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Mnzava D, Okuma J, Ndege R, Kimera N, Ntamatungiro A, Nyuri A, Byakuzana T, Abilahi F, Mayeka P, Temba E, Fanuel T, Glass TR, Klimkait T, Vanobberghen F, Weisser M. Decentralization of viral load testing to improve HIV care and treatment cascade in rural Tanzania: observational study from the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:222. [PMID: 37029356 PMCID: PMC10081287 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08155-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Monitoring HIV viral load (HVL) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended by the World Health Organization. Implementation of HVL testing programs have been affected by logistic and organizational challenges. Here we describe the HVL monitoring cascade in a rural setting in Tanzania and compare turnaround times (TAT) between an on-site and a referral laboratory. METHODS In a nested study of the prospective Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO) we included PLHIV aged ≥ 15 years, on ART for ≥ 6 months after implementation of routine HVL monitoring in 2017. We assessed proportions of PLHIV with a blood sample taken for HVL, whose results came back, and who were virally suppressed (HVL < 1000 copies/mL) or unsuppressed (HVL ≥ 1000 copies/mL). We described the proportion of PLHIV with unsuppressed HVL and adequate measures taken as per national guidelines and outcomes among those with low-level viremia (LLV; 100-999 copies/mL). We compare TAT between on-site and referral laboratories by Wilcoxon rank sum tests. RESULTS From 2017 to 2020, among 4,454 PLHIV, 4,238 (95%) had a blood sample taken and 4,177 (99%) of those had a result. Of those, 3,683 (88%) were virally suppressed. In the 494 (12%) unsuppressed PLHIV, 425 (86%) had a follow-up HVL (102 (24%) within 4 months and 158 (37%) had virologic failure. Of these, 103 (65%) were already on second-line ART and 32/55 (58%) switched from first- to second-line ART after a median of 7.7 months (IQR 4.7-12.7). In the 371 (9%) PLHIV with LLV, 327 (88%) had a follow-up HVL. Of these, 267 (82%) resuppressed to < 100 copies/ml, 41 (13%) had persistent LLV and 19 (6%) had unsuppressed HVL. The median TAT for return of HVL results was 21 days (IQR 13-39) at the on-site versus 59 days (IQR 27-99) at the referral laboratory (p < 0.001) with PLHIV receiving the HVL results after a median of 91 days (IQR 36-94; similar for both laboratories). CONCLUSION Robust HVL monitoring is achievable in remote resource-limited settings. More focus is needed on care models for PLHIV with high viral loads to timely address results from routine HVL monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorcas Mnzava
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - James Okuma
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robert Ndege
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
- St. Francis Referral Hospital, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Namvua Kimera
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Alex Ntamatungiro
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Amina Nyuri
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | | | - Faraji Abilahi
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Paul Mayeka
- USAID Boresha Afya, Morogoro, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Emmy Temba
- USAID Boresha Afya, Morogoro, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Teddy Fanuel
- USAID Boresha Afya, Morogoro, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Department of Biomedicine, Molecular Virology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maja Weisser
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara Branch, Ifakara, United Republic of Tanzania.
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, CH, Basel, Switzerland.
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Teeraananchai S, Kerr SJ, Ruxrungtham K, Khananuraksa P, Puthanakit T. Long-term outcomes of rapid antiretroviral NNRTI-based initiation among Thai youth living with HIV: a national registry database study. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26071. [PMID: 36943729 PMCID: PMC10029993 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Thai National AIDS programme (NAP) treatment guidelines have recommended rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, regardless of CD4 count since 2014. We assessed treatment outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLHIV), initiating first-line ART and assessed the association between virological failure (VF) and timing of ART initiation. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data for YLHIV aged 15-24 years, initiating non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based ART from 2014 to 2019, through the NAP database. We classified the timing of ART into three groups based on duration from HIV-positive diagnosis or system registration to ART initiation: (1) <1 month (rapid ART); (2) 1-3 months (intermediate ART); and (3) >3 months (delayed ART). VF was defined as viral load (VL) ≥ 1000 copies/ml after at least 6 months of first-line ART. Factors associated with VF were analysed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Of 19,825 YLHIV who started ART, 78% were male. Median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 21 (20-23) years and CD4 count was 338 (187-498) cells/mm3 . After registration, 12,216 (62%) started rapid ART, 4272 (22%) intermediate ART and 3337 (17%) delayed ART. The proportion of YLHIV starting ART <30 days significantly increased from 43% to 57% from 2014-2016 to 2017-2019 (p < 0.001). The median duration of first-line therapy was 2 (IQR 1-3) years and 89% started with efavirenz-based regimens. Attrition outcomes showed that 325 (2%) died (0.73 [95% CI 0.65-0.81] per 100 person-years [PY]) and 1762 (9%) were loss to follow-up (3.96 [95% CI 3.78-4.15] per 100 PY). Of 17,512 (88%) who had VL checked from 6 to 12 months after starting treatment, 80% achieved VL <200 copies/ml. Overall, 2512 experienced VF 5.87 (95% CI 5.65-6.11) per 100 PY). In a multivariate model, the adjusted incidence rate ratio for VF was 1.47 (95% CI 1.33-1.63, p < 0.001) in the delayed ART group and 1.14 (95% CI 1.03-1.25, p< 0.001) in the intermediate ART group, compared to YLHIV in the rapid ART group. CONCLUSIONS Rapid ART initiation after diagnosis was associated with significantly reduced risks of VF and death in YLHIV, supporting the implementation of rapid ART for optimizing health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirinya Teeraananchai
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stephen J Kerr
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
- Biostatistics Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kiat Ruxrungtham
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Centre, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Chula Vaccine Research Center (ChulaVRC), School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Thanyawee Puthanakit
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Akpan U, Nwanja E, Ukpong KA, Toyo O, Nwaokoro P, Sanwo O, Gana B, Badru T, Idemudia A, Pandey SR, Khamofu H, Bateganya M. Reaching Viral Suppression Among People With HIV With Suspected Treatment Failure who Received Enhanced Adherence Counseling in Southern Nigeria: A Retrospective Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac651. [PMID: 36589481 PMCID: PMC9792083 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study assessed viral load (VL) testing and viral suppression following enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) among people with HIV (PWH) with suspected treatment failure and identified factors associated with persistent viremia. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records of PWH aged 15 years or older who had received antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 6 months as of December 2020 and had a high viral load (HVL; ≥1000 copies/mL) across 22 comprehensive HIV treatment facilities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Patients with HVL were expected to receive 3 EAC sessions delivered in person or virtually and repeat VL testing upon completion of EAC and after documented good adherence. At 6 months post-EAC enrollment, we reviewed the data to determine client uptake of 1 or more EAC sessions, completion of 3 EAC sessions, a repeat viral load (VL) test conducted post-EAC, and persistent viremia with a VL of ≥1000 copies/mL. Selected sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed to identify factors associated with persistent viremia using SPSS, version 26. Results Of the 3257 unsuppressed PWH, EAC uptake was 94.8% (n = 3088), EAC completion was 81.5% (2517/3088), post-EAC VL testing uptake was 75.9% (2344/3088), and viral resuppression was 73.8% (2280/3088). In multivariable analysis, those on ART for <12 months (P ≤ .001) and those who completed EAC within 3 months (P = .045) were less likely to have persistent viremia. Conclusions An HVL resuppression rate of 74% was achieved, but EAC completion was low. Identification of the challenges faced by PWH with a higher risk of persistent viremia is recommended to optimize the potential benefit of EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uduak Akpan
- Correspondence: Uduak Akpan, 67, Bennett Bassey Street (Unit C), Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria ()
| | - Esther Nwanja
- Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
| | | | - Otoyo Toyo
- Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Bala Gana
- Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
| | - Titilope Badru
- Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
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Anito AA, Lenjebo TL, Woticha E, Solomon F. Magnitude of Viral Load Suppression and Associated Factors among Clients on Antiretroviral Therapy in Public Hospitals of Hawassa City Administration, Ethiopia. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2022; 14:529-538. [PMID: 36425750 PMCID: PMC9680672 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s387787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A majority of clients on first-line antiretroviral therapy with an initial high viral load will resuppress following an adherence intervention. Some sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were found to affect resuppression. Few reports on the outcome of the intervention and its associated factors in our country, with inconsistent results and some missed clinical factors of potential association, have compelled this study. The study aimed to assess the proportion of viral load suppression and associated factors among clients on antiretroviral therapy in public hospitals of Hawassa City Administration, Ethiopia. METHODS An institution-based cross-sectional study with retrospective document review was conducted among 342 participants on antiretroviral therapy enrolled for counseling since its start in November 2016. Data were captured using a pretested and structured checklist from all client charts with complete data, entered into EpiData 3.1.0 and exported to SPSS 27 for analysis. The proportion of viral load suppression was determined. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify associated factors. Statistical significance was determined at a 95% CI and P<0.05. RESULTS The proportion of viral load suppression was found to be 40.9% (35.7%-46.5%). Nevirapine-based antiretroviral treatment regimens (AOR 0.125, 95% CI 0.034-0.464), malnutrition (AOR 0.565, 95% CI 0.329-0.971), poor adherence (AOR 0.504, 95% CI 0.287-0.886), lower CD4 count (AOR 0.149, 95% CI 0.071, 0.314), and fewer counseling sessions (AOR 0.330, 95% CI 0.149-0.729) were significantly associated with viral load suppression. CONCLUSION The proportion of viral load suppression is lower than that recommended by the World Health Organization. Nevirapine-based regimens, poor nutritional status, poor adherence, lower CD4 count, and fewer counseling sessions risk a lower proportion of viral load suppression. This calls for the need to devise strategies to address these factors and to revisit program implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eskinder Woticha
- School of Public Health, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Fithamlak Solomon
- School of Medical Laboratory, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
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Patel RC, Oyaro P, Thomas KK, Wagude J, Mukui I, Brown E, Hassan SA, Kinywa E, Oluoch F, Odhiambo F, Oyaro B, Kingwara L, Karauki E, Yongo N, Otieno L, John-Stewart GC, Abuogi LL. Point-of-care HIV viral load and targeted drug resistance mutation testing versus standard care for Kenyan children on antiretroviral therapy (Opt4Kids): an open-label, randomised controlled trial. THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2022; 6:681-691. [PMID: 35987208 PMCID: PMC9482947 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(22)00191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Feasible, scalable, and cost-effective approaches to ensure virological suppression among children living with HIV are urgently needed. The aim of the Opt4Kids study was to determine the effect of point of care viral load and targeted drug resistance mutation testing in improving virological suppression among children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Kenya. METHODS In this open-label, individually randomised controlled trial, we enrolled children living with HIV aged 1-14 years and who were either newly initiating or already receiving ART at five study facilities in Kenya. Participants were randomly allocated 1:1 to receive the intervention of point-of-care viral load testing every 3 months, targeted drug resistance mutation testing, and clinical decision support (point-of-care testing) or to receive the standard care (control group), stratified by facility site and age groups (1-9 years vs 10-14 years). Investigators were masked to the randomised group. The primary efficacy outcome was virological suppression (defined as a viral load of <1000 copies per mL) by point-of-care viral load testing at 12 months after enrolment in all participants with an assessment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03820323. FINDINGS Between March 7, 2019, and December 31, 2020, we enrolled 704 participants. Median age at enrolment was 9 years (IQR 7-12), 344 (49%) participants were female and 360 (51%) were male, and median time on ART was 5·8 years (IQR 3·1-8·6). 536 (76%) of 704 had documented virological suppression at enrolment. At 12 months after enrolment, the proportion of participants achieving virological suppression in the intervention group (283 [90%] of 313 participants with a 12 month point-of-care viral load test) did not differ from that in the control group (289 [92%] of 315; risk ratio [RR] 0·99, 95% CI 0·94-1·03; p=0·55). We identified 138 episodes of viraemia in intervention participants, of which 107 (89%) samples successfully underwent drug resistance mutation testing and 91 (85%) had major drug resistance mutations. The median turnaround time for viral load results was 1 day (IQR 0-1) in the intervention group and 15 days (10-21) in the control group. INTERPRETATION Point-of-care viral load testing decreased turnaround time and targeted drug resistance mutation testing identified a high prevalence of HIV drug resistance mutations in children living with HIV, but the combined approach did not increase rates of virological suppression. Further research in combination interventions, including point-of-care viral load and drug resistance mutation testing coupled with psychosocial support, is needed to optimise virological suppression for children living with HIV. FUNDING National Institutes of Mental Health of the US National Institutes of Health, Thrasher Research Fund.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena C Patel
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Irene Mukui
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Shukri A Hassan
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Francesca Odhiambo
- Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Boaz Oyaro
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-CDC, Kisian, Kenya
| | - Leonard Kingwara
- National HIV Reference Laboratory, Kenya Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | - Lindah Otieno
- Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Grace C John-Stewart
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa L Abuogi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
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Pham MD, Nguyen HV, Anderson D, Crowe S, Luchters S. Viral load monitoring for people living with HIV in the era of test and treat: progress made and challenges ahead - a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1203. [PMID: 35710413 PMCID: PMC9202111 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13504-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In 2016, we conducted a systematic review to assess the feasibility of treatment monitoring for people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), in line with the 90-90-90 treatment target. By 2020, global estimates suggest the 90-90-90 target, particularly the last 90, remains unattainable in many LMICs. This study aims to review the progress and identify needs for public health interventions to improve viral load monitoring and viral suppression for PLHIV in LMICs. Methods A literature search was conducted using an update of the initial search strategy developed for the 2016 review. Electronic databases (Medline and PubMed) were searched to identify relevant literature published in English between Dec 2015 and August 2021. The primary outcome was initial viral load (VL) monitoring (the proportion of PLHIV on ART and eligible for VL monitoring who received a VL test). Secondary outcomes included follow-up VL monitoring (the proportion of PLHIV who received a follow-up VL after an initial elevated VL test), confirmation of treatment failure (the proportion of PLHIV who had two consecutive elevated VL results) and switching treatment regimen rates (the proportion of PLHIV who switched treatment regimen after confirmation of treatment failure). Results The search strategy identified 1984 non-duplicate records, of which 34 studies were included in the review. Marked variations in initial VL monitoring coverage were reported across study settings/countries (range: 12–93% median: 74% IQR: 46–82%) and study populations (adults (range: 25–96%, median: 67% IQR: 50–84%), children, adolescents/young people (range: 2–94%, median: 72% IQR: 47–85%), and pregnant women (range: 32–82%, median: 57% IQR: 43–71%)). Community-based models reported higher VL monitoring (median: 85%, IQR: 82-88%) compared to decentralised care at primary health facility (median: 64%, IRQ: 48-82%). Suboptimal uptake of follow-up VL monitoring and low regimen switching rates were observed. Conclusions Substantial gaps in VL coverage across study settings and study populations were evident, with limited data availability outside of sub-Saharan Africa. Further research is needed to fill the data gaps. Development and implementation of innovative, community-based interventions are required to improve VL monitoring and address the “failure cascade” in PLHIV on ART who fail to achieve viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh D Pham
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Huy V Nguyen
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Federation University, Victoria, Australia.,School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - David Anderson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Suzanne Crowe
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stanley Luchters
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Sexual Health and HIV & AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe.,Department of Public health and Primary care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Ferreira CMSD, Leite ICG. Epidemiological characteristics and adherence of a cohort of elderly people with HIV/AIDS in the Public Health System. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2022; 20:eAO6474. [PMID: 35352767 PMCID: PMC8932733 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2022ao6474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To characterize the epidemiological profile of patients aged 50 years or older diagnosed as HIV/AIDS, in a Specialized Service of the Public Health System. Methods A retrospective cohort study using secondary data from medical records in the period 2014 to 2018. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and features related to treatment adherence were organized in a database. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean (or median) ± standard deviation (or interquartile range), and categorical variables expressed as number and percentage of patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to assess the probability of overall specific survival. Results Of the 241 initially eligible patients, 149 patients were evaluated, registering 19 deaths in the studied period. There was a predominance of males aged 50-59 years, with severe immunodeficiency upon admission (29.7%), and with a CD4+ T lymphocyte count below 200 cells in 62 (46.3%) of patients. Elderly people aged 61 or over were more adherent. There was an increase in the CD4+ T lymphocyte count by an average of 139.63 in the first 6 months, and 50.51 from the first 6 months to 12 months of follow-up, with an average increase in the first 12 months of 157.63 cells. Specific overall survival in the period was 85%. Conclusion Patients older than 50 years had an immune response and no viral load detection in the 12-month period, deserving further studies to improve survival.
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Muhairwe JA, Brown JA, Motaboli L, Nsakala BL, Lerotholi M, Amstutz A, Klimkait T, Glass TR, Labhardt ND. The Suboptimal Pediatric HIV Viral Load Cascade: Multidistrict Cohort Study Among Children Taking Antiretroviral Therapy in Lesotho, Southern Africa. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:e75-e80. [PMID: 34862344 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children living with HIV and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) are a priority group for routine viral load (VL) monitoring. As per Lesotho guidelines, a VL ≥1000 copies/mL ("unsuppressed") should trigger adherence counseling and a follow-up VL; 2 consecutive unsuppressed VLs ("virologic failure") qualify for switching to second-line ART, with some exceptions. Here, we describe the pediatric VL cascade in Lesotho. METHODS In a prospective open cohort study comprising routine VL results from 22 clinics in Lesotho, we assessed outcomes along the VL cascade for children who had at least 1 VL test from January 2016 through June 2020. Data were censored on February 10, 2021. RESULTS In total, 1215 children received 5443 VL tests. The median age was 10 years (interquartile range 7-13) and 627/1215 (52%) were female; 362/1215 (30%) had at least 1 unsuppressed VL. A follow-up VL was available for 325/362 (90%), although only for 159/362 (44%) within 6 months of the first unsuppressed VL. Of those with a follow-up VL, 172/329 (53%) had virologic failure and 123/329 (37%) qualified for switching to second-line ART. Of these, 55/123 (45%) were ever switched, although only 9/123 (7%) were switched within 12 weeks of the follow-up VL. Delays were more pronounced in rural facilities. Overall, 100/362 (28%) children with an unsuppressed VL received a timely follow-up VL and, if required, a timely regimen switch. CONCLUSIONS Despite access to VL monitoring, clinical management was suboptimal. HIV programs should prioritize timely clinical action to maximize the benefits of VL monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine A Muhairwe
- From the SolidarMed, Partnerships for Health, Maseru, Lesotho
- Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jennifer A Brown
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Alain Amstutz
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy R Glass
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus D Labhardt
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Atnafu GT, Moges NA, Wubie M, Gedif G. Incidence and Predictors of Viral Load Suppression After Enhanced Adherence Counseling Among HIV-Positive Adults in West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:261-274. [PMID: 35115794 PMCID: PMC8800582 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s341392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Gezahegn Terefe Atnafu
- Anti-Retroviral Treatment Clinic, Dembecha Health Center, Dembecha, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
| | - Nurilign Abebe Moges
- Department of Public Health, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
| | - Moges Wubie
- Department of Public Health, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Gedif
- Department of Public Health, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Getnet Gedif Department of Public Health, Debre Markos University, P.O.Box: 251-269, Debre Markos, Amhara Region, EthiopiaTel +251-58-771-4281Fax +251-58-771-1764 Email
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Keene CM, Griesel R, Zhao Y, Gcwabe Z, Sayed K, Hill A, Cassidy T, Ngwenya O, Jackson A, Van Zyl G, Schutz C, Goliath R, Flowers T, Goemaere E, Wiesner L, Simmons B, Maartens G, Meintjes G. Virologic efficacy of tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir as second-line antiretroviral therapy in adults failing a tenofovir-based first-line regimen. AIDS 2021; 35:1423-1432. [PMID: 33973876 PMCID: PMC7612028 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recycling tenofovir and lamivudine/emtricitabine (XTC) with dolutegravir would provide a more tolerable, affordable, and scalable second-line regimen than dolutegravir with an optimized nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) backbone. We evaluated efficacy of tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD) in patients failing first-line tenofovir/XTC/efavirenz or nevirapine. DESIGN Single arm, prospective, interventional study. SETTING Two primary care clinics in Khayelitsha, South Africa. PARTICIPANTS Sixty adult patients with two viral loads greater than 1000 copies/ml. INTERVENTION Participants were switched to TLD with additional dolutegravir (50 mg) for 2 weeks to overcome efavirenz induction. PRIMARY OUTCOME Proportion achieving viral load less than 50 copies/ml at week 24 using the FDA snapshot algorithm. RESULTS Baseline median CD4+ cell count was 248 cells/μl, viral load 10 580 copies/ml and 48 of 54 (89%) had resistance (Stanford score ≥15) to one or both of tenofovir and XTC. No participants were lost to follow-up. At week 24, 51 of 60 [85%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 73-93%] were virologically suppressed, six had viral load 50-100 copies/ml, one had viral load 100-1000 copies/ml, one no viral load in window, and one switched because of tenofovir-related adverse event. No integrase mutations were detected in the one participant meeting criteria for resistance testing. Virological suppression was achieved by 29 of 35 (83%, 95% CI 66-93%) with resistance to tenofovir and XTC, 11 of 13 (85%, 95% CI 55-98%) with resistance to XTC, and six of six (100%, 95% CI 54-100%) with resistance to neither. CONCLUSION A high proportion of adults switching to second-line TLD achieved virologic suppression despite substantial baseline NRTI resistance and most not suppressed had low-level viraemia (≤100 copies/ml). This suggests recycling tenofovir and XTC with dolutegravir could provide an effective second-line option.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rulan Griesel
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ying Zhao
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Kaneez Sayed
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew Hill
- University of Liverpool, Department of Pharmacology, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Tali Cassidy
- Médecins Sans Frontières South Africa
- Division of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | | | - Gert Van Zyl
- University of Stellenbosch, Division of Medical Virology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charlotte Schutz
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rene Goliath
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Eric Goemaere
- Médecins Sans Frontières South Africa
- Division of Public Health Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lubbe Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bryony Simmons
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Maartens
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Graeme Meintjes
- Wellcome Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Africa, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Njom-Nlend AE, Efouba N, Brunelle Sandie A, Fokam J. Determinants of switch to paediatric second-line antiretroviral therapy after first-line failure in Cameroon. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:927-935. [PMID: 33905593 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) children, treatment failure and switch to subsequent ART regimens are common. Our objectives were to evaluate switching practices and identify factors associated among children and adolescents failing their first-line ART. METHODS A facility-based survey study was conducted in a cohort of children living with HIV experiencing virological failure (VF) at the Essos Hospital Centre of Yaounde, Cameroon. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire, and key variables were as follows: (a) VF defined as viral load (VL) > 1000 copies/ml, (b) rate of switch to second-line and (c) reason(s) for switching ART. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the association between study variables, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 106 children experiencing VF were enrolled: median age was 8 [interquartile range (IQR): 3-15] years; 60.38% were boys and 39.62% were orphans of one/both parents. A proportion of 69% were at the WHO clinical stage III/IV, and 13.21% were experiencing immunological failure (CD4 < 200 cells/mm3 ). The median duration on first-line ART was 36 [IQR: 7-157] months prior to detecting VF, and the rate of switch to second-line ART was 70.75% (75/106). Delay in switching ART after a confirmed VF was 11 [IQR: 7-16] months. After switch to second-line ART, the median time to achieve undetectable VL (<40 copies/ml) was 14 [IQR: 9-21] months. Multivariate analysis revealed that only children with viral rebound (aOR = 0.09; 95% CI = 0.03-0.24) were less likely to be switched. Of note, being orphaned (aOR = 0.35, CI = 0.11-1.11), biological sex (aOR = 1.77, CI = 0.60-5.29) and immune status (aOR = 0.19, CI = 0.03-1.31, 0.09) had no significant effect on switching to second-line ART. CONCLUSION In this paediatric population experiencing VF after about 3-4 years from ART initiation, the majority are switched to second-line ART after a delay of almost one year. Delayed switch to second-line was driven essentially by viral rebound, underscoring the need for close viral monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Esther Njom-Nlend
- Essos Hospital Centre, National Social Insurance Fund Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Higher Institute of Medical Technology, University of Douala, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Nadège Efouba
- Higher Institute of Medical Technology, University of Douala, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Joseph Fokam
- Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre for Research on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Management, Yaounde, Cameroon.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.,Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon.,National HIV Drug Resistance Working Group, Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde, Cameroon
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12
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Mesic A, Spina A, Mar HT, Thit P, Decroo T, Lenglet A, Thandar MP, Thwe TT, Kyaw AA, Homan T, Sangma M, Kremer R, Grieg J, Piriou E, Ritmeijer K, Van Olmen J, Lynen L, Oo HN. Predictors of virological failure among people living with HIV receiving first line antiretroviral treatment in Myanmar: retrospective cohort analysis. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:16. [PMID: 33882962 PMCID: PMC8059266 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00336-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Progress toward the global target for 95% virological suppression among those on antiretroviral treatment (ART) is still suboptimal. We describe the viral load (VL) cascade, the incidence of virological failure and associated risk factors among people living with HIV receiving first-line ART in an HIV cohort in Myanmar treated by the Médecins Sans Frontières in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Sports Myanmar. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study, including adult patients with at least one HIV viral load test result and having received of at least 6 months’ standard first-line ART. The incidence rate of virological failure (HIV viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL) was calculated. Multivariable Cox’s regression was performed to identify risk factors for virological failure. Results We included 25,260 patients with a median age of 33.1 years (interquartile range, IQR 28.0–39.1) and a median observation time of 5.4 years (IQR 3.7–7.9). Virological failure was documented in 3,579 (14.2%) participants, resulting in an overall incidence rate for failure of 2.5 per 100 person-years of follow-up. Among those who had a follow-up viral load result, 1,258 (57.1%) had confirmed virological failure, of which 836 (66.5%) were switched to second-line treatment. An increased hazard for failure was associated with age ≤ 19 years (adjusted hazard ratio, aHR 1.51; 95% confidence intervals, CI 1.20–1.89; p < 0.001), baseline tuberculosis (aHR 1.39; 95% CI 1.14–1.49; p < 0.001), a history of low-level viremia (aHR 1.60; 95% CI 1.42–1.81; p < 0.001), or a history of loss-to-follow-up (aHR 1.24; 95% CI 1.41–1.52; p = 0.041) and being on the same regimen (aHR 1.37; 95% CI 1.07–1.76; p < 0.001). Cumulative appointment delay was not significantly associated with failure after controlling for covariates. Conclusions VL monitoring is an important tool to improve programme outcomes, however limited coverage of VL testing and acting on test results hampers its full potential. In our cohort children and adolescents, PLHIV with history of loss-to-follow-up or those with low-viremia are at the highest risk of virological failure and might require more frequent virological monitoring than is currently recommended. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12981-021-00336-0.
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13
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Dorward J, Sookrajh Y, Ngobese H, Lessells R, Sayed F, Bulo E, Moodley P, Samsunder N, Lewis L, Tonkin-Crine S, Drain PK, Hayward G, Butler CC, Garrett N. Protocol for a randomised feasibility study of Point-Of-care HIV viral load testing to Enhance Re-suppression in South Africa: the POwER study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e045373. [PMID: 33593788 PMCID: PMC7888322 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Access to HIV viral load testing remains difficult for many people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low-income and middle-income countries. Weak laboratory and clinic systems often delay the detection and management of viraemia, which can lead to morbidity, drug resistance and HIV transmission. Point-of-care testing could overcome these challenges. We aim to assess whether it is feasible to conduct a randomised trial of point-of-care viral load testing to manage viraemia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will conduct an open-label, single-site, individually randomised, feasibility study of Point-Of-care HIV viral load testing to Enhance Re-suppression, in Durban, South Africa. We will enrol approximately 100 people living with HIV who are aged ≥18 years, receiving first-line ART but with recent viraemia ≥1000 copies/mL, and randomise them 1:1 to receive point-of-care viral load or standard laboratory viral load monitoring, after 12 weeks. All participants will continue to receive care from public sector healthcare workers following South African HIV management guidelines. Participants with persistent viraemia ≥1000 copies/mL will be considered for switching to second-line ART. We will compare the proportion in each study arm who achieve the primary outcome of viral suppression <50 copies/mL at 24 weeks after enrolment. Additional outcomes include proportions retained in the study, proportions with HIV drug resistance, time to viral load results and time to switching to second-line ART. We will assess implementation of point-of-care viral load testing using process evaluation data, and through interviews and focus groups with healthcare workers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION University of Oxford Tropical Research Ethics Committee and the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the University of KwaZulu-Natal have approved the study. We will present results to stakeholders, and through conferences and open-access, peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PACTR202001785886049.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jienchi Dorward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Hope Ngobese
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Richard Lessells
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- KwaZulu-Natal Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform (KRISP), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Fathima Sayed
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Elliot Bulo
- eThekwini Municipality Health Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - P Moodley
- Department of Virology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Natasha Samsunder
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lara Lewis
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sarah Tonkin-Crine
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul K Drain
- Department of Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gail Hayward
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher C Butler
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nigel Garrett
- Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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14
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Ganesh P, Heller T, Chione B, Gumulira J, Gugsa S, Khan S, McGovern S, Nhlema A, Nkhoma L, Sacks JA, Trapence C, Tweya H, Ehrenkranz P, Phiri S. Near Point-of-Care HIV Viral Load: Targeted Testing at Large Facilities. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 86:258-263. [PMID: 33136821 PMCID: PMC7803448 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Point-of-care (POC) technologies in resource-limited settings can circumvent challenges of centralized laboratory testing, improving clinical management. However, higher device costs and uncertain indications for use have inhibited scaling up POC modalities. To address this gap, we investigated the feasibility and cost of targeted near-POC viral load (VL) testing in 2 large HIV clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS VL testing using GeneXpert was targeted for patients suspected of treatment failure or returning to care after a previously elevated VL (>1000 copies/mL). Descriptive analysis of retrospective clinical and cost data is presented. RESULTS Two thousand eight hundred thirteen near-POC VL tests were conducted. One thousand five hundred eleven (54%) tests were for patients for whom results and reason for the test were documented: 57% (794/1389) of tests were to confirm a previously high VL, and 33% (462/1389) were due to clinical indications. Sixty-one percent (926/1511) of patients had a high VL, of whom 78% (719/926) had a recorded clinical action: 77% (557/719) switched to second line antiretroviral therapy, and 15% (194/719) were referred for intensive adherence counseling. Eighty-two percent (567/687) of patients received a clinical action on the same day as testing. The "all-in" cost was $33.71 for a valid POC VL test, compared with an international benchmark for a centralized VL test of $28.62. CONCLUSION Targeted, near-POC VL testing was feasible and consistently enabled prompt clinical action. The difference between the "all-in" cost of near-POC VL and centralized testing of $5.09 could be further reduced in an optimized national program by combining targeted near-POC testing and centralized testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Ganesh
- Lighthouse Trust, Lilongwe, Malawi;
- International Training and Education Center for Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | - Salem Gugsa
- International Training and Education Center for Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sam Phiri
- Lighthouse Trust, Lilongwe, Malawi;
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC;and
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi.
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15
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Bisetegn G, Arefaynie M, Mohammed A, Fentaw Z, Muche A, Dewau R, Seid Y. Predictors of Virological Failure after Adherence-Enhancement Counseling among First-Line Adults Living with HIV/AIDS in Kombolcha Town, Northeast Ethiopia. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2021; 13:91-97. [PMID: 33531843 PMCID: PMC7847365 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s290531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV virological failure is a common challenging problem, even after adherence-enhancement counseling. However, there have been few studies on the determinants of virological failure after adherence-enhancement counseling among adult patients on antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia in general, and there is variation across clients and settings for unknown reasons. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of virological failure after adherence-enhancement counseling among adults living with HIV/AIDS. METHODS A case-control study was conducted in the town of Kombolcha from January 1, 2019 to March 30, 2019 using simple random sampling for 338 participants. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews for social and personal characteristics and document review for clinical profiles. Descriptive statistics were used for frequency, proportions, and summary measures. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the predictors of virological failure after adherence-enhancement counseling among adults. For multivariate logistic regression,P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. AORs are presented with 95% CIs. RESULTS The odds of virological failure after adherence-enhancement counseling were higher following poor antiretroviral medication adherence (AOR 7.3, 95% CI 2.57-20.79) and for patients who had had a first high viral load (≥10,000 copies/mL, (AOR 5, 95% CI 1.86-13.56) and a history of opportunistic infection (AOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.11-8.44) compared with their counterparts. CONCLUSION Poor antiretroviral medication adherence during adherence-enhancement counseling session, first viral load ≥10,000 copies/mL, and recent history of opportunistic infection were predictors of virological failure. Therefore, efforts should be strengthened to improve adherence to antiretroviral medication, which helps to boost immunity and suppress viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mastewal Arefaynie
- Department of Reproductive and Family Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Anissa Mohammed
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Zinabu Fentaw
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Amare Muche
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Reta Dewau
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Yimer Seid
- Dessie City Zonal Health Department, CDC-Ethiopia, Dessie, Ethiopia
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16
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Torres TS, Harrison LJ, La Rosa AM, Zheng L, Cardoso SW, Ulaya G, Akoojee N, Kadam D, Collier AC, Hughes MD. Poor quality of life and incomplete self-reported adherence predict second-line ART virological failure in resource-limited settings. AIDS Care 2021; 33:1340-1349. [PMID: 33487029 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2021.1874275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated health-related quality of life (QoL) and self-reported incomplete adherence as predictors of early second-line antiretroviral (ART) virological failure (VF). ACTG A5273 study participants completed the ACTG SF-21 measure which has 8 QoL domains. We used exact logistic regression to assess the association of QoL at baseline and week 4 with early VF adjusted for self-reported adherence. Of 500 individuals (51% women, median age 39 years) in this analysis, 79% and 75% self-reported complete adherence (no missing doses in the past month) at weeks 4 and 24, respectively. Early VF was experienced by 7% and more common among those who self-reported incomplete adherence. Participants with low week 4 QoL scores had higher rates of early VF than participants with high scores. After adjusting for self-reported adherence at week 4, VL and CD4 at baseline, cognitive functioning, pain and mental health domains were significantly associated with subsequent early VF. In this post-hoc analysis, poorer QoL adds to self-reported incomplete adherence after 4 weeks of second-line ART in predicting VF at week 24. Evaluation is needed to assess whether individuals with poorer QoL might be targeted for greater support to reduce risk of VF.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01352715.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago S Torres
- LapClin-AIDS, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linda J Harrison
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Lu Zheng
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sandra W Cardoso
- LapClin-AIDS, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Dileep Kadam
- Byramjee-Jeejeebhoy Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ann C Collier
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael D Hughes
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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- LapClin-AIDS, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (INI-FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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17
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Sunpath H, Hatlen TJ, Moosa MYS, Murphy RA, Siedner M, Naidoo K. Urgent need to improve programmatic management of patients with HIV failing first-line antiretroviral therapy. Public Health Action 2020; 10:163-168. [PMID: 33437682 DOI: 10.5588/pha.20.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Delayed identification and response to virologic failure in case of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings is a threat to the health of HIV-infected patients. There is a need for the implementation of an effective, standardized response pathway in the public sector. Discussion We evaluated published cohorts describing virologic failure on first-line ART. We focused on gaps in the detection and management of treatment failure, and posited ways to close these gaps, keeping in mind scalability and standardization. Specific shortcomings repeatedly recorded included early loss to follow-up (>20%) after recognized first-line ART virologic failure; frequent delays in confirmatory viral load testing; and excessive time between the confirmation of first-line ART failure and initiation of second-line ART, which exceeded 1 year in some cases. Strategies emphasizing patient tracing, resistance testing, drug concentration monitoring, adherence interventions, and streamlined response pathways for those failing therapy are further discussed. Conclusion Comprehensive, evidence-based, clinical operational plans must be devised based on findings from existing research and further tested through implementation science research. Until this standard of evidence is available and implemented, high rates of losses from delays in appropriate switch to second-line ART will remain unacceptably common and a threat to the success of global HIV treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Sunpath
- Centre for AIDS Program of Research, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.,Infectious Diseases Unit, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - T J Hatlen
- Division of HIV, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA
| | - M-Y S Moosa
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - R A Murphy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA
| | - M Siedner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K Naidoo
- Centre for AIDS Program of Research, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.,HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Medical Research Council-Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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18
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Increased Mortality With Delayed and Missed Switch to Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 84:107-113. [PMID: 32032304 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After failure of first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the public sector, delayed or missed second-line ART switch is linked with poor outcomes in patients with advanced HIV. SETTING We investigated delayed or missed second-line ART switch after confirmed virologic failure in the largest private sector HIV cohort in Africa. METHODS We included HIV-infected adults with confirmed virologic failure after 6 months of nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor-based ART. We estimated the effect of timing of switch on the hazard of death using inverse probability of treatment weighting of marginal structural models. We adjusted for time-dependent confounding of CD4 count, viral load, and visit frequency. RESULTS Five thousand seven hundred forty-eight patients (53% female) with confirmed virologic failure met inclusion criteria; the median age was 40 [interquartile range (IQR): 35-47], advanced HIV was present in 48% and the prior duration of nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor-based ART was 1083 days (IQR: 665-1770). Median time to confirmation of virologic failure and to second-line switch was 196 (IQR: 136-316) and 220 days (IQR: 65-542), respectively. Switching to second-line ART after confirmed failure compared with remaining on first-line ART reduced risk of subsequent death [adjusted hazard ratio: 0.47 (95% confidence interval: 0.36 to 0.63)]. Compared with patients who experienced delayed switch, those switched immediately had a lower risk of death, regardless of CD4 cell count. CONCLUSIONS Delayed or missed switch to second-line ART after confirmed first-line ART failure is common in the South African private sector and associated with mortality. Novel interventions to minimize switch delay should be tested and not limited to those with advanced disease at treatment failure.
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Patel RC, Oyaro P, Odeny B, Mukui I, Thomas KK, Sharma M, Wagude J, Kinywa E, Oluoch F, Odhiambo F, Oyaro B, John-Stewart GC, Abuogi LL. Optimizing viral load suppression in Kenyan children on antiretroviral therapy (Opt4Kids). Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2020; 20:100673. [PMID: 33195874 PMCID: PMC7644580 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2020.100673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As many as 40% of the 1 million children living with HIV (CLHIV) receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) in resource limited settings have not achieved viral suppression (VS). Kenya has a large burden of pediatric HIV with nearly 140,000 CLHIV. Feasible, scalable, and cost-effective approaches to ensure VS in CLHIV are urgently needed. The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility and impact of point-of-care (POC) viral load (VL) and targeted drug resistance mutation (DRM) testing to improve VS in children on ART in Kenya. Methods We are conducting a randomized controlled study to evaluate the use of POC VL and targeted DRM testing among 704 children aged 1-14 years on ART at health facilities in western Kenya. Children are randomized 1:1 to intervention (higher frequency POC VL and targeted DRM testing) vs. control (standard-of-care) arms and followed for 12 months. Our primary outcome is VS (VL < 1000 copies/mL) 12 months after enrollment by study arm. Secondary outcomes include time to VS and the impact of targeted DRM testing on VS. In addition, key informant interviews with patients and providers will generate an understanding of how the POC VL intervention functions. Finally, we will model the cost-effectiveness of POC VL combined with targeted DRM testing. Discussion This study will provide critical information on the impact of POC VL and DRM testing on VS among CLHIV on ART in a resource-limited setting and directly address the need to find approaches that maximize VS among children on ART. Trials registration NCT03820323.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rena C Patel
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Beryne Odeny
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | - Katherine K Thomas
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Monisha Sharma
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Francesca Odhiambo
- Family AIDS Care and Education Services, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Boaz Oyaro
- Kenya Medical Research Institute-CDC, Kisian, Kenya
| | - Grace C John-Stewart
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lisa L Abuogi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
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20
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Kerschberger B, Schomaker M, Jobanputra K, Kabore SM, Teck R, Mabhena E, Mthethwa-Hleza S, Rusch B, Ciglenecki I, Boulle A. HIV programmatic outcomes following implementation of the 'Treat-All' policy in a public sector setting in Eswatini: a prospective cohort study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25458. [PMID: 32128964 PMCID: PMC7054447 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Treat-All policy - antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation irrespective of CD4 cell criteria - increases access to treatment. Many ART programmes, however, reported increasing attrition and viral failure during treatment expansion, questioning the programmatic feasibility of Treat-All in resource-limited settings. We aimed to describe and compare programmatic outcomes between Treat-All and standard of care (SOC) in the public sectors of Eswatini. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of ≥16-year-old HIV-positive patients initiated on first-line ART under Treat-All and SOC in 18 health facilities of the Shiselweni region, from October 2014 to March 2016. SOC followed the CD4 350 and 500 cells/mm3 treatment eligibility thresholds. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to describe crude programmatic outcomes. Multivariate flexible parametric survival models were built to assess associations of time from ART initiation with the composite unfavourable outcome of all-cause attrition and viral failure. RESULTS Of the 3170 patients, 1888 (59.6%) initiated ART under Treat-All at a median CD4 cell count of 329 (IQR 168 to 488) cells/mm3 compared with 292 (IQR 161 to 430) (p < 0.001) under SOC. Although crude programme retention at 36 months tended to be lower under Treat-All (71%) than SOC (75%) (p = 0.002), it was similar in covariate-adjusted analysis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.23). The hazard of viral suppression was higher for Treat-All (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23), while the hazard of viral failure was comparable (Treat-All: aHR 0.89, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.49). Among patients with advanced HIV disease (n = 1080), those under Treat-All (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.44) had a similar risk of an composite unfavourable outcome to SOC. Factors increasing the risk of the composite unfavourable outcome under both interventions were aged 16 to 24 years, being unmarried, anaemia, ART initiation on the same day as HIV care enrolment and CD4 ≤ 100 cells/mm3 . Under Treat-All only, the risk of the unfavourable outcome was higher for pregnant women, WHO III/IV clinical stage and elevated creatinine. CONCLUSIONS Compared to SOC, Treat-All resulted in comparable retention, improved viral suppression and comparable composite outcomes of retention without viral failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini.,Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology Assessment, UMIT - University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria
| | - Kiran Jobanputra
- The Manson Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, London, United Kingdom
| | - Serge M Kabore
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Roger Teck
- The Manson Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, London, United Kingdom
| | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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21
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Nakalega R, Mukiza N, Kiwanuka G, Makanga-Kakumba R, Menge R, Kataike H, Maena J, Akello C, Atuhaire P, Matovu-Kiweewa F, Ndikuno-Kuteesa C, Debem H, Mujugira A. Non-uptake of viral load testing among people receiving HIV treatment in Gomba district, rural Uganda. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:727. [PMID: 33023498 PMCID: PMC7539500 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05461-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Viral load (VL) testing is the gold-standard approach for monitoring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment success and virologic failure, but uptake is suboptimal in resource-limited and rural settings. We conducted a cross-sectional study of risk factors for non-uptake of VL testing in rural Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of uptake of VL testing among randomly selected people with HIV (PWH) receiving anti-retroviral treatment (ART) for at least 6 months at all eight primary health centers in Gomba district, rural Uganda. Socio-demographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records for the period January to December 2017. VL testing was routinely performed 6 months after ART initiation and 12 months thereafter for PWH stable on ART. We used descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with non-uptake of VL testing (the primary outcome). Results Of 414 PWH, 60% were female, and the median age was 40 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31–48). Most (62.3%) had been on ART > 2 years, and the median duration of treatment was 34 months (IQR 14–55). Thirty three percent did not receive VL testing: 36% of women and 30% of men. Shorter duration of ART (≤2 years) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.38; 95% CI:1.37–4.12; p = 0.002), younger age 16–30 years (AOR 2.74; 95% CI:1.44–5.24; p = 0.002) and 31–45 years (AOR 1.92; 95% CI 1.12–3.27; p = 0.017), and receipt of ART at Health Center IV (AOR 2.85; 95% CI: 1.78–4.56; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with non-uptake of VL testing. Conclusions One-in-three PWH on ART missed VL testing in rural Uganda. Strategies to improve coverage of VL testing, such as VL focal persons to flag missed tests, patient education and demand creation for VL testing are needed, particularly for recent ART initiates and younger persons on treatment, in order to attain the third Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95–95-95 target – virologic suppression for 95% of PWH on ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Nakalega
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care LTD, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Nelson Mukiza
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Kampala, Uganda
| | - George Kiwanuka
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Robert Menge
- School of Social Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hajira Kataike
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care LTD, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joel Maena
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care LTD, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Carolyne Akello
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care LTD, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Patience Atuhaire
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Care LTD, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Henry Debem
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Mujugira
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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22
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Amstutz A, Nsakala BL, Vanobberghen F, Muhairwe J, Glass TR, Namane T, Mpholo T, Battegay M, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND. Switch to second-line versus continued first-line antiretroviral therapy for patients with low-level HIV-1 viremia: An open-label randomized controlled trial in Lesotho. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003325. [PMID: 32936795 PMCID: PMC7494118 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current World Health Organization (WHO) antiretroviral therapy (ART) guidelines define virologic failure as two consecutive viral load (VL) measurements ≥1,000 copies/mL, triggering empiric switch to next-line ART. This trial assessed if patients with sustained low-level HIV-1 viremia on first-line ART benefit from a switch to second-line treatment. METHODS AND FINDINGS This multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, superiority, randomized controlled trial enrolled patients on first-line ART containing non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) with two consecutive VLs ≥100 copies/mL, with the second VL between 100-999 copies/mL, from eight clinics in Lesotho. Consenting participants were randomly assigned (1:1), stratified by facility, demographic group, and baseline VL, to either switch to second-line ART (switch group) or continued first-line ART (control group; WHO guidelines). The primary endpoint was viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) at 36 weeks. Analyses were by intention to treat, using logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic group and baseline VL. Between August 1, 2017, and August 7, 2019, 137 individuals were screened, of whom 80 were eligible and randomly assigned to switch (n = 40) or control group (n = 40). The majority of participants were female (54 [68%]) with a median age of 42 y (interquartile range [IQR] 35-51), taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine/efavirenz (49 [61%]) and on ART for a median of 5.9 y (IQR 3.3-8.6). At 36 weeks, 22/40 (55%) participants in the switch versus 10/40 (25%) in the control group achieved viral suppression (adjusted difference 29%, 95% CI 8%-50%, p = 0.009). The switch group had significantly higher probability of viral suppression across different VL thresholds (<20, <100, <200, <400, and <600 copies/mL) but not for <1,000 copies/mL. Thirty-four (85%) participants in switch group and 21 (53%) in control group experienced at least one adverse event (AE) (p = 0.002). No hospitalization or death or other serious adverse events were observed. Study limitations include a follow-up period too short to observe differences in clinical outcomes, missing values in CD4 cell counts due to national stockout of reagents during the study, and limited generalizability of findings to other than NNRTI-based first-line ART regimens. CONCLUSIONS In this study, switching to second-line ART among patients with sustained low-level HIV-1 viremia resulted in a higher proportion of participants with viral suppression. These results endorse lowering the threshold for virologic failure in future WHO guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03088241.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Amstutz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Tracy Renée Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tilo Namane
- Motebang Government Hospital, Leribe, Lesotho
| | | | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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23
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Iwuji CC, Shahmanesh M, Koole O, Herbst K, Pillay D, Siedner MJ, Baisley K. Clinical outcomes after first-line HIV treatment failure in South Africa: the next cascade of care. HIV Med 2020; 21:457-462. [PMID: 32495515 PMCID: PMC7384088 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction There is limited literature on the appropriateness of viral load (VL) monitoring and management of detectable VL in public health settings in rural South Africa. Methods We analysed data captured in the electronic patient register from HIV‐positive patients ≥ 15 years old initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 17 public sector clinics in rural KwaZulu‐Natal, during 2010–2016. We estimated the completion rate for VL monitoring at 6, 12, and 24 months. We described the cascade of care for those with any VL measurement ≥ 1000 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL after ≥ 20 weeks on ART, including the following proportions: (1) repeat VL within 6 months; (2) re‐suppressed; (3) switched to second‐line regimen. Results There were 29 384 individuals who initiated ART during the period [69% female, median age 31 years (interquartile range 25–39)]. Of those in care at 6, 12, and 24 months, 40.7% (9861/24 199), 34% (7765/22 807), and 25.5% (4334/16 965) had a VL test at each recommended time‐point, respectively. The VL results were documented at all recommended time‐points for 12% (2730/22 807) and 6.2% (1054/16 965) of ART‐treated patients for 12 and 24 months, respectively. Only 391 (18.3%) of 2135 individuals with VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL on first‐line ART had a repeat VL documenting re‐suppression or were appropriately changed to second‐line with persistent failure. Completion of the treatment failure cascade occurred a median of 338 days after failure was detected. Conclusion We found suboptimal VL monitoring and poor responses to virologic failure in public‐sector ART clinics in rural South Arica. Implications include increased likelihood of morbidity and transmission of drug‐resistant HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Iwuji
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - M Shahmanesh
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Research Department of Infection & Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - O Koole
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - K Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,SAPRIN, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - D Pillay
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - M J Siedner
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K Baisley
- Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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24
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Kehoe K, Boulle A, Tsondai PR, Euvrard J, Davies MA, Cornell M. Long-term virologic responses to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-positive patients entering adherence clubs in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa: a longitudinal analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25476. [PMID: 32406983 PMCID: PMC7224308 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In South Africa, an estimated 4.6 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2018. As universal Test and Treat is implemented, these numbers will continue to increase. Given the need for lifelong care for millions of individuals, differentiated service delivery models for ART services such as adherence clubs (ACs) for stable patients are required. In this study, we describe long-term virologic outcomes of patients who have ever entered ACs in Khayelitsha, Cape Town. METHODS We included adult patients enrolled in ACs in Khayelitsha between January 2011 and December 2016 with a recorded viral load (VL) before enrolment. Risk factors for an elevated VL (VL >1000 copies/mL) and confirmed virologic failure (two consecutive VLs >1000 copies/mL one year apart) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. VL completeness over time was assessed. RESULTS Overall, 8058 patients were included in the analysis, contributing 16,047 person-years of follow-up from AC entry (median follow-up time 1.7 years, interquartile range [IQR]:0.9 to 2.9). At AC entry, 74% were female, 46% were aged between 35 and 44 years, and the median duration on ART was 4.8 years (IQR: 3.0 to 7.2). Among patients virologically suppressed at AC entry (n = 8058), 7136 (89%) had a subsequent VL test, of which 441 (6%) experienced an elevated VL (median time from AC entry 363 days, IQR: 170 to 728). Older age (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46 to 0.88), more recent year of AC entry (aHR 0.76, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.84) and higher CD4 count (aHR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.84) were protective against experiencing an elevated VL. Among patients with an elevated VL, 52% (150/291) with a repeat VL test subsequently experienced confirmed virologic failure in a median time of 112 days (IQR: 56 to 168). Frequency of VL testing was constant over time (82 to 85%), with over 90% of patients remaining virologically suppressed. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates low prevalence of elevated VLs and confirmed virologic failure among patients who entered ACs. Although ACs were expanded rapidly, most patients were well monitored and remained stable, supporting the continued rollout of this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Kehoe
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Khayelitsha ART Programme and Médecins Sans FrontièresCape TownSouth Africa
- Health Impact Assessment Provincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Priscilla R Tsondai
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Khayelitsha ART Programme and Médecins Sans FrontièresCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Mary Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Health Impact Assessment Provincial Government of the Western CapeCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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25
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Nicholas S, Poulet E, Wolters L, Wapling J, Rakesh A, Amoros I, Szumilin E, Gueguen M, Schramm B. Point-of-care viral load monitoring: outcomes from a decentralized HIV programme in Malawi. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 22:e25387. [PMID: 31441242 PMCID: PMC6706700 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Routinely monitoring the HIV viral load (VL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) facilitates intensive adherence counselling and faster ART regimen switch when treatment failure is indicated. Yet standard VL‐testing in centralized laboratories can be time‐intensive and logistically difficult in low‐resource settings. This paper evaluates the outcomes of the first four years of routine VL‐monitoring using Point‐of‐Care technology, implemented by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in rural clinics in Malawi. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients eligible for routine VL‐ testing between 2013 and 2017 in four decentralized ART‐clinics and the district hospital in Chiradzulu, Malawi. We assessed VL‐testing coverage and the treatment failure cascade (from suspected failure (first VL>1000 copies/mL) to VL suppression post regimen switch). We used descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to assess factors associated with suspected failure. Results and Discussion Among 21,400 eligible patients, VL‐testing coverage was 85% and VL suppression was found in 89% of those tested. In the decentralized clinics, 88% of test results were reviewed on the same day as blood collection, whereas in the district hospital the median turnaround‐time for results was 85 days. Among first‐line ART patients with suspected failure (N = 1544), 30% suppressed (VL<1000 copies/mL), 35% were treatment failures (confirmed by subsequent VL‐testing) and 35% had incomplete VL follow‐up. Among treatment failures, 80% (N = 540) were switched to a second‐line regimen, with a higher switching rate in the decentralized clinics than in the district hospital (86% vs. 67%, p < 0.01) and a shorter median time‐to‐switch (6.8 months vs. 9.7 months, p < 0.01). Similarly, the post‐switch VL‐testing rate was markedly higher in the decentralized clinics (61% vs. 26%, p < 0.01). Overall, 79% of patients with a post‐switch VL‐test were suppressed. Conclusions Viral load testing at the point‐of‐care in Chiradzulu, Malawi achieved high coverage and good drug regimen switch rates among those identified as treatment failures. In decentralized clinics, same‐day test results and shorter time‐to‐switch illustrated the game‐changing potential of POC‐based VL‐testing. Nevertheless, gaps were identified along all steps of the failure cascade. Regular staff training, continuous monitoring and creating demand are essential to the success of routine VL‐testing.
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26
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Feasibility of dried blood spots for HIV viral load monitoring in decentralized area in North Vietnam in a test-and-treat era, the MOVIDA project. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230968. [PMID: 32271796 PMCID: PMC7145146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to HIV viral load is crucial to efficiently monitor patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and prevent HIV drug resistance acquisition. However, in some remote settings, access to viral load monitoring is still complex due to logistical and financial constraints. Use of dried blood spots (DBS) for blood collection could overcome these difficulties. This study aims to describe feasibility and operability of DBS use for routine viral load monitoring. Methods From June 2017 to April 2018, HIV-infected adults who initiated ART were enrolled in a prospective cohort in 43 clinical sites across 6 provinces in North Vietnam. Following national guidelines, the first viral load monitoring was planned 6 months after ART initiation. DBS were collected at the clinical site and sent by post to a central laboratory in Hanoi for viral load measurement. Results Of the 578 patients enrolled, 537 were still followed 6 months after ART initiation, of which DBS was collected for 397 (73.9%). The median (inter quartile range) delay between DBS collection at site level and reception at the central laboratory was 8 (6–19) days and for 70.0% viral load was measured ≤30 days after blood collection. The proportion of patients with viral load ≥1000 copies/mL at the 6 month evaluation was 15.9% (n = 59). Of these, a DBS was collected again to confirm virological failure in 15 (24.4%) of which virological failure was confirmed in 11 (73.3%). Conclusion Delay of DBS transfer to the central laboratory was acceptable and most viral loads were measured in ≤30 days, in-line with routine follow-up. However, the level of DBS coverage and the proportion of patients in failure for whom a confirmatory viral load was available were suboptimal, indicating that integration of viral load monitoring in the field requires, among other things, careful training and strong involvement of the local teams. The proportion of patients experiencing virological failure was in line with other reports; interestingly those who reported being non-adherent and those with a low BMI were more at risk of failure.
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27
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Hermans LE, Carmona S, Nijhuis M, Tempelman HA, Richman DD, Moorhouse M, Grobbee DE, Venter WDF, Wensing AMJ. Virological suppression and clinical management in response to viremia in South African HIV treatment program: A multicenter cohort study. PLoS Med 2020; 17:e1003037. [PMID: 32097428 PMCID: PMC7041795 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uptake of antiretroviral treatment (ART) is expanding rapidly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Monitoring of virological suppression is recommended at 6 months of treatment and annually thereafter. In case of confirmed virological failure, a switch to second-line ART is indicated. There is a paucity of data on virological suppression and clinical management of patients experiencing viremia in clinical practice in LMIC. We report a large-scale multicenter assessment of virological suppression over time and management of viremia under programmatic conditions. METHODS AND FINDINGS Linked medical record and laboratory source data from adult patients on first-line ART at 52 South African centers between 1 January 2007 and 1 May 2018 were studied. Virological suppression, switch to second-line ART, death, and loss to follow-up were analyzed. Multistate models and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess suppression over time and predictors of treatment outcomes. A total of 104,719 patients were included. Patients were predominantly female (67.6%). Median age was 35.7 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 29.9-43.0). In on-treatment analysis, suppression below 1,000 copies/mL was 89.0% at month 12 and 90.4% at month 72. Suppression below 50 copies/mL was 73.1% at month 12 and 77.5% at month 72. Intention-to-treat suppression was 75.0% and 64.3% below 1,000 and 50 copies/mL at month 72, respectively. Viremia occurred in 19.8% (20,766/104,719) of patients during a median follow-up of 152 (IQR: 61-265) weeks. Being male and below 35 years of age and having a CD4 count below 200 cells/μL prior to start of ART were risk factors for viremia. After detection of viremia, confirmatory testing took 29 weeks (IQR: 16-54). Viral resuppression to below 1,000 copies/mL without switch of ART occurred frequently (45.6%; 6,030/13,210) but was associated with renewed viral rebound and switch. Of patients with confirmed failure who remained in care, only 41.5% (1,872/4,510) were switched. The median time to switch was 68 weeks (IQR: 35-127), resulting in 12,325 person-years spent with a viral load above 1,000 copies/mL. Limitations of this study include potential missing data, which is in part addressed by the use of cross-matched laboratory source data, and the possibility of unmeasured confounding. CONCLUSIONS In this study, 90% virological suppression below the threshold of 1,000 copies/mL was observed in on-treatment analysis. However, this target was not met at the 50-copies/mL threshold or in intention-to-treat analysis. Clinical management in response to viremia was profoundly delayed, prolonging the duration of viremia and potential for transmission. Diagnostic tools to establish the cause of viremia are urgently needed to accelerate clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E. Hermans
- Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
| | - Sergio Carmona
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Monique Nijhuis
- Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Hugo A. Tempelman
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Douglas D. Richman
- Center for AIDS Research, University of California San Diego, United States of America
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, California, United States of America
| | - Michelle Moorhouse
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Diederick E. Grobbee
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
- Clinical Epidemiology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Willem D. F. Venter
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
| | - Annemarie M. J. Wensing
- Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Ndlovu Research Consortium, Elandsdoorn, South Africa
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Pepperrell T, Venter WDF, Moorhouse M, McCann K, Bosch B, Tibbatts M, Woods J, Sokhela S, Serenata C, Hill A. Time to rethink endpoints for new clinical trials of antiretrovirals? Long-term re-suppression of HIV RNA with integrase inhibitors. AIDS 2020; 34:321-324. [PMID: 31876594 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
: In the ADVANCE study of first-line treatment, there were 48 participants with HIV RNA at least 50 copies/ml in the week 48 window who had subsequent follow-up data available with no change in randomized treatment. More participants achieved virological re-suppression in the TAF/FTC+DTG and TDF/FTC+DTG arms (26/34, 76%) than on TDF/FTC/EFV (6/14 = 43%; P = 0.0421). It is unclear whether participants with HIV RNA at least 50 copies/ml at week 48 should be termed 'virological failures' on integrase inhibitor-based treatment.
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29
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Ssekalembe G, Isfandiari MA, Suprianto H. Current Status Towards 90-90-90 UNAIDS Target and Factors Associated with HIV Viral Load Suppression in Kediri City, Indonesia. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2020; 12:47-57. [PMID: 32021486 PMCID: PMC6970622 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s231173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In 2016, UN Member States committed to reduce new HIV infections to fewer than 500,000 annually by 2020, a 75% reduction compared with 2010, reduce AIDS-related deaths to fewer than 500,000 globally as a means of ending AIDS by 2030. The UNAIDS 2020 target is to have 90% of the people living with HIV know their status, 90% of the people living with HIV (who know their HIV status as positive) are already on ART treatment, 90% of people on treatment are virally suppressed. The objective of this study is to determine the current status towards the 2020 90-9-90 UNAIDS target and the factors associated with HIV viral load suppression in Kediri city. METHODS The study was a cross-sectional study in Kediri city. The researcher collected secondary data, carried in-depth interviews, then determined the percentage of HIV-positive patients that did a HIV test and received their results as Positive, the percentage of HIV-positive patients that started ART treatment, the percentage of HIV-positive patients that have viral load suppression from the viral load tests done. A simple bivariate logistic and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the significant factors that determine viral suppression. RESULTS The progress towards the 90-90-90 UNAIDS target was at 6.4%, 74.9%, 9.9%. The time taken by the HIV-positive patient to start ART treatment from the time of confirmation of HIV positive (AOR= 83.191, CI: 1.617-4280.115) and decrease in body weight of the patient (AOR=29.636, CI: 1.193-736.167) were found to significantly influence viral load suppression. CONCLUSION There is a need to scale up HIV case-detection capacity through creating awareness about HIV, HIV testing and counselling and expand the ART services so as to achieve the 90-0-90 UNAIDS target. Early initiation to ART treatment (Test and Treat) and encouraging body gaining behaviors are needed to achieve viral load suppression.
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30
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Nyagadza B, Kudya N, Mbofana E, Masaka S, Garone D, Chen CY, Mulingwa A, Uzande C, Isaakidis P, Ndlovu Z. Scaling up HIV viral load monitoring in Manicaland, Zimbabwe: challenges and opportunities from the field. Public Health Action 2019; 9:177-181. [PMID: 32042612 DOI: 10.5588/pha.19.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Demand for viral load (VL) monitoring is expected to increase; however, implementation of the multifaceted VL testing poses numerous challenges. We report experiences from Médecins Sans Frontiéres (MSF) and partners in the scale-up of HIV VL in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) of Zimbabwe. Methods A retrospective data review of routine reports from MSF-supported health facilities in Manicaland Province (Zimbabwe) was conducted. These secondary aggregate data were triangulated, and emerging themes of lessons learnt from VL monitoring were shared. Results A VL testing coverage of 63% (5966/9456) was achieved among the 40 health facilities, together with a switch rate to second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) of 46.4% (108/233). The key enablers to scaling-up the VL monitoring were well-equipped and supported VL laboratories, the operationalisation of the on-the-job clinical mentoring and systematic weaning off of better performing health facilities. Concerted efforts from different implementing partners and funders in the HIV programme, and close collaboration with MoHCC were pivotal. Conclusion Our experience indicates that clinical mentoring is effective, and resulted in high VL testing coverage and up-skilling primary health care workers in VL monitoring. Attention must be focused on innovations for improving VL result utilisation, especially the identification and management of patients who fail ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Nyagadza
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - N Kudya
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - E Mbofana
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | - S Masaka
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Mutare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - A Mulingwa
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe
| | - C Uzande
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, Zimbabwe
| | - P Isaakidis
- MSF, Southern Africa Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Z Ndlovu
- MSF, Southern Africa Medical Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
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31
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Ford N, Orrell C, Shubber Z, Apollo T, Vojnov L. HIV viral resuppression following an elevated viral load: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25415. [PMID: 31746541 PMCID: PMC6864498 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Guidelines for antiretroviral therapy recommend enhanced adherence counselling be provided to individuals with an initial elevated viral load before making a decision whether to switch antiretroviral regimen. We undertook this systematic review to estimate the proportion of patients with an initial elevated viral load who resuppress following enhanced adherence counselling. METHODS Two databases and two conference abstract sites were searched from January 2012 to October 2019 for studies reporting the number of patients with an elevated viral load whose viral load was undetectable when subsequently assessed. Data were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Fifty-eight studies reported outcomes of 45,720 viraemic patients, mostly from Africa (48 studies), and among patients on first-line antiretroviral therapy (43 studies). Almost half (46.1%, 95% CI 42.6% to 49.5%) of patients with an initial elevated viral load resuppressed following an enhanced adherence intervention. Of those on first-line ART with confirmed virological failure (6280 patients, 21 studies), only 53.4% (40.1% to 66.8%) were appropriately switched to a different regimen. Resuppression was higher among studies that provided details of adherence support. The proportion resuppressing was lower among children (31.2%, 21.1% to 41.3%) and adolescents (40.4%, 15.7% to 65.2%) compared to adults (50.4%, 42.6% to 58.3%). No important differences were observed by date of study publication, gender, viral failure threshold, publication status, time between viral loads or treatment regimen. Information on resistance testing among people with an elevated viral load was inconsistently reported. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review suggest that in settings with limited resources, current guideline recommendations to provide enhanced adherence counselling can result in resuppression of a substantial number of these patients, avoiding unnecessary drug regimen changes. Appropriate action on viral load results is limited across a range of settings, highlighting the importance of viral load cascade analyses to identify gaps and focus quality improvement to ensure that action is taken on the results of viral load testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Ford
- Department of HIVWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Catherine Orrell
- Desmond Tutu HIV CentreInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineCape TownSouth Africa
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Zara Shubber
- Department of Infectious Disease EpidemiologyImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Tsitsi Apollo
- Government of ZimbabweMinistry of Health and Child Care, AIDS and TB UnitHarareZimbabwe
| | - Lara Vojnov
- Department of HIVWorld Health OrganizationGenevaSwitzerland
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Glass TR, Motaboli L, Nsakala B, Lerotholi M, Vanobberghen F, Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Muhairwe J, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND. The viral load monitoring cascade in a resource-limited setting: A prospective multicentre cohort study after introduction of routine viral load monitoring in rural Lesotho. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0220337. [PMID: 31461455 PMCID: PMC6713472 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0220337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION For HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART), the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends routine viral load (VL) monitoring. We report on the cascade of care in individuals with unsuppressed VL after introduction of routine VL monitoring in a district in Lesotho. MATERIALS AND METHODS In Butha-Buthe district 12 clinics (11 rural, 1 hospital) send samples for VL testing to the district laboratory. We included data from patients aged ≥15 years from Dec 1, 2015 to November 1, 2018. As per WHO guidelines VL <1000 copies/mL are considered suppressed, those ≥1000copies/mL unsuppressed. Patients with unsuppressed VL receive adherence counseling and follow-up VL within 8-12 weeks. Two consecutively unsuppressed VLs should trigger switch to second-line ART. For analysis of the VL monitoring cascade we defined care to be "according to guidelines" if patients with unsuppressed VL received a follow-up VL within <180 days and follow-up VL was either re-suppressed, or again unsuppressed and the individual was switched to second-line within 90 days. RESULTS For 9,949 individuals 24,948 VL tests were available. The majority were female (73%), median age 41 years (interquartile range 33-52), and 58% seen at rural clinics. Overall, 25% (260/1028) of individuals were managed according to guidelines: 40% (410/1028) had a follow-up VL within 180 days of their initial unsuppressed VL and 25% (260/1028) of those either re-suppressed or switched to second-line within 90 days. Female patients were more likely to have a follow-up VL done, (p = 0.015). In rural clinics rates of two consecutively unsuppressed VLs were higher than in the hospital (64% vs. 44%, p<0.001), and rural clinics were less likely to switch these patients to second-line (35% vs. 66%, p<0001). CONCLUSIONS Our data show that in a real-life setting availability of routine VL monitoring may not be exploited to its potential. A lack of timely follow-up after a first unsuppressed VL and reluctance to switch patients with confirmed virological failure, reduce the benefit of VL monitoring, i.e. in the rural clinics. Future studies will have to assess models of care which ensure that VL results are met with an action and make use of scalable innovative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Renee Glass
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lipontso Motaboli
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organisation for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe,
Lesotho
| | - Bienvenu Nsakala
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organisation for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe,
Lesotho
| | | | - Fiona Vanobberghen
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alain Amstutz
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Hospital Basel, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital
Epidemiology, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Josephine Muhairwe
- SolidarMed, Swiss Organisation for Health in Africa, Butha-Buthe,
Lesotho
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel,
Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niklaus Daniel Labhardt
- Swiss Tropical & Public Health Institute, Basel,
Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- University Hospital Basel, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital
Epidemiology, Basel, Switzerland
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Point-of-Care HIV Viral Load Testing: an Essential Tool for a Sustainable Global HIV/AIDS Response. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 32:32/3/e00097-18. [PMID: 31092508 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00097-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The global public health community has set ambitious treatment targets to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. With the notable absence of a cure, the goal of HIV treatment is to achieve sustained suppression of an HIV viral load, which allows for immunological recovery and reduces the risk of onward HIV transmission. Monitoring HIV viral load in people living with HIV is therefore central to maintaining effective individual antiretroviral therapy as well as monitoring progress toward achieving population targets for viral suppression. The capacity for laboratory-based HIV viral load testing has increased rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, but implementation of universal viral load monitoring is still hindered by several barriers and delays. New devices for point-of-care HIV viral load testing may be used near patients to improve HIV management by reducing the turnaround time for clinical test results. The implementation of near-patient testing using these new and emerging technologies may be an essential tool for ensuring a sustainable response that will ultimately enable an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In this report, we review the current and emerging technology, the evidence for decentralized viral load monitoring by non-laboratory health care workers, and the additional considerations for expanding point-of-care HIV viral load testing.
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34
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The missed potential of CD4 and viral load testing to improve clinical outcomes for people living with HIV in lower-resource settings. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002820. [PMID: 31141516 PMCID: PMC6541248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In a Policy Forum, Peter Ehrenkranz and colleagues discuss the contribution of CD4 and viral load testing to outcomes for people with HIV in low- and middle-income countries.
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