Infection of Men who have Sex with Men from 2011 to 2017 in Yinchuan, Ningxia, China. Curr HIV Res 2019; 16:364-373. [PMID: 30659545 PMCID: PMC6446446 DOI: 10.2174/1570162x17666190119094035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, an important area for ethnic Hui settlement in Northwest China, is a low HIV prevalence region. However, HIV infection rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ningxia have increased to an alarming level, despite scale-up of control measures in recent years. This study aimed to understand the demographical and sexual behavior dynamics of MSM and to explore the factors associated with HIV infection. METHODS Annual cross-sectional surveys were carried out among MSM during 2011~2017 in Yinchuan, the capital city of Ningxia. Information regarding social demographics, sexual behavior and HIV prevention knowledge was collected. Blood samples were taken for HIV, HCV serological and genetic analysis, and syphilis serological analysis. The dynamic trend was analyzed with trend χ2 test and factors associated with HIV infection were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS The study found a decreasing trend for mean age of the MSM population over the study period. MSMs with a college education or higher increased significantly, while the proportions that were in a marriage significantly decreased over the study period. The rate of HIV positive among MSM increased during the study period (p<0.05), however, the rate of recently diagnosed infections decreased from 2012 (p<0.05). Overall, a very high proportion (98%) of MSM had basic knowledge of HIV prevention, however, only approximately 40% of them used condoms consistently during anal sex with male partners. Unprotected anal sex was identified as a risk factor associated with HIV infection, as was syphilis infection. Local residency status and MSM who received intervention and detection services were the factors that decreased HIV infection risk. Sequence analysis identified the HIV-1 CRF55_01B subtype from MSM for the first time in Yinchuan. CONCLUSION The reduction of recent HIV diagnoses is an encouraging sign of successful HIV control measures in MSM in Ningxia. The finding that a high proportion of MSM had knowledge of HIV prevention but still conducted unprotected sex highlights the need for further control measures to change unsafe sexual practices among MSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Lan Wu
- Ningxia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 470 Shengli St. Yinchuan, Ningxia 750001, China
| | - Guang-Yu Guan
- Ningxia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 470 Shengli St. Yinchuan, Ningxia 750001, China
| | - Jian-Hua Zhao
- Ningxia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 470 Shengli St. Yinchuan, Ningxia 750001, China
| | - Xue-Min Ma
- Ningxia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 470 Shengli St. Yinchuan, Ningxia 750001, China
| | - Xue-Min Wang
- Ningxia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 470 Shengli St. Yinchuan, Ningxia 750001, China
| | - Dong-Zhi Yang
- Ningxia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 470 Shengli St. Yinchuan, Ningxia 750001, China
| | - Min Cao
- Ningxia Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 470 Shengli St. Yinchuan, Ningxia 750001, China
| | - Daniel J Rawle
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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The Treatment Cascade in Children With Unsuppressed Viral Load-A Reality Check in Rural Lesotho, Southern Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 77:250-256. [PMID: 29189416 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As per the guidelines of the World Health Organization, HIV-infected children who do not achieve viral suppression while under antiretroviral therapy (ART) receive enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) with follow-up viral load (VL). A persisting unsuppressed VL after EAC triggers switch to a second-line regimen. We describe the care cascade of children with unsuppressed VL while taking ART. METHODS Children, aged <16 years, on first-line ART for ≥6 months with unsuppressed VL (≥80 copies/mL) at first measurement were enrolled. As per guidelines, children/caregivers received EAC and a follow-up VL after 3 months, whereas those with persisting viremia despite good adherence were eligible for switching to second-line. Eighteen months after the first unsuppressed VL, outcomes were assessed. RESULTS Of 191 children receiving a first-time VL in May/June 2014, 53 (28%) had unsuppressed viremia. The care cascade of these 53 children was as follows: 49 (92%) received EAC and a follow-up VL in October 2014 (1 died, 3 lost to follow-up). 36/49 (73%) stayed unsuppressed, but only 24 were switched to second-line. At 18-months follow-up, 10 (19%) were retained in care with suppressed VL, 26 were retained with ongoing viremia (49%), 2 (4%) had died, and 15 (28%) had no VL documentation. CONCLUSIONS Only 1 of 5 children with unsuppressed initial VL under ART was retained in care and virally suppressed at 18 months of follow-up. ART programs must increase the focus onto the extremely vulnerable care cascade in children with unsuppressed VL.
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Kiweewa F, Esber A, Musingye E, Reed D, Crowell TA, Cham F, Semwogerere M, Namagembe R, Nambuya A, Kafeero C, Tindikahwa A, Eller LA, Millard M, Gelderblom HC, Keshinro B, Adamu Y, Maswai J, Owuoth J, Sing’oei VC, Maganga L, Bahemana E, Khamadi S, Robb ML, Ake JA, Polyak CS, Kibuuka H. HIV virologic failure and its predictors among HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy in the African Cohort Study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211344. [PMID: 30721233 PMCID: PMC6363169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 2016 WHO consolidated guidelines on the use of antiretroviral drugs defines HIV virologic failure for low and middle income countries (LMIC) as plasma HIV-RNA ≥ 1000 copies/mL. We evaluated virologic failure and predictors in four African countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS We included HIV-infected participants on a WHO recommended antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen and enrolled in the African Cohort Study between January 2013 and October 2017. Studied outcomes were virologic failure (plasma HIV-RNA ≥ 1000 copies/mL at the most recent visit), viraemia (plasma HIV-RNA ≥ 50 copies/mL at the most recent visit); and persistent viraemia (plasma HIV-RNA ≥ 50 copies/mL at two consecutive visits). Generalized linear models were used to estimate relative risks with their 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS 2054 participants were included in this analysis. Viraemia, persistent viraemia and virologic failure were observed in 396 (19.3%), 160 (7.8%) and 184 (9%) participants respectively. Of the participants with persistent viraemia, only 57.5% (92/160) had confirmed virologic failure. In the multivariate analysis, attending clinical care site other than the Uganda sitebeing on 2nd line ART (aRR 1.8, 95% CI 1·28-2·66); other ART combinations not first line and not second line (aRR 3.8, 95% CI 1.18-11.9), a history of fever in the past week (aRR 3.7, 95% CI 1.69-8.05), low CD4 count (aRR 6.9, 95% CI 4.7-10.2) and missing any day of ART (aRR 1·8, 95% CI 1·27-2.57) increased the risk of virologic failure. Being on 2nd line therapy, the site where one receives care and CD4 count < 500 predicted viraemia, persistent viraemia and virologic failure. CONCLUSION In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that HIV-infected patients established on ART for more than six months in the African setting frequently experienced viraemia while continuing to be on ART. The findings also show that being on second line, low CD4 count, missing any day of ART and history of fever in the past week remain important predictors of virologic failure that should trigger intensified adherence counselling especially in the absence of reliable or readily available viral load monitoring. Finally, clinical care sites are different calling for further analyses to elucidate on the unique features of these sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Kiweewa
- Makerere University- Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
- * E-mail:
| | - Allahna Esber
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Ezra Musingye
- Makerere University- Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Domonique Reed
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Trevor A. Crowell
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Fatim Cham
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, United States of America
| | | | | | - Alice Nambuya
- Makerere University- Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Cate Kafeero
- Makerere University- Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Leigh Anne Eller
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Monica Millard
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Huub C. Gelderblom
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, New York, United States of America
| | | | - Yakubu Adamu
- HJF Medical Research International, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Jonah Maswai
- HJF Medical Research International, Kericho, Kenya
| | - John Owuoth
- HJF Medical Research International, Kisumu, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Merlin L. Robb
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Julie A. Ake
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christina S. Polyak
- U.S. Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States of America
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, United States of America
| | - Hannah Kibuuka
- Makerere University- Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
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Yotebieng M, Brazier E, Addison D, Kimmel AD, Cornell M, Keiser O, Parcesepe AM, Onovo A, Lancaster KE, Castelnuovo B, Murnane PM, Cohen CR, Vreeman RC, Davies M, Duda SN, Yiannoutsos CT, Bono RS, Agler R, Bernard C, Syvertsen JL, Sinayobye JD, Wikramanayake R, Sohn AH, von Groote PM, Wandeler G, Leroy V, Williams CF, Wools‐Kaloustian K, Nash D. Research priorities to inform "Treat All" policy implementation for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a consensus statement from the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA). J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25218. [PMID: 30657644 PMCID: PMC6338103 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION "Treat All" - the treatment of all people with HIV, irrespective of disease stage or CD4 cell count - represents a paradigm shift in HIV care that has the potential to end AIDS as a public health threat. With accelerating implementation of Treat All in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a need for a focused agenda and research to identify and inform strategies for promoting timely uptake of HIV treatment, retention in care, and sustained viral suppression and addressing bottlenecks impeding implementation. METHODS The Delphi approach was used to develop consensus around research priorities for Treat All implementation in SSA. Through an iterative process (June 2017 to March 2018), a set of research priorities was collectively formulated and refined by a technical working group and shared for review, deliberation and prioritization by more than 200 researchers, implementation experts, policy/decision-makers, and HIV community representatives in East, Central, Southern and West Africa. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The process resulted in a list of nine research priorities for generating evidence to guide Treat All policies, implementation strategies and monitoring efforts. These priorities highlight the need for increased focus on adolescents, men, and those with mental health and substance use disorders - groups that remain underserved in SSA and for whom more effective testing, linkage and care strategies need to be identified. The priorities also reflect consensus on the need to: (1) generate accurate national and sub-national estimates of the size of key populations and describe those who remain underserved along the HIV-care continuum; (2) characterize the timeliness of HIV care and short- and long-term HIV care continuum outcomes, as well as factors influencing timely achievement of these outcomes; (3) estimate the incidence and prevalence of HIV-drug resistance and regimen switching; and (4) identify cost-effective and affordable service delivery models and strategies to optimize uptake and minimize gaps, disparities, and losses along the HIV-care continuum, particularly among underserved populations. CONCLUSIONS Reflecting consensus among a broad group of experts, researchers, policy- and decision-makers, PLWH, and other stakeholders, the resulting research priorities highlight important evidence gaps that are relevant for ministries of health, funders, normative bodies and research networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen Brazier
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Diane Addison
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - April D Kimmel
- Department of Health Behavior and PolicyVirginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVAUSA
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology& ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Olivia Keiser
- Institute of Global HealthUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | - Amobi Onovo
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | | | - Pamela M Murnane
- Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive SciencesBixby Center for Global Reproductive HealthUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Rachel C Vreeman
- Department of PediatricsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Mary‐Ann Davies
- School of Public Health and Family MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Rose S Bono
- Department of Health Behavior and PolicyVirginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVAUSA
| | | | - Charlotte Bernard
- InsermCentre INSERM U1219‐Epidémiologie‐BiostatistiqueSchool of Public Health (ISPED)University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | | | | | - Radhika Wikramanayake
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT AsiaamfAR – The Foundation for AIDS ResearchBangkokThailand
| | - Per M von Groote
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Valeriane Leroy
- Inserm (French Institute of Health and Medical Research)UMR 1027 Université Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - Carolyn F Williams
- Epidemiology BranchDivision of AIDS at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)National Institute of Health (NIH)RockvilleMDUSA
| | | | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
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Amstutz A, Nsakala BL, Vanobberghen F, Muhairwe J, Glass TR, Achieng B, Sepeka M, Tlali K, Sao L, Thin K, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Labhardt ND. SESOTHO trial ("Switch Either near Suppression Or THOusand") - switch to second-line versus WHO-guided standard of care for unsuppressed patients on first-line ART with viremia below 1000 copies/mL: protocol of a multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, randomized clinical trial in Lesotho, Southern Africa. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:76. [PMID: 29433430 PMCID: PMC5810070 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-2979-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends viral load (VL) measurement as the preferred monitoring strategy for HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. The new WHO guidelines 2016 continue to define virologic failure as two consecutive VL ≥1000 copies/mL (at least 3 months apart) despite good adherence, triggering switch to second-line therapy. However, the threshold of 1000 copies/mL for defining virologic failure is based on low-quality evidence. Observational studies have shown that individuals with low-level viremia (measurable but below 1000 copies/mL) are at increased risk for accumulation of resistance mutations and subsequent virologic failure. The SESOTHO trial assesses a lower threshold for switch to second-line ART in patients with sustained unsuppressed VL. METHODS In this multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, randomized controlled trial conducted in Lesotho, patients on first-line ART with two consecutive unsuppressed VL measurements ≥100 copies/mL, where the second VL is between 100 and 999 copies/mL, will either be switched to second-line ART immediately (intervention group) or not be switched (standard of care, according to WHO guidelines). The primary endpoint is viral resuppression (VL < 50 copies/mL) 9 months after randomization. We will enrol 80 patients, giving us 90% power to detect a difference of 35% in viral resuppression between the groups (assuming two-sided 5% alpha error). For our primary analysis, we will use a modified intention-to-treat set, with those lost to care, death, or crossed over considered failure to resuppress, and using logistic regression models adjusted for the prespecified stratification variables. DISCUSSION The SESOTHO trial challenges the current WHO guidelines, assessing an alternative, lower VL threshold for patients with unsuppressed VL on first-line ART. This trial will provide data to inform future WHO guidelines on VL thresholds to recommend switch to second-line ART. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03088241 ), registered May 05, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland. .,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru/Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beatrice Achieng
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru/Butha-Buthe, Lesotho.,Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | | | - Katleho Tlali
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organization for Health in Africa, Maseru/Butha-Buthe, Lesotho.,Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Lebohang Sao
- Butha-Buthe Government Hospital, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho.,District Health Management Team Butha-Buthe, Butha-Buthe, Lesotho
| | - Kyaw Thin
- Research Coordination Unit, Ministry of Health of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
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