Linkage and Antiretroviral Therapy Within 72 Hours at a Federally Qualified Health Center in New Orleans

Access to Federally Qualified Health Centers and HIV Outcomes in the U.S. South

INTRODUCTION

Federally Qualified Health Centers may increase access to HIV prevention, care, and treatment for at-risk populations.

METHODS

A pooled cross section of ZIP Code Tabulation Areas from cites in the U.S. South with high HIV diagnoses were used to examine Federally Qualified Health Center density and indicators of HIV epidemic control. The explanatory variable was Federally Qualified Health Center density-number of Federally Qualified Health Centers in a ZIP Code Tabulation Areas' Primary Care Service Area per low-income population-high versus medium/low (2019). Outcomes were 5-year (2015-2019 or 2014-2018) (1) number of new HIV diagnoses, (2) percentage late diagnosis, (3) percentage linked to care, and (4) percentage virally suppressed, which was assessed over 1 year (2018 or 2019). Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationship, including ZIP Code Tabulation Area-level sociodemographic and city-level HIV funding variables, with state-fixed effects, and data analysis was completed in 2022-2023. Sensitivity analyses included (1) examining ZIP Code Tabulation Areas with fewer non-Federally Qualified Health Center primary care providers, (2) controlling for county-level primary care provider density, (3) excluding the highest HIV prevalence ZIP Code Tabulation Areas, and (4) excluding Florida ZIP Code Tabulation Areas.

RESULTS

High-density ZIP Code Tabulation Areas had a lower percentage of late diagnosis and virally suppressed, a higher percentage linked to care, and no differences in new HIV diagnoses (p<0.05). In adjusted analysis, high density was associated with a greater number of new diagnoses (number or percentage=5.65; 95% CI=2.81, 8.49), lower percentage of late diagnosis (-3.71%; 95% CI= -5.99, -1.42), higher percentage linked to care (2.13%; 95% CI=0.20, 4.06), and higher percentage virally suppressed (1.87%; 95% CI=0.53, 2.74) than medium/low density.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that access to Federally Qualified Health Centers may benefit community-level HIV epidemic indicators.

Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy in Turkey: a modeling study

Background

To effectively control the HIV epidemic and meet global targets, policymakers recommend the rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Our study aims to investigate the effect of rapid ART programs on individuals diagnosed with HIV, considering varying coverage and initiation days after diagnosis, and compare it to standard-of-care ART treatment in Turkey.

Methods

We used a dynamic compartmental model to simulate the dynamics of HIV infection in Turkey. Rapid treatment, defined as initiation of ART within 7 days of diagnosis, was contrasted with standard-of-care treatment, which starts within 30 days of diagnosis. This study considered three coverage levels (10%, 50%, and 90%) and two rapid periods (7 and 14 days after diagnosis), comparing them to standard-of-care treatment in evaluating the number of HIV infections between 2020 and 2030.

Results

Annual HIV incidence and prevalence for a 10-year period were obtained from model projections. In the absence of a rapid ART program, the model projected approximately 444,000 new HIV cases while the number of cases were reduced to 345,000 (22% reduction) with 90% of diagnosed cases included in the rapid ART program. Similarly, 10% and 50% rapid ART coverage has resulted in 3% and 13% reduction in HIV prevalence over a 10-year period.

Conclusion

Rapid ART demonstrates the potential to mitigate the increasing HIV incidence in Turkey by reducing the number of infections. The benefit of the rapid ART program could be substantial when the coverage of the program reaches above a certain percentage of diagnosed population.

Rapid Start of Antiretroviral Therapy in a Large Urban Clinic in the US South: Impact on HIV Care Continuum Outcomes and Medication Adherence

Rapid start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has been associated with improvement in several HIV-related outcomes in clinical trials as well as demonstration projects, but how regional and contextual differences may affect the effectiveness of this intervention necessitates further study. In this study of a large, urban, Southern US clinic-based retrospective cohort, we identified 544 patients with a new diagnosis of HIV during 2016 to 2019 and compared HIV care continuum outcomes for the first 12 months of care before and after rapid start implementation. Kaplan-Meier time-to-event curves were used to summarize time to virologic suppression, and stepwise Cox, linear, and logistic regression models were used to create multivariate models to evaluate the association between rapid start and time to virologic suppression, medication adherence, and retention in care and sustained virologic suppression, respectively. We found that rapid start was significantly associated with improved medication adherence scores (+15.37 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.36-21.39, P < .01) and retention in care (adjusted odds ratio = 1.51, 95% CI 1.05-2.19, P = .03). Time to virologic suppression (median 2.46 months before, 2.56 months after rapid start) and sustained virologic suppression were not associated with rapid start in our setting. Though rapid start was associated with improved medication adherence and retention in care, more support may be needed to achieve the same outcomes seen in other studies and sustained over the entire HIV care continuum, especially in settings with significant patient and systemic barriers to care such as unstable housing, lack of Medicaid expansion, and frequent coverage interruptions.

The Capacity of HIV Care Facilities to Implement Strategies Recommended by the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative: The Medical Monitoring Project Facility Survey

BACKGROUND

Data are needed to assess the capacity of HIV care facilities to implement recommended Ending the HIV Epidemic activities.

SETTING

US HIV care facilities.

METHODS

We analyzed 2021 survey data from 514 facilities that were recruited from a census of facilities providing care to a national probability sample of US adults with HIV. We present weighted estimates of facility characteristics, services, and policies and estimates of the proportion of all US HIV patients attending these facilities.

RESULTS

Among HIV care facilities, 37% were private practices, 72% were in areas with population >1 million, and 21% had more than 1000 HIV patients. Most provided preexposure prophylaxis (83%) and postexposure prophylaxis (84%). More than 67% of facilities provided HIV-specific stigma or discrimination training for all staff (covering 70% of patients) and 66% provided training on cultural competency (covering 74% of patients). A majority of patients attended facilities that provided on-site access to HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission risk reduction counseling (89%); fewer had on-site access to treatment for substance use disorders (35%). We found low provision of on-site assistance with food banks or meal delivery (14%) and housing (33%). Approximately 71% of facilities reported using data to systematically monitor patient retention in care. On-site access to adherence tools was available at 58% of facilities; 29% reported notifying patients of missed prescription pickups.

CONCLUSION

Results indicate some strengths that support Ending the HIV Epidemic-recommended strategies among HIV care facilities, such as high availability of preexposure prophylaxis/postexposure prophylaxis, as well as areas for improvement, such as provision of staff antistigma trainings and adherence supports.

Lessons learned from U.S. rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation programs

BACKGROUND

Rapid antiretroviral therapy initiation (R-ART) for treatment of HIV has been recommended since 2017, however it has not been adopted widely across the US.

PURPOSE

The study purpose was to understand facilitators and barriers to R-ART implementation in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN

This was a qualitative design involving semi-structured interviews.

STUDY SAMPLE

The study sample was comprised of the medical leadership of nine US HIV clinics that were early implementers of R-ART.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were performed. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to guide thematic analysis.

RESULTS

We identified three main content areas: strong scientific rationale for R-ART, buy-in from multiple key stakeholders, and the condensed timeline of R-ART. The CFIR construct of Evidence Strength and Quality was cited as an important factor in R-ART implementation. Buy-in from key stakeholders and immediate access to medications ensured the success of R-ART implementation. Patient acceptance of the condensed timeline for ART initiation was facilitated when presented in a patient-centered manner, including empathetic communication and addressing other patient needs concurrently. The condensed timeline of R-ART presented logistical challenges and opportunities for the development of intense patient-provider relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the analysis showed that R-ART implementation should address the following: 1) logistical planning to implement HIV treatment with a condensed timeline 2) patients' mixed reactions to a new HIV diagnosis and 3) the high cost of HIV medications.

Immediate ART and clinical outcomes in New York City among patients newly diagnosed with HIV

Immediate antiretroviral therapy (iART) has been shown to decrease time to viral suppression. Our center underwent significant practice transformation to support iART, including a same-day Open Access (OA) model and enhanced care coordination. We examined whether same-day ART at linkage was associated with favorable proximate and long-term HIV care outcomes. From 2018 to 2019, patients newly diagnosed with HIV, linked to care at our institution, and iART eligible were included. We evaluated the association between iART and time to viral suppression, and between iART and initial/sustained viral suppression and retention in care. We also evaluated the association between use of OA and frequency of care coordination with the same outcomes. Of the 107 patients included, 72 initiated same-day ART at linkage and 35 did not. There was no statistically significant differences in whether patients were ever suppressed, had sustained viral suppression, or were retained in care between those who received same-day ART and those who did not. More care coordination was associated with retention in care (RR 1.21 [1.01-1.5]; p = 0.05). Organizing vital services and ensuring implementation strategies that facilitate iART, while tailoring the approach to the patient's comfort level, is likely optimal for longitudinal HIV care engagement.

Comparison of Immunological and Virological Recovery with Rapid, Early, and Late Start of Antiretroviral Treatment in Naive Plwh: Real-World Data

Background

Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces the transmission of HIV infection in the community. This study aimed to determine whether rapid ART initiation is effective compared to standard ART treatment in our country.

Methods

Patients were grouped based on time to treatment initiation. HIV RNA levels, CD+4 T cell count, CD4/CD8 ratio, and ART regimens were recorded at baseline and follow-up visits for 12 months.

Results

There were 368-ART naive adults (treatment initiated at the time of HIV diagnosis; 143 on the first day, 48 on the second-seventh day, and 177 after the seventh day). Although virological suppression rates at 12^th months were higher in all groups, over 90% on average, there were no statistically significant differences in HIV-1 RNA suppression rates, CD+4 T cell count, and CD4/CD8 ratio normalization in the studied months but in multivariate logistic regression analysis; showed a significant correlation between both virological and immunological response and those with CD4+ T <350 cells/mL at 12th month in total patients.

Conclusion

Our findings support the broader application of recommendations for rapid ART initiation in HIV patients.

Using nominal group technique to identify barriers and facilitators to preventing HIV using combination same-day pre-exposure prophylaxis and medications for opioid use disorder

BACKGROUND

Preventing HIV transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) is a key element of the US Ending the HIV Epidemic strategy and includes both pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). While both lead to decreases in HIV transmission, MOUD has other social and health benefits; meanwhile, PrEP has additional HIV prevention advantages from sexual risk and the injection of stimulants. However, these medications are often prescribed in different settings and require multiple visits before initiation. Strategies to integrate these services (i.e., co-prescription) and offer same-day prescriptions may reduce demands on patients who could benefit from them.

METHODS

Nominal group technique, a consensus method that rapidly generates and ranks responses, was used to ascertain barriers and solutions for same-day delivery of PrEP and MOUD as an integrated approach among PWID (n = 14) and clinical (n = 9) stakeholders. The qualitative portion of the discussion generated themes for analysis, and the ranks of the proposed barriers and solutions to the program are presented.

RESULTS

The top three barriers among PWID to getting a same-day prescription for both PrEP and MOUD were (1) instability of insurance (e.g., insurance lapses); (2) access to a local prescriber; and (3) client-level implementation factors, such as lack of personal motivation. Among clinical stakeholders, the three greatest challenges were (1) time constraints on providers; (2) logistics (e.g., coordination between providers and labs); and (3) availability of providers who can prescribe both medications. Potential solutions identified by both stakeholders included pharmacy delivery of the medications, coordinated care between providers and health care systems (e.g., case management), and efficiencies in clinical care (e.g., clinical checklists), among others.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing and sustaining a combined PrEP and MOUD strategy will require co-training providers on both medications while creating efficiencies in systems of care and innovations that encourage and retain PWID in care. Pilot testing the co-prescribing of PrEP and MOUD with quality performance improvement is a step toward new practice models.

Associations between HIV testing and multilevel stigmas among gay men and other men who have sex with men in nine urban centers across the United States

Background

Complex manifestation of stigma across personal, community, and structural levels and their effect on HIV outcomes are less understood than effects in isolation. Yet, multilevel approaches that jointly assesses HIV criminalization and personal sexual behavior stigma in relation to HIV testing have not been widely employed or have only focused on specific subpopulations. The current study assesses the association of three types of MSM-related sexual behavior-related stigma (family, healthcare, general social stigma) measured at both individual and site levels and the presence/absence of laws criminalizing HIV transmission with HIV testing behaviors to inform HIV surveillance and prevention efforts among HIV-negative MSM in a holistic and integrated way.

Methods

We included nine National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) 2017 sites: Baltimore, MD; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Houston, TX; Long Island/Nassau-Suffolk, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Portland, OR; San Diego, CA; and Virginia Beach and Norfolk, VA. Multivariable generalized hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine how sexual behavior stigmas (stigma from family, anticipated healthcare stigma, general social stigma) measured at the individual and site levels and state HIV criminalization legislation (no, HIV-specific, or sentence-enhancement laws) were associated with past-year HIV testing behaviors across sites (n = 3,278).

Results

The majority of MSM across sites were tested for HIV in the past two years (n = 2,909, 95.4%) with the average number of times tested ranging from 1.79 (SD = 3.11) in Portland, OR to 4.95 (SD = 4.35) in Los Angeles, CA. In unadjusted models, there was a significant positive relationship between stigma from family and being tested for HIV in the past two years. Site-level HIV-specific criminalization laws were associated with an approximate 5% reduction in the prevalence of receiving any HIV test in the past two years after individual level stigma and sociodemographic covariate adjustments (PR = 0.94, 95% CI, 0.90–0.99).

Conclusions

Structural barriers faced by MSM persist and ending the HIV epidemic in the US requires a supportive legal environment to ensure effective engagement in HIV services among MSM. Home-based solutions, such as self-testing, used to deliver HIV testing may be particularly important in punitive settings while legal change is advocated for on the community and state levels.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08572-4.

Five-Year Mortality for Adults Entering Human Immunodeficiency Virus Care Under Universal Early Treatment Compared With the General US Population

BACKGROUND

Mortality among adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains elevated over those in the US general population, even in the years after entry into HIV care. We explore whether the elevation in 5-year mortality would have persisted if all adults with HIV had initiated antiretroviral therapy within 3 months of entering care.

METHODS

Among 82 766 adults entering HIV care at North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration clinical sites in the United States, we computed mortality over 5 years since entry into HIV care under observed treatment patterns. We then used inverse probability weights to estimate mortality under universal early treatment. To compare mortality with those for similar individuals in the general population, we used National Center for Health Statistics data to construct a cohort representing the subset of the US population matched to study participants on key characteristics.

RESULTS

For the entire study period (1999-2017), the 5-year mortality among adults with HIV was 7.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.6%-8.2%) higher than expected based on the US general population. Under universal early treatment, the elevation in mortality for people with HIV would have been 7.2% (95% CI: 5.8%-8.6%). In the most recent calendar period examined (2011-2017), the elevation in mortality for people with HIV was 2.6% (95% CI: 2.0%-3.3%) under observed treatment patterns and 2.1% (.0%-4.2%) under universal early treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Expanding early treatment may modestly reduce, but not eliminate, the elevation in mortality for people with HIV.

Multilevel Determinants of Rapid Antiretroviral Treatment Implementation and Demand in Miami-Dade County

BACKGROUND

Rapidly linking newly diagnosed HIV patients to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is the best practice for achieving optimal treatment outcomes, including viral suppression. However, rapid ART implementation varies throughout the United States, highlighting the importance of identifying rapid ART implementation determinants in US HIV epicenters, such as Miami-Dade County (MDC).

METHODS

Clinic focus groups (N = 4 clinics) and patient interviews (N = 31 recently diagnosed patients) systematically and qualitatively assessed rapid ART implementation determinants in MDC. Independent coders analyzed focus groups and interviews using a directed content analysis approach guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

RESULTS

For clinic stakeholders, key rapid ART implementation determinants included the following: complexity and adaptability (innovation characteristics); networks between clinics and patient needs rooted in structural inequities (outer setting); leadership and available resources (inner setting); staff/provider flexibility (characteristics of individuals); and appointing patient navigators and champions (process). For patients, key determinants included complexity and relative advantage of rapid treatment (innovation characteristics); patient needs and clinic networks (outer setting); provider knowledge and skills (inner setting); provider warmth and affirmation (characteristics of individuals); and need for improved outreach (process).

CONCLUSIONS

Multilevel factors impact clinic implementation and patient demand for rapid ART in MDC. Informed by these factors, we identified potential implementation strategies to enhance rapid ART implementation throughout MDC. These implementation strategies can be tested in an implementation trial, enhancing the toolkit of strategies to ensure that evidence-based tools, particularly rapid ART, are readily available to the most impacted communities.

A Qualitative Study of the Experience of Immediate Antiretroviral Therapy Among Urban Persons With Newly Diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Background

Guidelines recommend immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) at or shortly after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis, yet little is known about how people living with HIV (PLWH) experience this treatment strategy, including racial/ethnic minorities, cisgender/transgender women, and those with housing instability.

Methods

To assess the acceptability of immediate ART offer among urban PLWH, understand how this approach affects the lived experience of HIV diagnosis, and explore reasons for declining immediate ART, we conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with individuals who had been offered immediate ART after HIV diagnosis at a safety-net HIV clinic in San Francisco and a federally qualified health center in Chicago. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Among 40 participants with age range 19-52 years, 27% of whom were cisgender/transgender women or gender-queer, 85% racial/ethnic minority, and 45% homeless/unstably housed, we identified 3 major themes: (1) Individuals experienced immediate ART encounters as supportive; (2) individuals viewed immediate ART as sensible; and (3) immediate ART offered emotional relief by offsetting fears of death and providing agency over one's health. Reasons for declining immediate ART ranged from simply needing a few more days to complex interactions of logistical and psychosocial barriers.

Conclusions

Immediate ART was highly acceptable to urban persons with newly diagnosed HIV infection. Immediate ART was viewed as a natural next step after HIV diagnosis and provided a sense of control over one's health, mitigating anxiety over a decline in physical health. As such, immediate ART somewhat eased but in no way obviated the psychosocial challenges of HIV diagnosis.

Development of a Citywide Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy Initiative in San Francisco

INTRODUCTION

Ending the HIV epidemic in the U.S. holds rapid antiretroviral therapy as a key strategy to improve the health of those with HIV and to decrease transmission. In 2015, Getting to Zero San Francisco, a multisector consortium, expanded rapid antiretroviral therapy citywide.

METHODS

A Getting to Zero San Francisco Rapid ART Program Initiative for HIV Diagnoses Committee (academic, community, service delivery, health department partners) designed the program, protocol, dissemination plan, and monitoring strategy. Newly diagnosed patients were linked to an HIV medical home or Rapid ART Program Initiative for HIV Diagnoses initiation hub to best deliver rapid antiretroviral therapy across a diverse patient mix, with a goal of ≤5 working days from diagnosis to care and ≤1 day from care to antiretroviral therapy. Stakeholders were trained on rapid antiretroviral therapy via Getting to Zero San Francisco meetings, in-services, public health detailing, and peer-to-peer recruiting, prioritizing HIV clinics serving patients of color, Latinx ethnicity, youth, and the uninsured or publicly insured. Rapid ART Program Initiative for HIV Diagnoses-specific metrics were derived from surveillance data; stratified by sex/gender, age, race/ethnicity, and housing status; and presented at public meetings. Data were analyzed between January and April 2021.

RESULTS

From 2014 to 2018, median time from diagnosis to care decreased 71% (7 to 2 days), care to antiretroviral therapy decreased from 19 to 0 days, and diagnosis to virologic suppression decreased 51% (94 to 46 days). Improvements occurred regardless of age, race/ethnicity, sex/gender, exposure, or housing status.

CONCLUSIONS

During a citywide initiative to optimize antiretroviral therapy initiation, time from HIV diagnosis to care, antiretroviral therapy, and virologic suppression decreased across all affected groups to varying degrees. The Rapid ART Program Initiative for HIV Diagnoses Committee continues to address challenges to retention and expand implementation.

The HIV Treat Pillar: An Update and Summary of Promising Approaches

The Treat pillar of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. plan calls for comprehensive strategies to enhance linkage to, and engagement in, HIV medical care to improve viral suppression among people with HIV and achieve the goal of 95% viral suppression by 2025. The U.S. has seen large increases in the proportion of people with HIV who have a suppressed viral load. Viral suppression has increased 41%, from 46% in 2010 to 65% in 2018. An additional increase of 46% is needed to meet the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. goal. The rate of viral suppression among those in care increased to 85% in 2018, highlighting the need to ensure sustained care for people with HIV. Greater increases in all steps along the HIV care continuum are needed for those disproportionately impacted by HIV, especially the young, sexual and racial/ethnic minorities, people experiencing homelessness, and people who inject drugs. Informed by systematic reviews and current research findings, this paper describes more recent promising practices that suggest an impact on HIV care outcomes. It highlights rapid linkage and treatment interventions; interventions that identify and re-engage people in HIV care through new collaborations among health departments, providers, and hospital systems; coordinated care and low-barrier clinic models; and telemedicine-delivered HIV care approaches. The interventions presented in this paper provide additional approaches that state and local jurisdictions can use to reach their local HIV elimination plans' goals and the ambitious Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. Treat pillar targets by 2030.

Care Facilitation Advances Movement Along the Hepatitis C Care Continuum for Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis C, and Substance Use: A Randomized Clinical Trial (CTN-0064)

Background

Direct-acting antivirals can cure hepatitis C virus (HCV). Persons with HCV/HIV and living with substance use are disadvantaged in benefiting from advances in HCV treatment.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, participants with HCV/HIV were randomized between February 2016 and January 2017 to either care facilitation or control. Twelve-month follow-up assessments were completed in January 2018.

Care facilitation group participants received motivation and strengths-based case management addressing retrieval of HCV viral load results, engagement in HCV/HIV care, and medication adherence. Control group participants received referral to HCV evaluation and an offer of assistance in making care appointments. Primary outcome was number of steps achieved along a series of 8 clinical steps (eg, receiving HCV results, initiating treatment, sustained virologic response [SVR]) of the HCV/HIV care continuum over 12 months postrandomization.

Results

Three hundred eighty-one individuals were screened and 113 randomized. Median age was 51 years; 58.4% of participants were male and 72.6% were Black/African American. Median HIV-1 viral load was 27 209 copies/mL, with 69% having a detectable viral load. Mean number of steps completed was statistically significantly higher in the intervention group vs controls (2.44 vs 1.68 steps; χ ² [1] = 7.36, P = .0067). Men in the intervention group completed a statistically significantly higher number of steps than controls. Eleven participants achieved SVR with no difference by treatment group.

Conclusions

The care facilitation intervention increased progress along the HCV/HIV care continuum, as observed for men and not women. Study findings also highlight continued challenges to achieve individual-patient SVR and population-level HCV elimination.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT02641158.

Implementing Rapid Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy for Acute HIV Infection Within a Routine Testing and Linkage to Care Program in Chicago

Growing evidence suggests that rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy for HIV improves care continuum outcomes. We evaluated process and clinical outcomes for rapid initiation in acute HIV infection within a multisite health care–based HIV testing and linkage to care program in Chicago. Through retrospective analysis of HIV testing data (2016-2017), we assessed linkage to care, initiation of antiretroviral therapy, and viral suppression. Of 334 new HIV diagnoses, 33 (9.9%) individuals had acute HIV infection. Median time to linkage was 11 (interquartile range [IQR]: 5-19.5) days, with 15 days (IQR 5-27) to initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Clients achieved viral suppression at a median of 131 (IQR: 54-188) days. Of all, 69.7% were retained in care, all of whom were virally suppressed. Sites required few additional resources to incorporate rapid initiation into existing processes. Integration of rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy into existing HIV screening programs is a promising strategy for scaling up this important intervention.

Rapid initiation of darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in acute and early HIV-1 infection: a DIAMOND subgroup analysis

BACKGROUND

Treatment during acute or early human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infection is associated with immunologic and virologic benefits.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) efficacy/safety among patients with acute or early HIV-1 infection who rapidly initiate treatment.

METHODS

DIAMOND (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03227861), a phase 3 study, evaluated the efficacy/safety of D/C/F/TAF 800/150/200/10 mg in rapid initiation. Adults aged ≥18 years began D/C/F/TAF within 14 days of diagnosis, prior to the availability of screening/baseline laboratory results. In this subgroup analysis, virologic response (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) was assessed at Week 48 by intent-to-treat FDA snapshot (ITT-FDA snapshot) and observed (excluding patients with missing data) analyses in patients with acute (HIV-1 antibody negative and HIV-1 RNA positive/p24 positive) or early (HIV-1 antibody positive and suspected infection ≤6 months before screening/baseline) infection.

RESULTS

Among 109 patients, 13 had acute and 43 had early HIV-1 infection. High rates of virologic response were demonstrated at Week 48 by ITT-FDA snapshot (acute: 10/13 [76.9%]; early: 37/43 [86.0%]) and observed (acute: 10/11 [90.9%]; early: 37/38 [97.4%]) analyses. No patients discontinued or required regimen change due to baseline resistance or lack of efficacy, or developed protocol-defined virologic failure. Through Week 48, 7 (53.8%) acute and 22 (51.2%) early infection patients had a D/C/F/TAF-related adverse event (AE); none had a D/C/F/TAF-related grade 4 or serious AE.

CONCLUSIONS

High rates of viral suppression during acute/early infection were achieved with D/C/F/TAF rapid initiation, no treatment-emergent resistant mutations were observed, and D/C/F/TAF was safe and well tolerated.

Darunavir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in a Rapid-Initiation Model of Care for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection: Primary Analysis of the DIAMOND Study

Background

Most guidelines recommend rapid treatment initiation for patients with newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, but prospective US data are limited. The DIAMOND (NCT03227861) study using darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (D/C/F/TAF) 800/150/200/10 mg is a phase 3 prospective study evaluating efficacy/safety of a single-tablet regimen in a rapid-initiation model of care.

Methods

Adults aged ≥18 years began D/C/F/TAF ≤14 days from diagnosis without screening/baseline results; as results became available, participants not meeting predefined safety/resistance stopping rules continued. Primary endpoint was virologic response (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL; intent-to-treat; US Food and Drug Administration [FDA] snapshot) at week 48; participant satisfaction was measured via the HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire status version (HIVTSQs).

Results

Of 109 participants, 87% were male, 32% black/African American, median (range) age was 28 (range, 19–66) years, 25% of participants had HIV-1 RNA ≥100 000 copies/mL, 21% had CD4⁺ cell count <200 cells/µL, and 31% enrolled ≤48 hours from diagnosis. At week 48, 97 (89%) participants completed the study and 92 (84%) achieved HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL (FDA snapshot). There were no protocol-defined virologic failures; incidences of adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (33%) were low, no serious AEs were study drug related, and 1 (<1%) participant discontinued due to study drug related AE(s). The overall HIVTSQs score at week 48 was 58 (maximum: 60).

Conclusions

At week 48, a high proportion of participants starting D/C/F/TAF achieved HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL and very few discontinued therapy. D/C/F/TAF was well tolerated, no participants discontinued due to baseline resistance stopping criteria, and high treatment satisfaction among participants was recorded.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT03227861.

Rapid Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Initiation at a Community-Based Clinic in Jackson, MS

Background

Rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART), ideally initiated within twenty-four hours of diagnosis, may be crucial in efforts to increase virologic suppression and reduce HIV transmission. Recent studies, including demonstration projects in large metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Georgia; New Orleans, Louisiana; San Francisco, California; and Washington D.C., have demonstrated that rapid ART initiation is a novel tool for expediting viral suppression in clinical settings. Here we present an evaluation of the impact of a rapid ART initiation program in a community-based clinic in Jackson, MS.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who were diagnosed with HIV at Open Arms Healthcare Center or were linked to the clinic for HIV care by the Mississippi State Department of Health Disease Intervention Specialists from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Initial viral load, CD4+ T cell count, issuance of an electronic prescription (e-script), subsequent viral loads until suppressed and patient demographics were collected for each individual seen in clinic during the review period. Viral suppression was defined as a viral load less than 200 copies/mL. Rapid ART initiation was defined as receiving an e-script for antiretrovirals within seven days of diagnosis.

Results

Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018, 70 individuals were diagnosed with HIV and presented to Open Arms Healthcare Center, of which 63 (90%) completed an initial HIV counseling visit. Twenty-seven percent of patients were provided with an e-script for ART within 7 days of diagnosis. The median time to linkage to care for this sample was 12 days and 5.5 days for rapid ART starters (p < 0.001). Median time from diagnosis to viral suppression was 55 days for rapid ART starters (p = 0.03), a 22 day decrease from standard time to viral suppression.

Conclusion

Our results provide a similar level of evidence that rapid ART initiation is effective in decreasing time to viral suppression. Evidence from this evaluation supports the use of rapid ART initiation after an initial HIV diagnosis, including same-day treatment.

Challenges of reaching 90-90-90 in the Southern United States

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

More than half of new HIV diagnoses occur in the Southern United States where the epidemic disproportionately affects persons of color. Although other areas of the country are seeing dramatic declines in the number of new cases, the progress in the South lags behind. This review will examine the reasons for that disparity. Many are unique to the South.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy for HIV, many in the South are not benefiting from these medications, at either a personal or public health level. The reasons are complex and include lack of access to healthcare, lower levels of funding than other areas of the country, stigma, structural racism, increased barriers due to social determinants of health, coexisting mental health disorders, substance use disorders and sexually transmitted diseases and insufficient workforce capacity to meet the needs of those living with HIV.

SUMMARY

These findings should underline the need for investment in the South for a holistic healthcare approach to persons living with HIV including supporting basic needs such as access to food, transportation and housing. Prioritization among politicians for policy and systems changes and approaches to decrease stigma and enhance education about HIV will be key.

Implementation of an Immediate HIV Treatment Initiation Program in a Public/Academic Medical Center in the U.S. South: The Miami Test and Treat Rapid Response Program

Test and Rapid Response Treatment (TRRT) linkage programs have demonstrated improved HIV suppression rates. This paper describes the design and implementation of the Miami TRRT initiative and its clinical impact. Assisted by a dedicated care navigator, patients receiving a reactive HIV rapid test at the Florida Department of Health STD Clinic were offered same-day HIV care at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center Adult HIV Outpatient Clinic. Patient retention and labs were tracked for 12 months. Of the 2337 individuals tested, 46 had a reactive HIV test; 41 (89%) consented to participate. For the 36 patients in continued care for a year, 33 (91.7%) achieved virological suppression (< 200 copies/mL) within 70 days of their reactive HIV rapid test; at 12 months, 35 (97.2%) remained suppressed, and mean CD4 T cell counts increased from 452 ± 266 to 597 ± 322 cells/mm³. The Miami TRRT initiative demonstrated that immediate linkage to care is feasible and improves retention and suppression in a public/academic medical center in the U.S. South.

Same-Day HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Initiation During Drop-in Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic Appointments Is a Highly Acceptable, Feasible, and Safe Model that Engages Individuals at Risk for HIV into PrEP Care

Objective

Strategies to increase pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake are needed. We hypothesized that same-day PrEP initiation in a sexually transmitted diseases (STD) clinic would be acceptable, feasible, and safe, and that individuals would engage in ongoing PrEP care.

Method

Individuals aged ≥ 18 years were evaluated for PrEP. Exclusion criteria were HIV, history of renal dysfunction or chronic hepatitis B infection, pregnancy, indications for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, or positive screen for acute HIV symptoms. One hundred individuals received a free 30-day PrEP starter pack and met with a patient navigator to establish ongoing care. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to compare individuals who did and did not attend at least 1 PrEP follow-up appointment within 180 days of enrollment. Client satisfaction surveys were given 3 months after enrollment.

Results

The majority (78%) of participants completed at least 1 PrEP follow-up appointment, and 57% attended at least 2 follow-up appointments. After adjusting for race and ethnicity, age, health insurance status, and annual income, only income was associated with follow-up appointment attendance. Each additional $10,000 increase in income was associated with a 1.7-fold increase in the odds of attending a PrEP follow-up appointment (95% confidence interval, 1.07–2.66, P = .02). The majority (54%) of individuals completed the satisfaction survey and all respondents liked the option of same-day PrEP initiation.

Conclusions

Our study suggests STD clinic-based, same-day PrEP initiation is acceptable, feasible, safe, and links a high proportion of individuals into ongoing PrEP care. Additional resources may be needed to support low-income individuals’ retention in care.

RAPID antiretroviral therapy: high virologic suppression rates with immediate antiretroviral therapy initiation in a vulnerable urban clinic population

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about long-term viral suppression rates for patients who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) soon after diagnosis. We describe virologic outcomes from the San Francisco-based Ward 86 Rapid ART Program for Individuals with an HIV Diagnosis (RAPID) ART program.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of clinic-based cohort.

METHODS

In 2013, Ward 86 adopted immediate ART at the first visit after HIV diagnosis. Patients were referred from testing sites, offered same or next-day intakes, and received multidisciplinary evaluation, support, and insurance enrollment/optimization. Patients were provided ART starter packs and close follow-up. Demographics and labs were extracted from medical records. Subsequent viral loads were obtained from public health surveillance data. Kaplan-Meier curves summarized distribution of times to first viral suppression; viral suppression rates at last viral load recorded were calculated.

RESULTS

Of 225 patients referred to RAPID ART from 2013 to 2017, 216 (96%) were started on immediate-ART: median age 30; 7.9% women; 11.6% African-American, 26.9% Hispanic, 36.6% white; 51.4% with substance use; 48.1% with mental health diagnoses; 30.6% unstably housed; baseline median CD4 cell count 441 cells/μl median viral load 37 011. By 1 year after intake, 95.8% achieved viral suppression to less than 200 cells/μl at least once. Over a median follow-up time of 1.09 years (0-3.92), 14.7% of patients had viral rebound, but most (78%) resuppressed. Viral suppression rates were 92.1% at last recorded viral load.

CONCLUSION

In an urban clinic with high rates of mental illness, substance use and housing instability, immediate ART provided through a RAPID program resulted in viral suppression at last viral load measurement for more than 90% of patients over a median of 1.09 years. RAPID ART for vulnerable populations is acceptable, feasible, and successful with multidisciplinary care and municipal support.

A Care Continuum of Immediate ART for Newly Diagnosed Patients and Patients Presenting Later to Care at a Federally Qualified Health Center in New Orleans

Rapid-start, immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is a novel intervention that leads to earlier viral suppression. Longer-term data is essential before supporting this strategy more widely. CrescentCare, a federally qualified health center in New Orleans, followed 195 patients who received same-day ART; here we present a continuum of care for immediate ART intervention.

The Facility-Level HIV Treatment Cascade: Using a Population Health Tool in Health Care Facilities to End the Epidemic in New York State

Background

The HIV treatment cascade is a tool for characterizing population-level gaps in HIV care, yet most adaptations of the cascade rely on surveillance data that are ill-suited to drive quality improvement (QI) activities at the facility level. We describe the adaptation of the cascade in health care organizations and report its use by HIV medical providers in New York State (NYS).

Methods

As part of data submissions to the NYS Department of Health, sites that provide HIV medical care in NYS developed cascades using facility-generated data. Required elements included data addressing identification of people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving any service at the facility, linkage to HIV medical care, prescription of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and viral suppression (VS). Sites also submitted a methodology report summarizing how cascade data were collected and an improvement plan identifying care gaps.

Results

Two hundred twenty-two sites submitted cascades documenting the quality of care delivered to HIV patients presenting for HIV- or non-HIV-related services during 2016. Of 101 341 PLWH presenting for any medical care, 75 106 were reported as active in HIV programs, whereas 21 509 had no known care status. Sites reported mean ART prescription and VS rates of 94% and 80%, respectively, and 60 distinct QI interventions.

Conclusions

Submission of facility-level cascades provides data on care utilization among PLWH that cannot be assessed through traditional HIV surveillance efforts. Moreover, the facility-level cascade represents an effective tool for identifying care gaps, focusing data-driven improvement efforts, and engaging frontline health care providers to achieve epidemic control.