Modifications of lung microbiota structure in traumatic brain injury ventilated patients according to time and enteral feeding formulas: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

Specialized diets enriched with immune nutrients could be an important supplement in patients (pts) with acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). Omega-3 and arginine may interact with immune response and microbiota. No data are available about the role of the specialized diets in modulating the lung microbiota, and little is known about the influence of lung microbiota structure in development of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in TBI pts. The aims of this study are to evaluate the impact of specific nutrients on the lung microbiota and the variation of lung microbiota in TBI pts developing VAP.

METHODS

A cohort of 31 TBI pts requiring mechanical ventilation in ICU was randomized for treatment with specialized (16pts) or standard nutrition (15pts). Alpha and beta diversity of lung microbiota were analyzed from bronco Alveolar Lavage (BAL) samples collected at admission and 7 days post-ICU admission in both groups. A further analysis was carried out on the same samples retrospectively grouped in VAP or no VAP pts.

RESULTS

None developed VAP in the first week. Thereafter, ten out of thirty-one pts developed VAP. The BAL microbiota on VAP group showed significant differences in beta diversity and Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter Genera were high. The specialized nutrition had influence on beta diversity that reached statistical significance only in Bray-Curtis distance.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that TBI patients who developed VAP during ICU stay have different structures of BAL microbiota either at admission and at 7 days post-ICU admission, while no correlation has been observed between different enteral formulas and microbiota composition in terms of richness and evenness. These findings suggest that targeting the lung microbiota may be a promising approach for preventing infections in critically ill patients.

Evidence-based treatment choices for acute lateral ankle sprain: a comprehensive systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Lateral ankle sprains are very common injuries that can be treated with different strategies. The aim of the present systematic review was to provide a comprehensive analysis on the treatment of acute lateral ankle sprains to clarify the possible differences in outcome between surgical and conservative management, different external supports, and different rehabilitation protocols.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search on three different topics was carried out on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases on June 25th, 2021. The main objective of the literature search was to identify the randomized trials comparing: (1) surgery to conservative management, (2) different external supports, and (3) different rehabilitation protocols for the treatment of acute lateral ankle sprains. Two investigators extracted independently relevant data from each paper and assessed the quality of the trials using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies for the first topic, 8 for the second one and 4 for the last one were included in this review. 8 out of 12 RCTs demonstrated a superior outcome and better socio-economic impact of conservative treatment compared to surgical management. In the other two comparisons, due to the wide variety of braces used and the different rehabilitation protocols, inconclusive results were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative treatment should be the first choice for severe acute lateral ankle sprains, as it provides satisfactory functional outcomes without the risks and costs of surgery. It was not possible to identify the best external support, but a preference toward flexible braces emerged since they allow an earlier return to daily activities. The paucity of studies comparing different rehabilitation protocols precluded the possibility of defining the ideal one.

886. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical Follow-Up, Monitoring and Regimen Discontinuation for People Living with HIV in the US

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health care services for people living with HIV (PLWH). This study aimed to compare rates of clinical visits, viral load monitoring and antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen discontinuation among virally suppressed PLWH in the US before and during the COVID pandemic.

Methods

The study population consisted of ART-experienced PLWH ≥18 years of age and active in care in the OPERA cohort within 2 years prior to 31OCT2020. Virally suppressed PLWH (i.e., viral load < 200 copies/mL) were included if they switched to either dolutegravir/lamivudine or a dolutegravir- or bictegravir-based 3-drug regimen between 01MAY2019 and 30APR2020. The study periods spanned from 01MAY2019 to 28FEB2020 (pre-COVID) and 01MAR2020 to 31OCT2020 (during COVID). Incidence rates of clinical visits, viral load measurements and regimen discontinuation were estimated using univariate Poisson regression for both study periods. In-person visits comprised any scheduled or walk-in outpatient, inpatient, emergency or laboratory visit. Telehealth visits comprised any phone or video encounters.

Results

The study included 4806 PLWH in the pre-COVID and 4992 in the COVID period. Rates of in-person visits were reduced almost 2-fold during COVID, while telehealth visits increased almost 9-fold, resulting in an overall reduction in any visits rates from 10.07 visits per person-year (95% CI: 9.93, 10.21) pre-COVID to 7.10 (95% CI: 7.01, 7.19) during COVID [Fig 1]. Rates of viral load measurements dropped from 2.99 viral loads per person-year (95% CI: 2.92, 3.07) pre-COVID to 1.97 (95% CI: 1.92, 2.02) during COVID [Fig 2]. Regimen discontinuation rates were also reduced from 14.3 discontinuations per 100 person-years pre-COVID (95% CI: 12.7, 16.1) to 9.6 (95% CI: 8.6, 10.8) during COVID [Fig 3]. In both study periods, virologic failures were detected in < 1% of PLWH with ≥ 1 viral load.

Figure 1. Incidence rates for overall, in-person, and telehealth visits during the pre-COVID (open circle) and the COVID (filled circle) study periods

Incidence rates for viral load measurements during the pre-COVID (open circle) and the COVID (filled circle) study periods

Incidence rates for regimen discontinuation during the pre-COVID (open circle) and the COVID (filled circle) study periods

Conclusion

The COVID pandemic has led to an important reduction in the frequency and type of clinical follow-up visits and viral load monitoring among virally suppressed PLWH in the US. A reduction in regimen discontinuation rates was also observed, presumably associated to less frequent follow-up. The long-term impact of the pandemic on HIV care remains uncertain.

Disclosures

Gerald Pierone, MD, Epividian (Board Member) Jennifer S. Fusco, BS, Epividian, inc (Employee) Laurence Brunet, PhD, Epividian, inc (Employee) Cassidy Henegar, PhD, GSK (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Jean A. van Wyk, MB,ChB, GlaxoSmithKline (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Supriya Sarkar, PhD, GSK (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Vani Vannappagari, MBBS, MPH, PhD, ViiV Healthcare Limited (Employee) Andrew Zolopa, MD, GlaxoSmithKline (Shareholder)ViiV Healthcare (Employee) Michael B. Wohlfeiler, MD, Epividian, inc (Board Member)ViiV Healthcare (Research Grant or Support) Gregory Fusco, MD, MPH, Epividian, inc (Employee)

Changes in Body Mass Index Associated with Antiretroviral Regimen Switch Among Treatment-Experienced, Virologically Suppressed People Living with HIV in the United States

With obesity on the rise among people living with HIV (PLWH), there is growing concern that weight gain may result as an undesired effect of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This analysis sought to assess the association between ART regimens and changes in body mass index (BMI) among ART-experienced, virologically suppressed PLWH. ART-experienced, virologically suppressed PLWH ≥18 years of age in the Observational Pharmacoepidemiology Research and Analysis (OPERA) cohort were included for analysis if prescribed a new regimen containing one of the following core agents: dolutegravir (DTG), elvitegravir/cobicistat (EVG/c), raltegravir (RAL), rilpivirine (RPV), or boosted darunavir (bDRV), for the first time between August 1, 2013 and December 31, 2017. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association between regimen and mean changes in BMI at 6, 12, and 24 months after switch. In unadjusted analyses, BMI increases ranged from 0.30 kg/m² (bDRV) to 0.83 kg/m² (RPV) at 24 months following switch, but gains were observed with every regimen. In adjusted analyses, compared to DTG, only bDRV was associated with a smaller increase in BMI at all time points, while EVG/c and RAL were associated with smaller increases in BMI at 6 months only. Overall, results were consistent in analyses stratified by baseline BMI category. BMI increases were relatively small but followed an upward trend over time in this cohort of treatment-experienced, suppressed PLWH. Gains were attenuated with a longer period of follow-up. BMI gains did not differ by regimens, except for bDRV regimens, which were consistently associated with smaller BMI increases than DTG.

A potential risk assessment tool to monitor pathogens circulation in coastal waters

The present study reports data on a 20 months campaign monitoring enteric viruses (hepatitis A, norovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, sapovirus, and aichivirus) and bacteria (Salmonella spp.) in seawater. The aim of this work was to assess the potential correlation among the presence of viruses/bacteria and different environmental factors like seasonality, water discharge sources (treated and untreated wastewater, mixed waters and raw water) as well as influence of the Italian lockdown measure against COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed different prevalence of the investigated viruses with values equal to 16 % for norovirus GI, 15.1 % for norovirus GII, followed by 13.8 % for astrovirus, and 13.3 % for sapovirus. Rotavirus was detected in the 8.4 % of samples and aichivirus was detected with the lowest prevalence of 3.5 %. Hepatitis A virus was never identified in the monitoring campaign. Salmonella spp. was detected with a prevalence of 36.6 %. Statistical analysis displayed a high correlation for the two noroviruses simultaneous detection (NGI and NGII) while a lower correlation was found for co-presence of noroviruses with astrovirus, sapovirus or Salmonella spp. A significant decrease of enteric pathogens in seawater was observed during the restrictions period. Results on seasonality highlighted a higher viral prevalence correlated to the wet season for all the pathogens but rotavirus and aichivirus, which instead showed an opposite trend and a higher incidence in the dry season. With respect to discharge typology, some viruses displayed a higher prevalence in treated waters (astrovirus, rotavirus, sapovirus and aichivirus) while the other investigated pathogens (noroviruses and Salmonella spp.) showed a higher prevalence in mixed waters. The main observations of this work were used to define a potential monitoring strategy that could be useful for sanitary Authorities to implement surveillance plans aimed at preventing possible sanitary outbreaks and/or environmental quality deterioration.

Risk of chronic kidney disease in people living with HIV by tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) use and baseline D:A:D chronic kidney disease risk score

OBJECTIVES

To assess the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) use by baseline D:A:D CKD risk score.

METHODS

Adult antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve people living with HIV (PLWH) initiating treatment, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , were identified in the OPERA cohort. CKD was defined as two or more consecutive eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 , > 90 days apart. Associations between TDF use, baseline D:A:D CKD risk and incident CKD were assessed with incidence rates (IRs; Poisson regression) and adjusted pooled logistic regression. The impact of pharmacoenhancers on the observed association between TDF and CKD was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Of 9802 PLWH included, 6222 initiated TDF and 3580 did not (76% and 79% low D:A:D CKD risk, respectively). Overall, 125 CKD events occurred over 24 382 person-years of follow-up. Within strata of D:A:D CKD risk score, IRs were similar across TDF exposure, with high baseline CKD risk associated with highest incidence. Compared with the low-risk group without TDF, there was no statistical difference in odds of incident CKD in the low-risk group with TDF (adjusted odds ratio = 0.55, 95% confidence interval: 0.19-1.54). Odds of incident CKD did not differ statistically significantly by pharmacoenhancer exposure, with or without TDF.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of ART-naïve PLWH, incident CKD following ART initiation was infrequent and strongly associated with baseline CKD risk. TDF-containing regimens did not increase the odds of CKD in those with a low baseline D:A:D CKD risk, the largest group of ART-naïve PLWH, and may remain a viable treatment option in appropriate settings.

1004. Clinical Decision Support System Alerts for HIV Retention in Care – A Pilot Implementation Research Study

Background

Clinical decision support system (CDSS) alerts may help retain people living with HIV (PLWH) in care. A system of CDSS alerts utilizing the CHORUS™ portal was developed to identify PLWH at risk of being lost to care. To evaluate feasibility for a larger scale study, a before and after implementation research pilot study was implemented in the OPERA Cohort at three clinic sites in a southeastern US city.

Methods

Periods without intervention (before) or with CDSS alerts (after) were followed by 3 months of follow up. The study population consisted of PLWH with ≥ 1 electronic health record entry in the 2 years prior to, or during, the before or after period (Fig 1). To support clinicians through a discrete implementation strategy, alerts warning of suboptimal patient attendance were generated daily for the eligible PLWH at each site; providers or other clinic staff could respond to the alerts (Fig 2). Alerts, responses, and visits (i.e., meeting with provider or HIV lab measurement) were characterized. The proportion of PLWH with ≥ 1 visit in the before and after periods were compared at each site by Pearson’s Chi-square.

Figure 1. Pilot study timeline

Figure 2. CDSS alert criteria and response options

Results

A total of 12,230 PLWH were eligible (sites A: 11,271; B: 733; C: 1,344 PLWH), with > 75% in both the before and after periods. The ratio of alerts to responses was 11.9 at site A (2,245 alerts to 189 responses in 309 days; Fig 3A), and comparatively lower at sites B (756 alerts to 334 responses in 352 days, ratio=2.2; Fig 3B) and C (1,305 alerts to 896 responses in 246 days, ratio=1.5; Fig 3C). Responses to alerts were sporadic at sites A and B and consistent at site C. After the intervention, the proportion of PLWH with ≥ 1 visit stayed the same at site A (46% in both periods; p=0.47), decreased at site B (91% to 80%; p< 0.01), and increased at site C (72% to 81%; p< 0.01).

Figure 3. Alerts and responses over time in (A) Site A, (B) Site B, and (C) Site C

Conclusion

This pilot study was ecological by design: measures of retention in care were compared over two calendar periods, without accounting for changes in study populations, clinic characteristics, and policies in place over time (which could have impacted clinic attendance). Though engagement with the CDSS was suboptimal at some sites, this implementation pilot study has demonstrated the ability to implement a CDSS aimed at identifying at-risk PLWH, while highlighting areas for improvement in future larger scale studies.

Disclosures

Joel Wesley Thompson, MHS, PA-C, AAHIVS, DFAAPA, MHS, PA-C, AAHIVS, DFAAPA, Gilead (Shareholder, Speaker’s Bureau)Janssen (Speaker’s Bureau)Theratechnologies (Speaker’s Bureau)ViiV (Speaker’s Bureau) Tammeka Evans, MoP, ViiV Healthcare (Employee)

Antiretroviral therapy and liver disorders in the OPERA® cohort

Introduction:

A comprehensive assessment of liver disorders was conducted among people living with HIV (PLWH) on a new antiretroviral regimen based on common core agents.

Methods:

Treatment-naïve and experienced PLWH first initiating dolutegravir (DTG), elvitegravir (EVG), raltegravir (RAL), or darunavir (DRV) in the OPERA^® cohort were included if they had ⩾1 liver chemistry test performed both within 12 months before regimen start and over follow-up. Liver disorders were defined as a diagnosis of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) or moderate/severe liver chemistry elevations (LCE). History of liver disorders experienced within 12 months of initiation was summarized. Liver disorders occurring during follow-up were described as prevalent (all disorders) or incident (disorders occurring among PLWH without a history of liver disorders or advanced liver fibrosis).

Results:

Out of 16,024 PLWH, 38% initiated DTG, 43% EVG, 5% RAL, and 14% DRV. EVG users were younger and had a lower likelihood of comorbidities or lipid-lowering agent use than DTG users. EVG users were significantly less likely to have a history of moderate/severe LCE or to have prevalent moderate LCE. RAL users were older and had a higher likelihood of comorbidities or lipid-lowering agent use than DTG users. RAL users were significantly more likely to have a history of advanced liver fibrosis and prevalent moderate/severe LCE during follow-up. DRV users were older and had a lower likelihood of lipid-lowering agent use than DTG users. There was no difference in history of LCE, nor in prevalent or incident LCE between DRV and DTG users. No DILI diagnoses were recorded. Discontinuation following a liver disorder was rare (<1%) across all groups.

Conclusion:

While PLWH with comorbidities may have been channeled away from EVG and toward DTG and RAL, the incidence of moderate/severe LCE did not differ between DTG and EVG, RAL, and DRV.

Plain language summary

Liver disorders and HIV treatment

A comprehensive assessment of liver disorders was conducted using data from the OPERA^® cohort, which provides anonymous patient-level clinical data from electronic health records. People living with HIV (PLWH) who were starting a new HIV treatment regimen that included one of four common HIV drugs were included in this study. Liver disorders included drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and moderate or severe liver chemistry elevations. History of a disorder was defined as liver disorders that occurred before starting the new treatment. Prevalent disorders were those that occurred after starting the new treatment in the whole population. Incident disorders were those that occurred after starting the new treatment, but only among PLWH without any history of liver disorders.

Out of 16,024 PLWH, 38% initiated dolutegravir (DTG), 43% elvitegravir (EVG), 5% raltegravir (RAL), and 14% darunavir (DRV). EVG users were younger and less likely to have other diseases or use cholesterol lowering drugs compared to DTG users. They were also less likely to have a history of moderate/severe liver chemistry elevations or to have prevalent moderate liver chemistry elevations. RAL users were older and more likely to have other diseases or use cholesterol lowering drugs compared to DTG users. They were also more likely to have prevalent moderate/severe liver chemistry elevations than DTG users. DRV users were older and less likely to use cholesterol lowering agents compared to DTG users. There was no difference in history of liver chemistry elevations, or in prevalent, or incident liver chemistry elevations between DRV and DTG users. There were no DILI diagnoses and discontinuation of treatment following liver disorders was rare across all groups. Overall, the incidence of liver disorders after starting a new HIV treatment regimen did not differ between four common antiretroviral drugs.

Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in donkey milk: Correlation with the infection level by intestinal strongyles

AIM

The study aimed at evaluating the concentration levels of organochlorine pollutants in donkey milk and their modulation on the intestinal strongyle infection. Risk evaluation for consumer health was also investigated.

METHODS

We analyzed milk of grazing donkeys living in areas of Southern of Italy affected by organochlorine compounds environmental pollution and parasite infection. The presence of pollutants was assessed through summary statistics; regression analysis of intestinal strongyle on pollutant concentration was performed to investigate the relationship between the two variables.

RESULTS

PCB concentrations (mainly non-dioxin-like (ndl)-PCBs) were higher than OCP ones. Mean values of ndl-PCBs across areas ranged from 93.13 to 263.64 ng g^-1. In all sample units we detected the six indicator PCBs with the prevalence of the PCB 153, followed by the PCB 28 and the PCB 101. Among the dioxin-like (dl)-PCBs, non-ortho PCB 169, 77 and 126 were assessed in some milk samples; in all areas we detected the mono-ortho PCB 118 and PCB 105. Positive correlation between infection level and six indicator PCBs as well as between the former and HCB, on WW and LW, were observed (at least statistically significant at 5 percent). In some cases, Dl-PCB concentrations emerged as dangerous given the EU maximum residue limit for PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supports the hypothesis of an immunosuppressive role of organochlorine pollutants; risk evaluation reveals the potential health impact of dl-PCB intake, particularly for major donkey milk consumers such as infants, children with cow milk and multiple food intolerance, and elders.

Integrase Inhibitor-Based Antiretroviral Therapy Among Women Living with HIV: Data from the OPERA Cohort

BACKGROUND

Women face unique complexities in HIV treatment yet are underrepresented in antiretroviral therapy (ART) studies.

OBJECTIVE

This analysis assessed the one-year durability of the first integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens prescribed to women in a large cohort of patients living with HIV in care.

METHODS

Women with HIV who initiated their first INSTI-containing regimen between 08/12/2013 and 11/30/2015 were identified in the OPERA cohort, a collaboration of 79 US outpatient clinics. Discontinuation within the first year of treatment with an INSTI was compared between dolutegravir (DTG), raltegravir (RAL) and elvitegravir (EVG), using multivariable Cox regression and Kaplan- Meier estimates. Virologic response and regimen modifications were described and compared across INSTIs.

RESULTS

A total of 537 treatment-naïve (DTG: 39%, EVG: 48%, RAL: 13%) and 878 treatmentexperienced (DTG: 57%, EVG: 29%, RAL: 13%) women were analyzed. In the first twelve months after initiation, women taking EVG or RAL were more likely to discontinue their initial INSTI than those taking DTG among both treatment-naïve (adjusted hazard ratio EVG vs. DTG: 1.59 (95% CI: 1.09, 2.39); RAL vs. DTG: 2.46 (1.49, 4.05)) and treatment-experienced women (EVG vs. DTG: 1.39 (1.02, 1.88); RAL vs. DTG: 2.17 (1.51, 3.12)). Following discontinuation of the initial INSTI, women commonly switched to a regimen containing a different drug from the INSTI class (treatment-naïve DTG: 34%, RAL: 33% EVG: 41%; treatment-experienced DTG: 23%, RAL: 19% EVG: 41%).

CONCLUSION

In treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced women living with HIV, women taking DTG had the lowest risk for early (≤1 year) discontinuation.

Assessing bias introduced in estimated glomerular filtration rate by the inhibition of creatinine tubular secretion from common antiretrovirals

BACKGROUND

Researchers must often rely on creatinine measurements to assess kidney function because direct glomerular filtration rates (GFR) and cystatin-c are rarely measured in routine clinical settings. However, HIV treatments often include dolutegravir, raltegravir, rilpivirine or cobicistat, which inhibit the proximal tubular secretion of creatinine without impairing kidney function, thus leading to measurement bias when using creatinine-based estimated GFR (eGFR). We developed eGFR correction factors to account for this potential bias.

METHODS

11,359 treatment-naive HIV-positive individuals in OPERA were included if they initiated dolutegravir, elvitegravir/cobicistat, darunavir/cobicistat, raltegravir, rilpivirine or efavirenz (control) with an eGFR >60 ml/min/1.73 m². The eGFR was corrected by adding the median decrease reported in the literature to the calculated eGFR; correction factors were not validated. Incidence rates of eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m² (Poisson regression) and the relationship between regimens and eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m² (multivariate Cox proportional hazards models) were estimated with and without eGFR correction.

RESULTS

Without eGFR correction, dolutegravir, elvitegravir/cobicistat, darunavir/cobicistat, raltegravir and rilpivirine based regimens were statistically significantly associated with a higher likelihood of eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m² than efavirenz. With eGFR correction, each of these regimens was associated with a statistically significantly lower likelihood of eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m² compared with efavirenz.

CONCLUSIONS

With increasing use of agents that inhibit tubular creatinine secretion, artificially low eGFR values could lead to erroneous conclusions in studies of HIV treatment and kidney outcomes measured with creatinine-based eGFR equations. Sensitivity analyses assessing the potential magnitude of bias arising from creatinine secretion inhibition should be performed.

Two-drug antiretroviral regimens: an assessment of virologic response and durability among treatment-experienced persons living with HIV in the OPERA® Observational Database

INTRODUCTION

Two-drug regimens (2-DR) have the potential to be a viable solution to the challenges of treatment complexity, cost, adverse effects and contraindications. We sought to describe the real-world use and effectiveness of 2-DR among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) in the United States.

METHODS

We analysed data for 10,190 treatment-experienced patients from the OPERA® Observational Database initiating a new 2-DR or three-drug regimen (3-DR) between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2016. Multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards models were used to estimate the association among 2-DR or 3-DR initiation and virologic suppression (viral load (VL) <50 copies/mL), virologic failure (2 VLs > 200 copies/mL or 1 VL > 200 copies/mL + discontinuation) or regimen discontinuation.

RESULTS

Patients initiating a 2-DR (n = 1337, 13%) were older, and more likely to have a lower CD4 count, a history of AIDS and comorbid conditions than patients initiating a 3-DR. There was no difference between groups in time to virologic suppression (aHR: 1.00 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.13)) among viraemic patients (baseline VL ≥ 50 copies/mL, n = 4180), or time to virologic failure (aHR: 1.15 (95% CI: 0.90, 1.48)) among virologically stable patients (baseline VL < 50 copies/mL, n = 6010). However, time to discontinuation was shorter following 2-DR than 3-DR initiation (aHR: 1.51 (95% CI: 1.41, 1.61)).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large cohort of treatment-experienced patients, 2-DR prescriptions were common and more frequent among patients with significant comorbidity. Virologic response was similar, but duration of use was shorter with a 2-DR than a 3-DR, suggesting that 2-DRs may be a virologically effective treatment strategy for treatment-experienced PLHIV with existing comorbidities.

2488. Virologic Failure in ART Naïve Patients Initiating on a Dolutegravir or Elvitegravir-Based Regimen

Background

Robust pharmacoeconomic modeling is dependent on high quality inputs, preferably from randomized clinical trials (RCT), but not all needed head to head comparisons occur in RCTs. We compared virologic outcomes in an antiretroviral (ART) naïve population initiating a dolutegravir (DTG) or elvitegravir (EVG)-based regimen using clinical trial-like criteria.

Methods

ART-naïve adults, initiating a DTG- or EVG-based regimen and meeting all study eligibility criteria (Figure 1) were identified in the OPERA® Observational Database, a collaboration of HIV caregivers following 100,000+ people living with HIV (PLWH) through electronic medical records. PLWH were followed from the date of first prescription until DTG- or EVG discontinuation, death, or study end (July 31, 2018). The primary outcome was verified (2 consecutive viral load (VL) ≥200 copies/mL or 1 VL ≥200 copies + discontinuation) virologic failure (VF), defined as either failure to achieve suppression (<50 copies/mL) prior to 36 weeks or failure to maintain suppression once achieved. Survival analyses were conducted with Kaplan–Meier methods and multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards modeling.

Results

A total of 1,688 (DTG) and 2,537 (EVG) met all eligibility criteria. Median (IQR) length of follow-up in the DTG users was 21 months (14–30), in the EVG users was 20 (14–32) months. Figure 2 characterizes baseline demographic/clinical characteristics. Figures 3 and 4 depict Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox model results, respectively. VF was experienced by 8.2% DTG and 10.9% EVG initiators at a rate (95% CI) per 1,000 person-years of 40.2 (33.8, 47.8) and 51.3 (45.3, 58.1), respectively. Younger age (18–25), being African American, having a baseline CD4 count ≤ 200, or having a government-based payer (ADAP, Ryan White, Medicaid, or Medicare) at baseline were associated with a significant (P < 0.05), increased hazard of VF. Initiating on DTG or initiating therapy with a lower baseline VL was associated with a significant, reduced hazard of VF. Compared with DTG, the adjusted hazard ratio for VF was 1.29 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.63) for EVG.

Conclusion

Among ART-naïve patients, DTG users were significantly less likely to experience virologic failure than EVG users after adjustment for important baseline covariates.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

2487. Low Rate of Virologic Failure in Antiretroviral Experienced Patients Prescribed Once Daily Raltegravir

Background

Raltegravir has been used to treat HIV infection for over a decade. In 2017, a 1200 mg, once-daily, formulation of raltegravir (RALQD) was approved. We sought to characterize the utilization and effectiveness of RALQD in ART-experienced, virologically suppressed, HIV+ adults in a real-world cohort of patients treated in the United States.

Methods

HIV+ adults, suppressed to <50 copies/mL at RALQD initiation (7/1/2017–December 31/2017), were identified in the OPERA® Observational Database, a collaboration following 100,000 people living with HIV through electronic medical records. Patients were followed until RALQD discontinuation, death, or study end (December 31/2018). Demographic and clinical characteristics were described at initiation. The primary study outcome was the incidence of virologic failure (VF), defined as 2 consecutive viral load (VL) test results > = 200 copies/mL or 1 VL ≥ 200 copies + RALQD discontinuation. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to describe VF.

Results

The study eligible population (n = 121) was older (median 54 years, IQR: 44, 61) than the overall ART experienced OPERA population (median 47 years, IQR: 35, 55), equally as likely to be male (84% vs. 83%), or African American (38%), but more likely to be Hispanic (23% vs. 20%) and receiving care in the southern United States (61% vs. 56%). RALQD initiators were also more likely to be heavily treatment experienced (≥3 lines ART) than the overall ART experienced OPERA population (57% vs 43%). They were also more likely to have at least one comorbid condition complicating their care (88% vs. 72%), most frequently hyperlipidemia (50%), hypertension (47%), anemia (26%), anxiety disorders (25%) and diabetes (22%). Half of all RALQD initiators had ≥3 comorbidities at the time of RALQD initiation. Two-thirds of RALQD initiators had baseline CD4 cell counts >500 cells/µL. Median (IQR) time on RALQD was 57 weeks (43–65); 89% of RALQD initiators had ≥1 VL test result during follow-up. Among these patients, VF occurred in 3 patients at a rate of 2.7 (0.9, 8.4) per 100 person years of observation. Figure 1 depicts Kaplan–Meier curves.

Conclusion

RALQD was found to be an effective treatment option in ART experienced patients who are virologically suppressed at initiation, and who often face challenges associated with managing comorbid conditions.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

341. Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus after Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Individuals Living with HIV in the United States

Background

Limited data exist on the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with the use of integrase inhibitors. We assessed the risk of incident T2DM with antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods

ART-naïve (ART-N) and -experienced, suppressed (ART-ES; baseline viral load 13 years of age initiating dolutegravir (DTG), elvitegravir/cobicistat (EVG/c), raltegravir (RAL) or boosted darunavir (bDRV) in the OPERA® cohort. After excluding prevalent prediabetes/T2DM and missing baseline covariates, incidence rates of T2DM (i.e., diagnosis, antidiabetic drug, and/orHbA1C >6.5%) were estimated with Poisson regression. The association between core agents and incident T2DM was estimated with multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression adjusted for age, sex, race, HCV co-infection and BMI at baseline. Median (IQR) absolute BMI change from baseline was evaluated at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months in those who developed incident T2DM and those who did not. All analyses were stratified by ART experience.

Results

Individuals prescribed these ART regimens varied significantly (Figure 1). Overall, incidence rate per 1,000 person-years was low for T2DM (ART-N IR: 9.1; 95% CI: 7.5, 10.9; ART-ES IR: 13.3; 95% CI: 11.6, 15.2; Figure 2). Among ART-N initiators, no statistical difference was observed in the risk of progression to T2DM between DTG and EVG/c (aHR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.47, 1.05) or bDRV (aHR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.26, 1.04); RAL could not be evaluated due to the small number of T2DM events. Among ART-ES initiators; no difference was observed between DTG and EVG/c (aHR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.70, 1.33), RAL (aHR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.70, 1.96) or bDRV (aHR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.57, 1.42) (Figure 3). A greater absolute change in BMI was observed for ART-N initiators developing T2DM at all timepoints; reaching statistical significance at 12 and 18 months (Figure 4). No differences were observed for ART-ES initiators.

Conclusion

Incident T2DM was uncommon among ART-N and ART-ES persons initiating DTG, EVG/c, RAL or bDRV in this large clinical population. None of the comparisons between DTG and other core agents showed a statistically significant increased risk of T2DM. However, due to the small number of events in the ART-N population differential risk cannot be excluded and monitoring HbA1c remains prudent.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

2483. Characteristics and Outcomes Over First 12 Months of a Two-Drug Regimen (Dolutegravir/Rilpivirine) for Treatment of HIV-1 in the United States

Background

In 2017, the first complete antiretroviral regimen (ART) containing only two drugs, dolutegravir/rilpivirine (DTG/RPV), was approved for treatment of HIV-1 in virologically suppressed (<50 copies/mL) patients on a stable ART regimen for ≥6 months with no history of treatment failure/resistance to DTG or RPV. Our objective was to characterize early utilization/outcomes of DTG/RPV in a real-world population.

Methods

HIV-1+ individuals initiating DTG/RPV from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018 were identified in the OPERA Database. Outcomes were evaluated among the virologically suppressed subgroup who initiated in the first 6 months. Discontinuation (d/c) was defined as cessation of DTG/RPV. Virologic failure (VF) was defined as either 2 consecutive HIV viral loads (VL) ≥ 200 copies/mL OR 1 VL ≥200 copies/mL + d/c. Population was observed from DTG/RPV start (index) until the first of: (a) d/c, (b) death, or (c) study end (December 31, 2018). Demographic and clinical characteristics were described at index. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to describe d/c and VF.

Results

A total of 880 patients were prescribed DTG/RPV in the first 12 months; demographic and clinical characteristics are described in Figures 1 and 2. Most (76%) DTG/RPV users were virologically suppressed at initiation (n = 671). Among the 197 (22%) ART experienced, viremic initiators, a third had a baseline VL ≥ 50 but <200. Few patients were ART naïve (n = 12, 1%). Index VL was unavailable for 21 (5%) initiators. Comorbidity was prevalent: 59% had ≥1 endocrine disorders; 42% hypertension, and 33% mental disorders. For the virologically suppressed at initiation, with ≥6 months of follow-up (n = 340); median (IQR) days on DTG/RPV was 248 (204–299); 88% remained on DTG/RPV at study end. Among the 42 (12.4%) discontinued patients, 41% were virologically stable (<200 copies/mL) at d/c. Median (IQR) days to d/c was 58 (29–141) (Figure 3). Most patients (n = 288, 85%) had ≥ 1 VL during follow-up; 79% (n = 270) had ≥1 VL during the first 24 weeks. Among these, VF occurred in 1.5% patients. Median (IQR) time to VF was 5.1 (2.0–9.2) months (Figure 4).

Conclusion

While DTG/RPV initiators were primarily ART-experienced, virologically suppressed individuals older than 50 years of age challenged by significant comorbid conditions, the frequency of d/c or VF in the first 12 months was low.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

978. Changes in BMI Associated with Antiretroviral Regimens in Treatment-Experienced, Virologically Suppressed Individuals Living with HIV

Background

A potential association between integrase inhibitor (INSTI) use and weight gain has been reported in people living with HIV (PLWH). We examined body mass index (BMI) increases after a switch to dolutegravir (DTG), elvitegravir/cobicistat (EVG/c), raltegravir (RAL), rilpivirine (RPV), or boosted darunavir (bDRV) among virologically suppressed ART-experienced PLWH.

Methods

ART-experienced, suppressed (ART-ES; baseline viral load < 200 copies/mL) PLWH ≥ 18 years of age initiating DTG, EVG/c, RAL, RPV, or bDRV for the first time were identified in the OPERA® cohort. The association between core agents and mean increases in BMI at 6, 12, and 24 months was estimated with multivariable linear regression. Inverse probability-of-censoring weights (IPCW) were used to account for censoring (regimen discontinuation, loss to follow-up, death, pregnancy, or no BMI measured). Analyses were stratified by baseline BMI categories (underweight: <18.5, normal weight: ≥18.5 to <25, overweight: ≥25 to <30, obese: ≥30).

Results

At baseline, endocrine disorders were reported in >40% of PLWH receiving DTG and RAL; >60% were overweight/obese in all groups (Figure 1). Mean BMI (unadjusted) increased for all ARVs over time, with changes at 24 months ranging from 0.30 (DRV) to 0.83 (RPV, Figure 2). At 6 months, the adjusted mean BMI increase was statistically smaller with EVG/c, RAL, and bDRV (range –0.15 to –0.30) than with DTG (Figure 3); these differences only remained significantly different for bDRV at 12 (–0.29) and 24 months (–0.29, Figure 3). Among those with a normal baseline BMI, the adjusted mean change in BMI at 12 months was smaller with EVG/c, bDRV, and RAL than DTG (range –0.26 to –0.27). Among overweight PLWH, the adjusted mean BMI increase was statistically smaller with bDRV than DTG (–0.32, Figure 4). Results were consistent in IPCW estimates.

Conclusion

The majority of PLWH on stable ART in this US-based cohort were overweight/obese at the time of switch to the regimens of interest. Small mean increases in BMI for all regimens were noted over time, for which the clinical significance is not yet known. Apparent differences in BMI changes favoring EVG/c, RAL, and bDRV vs. DTG over the short term were largely attenuated with longer follow-up, with significant differences mainly observed in those with a normal BMI at baseline.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

337. Switching from TDF to TAF: Missed Opportunities for Statin Use in HIV

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) have been observed to have twice the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) as the general population. Increases in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol have been observed in PLWH switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). Changes in regimens represent an opportunity for healthcare providers to assess health markers and address clinical concerns. Current guidelines recommend initiating statin therapy in individuals with an elevated ASCVD risk. Failure to initiate statins in PLWH with an ASCVD ≥ 7.5% at switch represents a missed opportunity for statin initiation. We aimed to assess missed opportunities for statin therapy in PLWH switching from TDF to TAF-containing antiretroviral therapy.

Methods

Adults switching from TDF to TAF with ≥1 lipid measure on TDF ≤6 months prior to switch and ≥1 lipid measure ≥7 days after switch to TAF were identified in the OPERA® cohort (84 clinics in 18 US states/territories). The proportion of PLWH prescribed statins pre- and post-switch was stratified by ASCVD risk (recommended threshold: ASCVD ≥ 7.5%). The ASCVD score was imputed using the limit value for components out of the pre-specified range.

Results

6,451 PLWH switched from TDF to TAF (Figure 1); over 90% had ASCVD scores available pre- (n = 5801) and post-switch (n = 5881). High ASCVD risk (≥7.5%) was more likely post-switch (34.1) than pre-switch (32.1%, P = 0.02; Figure 2). Of those with high ASCVD risk, only 31% and 41% were prescribed statins pre- vs. post-switch, respectively (Figure 3), representing a considerable missed opportunity for ASCVD prevention, with 59% of PLWH with an elevated risk of ASCVD not prescribed statins after switch from TDF to TAF. ASCVD scores were imputed for those outside the range of the score (e.g., patients < 40 years of age) to evaluate the entire population. Comparable results were obtained when the analysis was limited to PLWH who did not require ASCVD score imputation.

Conclusion

Despite a switch from TDF to TAF being associated with higher numbers of PLWH with elevated ASCVD risk, most did not receive a statin, representing considerable missed opportunities to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease in this at-risk population.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

936. Body Fat Redistribution/Accumulation, Pancreatic Disorders, Musculoskeletal Disorders, IRIS, Severe Systemic Rash and Hypersensitivity Reactions Following Initiation of Commonly Prescribed Antiretrovirals

Background

Dolutegravir (DTG), elvitegravir (EVG), raltegravir (RAL), and darunavir (DRV) are commonly used for the treatment of HIV. We assessed the frequency of 6 select disorders after prescription of DTG-, EVG-, RAL-, or DRV-based regimens.

Methods

HIV-positive patients in the OPERA® Observational Database initiating DTG-, EVG-, RAL-, or DRV-containing regimens were included. Disorders of interest were body fat redistribution/accumulation, pancreatic disorders, and musculoskeletal disorders, as defined in Figures 2–3, as well as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), severe systemic rash and hypersensitivity reaction (HSR). Baseline patient characteristics and disorder history were described. The proportion of patients with disorders of interest during follow-up were compared between core agents for each disorder. All events occurring during follow-up were considered prevalent, while incident disorders excluded patients with any history of disorder. To account for multiple comparisons, the Sidak Correction was applied (adjusted α level: 0.017).

Results

Out of 22,674 patients, 7,860 (35%) initiated DTG, 9,738 (43%) EVG, 1,600 (7%) RAL, and 3,477 (15%) DRV. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics varied by core agent initiated (Figure 1). Compared with DTG, history of body fat redistribution/accumulation was less frequent in patients initiating EVG, and more frequent in patients initiating RAL (Figure 2). EVG users also had a lower prevalence during follow-up than DTG users (Figure 3). However, there was no difference in new onset of body fat redistribution/accumulation between groups (Figure 3). No difference in prevalent or incident pancreatic or musculoskeletal disorders was detected between core agents (Figure 3). IRIS, severe systemic rash, and HSR occurred in no more than 2 patients per core agent group, with no difference detected between groups.

Conclusion

Incident body fat redistribution/accumulation, pancreatic disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, IRIS, severe systemic rash, and HSR were rare in this large cohort of patients initiating DTG, EVG, RAL, or DRV. Despite some channeling of patients with a disorder history towards DTG and RAL use, the likelihood of new events did not differ by core agent.

Disclosures

L. Brunet, Epividian, Inc.: Employee, Salary. ViiV Healthcare: ViiV Healthcare has contracted research with my employer, Epividian, Inc., Employer received funding for research. Merck: Merck has contracted research with my employer, Epividian, Inc., Employer received funding for other research. J. Fusco, Epividian, Inc.: Employee, Salary. ViiV Healthcare: Viiv Healthcare contracted research with my employer, Epividian, Inc., Employer received funding for research. Merck & Co.: Merck contracted research with my employer, Epividian, Inc., Employer received funding for research. V. Vannappagari, ViiV HealthCare: Employee, GlaxoSmithKline Company Stock and Salary. L. Ragone, ViiV Healthcare: Employee and Shareholder, restricted shares and Salary. G. Fusco, Epividian, Inc.: Employee, Salary. ViiV Healthcare: Viiv Healthcare contracted research with my employer, Epividian, Inc., Employer received funding for research. Merck & Co.: Merck contracted research with my employer, Epividian, Inc., Employer received funding for research.

555. Characteristics of HIV+ Patients Prescribed Raltegravir QD in the United States

Background

Raltegravir (RAL) 400 mg twice-daily (RAL BID) has been an integral part of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in both ART naïve and experienced HIV-1 infected patients for the last decade. In 2017, RAL 1,200 mg (2 × 600 mg), a once-daily formulation (RAL QD) was approved. The objective of this study was to characterize the early utilization of RAL QD in the United States.

Methods

This is an ongoing cohort study of HIV-1 infected adults with ≥1 prescription for RAL QD in the OPERA^® Observational Database, the product of a collaboration of HIV caregivers in 84 clinics across 17 states following over 80,000 people living with HIV through their prospectively collected electronic medical records. Baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients who initiated RAL QD between July 1 and December 31, 2017 (study window) were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 175 patients were prescribed RAL QD during the study window; 57.1% of whom were ≥50 years of age, 80.6% male, 41.1% African American, and 20.0% Hispanic (Figure 1). RAL QD was most often given with emtricitabine/tenofovir (TDF or TAF): 56.0%, abacavir/lamivudine: 8.0%, and darunavir/cobicistat: 4.6%. Twelve patients (7%) were ART naïve, 45 (26%) switched from non-RAL-based regimens, and 118 patients (67%) were previously on RAL BID, most of whom (86%) had no other regimen changes other than switching to RAL QD. A majority (80%) of patients initiated RAL QD with a viral load <200 copies/mL; 68.6% were suppressed to <50 copies at baseline. Similarly, 77.1% had CD4 counts >350 cells/mm³; 64.0% >500 cells/mm³. Overall, a third of patients had a history of an AIDS-defining illness. Eighty-one percent of patients had at least one of the comorbidities depicted in Figure 2; 45.7% with hypertension, 42.9% hyperlipidemia, 26.7% anxiety disorders, 26.3% anemia and 19.4% with diabetes. The median number of prescriptions for concomitant medications prescribed with RAL QD regimens was 5 (IQR: 4–8).

Conclusion

Early initiators of RAL QD are primarily treatment-experienced individuals, older than 50 years of age with virologic and immunologic control, significant comorbid conditions and the burden of medications that treat those conditions.

Disclosures

J. Fusco, Epividian, Inc.: Employee, Salary. Merck & Co.: Merck contracted research with my employer, Epividian, Inc., Employer received funding for research. J. M. Arduino, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. G. Prajapati, Merck & Co., Inc.: Employee and Shareholder, Salary. G. Fusco, Epividian, Inc.: Employee, Salary. Merck & Co.: Merck research contract with Epividian, employer received funding to perform analysis.

Psychiatric outcomes observed in patients living with HIV using six common core antiretrovirals in the Observational Pharmaco-Epidemiology Research and Analysis database

Background

Psychiatric outcomes are common among people living with HIV and may be associated with specific antiretroviral use. We evaluated the occurrence of psychiatric outcomes in patients taking dolutegravir (DTG)-containing regimens compared with five other core agents.

Methods

Patients in the OPERA database prescribed regimens based on DTG, efavirenz (EFV), raltegravir (RAL), darunavir (DRV), rilpivirine (RPV), or elvitegravir (EVG) for the first time between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015 were analyzed. Psychiatric outcomes included diagnoses of anxiety, depression, insomnia, or suicidality during core agent exposure. Multivariable Cox analysis models were used to assess time to psychiatric outcomes between core agents stratified by psychiatric history, with DTG as the referent.

Results

A total of 13,261 patients initiated a regimen of interest (DTG: 2783; RAL: 979; EVG: 3895, EFV: 1746, RPV: 1921, DRV: 1937). Psychiatric history was common, with varied prevalence across groups (DTG 38%, EFV 24%, RAL 40%, DRV 34%, RPV 29%, EVG 31%). Among patients without a psychiatric history, the likelihood of a psychiatric outcome during follow up did not differ between DTG and the other core agents. Among patients with a psychiatric history, risk during follow up for patients taking DTG was equivalent (versus RPV), marginally reduced (versus RAL and EFV), or reduced (versus EVG and DRV).

Conclusions

In a large cohort of HIV+ patients in care, patients with a psychiatric history appeared channeled towards drugs with known favorable psychiatric safety profiles, including DTG. Despite this, DTG exposure was not associated with an increased risk of psychiatric outcomes during follow up in patients with or without a psychiatric history.

Variability of the discrepancy between manufacturer and measured CTDI100 values by scanner type, acquisition parameters and phantom size

According to the EU directive 2013/59, the computed tomography (CT) equipments shall be able to inform the practitioner of parameters for assessing the patient dose. The aim of this study was to measure the accuracy of the CTDI₁₀₀ with respect to the values stipulated in the manufacturer manual for different manufacturers/models of CT and to assess the impact of acquisition parameters on CTDI₁₀₀ accuracy. Ten CT from 4 different manufacturers were included in the study. The discrepancy with the manufacturer value CTDI₁₀₀ was checked with a dosimeter with traceable calibration. Manufacturer values for the CTDI₁₀₀ were derived from the equipment's manual. The impact of the kVp, CT model, primary collimation and phantom size on the discrepancy of the CTDI₁₀₀, was assessed by a four-way ANOVA. All the factors had a statistically significant impact on CTDI₁₀₀ discrepancy (P < 0.05). In a head to head comparison, the greater discrepancies were found on average for 80 kV (15.4 ± 10.7%), sixteen channels CT (10.3 ± 5.1%) and for thick collimations (13.2 ± 6.8%), whilst no significant differences were found between head and body phantoms. For sixteen channels CT and acquisition protocols involving the use of low kV or thick primary collimation, the discrepancies with the manufacturer value CTDI₁₀₀ can be higher than 20%, which is the suspension level indicated in the EC RP N.162 Publication. This suggests the need of individual calibration of CT X-ray tubes by the manufacturers and the necessity of including this check in the quality control programs for CT.

Food contamination by PCBs and waste disposal crisis: Evidence from goat milk in Campania (Italy)

AIM

The study aims at investigating whether, and if so, to what extent the strong presence of urban and industrial waste in a territory may cause PCB contamination in goat milk produced therein.

METHODS

We compared PCB concentrations in goat milk from three different locations in the Campania region (Italy). One of the three locations, together with its surrounding area, has long suffered from illegal waste disposal and burning mainly by the so-called Ecomafia. The other locations, not involved in these illegal activities, allowed us to create a control group of goats with characteristics very similar to those of main interest.

RESULTS

In milk from the waste contaminated area we identified high PCB concentrations (six indicator PCBs amounted to 170 ng g^-1 on lipid weight, on average), whereas there was an almost total absence of such pollutants in milk from the control group. Concentrations of the six indicator PCBs were above the current European maximum residue limit fixed by the EU. At the same time, we found a lower average value of lipid content and a negative relationship between lipid content and PCB concentrations.

CONCLUSION

Evidence indicates the potential health risk for consumers living in areas involved in illegal dumping of waste.

A threshold trajectory was revealed by isolating the effects of hemoglobin rate of rise in anemia of chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

To assess cardiovascular risk among various hemoglobin (Hb) rates of rise (RoR) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with anemia who have initiated therapy with erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs).

METHODS

Observational cohort of CKD patients initiating ESA therapy from the Centricity® database, 1990-2011. Proportional hazards models tested the hypothesis that a slower Hb RoR (0 < g/dl/month ⩽ 0.125) is associated with a lower cardiovascular (CV) incidence [composite of fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke] compared with faster RoR (0.125 < g/dl/month ⩽ 2.0, and >2.0 g/dl/month).

RESULTS

A total of 9220 patients receiving ESAs were followed for an average of 3.1 years. Slow (group B) RoR versus medium (group C') and fast (group D') RoR in Hb, throughout all Hb milestones, was associated with lower risk of the composite endpoint [B (slow) versus D' (fast) [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.20 (0.11, 0.39), p < 0.0001]; B versus C' (medium) [HR = 0.34 (0.19, 0.62), p = 0.0004], and C' versus D' [HR = 0.60 (0.42, 0.85), p = 0.005]]. Within achieved Hb milestones, HRs were: B versus D' at milestone ⩾ 14.1 g/dl [HR = 0.17 (0.05, 0.56); p = 0.004] and at milestone 12.6-14.0 [HR = 0.18 (0.07, 0.46), p = 0.0004].

CONCLUSION

Rapid Hb rise is associated with adverse CV outcomes, with markedly lower risk for rates below a threshold trajectory of 0.125 g/dl/month, even with complete correction.

Focal active colitis as a predictor of inflammatory bowel disease: results from a single-center experience

The term focal active colitis (FAC) is conventionally used to describe the presence of isolated cryptitis, characterized by an inflammatory infiltrate consisting of intraepithelial neutrophils and/or neutrophils invading the lumen of the criptae, with no other microscopic alteration of the colonic mucosa and, in particular, without the presence of signs of chronic inflammation. To date, only four studies, including one conducted in a pediatric population, have been performed to evaluate the clinical significance of this disease. The aim of this retrospective study on prospectively-collected data is to evaluate the clinical implications of the focal active colitis, since there still remains a marked uncertainty regarding this topic and about how often such a diagnosis will presage a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinical, endoscopic, and pathological data were retrospectively reviewed from 30 patients with focal active colitis, who had no other diagnostic findings on colorectal biopsy and no history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The histological findings were correlated with clinical diagnoses. Thirty patients (11 males, 19 females; age 24-80 years, median 56 years) (0.5%) out of 5,600 undergoing colonoscopy between January 2012 and December 2016 presented a definitive diagnosis of FAC. Follow-up ranged from 6 to 60 months (median 24 months). At endoscopy, 19 patients (63%) had mild and non-specific changes, such as mild mucosal erythema, while 11 (37%) had normal findings. Eight patients were documented as having irritable bowel syndrome, while nine cases could be attributed to the effects of drugs, five presented FAC as incidental finding, one a diagnosis of infectious colitis, and seven a diagnosis of IBD (4 with Crohn’s disease). FAC was confirmed to be a more significant predictor of IBD than the previous literature would indicate, even if larger prospective studies, targeted to study this relationship, are needed to understand more clearly its clinical significance.

Virologic Effectiveness of Abacavir/Lamivudine with Darunavir/Ritonavir Versus Other Protease Inhibitors in Treatment-Experienced HIV-Infected Patients in Clinical Practice

Background and Objectives

The standard of care for HIV treatment is a three-drug regimen consisting of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) and either a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, a protease inhibitor (PI) or an integrase strand transfer inhibitor. Darunavir boosted with ritonavir (DRV/r) is the only preferred PI in the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) HIV treatment guidelines for antiretroviral-naïve patients, recommended in combination with tenofovir/emtricitabine for antiretroviral-naïve patients. For treatment-experienced and certain antiretroviral-naïve patients, abacavir and lamivudine (ABC/3TC) in combination with DRV/r is considered an effective and tolerable alternative, despite limited research on the effectiveness of this particular combination. This study evaluated virologic outcomes in treatment-experienced patients taking ABC/3TC + DRV/r compared to treatment-experienced patients taking ABC/3TC with any other PI.

Methods

Treatment-experienced HIV-infected patients initiating their first regimen containing ABC/3TC in combination with any PI in the year 2005 or later were selected from the Observational Pharmaco-Epidemiology Research and Analysis (OPERA^®) cohort, a prospective observational cohort reflecting routine medical care. Viral load measurements taken during follow-up were compared between patients taking ABC/3TC + DRV/r and ABC/3TC with a PI other than DRV/r. Logistic regression models were fit to assess the association between regimen exposure and viral load suppression.

Results

A total of 151 patients initiating ABC/3TC + DRV/r and 525 patients initiating ABC/3TC + a non-darunavir PI were included. Patients in both treatment groups had comparable clinical indicators (viral load, CD4) at baseline. A regimen of ABC/3TC + DRV/r was more likely to be prescribed in the later years of the study period, leading to a shorter median follow-up in the DRV/r treatment group (as-treated analysis: 14 vs. 17 months, p = 0.04; intent-to-treat analysis: 33 vs. 68 months, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression models accounting for year of regimen initiation, among other factors, indicated no statistically significant differences in achieving an undetectable viral load for patients taking DRV/r with ABC/3TC compared with other PIs, both in the as-treated (odds ratio [95 % confidence interval]: 0.84 [0.53–1.34]) and intent-to-treat analyses (0.82 [0.48–1.40]). Patients in both treatment groups also showed similar reductions in viral load (median darunavir vs. non-darunavir: −23.0 vs. −23.0 copies/mL; p = 0.72) and gains in CD4 T cell counts (median darunavir vs. non-darunavir: 106 vs. 108 cells/mm³; p = 0.59] while being treated with the regimen of interest.

Conclusions

Patients receiving ABC/3TC + DRV/r appear to experience similar treatment benefit to patients taking ABC/3TC with other PIs in terms of achieving suppression, as well as absolute reductions in viral load and CD4 lymphocyte gains.

Development of a pyrosequencing assay for the typing of alphaherpesviruses

Identification of herpesvirus in biological material is usually carried out by real-time PCR. With the aim to classify the strain of virus identified, real-time PCR must be often supported by time-consuming capillary electrophoresis sequencing analysis. Here we provide a protocol for the rapid and reliable identification of 5 closely related herpesviruses by PyroMark Q24 sequencing system. PyroMark performs DNA sequencing analysis using pyrosequencing, a technology based on the detection of released pyrophosphate during DNA elongation [1]. PyroMark is designed to detect changes in specified variable positions of the DNA. It can efficiently detect single nucleotide differences in sequences [2]. In the present paper we describe a protocol to pyrosequence a small polymorphic segment of the US8 gene. On the basis of the differences identified in the nucleotide sequence we could readily classify the herpesvirus as Bovine herpesvirus 1.1, Bovine herpesvirus 1.2, Bovine herpesvirus 5, Bubaline herpesvirus 1 or Caprine herpesvirus. The protocol set up offers several advantages with respect to the techniques commonly used:

•

it requires less than one working day to be carried;

•

it gives the possibility to analyze, at reasonable costs, up to 24 samples at a time; and

•

it allows to detect with great reliability and specificity strongly genetically correlated organisms like the herpesviruses named above. The procedure can be easily applied to other families of viruses, with opportune modifications.

Comparing pioglitazone to insulin with respect to cancer, cardiovascular and bone fracture endpoints, using propensity score weights

Background

Diabetes is an important global disease, associated with significant morbidity and an increased risk of death due to chronic end-organ complications. The thiazolidinediones, used mainly as third-line agents in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), have been associated with some safety concerns, such as an increased risk of bladder cancer, an increased risk of bone fracture and heterogeneous effects on cardiovascular events.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate safety data on pioglitazone for several outcomes and examine them in context with each other as well as with insulin, another third-line treatment for T2DM.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study extracted data from May 1, 2000 until June 30, 2010, from the i3 InVision Data Mart™ database. To adjust for the testing of multiple hypotheses, the Holm method was applied to endpoints representing potential harm from pioglitazone treatment, separately from those representing potential benefit from pioglitazone. The study population included patients with T2DM ≥ 45 years old who were new users of either pioglitazone or insulin. Key outcomes were incident cases of a composite of myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke requiring hospitalization; bone fracture requiring hospitalization; bladder cancer; and a composite of nine other selected cancers. Kaplan–Meier curves were generated and hazard ratios (HRs) for pioglitazone versus insulin were estimated from Cox proportional hazards models adjusted with inverse probability of treatment weights derived from propensity scores.

Results

A total of 56,536 patients (pioglitazone group 38,588; insulin group 17,948) qualified for the study. The mean follow-up was 2.2 years for pioglitazone and 1.9 years for insulin patients. Weighted survival analysis of the composite of MI and stroke, as well as the composite of nine cancers, yielded significant differences in favour of pioglitazone. For the composite of MI and stroke, the HR for pioglitazone versus insulin was 0.44 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.39–0.50, p < 0.0001). Modelling of the composite of nine selected cancers produced an HR of 0.78 (95 % CI 0.71–0.85, p < 0.0001). A non-statistically significant difference in favour of pioglitazone was observed in the incidence rate of bone fracture requiring hospitalization (HR 0.86, 95 % CI 0.74–1.01, p = 0.058). For bladder cancer, the overall incidence rates were relatively low and showed no significant difference between the two groups; the HR for pioglitazone versus insulin was 0.92 (95 % CI 0.63–1.33, p = 0.64).

Conclusion

Compared with insulin, pioglitazone was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of MI and stroke requiring hospitalization, and a significant reduction in the risk of other selected cancers. While pioglitazone treatment may be linked with a lower risk of bladder cancer and bone fracture relative to insulin, these differences were not statistically significant.

Permanent genetic resources added to Molecular Ecology Resources Database 1 December 2010-31 January 2011

This article documents the addition of 238 microsatellite marker loci to the Molecular Ecology Resources Database. Loci were developed for the following species: Alytes dickhilleni, Arapaima gigas, Austropotamobius italicus, Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, Cobitis lutheri, Dendroctonus ponderosae, Glossina morsitans morsitans, Haplophilus subterraneus, Kirengeshoma palmata, Lysimachia japonica, Macrolophus pygmaeus, Microtus cabrerae, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Pallisentis (Neosentis) celatus, Pulmonaria officinalis, Salminus franciscanus, Thais chocolata and Zootoca vivipara. These loci were cross-tested on the following species: Acanthina monodon, Alytes cisternasii, Alytes maurus, Alytes muletensis, Alytes obstetricans almogavarii, Alytes obstetricans boscai, Alytes obstetricans obstetricans, Alytes obstetricans pertinax, Cambarellus montezumae, Cambarellus zempoalensis, Chorus giganteus, Cobitis tetralineata, Glossina fuscipes fuscipes, Glossina pallidipes, Lysimachia japonica var. japonica, Lysimachia japonica var. minutissima, Orconectes virilis, Pacifastacus leniusculus, Procambarus clarkii, Salminus brasiliensis and Salminus hilarii.

Genomic characterization and chromosomal mapping of 5 river buffalo skeletal muscle differentiation master genes

River buffalo (Bubalus bubalis, 2n = 50, BBU) is a species of economic relevance in a number of countries. This species shows a very peculiar biology and a great capacity for environmental adaptation. There has been an increasing economic interest as well as a growing demand for a more detailed knowledge of molecular features in this species. From this perspective we report a genomic, transcriptional and cytogenetic analysis of 5 master genes involved in skeletal muscle development. Of these 5 genes, MYOD1, MYF5, MYF6 and MYOG belong to the basic helix-loop helix protein family while MSTN belongs to the TNF-B protein family. In mammals, these genes are involved in the early stages of skeletal muscle differentiation, development and regeneration. These pivotal biological functions are finely regulated in a tissue- and temporal-specific manner. We used a comparative genomic approach to obtain the buffalo specific sequences of MYOD1 and MYF6. The nucleotide sequence similarity and the protein domain conservation of the newly obtained sequences are analysed with respect to bovine and other mammalian species showing sequence similarity. The presence of a polymorphism in MYOD1 coding sequence is described and its possible effect discussed. Using a quantitative PCR approach, we compared the level of the 5 transcripts in adult and fetal muscle. These genes were physically localised on river buffalo R-banded chromosomes by FISH using bovine genomic BAC-clones. Here, we present a genomic and cytogenetic analysis which could offer a background to better characterise the buffalo genes involved in muscle function and which may be responsible for buffalo-specific meat features.

Evaluation of a fluorescence polarization assay for the detection of serum antibodies to Brucella abortus in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The fluorescence polarization assay (FPA) was evaluated for the serological diagnosis of brucellosis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in southern Italy. This assay uses O-polysaccharide prepared from Brucella abortus lipopolysaccharide conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate as a tracer. It has many methodological advantages over older, more established tests and can be performed in a fraction of the time. Sera from 890 buffalos from the Campania Region - 526 positive sera and 364 negative sera according to the complement fixation test (CFT) - were evaluated in this study. All samples were tested with the Rose Bengal test (RBT), CFT, and FPA in parallel and in blind fashion. Sensitivities (Sn) were 84.5% and 92.6%, and specificities (Sp) were 93.1% and 91.2% for RBT and FPA, respectively, relative to CFT. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis suggested a cut-off value of 117 millipolarization (mP) units. On the whole, these results suggested that FPA might replace RBT in the diagnosis of buffalo brucellosis for its better performance relative to CFT, its adjustable cut-off useful in different epidemiological situations, its reliability, ease of performance, and for its potential application in field and high-throughput laboratories.

Survey of Neospora caninum and bovine herpes virus 1 coinfection in cattle

A seroprevalence survey of Neospora caninum and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) was conducted in cattle pasturing in an area of the southern Italian Apennines to investigate the coinfection of these two pathogens. Blood samples were collected from 948 pastured cattle raised on 81 farms. Sera were tested for antibodies to N. caninum and to BHV-1 using an ELISA assay and a neutralization test, respectively. Out of the 81 farms sampled, 63 (77.8%) were positive for N. caninum and 80 (98.8%) for BHV-1. Coinfection was found in 62 (76.5%) farms. Out of the 948 bovine sera samples, 303 (32.0%) had antibodies to N. caninum and 735 (77.5%) to BHV-1. The copresence of antibodies to N. caninum and BHV-1 was found in 256 (27.0%) cattle. The logistic regression results indicated that seropositivity for BHV-1 was a risk factor for N. caninum seropositivity and seropositivity for N. caninum was a risk factor for BHV-1 seropositivity.

HIV-associated thrombotic microangiopathy in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: an observational study

The prevalence and predisposing factors of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were evaluated among patients in the Collaborations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Outcomes Research/US cohort. Of 6022 patients, 17 (0.3%) had TMA, with unadjusted incidences per 100 person-years of 0.079 for TMA, 0.009 for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, and 0.069 for hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Compared with patients without TMA, patients with TMA had lower mean CD4(+) cell counts (197 vs. 439 cells/mm(3); P=.0009) and higher mean log(10) HIV-1 RNA levels (4.6 vs. 3.3 copies/mL; P=.0001) at last follow-up and a significantly greater incidence of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (82.4% vs. 55.3%; P=.025), Mycobacterium avium complex infection (17.6% vs. 3.3%; P=.018), hepatitis C (29.4% vs. 11.3%; P=.001), and death (41.2% vs. 7.4%; P<.0001). The prevalence of herpes and use of antiherpetics were slightly higher for patients with TMA, but unadjusted distributions were not statistically significant. TMA in a cohort surveyed after the introduction of HAART was rare and was associated with advanced HIV disease.

Comparison of HIV type 1 protease inhibitor susceptibility results in viral samples analyzed by phenotypic drug resistance assays and by six resistance algorithms: an analysis of a subpopulation of the CHORUS cohort

Drug resistance testing is increasingly used to guide treatment decisions in patients infected with HIV-1. A number of rules-based algorithms have been designed to predict drug resistance profiles based on the HIV-1 genotypic data. Drug-resistance mutations in 206 viral samples from protease inhibitor (PI)-experienced subjects with HIV-1 infection were assessed, and the level of susceptibility of the samples predicted using seven unique algorithms. kappa scores were used to compare agreement of results obtained using each of the predictive algorithms with the phenotypic assay results. Good overall agreement between the different algorithms and the phenotypic results was observed. Good or excellent agreement was observed between the results obtained by the predictive algorithms and the phenotypic assay results for ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, and nelfinavir. For amprenavir and lopinavir, there were marked differences between the different algorithms, with poor agreement (kappa < 0.40) obtained with four of the seven algorithms for amprenavir. For lopinavir, poor agreement was obtained with three of seven algorithms using the 2.5-fold biological cut-off and four of seven with the clinical cut-off of 10. Atazanavir susceptibility was evaluated for concordance among six algorithms, with a range of 23-50% of the samples maintaining susceptibility. Although this cohort of patients included many who were highly antiretroviral experienced, predictive algorithms demonstrated good agreement with phenotype for several Pls. For those where discordance among algorithms existed, further improvement will likely occur as drug resistance pathways for the more recently approved PIs are elucidated.

Neospora caninum in pastured cattle: determination of climatic, environmental, farm management and individual animal risk factors using remote sensing and geographical information systems

A cross-sectional serological survey was conducted on cattle pasturing in an area of the southern Italian Apennines to evaluate the seroprevalence to Neospora caninum, and to investigate the climatic, environmental, farm management, and individual animal factors that influence the distribution of this protozoan. Blood samples were collected from 864 pastured cattle raised on 81 farms. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to N. caninum using an ELISA assay (HerdCheck), IDEXX). A geographical information system (GIS) for the study area was constructed using the following remote sensing (RS) and landscape feature data: autumn-winter, spring and summer normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land cover, elevation, slope, aspect, mean rainfall and minimum, mean, and maximum temperature in spring, summer, autumn and winter. Data on each of these features were then extracted for "buffer zones" consisting of the area included in a circle of 3 km diameter centered on the 81 geo-referenced centroids of the main cattle pastures. Climatic and environmental data obtained from RS and GIS and individual animal characteristics and farm management data obtained from a questionnaire were analyzed in relation to N. caninum seropositivity and antibody titres both by linear and logistic regression models. Out of the 81 farms sampled, 63 (77.8%) had at least one tested animal positive for N. caninum. Out of the 864 bovine sera samples, 266 (30.8%) were found to have antibodies to N. caninum. The results of the logistic regression model show that significantly high seroprevalence to N. caninum was found in heifers/steers and adults, in cattle raised on farms having a large number of dogs, and in cattle raised in buffer zones having high minimum temperatures in the spring, and a narrow extension of summer NDVI. In addition, positive linear correlations were found between N. caninum antibody titres and the number of dogs on farm, and the minimum temperature in spring. All the above determined risk factors for N. caninum seroprevalence indicate that horizontal infection resulting from the ingestion of oocysts shed by dogs is the most probable route of N. caninum infection in pastured cattle of the southern Italian Apennines.

Predictors of trend in CD4-positive T-cell count and mortality among HIV-1-infected individuals with virological failure to all three antiretroviral-drug classes

BACKGROUND

Treatment strategies for patients in whom HIV replication is not suppressed after exposure to several drug classes remain unclear. We aimed to assess the inter-relations between viral load, CD4-cell count, and clinical outcome in patients who had experienced three-class virological failure.

METHODS

We undertook collaborative joint analysis of 13 HIV cohorts from Europe, North America, and Australia, involving patients who had had three-class virological failure (viral load >1000 copies per mL for >4 months). Regression analyses were used to quantify the associations between CD4-cell-count slope, HIV-1 RNA concentration, treatment information, and demographic characteristics. Predictors of death were analysed by Cox's proportional-hazards models.

FINDINGS

2488 patients were included. 2118 (85%) had started antiretroviral therapy with single or dual therapy. During 5015 person-years of follow-up, 276 patients died (mortality rate 5.5 per 100 person-years; 3-year mortality risk 15.3% (95% CI 13.5-17.3). Risk of death was strongly influenced by the latest CD4-cell count with a relative hazard of 15.8 (95% CI 9.28-27.0) for counts below 50 cells per microL versus above 200 cells per microL. The latest viral load did not independently predict death. For any given viral load, patients on treatment had more favourable CD4-cell-count slopes than those off treatment. For patients on treatment and with stable viral load, CD4-cell counts tended to be increasing at times when the current viral load was below 10000 copies per mL or 1.5 log10 copies per mL below off-treatment values.

INTERPRETATION

In patients for whom viral-load suppression to below the level of detection is not possible, achievement and maintenance of a CD4-cell count above 200 per microL becomes the primary aim. Treatment regimens that maintain the viral load below 10000 copies per mL or at least provide 1.5 log10 copies per mL suppression below the off-treatment value do not seem to be associated with appreciable CD4-cell-count decline.

Genotypic and phenotypic cross-resistance patterns to lopinavir and amprenavir in protease inhibitor-experienced patients with HIV viremia

Genotypic correlates of reduced phenotypic susceptibility to amprenavir (APV) and lopinavir (LPV) were examined in 271 HIV isolates from 207 protease inhibitor (PI)-experienced subjects. All samples were from LPV-naive subjects; two were from APV-experienced subjects. Using a fold resistance (FR) of <2.5, 179 (66%) were APV susceptible. Using FRs of <2.5 and <10, 107 (39%) and 194 (72%), respectively, were LPV susceptible. The I84V mutation was the strongest APV resistance marker in PI-experienced subjects in both univariate and multivariate analyses, with an increased relative incidence (RI) of 6.9 with >2.5 FR. Mutations L10I (RI, 1.7), M46I (RI, 2.3), and L90M (RI, 1.9, but 65% linked with the I84V) were associated with decreased APV susceptibility in the univariate analysis (p < 0.001). Mutations L10I, G48V, I54T, I54V, and V82A were significantly associated with decreased LPV susceptibility (p < 0.001 for each) and had increased RIs of 2.2, 4.4, 13, 4.6, and 3.2, respectively. Decreased susceptibility to LPV (FR, >or=10) was significantly associated with prior exposure to the following PIs: ritonavir (RTV) (p < 0.001), saquinavir (SQV) (p < 0.001), nelfinavir (NFV) (p = 0.008), and indinavir (IDV) (p = 0.028). Decreased APV susceptibility (FR, >or=2.5) was significantly associated with prior exposure to RTV (p = 0.009), NFV (p = 0.003), and IDV (p = 0.021) but not with prior SQV (p = 0.103). These results suggest that APV and LPV have different cross-resistance mutation patterns that may help determine choice of PI therapy after therapy failure.