Long-term effectiveness of combination antiretroviral therapy and prevalence of HIV drug resistance in HIV-1-infected children and adolescents in Rwanda

HIV-1 resistance mutations and genetic diversity among children failing antiretroviral treatment in five healthcare facilities in Benin, West Africa

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral treatment increases the risk of accumulation of resistance mutations that negatively impact the possibilities of future treatment. This study aimed to present the frequency of HIV-1 antiretroviral resistance mutations and the genetic diversity among children with virological failure in five pediatric care facilities in Benin.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 20, 2020, to November 30, 2022, in children under 15 years of age who failed ongoing antiretroviral treatment at five facilities care in Benin (VL > 3log10 on two consecutive realizations three months apart). Viral loads were measured using the m2000 RealTime Abbott platform. Genotyping was carried out with the commercial Viroseq kit. Sequences were read on the ABI 3500 sequencer and then edited with ViroSeqHIVv3.0 software. The HIV drug resistance database at Stanford University was used to identify mutations and viral subtypes were assigned by phylogenetic analyses.

RESULTS

The HIV-1 pol gene was sequenced in 47 participants with virological failure of antiretroviral treatment. The median age was 120 [Interquartile Range 90-144] months. The prevalent treatment was EFV base regimen (22/47; 46.8%). Median viral load was 4.39 log10 [IQR 3.81-4.86 log10] respectively. Resistance testing was successful among (37/47; 78.72%) children, resistance mutations were detected in (32/37; 86.48%) children, and (29/32; 90.62%) had at least one surveillance drug resistance mutation. Respectively (25/32; 78.12%), (28/32; 87.5%), (4/32; 12.90%), (22/32; 68.75%) had at least one resistance mutation associated with NRTIs, NNRTIs, PIs and NNRTIs+NRTIs. (12/32; 37.5%) of children carried mutations related to TAMs. the most frequently NRTIs identified were M184V (21/62; 33.9%) followed by TAMs (20/62; 32.2%) and T69G/D (2/62; 3.2%)s. Among mutations associated with NNRTIs K103N represented (18/64; 28.1%) followed by P225H (7/64; 10.9%). The I54V (3/6; 50%) mutation is the major PI observed. Genetic diversity is characterized by a preponderance of CRF02_AG (72%, 23/32), followed by unique recombinant forms (URFs) (25%, 8/32) and one subtype G.

CONCLUSION

A high rate of mutations has been observed in children. These data underline the importance of implementing routine genotypic testing in the biological monitoring of infected children to anticipate the accumulation of resistance mutations and thus compromise the treatment options available in Benin.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus drug resistance and factors associated with high viral load among adolescents on antiretroviral therapy in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

BACKGROUND

Resistance to antiretrovirals against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) poses a threat to zero transmission of HIV by 2030. Few studies have been conducted on HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) mutations targeting adolescents. We determined the prevalence, pattern of HIVDR mutations, and factors associated with unsuppressed HIV viral load among adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

METHODS

From March to June 2020, we conducted a cross-sectional study at the Infectious Disease Clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. HIV-1 viral load was tested using m2000rt Real-Time HIV-1 assay. A sample with a viral load equal or more than 1,000 copies/ml was tested for HIVDR mutations. We determined the factors associated with unsuppressed viral load using logistic regression. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

We enrolled 131 participants with a median age (interquartile range) of 15 (13-18) years. Of all, 24(18.3%) had a viral load above 1000 copies/ml. HIVDR mutations were found in 19/24(68.4%). Mutation to protease inhibitors, nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors were 1(5.2%), 9(47.4%), and 11(57.9%), respectively. Non-antiretroviral therapy and orphanages were independently associated with unsuppressed viral load.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of HIVDR and unsuppressed HIV viral load among adolescents are relatively high. The use of non-antiretroviral therapy and orphanage influenced the persistence of high viral load. Strategies for surveillance of HIVDR early warning signs should be devised among adolescents.

Global, regional, and national prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Despite significant reductions in mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission risks due to the advancements and scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the global burden of HIV-1 drug resistance (HIVDR) in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced children and adolescents remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the prevalence of HIVDR in these populations globally, regionally, and at the country level.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies reporting HIVDR in treatment-naive and treatment-experienced children and adolescents from inception to June 28, 2024. Eligible studies reported at least ten successfully genotyped cases. We excluded studies where drug resistance was not reported separately for children and adults or for treatment-naive and treatment-experienced populations. The methodological quality of eligible studies was assessed, and random-effect models were used for meta-analysis to determine the pooled overall and regimen-specific prevalence of one or more HIVDR mutations in these populations globally, regionally, or at the country level. This study is registered with PROSPERO under the number CRD42023424483.

Findings

Of 2282 records identified, 136 studies (28,539 HIV-1-infected children from 52 countries) were included for analysis. The overall prevalence of HIVDR is 26.31% (95% CI, 20.76-32.25) among treatment-naive children and 74.16% (95% CI, 67.74-80.13) among treatment-experienced children (p < 0.0001). HIVDR varied widely across subregion with the highest prevalence in Southern Africa (37.80% [95% CI, 26.24-50.08]) and lowest in South America (11.79% [95% CI, 4.91-20.84]) for treatment-naive children while highest in Asia (80.85% [95% CI, 63.76-93.55]) and lowest in Europe (54.39% [95% CI, 28.61-79.03]) for treatment-experienced children. The proportion of viral failure (VF) presented positive correlation with DR prevalence for treatment-experienced children, which increased from 61.23% (95% CI, 47.98-73.72) in proportion of VF <50%-81.17% (95% CI, 71.57-89.28) in proportion of 100%. Meta-regression analysis for both groups showed that only age (naive: p = 0.0005; treated: p < 0.0001) was the sources of heterogeneity. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistances were the most seen mutations among the treatment-naive group, with the HIVDR prevalence more than 10% in Southern Africa, Western and Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Asia, and North America. Both nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and NNRTI resistances were commonly seen among the treatment-experienced group, varying from 36.33% (95% CI, 11.96-64.93) in North America to 77.54% (95% CI, 62.70-89.58) in South America for NRTI and from 39.98% (95% CI, 13.47-69.97) in Europe to 68.86 (95% CI, 43.91-89.17) in Asia for NNRTI, respectively.

Interpretation

This study underscores the significant burden of HIVDR among children and adolescents worldwide, particularly pronounced in sub-Saharan Africa and low-income countries. It emphasizes the critical importance of surveillance in all HIV-1-infected children and advocates for the adoption of dolutegravir (DTG) or other optimal formulations as first-line ART in settings where NNRTI resistance exceeds the WHO's 10% threshold. DTG's high resistance barrier, potent antiviral efficacy, and favorable safety profile makes it a superior choice for managing drug-resistant HIV-1, surpassing traditional antiretroviral therapies.

Funding

This work was supported by the Science and Technology Innovation Committee of Shenzhen Municipality (No. JCYJ20220531102202005) and the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2024A1515012118).

Incidence and predictors of virological failure among HIV infected children and adolescents receiving second-line antiretroviral therapy in Uganda, a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

In Uganda, 20% (19,073/94,579) of children and adolescents (0-19 years) living with HIV (CALHIV) were receiving second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) by the end of March 2020. Data on incidence and predictors of virological failure among these CALHIV on second-line ART is limited. Lack of this information and limited access to HIV drug resistance testing prevents early identification of CALHIV at risk of virological failure on second-line ART. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and predictors of virological failure among CALHIV on second-line ART in Uganda.

METHODOLOGY

This was a retrospective cohort study of all CALHIV aged 0-19 years who were switched to second-line ART regimen between June 2010 and June 2019 at the Baylor Uganda Centre of Excellence clinic. Data was analysed using STATA 14. Cumulative incidence curves were used to assess incidence of virological failure. Factors associated with virological failure were identified using sub-distributional hazard regression analysis for competing risks considering death, transfer out and loss to follow-up as competing risks.

RESULTS

Of 1104 CALHIV, 53% were male. At switch to Protease Inhibitor (PI) based second-line ART, majority (47.7%) were aged 5 - 9 years,56.2% had no/mild immune suppression for age while 77% had viral load copies < 100,000 copies/mL. The incidence of virological failure on second-line ART regimen among CALHIV was 3.9 per 100 person-years (PY) with a 10-year cumulative incidence rate of 32%. Factors significantly associated with virological failure were age 10 - 19 years (HR 3.2, 95% 1.6 - 6.2, p < 0.01) and HIV viral load count > 100,000 copies/mL (HR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5 - 3.1), p < 0.01) prior to second-line ART switch.

CONCLUSION

Treatment outcomes for children and adolescents on second-line ART are favourable with one third of them developing virological failure at 10 years of follow up. Adolescent age group and high HIV viral load at the start of second-line ART were significantly associated with virological failure on second-line ART. There is need to determine optimal strategies to improve ART treatment outcomes among adolescents with high viral load counts at second-line ART switch.

Effect of tuberculosis-HIV co-treatment on clinical and growth outcomes among hospitalized children newly initiating antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate effects of tuberculosis (TB)-HIV co-treatment on clinical and growth outcomes in children with HIV (CHIV).

DESIGN

Longitudinal study among Kenyan hospitalized ART-naive CHIV in the PUSH trial (NCT02063880).

METHODS

CHIV started ART within 2 weeks of enrollment; Anti-TB therapy was initiated based on clinical and TB diagnostics. Children were followed for 6 months with serial viral load, CD4%, and growth assessments [weight-for-age z -score (WAZ), height-for-age z -score (HAZ), and weight-for-height z -score (WHZ)]. TB-ART treated and ART-only groups were compared at 6 months post-ART for undetectable viral load (<40 c/ml), CD4% change, and growth using generalized linear models, linear regression, and linear mixed-effects models, respectively.

RESULT

Among 152 CHIV, 40.8% (62) were TB-ART treated. Pre-ART, median age was 2.0 years and growth was significantly lower, and viral load significantly higher in the TB-ART versus ART-only group. After 6 months on ART, 37.2% of CHIV had undetectable viral load and median CD4% increased by 7.2% (IQR 2.0-11.6%) with no difference between groups. The TB-ART group had lower WAZ and HAZ over 6 month follow-up [WAZ -0.81 (95% CI: -1.23 to -0.38], P  < 0.001; HAZ -0.15 (95% CI: -0.29 to -0.01), P  = 0.030] and greater rate of WAZ increase in analyses unadjusted and adjusted for baseline WAZ [unadjusted 0.62 (95% CI: 0.18-1.07, P  = 0.006) or adjusted 0.58 (95% CI: 0.12-1.03, P  = 0.013)].

CONCLUSION

TB-HIV co-treatment did not adversely affect early viral suppression and CD4 + recovery post-ART. TB-ART-treated CHIV had more rapid growth reconstitution, but growth deficits persisted, suggesting need for continued growth monitoring.

Acquired HIV drug resistance among adults living with HIV receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy in Rwanda: A cross-sectional nationally representative survey

BACKGROUND

We assessed the prevalence of acquired HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) and associated factors among patients receiving first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Rwanda.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 702 patients receiving first-line ART for at least 6 months with last viral load (VL) results ≥1000 copies/mL. Blood plasma samples were subjected to VL testing; specimens with unsuppressed VL were genotyped to identify HIVDR-associated mutations. Data were analysed using STATA/SE.

RESULTS

Median time on ART was 86.4 months (interquartile range [IQR], 44.8-130.2 months), and median CD4 count at ART initiation was 311 cells/mm³ (IQR, 197-484 cells/mm³). Of 414 (68.2%) samples with unsuppressed VL, 378 (88.3%) were genotyped. HIVDR included 347 (90.4%) non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor- (NNRTI), 291 (75.5%) nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor- (NRTI) and 13 (3.5%) protease inhibitor (PI) resistance-associated mutations. The most common HIVDR mutations were K65R (22.7%), M184V (15.4%) and D67N (9.8%) for NRTIs and K103N (34.4%) and Y181C/I/V/YC (7%) for NNRTIs. Independent predictors of acquired HIVDR included current ART regimen of zidovudine + lamivudine + nevirapine (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.333 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.022-10.870]; p = 0.046) for NRTI resistance and current ART regimen of tenofovir + emtricitabine + nevirapine (aOR, 0.148 [95% CI: 0.028-0.779]; p = 0.025), zidovudine + lamivudine + efavirenz (aOR, 0.105 [95% CI: 0.016-0.693]; p = 0.020) and zidovudine + lamivudine + nevirapine (aOR, 0.259 [95% CI: 0.084-0.793]; p = 0.019) for NNRTI resistance. History of ever switching ART regimen was associated with NRTI resistance (aOR, 2.53 [95% CI: 1.198-5.356]; p = 0.016) and NNRTI resistance (aOR, 3.23 [95% CI: 1.435-7.278], p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of acquired HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) was high among patient failing to re-suppress VL and was associated with current ART regimen and ever switching ART regimen. The findings of this study support the current WHO guidelines recommending that patients on an NNRTI-based regimen should be switched based on a single viral load test and suggests that national HIV VL monitoring of patients receiving ART has prevented long-term treatment failure that would result in the accumulation of TAMs and potential loss of efficacy of all NRTI used in second-line ART as the backbone in combination with either dolutegravir or boosted PIs.

Long-term safety, tolerability and antiviral activity of rilpivirine in antiretroviral-naïve adolescents living with HIV-1, aged 12 to less than 18 years: Week 240 findings of a phase 2, open-label study, PAINT

This phase 2 study investigated long-term safety and efficacy of rilpivirine (RPV) plus two investigator-selected nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) in HIV-1-infected antiviral therapy-naive adolescents. Participants (≥12 to <18 years of age) were treated with RPV at 25 mg once daily (q.d.) plus 2 NRTIs and entered the treatment extension period for up to 240 weeks, with visits every 3 months. Long-term safety (analysis of adverse events [AEs] and laboratory results), efficacy (virologic response and outcome for patients with viral loads of <50 and <400 by time to loss of virologic response [TLOVR] and FDA Snapshot methods, as well as CD4⁺ cell count), and adherence (by pill count) for up to 240 weeks are presented. Twenty-four of 36 participants entered the treatment extension period, and 21 completed week 240. At week 240, a viral load of <50 copies/mL was achieved by 14/32 (43.8%) participants; virologic response by TLOVR was higher in participants with a baseline viral load of ≤100,000 copies/mL (48.0%) versus a viral load of >100,000 copies/mL (28.6%). By FDA Snapshot, a viral load of <50 copies/mL at week 240 was found in 53.1% (17/32) of participants with a baseline viral load of ≤100,000 copies/mL. Higher response was observed in participants with adherence of >95% and a baseline viral load of ≤100,000 copies/mL. Through week 240, 16/32 participants (50.0%) experienced virologic failure, including seven who developed treatment-emergent RPV resistance-associated mutations (RAMs [frequently E138K]): all 7 had ≥1 treatment-emergent NRTI RAM. No serious AEs after week 48, no discontinuations due to AEs between week 48 and week 240, and no new safety signals were observed. RPV did not affect pubertal development or adolescent growth. At the 5-year follow-up, efficacy was low in adolescents, particularly those with poor adherence and/or a high baseline viral load of >100,000 copies/mL. To limit the risk of virologic failure, RPV is restricted to patients with a baseline VL of ≤100,000 copies/mL in most countries. In addition, adequate treatment adherence to RPV treatment is imperative for long-term viral suppression and should be emphasized in the management of adolescents living with HIV. RPV exhibited a favorable long-term safety profile for adolescents living with HIV-1 with adequate adherence. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT00799864.)

Drug Resistance Mutations Among South African Children Living With HIV on WHO-recommended ART Regimens

BACKGROUND

Children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (CLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings are susceptible to high rates of acquired HIV drug resistance (HIVDR), but few studies include children initiating age-appropriate World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended first-line regimens. We report data from a cohort of ART-naive South African children who initiated first-line ART.

METHODS

ART-eligible CLHIV aged 0-12 years were enrolled from 2012 to 2014 at 5 public South African facilities and were followed for up to 24 months. Enrolled CLHIV received standard-of-care WHO-recommended first-line ART. At the final study visit, a dried blood spot sample was obtained for viral load and genotypic resistance testing.

RESULTS

Among 72 successfully genotyped CLHIV, 49 (68.1%) received ABC/3TC/LPV/r, and 23 (31.9%) received ABC/3TC/EFV. All but 2 children on ABC/3TC/LPV/r were <3 years, and all CLHIV on ABC/3TC/EFV were ≥3 years. Overall, 80.6% (58/72) had at least one drug resistance mutation (DRM). DRMs to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) were found among 65% and 51% of all CLHIV, respectively, with no statistical difference by ART regimen. More CLHIV on ABC/3TC/EFV, 47.8% (11/23), were found to have 0 or only 1 effective antiretroviral drug remaining in their current regimen compared to 8.2% (4/49) on ABC/3TC/LPV/r.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of NNRTI and NRTI DRMs among CLHIV receiving ABC/3TC/LPV/r suggests a lasting impact of failed mother-to-child transmission interventions on DRMs. However, drug susceptibility analysis reveals that CLHIV with detectable viremia on ABC/3TC/LPV/r are more likely to have maintained at least 2 effective agents on their current HIV regimen than those on ABC/3TC/EFV.

Virologic failure and switch to second-line antiretroviral therapy in children with HIV in Lilongwe, Malawi: an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

As routine viral load testing among HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) expands, virologic failure (VF) among children in developing countries remains poorly understood. We assessed the rate of VF, the proportion failing who were subsequently switched to second-line ART and factors associated with VF among children ≤18 y.

METHODS

An observation cohort study among 1312 children at two public clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi who initiated a first-line ART regimen between January 2014 and December 2017 and remained on treatment for ≥6 mo was conducted. Kaplan-Meier methods estimated the probabilities of VF. Univariable and multivariable Poisson regression models were used to explore predictors of VF.

RESULT

Overall, 16% (208/1312) of children experienced VF with an incidence rate of 10.1 events per 100 person-years. Of the 208, 184 (88%) were switched to second-line ART: 68 (43%) switched the same day VF was confirmed and 106 (66%) switched within 90 d of confirmed VF. Use of a Nevirapine (NVP)-based regimen and initiating ART in 2016-2017 compared with 2014-2015 were independent predictors of VF.

CONCLUSION

VF is common among children receiving ART. The findings suggest that VF can be reduced by phasing out NVP-based regimen and by ensuring optimal adherence to ART.

Short report: knowledge and perceptions of health workers that strengthen adherence for paediatric and adolescent clients on the intensive adherence counselling program in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Health care workers (HWs) support HIV positive children and adolescents with detectable HIV viral loads on the intensive adherence counselling (IAC) program to achieve viral suppression through individual adherence counselling. Low re-suppression rates of 23% showed low program effectiveness in fifteen public health facilities.

OBJECTIVES

We set out to determine the knowledge and perceptions of HWs that support this program to improve its effectiveness.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study where five HWs that oversee clinical care for children on ART were interviewed about the program. Data on their knowledge of the program, and perceptions on why it was not effective was collected. Thematic analysis using the inductive approach was used. Transcripts were read, coded and emergent themes determined.

RESULTS

Five HWs participated and all were knowledgeable about the program. Two themes emerged as barriers to IAC program effectiveness, patient factors and health system factors. Patient factors were failure to attend appointments, failure to change adherence practices, and lack of consent. Health system factors were work overload, delay in getting results and drug stock outs.

CONCLUSIONS

HWs are knowledgeable about the IAC program and client specific barriers should be addressed to improve viral suppression for children.

Compromise of Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy Due to High Rates of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drug Resistance in Mozambican Treatment-Experienced Children With Virologic Failure

BACKGROUND

Virologic failure (VF) is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan African children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and is often associated with human immunodeficiency virus drug resistance (DR). Most children still lack access to routine viral load (VL) monitoring for early identification of treatment failure, with implications for the efficacy of second-line ART.

METHODS

Children aged 1 to 14 years on ART for ≥12 months at 6 public facilities in Maputo, Mozambique were consecutively enrolled after informed consent. Chart review and caregiver interviews were conducted. VL testing was performed, and specimens with ≥1000 copies/mL were genotyped.

RESULTS

Of the 715 children included, the mean age was 103 months, 85.8% had no immunosuppression, 73.1% were taking stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine, and 20.1% had a history prevention of mother-to-child transmission exposure. The mean time on ART was 60.0 months. VF was present in 259 patients (36.3%); 248 (95.8%) specimens were genotyped, and DR mutations were found in 238 (96.0%). Severe immunosuppression and nutritional decline were associated with DR. M184V and Y181C were the most common mutations. In the 238 patients with DR, standard second-line ART would have 0, 1, 2, and 3 effective antiretrovirals in 1 (0.4%), 74 (31.1%), 150 (63.0%), and 13 (5.5%) patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This cohort had high rates of VF and DR with frequent compromise of second-line ART. There is urgent need to scale-up VL monitoring and heat-stable protease inhibitor formulations or integrase inhibitorsfor a more a durable first-line regimen that can feasibly be implemented in developing settings.

Evaluation of Selected Outcomes of Combination Antiretroviral Therapy: Yemen Cohort Retrospective Descriptive Studies

In 2007, HIV treatment services were established in five main governorates out of twenty-two which resulted in low access to services and poor treatment outcomes. The main goal of this study was to evaluate and analyse the selected treatment outcomes of eight cohorts of PLHIV who were treated with cART during 2007–2014. The method used was a retrospective descriptive study of 1,703 PLHIV who initiated cART at five public health facilities. The results: Retention rate was less than 80%, male: female ratio 1.661, with a mean age of 35 years (±9.2 SD), 85% had been infected with HIV via heterosexual contact. 65% of patients presented with clinical stages 3 and 4, and 52% of them were initiated cART at a CD4 T-cell count ≤200 cells/mm. 61% of cART included Tenofovir and Efavirenz. TB treatment started for 5% of PLHIV, and 22% developed HIV-related clinical manifestations after cART initiation. 67% of PLHIV had experienced cART substitution. The mean AIDS-mortality rate was 15% and the mean LTFU rate was 16%. Conclusion: Although cART showed effectiveness in public health, mobilization of resources and formulation of better health policies are important steps toward improving access to cART and achieving the desired treatment outcomes.

Drug resistance and optimizing dolutegravir regimens for adolescents and young adults failing antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

The integrase strand inhibitor dolutegravir (DTG) combined with tenofovir and lamivudine (TLD) is a single tablet regimen recommended for 1st, 2nd and 3rd-line public health antiretroviral therapy (ART). We determined drug resistance mutations (DRMs) and evaluated the predictive efficacy of a TLD containing regimen for viremic adolescents and young adults in Harare, Zimbabwe.

METHODS

We sequenced plasma viral RNA from HIV-1-infected adolescents and young adults on 1st and 2nd-line ART with confirmed virologic failure (viral load >1000 copies/ml) and calculated total genotypic susceptibility scores to current 2nd, 3rd line and DTG regimens.

RESULTS

A total of 160 participants were genotyped; 112 (70%) on 1st line and 48 (30%) on 2nd line, median (interquartile range) age 18 (15-19) and duration of ART (interquartile range) was 6 (4-8) years. Major DRMs were present in 94 and 67% of 1st and 2nd-line failures, respectively (P < 0.001). Dual class resistance to nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors and nonnucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors was detected in 96 (60%) of 1st-line failures; protease inhibitor DRMs were detected in a minority (10%) of 2nd-line failures. A total genotypic susceptibility score of 2 or less may risk protease inhibitor or DTG monotherapy in 11 and 42% of 1st-line failures switching to 2nd-line protease inhibitor and TLD respectively.

CONCLUSION

Among adolescents and young adults, current protease inhibitor-based 2nd-line therapies are poorly tolerated, more expensive and adherence is poor. In 1st-line failure, implementation of TLD for many adolescents and young adults on long-term ART may require additional active drug(s). Drug resistance surveillance and susceptibility scores may inform strategies for the implementation of TLD.

Challenges faced by caregivers of virally non-suppressed children on the intensive adherence counselling program in Uganda: a qualitative study

Background

Of the estimated 130,000 children living with HIV in Uganda, 47% are receiving ART. Only 39.3% have suppressed HIV-1 viral load to levels below 50 copies per ml. Caregivers are key drivers of adherence to achieve viral suppression in children. We investigated the challenges and potential support required by caregivers of ART-treated children.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted within the Infectious Diseases Institute paediatric ART program in Kampala and Hoima districts. Caregivers of children with viral loads above 1000 copies were purposively sampled and engaged in five focus group discussions (FGD). The FGD guide highlighted questions on challenges that caregivers face and the kind of support they required to improve children’s ART adherence. Thematic analysis using the inductive approach was used. All the transcripts were read, coded and emergent themes determined.

Results

Overall, 37 caregivers participated in five FGD, of whom 29 (78%) were female, 28 (76%) were HIV-infected and 25 (68%) were biological parents of the children. The elicited challenges were either in failure to attend the counselling sessions or in supporting adherence to medication. Individual and health system challenges such as competing priorities, logistics, poor quality of counselling and lack of reminders prevented attendance at counselling sessions. Five themes emerged as challenges to supporting adherence: i) environmental (school activities, working away from home), ii) personal (non-disclosure, stigma), iii) psychological (guilt), iv) financial (lack of food and transport) and v) child-related (fatigue and peer influence). Three major themes emerged for the support that caregivers needed namely: a) health system reforms (clinic appointments outside school hours, minimize ART drug stock outs and improve quality of counselling), b) psychosocial support (support with disclosure of HIV status to children and their families, more frequent peer support groups and parenting classes) and c) economic empowerment (training in vocational skills, school fees support and opportunities to initiate income generating activities).

Discussion and conclusion

To achieve viral suppression, ART programs require targeted efforts to provide specific health facility requirements, psychological and economic needs of ART-treated children and their caregivers. Integration of HIV treatment with programs for orphans and vulnerable children may improve viral suppression rates.

Antiretroviral Resistance Patterns in Children with HIV Infection

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an update on the patterns of HIV drug resistance in children, including pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) and acquired drug resistance (ADR), focusing on children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for whom empiric first-line (FL) and second-line (SL) antiretroviral regimens are usually recommended.

RECENT FINDINGS

High levels of PDR, particularly to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), and poor treatment outcomes on NNRTI-based FL antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been widely reported among infants and young children. There is a paucity of recent data on the use of protease inhibitor (PI)-based FL and SL regimens in children, but studies have reported poor tolerability, adherence problems and the development of PI resistance. Limited access to virological monitoring and HIV drug resistance testing contributes to delays in identifying treatment failure due to ADR and delays in switching to SL regimens in children. Implementation of FL ART regimens that have a higher barrier to developing resistance and are safe and well tolerated is required in order to attain global treatment targets. Although PI-based regimens may be effective as FL or SL treatment in children, lack of appropriate formulations leading to poor tolerability, drug-drug interactions, and cost considerations have negatively impacted their use among children in LMICs. There is hope that dolutegravir-based regimens recommended for children by the World Health Organization will be widely implemented once child-friendly formulations are available, and dosing and safety studies currently underway are completed, and that this will significantly improve treatment outcomes.

An evaluation of elvitegravir plus cobicistat plus tenofovir alafenamide plus emtricitabine as a single-tablet regimen for the treatment of HIV in children and adolescents

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 2.1 million of the estimated 36 million infected with HIV are children or adolescents. International guidelines for HIV-1 Infection suggest starting antiretrovirals (ARV) at the moment of diagnosis. Many factors limit the optimization of antiretroviral therapy in children and adolescents: lack of pediatric formulations, poor adherence, metabolic and pharmacokinetic changes associated withnormal child development and puberty. Areas covered: Three integrase inhibitors are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and by European Medical Agency for children and adolescents with HIV-1 infection. Raltegravir is approved for children aged 4 weeks to 18 years, while dolutegravir and elvitegravir co-formulated with cobicistat, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/FTC/TAF) are approved for children from 6 years of age. This article evaluates E/C/FTC/TAF as a treatment option. Expert opinion: E/C/FTC/TAF was well tolerated, and the antiretroviral activity and tolerability data of this combination support the use in children and adolescents. However, the studies regarding E/C/FTC/TAF in children and adolescents are scant. Consequently, additional studies investigating its safety and efficacy in children are paramount.

Low HIV viral suppression rates following the intensive adherence counseling (IAC) program for children and adolescents with viral failure in public health facilities in Uganda

Background

The UNAIDS 90–90-90 strategy clearly stipulates that 90% of all people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) should have a suppressed viral load. Intensified adherence counselling (IAC) was recently recommended by WHO to improve viral suppression among ART-treated paediatric and adolescent clients with virological failure. This paper describes the implementation and outcomes of IAC in the first year of implementation in a public ART program, to inform strategic interventions to reach the “third 90” among children.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for all children aged 9 months to 19 years with HIV viral loads (VL) ≥ 1000 copies/ml at 15 public health facilities from June 2015–December 2016. Data on initial VL test results, IAC sessions, repeat VL test results, and ART regimen switch were abstracted and analysed for completion of IAC and viral suppression after IAC.

Results

A total of 449 children had a detectable viral load above 1000 copies/ml, after an average of 3.5 years (SD 5.8) years of ART. 192 (43%) were 10–20 years of age, and 320 (71%) were receiving Nevirapine-based ART regimen. Out of 345 (77%) who completed the recommended three IAC sessions, 62 (23%) achieved viral suppression following IAC. The mean time from 1st to 3rd IAC session was 113 (SD 153) days and 172 (50%) of the children had completed the three sessions within 200 days.

Conclusion

Suppression rates were low among ART-treated children with virological failure that completed the recommended three IAC sessions. As we move towards having 90% of ART-treated children and adolescents achieve and maintain viral suppression, there is need to re-evaluate the implementation of IAC among children and adolescents to consider both psychosocial and biological factors such as resistance testing for those with multiple detectable viral loads.

Loss to follow-up among children and adolescents growing up with HIV infection: age really matters

INTRODUCTION

Globally, increasing numbers of HIV-infected children are reaching adolescence due to antiretroviral therapy (ART). We investigated rates of loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) from HIV care services among children as they transition from childhood through adolescence.

METHODS

Individuals aged 5-19 years initiated on ART in a public-sector HIV clinic in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, between 2005 and 2009 were included in a retrospective cohort study. Participants were categorized into narrow age-bands namely: 5-9 (children), 10-14 (young adolescents) and 15-19 (older adolescents). The effect of age at ART initiation, current age (using a time-updated Lexis expansion) and transitioning from one age group to the next on LTFU was estimated using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Of 2273 participants, 1013, 875 and 385 initiated ART aged 5-9, 10-14 and 15-19 years, respectively. Unlike those starting ART as children, individuals starting ART as young adolescents had higher LTFU rates after moving to the older adolescent age-band (Adjusted rate ratio (ARR) 1.54; 95% CI: 0.94-2.55) and similarly, older adolescents had higher LTFU rates after transitioning to being young adults (ARR 1.79; 95% CI: 1.05-3.07). In older adolescents, the LTFU rate among those who started ART in that age-band was higher compared to the rate among those starting ART at a younger age (ARR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.77). This however did not hold true for other age-groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents had higher rates of LTFU compared to other age-groups, with older adolescents at particularly high risk in all analyses. Age-updated analyses that examine movement across narrow age-bands are paramount in understanding how developmental heterogeneity in children affects HIV outcomes.

Transitioning to Second-line Antiretroviral Therapy Among Adolescents in Copperbelt Province, Zambia: Predictors of Treatment Switching and Adherence to Second-line Regimens

BACKGROUND

Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) experience less favorable antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes than other age groups. First-line treatment failure complicates ART management as second-line regimens can be costlier and have greater pill burdens. Understanding predictors of switching ART regimens and adherence among adolescents on second-line ART may help to prevent poor treatment outcomes.

METHODS

A quantitative survey was administered to 309 ALHIV attending 3 ART clinics in the Copperbelt Province, Zambia. Medical chart data, including pharmacy refill data, were abstracted. Associations between being on second-line ART and sociodemographic, psychosocial and ART adherence characteristics were tested. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the effect of baseline ART variables on time to switching.

RESULTS

Ten percent of participants were on second-line regimens. Compared with ALHIV on first-line ART, adolescents on second-line regimens were older (P = 0.02), out of school due to completion of secondary studies (P = 0.04) and on ART longer (P = 0.03). Adolescents on second-line regimens were more likely to report missing ≥48 consecutive hours of drugs in the last 3 months (P = 0.01). Multivariable analysis showed that adolescents who initiated ART with efavirenz-based regimens were more likely to switch to second-line than those put on nevirapine-based regimens (hazard ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-6.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater support is needed for ALHIV who are on second-line regimens. Interventions for older adolescents that bridge the gap between school years and young adulthood would be helpful. More research is needed on why ALHIV who start on efavirenz-based regimens are more likely to switch within this population.

High levels of virological failure with major genotypic resistance mutations in HIV-1-infected children after 5 years of care according to WHO-recommended 1st-line and 2nd-line antiretroviral regimens in the Central African Republic: A cross-sectional study

A large cohort of 220 HIV-1-infected children (median [range] age: 12 [4-17] years) was cared and followed up in the Central African Republic, including 198 in 1st-line and 22 in 2nd-line antiretroviral regimens. Patients were monitored clinically and biologically for HIV-1 RNA load and drug resistance mutations (DRMs) genotyping. A total of 87 (40%) study children were virological responders and 133 (60%) nonresponders. In children with detectable viral load, the majority (129; 97%) represented a virological failure. In children receiving 1st-line regimens in virological failure for whom genotypic resistance test was available, 45% displayed viruses harboring at least 1 DRM to NNRTI or NRTI, and 26% showed at least 1 major DRM to NNRTI or NRTI; more than half of children in 1st-line regimens were resistant to 1st-generation NNRTI and 24% of the children in 1st-line regimens had a major DRMs to PI. Virological failure and selection of DRMs were both associated with poor adherence. These observations demonstrate high rate of virological failure after 3 to 5 years of 1st-line or 2nd-line antiretroviral treatment, which is generally associated with DRMs and therapeutic failure. Overall, more than half (55%) of children receiving 1st-line antiretroviral treatment for a median of 3.4 years showed virological failure and antiretroviral-resistance and thus eligible to 2nd-line treatment. Furthermore, two-third (64%) of children under 2nd-line therapy were eligible to 3rd-line regimen. Taken together, these observations point the necessity to monitor antiretroviral-treated children by plasma HIV-1 RNA load to diagnose as early as possible the therapeutic failure and operate switch to a new therapeutic line.

Development of HIV drug resistance and therapeutic failure in children and adolescents in rural Tanzania: an emerging public health concern

Objective:

To investigate the prevalence and determinants of virologic failure and acquired drug resistance-associated mutations (DRMs) in HIV-infected children and adolescents in rural Tanzania.

Design:

Prospective cohort study with cross-sectional analysis.

Methods:

All children 18 years or less attending the paediatric HIV Clinic of Ifakara and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 12 months were enrolled. Participants with virologic failure were tested for HIV-DRM. Pre-ART samples were used to discriminate acquired and transmitted resistances. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with virologic failure and the acquisition of HIV-DRM.

Results:

Among 213 children on ART for a median of 4.3 years, 25.4% failed virologically. ART-associated DRM were identified in 90%, with multiclass resistances in 79%. Pre-ART data suggested that more than 85% had acquired key mutations during treatment. Suboptimal adherence [odds ratio (OR) = 3.90; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–13.68], female sex (aOR = 2.57; 95% CI 1.03–6.45), and current nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based ART (aOR = 7.32; 95% CI 1.51–35.46 compared with protease inhibitor-based) independently increased the odds of virologic failure. CD4⁺ T-cell percentage (aOR = 0.20; 0.10–0.40 per additional 10%) and older age at ART initiation (aOR = 0.84 per additional year of age; 95% CI 0.73–0.97) were protective (also in predicting acquired HIV-DRM). At the time of virologic failure, less than 5% of the children fulfilled the WHO criteria for immunologic failure.

Conclusion:

Virologic failure rates in children and adolescents were high, with the majority of ART-failing children harbouring HIV-DRM. The WHO criteria for immunologic treatment failure yielded an unacceptably low sensitivity. Viral load monitoring is urgently needed to maintain future treatment options for the millions of African children living with HIV.

Treatment interruption after 2-year antiretroviral treatment initiated during acute/early HIV in infancy

OBJECTIVE

Treatment interruption has been well tolerated and durable in some pediatric studies but none have compared treatment interruption with continued antiretroviral treatment (ART) following ART initiation in early HIV. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes in treatment interruption versus continued ART among early-treated infants.

DESIGN

Randomized trial (OPH-03; NCT00428116).

METHODS

The trial included HIV-infected infants who initiated ART at less than 13 months of age, received ART for 24 months, and, if eligible (CD4% >25%, normal growth), were randomized to treatment interruption versus continued ART. Children in the treatment interruption group restarted ART if they met WHO ART-eligibility criteria. During 18-months postrandomization, primary outcomes were incidence of serious adverse events and growth. CD4%, viral load, morbidity, and growth were compared.

RESULTS

Of 140 infants enrolled, 121 started ART, of whom 75 completed at least 24 months ART and 42 were randomized (21 per arm). ART was initiated at median age 5 months and randomization at 30 months. Among 21 treatment interruption children, 14 met ART restart criteria within 3 months. Randomization was discontinued by Data and Safety Monitoring Board due to low treatment interruption durability. At 18 months postrandomization, growth and serious adverse events were comparable between arms; hypercholesteremia incidence was higher in the continued arm (P = 0.03). CD4% and viral load did not differ between arms [CD4% 35% and median viral load undetectable (<150 copies/ml) in both arms, P = 0.9 for each comparison]. No infants had post-treatment viral control.

CONCLUSION

Short treatment interruption did not compromise 18-month CD4%, viral control, growth, or morbidity compared with continued ART among infants who started ART in early HIV infection.

Drug resistance mutations after the first 12 months on antiretroviral therapy and determinants of virological failure in Rwanda

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) and determinants of virological failure in a large cohort of patients receiving first-line tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens.

METHODS

A nationwide retrospective cohort from 42 health facilities was assessed for virological failure and development of HIVDR mutations. Data were collected at ART initiation and at 12 months of ART on patients with available HIV-1 viral load (VL) and ART adherence measurements. HIV resistance genotyping was performed on patients with VL ≥1000 copies/ml. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with treatment failure.

RESULTS

Of 828 patients, 66% were women, and the median age was 37 years. Of the 597 patients from whom blood samples were collected, 86.9% were virologically suppressed, while 11.9% were not. Virological failure was strongly associated with age <25 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2-12.9), low adherence (aOR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.5-5.0) and baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/μl (aOR 3.4; 95% CI: 1.9-6.2). Overall, 9.1% of all patients on ART had drug resistance mutations after 1 year of ART; 27% of the patients who failed treatment had no evidence of HIVDR mutations. HIVDR mutations were not observed in patients on the recommended second-line ART regimen in Rwanda.

CONCLUSIONS

The last step of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target appears within grasp, with some viral failures still due to non-adherence. Nonetheless, youth and late initiators are at higher risk of virological failure. Youth-focused programmes could help prevent further drug HIVDR development.

High rates of virological failure and drug resistance in perinatally HIV-1-infected children and adolescents receiving lifelong antiretroviral therapy in routine clinics in Togo

INTRODUCTION

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has been scaled up over the last decade but compared to adults, children living with HIV are less likely to receive ART. Moreover, children and adolescents are more vulnerable than adults to virological failure (VF) and emergence of drug resistance. In this study we determined virological outcome in perinatally HIV-1-infected children and adolescents receiving ART in Togo.

METHODS

HIV viral load (VL) testing was consecutively proposed to all children and adolescents who were on ART for at least 12 months when attending HIV healthcare services for their routine follow-up visit (June to September 2014). Plasma HIV-1 VL was measured using the m2000 RealTime HIV-1 assay (Abbott Molecular, Des Plaines, IL, USA). Genotypic drug resistance was done for all samples with VL>1000 copies/ml.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Among 283 perinatally HIV-1-infected children and adolescents included, 167 (59%) were adolescents and 116 (41%) were children. The median duration on ART was 48 months (interquartile range: 28 to 68 months). For 228 (80.6%), the current ART combination consisted of two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) (zidovudine and lamivudine) and one non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) (nevirapine or efavirenz). Only 28 (9.9%) were on a protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen. VL was below the detection limit (i.e. 40 copies/ml) for 102 (36%), between 40 and 1000 copies/ml for 35 (12.4%) and above 1000 copies/ml for 146 (51.6%). Genotypic drug-resistance testing was successful for 125/146 (85.6%); 110/125 (88.0%) were resistant to both NRTIs and NNRTIs, 1/125 (0.8%) to NRTIs only, 4/125 (3.2%) to NNRTIs only and three harboured viruses resistant to reverse transcriptase and PIs. Overall, 86% (108/125) of children and adolescents experiencing VF and successfully genotyped, corresponding thus to at least 38% of the study population, had either no effective ART or had only a single effective drug in their current ART regimen.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provided important information on virological outcome on lifelong ART in perinatally HIV-1-infected children and adolescents who were still on ART and continued to attend antiretroviral (ARV) clinics for follow-up visits. Actual conditions for scaling up and monitoring lifelong ART in children in resource-limited countries can have dramatic long-term outcomes and illustrate that paediatric ART receives inadequate attention.

Factors associated with the failure of first and second-line antiretroviral therapies therapy, a case control study in Cambodian HIV-1 infected children

Background

Little is known about the efficacy of first and and second-line antiretroviral therapies (ART) for HIV-1 infected children in resource limited Southeast Asian settings. Previous studies have shown that orphans are at a higher risk for virological failure (VF) in Cambodia. Consequently most of them required transfer to second-line ART. We assessed the factors associated with VF among HIV-1 infected children who were either under first-line (mostly 3TC + D4T + NVP) or under second-line (mostly ABC + DDI + LPV) therapies at a referral hospital in Cambodia.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted from February to July 2013 at the National Pediatric Hospital among HIV-1 infected children (aged 1–15 years) under second-line ART (cases) or first-line (matched controls at a ratio of 1:3) regimens. Children were included if a HIV-1 RNA plasma viral load (VL) result was available for the preceding 12 months. A standardized questionnaire explored family sociodemographics, HIV history, and adherence to ART. Associations between VF (HIV-1 RNA levels ≥1000 copies/ml) and the children’s characteristics were assessed using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

A total of 232 children, 175 (75.4 %) under first-line and 57 (24.6 %) under second-line ART, for a median of 72.0 (IQR: 68.0–76.0) months, were enrolled. Of them, 94 (40.5 %) were double orphans and 51 (22.0 %) single orphans, and 77 (33.2 %) were living in orphanages. A total of 222 children (95.6 %) were deemed adherent to ART. Overall, 18 (7.7 %; 95 % CI 4.6–11.9) showed a VF, 14 (8.6 %; 95 % CI 4.8–14.0) under first-line and 4 (7.0 %; 95 % CI 1.9–17.0) under second-line ART (p = 0.5). Their median CD4 percentage was 8 % (IQR 2.9–12.9) at ART initiation. Children under second-line ART were older; more often double orphans, and had lower CD4 cell counts at the last control.

In the multivariate analysis, having the last CD4 percentage below 15 % was the only factor associated with VF for ART regimen separately or when combined (OR 40.4; 95 % CI 11–134).

Conclusions

The pattern of risk factors for VF in children is changing in Cambodia. Improved adherence evaluation and intensified monitoring of children with low CD4 counts is needed to decrease the risk of VF.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-016-1884-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Viral suppression in adolescents on antiretroviral treatment: review of the literature and critical appraisal of methodological challenges

Objective

Medication adherence is often suboptimal for adolescents with HIV, and establishing correct weight‐based antiretroviral therapy dosing is difficult, contributing to virological failure. This review aimed to determine the proportion of adolescents achieving virological suppression after initiating ART.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched. Studies published between January 2004 and September 2014 including ≥50 adolescents taking ART and reporting on the proportion of virological suppressed participants were included.

Results

From a total of 5316 potentially relevant citations, 20 studies were included. Only eight studies reported the proportion of adolescents that were virologically suppressed at a specified time point. The proportion of adolescents with virological suppression at 12 months ranged from 27 to 89%.

Conclusion

Adolescent achievement of HIV virological suppression was highly variable. Improved reporting of virological outcomes from a wider range of settings is required to support efforts to improve HIV care and treatment for adolescents.

A Case Series of Acquired Drug Resistance-Associated Mutations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Children: An Emerging Public Health Concern in Rural Africa

The acquisition of drug-resistance mutations among African children living with in human immunodeficiency virus on antiretroviral treatment has been scarcely reported. This threatens the overall success of antiretroviral programs and the clinical outcomes of children in care. We present a well characterized series of children from rural Tanzania with acquired drug-resistance mutations to contribute to the better understanding of this emerging public health concern.

Clinical, Virologic, Immunologic Outcomes and Emerging HIV Drug Resistance Patterns in Children and Adolescents in Public ART Care in Zimbabwe

OBJECTIVE

To determine immunologic, virologic outcomes and drug resistance among children and adolescents receiving care during routine programmatic implementation in a low-income country.

METHODS

A cross-sectional evaluation with collection of clinical and laboratory data for children (0-<10 years) and adolescents (10-19 years) attending a public ART program in Harare providing care for pediatric patients since 2004, was conducted. Longitudinal data for each participant was obtained from the clinic based medical record.

RESULTS

Data from 599 children and adolescents was evaluated. The participants presented to care with low CD4 cell count and CD4%, median baseline CD4% was lower in adolescents compared with children (11.0% vs. 15.0%, p<0.0001). The median age at ART initiation was 8.0 years (IQR 3.0, 12.0); median time on ART was 2.9 years (IQR 1.7, 4.5). On ART, median CD4% improved for all age groups but remained below 25%. Older age (≥ 5 years) at ART initiation was associated with severe stunting (HAZ <-2: 53.3% vs. 28.4%, p<0.0001). Virologic failure rate was 30.6% and associated with age at ART initiation. In children, nevirapine based ART regimen was associated with a 3-fold increased risk of failure (AOR: 3.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 9.1, p = 0.0180). Children (<10 y) on ART for ≥4 years had higher failure rates than those on ART for <4 years (39.6% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.0239). In those initiating ART as adolescents, each additional year in age above 10 years at the time of ART initiation (AOR 0.4 95%CI: 0.1, 0.9, p = 0.0324), and each additional year on ART (AOR 0.4, 95%CI 0.2, 0.9, p = 0.0379) were associated with decreased risk of virologic failure. Drug resistance was evident in 67.6% of sequenced virus isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

During routine programmatic implementation of HIV care for children and adolescents, delayed age at ART initiation has long-term implications on immunologic recovery, growth and virologic outcomes.

Tackling virological failure in HIV-infected children living in Africa

Drug resistance in HIV-infected children is one of the main contributors to antiretroviral treatment (ART) failure, especially in developing countries. Sub-Saharan Africa has the largest burden of pediatric HIV infection in the world. Herein, we systematically review the current status of ART failure in HIV-infected African children. A literature search for publications within 10 years was performed through PubMed to identify relevant articles. Included studies examined the impact of timing of ART initiation, criteria for diagnosing therapeutic failure, predictors of therapeutic failure, management strategies and future directions to minimize failure rates in these pediatric populations. Although there is scale-up of ART programs in Africa, novel therapeutic and management strategies are needed to overcome current challenges.

Factors associated with virological failure and suppression after enhanced adherence counselling, in children, adolescents and adults on antiretroviral therapy for HIV in Swaziland

INTRODUCTION

This study explores factors associated with virological detectability, and viral re-suppression after enhanced adherence counselling, in adults and children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Swaziland.

METHODS

This descriptive study used laboratory data from 7/5/2012 to 30/9/2013, which were linked with the national ART database to provide information on time on ART and CD4 count; information on enhanced adherence counselling was obtained from file review in health facilities. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between viral load, gender, age, time on ART, CD4 count and receiving (or not receiving) enhanced adherence counselling.

RESULTS

From 12,063 patients undergoing routine viral load monitoring, 1941 (16%) had detectable viral loads. Children were more likely to have detectable viral loads (AOR 2.6, 95%CI 1.5-4.5), as were adolescents (AOR 3.2, 95%CI 2.2-4.8), patients with last CD4<350 cells/µl (AOR 2.2, 95%CI 1.7-2.9) or WHO Stage 3/4 disease (AOR 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.6), and patients on ART for longer (AOR 1.1, 95%CI 1.1-1.2). At retesting, 450 (54% of those tested) showed viral re-suppression. Children were less likely to re-suppress (AOR 0.2, 95%CI 0.1-0.7), as were adolescents (AOR 0.3, 95%CI 0.2-0.8), those with initial viral load> 1000 copies/ml (AOR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1-0.7), and those with last CD4<350 cells/µl (AOR 0.4, 95%CI 0.2-0.7). Receiving (or not receiving) enhanced adherence counselling was not associated with likelihood of re-suppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Children, adolescents and those with advanced disease were most likely to have high viral loads and least likely to achieve viral suppression at retesting; receiving adherence counselling was not associated with higher likelihood of viral suppression. Although the level of viral resistance was not quantified, this study suggests the need for ART treatment support that addresses the adherence problems of younger people; and to define the elements of optimal enhanced adherence support for patients of all ages with detectable viral loads.

Safety and effectiveness of combination antiretroviral therapy during the first year of treatment in HIV-1 infected Rwandan children: a prospective study

Background

With increased availability of paediatric combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in resource limited settings, cART outcomes and factors associated with outcomes should be assessed.

Methods

HIV-infected children <15 years of age, initiating cART in Kigali, Rwanda, were followed for 18 months. Prospective clinical and laboratory assessments included weight-for-age (WAZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) z-scores, complete blood cell count, liver transaminases, creatinine and lipid profiles, CD4 T-cell count/percent, and plasma HIV-1 RNA concentration. Clinical success was defined as WAZ and WAZ >−2, immunological success as CD4 cells ≥500/mm³ and ≥25% for respectively children over 5 years and under 5 years, and virological success as a plasma HIV-1 RNA concentration <40 copies/mL.

Results

Between March 2008 and December 2009, 123 HIV-infected children were included. The median (interquartile (IQR) age at cART initiation was 7.4 (3.2, 11.5) years; 40% were <5 years and 54% were female. Mean (95% confidence interval (95%CI)) HAZ and WAZ at baseline were −2.01 (−2.23, −1.80) and −1.73 (−1.95, −1.50) respectively and rose to −1.75 (−1.98, −1.51) and −1.17 (−1.38, −0.96) after 12 months of cART. The median (IQR) CD4 T-cell values for children <5 and ≥5 years of age were 20% (13, 28) and 337 (236, 484) cells/mm³respectively, and increased to 36% (28, 41) and 620 (375, 880) cells/mm³. After 12 months of cART, 24% of children had a detectable viral load, including 16% with virological failure (HIV-RNA>1000 c/mL). Older age at cART initiation, poor adherence, and exposure to antiretrovirals around birth were associated with virological failure. A third (33%) of children had side effects (by self-report or clinical assessment), but only 9% experienced a severe side effect requiring a cART regimen change.

Conclusions

cART in Rwandan HIV-infected children was successful but success might be improved further by initiating cART as early as possible, optimizing adherence and optimizing management of side effects.

Living situation affects adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected adolescents in Rwanda: a qualitative study

Introduction

Adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is vital for HIV-infected adolescents for survival and quality of life. However, this age group faces many challenges to remain adherent. We used multiple data sources (role-play, focus group discussions (FGD), and in-depth interviews (IDI)) to better understand adherence barriers for Rwandan adolescents. Forty-two HIV positive adolescents (ages 12–21) and a selection of their primary caregivers were interviewed. All were perinatally-infected and received (cART) for ≥12 months. Topics discussed during FGDs and IDIs included learning HIV status, disclosure and stigma, care and treatment issues, cART adherence barriers.

Results

Median age was 17 years, 45% female, 45% orphaned, and 48% in boarding schools. We identified three overarching but inter-related themes that appeared to influence adherence. Stigma, perceived and experienced, and inadvertent disclosure of HIV status hampered adolescents from obtaining and taking their drugs, attending clinic visits, carrying their cARTs with them in public. The second major theme was the need for better support, in particular for adolescents with different living situations, (orphanages, foster-care, and boarding schools). Lack of privacy to keep and take medication came out as major barrier for adolescents living in congested households, as well the institutionalization of boarding schools where privacy is almost non-existent. The third important theme was the desire to be ‘normal’ and not be recognized as an HIV-infected individual, and to have a normal life not perturbed by taking a regimen of medications or being forced to disclose where others would treat them differently.

Conclusions

We propose better management of HIV-infected adolescents integrated into boarding school, orphanages, and foster care; training of school-faculty on how to support students and allow them privacy for taking their medications. To provide better care and support, HIV programs should stimulate caregivers of HIV-infected adolescents to join them for their clinic visits.