Treatment interruptions and community connectedness among gbMSM living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada

HIV treatment interruptions are a major public health concern that demonstrate a lack of engagement in care and is detrimental to the health of people living with HIV. Community connectedness have demonstrated a protective effect for psychosocial health but are not well understood for HIV treatment outcomes. We explored associations between community connectedness and treatment interruptions among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) living with HIV in Vancouver, British Columbia. We analyzed survey data from the Momentum Health Study and identified treatment interruptions through data linkages with the provincial HIV Drug Treatment Program as episodes lasting more than 60 days beyond an expected antiretroviral therapy refill date from February 2012 to July 2019. We built a mixed-effects logistic regression model, adjusting for confounders. Of 213 gbMSM living with HIV, 54 experienced treatment interruption (25.4%) over a median five-year follow-up. Multivariable results found the number gbMSM who spoken to in the past month (aOR = 0.995; 95% CI = 0.991, 1.000 (per 100-unit increase)) and attending a gay community meeting more than once per month (aOR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.11, 0.89) were associated with lower odds of treatment interruptions. These results highlight the importance of social connections in facilitating effective HIV care.

Virological suppression among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men living with HIV in Vancouver, Canada: A longitudinal cohort study from 2012-2017

INTRODUCTION

In 2010, British Columbia (BC) implemented HIV Treatment as Prevention (TasP) as policy. We examined trends in virologic suppression and determinants of significant viremia among a prospective biobehavioural cohort of men who have sex with men (gbMSM) in Vancouver from 2012-2017.

METHODS

Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit sexually active gbMSM (≥16 years) who completed biannual study visits with a computer-assisted self-interview and clinical CD4 and viral load (VL) testing. We linked participant data with the BC HIV Drug Treatment Program to obtain antiretroviral dispensing and VL data. We conducted a trend analysis of VL suppression using univariable generalized estimating equation (GEE) multi-level modelling and multivariable GEE to identify factors associated with episodes of VL ≥200 copies/mL.

RESULTS

Of 774 participants, 223 were living with HIV at baseline and 16 were diagnosed during follow-up (n = 239). We observed a significant trend towards reduced levels of unsuppressed VL (>200 copies/mL) from 22% (07/2012-12/2012) to 12% (07/2016-12/2016) (OR:0.87; 95%CI:0.83-0.91 for each 6-month period). Among those with at least one follow-up visit, (n = 178, median follow-up = 3.2 years, median age = 46.9 years), younger age (aOR:0.97; 95%CI:0.94-0.99, per year), ecstasy use (aOR:1.69; 95%CI:1.13-2.53), crystal methamphetamine use (aOR:1.71; 95%CI:1.18-2.48), seeking sex via websites (aOR:1.46; 95%CI:1.01-2.12), and lower HIV treatment optimism (aOR:0.94; 95%CI:0.90-0.97) were associated with episodes of elevated viremia.

CONCLUSIONS

During a period when TasP policy was actively promoted, we observed a significant trend towards reduced levels of unsuppressed VL. Continued efforts should promote HIV treatment optimism and engagement, especially among younger gbMSM and those who use ecstasy and crystal methamphetamine.

Hosts as Gatekeepers for North American Gay and Bisexual Men's Private Group Sex Parties

Gay and bisexual men's (GBM) group sex parties are considered HIV risk environments due to their association with concurrent sexual partners, condomless anal sex, and polysubstance use. The possibility of group sex party hosts acting as gatekeepers to minimize risks has been suggested, but remains understudied. We analyzed qualitative data from 20 in-depth interviews with North American GBM who recently attended private group sex parties to determine if hosts' actions constitute harm reduction strategies. Results showed hosts acting as gatekeepers before parties by establishing and disseminating themes and rules, screening applicants, and selecting guests. During parties hosts enforced rules and rejected uninvited guests. By their actions, hosts established a more controlled environment compared to public sex-on-premises bathhouses, and facilitated boundary play, the paradoxical behavior of simultaneously desiring risk and safety, previously noted for GBM circuit parties. Results suggest initiating education programs focusing on private group sex party hosts as gatekeepers.

"They look at you like you're contaminated": how HIV-related stigma shapes access to care for incarcerated women living with HIV in a Canadian setting

OBJECTIVES

Given the gender disparities in HIV outcomes for women living with HIV (WLWH) who experience incarceration, and the impact of HIV-related stigma on HIV care, this qualitative study investigated how HIV-related stigma within prison settings shapes HIV care for WLWH.

METHODS

Drawing from SHAWNA (Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS: Women's Longitudinal Needs Assessment), a community-based research project with cisgender and transgender WLWH in Metro Vancouver, peer and community interviewers conducted 19 qualitative interviews (May 2017-February 2018) with recently incarcerated WLWH focused on factors that shape incarceration trajectories. Drawing on socio-ecological frameworks and using participatory analysis, this analysis sought to characterize how HIV-related stigma shapes experiences and access to care for incarcerated WLWH.

RESULTS

Participants' responses focused predominately on experiences in provincial correctional facilities and the ways through which HIV-related stigma within correctional settings was linked to access to HIV care. Experiences of HIV-related stigma within prisons led to isolation and discrimination for WLWH which was reinforced through institutional processes, compromised privacy, and uncertainty about confidentiality. Experiences of HIV-related stigma informed decisions for some participants to withhold HIV status from healthcare staff, compromising access to HIV treatment during incarceration.

CONCLUSION

Amid ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery within Canadian correctional facilities, these findings have important implications for the provision of HIV care for incarcerated WLWH. Culturally safe, trauma-informed programming focused on reducing HIV-related stigma, improved communication regarding medical privacy, and interventions to change processes that compromise privacy is critical to improve healthcare access in correctional facilities.

Impulsivity and self-control in elementary school children and adult females: Using identical task and procedural parameters

Results of studies examining the relationship between impulsivity and age are limited because different tasks, procedural parameters, and different reinforcers have been used with different aged participants. Thus, the current study sought to rectify these differences in two experiments with children (42, ages 5-12) and adults (69 college-aged females) using the same task with identical procedural parameters. In the Self-Control Video Software Task (SCVST; Forzano and Schunk, 2008; Forzano et al., 2014) participants repeatedly choose between larger, more delayed and smaller, less delayed access to viewing video cartoons. No differences in impulsivity were found between adults and children. No age or gender differences were found among children. Differences in task and procedural parameters are identified as important in their implications for research on impulsivity.

Social Determinants of Health and Retention in HIV Care Among Recently Incarcerated Women Living with HIV in Canada

Women living with HIV (WLWH) are over-represented in corrections in Canada, yet little is known about women's experiences post-release. We used CHIWOS cross-sectional data from WLWH to estimate associations between social determinants of health and HIV-related care outcomes among WLWH with recent (within past year) or ever (before past year) incarceration experience. Lifetime incarceration prevalence was 36.9% (6.5% recent; 30.4% ever), with significant differences by province of residence (British Columbia: 10% recent; 52% ever; Ontario: 5%; 24%; Quebec: 6%; 22%; p < 0.001). In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analyses, compared with never incarcerated, recent incarceration was associated with Indigenous ancestry, lower annual income (< $20,000 CAD), unstable housing, current sex work, injection drug use (IDU), and sub-optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, while ever incarceration was associated with current sex work, IDU, and experiencing adulthood violence. Our findings have implications regarding supports needed by WLWH in the post-release period, including ART adherence and achieving health and social goals.

Crystal Methamphetamine Use and Initiation among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men Living with HIV in a Treatment as Prevention Environment

Risk compensation in an HIV Treatment as Prevention (TasP) environment may increase high-risk sexual and substance use behaviors among people living with HIV. Objective: To examine recent crystal methamphetamine (CM) use/initiation in a longitudinal cohort of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) living with HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Methods: Eligible participants were GBMSM aged >15 years who reported sex with another man in the past six months. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and self-completed a computer questionnaire every six months. We used multi-level generalized mixed-effect models to evaluate trends in recent CM use (past six months), multivariable logistic regression to identify covariates of recent CM use, and multivariable survival analysis to identify predictors of CM initiation. Results: Of 207 GBMSM living with HIV at enrollment, 44.3% reported recent CM use; there was a statistically non-significant decrease over the study period (41% in first period to 25% in final period, p = 0.087). HIV treatment optimism was not associated with CM use/initiation. CM use was positively associated with depressive symptomology, sexual escape motivation, transactional sex, number of anal sex partners, condomless anal sex with seroconcordant partners, STIs, and other substance use. Recent CM use was negatively associated with viral load sorting. CM initiation was predicted by escape motivation, transactional sex, and group sex participation. Conclusion: Results suggest that CM use among GBMSM living with HIV is prevalent and increased CM use/initiation is not a consequence of TasP public policy.

A checklist for trauma quality improvement meetings: A process improvement study

BACKGROUND

Each year approximately five million people die from injuries. In countries where systems of trauma care have been introduced, death and disability have decreased. A major component of developed trauma systems is a trauma quality improvement (TQI) program and trauma quality improvement meeting (TQIM). Effective TQIMs improve trauma care by identifying and fixing problems. But globally, TQIMs are absent or unstructured in most hospitals providing trauma care. The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate a checklist for a structured TQIM.

METHODS

This project was conducted as a prospective before-and-after study in four major trauma centres in India. The intervention was the introduction of a structured TQIM using a checklist, introduced with a workshop. This workshop was based on the World Health Organization (WHO) TQI Programs short course and resources, plus the developed TQIM checklist. Pre- and post-intervention data collection occurred at all meetings in which cases of trauma death were discussed. The primary outcome was TQIM Checklist compliance, defined by the discussion of, and agreement upon each of the following: preventability of death, identification of opportunities to improve care and corrective actions and a plan for closing the loop.

RESULTS

There were 34 meetings in each phase, with 99 cases brought to the pre-intervention phase and 125 cases brought to the post-intervention phase. There was an increase in the proportion of cases brought to the meeting for which preventability of death was discussed (from 94% to 100%, p = 0.007) and agreed (from 7 to 19%, OR 3.7; 95% CI:1.4-9.4, p = 0.004) and for which a plan for closing the loop was discussed (from 2% to 18%, OR 10.9; 95% CI:2.5-47.6, p < 0.001) and agreed (from 2% to 18%, OR 10.9; 95% CI:2.5-47.6, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study developed, implemented and evaluated a TQIM Checklist for improving TQIM processes. The introduction of a TQIM Checklist, with training, into four Indian trauma centres, led to more structured TQIMs, including increased discussion and agreement on preventability of death and plans for loop closure. A TQIM Checklist should be considered for all centres managing trauma patients.

Substance Use as a Mechanism for Social Inclusion among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Vancouver, Canada

Background: Previous research demonstrates that substance use preferences and social-sexual environments are highly interrelated for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Objective: We conducted a qualitative study to explore the socio-cultural context of substance use among local gbMSM communities in Metro Vancouver, Canada. Methods: Twenty gbMSM were purposively sampled from the larger Momentum Health Study cohort, a sexual health study of gbMSM in Greater Vancouver. Participants were demographically diverse in terms of HIV serostatus, age, income, ethnicity, and area of residence within the city and neighboring suburbs. Community maps generated by participants during formative research served as prompts for semi-structured interviews which were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis identified three themes of common experience. Results: First, participants indicated that substance use is intrinsically social in Vancouver gbMSM communities and that it functions as both a means of social inclusion and exclusion. Second, a distinction was made between types of substances and the location and context of their use, with specific substances having particular uses and meanings. Third, analysis suggested that gbMSM change their substance use over the life course and that this is affected by shifting priorities as people age. Discussion: For Vancouver gbMSM communities, substance use serves several social-cultural functions and can simultaneously serve as both a potential facilitator and barrier for community connection. Future research and health programing should consider venue and context specific messaging and recognize the heterogeneity of substance use within the larger gbMSM population.

Factors associated with delayed and late ART initiation among people living with HIV in BC: results from the engage study

We examined correlates of late and delayed initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in British Columbia, Canada. From December 2013 to December 2015 we recruited treatment-naïve people living with HIV who initiated ART within the previous year. 'Late initiation' was defined as CD4 cell count ≤500 cells/µL at ART initiation and 'delayed initiation' as ≥1 year between HIV diagnosis and initiation. Multivariable logistic regression assessed independent correlates of late and delayed initiation. Of 87 participants, 44 (51%) initiated late and 22 (26%) delayed initiation. Delayed initiation was positively associated with older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.06 per year, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.01-1.12) and inversely associated with wanting to start ART at diagnosis (AOR: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02-0.21). Variables associated with late initiation were older age (AOR: 1.09 per year, 95% CI: 1.03-1.15) and medical reason(s) for initiation (AOR: 5.00, 95% CI: 1.41-17.86). Late initiation was less likely among those with greater perceived ART efficacy (AOR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90-0.98) and history of incarceration (AOR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03-0.56). Disparities in timing of initiation were observed for age, perceived ART efficacy, and history of incarceration. Enhanced health services that address these factors may facilitate earlier treatment initiation.

Substance Use Patterns of Gay and Bisexual Men in the Momentum Health Study

Research with male sexual minorities frequently combines gay and bisexual men as Men Who Have Sex with Men or Gay and Bisexual Men. When analyzed separately, bisexual men consistently feature negative health differentials, exemplified by higher substance use levels. This interpretation is not clear-cut because studies may combine bisexual men and women, use different dimensions of sexual orientation to define bisexuality, and/or not consider number of sexual partners as a possible confounding factor. This study conducted separate bivariate and multivariate analyses comparing gay to bisexual Momentum Study participants based on self-identity, sexual attraction, and sexual behavior, while controlling for number of sexual partners and sociodemographic, psychosocial, and sexual behavior measures. The study hypothesized that, regardless of definition, bisexual men feature higher substance use levels compared to gay men. Bivariate analyses revealed significantly higher ( p < .05) use among bisexual men for multiple substances in all samples. Nonprescription stimulants and heroin were significant in all multivariate logistic regression models. In contrast, all bisexual samples reported lower use of erectile dysfunction drugs and poppers, substances associated with anal sex among gay men. Subsequent analysis linked these results to lower levels of anal sex in all bisexual samples. Bivariate analyses also revealed that bisexual men featured significantly lower educational levels, annual incomes, and Social Support Scales scores and higher Anxiety and Depression Sub-Scale Scores. In summary, findings revealed bisexual men's distinctive substance use, sexual behavior, psychosocial, and sociodemographic profiles, and are important for tailoring specific health programs for bisexual men.

Environmental drivers of parasite load and species richness in introduced parakeets in an urban landscape

Introduced species represent a threat to native wildlife worldwide, due to predation, competition, and disease transmission. Concurrent introduction of parasites may also add a new dimension of competition, i.e. parasite-mediated competition, through spillover and spillback dynamics. Urban areas are major hotspots of introduced species, but little is known about the effects of urban habitat structure on the parasite load and diversity of introduced species. Here, we investigated such environmental effects on the ectoparasite load, richness, and occurrence of spillback in two widespread invasive parakeets, Psittacula krameri and Myiopsitta monachus, in the metropolitan area of Rome, central Italy. We tested 231 parakeets and found that in both species parasite load was positively influenced by host abundance at local scale, while environmental features such as the amount of natural or urban habitats, as well as richness of native birds, influenced parasite occurrence, load, and richness differently in the two host species. Therefore, we highlight the importance of host population density and habitat composition in shaping the role of introduced parakeets in the spread of both native and introduced parasites, recommending the monitoring of urban populations of birds and their parasites to assess and manage the potential occurrence of parasite-mediated competition dynamics as well as potential spread of vector-borne diseases.

Associations between sexual partner number and HIV risk behaviors: implications for HIV prevention efforts in a Treatment as Prevention (TasP) environment

Previous research indicates that gay and bisexual men (GBM) have significantly more sexual partners than same-aged heterosexual men and women. As a result, some HIV intervention programs have focused on partner reduction. However, new research findings question the relevance of sexual partner number as a sexual risk measure for GBM given Treatment as Prevention (TasP) programs and new seroadaptive strategies which have led to lower GBM community viral load and new HIV prevention behaviors. To assess if sexual partner number continues to remain an important measure of sexual risk for GBM living in a city that actively promotes TasP as provincial policy, we analysed cross-sectional data from 719 GBM recruited through respondent-driven sampling in Vancouver, Canada. Multivariable negative binomial regression analysis showed that partner number was significantly associated with previously identified HIV risk factors including condomless anal intercourse with serodiscordant and/or unknown serostatus partners, using sex toys, attending group sex events, receiving money for sex, and sex drug use. These results indicate that sexual partner number remains an important proximate HIV risk measure. However, more nuanced measures of HIV treatment status and greater understanding of the possible causes of increased partner number among GBM are needed.

A pilot study of recombinant insulin-like growth factor-I in seven multiple sclerosis patients

The purpose of this open-label, crossover study was to determine the safety and efficacy of recombinant insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical measures of disease activity in seven multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Monthly clinical and MRI examinations were performed during a 24-week baseline and a 24-week treatment period with rhIGF-I. The primary outcome measure was contrast enhancing lesion (CEL) frequency on treatment compared to baseline. Secondary outcome measures included clinical and MRI measures of disease activity including. white matter lesion load (WMLL), magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), TI-Hypointensity volume, cervical spine cross-sectional area and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) imaging for determining regional metabolite ratios. rhIGF-I (Cephalon) was administered at a dose of 50 mg subcutaneously twice a day for 6 months. rhIGF-I was safe and well tolerated with no severe adverse reactions. There was no significant difference between baseline and treatment periods for any MRI or clinical measures of disease activity. Although rhIGF-I did not alter the course of disease in this small cohort of MS patients, the drug was well tolerated. Further studies using rhIGF-I alone or in combination with other therapies may be of value because of the proposed mechanism of action of this growth factor on the oligodendrocyte and remyelination. Multiple Sclerosis (2002)8,24-29

Seroadaptive Strategies of Vancouver Gay and Bisexual Men in a Treatment as Prevention Environment

British Columbia's treatment as prevention policy has provided free access to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to all HIV-positive provincial residents since 1996. One outcome is an increase in HIV-positive gay and bisexual men (GBM) with suppressed viral loads. Previous cross-sectional analyses indicated that some Vancouver GBM now recognize condomless anal sex with men on HAART who report a suppressed viral load as a seroadaptive strategy. To test the hypothesis that this new strategy, termed viral load sorting (VLS), is recognized and used among by GBM in the Momentum Health Study, we analyzed longitudinal data for HIV-negative/unknown (n = 556) and HIV-positive (n = 218) serostatus participants. Analyses indicated that both groups reported VLS, and that serostatus and Treatment Optimism Scale scores were significant determinants in frequency and use. Results exemplify the medicalization of sex and Rogers' Diffusion Of Preventative Innovations Model, and they have important implications for HIV research and GBM sexual decision-making.

Seroadaptive Strategies of Gay & Bisexual Men (GBM) with the Highest Quartile Number of Sexual Partners in Vancouver, Canada

Despite continued research among men with more sexual partners, little information exists on their seroadaptive behavior. Therefore, we examined seroadaptive anal sex strategies among 719 Vancouver gay and bisexual men (GBM) recruited using respondent-driven sampling. We provide descriptive, bivariable, and multivariable adjusted statistics, stratified by HIV status, for the covariates of having ≥7 male anal sex partners in the past 6 months (Population fourth quartile versus <7). Sensitivity Analysis were also performed to assess the robustness of this cut-off. Results suggest that GBM with more sexual partners are more likely to employ seroadaptive strategies than men with fewer partners. These strategies may be used in hopes of offsetting risk, assessing needs for subsequent HIV testing, and balancing personal health with sexual intimacy. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of these strategies, assess how GBM perceive their efficacy, and understand the social and health impacts of their widespread uptake.

Twelve Committed Men: the feasibility of a community-based participatory HIV-prevention intervention within a Canadian men's correctional facility

OBJECTIVES

The intervention objectives were to evaluate and describe the feasibility of using a community-based research (CBR) approach to adapt and implement HIV-prevention materials and tools with incarcerated men. We found no prior published reports about CBR HIV-prevention education in Canadian correctional facilities.

METHODS

Twelve members of the correctional Peer Education Committee (PEC) and Aboriginal PEC, whom a correctional nurse identified as being interested in preventive health, were purposively invited to participate. Eight participants were serving life sentences, three were Aboriginal and their education levels ranged from below grade 8 to 11 years of post-secondary education. The setting was a medium-security federal correctional facility, housing 324 men. The intervention was guided by CBR and 'greater involvement of people with AIDS' principles. Participants were invited to attend four workshops, over seven days in May 2014, and to provide their insights regarding future scaled-up CBR HIV prevention. Each workshop included an HIV-prevention presentation and a focus group discussion, two of which were audio-recorded.

FINDINGS

All participants attended all sessions. Synthesis of mixed-method findings, with quantitative and qualitative data triangulation, demonstrated two major outcomes: 'new knowledge was generated' regarding feasibility of CBR HIV prevention in a men's correction facility; and 'capacity building occurred' with increased participants' social capital. Thirty incarcerated men requested HIV testing following the intervention, because participants spread their knowledge about HIV prevention to others. Participants asked to become 'health ambassadors' - champion advisors for future scaled-up CBR HIV-prevention intervention for the entire correctional facility.

CONCLUSION

CBR HIV prevention is feasible within a Canadian men's correctional facility.

Meaningful engagement of people living with HIV who use drugs: methodology for the design of a Peer Research Associate (PRA) hiring model

Background

Community-based HIV, harm reduction, and addiction research increasingly involve members of affected communities as Peer Research Associates (PRAs)—individuals with common experiences to the participant population (e.g. people who use drugs, people living with HIV [PLHIV]). However, there is a paucity of literature detailing the operationalization of PRA hiring and thus limited understanding regarding how affected communities can be meaningfully involved through low-barrier engagement in paid positions within community-based participatory research (CBPR) projects. We aim to address this gap by describing a low-threshold PRA hiring process.

Results

In 2012, the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation collaborated to develop a mixed-method CBPR project evaluating the effectiveness of the Dr. Peter Centre (DPC)—an integrative HIV care facility in Vancouver, Canada. A primary objective of the study was to assess the impact of DPC services among clients who have a history of illicit drug use. In keeping with CBPR principles, affected populations, community-based organizations, and key stakeholders guided the development and dissemination of a low-barrier PRA hiring process to meaningfully engage affected communities (e.g. PLHIV who have a history of illicit drug use) in all aspects of the research project.

The hiring model was implemented in a number of stages, including (1) the establishment of a hiring team; (2) the development and dissemination of the job posting; (3) interviewing applicants; and (4) the selection of participants. The hiring model presented in this paper demonstrates the benefits of hiring vulnerable PLHIV who use drugs as PRAs in community-based research.

Conclusions

The provision of low-barrier access to meaningful research employment described herein attempts to engage affected communities beyond tokenistic involvement in research. Our hiring model was successful at engaging five PRAs over a 2-year period and fostered opportunities for future paid employment or volunteer opportunities through ongoing collaboration between PRAs and a diverse range of stakeholders working in HIV/AIDS and addictions. Additionally, this model has the potential to be used across a range of studies and community-based settings interested in meaningfully engaging communities in all stages of the research process.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12954-016-0116-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

HIV Care Nurses' Knowledge of HIV Criminalization: A Feasibility Study

HIV-related criminal laws in some jurisdictions may hamper population health efforts to manage HIV and bring about an AIDS-free generation. HIV care nurses have an instrumental role to play in ensuring equitable care and health for all in a context of HIV. The purpose of our study was to determine HIV care nurses' knowledge of HIV-related criminal laws. Ecosocial theory and content expert opinion guided development of a questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge of HIV-related criminal laws. A total of 174 HIV care nurses from Canada (n = 23) and the United States (n = 151) completed the questionnaire. Knowledge gaps were observed in several aspects of HIV-related criminal laws that can influence nursing clinical practices. Nurses should increase their knowledge of HIV-related criminal laws to ensure the success of population health initiatives and to reduce stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV.

HIV Community Viral Load and Factors Associated With Elevated Viremia Among a Community-Based Sample of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Vancouver, Canada

BACKGROUND

We developed estimates of community viral load (VL) and risk factors for unsuppressed VL from a cross-sectional study of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Vancouver, Canada.

METHODS

MSM were recruited from February 25, 2012 to February 28, 2014 using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Participants completed a computer-assisted self-interview questionnaire and a nurse-administered point-of-care HIV test. For HIV-positive participants, we conducted VL and CD4 cell counts. We used RDS-weighted analysis to obtain population estimates of key variables and multivariable logistic regression to examine factors associated with having a VL of ≥200 copies per milliliter among HIV-positive participants.

RESULTS

We recruited 719 participants, of whom 119 (16.6%) were seeds. Our estimate of the population prevalence of HIV was 23.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.8% to 31.0%] after RDS adjustments. We estimated that 18.6% (95% CI: 8.8% to 30.4%) of HIV-positive MSM in Vancouver had a VL of ≥200 copies per milliliter. Having an unsuppressed VL was associated with non-white ethnicity [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.34; 95% CI: 1.67 to 11.1], an annual income of <$15,000 CAD (AOR = 6.43; 95% CI: 2.08 to 19.9), using gamma-hydroxy butyrate in the previous 6 months (AOR = 4.85; 95% CI: 1.79 to 13.2), unprotected anal intercourse with a known HIV-negative or an unknown serostatus partner (AOR = 3.13; 95% CI: 1.10 to 8.90), and disclosing one's HIV serostatus ≥50% of the time (AOR = 7.04; 95% CI: 1.01 to 49.1).

CONCLUSION

Despite a high prevalence of HIV, we estimated that a small proportion of HIV-positive MSM have undiagnosed HIV and unsuppressed VL. Our results highlight the importance of continued work to address health inequities using a framework based on social determinants of health.

Abstract P3-13-08: A prospective, single-arm, multi-site, clinical evaluation of the SAVI SCOUT® surgical guidance system for the location of non-palpable breast lesions during excision

Background and Objectives: The standard preoperative technique for localizing non-palpable breast lesions is wire localization (WL). Radioactive seed localization (RSL) is an alternative approach that addresses a number of clear disadvantages associated with WL but, the adoption of RSL has been impacted by considerable regulatory requirements for the handling of radioactive materials. To advance the progress made with RSL and eliminate issues associated with radioactive components, the SAVI SCOUT® surgical guidance system was developed. SAVI SCOUT is an FDA-cleared medical device that utilizes non-radioactive electromagnetic wave technology to provide real-time guidance during excisional breast procedures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of SAVI SCOUT in guiding the removal of non-palpable breast lesions.

Methods: Following a 50 patient pilot study that showed SAVI SCOUT to be safe and effective, IRB approval was granted for this prospective, single-arm, multi-site study for women with a non-palpable breast lesion. Pts underwent localization and excision with the SAVI SCOUT system, which consists of an electromagnetic wave reflective device (reflector), handpiece and console. Using mammographic or ultrasound guidance, the reflector was implanted into the target tissue. Before making an incision, the surgeon used the handpiece, which emits electromagnetic waves and infrared light, to detect the location of the reflector and subsequently plan the surgical incision. During the procedure, the surgeon used the handpiece to guide the localization and removal of the reflector along with the surrounding breast tissue. The console provides audible feedback of reflector proximity to the handpiece. Successful reflector placement, localization and retrieval were the primary endpoints.

Results: A total of 61 pts have participated in the study to date, along with 7 surgeons and 9 radiologists across 6 institutions. The reflectors were successfully placed in all pts, including 27 under mammographic guidance and 34 under ultrasound guidance. In 28 cases, the reflectors were placed on the same day as surgery. Otherwise, the reflectors were placed up to 7 days (average 2.9 days) before surgery. Thirteen pts underwent excisional biopsy and 48 pts had a lumpectomy. The intended lesion and reflector were successfully removed in all pts. Reflector migration did not occur and no adverse events occurred. Final pathology is currently available for 52 pts: 8/10 excisional biopsy pts had no invasive or in situ carcinoma identified. For pts with cancer and complete data, 39/39 had clear margins, but one patient was recommended for re-excision due to a close margin (1 mm) for DCIS.

Conclusions: The preliminary data from this prospective, multi-site study show that real-time surgical guidance with SAVI SCOUT is an accurate technique for directing the removal of non-palpable breast lesions and is reproducible at multiple clinical sites. At present, the study has yielded 100% surgical success with a re-excision rate of 3.0%. Ongoing accrual to this clinical evaluation study will validate these findings with planned enrollment of 150 pts at up to 15 total sites.

Citation Format: Cox CE, Prati R, Blumencranz P, Allen K, Banull C, Cline M, Howard T, Portillo M, Whitworth P, Funk K, Police A, Lin E, Combs F, Anglin B, King J, Shivers SC. A prospective, single-arm, multi-site, clinical evaluation of the SAVI SCOUT® surgical guidance system for the location of non-palpable breast lesions during excision. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-13-08.

Gay men and intimate partner violence: a gender analysis

Though intimate partner violence (IPV) is predominately understood as a women's health issue most often emerging within heterosexual relationships, there is increasing recognition of the existence of male victims of IPV. In this qualitative study we explored connections between masculinities and IPV among gay men. The findings show how recognising IPV was based on an array of participant experiences, including the emotional, physical and sexual abuse inflicted by their partner, which in turn led to three processes. Normalising and concealing violence referred to the participants' complicity in accepting violence as part of their relationship and their reluctance to disclose that they were victims of IPV. Realising a way out included the participants' understandings that the triggers for, and patterns of, IPV would best be quelled by leaving the relationship. Nurturing recovery detailed the strategies employed by participants to mend and sustain their wellbeing in the aftermath of leaving an abusive relationship. In terms of masculinities and men's health research, the findings reveal the limits of idealising hegemonic masculinities and gender relations as heterosexual, while highlighting a plurality of gay masculinities and the need for IPV support services that bridge the divide between male and female as well as between homosexual and heterosexual.

Preliminary assessment of Treponema pallidum-specific IgM antibody detection and a new rapid point-of-care assay for the diagnosis of syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected patients

The aims of the study were to assess whether Treponema pallidum-specific IgM may provide a useful marker of infectious syphilis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, and to compare the performance of a prototype IgM-rapid point-of-care test (PoCT) with a standard IgM-enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Twenty samples from HIV-infected patients with untreated syphilis (n = 4 primary syphilis, n = 11 secondary and n = 5 early latent) and 51 follow-up samples at three, six or 12 months after treatment were tested for the presence of IgM with the Mercia-EIA (Microgen Bioproducts Ltd, Camberley, UK) and a prototype PoCT (Select Vaccines Ltd, Melbourne, Australia). Although sample numbers were small, IgM detection by EIA appears to be a reliable marker for untreated syphilis in HIV-infected patients with primary (4/4 IgM-positive) or secondary syphilis (10/11 IgM-positive, 1/11 equivocal). After treatment, IgM was no longer detected after three months in the majority of patients (87%) and was either negative or equivocal in all patients after six and 12 months. The overall sensitivity of the IgM-PoCT was 82% and varied with clinical stage, being highest in secondary (10/10 EIA positives) but lower in primary (2/4 EIA positives) and early latent syphilis (2/3 EIA positives). Overall specificity was 95%. Rapid detection of IgM would enable clinicians to distinguish between past-treated and infectious syphilis and allow for diagnosis and treatment in a single visit.

Epidemiology of salmonellosis in garden birds in England and Wales, 1993 to 2003

Salmonellosis has been reported as an important cause of mortality of garden birds in several countries, including Norway and Scotland. We investigated the frequency of the disease in garden birds submitted for postmortem examination by members of the public in England and Wales between 1993 and 2003, inclusive. We found salmonellosis to be the most frequent cause of death due to infectious disease in the garden birds submitted. This disease was confirmed in 7 of the 45 bird species that were examined postmortem, with the greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) and the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) most frequently affected. Salmonella Typhimurium definitive phage type (DT) 40, DT56 variant(v), and DT160 accounted for the majority of isolates. Salmonellosis incidents chiefly occurred in the English Midlands, the English/Welsh border region, and southern England. Variation in the temporal and spatial distribution of the phage types occurred over the study period. While birds were examined throughout the year, there was a marked winter seasonality in salmonellosis. A significant sex bias was observed in affected greenfinches, with males more frequently diagnosed with salmonellosis than females. No sex bias was observed for other affected species. Further research is required to determine if salmonellosis is an important constraint to the populations of affected species and if disease outbreaks are driven by human factors, such as provisioning.

The impact of self-reported arthritis and diabetes on response to a home-based physical activity counselling intervention

OBJECTIVES

Physical activity (PA) has the potential to improve outcomes in both arthritis and diabetes, but these conditions are rarely examined together. Our objective was to explore whether persons with arthritis alone or those with both arthritis and diabetes could improve amounts of PA with a home-based counselling intervention.

METHODS

As part of the Veterans LIFE (Learning to Improve Fitness and Function in Elders) Study, veterans aged 70-92 were randomized to usual care or a 12-month PA counselling programme. Arthritis and diabetes were assessed by self-report. Mixed models were used to compare trajectories for minutes of endurance and strength training PA for persons with no arthritis (n = 85), arthritis (n = 178), and arthritis plus diabetes (n = 84).

RESULTS

Recipients of PA counselling increased minutes of PA per week independent of disease status (treatment arm by time interaction p < 0.05 for both; endurance training time p = 0.0006 and strength training time p < 0.0001). Although PA was lower at each wave among persons with arthritis, and even more so among persons with arthritis plus diabetes, the presence of these conditions did not significantly influence response to the intervention (arthritis/diabetes group x time interactions p > 0.05 for both outcomes) as each group experienced a nearly twofold or greater increase in PA.

CONCLUSIONS

A home-based PA intervention was effective in increasing minutes of weekly moderate intensity endurance and strength training PA in older veterans, even among those with arthritis or arthritis plus diabetes. This programme may serve as a useful model to improve outcomes in older persons with these pervasive diseases.

Is diabetes associated with poorer self-efficacy and motivation for physical activity in older adults with arthritis?

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim was to explore whether arthritis is associated with poorer self-efficacy and motivation for, and participation in, two specific types of physical activity (PA): endurance training (ET) and strength training (ST). A further objective was to determine whether the added burden of diabetes contributes to a further reduction in these PA determinants and types.

METHODS

Self-efficacy and motivation for exercise and minutes per week of ET and ST were measured in 347 older veterans enrolled in a home-based PA counselling intervention. Regression analyses were used to compare high versus low self-efficacy and motivation and PA minutes in persons without arthritis, with arthritis alone, and with arthritis plus diabetes.

RESULTS

Persons with arthritis alone reported lower self-efficacy for ET and ST than those without arthritis [odds ratio (OR)ET 0.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39–1.20; ORST 0.69, 95% CI 0.39–1.20]. A further reduction in self-efficacy for these two types of PA was observed for those with both arthritis and diabetes (ORET 0.65, 95% CI 0.44–0.92; ORST 0.64, 95% CI 0.44–0.93; trend p < 0.001). There was no trend towards a reduction in motivation for PA in those with arthritis alone or with arthritis and diabetes. Persons with arthritis exhibited higher motivation for ET than those without arthritis (ORET 1.85, 95% CI 1.12–3.33). There were no significant differences between the three groups in minutes of ET (p = 0.93), but persons with arthritis plus diabetes reported significantly less ST compared to individuals with arthritis only (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite reduced self-efficacy for ET and ST and less ST in older persons with arthritis, motivation for both PA types remains high, even in the presence of diabetes.

Outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes in an oncology unit associated with sandwiches consumed in hospital

In May 2003, two adult patients in an oncology unit were diagnosed with listeriosis, and sandwiches consumed in the hospital were identified as a common risk factor. Both patients were infected by the same strain of Listeria monocytogenes. Sandwiches collected from the hospital and external sandwich producer, as well as sites within the manufacturing environment, were contaminated by the same strain of L. monocytogenes. Sandwiches consumed in other hospitals have been associated with small clusters of listeriosis patients in the UK. This report describes the investigations following diagnosis of the two infections, and highlights a more general problem with sandwiches sold in hospitals.

A phase Ib study to assess the safety of lexatumumab, a human monoclonal antibody that activates TRAIL-R2, in combination with gemcitabine, pemetrexed, doxorubicin or FOLFIRI

14006

Background: Lexatumumab (HGS-ETR2) is a fully-human agonistic monoclonal antibody that targets and activates the Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2). TRAIL-R2 is a member of the Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor (TNFR) superfamily that, when activated, induces apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway. Lexatumumab shows promising anti-tumor activity in preclinical models, particularly in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Single-agent lexatumumab was well-tolerated in phase I trials. This is the first study of the safety of a TRAIL-R2 agonist in combination with chemotherapy. Methods: Patients for whom gemcitabine, pemetrexed, doxorubicin or FOLFIRI was considered an appropriate treatment received one of the full-dose chemotherapy regimens plus lexatumumab every 2 weeks (for gemcitabine and FOLFIRI) or 3 weeks (for pemetrexed and doxorubicin). Four to 6 patients were treated with 5 mg/kg lexatumumab in each chemotherapy cohort prior to dose escalation to 10 mg/kg. Results: To date, 41 patients with a wide range of cancer types have received 164 courses of lexatumumab over the 2 dose levels. The majority (33/41) received at least 2 courses (range 1 to 19). Lexatumumab was well-tolerated; no dose reductions of lexatumumab were required. Severe adverse events considered at least possibly related to lexatumumab included anemia, fatigue and dehydration. Tumor shrinkage has been observed, including confirmed partial responses (PRs) in the FOLFIRI and doxorubicin arms. Eight patients continue on study. Conclusions: Lexatumumab can be safely administered in combination with a wide range of chemotherapeutic agents. Evaluation of the efficacy of lexatumumab in combination with chemotherapy in Phase 2 trials is warranted.

[Table: see text]

HGS-ETR2—A fully human monoclonal antibody to TRAIL-R2: Results of a phase I trial in patients with advanced solid tumors

3012

Background: HGS-ETR2 is a fully-human high-affinity monoclonal antibody that is agonistic to the Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2, DR5). TRAIL-R2 is expressed more widely on the surface of tumor cells than normal cells; binding of HGS-ETR2 to TRAIL-R2 leads to activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. HGS-ETR2 shows anti-tumor activity at doses ≥ 0.3 mg/kg in xenograft models, both as a single agent and in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Methods: This phase 1, dose-escalation study assessed the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of HGS-ETR2 administered IV every 14 days in patients with advanced solid tumors. Patients received HGS-ETR2 until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Tumor measurements were repeated every 2 months. Results: To date, 31 patients have received 167 courses of HGS-ETR2 over 5 dose levels: 0.1, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg q14 days. The majority (26 of 31) received at least 4 courses. One patient experienced a dose-limiting toxicity of grade 3 hyperamylasemia at the 10 mg/kg dose level. The event was determined to be possibly related to HGS-ETR2 and also possibly related to a nutritional supplement. Stable disease was achieved in 10 patients for 4 to 16 cycles. One patient with chemotherapy-refractive Hodgkin’s disease had a tumor regression of abdominal disease. HGS-ETR2 pharmacokinetics were linear up to 10 mg/kg. At the 10 mg/kg dose, the pharmacokinetics were characterized by a mean (SD) t1/2β of 11 (4) days, CL of 6.0 (0.7) mL/day, and V1 of 47 (8) mL/kg, slightly larger than the plasma volume. The 1.8-fold larger Vss of 85 (27) mL/kg indicates that HGS-ETR2 distributes outside the plasma compartment. Human anti-human antibody formation has not been detected. Conclusions: HGS-ETR2 can be safely administered every 14 days at doses up to and including 10 mg/kg. Further evaluation of HGS-ETR2 is planned, including studies of HGS-ETR2 in combination with chemotherapeutic agents.

[Table: see text]

Exposure of garden birds to aflatoxins in Britain

Aflatoxins are potent biological toxins that have been shown to exert a range of acute and chronic pathological effects. Multiple mortality events of waterfowl caused by acute aflatoxicosis have been documented in the USA. However, international concern has recently been expressed regarding the potential effects of chronic exposure of wildlife species to low levels of dietary aflatoxin. This study documents for the first time the presence of hepatic aflatoxin residues in British wild birds: two passerine species, the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and greenfinch (Carduelis chloris). Further research is required to investigate the source of the dietary aflatoxins and their pathological significance, if any, for wild birds in Britain.

Relationship between inflammatory lesions and cerebral atrophy in multiple sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the temporal relationship between inflammation and cerebral atrophy in a longitudinal study of 19 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) using serial monthly contrast enhanced MRI examinations and monthly measurements of brain fractional volume (BFV) for an average of 4 (range 2.4 to 10) years.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, all patients had an active MRI scan at entry with a minimum of two new contrast enhancing lesions (CEL) on baseline MRI examinations. Patients were followed for a minimum of 3 months during a baseline (pretreatment) phase and subsequently followed during treatment with recombinant interferon beta (IFN) and various other immunomodulatory agents. Pre- and post contrast axial images were obtained using 3-mm slice thickness and a gadolinium contrast dose of 0.1 mmol/kg. Monthly CEL were sequentially numbered on hardcopy films and monthly BFV was determined on precontrast T1W images using a semiautomated program. For BFV measurements, all T1W scans were registered to the entry examination, which served as a mask image. Cerebral atrophy was measured as percent brain fractional volume change (PBVC) compared to the entry baseline scan.

RESULTS

The results demonstrate that cerebral atrophy paralleled that of contrast enhancing lesion accumulation. The correlation between cumulative CEL and PBVC ranged from R2 = 0.47 to 0.81. Immunomodulatory agents that effectively reduced CEL accumulation also slowed the rate of atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation between contrast enhancing lesions (CEL) and atrophy suggests that patients who are not responding to therapy with a decrease in CEL may also be at risk for developing increased atrophy.

MRI as a marker for disease heterogeneity in multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Whereas recent data from imaging studies challenge the prevailing notion that multiple sclerosis (MS) is purely an inflammatory disease, pathologic studies suggest differences in the disease processes between individual patients with MS. The ability to dissect the pathophysiologic disease heterogeneity, if it indeed exists, by methodologies that can be applied in vivo is important both for the development of new therapeutics and for the ability to identify the optimal therapy for an individual patient.

OBJECTIVE

To design a stratification algorithm for patients with MS based on accepted MRI measurements reflective of inflammation and axonal damage/tissue loss and to assess if such MS subgroups retain their intergroup differences long term.

METHODS

Mathematical modeling was used to select three discriminatory MRI measures for clinical outcome based on the cross-sectional analysis of 71 patients with untreated MS and tested general applicability of the stratification scheme on the independent longitudinal cohort of 71 MS patients.

RESULTS

By consecutive employment of MRI measures reflective of inflammation and tissue loss, the authors were able to separate MS patients into four clinically meaningful subgroups. The analysis of the longitudinal confirmatory cohort demonstrated persistence of the intergroup differences in selected MRI measures for 8 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The inflammatory activity and destructiveness of the multiple sclerosis process are to some degree independent of each other, and the successive evaluation of both of these variables can strengthen prediction of clinical outcome in individual patients.

Trabecular bone microarchitecture after alendronate treatment of osteoporotic women

OBJECTIVE

To compare the microarchitecture of iliac crest trabecular bone from women treated for two to three years with alendronate versus that of women treated with placebo.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Three-dimensional micro-computed tomography (micro-CT; resolution 20 microm) and two-dimensional histomorphometry (resolution 5-7 microm) were used to examine trabecular bone from single transilial biopsies obtained at the completion of clinical trials.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Microarchitectural variables, including bone volume, trabecular number, trabecular thickness, and trabecular spacing in specimens from alendronate- and placebo-treated women were examined. Three-dimensional images of trabecular bone from both groups were constructed from CT images. Correlations among variables and between techniques were also calculated.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight specimens were suitable for evaluation by both techniques. As measured by two-dimensional histomorphometry, bone volume fraction (as a proportion of total volume) and trabecular thickness were significantly greater in alendronate specimens, 17.1 +/- 5.5% vs. 13.4 +/- 5.5% (p = 0.0043) and 127 +/- 29 microm vs. 109 +/- 28 microm (p = 0.0090), respectively, and trabecular spacing was significantly smaller, 729 +/- 227 microm vs. 862 +/- 338 microm (p = 0.005). Micro-CT yielded similar findings: bone volume and trabecular number were significantly greater in alendronate specimens: 19.4 +/- 6.2% vs. 16.2 +/- 6.3% (p = 0.0412) and 1.46(+/-) 0.32 vs. 1.31(+/-) 0.33 per mm (p = 0.0346). Two-dimensional and micro-CT measured characteristics correlated strongly with one another, with Pearson product moment correlation coefficients ranging from 0.60 (for trabecular thickness) to 0.83 (for bone volume).

CONCLUSIONS

Trabecular microarchitecture of the ilium, whether studied by two- or three-dimensional methods, is better (greater bone volume, greater trabecular thickness, decreased trabecular spacing) after alendronate treatment than after two to three years of treatment with placebo. Bone volume in a trabecular region is strongly correlated to its microarchitecture, suggesting that bone quantity predicts values for these microarchitectural endpoints.

Interferon- -1b slows progression of atrophy in RRMS: Three-year follow-up in NAb- and NAb+ patients

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of interferon-beta-1b (IFNbeta-1b) treatment on total contrast-enhancing lesions (CEL), white matter lesion load (WMLL), and cerebral atrophy (CA) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) using serial monthly MRI.

METHODS

An open-label baseline-vs-treatment crossover trial was conducted with 30 RRMS patients monitored during a 6-month baseline and up to 36 months on treatment with IFNbeta-1b. Monthly MRI exams and neurologic exams using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) were performed.

RESULTS

The percentage changes from baseline for years 1, 2, and 3 on IFNbeta-1b were as follows: brain volume (BV) = -1.35, -1.48, and -1.68%; CEL = -76.5, -60.1, and -54.7%; WMLL = -12.2, -9.8, and -10.4%. There was no difference in the BV, CEL, or WMLL for between-year comparisons, and the decrease in BV from year 1 to years 2 and 3 was less than the change from baseline to year 1. EDSS did increase (p < 0.001) when comparing the last 3 months of baseline (2.8 +/- 2.1) and the last 3 months on IFNbeta-1b (3.6 +/- 2.1). Eleven patients developed neutralizing antibody (NAb) during the study. The effect of IFNbeta-1b on CEL and WMLL was significantly reduced in NAb+ patients compared with NAb- patients (p < 0.003).

CONCLUSION

IFNbeta-1b decreases contrast-enhancing lesions and white matter lesion load over 3 years on therapy and slows the progression in cerebral atrophy during years 2 and 3.

Estimating cerebral atrophy in multiple sclerosis patients from various MR pulse sequences

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine how measures reflecting cerebral atrophy (CA) are influenced by pulse sequence (PS) and segmentation algorithm (SA) used in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and healthy control (HC)s.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from 10 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patients and five HCs were used to determine the change in brain fractional volume (BFV) over a two-year period. T1-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and proton density (PD)/T2-weighted sequences were analysed Image segmentation to determine brain volume was performed using the following a histogram SA, an adaptive fuzzy c-means algorithm (AFCM), and an adaptive Bayesian segmentation with a K-means clustering.

RESULTS

Combinations of the SA and PS in MS patents demonstrated significant differences in the per cent change in BFV from baseline. For the combination of PS and SA the per cent change in BFV for year one and year two varied from +2.05% to - 1.6% and +0.79% to -3.11%, respectively. Analysis of the HCs data revealed fluctuations in BFV varying from +0.26% to -0.29%.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI estimates of CA are dependent on both the type of PS and SA; therefore, the choice of SA technique and PS should be consistent during an MS treatment trial. The progression of CA in MS should only be used as a secondary or tertiary outcome measure in treatment trials until a better understanding of how this measurement is affected by the disease, the image acquisition and analysis techniques.

Methylprednisolone effect on brain volume and enhancing lesions in MS before and during IFNbeta-1b

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of IV methylprednisolone (IVMP) on brain fraction volume (BFV), contrast-enhancing (CE) lesions, and white matter lesion load (WMLL) in patients with relapsing-remitting MS treated for acute exacerbations.

BACKGROUND

MRI metrics of MS disease activity are being used as outcome measures in early phase treatment trials, however the short-term effects of IVMP treatment on cerebral atrophy are unknown.

METHODS

Serial monthly MRI were performed in 26 patients enrolled in a baseline vs treatment trial with interferon beta-1b (IFNbeta-1b) who were followed for 3 months before and after IVMP. All 26 patients were evaluated while receiving IFNbeta-1b, and 12 patients were also studied during the baseline stage of the trial (NHx). Acute exacerbations were treated with IVMP (1 g/d) for 3 to 5 days. Precontrast and postcontrast T1-weighted and proton density T2-weighted fast spin-echo images were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty-six acute exacerbations were evaluated. For the 3 months before IVMP, there was no difference in WMLL or BFV compared to month IVMP was administered. There was a significant decrease in BFV at month 1 after IVMP in the IFNbeta-1b and NHx groups. Compared to the month IVMP was administered, there was a difference in the CE lesions for months -3 and -1 prior (p < 0.039) in NHx patients. Following IVMP, CE lesions decreased (p < 0.0004) for months 1, 2, and 3 in both groups, but there was no effect on WMLL.

CONCLUSIONS

BFV and CE lesions were significantly decreased for 1 month (BFV) and 3 months (CE lesions) following IVMP. Therefore, MRI studies should be delayed by probably at least 2 months following IVMP to avoid a possible confounding steroid effect in a clinical trial.