Rapid Biphasic Decay of Intact and Defective HIV DNA Reservoir During Acute Treated HIV Disease

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not a cure. Upon ART cessation, virus rapidly rebounds from latently-infected cells ("the HIV reservoir"). The reservoir is largely stabilized at the time of ART initiation and then decays slowly. Here, leveraging >500 longitudinal samples from 67 people with HIV (PWH) treated during acute infection, we developed a novel mathematical model to predict reservoir decay using the intact proviral DNA assay (IPDA) from peripheral CD4+ T cells. Nonlinear generalized additive models adjusted for initial CD4+ T count, pre-ART viral load, and timing of ART initiation demonstrated rapid biphasic decay of intact DNA (week 0-5: t1/2 ~0.71 months; week 5-24: t1/2 ~3.9 months) that extended out to 1 year of ART, with similar trends for defective DNA. Predicted reservoir decay were faster for participants individuals with earlier timing of ART initiation, higher initial CD4+ T cell count, and lower pre-ART viral load. These estimates are ~5-fold faster than prior reservoir decay estimates among chronic-treated PWH. Thus, these data add to our limited understanding of host viral control at the earliest stages of HIV reservoir stabilization, potentially informing future HIV cure efforts aimed at diverse, global population of PWH initiating ART at varying stages of disease.

Prevalence of Undiagnosed Monkeypox Virus Infections during Global Mpox Outbreak, United States, June-September 2022

Since May 2022, mpox has been identified in 108 countries without endemic disease; most cases have been in gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men. To determine number of missed cases, we conducted 2 studies during June-September 2022: a prospective serologic survey detecting orthopoxvirus antibodies among men who have sex with men in San Francisco, California, and a retrospective monkeypox virus PCR testing of swab specimens submitted for other infectious disease testing among all patients across the United States. The serosurvey of 225 participants (median age 34 years) detected 18 (8.0%) who were orthopoxvirus IgG positive and 3 (1.3%) who were also orthopoxvirus IgM positive. The retrospective PCR study of 1,196 patients (median age 30 years; 54.8% male) detected 67 (5.6%) specimens positive for monkeypox virus. There are likely few undiagnosed cases of mpox in regions where sexual healthcare is accessible and patient and clinician awareness about mpox is increased.

Public Health Detailing on Sexual Health Care in San Francisco: Learnings From Real-World Implementation

OBJECTIVES

Public health detailing is an intervention in which a public health professional visits health care providers to educate them about evidence-based approaches to improve health. The San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted a public health detailing program from 2016 to 2018 to improve sexual health care and preexposure prophylaxis services in the city.

METHODS

We conducted a mixed-methods study to understand the implementation of detailing and explore examples of changes to clinicians' clinical behaviors. We surveyed 203 clinicians, conducted 60-minute qualitative interviews with 7 clinicians and 4 detailers, and analyzed tracking forms. We used descriptive statistics to assess associations in the surveys. We used qualitative thematic analysis to understand facilitators and barriers to detailing and identify ways to improve the process and identify its potential benefits.

RESULTS

In interviews, both clinicians and detailers had a favorable view of detailing as a tool to connect health department expertise to clinicians. Detailers cited challenges such as limited clinic time, provider turnover, and policies that limit their access to clinicians. These challenges may attenuate the real-world benefits of detailing. Clinicians offered examples of how detailing altered their behaviors, such as taking sexual health histories, building knowledge and confidence about sexual health, and using health department services. Matched surveys (n = 21) showed preliminary changes to prescribing preexposure prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

Public health detailing is a promising approach to increase clinicians' knowledge and confidence to offer sexual health care services, build buy-in, and support connection to health departments. Detailing programs require sufficient investment and staff support to build lasting and collaborative relationships between clinicians and public health departments and to assess the impact of the intervention.

Electroencephalography for predicting antidepressant treatment success: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) regularly experience non-response to treatment for their depressive episode. Personalized clinical decision making could shorten depressive episodes and reduce patient suffering. Although no clinical tools are currently available, machine learning analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) shows promise in treatment response prediction.

METHODS

With a systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the accuracy of EEG for individual patient response prediction. Importantly, we included only prediction studies that used cross-validation. We used a bivariate model to calculate prediction success, as expressed by area-under the curve, sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, we analyzed prediction success for separate antidepressant interventions.

RESULTS

15 studies with 12 individual patient samples and a total of 479 patients were included. Research methods varied considerably between studies. Meta-analysis of results from this heterogeneous set of studies resulted in an area under the curve of 0.91, a sensitivity of 83 % (95 % CI 74-89 %), and a specificity of 86 % (95 % CI 81-90 %). Classification performance did not significantly differ between treatments. Although studies were all internally validated, no externally validated studies have been reported. We found substantial risk of bias caused by methodological shortcomings such as non-independent feature selection, though performance of non-biased studies was comparable.

LIMITATIONS

Sample sizes were relatively small and no study used external validation, increasing the risk of overestimation of accuracy.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroencephalography can predict the response to antidepressant treatment with high accuracy. However, future studies with more rigorous validation are needed to produce a clinical tool to guide interventions in MDD.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021268169.

Testing for Mycoplasma Genitalium and Using Doxycycline as First-Line Therapy at Initial Presentations for Non-Gonococcal Urethritis (NGU) Correlate with Reductions in Persistent NGU

We found that the odds of return clinic visits for persistent non-gonococcal urethritis (pNGU) were significantly lower (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.3-0.6, p < 0.0001) after implementing: (1) testing for Mycoplasma genitalium during initial evaluations for non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) and (2) switching from azithromycin to doxycycline as first-line NGU treatment.

Using Geocoding to Identify COVID-19 Outbreaks in Congregate Residential Settings: San Francisco's Outbreak Response in Single-Room Occupancy Hotels

More than 500 single-room occupancy hotels (SROs), a type of low-cost congregate housing with shared bathrooms and kitchens, are available in San Francisco. SRO residents include essential workers, people with disabilities, and multigenerational immigrant families. In March 2020, with increasing concerns about the potential for rapid transmission of COVID-19 among a population with disproportionate rates of comorbidity, poor access to care, and inability to self-isolate, the San Francisco Department of Public Health formed an SRO outbreak response team to identify and contain COVID-19 clusters in this congregate residential setting. Using address-matching geocoding, the team conducted active surveillance to identify new cases and outbreaks of COVID-19 at SROs. An outbreak was defined as 3 separate households in the SRO with a positive test result for COVID-19. From March 2020 through February 2021, the SRO outbreak response team conducted on-site mass testing of all residents at 52 SROs with outbreaks identified through geocoding. The rate of positive COVID-19 tests was significantly higher at SROs with outbreaks than at SROs without outbreaks (12.7% vs 6.4%; P < .001). From March through May 2020, the rate of COVID-19 cases among SRO residents was higher than among residents of other settings (ie, non-SRO residents), before decreasing and remaining at an equal level to non-SRO residents during later periods of 2020. The annual case fatality rate for SRO residents and non-SRO residents was similar (1.8% vs 1.5%). This approach identified outbreaks in a setting at high risk of COVID-19 and facilitated rapid deployment of resources. The geocoding surveillance approach could be used for other diseases and in any setting for which a list of addresses is available.

Contact-Tracing Outcomes Among Household Contacts of Fully Vaccinated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients: San Francisco, California, 29 January-2 July 2021

BACKGROUND

The extent to which vaccinated persons diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can transmit to other vaccinated and unvaccinated persons is unclear.

METHODS

Using data from the San Francisco Department of Public Health, this report describes outcomes of household contact tracing during 29 January-2 July 2021, where fully vaccinated patients with COVID-19 were the index case in the household.

RESULTS

Among 248 fully vaccinated patients with breakthrough infections, 203 (82%) were symptomatic and 105 were identified as the index patient within their household. Among 179 named household contacts, 71 (40%) contacts tested, over half (56%) were fully vaccinated and the secondary attack rate was 28%. Overall transmission from a symptomatic fully vaccinated patient with breakthrough infection to household contacts was suspected in 14 of 105 (13%) of households. Viral genomic sequencing of samples from 44% of fully vaccinated patients showed that 82% of those sequenced were infected by a variant of concern or interest and 77% by a variant carrying mutation(s) associated with resistance to neutralizing antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Transmission from fully vaccinated symptomatic index patients to vaccinated and unvaccinated household contacts can occur. Indoor face masking and timely testing of all household contacts should be considered when a household member receives a positive test result in order to identify and interrupt transmission chains.

Texting Lost-to-follow-up PrEP Patients from a San Francisco Sexual Health Clinic

It is critical to understand what happens when PrEP patients are lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) and, where appropriate, attempt to re-engage them in care with the goal of preventing future human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. We evaluated the benefits and limitations of using text-based outreach to re-engage with LTFU PrEP patients and offer re-initiation of PrEP care. Using text-messaging, we surveyed San Francisco City Clinic patients who started PrEP from January 2015 to October 2019 and were LTFU by October 1, 2020. Our goals were to better understand (1) whether our patients remained on PrEP through another provider or source, (2) why patients choose to discontinue PrEP, and (3) whether text-based outreach could successfully re-engage such patients in care. Multiple-choice survey questions were analyzed quantitatively to determine the proportion of respondents selecting each option; free-text responses were analyzed qualitatively using an inductive approach to identify any additional recurring themes. Of 846 eligible survey recipients, 130 responded (overall response rate 15.4%). Forty-two respondents (32.3%) were still on PrEP through another provider while 88 (67.7%) were not. Common reasons for stopping PrEP included: COVID-19–related changes in sex life (32.3% of responses), concerns regarding side effects (17.7%), and the need to take a daily pill (8.3%). Free text responses revealed additional concerns regarding risk compensation. While 32 participants agreed to be contacted by City clinic staff for PrEP counseling, only 6 were reached by phone and none of the six subsequently restarted PrEP. We learned that text messaging is a possible approach to survey certain PrEP program participants to determine who is truly LTFU and off PrEP, and to better understand reasons for PrEP discontinuation. While such information could prove valuable as programs seek to address barriers to PrEP retention, efforts to improve acceptability and increase response rates would be necessary. We were less successful in re-engaging LTFU patients in PrEP care, suggesting that text-messaging may not be the optimal strategy for this purpose.

Decreased Time From Human Immunodeficiency Virus Diagnosis to Care, Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation, and Virologic Suppression during the Citywide RAPID Initiative in San Francisco

BACKGROUND

Early virologic suppression (VS) after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection improves individual health outcomes and decreases onward transmission. In San Francisco, immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) at HIV diagnosis was piloted in 2013-2014 and expanded citywide in 2015 in a rapid start initiative to link all new diagnoses to care within 5 days and start ART at the first care visit.

METHODS

HIV providers and linkage navigators were trained on a rapid start protocol with sites caring for vulnerable populations prioritized. Dates of HIV diagnosis, first care visit, ART initiation, and VS were abstracted from the San Francisco Department of Public Health HIV surveillance registry.

RESULTS

During 2013-2017, among 1354 new HIV diagnoses in San Francisco, median days from diagnosis to first VS decreased from 145 to 76 (48%; P < .0001) and from first care visit to ART initiation decreased from 28 to 1 (96%; P < .0001). By 2017, 28% of new diagnoses had a rapid start, which was independently associated with Latinx ethnicity (AOR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.15-2.60) and recent year of diagnosis (2017; AOR, 16.84; 95% CI, 8.03-35.33). Persons with a rapid ART start were more likely to be virologically suppressed within 12 months of diagnosis than those with a non-rapid start (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10-1.24).

CONCLUSIONS

During a multisector initiative to optimize ART initiation, median time from diagnosis to VS decreased by nearly half. Immediate ART at care initiation was achieved across many, but not all, populations, and was associated with improved suppression rates.

Acute HIV at the Time of Initiation of Pre-exposure or Post-exposure Prophylaxis: Impact on Drug Resistance and Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Initiating pre-exposure or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) in the setting of undiagnosed acute HIV (AHI) could cause antiretroviral resistance. We sought to characterize clinical outcomes and drug resistance mutations among individuals prescribed PrEP/PEP with undiagnosed AHI at a San Francisco sexually transmitted disease clinic.

SETTING

In our PrEP/PEP program, patients are tested for HIV using a point-of-care antibody test. If negative, patients are started on prophylaxis and screened for AHI using pooled HIV RNA (5-10 days turn-around). We used 2-drug PEP until 05/2016.

METHODS

We identified patients who had as-yet-undiagnosed AHI on the day of PrEP/PEP start between 2011 and 2018, then used our clinical record and surveillance data to describe HIV resistance and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 1758 PrEP and 2242 PEP starts, there were 7 AHI cases among PrEP users (0.40%) and 6 among PEP users (0.30%). Median times for linkage to HIV care, initiation of HIV treatment, and viral suppression were 7, 12, and 43 days. On initiation of HIV care, 3 patients (23%) were found to have an M184 mutation 7-12 days after starting PrEP/PEP. All 3 had genotyping performed on stored serum available from the date of PrEP/PEP start, each of which demonstrated wild-type virus. All 3 patients achieved durable viral suppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare (occurring <0.5% of the time), AHI in the setting of PrEP/2-drug PEP can result in an M184 within days. Even with M184, persons with AHI achieve viral suppression when rapidly linked to care and initiated on antiretroviral therapy. Providers should consider AHI screening when starting PrEP/PEP.

Lubrication Practices and Receptive Anal Sex: Implications for STI Transmission and Prevention

Introduction

Implications of lubricant use in men having sex with men (MSM) are poorly characterized, particularly associations with sexual behavior and rectal sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk.

Aim

We sought to clarify covariates associated with lubrication type including differing sexual preferences and rectal STI prevalence.

Methods

Primary English-speaking individuals ≥18 years old visiting San Francisco City Clinic (SFCC) between April and May of 2018 who endorsed lubricant use during receptive anal sex within the last 3 months were studied. Associations between lubrication type used and collected covariates were assessed using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance for continuous variables and Chi-squared test for categorical variables. We used logistic regression to examine the association between lubrication type and rectal STI test result.

Main Outcome Measures

Rectal STI test positivity.

Results

From all enrolled participants, 179 completed the survey and endorsed use of a lubricant during receptive anal sex within the last 3 months. Silicone lubricant users had the most sexual partners in the last 3 months (13 [mean] ± 30 [SD], P= .0003) and were most likely to have a history of gonorrhea. Oil-based lubricant users had the most partners with whom they had receptive anal sex in the last 3 months (7 ± 6, P= .03). Water-based lubricant users most commonly used a condom in their last sexual encounter and had the fewest sexual partners in the last 3 months (4 ± 4, P= .0003). Spit/saliva lubricant use was associated with positive rectal STI result.

Conclusion

Silicone and oil-based lubricant users were more likely to report condomless receptive anal sex and to have a history of gonorrhea while spit/saliva lubricant use associated with positive rectal STI acquisition. Lee A, Gaither TW, Langston ME, et al. Lubrication Practices and Receptive Anal Sex: Implications for STI Transmission and Prevention. Sex Med 2021;9:100341.

Outcomes of Contact Tracing in San Francisco, California-Test and Trace During Shelter-in-Place

This case series evaluates case investigation and contact tracing outcomes in San Francisco, California, during shelter-in-place restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Phylodynamic Analysis Complements Partner Services by Identifying Acute and Unreported HIV Transmission

Tailoring public health responses to growing HIV transmission clusters depends on accurately mapping the risk network through which it spreads and identifying acute infections that represent the leading edge of cluster growth. HIV transmission links, especially those involving persons with acute HIV infection (AHI), can be difficult to uncover, or confirm during partner services investigations. We integrated molecular, epidemiologic, serologic and behavioral data to infer and evaluate transmission linkages between participants of a prospective study of AHI conducted in North Carolina, New York City and San Francisco from 2011-2013. Among the 547 participants with newly diagnosed HIV with polymerase sequences, 465 sex partners were reported, of whom only 35 (7.5%) had HIV sequences. Among these 35 contacts, 23 (65.7%) links were genetically supported and 12 (34.3%) were not. Only five links were reported between participants with AHI but none were genetically supported. In contrast, phylodynamic inference identified 102 unreported transmission links, including 12 between persons with AHI. Importantly, all putative transmission links between persons with AHI were found among large clusters with more than five members. Taken together, the presence of putative links between acute participants who did not name each other as contacts that are found only among large clusters underscores the potential for unobserved or undiagnosed intermediaries. Phylodynamics identified many more links than partner services alone and, if routinely and rapidly integrated, can illuminate transmission patterns not readily captured by partner services investigations.

Implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis at a community pharmacy through a collaborative practice agreement with San Francisco Department of Public Health

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the design and implementation of a community pharmacy-initiated HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) program developed in collaboration with the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH).

SETTING

A community pharmacy in San Francisco and the SFDPH developed a collaborative practice agreement (CPA) that allowed community pharmacists to initiate PrEP and PEP to prevent HIV acquisition and increase uptake in vulnerable populations.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

A community pharmacy in San Francisco's Mission District, an urban, historically Hispanic/Latino/Latinx neighborhood. The primary collaborative practice team consisted of 1 community pharmacy technician, 4 community pharmacists, and 1 designated overseeing physician at SFDPH.

PRACTICE INNOVATION

The pharmacy and the SFDPH collaborated together for 20 months from start to implementation of the CPA and the PrEP program. An interdisciplinary team of pharmacists, pharmacy personnel, public health physicians, and health department staff members worked together to design, launch, and maintain the program. Pharmacists were trained by SFDPH staff members on HIV testing and counseling and implementation of the PrEP protocol, including PEP initiation and sexually transmitted disease testing. A Department of Public Health secure portal was used to share patient information. An SFDPH physician reviewed patients' charts regularly and communicated with PrEP pharmacists as needed.

RESULTS

Between April 2018 and the end of March 2019, 6 patients received PEP and 53 patients completed a PrEP initiation visit, of whom 96% (n = 51) filled their prescription. Approximately 47% (n = 24) of clients who started PrEP self-identified as Hispanic or Latino, 10% (n = 5) were black or African American, and 82% (n = 42) identified as men who have sex with men.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of a CPA between a community pharmacy and a local health department enabled the launch of pharmacist-delivered PrEP, further expanding the landscape of access points to vulnerable populations in San Francisco.

Performance evaluation of the Bio-Rad Geenius HIV 1/2 supplemental assay

BACKGROUND

In the US, the HIV diagnostic algorithm for laboratory settings recommends the use of an HIV-1/HIV-2 differentiation supplemental assay after an initial reactive antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) assay result. Since the discontinuation of the Multispot HIV-1/HIV-2 Rapid Test (MS), the Geenius HIV-1/2 Supplemental assay (Geenius) is the only FDA-approved supplemental differentiation test.

OBJECTIVE

We compared the performance of Geenius to MS and Western Blot (WB).

STUDY DESIGN

The relative seroconversion plasma reactivity of Geenius and MS was assessed using a 50% cumulative frequency analysis from 17 HIV-1 seroconverters. In addition, previously characterized plasma specimens, 186 HIV-1 positive, 100 HIV-2 positive, and 93 Ag/Ab-positive/HIV-1 RNA-negative, were tested with Geenius v1.1 software. McNemar's test was used for paired comparison analysis. A subset of 48 specimens were retested with the upgraded Geenius v1.3 software.

RESULTS

In HIV-1 seroconverters, the relative seroconversion reactivity was 2.5 and 2 days before the first positive HIV-1 WB for Geenius and MS, respectively. In HIV-1 positive samples, Geenius performed similarly to HIV-1 WB (p=0.1687) and MS (p=0.8312). In HIV-2 positive samples, Geenius underperformed compared to HIV-2 WB (p=0.0005) and MS (p=0.0012). When using the upgraded software among the HIV-1 positive and Ag/Ab-reactive/HIV-1 RNA-negative samples, gp140 reactivity decreased without affecting characterization of HIV-2 samples.

CONCLUSIONS

With HIV-1 samples, Geenius, WB and MS performance was similar as supplemental tests. The updated Geenius software reduced false gp140 reactivity, but had no impact on identifying true HIV-2 infections. Further evaluation will assess the impact of the Geenius software update on final diagnostic interpretations.

Acquisition of tenofovir-susceptible, emtricitabine-resistant HIV despite high adherence to daily pre-exposure prophylaxis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is highly protective against HIV infection. We report a case of tenofovir-susceptible, emtricitabine-resistant HIV acquisition despite high adherence to daily PrEP.

METHODS

Adherence to PrEP was assessed by measuring concentrations of emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or their metabolites in plasma, dried blood spots, and hair. After seroconversion, genotypic and phenotypic resistance of the acquired virus was determined by standard clinical tests and by single-genome sequencing of proviral genomes. HIV partner services identified the likely transmission partner.

FINDINGS

A 21-year-old Latino man tested positive for HIV infection 13 months after PrEP initiation. He had a negative HIV antibody test, but detectable HIV RNA with 559 copies per mL. He reported good adherence to daily PrEP. He was linked to care and immediately started antiretroviral therapy, at which point his RNA was 1544 copies per mL and his HIV antibody test was positive. The HIV genotype revealed Met184Val, Leu74Val, Leu100Ile, and Lys103Asn mutations in reverse transcriptase, and the phenotype showed susceptibility to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and resistance to emtricitabine. Segmental hair analysis of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate concentrations measured in 1 cm segments of hair from the scalp indicated consistently high adherence to PrEP in each of the 6 months before HIV diagnosis (0·0672-0·0889 ng/mg). Concentrations of tenofovir diphosphate (1012 fmol per punch) and emtricitabine triphosphate (0·266 fmol per punch) in a dried blood spot indicated high adherence over the preceding 6 weeks. Concentrations of emtricitabine (870·5 ng/mL) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (188·2 ng/mL) measured in plasma 3 months before HIV seroconversion confirmed adherence in the days preceding that visit. The likely transmission partner was not engaged in HIV primary care and had a similar viral genotype.

INTERPRETATION

Acquisition of HIV virus that is susceptible to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, but resistant to emtricitabine can occur despite high adherence to PrEP. Quarterly screening for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases facilitates early diagnosis in people on PrEP; when combined with prompt linkage to care and partner services this can prevent onward transmission of HIV.

FUNDING

US National Institutes of Health.

1298. Acquisition of TDF-Susceptible HIV Despite High Level Adherence to Daily TDF/FTC PrEP as Measured by Dried Blood Spot (DBS) and Segmental Hair Analysis: A Case Report

Background

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with emtricitabine/tenofovir (TFV) disoproxil fumarate (FTC/TDF) is highly protective against HIV infection. We report the second case of acquisition of TDF-susceptible HIV despite high adherence to PrEP, confirmed by drug level testing.

Methods

PrEP adherence was assessed by measuring FTC/TDF metabolites in dried blood spots (DBS) and FTC/TFV concentrations in segments of scalp hair. Genotypic and phenotypic resistance were evaluated. HIV partner services (PS) and HIV sequences reported to HIV surveillance with a genetic distance ≤1.5% (by HIV-Trace) identified likely transmission partners.

Results

A 21-year-old Latino man presented 13 months after PrEP initiation. He was HIV negative by rapid HIV antibody (Ab) and HIV RNA pooling (detection limit ~40 copies/mL) at PrEP initiation and at months 3, 6, and 10. At the 13-month visit, he was asymptomatic and his rapid HIV Ab was negative. Five days later, his HIV RNA was reported as positive (559 copies/mL). He was notified of the result, linked to care and immediately started antiretroviral treatment (ART), at which point his RNA was 1544 copies/mL and his HIV Ab test was positive. The HIV genotype had M184V, L74V and K103N mutations and phenotypic susceptibility to TDF. TFV/FTC levels by LC-MS/MS measured in 1 cm segments of hair collected at ART initiation indicated consistently high PrEP adherence in each of the preceding 6 months. TFV-diphosphate and FTC-triphosphate levels in DBS collected 2 days after ART initiation were 1012 fmol/punch and 0.266 pmol/punch, confirming high adherence over the preceding 6 weeks. Between PrEP initiation and HIV acquisition, he had 1 episode of urethral chlamydia and three episodes of urethral gonorrhea. The likely transmission partner, named during PS, had no history of viral suppression in HIV surveillance and harbored the same resistance mutations, with a genetic distance between the two patients of 0.66%. The partner was re-linked to care and had a current HIV RNA of 15,130 copies/mL.

Conclusion

Acquisition of TDF-susceptible HIV infection can occur despite high PrEP adherence. Quarterly HIV and STD screening of patients on PrEP, combined with prompt linkage to care and PS for those diagnosed with HIV, facilitates early diagnosis and prevents further transmission of HIV.

Disclosures

S. E. Cohen, Gilead: Investigator in PrEP study for which Gilead donated drug, donated study drug and paid for drug testing during the PrEP demo project, of which I was a co-PI (the study has ended). S. Lee, Viiv Healthcare: Investigator, Research grant. Gilead Sciences: Investigator, Research grant. P. Anderson, Gilead: Consultant and Investigator, funds were paid to the institution for contract work and grant support and Research support. D. Havlir, Gilead: Investigator, Gilead Sciences provides antiretroviral therapy for a NIH funded study that she is conducting and Research support.

Body/Selves and Beyond: Men's Narratives of Sexual Behavior on PrEP

Although pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has dramatically impacted HIV prevention, deep engagement with PrEP-takers' own accounts of their sexual behavior is still rare. We report findings from semi-structured interviews with male participants of the US PrEP Demonstration Project. In their narratives, interviewees variously foregrounded their individual selves, interactions with sexual partners, and the biopolitical and historical context of their lives. PrEP served to discursively integrate the multiple selves populating these stories. We argue that medical anthropological notions can help make sense of men's accounts, and PrEP's role in them, advancing a holistic conception of personhood that includes but transcends concern with HIV.

HIV-1 persistence following extremely early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during acute HIV-1 infection: An observational study

BACKGROUND

It is unknown if extremely early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to long-term ART-free HIV remission or cure. As a result, we studied 2 individuals recruited from a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) program who started prophylactic ART an estimated 10 days (Participant A; 54-year-old male) and 12 days (Participant B; 31-year-old male) after infection with peak plasma HIV RNA of 220 copies/mL and 3,343 copies/mL, respectively. Extensive testing of blood and tissue for HIV persistence was performed, and PrEP Participant A underwent analytical treatment interruption (ATI) following 32 weeks of continuous ART.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Colorectal and lymph node tissues, bone marrow, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), plasma, and very large numbers of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained longitudinally from both participants and were studied for HIV persistence in several laboratories using molecular and culture-based detection methods, including a murine viral outgrowth assay (mVOA). Both participants initiated PrEP with tenofovir/emtricitabine during very early Fiebig stage I (detectable plasma HIV-1 RNA, antibody negative) followed by 4-drug ART intensification. Following peak viral loads, both participants experienced full suppression of HIV-1 plasma viremia. Over the following 2 years, no further HIV could be detected in blood or tissue from PrEP Participant A despite extensive sampling from ileum, rectum, lymph nodes, bone marrow, CSF, circulating CD4+ T cell subsets, and plasma. No HIV was detected from tissues obtained from PrEP Participant B, but low-level HIV RNA or DNA was intermittently detected from various CD4+ T cell subsets. Over 500 million CD4+ T cells were assayed from both participants in a humanized mouse outgrowth assay. Three of 8 mice infused with CD4+ T cells from PrEP Participant B developed viremia (50 million input cells/surviving mouse), but only 1 of 10 mice infused with CD4+ T cells from PrEP Participant A (53 million input cells/mouse) experienced very low level viremia (201 copies/mL); sequence confirmation was unsuccessful. PrEP Participant A stopped ART and remained aviremic for 7.4 months, rebounding with HIV RNA of 36 copies/mL that rose to 59,805 copies/mL 6 days later. ART was restarted promptly. Rebound plasma HIV sequences were identical to those obtained during acute infection by single-genome sequencing. Mathematical modeling predicted that the latent reservoir size was approximately 200 cells prior to ATI and that only around 1% of individuals with a similar HIV burden may achieve lifelong ART-free remission. Furthermore, we observed that lymphocytes expressing the tumor marker CD30 increased in frequency weeks to months prior to detectable HIV-1 RNA in plasma. This study was limited by the small sample size, which was a result of the rarity of individuals presenting during hyperacute infection.

CONCLUSIONS

We report HIV relapse despite initiation of ART at one of the earliest stages of acute HIV infection possible. Near complete or complete loss of detectable HIV in blood and tissues did not lead to indefinite ART-free HIV remission. However, the small numbers of latently infected cells in individuals treated during hyperacute infection may be associated with prolonged ART-free remission.

Characterization of New HIV Infections among Adults ≥45 Years—New York City, North Carolina, San Francisco, 2011–2013

Background

While HIV prevention activities are often focused on younger people, older people can also be at risk for HIV infection. We aimed to characterize HIV transmission in older adults.

Methods

The STOP study was a multi-site prospective study of persons with acute HIV infection (AHI) from 2011 to 2013. Older adults were defined as ≥45 years and younger persons were 13–44 years. AHI was defined by a negative rapid test but a reactive antigen/antibody or HIV RNA test. We performed bivariate analysis using Pearson’s chi-square and odds ratios to examine associations between older age and transmission characteristics. Among persons with HIV-1 polymerase (pol) sequences, transmission linkages were inferred when the genetic distance between sequences was <1.5% and did not indicate directionality of transmission.

Results

Among 86,836 participants (median age, 29 years; 75.0% male; 51.8% MSM), HIV infection was diagnosed in 176 (1.46%) of 12,036 older adults compared with 1,150 (1.53%) of 74,800 younger people (P = 0.56). Among HIV-infected persons, AHI was diagnosed in similar proportions of older and younger people (13.1% vs. 12.6%; P = 0.86). Among HIV-infected persons who participated in partner notification (n = 1,326), older adults were less likely to report meeting a sex partner online (11.3% vs. 26.9%; OR 0.52, 95% CI = 0.35–0.78) and were less likely to name ≥2 sex partners (31.5% vs. 46.8%; OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.15–0.53) compared with younger people. Among HIV-infected persons with HIV-1 pol sequences (n = 537), similar proportions of older and younger people had viruses that genetically linked with another study participant (15.9% vs. 23.5%; OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.31–1.22) (Figure).

Conclusion

In this study, older adults had a similar frequency of newly diagnosed HIV infection, acute infection, and genetic linkage compared with younger people, suggesting that increased HIV prevention efforts may be needed in this population.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Top Questions in ID: Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly efficacious at preventing HIV acquisition. This review discusses ways to identify candidates for PrEP, recommended PrEP regimens, baseline and follow-up evaluations, applications of PrEP for HIV-serodiscordant couples, resources to address financial barriers, investigational strategies for PrEP, and educational resources for clinicians and patients.

Performance evaluation of the FDA-approved Determine™ HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo assay using plasma and whole blood specimens

BACKGROUND

The Determine™ HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo (DC) rapid test can identify HIV-1 infection earlier than rapid antibody-only tests in plasma specimens.

OBJECTIVES

We compared the performance of DC with a laboratory-based antigen/antibody (Ag/Ab) combo assay in plasma and evaluated antigen reactivity in whole blood specimens.

STUDY DESIGN

We tested by DC 508 plasma specimens collected in a prospective study and 107 sequential plasma and simulated whole blood specimens from 20 seroconversion panels. Previous results using the ARCHITECT (ARC) Ag/Ab combo assay were compared to DC results. In seroconversion panels, the days from the first HIV1 RNA-positive test to first DC-reactive in plasma and whole blood was compared. McNemar's and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Of 415 HIV-positive samples, ARC detected 396 (95.4%) and DC 337 (81.2%) (p<0.0001). DC was reactive in 50.0% of ARC-reactive/MS-negative, 78.6% of ARC-reactive/MS-indeterminate, and 99.6% of ARC-reactive/MS-HIV-1-positive or -undifferentiated specimens. DC antigen reactivity was higher among ARC-reactive/MS-negative than MS-indeterminate samples. In 20 HIV-1 seroconversion panels, there was a significant difference between DC reactivity in plasma (91.1%) and whole blood (56.4%) (p<0.0001). DC with whole blood showed a significant delay in reactivity compared to plasma (p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

In plasma, DC was significantly less sensitive than an instrumented laboratory-based Ag/Ab combo assay. DC in plasma was significantly more sensitive compared to whole blood in early HIV-1 infections. With the U.S. laboratory-based diagnostic algorithm, DC as the first step would likely miss a high proportion of HIV-1 infections in early stages of seroconversion.

Real-world performance of the new US HIV testing algorithm in medical settings

BACKGROUND

Our medical center laboratory recently adapted its 24/7, two-hourly testing program to use an ARCHITECT-Multispot-viral load (AR-MS-VL) algorithm in place of a previous rapid test-immunofluorescence (RT-IF) algorithm.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated screening test performance, acute case detection, turnaround time and ability to resolve HIV status under the new algorithm.

STUDY DESIGN

We considered consecutive HIV tests from January to November 2015. AR-MS-VL results at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center (ZSFG) were compared with RT-IF results at ZSFG and also with AR-MS-VL results in the recently completed CDC Screening Targeted Populations to Interrupt On-going Chains of HIV Transmission with Enhanced Partner Notification (STOP) Study for targeted testing of MSM at publicly funded testing sites in San Francisco.

RESULTS

Among 21,985 HIV tests performed at ZSFG, 16,467 were tested by RT-IF and 5518 by AR-MS-VL. There were 321 HIV infections detected, of which 274 (84%) were known HIV+ cases, and 47 were newly identified HIV infections. Considering only patients of HIV-negative or -unknown status, prevalence was 0.22%. Under the AR-MS-VL algorithm, turnaround times for screening results and full algorithm results were 3 and 21h; status-unresolved cases were reduced (from 47% to 22%) compared with the RT-IF algorithm. The positive predictive value (PPV) of a new-positive AR screening test was low (0.44) at ZSFG, where no acute infections were detected. At STOP Study sites where HIV prevalence was higher and acute infection was more common, the AR PPV was higher (0.93). All 24 false-positive AR screening tests at ZSFG had a signal/cutoff (S/CO) ratio of <15 and all 88 true-positive tests had S/CO ratio >15. Of 62 acute infections in the STOP Study, 23 (37%) had an S/CO<15.

DISCUSSION

An AR-MS-VL algorithm is feasible and can return rapid results in a large medical center. In this setting, reactive 4th generation assay tests that are negative for HIV antibodies are typically false-positive with low S/CO ratios.

Performance evaluation of the point-of-care INSTI™ HIV-1/2 antibody test in early and established HIV infections

BACKGROUND

The flow-through INSTI™ HIV-1/HIV-2 Rapid Antibody (INSTI) test is a 60s FDA-approved test for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibody testing using whole blood and plasma.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the performance of INSTI using plasma and simulated whole blood specimens.

STUDY DESIGN

INSTI's performance in plasma specimens from commercial seroconversion panels was assessed by estimating the relative sensitivity using a 50% cumulative frequency analysis and by comparing its performance with other FDA-approved rapid tests (RTs). INSTI was further evaluated using 320 HIV-1 plasma specimens collected during a cross-sectional study and with 107 HIV-1 and 24 HIV-2 simulated whole blood specimens. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated using 615 known HIV-1 group M/O and 80 HIV-2 (Western blot (WB)-positive), and 497 HIV-negative plasma specimens, respectively.

RESULTS

In HIV-1 seroconversion panels, INSTI became reactive 9days before a positive WB. When compared to FDA-approved antibody-based lateral flow RTs, INSTI detected significantly more early infections. Among HIV-1-infected cross-sectional plasma samples, INSTI detected 23 (27%) of 85 Architect-positive/Multispot-negative or indeterminate specimens. For plasma specimens, the sensitivity was 99.84% for HIV-1 and 100% for HIV-2, and the specificity was 99.80%. Using simulated whole blood from seroconverters, INSTI performed similarly to plasma.

CONCLUSIONS

INSTI performed significantly better than antibody-based lateral flow RTs during early stages of seroconversion. Sensitivity and specificity were within the manufacturer's reported ranges. Considering the observed test performance and the almost immediate results, INSTI is an accurate option to detect HIV-1/HIV-2 antibodies in point-of-care settings where lab testing is not feasible.

Brief Report: Informing Strategies to Build PrEP Capacity Among San Francisco Bay Area Clinicians

A large pool of clinicians are needed to meet the growing demand for HIV preexposure prophylaxis. We surveyed a mixed group of HIV specialists and nonspecialists in the San Francisco Bay Area to determine their attitudes toward and training needs regarding prescribing preexposure prophylaxis to persons at increased risk of HIV infection. Willingness to prescribe was associated with experience in caring for HIV-infected patients (adjusted odds ratio 4.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.43 to 15.76, P = 0.01). Desire for further training was associated with concerns about drug resistance (P = 0.04) and side effects (P = 0.04) and was more common among noninfectious disease specialists. Clinicians favored online and in-person training methods.

Lymphogranuloma Venereum 2015: Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) has emerged as an important cause of proctitis and proctocolitis in men who have sex with men; classical inguinal presentation is now increasingly uncommon. We report summary findings of an extensive literature review on LGV clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment that form the evidence base for the 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention treatment guidelines for sexually transmitted diseases. Proctitis and proctocolitis are now the most commonly reported clinical manifestations of LGV, with symptoms resembling those of inflammatory bowel disease. Newer molecular tests to confirm LGV infection are sensitive and specific, but are generally restricted to research laboratory or public health settings. Doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 21 days) remains the treatment of choice for LGV. Patients with rectal chlamydial infection and signs or symptoms of proctitis should be tested for LGV, or if confirmatory testing is not available, should be treated empirically with a recommended regimen to cover LGV infection.

Preexposure Prophylaxis for HIV Infection Integrated With Municipal- and Community-Based Sexual Health Services

IMPORTANCE

Several randomized clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Little is known about adherence to the regimen, sexual practices, and overall effectiveness when PrEP is implemented in clinics that treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and community-based clinics serving men who have sex with men (MSM).

OBJECTIVE

To assess PrEP adherence, sexual behaviors, and the incidence of STIs and HIV infection in a cohort of MSM and transgender women initiating PrEP in the United States.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Demonstration project conducted from October 1, 2012, through February 10, 2015 (last date of follow-up), among 557 MSM and transgender women in 2 STI clinics in San Francisco, California, and Miami, Florida, and a community health center in Washington, DC. Data were analyzed from December 18, 2014, through August 8, 2015.

INTERVENTIONS

A combination of daily, oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine was provided free of charge for 48 weeks. All participants received HIV testing, brief client-centered counseling, and clinical monitoring.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Concentrations of tenofovir diphosphate in dried blood spot samples, self-reported numbers of anal sex partners and episodes of condomless receptive anal sex, and incidence of STI and HIV acquisition.

RESULTS

Overall, 557 participants initiated PrEP, and 437 of these (78.5%) were retained through 48 weeks. Based on the findings from the 294 participants who underwent measurement of tenofovir diphosphate levels, 80.0% to 85.6% had protective levels (consistent with ≥4 doses/wk) at follow-up visits. African American participants (56.8% of visits; P = .003) and those from the Miami site (65.1% of visits; P < .001) were less likely to have protective levels, whereas those with stable housing (86.8%; P = .02) and those reporting at least 2 condomless anal sex partners in the past 3 months (88.6%; P = .01) were more likely to have protective levels. The mean number of anal sex partners declined during follow-up from 10.9 to 9.3, whereas the proportion engaging in condomless receptive anal sex remained stable at 65.5% to 65.6%. Overall STI incidence was high (90 per 100 person-years) but did not increase over time. Two individuals became HIV infected during follow-up (HIV incidence, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.05-1.54] infections per 100 person-years); both had tenofovir diphosphate levels consistent with fewer than 2 doses/wk at seroconversion.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The incidence of HIV acquisition was extremely low despite a high incidence of STIs in a large US PrEP demonstration project. Adherence was higher among those participants who reported more risk behaviors. Interventions that address racial and geographic disparities and housing instability may increase the impact of PrEP.

High interest in preexposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men at risk for HIV infection: baseline data from the US PrEP demonstration project

BACKGROUND

Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is the first biomedical intervention with proven efficacy to reduce HIV acquisition in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women. Little is known about levels of interest and characteristics of individuals who elect to take PrEP in real-world clinical settings.

METHODS

The US PrEP Demonstration Project is a prospective open-label cohort study assessing PrEP delivery in municipal sexually transmitted disease clinics in San Francisco and Miami and a community health center in Washington, DC. HIV-uninfected MSM and transgender women seeking sexual health services at participating clinics were assessed for eligibility and offered up to 48 weeks of emtricitabine/tenofovir for PrEP. Predictors of enrollment were assessed using a multivariable Poisson regression model, and characteristics of enrolled participants are described.

RESULTS

Of 1069 clients assessed for participation, 921 were potentially eligible and 557 (60.5%) enrolled. In multivariable analyses, participants from Miami (adjusted Relative Risk [aRR]: 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33 to 1.75) or DC (aRR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.2 to 1.47), those who were self-referred (aRR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.66), those with previous PrEP awareness (aRR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.05 to 2.33), and those reporting >1 episode of anal sex with an HIV-infected partner in the last 12 months (aRR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.33) were more likely to enroll. Almost all (98%) enrolled participants were MSM, and at baseline, 63.5% reported condomless receptive anal sex in the previous 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Interest in PrEP is high among a diverse population of MSM at risk for HIV infection when offered in sexually transmitted disease and community health clinics.

Syphilis transmission: a review of the current evidence

Syphilis remains widespread worldwide, with increasing rates among men who have sex with men. This paper reviews available evidence regarding syphilis transmission, including data on: sexual transmission (transmission probability per sexual partnership), vertical transmission, transmission via blood products and organ donation, and other rare modes of transmission. In addition, host susceptibility to syphilis infection is discussed. Syphilis screening and treatment, condoms and risk-reduction counselling and how they modify syphilis transmission dynamics are considered.

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for prevention of HIV in serodiscordant heterosexual couples in the United States: opportunities and challenges

Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising new biomedical prevention approach in which HIV-negative individuals are provided with daily oral antiretroviral medication for the primary prevention of HIV-1. Several clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy of oral PrEP for HIV prevention among groups at high risk for HIV, with adherence closely associated with level of risk reduction. In the United States (US), three groups have been prioritized for initial implementation of PrEP-injection drug users, men who have sex with men at substantial risk for HIV, and HIV-negative partners within serodiscordant heterosexual couples. Numerous demonstration projects involving PrEP implementation among MSM are underway, but relatively little research has been devoted to study PrEP implementation in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples in the US. Such couples face a unique set of challenges to PrEP implementation at the individual, couple, and provider level with regard to PrEP uptake and maintenance, adherence, safety and toxicity, clinical monitoring, and sexual risk behavior. Oral PrEP also provides new opportunities for serodiscordant couples and healthcare providers for primary prevention and reproductive health. This article provides a review of the critical issues, challenges, and opportunities involved in the implementation of oral PrEP among HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples in the US.

Syphilis in the modern era: an update for physicians

Syphilis is a complex, systemic disease caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is most commonly transmitted sexually or congenitally and can involve nearly every organ system. Its clinical progression involves several well-characterized stages: an incubation period, a primary stage, a secondary stage, a latent stage, and a late or tertiary stage. Syphilis during pregnancy is a leading cause of perinatal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and can cause spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight, or congenital syphilis. Penicillin is highly effective against syphilis and remains the treatment of choice. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostic approach, treatment, and prevention of syphilis.

Injection behaviors among injection drug users in treatment: the role of hepatitis C awareness

BACKGROUND

Injection drug use (IDU) is a primary vector for blood-borne infections. Awareness of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection status may affect risky injection behaviors. This study determines the prevalence of risky injection practices and examines associations between awareness of positive HCV status and risky injection behaviors.

METHODS

We surveyed individuals seeking treatment for substance use at 12 community treatment programs as part of a national HIV screening trial conducted within the National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network. Participants reported socio-demographic characteristics, substance use, risk behaviors, and HCV status. We used multivariable logistic regression to test associations between participant characteristics and syringe/needle sharing.

RESULTS

The 1281 participants included 244 (19.0%) individuals who reported injecting drugs in the past 6 months and 37.7% of IDUs reported being HCV positive. During the six months preceding baseline assessment, the majority of IDUs reported obtaining sterile syringes from pharmacies (51.6%) or syringe exchange programs (25.0%), but fewer than half of IDUs always used a sterile syringe (46.9%). More than one-third (38.5%) shared syringe/needles with another injector in the past 6 months. Awareness of positive HCV vs. negative/unknown status was associated with increased recent syringe/needle sharing (aOR 2.37, 95% CI 1.15, 4.88) in multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Risky injection behaviors remain prevalent and awareness of HCV infection was associated with increased risky injection behaviors. New approaches are needed to broadly implement HCV prevention interventions for IDUs seeking addiction treatment.

Repeat syphilis among men who have sex with men in California, 2002-2006: implications for syphilis elimination efforts

OBJECTIVES

We examined rates of and risk factors for repeat syphilis infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in California.

METHODS

We analyzed 2002 to 2006 California syphilis surveillance system data.

RESULTS

During the study period, a mean of 5.9% (range: 4.9%-7.1% per year) of MSM had a repeat primary or secondary (PS) syphilis infection within 2 years of an initial infection. There was no significant increase in the annual proportion of MSM with a repeat syphilis infection (P = .42). In a multivariable model, factors associated with repeat syphilis infection were HIV infection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14, 2.37), Black race (OR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.12, 3.04), and 10 or more recent sex partners (OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.12, 3.50).

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 6% of MSM in California have a repeat PS syphilis infection within 2 years of an initial infection. HIV infection, Black race, and having multiple sex partners are associated with increased odds of repeat infection. Syphilis elimination efforts should include messages about the risk for repeat infection and the importance of follow-up testing. Public health attention to individuals repeatedly infected with syphilis may help reduce local disease burdens.

Intrathecal fentanyl added to bupivacaine and morphine for cesarean delivery may induce a subtle acute opioid tolerance

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated that the addition of intrathecal fentanyl to a spinal anesthetic for cesarean delivery improves intraoperative analgesia. However, intrathecal fentanyl may induce acute tolerance to opioids. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the addition of intrathecal fentanyl to spinal anesthesia with intrathecal morphine increases postoperative analgesic requirements and pain scores.

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blinded study, 40 women having elective cesarean delivery were enrolled. Patients received spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine 12 mg, morphine 200 μg, and fentanyl 0, 5, 10 or 25 μg. Each patient received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia morphine for 24h postoperatively. Outcome measures included postoperative morphine usage and pain scores, as well as intraoperative pain, nausea, hypotension and vasopressor use.

RESULTS

Total morphine use over the 24-h post-spinal study period was similar among the study groups (P=0.129). Postoperative pain scores were higher in patients receiving fentanyl 5, 10 and 25 μg compared to fentanyl 0 μg control group (P=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The study results suggest that intrathecal fentanyl may induce acute tolerance to intrathecal morphine. However, because there was no difference in postoperative analgesia requirement and the difference in pain scores was small, the clinical significance of this finding is uncertain.

Efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin vs. pioglitazone when added to metformin: a 24-week, randomized, double-blind study

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of vildagliptin vs. pioglitazone as add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin monotherapy.

METHODS

This 24-week, multicentre, double-blind, randomized, active-controlled study compared vildagliptin (100 mg daily, given as equally divided doses, n = 295) and pioglitazone (30 mg daily, given as a single q.d. dose, n = 281) in patients with inadequate glycaemic control (A1C 7.5-11%) while receiving a stable metformin dose (> or =1500 mg daily). The adjusted mean changes from baseline to study endpoint (AMDelta) in A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting lipids and body weight were compared by analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

When added to a stable dose of metformin (mean dose at baseline >2000 mg/day), both vildagliptin and pioglitazone decreased A1C (AMDelta = -0.9 +/- 0.1% and -1.0 +/- 0.1%, respectively) from identical baseline values (8.4 +/- 0.1%). The between-group difference in AMDelta A1C was 0.1 +/- 0.1%, and non-inferiority of vildagliptin to pioglitazone was established at both 0.4 and 0.3% margins for upper limit of the 95% confidence intervals. Pioglitazone decreased FPG (AMDelta = -2.1 +/- 0.1 mmol/l) to a greater extent than vildagliptin (AMDelta = -1.4 +/- 0.1 mmol/l), but only pioglitazone increased body weight (AMDelta = +1.9 +/- 0.2 kg: between-group difference = -1.6 +/- 0.3 kg, p < 0.001). Adverse events (AEs) were reported by 60% of vildagliptin-treated patients and by 56.4% of pioglitazone-treated patients; serious AEs were reported by 2.0 and 4.6% of patients receiving vildagliptin and pioglitazone respectively. Mild hypoglycaemia was reported by one patient (0.3%) in the vildagliptin group and by no patients receiving pioglitazone.

CONCLUSIONS

When added to metformin, the efficacy of vildagliptin is non-inferior to that of pioglitazone. The treatments were similarly well tolerated, but only pioglitazone increased body weight.

Local infiltration of epinephrine-containing lidocaine with bicarbonate reduces superficial bleeding and pain during labor epidural catheter insertion: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Superficial bleeding after labor epidural catheter placement is a common phenomenon. In addition to delaying securing the epidural catheter, it may loosen the adhesive catheter dressing. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether skin infiltration with epinephrine-containing rather than plain lidocaine reduces superficial bleeding after catheter placement. Secondary objectives were to determine whether adding epinephrine and/or sodium bicarbonate affected infiltration pain.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval and informed consent, 80 healthy women receiving epidural analgesia during labor were randomly assigned in a double-blind manner to four local anesthetic mixtures (n=20 in each group): group L: lidocaine 1.5%, group LB: lidocaine 1.5% with 8.4% sodium bicarbonate, group LE: lidocaine 1.5% with epinephrine 1:200000, and group LEB: lidocaine 1.5% with epinephrine 1:200000 and 8.4% sodium bicarbonate. Clinical endpoints included the amount of superficial bleeding at the catheter site, pain during local anesthetic infiltration and epidural catheter movement during labor.

RESULTS

Demographic data were similar among the groups. The addition of epinephrine to lidocaine significantly reduced superficial bleeding. Solutions containing epinephrine were well tolerated and caused no cardiovascular disturbances. The addition of epinephrine did not increase pain, while bicarbonate reduced it [verbal score (scale 0-10) 3.6+/-2.2 vs. 2.6+/-1.8; P=0.04]. There were no differences in epidural catheter movement among the groups; no catheters became displaced during labor.

CONCLUSION

Local infiltration of epinephrine-containing lidocaine before epidural catheter insertion reduces superficial bleeding and the addition of bicarbonate decreases pain during skin infiltration.

A survey of labor patient-controlled epidural anesthesia practice in California hospitals

BACKGROUND

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) offers many advantages over continuous epidural infusions for labor analgesia including fewer physician interventions, improved analgesia and satisfaction, and reduced local anesthetic doses. However, anesthesiologists have been slow to adopt this technique, first described in 1988. No previous studies have evaluated specific labor patient-controlled epidural analgesia practices in the United States. The aim of this study was to determine labor epidural and patient-controlled epidural analgesia practices among California hospitals.

METHODS

Following institutional review board exemption approval, an online survey was created using freeonlinesurveys.com. An anonymous survey was sent via e-mail to 230 California Society of Anesthesiologists' members chosen at random to represent their hospitals' labor analgesia practices.

RESULTS

We received 133 replies from the 230 survey requests sent, a 58% response rate. The median labor epidural rate among the hospitals involved was 65% (range 0-95%). Overall, only 25% of California hospitals use patient-controlled epidural analgesia for analgesia in labor, with greater use among hospitals with dedicated obstetric anesthesia coverage and larger numbers of deliveries. Reasons given for not using patient-controlled epidural analgesia include cost, clinician preference, safety concerns and the inconvenience of change.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the potential advantages of patient-controlled epidural analgesia over continuous epidural infusions for labor analgesia, patient-controlled epidural analgesia has not been widely adopted in California hospitals. Education regarding this technique is needed to encourage its increased use.

“Ultra-light” patient-controlled epidural analgesia during labor: effects of varying regimens on analgesia and physician workload

BACKGROUND

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) offers many advantages over continuous epidural infusions for maintenance of labor analgesia. Some of these benefits may depend on the PCEA settings. This study evaluated several regimens for "ultra-light" (0.125%) PCEA with basal continuous infusion (CI) in labor with goals of minimizing physician interventions while providing good analgesia.

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty ASA I-II women receiving epidural analgesia during active labor (cervical dilation <5 cm) were randomly assigned in a double-blind manner to four treatment groups (n=30 in each). Analgesia was maintained with a PCEA/CI pump using bupivacaine 0.0625% + sufentanil 0.35 microg/mL. PCEA settings were: group A: CI 10 mL/h, PCEA bolus 6 mL, 8-min lockout; group B: CI 10 mL/h, PCEA bolus 12 mL, 16-min lockout; group C: CI 15 mL/h, PCEA bolus 6 mL, 8-min lockout; group D: CI 15 mL/h, PCEA bolus 12 mL, 16-min lockout.

RESULTS

In groups A, B, C and D, 76, 77, 75 and 85% of parturients respectively, required no physician rescue boluses. Pain scores were low and maternal satisfaction was high in all groups, with minimal differences among them. Spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred in 78% of patients overall, instrumental (forceps or vacuum) delivery in 10% and cesarean section in 12%.

CONCLUSIONS

These ultra-light PCEA regimens provided excellent analgesia with minimal physician workload and a high spontaneous delivery rate. Use of moderate to high-volume, ultra-light PCEA/CI techniques should facilitate provision of labor analgesia in busy obstetric units.

Correction of intraoperative coagulopathy in a patient with neurofibromatosis type I with intravenous desmopressin (DDAVP)

A patient with the genetic condition neurofibromatosis type I and no known coagulopathy undergoing cesarean delivery, had diffuse uterine and surgical site bleeding that was not correctable by oxytocin, methylergonovine and PGF2 alpha. Despite good uterine tone, hemorrhage continued from the uterus and the surrounding tissues, persisting even after surgical ligation of the uterine arteries. With no change in her condition, which was behaving clinically as a coagulopathy, an infusion of desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) was begun. The patient's bleeding promptly resolved shortly after infusion of this agent. A review of relevant literature suggests that platelet reactivity of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 is attenuated in some in vitro conditions. Thus, there may be some theoretical basis for using DDAVP in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 who have bleeding problems with no other known source, such as in the case presented here.