HIV-Related Medical Admissions to a South African District Hospital Remain Frequent Despite Effective Antiretroviral Therapy Scale-Up

Enhancing Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation for Hospitalized and Recently Discharged People Living With HIV in Johannesburg, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Despite increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) access in South Africa, HIV testing and ART initiation are suboptimal in hospital settings. Key gaps include in-hospital case finding, ART initiation support, and primary health care (PHC) facility linkage after discharge.

INTERVENTION DEVELOPMENT AND DESCRIPTION

We identified weaknesses in hospital processes by comparing them with PHC HIV services and developed a quality improvement model for implementation in 5 Johannesburg hospitals. We introduced dedicated teams of HIV testing counselors for structured case finding and ART-trained nurses and linkage officers to provide in-hospital or post-discharge ART initiation and support to strengthen PHC facility linkage. Monitoring data (May 2020-March 2021) was used to measure initiation rates.

LESSONS LEARNED

Over 11 months, despite COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions, our model achieved 74% (5,201/7,025) ART linkage within 28 days post-discharge and 87% (6,087/7,025) overall, including all initiations (i.e., all newly diagnosed, known not on ART and reinitiating individuals). The 2 highest-performing hospitals achieved 97% (2,096/2,170) linkage overall, demonstrating the potential of implementing this quality improvement model with fidelity. Over half (58%, 4,092/7,025) of patients initiated ART within 7 days, with 39% (2,748) initiating on the same day. Women and men achieved similar initiation rates (3,010/4,015, 75%; 2,186/3,003, 73%, respectively). Combining rapid (<7 days) in-hospital ART initiation with 28-day post-discharge follow-up supported high ART initiation rates. Using the model mitigated initiation gaps for men and older people, engaging stakeholders supported implementation, and using a team-based approach founded on clear roles and responsibilities improved service delivery.

CONCLUSION

This model achieved above-average ART linkage rates in a large hospitalized population. We recommend considering introducing this model or adaptations of it to hospitals across South Africa and similar settings where hospital-to-PHC ART service gaps are identified to optimize case finding, ART initiation, and post-discharge linkage support.

'Not taking medications and taking medication, it was the same thing:' perspectives of antiretroviral therapy among people hospitalised with advanced HIV disease

BACKGROUND

Despite HIV's evolution to a chronic disease, the burden of advanced HIV disease (AHD, defined as a CD4 count of < 200 cells/uL or WHO clinical Stage 3 or 4 disease), remains high among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) who have previously been prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART). As little is known about the experiences of patients hospitalised with AHD, this study sought to discern social forces driving hospitalisation with AHD. Understanding such forces could inform strategies to reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study with patients hospitalised with AHD who had a history of poor adherence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 1 and November 30, 2023. The Patient Health Engagement and socio-ecological theoretical models were used to guide a thematic analysis of interview transcripts.

RESULTS

Twenty individuals participated in the research. Most reported repeated periods of disengagement with HIV services. The major themes identified as driving disengagement included: 1) feeling physically well; 2) life circumstances and relationships; and 3) health system factors, such as clinic staff attitudes and a perceived lack of flexible care. Re-engagement with care was often driven by new physical symptoms but was mediated through life circumstances/relationships and aspects of the health care system.

CONCLUSIONS

Current practices fail to address the challenges to lifelong engagement in HIV care. A bold strategy for holistic care which involves people living with advanced HIV as active members of the health care team (i.e. 'PLHIV as Partners'), could contribute to ensuring health care services are compatible with their lives, reducing periods of disengagement from care.

Investigating the Determinants of Mortality before CD4 Count Recovery in a Cohort of Patients Initiated on Antiretroviral Therapy in South Africa Using a Fine and Gray Competing Risks Model

CD4 count recovery is the main goal for an HIV patient who initiated ART. Early ART initiation in HIV patients can help restore immune function more effectively, even when they have reached an advanced stage. Some patients may respond positively to ART and attain CD4 count recovery. Meanwhile, other patients failing to recover their CD4 count due to non-adherence, treatment resistance and virological failure might lead to HIV-related complications and death. The purpose of this study was to find the determinants of death in patients who failed to recover their CD4 count after initiating antiretroviral therapy. The data used in this study was obtained from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where 2528 HIV-infected patients with a baseline CD4 count of <200 cells/mm3 were initiated on ART. We used a Fine-Gray sub-distribution hazard and cumulative incidence function to estimate potential confounding factors of death, where CD4 count recovery was a competing event for failure due to death. Patients who had no tuberculosis were 1.33 times at risk of dying before attaining CD4 count recovery [aSHR 1.33; 95% CI (0.96-1.85)] compared to those who had tuberculosis. Rural patients had a higher risk of not recovering and leading to death [aSHR 1.97; 95% CI (1.57-2.47)] than those from urban areas. The patient's tuberculosis status, viral load, regimen, baseline CD4 count, and location were significant contributors to death before CD4 count recovery. Intervention programs targeting HIV testing in rural areas for early ART initiation and promoting treatment adherence are recommended.

Hospitalisation rates for youth living with perinatally acquired HIV in England

INTRODUCTION

Complex challenges amongst ageing cohorts of adolescents and adults living with perinatally acquired HIV (PaHIV) may impact on hospitalisation. We report hospitalisation rates and explored predictive factors for hospitalisation in adolescents and adults (10-35 years) living with PaHIV in England.

METHOD

Retrospective observational cohort study over a three-year period 2016-2019. Data collected included cause and duration of hospitalisation, HIV viral load and CD4 lymphocyte count. The primary outcome was overnight hospitalisation. Patients exited at study end/ transfer of care (TOC)/ loss to follow up (LTFU) or death. Maternity/hospital admissions at other centres were excluded. Admission rates per 100 person-years (95% CI) were calculated by age group. Negative binomial regression with generalized estimating equations was performed.

RESULTS

255 patients contributed 689 person-years of follow up. 56% were female and 83% were of a Black, Black British, Caribbean or African ethnicity. At baseline, the median age was 19 years (IQR 16-22). 36 individuals experienced a total of 62 admissions which resulted in 558 overnight stays (median stay was 5 nights). One person died (lymphoma), six had TOC and one was LTFU by the end of the three-year study period. Crude incidence of admission for the whole cohort was 9.0 per 100 PY (6.9-11.6). The respective crude incidence rates were 1.5 PY (0.0-8.2) in those aged 10-14 years and 3.5 PY (1.5-7.0) in the 15-19-year-olds. In those aged 20-24 years it was 14.5 PY (10.1-20.2) and in those >25 years the crude incidence rate was 11.7 PY (6.9-18.5). Factors significantly associated with admission were a CD4 lymphocyte count <200 cells/uL, adjusted IRR 4.0 (1.8-8.8) and a history of a CDC-C diagnosis, adjusted IRR 2.9 (1.6-5.3). 89% admissions were HIV-related: 45% new/current CDC-C diagnoses, 76% due to infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Hospitalisation rates were four-fold higher in adults (>20 years of age) compared to adolescents (10-19-year-olds). The continuing challenges experienced by PaHIV youth require enhanced multidisciplinary support throughout adulthood.

Reduction in mortality from HIV-related CNS infections in routine care in Africa (DREAMM): a before-and-after, implementation study

BACKGROUND

Four decades into the HIV epidemic, CNS infection remains a leading cause of preventable HIV-related deaths in routine care. The Driving Reduced AIDS-associated Meningo-encephalitis Mortality (DREAMM) project aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate pragmatic implementation interventions and strategies to reduce mortality from HIV-related CNS infection.

METHODS

DREAMM took place in five public hospitals in Cameroon, Malawi, and Tanzania. The main intervention was a stepwise algorithm for HIV-related CNS infections including bedside rapid diagnostic testing and implementation of WHO cryptococcal meningitis guidelines. A health system strengthening approach for hospitals was adopted to deliver quality care through a co-designed education programme, optimised clinical and laboratory pathways, and communities of practice. DREAMM was led and driven by local leadership and divided into three phases: observation (including situational analyses of routine care), training, and implementation. Consecutive adults (aged ≥18 years) living with HIV presenting with a first episode of suspected CNS infection were eligible for recruitment. The primary endpoint was the comparison of 2-week all-cause mortality between observation and implementation phases. This study completed follow-up in September, 2021. The project was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03226379.

FINDINGS

From November, 2016 to April, 2019, 139 eligible participants were enrolled in the observation phase. From Jan 9, 2018, to March 25, 2021, 362 participants were enrolled into the implementation phase. 216 (76%) of 286 participants had advanced HIV disease (209 participants had missing CD4 cell count), and 340 (69%) of 494 participants had exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART; one participant had missing ART data). In the implementation phase 269 (76%) of 356 participants had a probable CNS infection, 203 (76%) of whom received a confirmed microbiological or radiological diagnosis of CNS infection using existing diagnostic tests and medicines. 63 (49%) of 129 participants died at 2 weeks in the observation phase compared with 63 (24%) of 266 in the implementation phase; and all-cause mortality was lower in the implementation phase when adjusted for site, sex, age, ART exposure (adjusted risk difference -23%, 95% CI -33 to -13; p<0·001). At 10 weeks, 71 (55%) died in the observation phase compared with 103 (39%) in the implementation phase (-13%, -24 to -3; p=0·01).

INTERPRETATION

DREAMM substantially reduced mortality from HIV-associated CNS infection in resource-limited settings in Africa. DREAMM scale-up is urgently required to reduce deaths in public hospitals and help meet Sustainable Development Goals.

FUNDING

European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership, French Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis.

TRANSLATIONS

For the French and Portuguese translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Use of hospital services by patients with chronic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of individual chronic conditions and multimorbidity among adults admitted to hospital in countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We systematically searched MEDLINE®, Embase®, Global Index Medicus, Global Health and SciELO for publications reporting on patient cohorts recruited between 1 January 2010 and 12 May 2023. We included articles reporting prevalence of pre-specified chronic diseases within unselected acute care services (emergency departments or medical inpatient settings). No language restrictions were applied. We generated prevalence estimates using random-effects meta-analysis alongside 95% confidence intervals, 95% prediction intervals and I2 statistics for heterogeneity. To explore associations with age, sex, country-level income status, geographical region and risk of bias, we conducted pre-specified meta-regression, sub-group and sensitivity analyses.

Findings

Of 6976 identified studies, 61 met the inclusion criteria, comprising data from 20 countries and 376 676 people. None directly reported multimorbidity, but instead reported prevalence for individual conditions. Among medical admissions, the highest prevalence was human immunodeficiency virus infection (36.4%; 95% CI: 31.3-41.8); hypertension (24.4%; 95% CI: 16.7-34.2); diabetes (11.9%; 95% CI: 9.9-14.3); heart failure (8.2%; 95% CI: 5.6-11.9); chronic kidney disease (7.7%; 95% CI: 3.9-14.7); and stroke (6.8%; 95% CI: 4.7-9.6).

Conclusion

Among patients seeking hospital care in sub-Saharan Africa, multimorbidity remains poorly described despite high burdens of individual chronic diseases. Prospective public health studies of multimorbidity burden are needed to generate integrated and context-specific health system interventions that act to maximize patient survival and well-being.

Prevalence and trends of advanced HIV disease among antiretroviral therapy-naïve and antiretroviral therapy-experienced patients in South Africa between 2010-2021: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Despite the significant progress made in South Africa in getting millions of individuals living with HIV into care, many patients still present or re-enter care with Advanced HIV Disease (AHD). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of AHD among ART-naive and ART-experienced patients in South Africa using studies published between January 2010 and May 2022.

METHODS

We searched for relevant data on PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and other sources, with a geographical filters limited to South Africa, up to May 31, 2022. Two reviewers conducted all screening, eligibility assessment, data extraction, and critical appraisal. We synthesized the data using the inverse-variance heterogeneity model and Freeman-Tukey transformation. We assessed heterogeneity using the I2 statistic and publication bias using the Egger and Begg's test.

RESULTS

We identified 2,496 records, of which 53 met the eligibility criteria, involving 11,545,460 individuals. The pooled prevalence of AHD among ART-naive and ART-experienced patients was 43.45% (95% CI 40.1-46.8%, n = 53 studies) and 58.6% (95% CI 55.7 to 61.5%, n = 2) respectively. The time trend analysis showed a decline of 2% in the prevalence of AHD among ART-naive patients per year. However, given the high heterogeneity between studies, the pooled prevalence should be interpreted with caution.

CONCLUSION

Despite HIV's evolution to a chronic disease, our findings show that the burden of AHD remains high among both ART-naive and ART-experienced patients in South Africa. This emphasizes the importance of regular measurement of CD4 cell count as an essential component of HIV care. In addition, providing innovative adherence support and interventions to retain ART patients in effective care is a crucial priority for those on ART.

Advanced HIV disease and engagement in care among patients on antiretroviral therapy in South Africa: results from a multi-state model

OBJECTIVE

Despite improved access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people with HIV (PWH), HIV continues to contribute considerably to morbidity and mortality. Increasingly, advanced HIV disease (AHD) is found among PWH who are ART-experienced.

DESIGN

Using a multi-state model we examined associations between engagement with care and AHD on ART in South Africa.

METHODS

Using data from IeDEA Southern Africa, we included PWH from South Africa, initiating ART from 2004 to 2017 aged more than 5 years with a CD4+ cell count at ART start and at least one subsequent measure. We defined a gap as no visit for at least 18 months. Five states were defined: 'AHD on ART' (CD4+ cell count <200 cells/μl), 'Clinically Stable on ART' (CD4+ cell count ≥200 or if no CD4+ cell count, viral load <1000 copies/ml), 'Early Gap' (commencing ≤18 months from ART start), 'Late Gap' (commencing >18 months from ART start) and 'Death'.

RESULTS

Among 32 452 PWH, men and those aged 15-25 years were more likely to progress to unfavourable states. Later years of ART start were associated with a lower probability of transitioning from AHD to clinically stable, increasing the risk of death following AHD. In stratified analyses, those starting ART with AHD in later years were more likely to re-engage in care with AHD following a gap and to die following AHD on ART.

CONCLUSION

In more recent years, those with AHD on ART were more likely to die, and AHD at re-engagement in care increased. To further reduce HIV-related mortality, efforts to address the challenges facing these more vulnerable patients are needed.

Interventions to reduce deaths in people living with HIV admitted to hospital in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

People living with HIV (PLHIV) admitted to hospital have a high risk of death. We systematically appraised evidence for interventions to reduce mortality among hospitalised PLHIV in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using a broad search strategy with terms for HIV, hospitals, and clinical trials, we searched for reports published between 1 Jan 2003 and 23 August 2021. Studies of interventions among adult HIV positive inpatients in LMICs were included if there was a comparator group and death was an outcome. We excluded studies restricted only to inpatients with a specific diagnosis (e.g. cryptococcal meningitis). Of 19,970 unique studies identified in search, ten were eligible for inclusion with 7,531 participants in total: nine randomised trials, and one before-after study. Three trials investigated systematic screening for tuberculosis; two showed survival benefit for urine TB screening vs. no urine screening, and one which compared Xpert MTB/RIF versus smear microscopy showed no difference in survival. One before-after study implemented 2007 WHO guidelines to improve management of smear negative tuberculosis in severely ill PLHIV, and showed survival benefit but with high risk of bias. Two trials evaluated complex interventions aimed at overcoming barriers to ART initiation in newly diagnosed PLHIV, one of which showed survival benefit and the other no difference. Two small trials evaluated early inpatient ART start, with no difference in survival. Two trials investigated protocol-driven fluid resuscitation for emergency-room attendees meeting case-definitions for sepsis, and showed increased mortality with use of a protocol for fluid administration. In conclusion, ten studies published since 2003 investigated interventions that aimed to reduce mortality in hospitalised adults with HIV, and weren't restricted to people with a defined disease diagnosis. Inpatient trials of diagnostics, therapeutics or a package of interventions to reduce mortality should be a research priority. Trial registration: PROSPERO Number: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019150341.

Health Care Consumption, Psychiatric Diagnoses, and Pharmacotherapy 1 and 2 Years Before and After Newly Diagnosed HIV: A Case-Control Study Nested in The Greater Stockholm HIV Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

We compare individuals with newly diagnosed HIV with sex-, age-, and socioeconomic status-matched HIV-negative controls, with the aim of studying the frequency of health care visits, the types of clinics visited, registered diagnoses, and psychopharmacotherapy.

METHODS

The data were collected through the Stockholm Region administrative database (Stockholm Regional Health Care Data Warehouse) for men and women (people) living with newly diagnosed HIV (PLWH) in their medical records (930 men, 450 women) and controls. The odds ratios (ORs) with 99% confidence intervals (CIs) for psychiatric comorbidities and relevant pharmacotherapies were calculated during the 2011-2018 period.

RESULTS

Substance use disorder was higher in PLWH than in controls, before and after newly diagnosed HIV in men (OR = 1 year before 4.36 [99% CI = 2.00-9.5] and OR = 1 year after 5.16 [99% CI = 2.65-10.08]) and women (OR = 1 year before 6.05 [99% CI = 1.89-19.40] and OR = 1 year after 5.24 [99% CI = 1.69-16.32]). Health care contacts and psychiatric disorders were more common in cases than controls 1 and 2 years after diagnosis, particularly for depression in men 1 year after HIV (OR = 3.14, 99% CI = 2.11-4.67), which was not found in women (1 year OR = 0.94, 99% CI = 0.50-1.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Before newly diagnosed HIV, PLWH have the same level of psychiatric diagnoses as their controls, except for substance use disorder. Psychiatric problems are more common in PLWH than in their controls after newly diagnosed HIV.

Patient-centred care: reality or rhetoric—patients’ experiences at ARV clinics located in public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Background

The South African public antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme is considered one of the largest and most successful ART programmes worldwide. Hence, a study exploring the patients’ experiences of the public antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme in the second decade of the programme is relevant as no study has been published on patients’ experiences at these sites.

Objectives

To explore patients’ experiences of care in the public ART programme at four ARV clinics within the eThekwini District, KwaZulu-Natal.

Method

A mixed-methods study design with 12 in-depth patient interviews, non-participatory observation, and a stratified random sample of 400 patients completed questionnaires. Qualitative data were thematically analysed. Quantitative data were analysed using a SPSS 24 package to determine frequencies and differences in patients’ responses (p < 0.05). The socio-ecological model framed the study.

Results

All 412 patients reported valuing the provision of free ARVs. Patients’ positive experiences included: routine blood results mostly being available, most staff greeted patients, there were sufficient nurses, patients were satisfied with the time that they spent with doctors, clean clinics, and private and safe counselling areas. The negative experiences included: poor relationships with nurses, negative staff attitudes, disrespectful staff, information was lacking, inadequate counselling at times, varying and inflexible appointments, challenges with data capture and registration systems; varying ARV collection frequencies, routine health tests and processes per site, and the absence of patient committees and representatives.

Conclusion

The results reflected positive and negative experiences which varied between the facilities, as processes and systems differed at each site. Innovative patient-centred processes and programmes could be implemented to ensure patients have mostly positive experiences. As part of continuous improvement, patients’ experiences should be regularly explored to ensure that the ART programme meets their needs and expectations.

Outcomes of people living with HIV after hospital discharge: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The identification and appropriate management of people with advanced HIV disease is a key component in the HIV response. People with HIV who are hospitalised are at a higher risk of death, a risk that might persist after discharge. The aims of this study were to estimate the frequency of negative post-discharge outcomes, and to determine risk factors for such outcomes in people with HIV.

Methods

Using a broad search strategy combining terms for hospital discharge and HIV infection, we searched MEDLINE via PubMed and Embase from Jan 1, 2003 to Nov 30, 2021 to identify studies reporting outcomes among people with HIV following discharge from hospital. We estimated pooled proportions of readmissions and deaths after hospital discharge using random-effects models. We also did subgroup analyses by setting, region, duration of follow-up, and advanced HIV status at admission, and sensitivity analyses to assess heterogeneity.

Findings

We obtained data from 29 cohorts, which reported outcomes of people living with HIV after hospital discharge in 92 781 patients. The pooled proportion of patients readmitted to hospital after discharge was 18·8% (95% CI 15·3–22·3) and 14·1% (10·8–17·3) died post-discharge. In sensitivity analyses, no differences were identified in the proportion of patients who were readmitted or died when comparing studies published before 2016 with those published after 2016. Post-discharge mortality was higher in studies from Africa (23·1% [16·5–29·7]) compared with the USA (7·5% [4·4–10·6]). For studies that reported both post-discharge mortality and readmission, the pooled proportion of patients who had this composite adverse outcome was 31·7% (23·9–39·5). Heterogeneity was moderate, and largely explained by patient status and linkage to care. Reported risk factors for readmission included low CD4 cell count at admission, longer length of stay, discharge against medical advice, and not linking to care following discharge; inpatient treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) during hospitalisation was protective of post-discharge mortality.

Interpretation

More than a quarter of patients with HIV had an adverse outcome after hospital discharge with no evidence of improvement in the past 15 years. This systematic review highlights the importance of ensuring post-discharge referral and appropriate management, including ART, to reduce mortality and readmission to hospital among this group of high-risk patients.

Funding

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Translations

For the French and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Twin epidemics: the effects of HIV and systolic blood pressure on mortality risk in rural South Africa, 2010-2019

BACKGROUND

Sub-Saharan African settings are experiencing dual epidemics of HIV and hypertension. We investigate effects of each condition on mortality and examine whether HIV and hypertension interact in determining mortality.

METHODS

Data come from the 2010 Ha Nakekela population-based survey of individuals ages 40 and older (1,802 women; 1,107 men) nested in the Agincourt Health and socio-Demographic Surveillance System in rural South Africa, which provides mortality follow-up from population surveillance until mid-2019. Using discrete-time event history models stratified by sex, we assessed differential mortality risks according to baseline measures of HIV infection, HIV-1 RNA viral load, and systolic blood pressure.

RESULTS

During the 8-year follow-up period, mortality was high (477 deaths). Survey weighted estimates are that 37% of men (mortality rate 987.53/100,000, 95% CI: 986.26 to 988.79) and 25% of women (mortality rate 937.28/100,000, 95% CI: 899.7 to 974.88) died. Over a quarter of participants were living with HIV (PLWH) at baseline, over 50% of whom had unsuppressed viral loads. The share of the population with a systolic blood pressure of 140mm Hg or higher increased from 24% at ages 40-59 to 50% at ages 75-plus and was generally higher for those not living with HIV compared to PLWH. Men and women with unsuppressed viral load had elevated mortality risks (men: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.23, 95% CI: 2.21 to 4.71, women: aOR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.27 to 3.30). There was a weak, non-linear relationship between systolic blood pressure and higher mortality risk. We found no significant interaction between systolic blood pressure and HIV status for either men or women (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that HIV and elevated blood pressure are acting as separate, non-interacting epidemics affecting high proportions of the older adult population. PLWH with unsuppressed viral load were at higher mortality risk compared to those uninfected. Systolic blood pressure was a mortality risk factor independent of HIV status. As antiretroviral therapy becomes more widespread, further longitudinal follow-up is needed to understand how the dynamics of increased longevity and multimorbidity among people living with both HIV and high blood pressure, as well as the emergence of COVID-19, may alter these patterns.

Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus associated disseminated intravascular coagulation

INTRODUCTION

Disseminated intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a thrombotic microangiopathy which may complicate a number of severe disease processes including sepsis. Development of microvascular thromboses results in consumption of coagulation factors and platelets and ultimate bleeding. Patients with HIV infection (PWH) often present with baseline dysregulation of the coagulation system which may increase severity and derangement of DIC presentation. Previously, we have shown that HIV is a significant risk factor for development of DIC.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted a retrospective record review of all DIC screens submitted to our tertiary coagulation laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa, over a one year period and compared the laboratory presentation of DIC in PWH with presentation of DIC in patients without HIV infection.

RESULTS

Over the year, 246 patients fulfilled the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) diagnostic criteria for DIC- 108 were confirmed HIV-infected and 77 were confirmed uninfected. PWH and DIC presented at a significantly earlier age (41 vs 46 years respectively, p<0.02). The prothrombin time was significantly more prolonged (30.1s vs 26.s), the d-dimer levels were substantially higher (5.89mg/L vs 4.52mg/L) and the fibrinogen (3.92g/L vs 1.73g/L) and platelet levels (64.8 vs 114.8x109/l) were significantly lower in PWH. PWH also showed significant synthetic liver dysfunction and higher background inflammation.

CONCLUSION

PWH who fulfil the diagnostic criteria for DIC show significantly more dysregulation of the haemostatic system. This may reflect baseline abnormalities including endothelial dysfunction in the context of inflammation and liver dysfunction.

Rifampicin resistance and mortality in patients hospitalised with HIV-associated tuberculosis

Background

Patients with HIV and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) are at high risk of death.

Objectives

We investigated the association between rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) and mortality in a cohort of patients who were admitted to hospital at the time of TB diagnosis.

Method

Adults hospitalised at Khayelitsha Hospital and diagnosed with HIV-associated TB during admission, were enrolled between 2013 and 2016. Clinical, biochemical and microbiological data were prospectively collected and participants were followed up for 12 weeks.

Results

Participants with microbiologically confirmed TB (n = 482) were enrolled a median of two days (interquartile range [IQR]: 1-3 days) following admission. Fifty-three participants (11.0%) had RR-TB. Participants with rifampicin-susceptible TB (RS-TB) received appropriate treatment a median of one day (IQR: 1-2 days) following enrolment compared to three days (IQR: 1-9 days) in participants with RR-TB. Eight participants with RS-TB (1.9%) and six participants with RR-TB (11.3%) died prior to the initiation of appropriate treatment. Mortality at 12 weeks was 87/429 (20.3%) in the RS-TB group and 21/53 (39.6%) in the RR-TB group. RR-TB was a significant predictor of 12-week mortality (hazard ratio: 1.88; 95% confidence interval: 1.07-3.29; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Mortality at 12 weeks in participants with RR-TB was high compared to participants with RS-TB. Delays in the initiation of appropriate treatment and poorer regimen efficacy are proposed as contributors to higher mortality in hospitalised patients with HIV and RR-TB.

Accessing HIV care may lead to earlier ascertainment of comorbidities in health care clients in Khayelitsha, Cape Town

Successful antiretroviral rollout in South Africa has greatly increased the health of the HIV-positive population, and morbidity and mortality in PLHIV can increasingly be attributed to comorbidities rather than HIV/AIDS directly. Understanding this disease burden can inform health care planning for a growing population of ageing PLHIV. Anonymized routine administrative health data were analysed for all adults who accessed public health care in 2016-2017 in Khayelitsha subdistrict (Cape Town, South Africa). Selected comorbidities and age of ascertainment for comorbidities were described for all HIV-positive and HIV-negative healthcare clients, as well as for a subset of women who accessed maternal care. There were 172 937 adult individuals with a median age of 37 (IQR:30-48) years in the virtual cohort, of whom 48% (83 162) were HIV-positive. Median age of ascertainment for each comorbidity was lower in HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative healthcare clients, except in the case of tuberculosis. A subset of women who previously accessed maternal care, however, showed much smaller differences in the median age of comorbidity ascertainment between the group of HIV-positive and HIV-negative health care clients, except in the case of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Both HIV-positive individuals and women who link to maternal care undergo routine point-of-care screening for common diseases at younger ages, and this analysis suggests that this may lead to earlier diagnosis of common comorbidities in these groups. Exceptions include CKD, in which age of ascertainment appears lower in PLHIV than HIV-negative groups in all analyses suggesting that age of disease onset may indeed be earlier; and tuberculosis for which age of incidence has previously been shown to vary according to HIV status.

Incidence of HIV-positive admission and inpatient mortality in Malawi (2012-2019)

OBJECTIVE

To investigate trends in population incidence of HIV-positive hospital admission and risk of in-hospital death among adults living with HIV between 2012 and 2019 in Blantyre, Malawi.

DESIGN

Population cohort study using an existing electronic health information system ('SPINE') at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Blantyre census data.

METHODS

We used multiple imputation and negative binomial regression to estimate population age-specific and sex-specific admission rates over time. We used a log-binomial model to investigate trends in risk of in-hospital death.

RESULTS

Of 32 814 adult medical admissions during Q4 2012--Q3 2019, HIV status was recorded for 75.6%. HIV-positive admissions decreased substantially between 2012 and 2019. After imputation for missing data, HIV-positive admissions were highest in Q3 2013 (173 per 100 000 adult Blantyre residents) and lowest in Q3 2019 (53 per 100 000 residents). An estimated 10 818 fewer than expected people with HIV (PWH) [95% confidence interval (CI) 10 068-11 568] were admitted during 2012-2019 compared with the counterfactual situation where admission rates stayed the same throughout this period. Absolute reductions were greatest for women aged 25-34 years (2264 fewer HIV-positive admissions, 95% CI 2002-2526). In-hospital mortality for PWH was 23.5%, with no significant change over time in any age-sex group, and no association with antiretroviral therapy (ART) use at admission.

CONCLUSION

Rates of admission for adult PWH decreased substantially, likely because of large increases in community provision of HIV diagnosis, treatment and care. However, HIV-positive in-hospital deaths remain unacceptably high, despite improvements in ART coverage. A concerted research and implementation agenda is urgently needed to reduce inpatient deaths among PWH.

Cause of hospitalization and death in the antiretroviral era in Sub-Saharan Africa published 2008-2018: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Worldwide despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome still causes morbidity and mortality among patients. In Sub-Saharan Africa, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome remains a major public health concern. The aim of this study was to identify the causes of morbidity and mortality in the modern antiretroviral therapy era in Sub-Saharan Africa.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We searched relevant studies from 3 databases which are Google Scholar, PubMed, and CINAHL. Two review authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles in duplicate, extracted data, and assessed bias. Discrepancies were resolved by discussion or arbitration of a third review author. R software version 3.6.2 was used to analyze the data. Maximum values were used in order to show which disease was mostly spread out by looking at the highest prevalence reported. This systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO).

RESULTS

A total of 409 articles were obtained from the database search, finally 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for data extraction. Among them, 3 were conducted in Nigeria, 2 were conducted in Uganda, 3 were conducted in South Africa, 1 in Gabon, 1 in Ethiopia, 1 in Ghana, and 1 in Burkina Faso. In most of the included studies, tuberculosis was the leading cause of hospitalization which accounted for between 18% and 40.7% and it was also the leading cause of death and accounted for between 16% and 44.3%, except in 1 which reported anemia as the leading cause of hospitalization and in 2 which reported wasting syndrome and meningitis respectively as the leading causes of death. Opportunistic malignancies accounted between for 1.8% to 5% of hospitalization and 1.2% to 9.8% of deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Tuberculosis is the commonest cause of hospitalization and death in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it is always followed by other infectious disease and other non-AIDS related causes.

Infectious disease consultations at a South African academic hospital: A 6-month assessment of inpatient consultations

Background

Infectious diseases (IDs) dominate the disease profile in South Africa (SA) and the ID department is increasingly valuable. There has been little evaluation of the IDs consultation services in SA hospitals.

Methods

A qualitative review of ID inpatient consultations was performed over 6 months at a SA tertiary hospital. Prospectively entered data from each consultation were recorded on a computerised database and retrospectively analysed.

Results

749 ID consultations were analysed, 4.8% of hospital admissions. Most consultations included initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (27.8%), lipoarabinomannan antigen testing (24.8%) and change of ART (21.6%). Of patients reviewed, 93.3% were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive and the median CD4 count was 52 cells/mm³. The infectious diagnoses (excluding HIV) most frequently encountered were pulmonary and abdominal tuberculosis (TB) and acute gastroenteritis. When all subcategories of TB infection were combined, 42.9% were found to have TB. Patients had predominantly one (45.4%) or two (30.2%) infectious diagnoses in addition to HIV. Some (12%) had three infectious diagnoses during their admission. The number of diagnoses, both infectious (odds ratio [OR] 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-3.60) and non-infectious (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.25-4.11), was associated with increased odds of death.

Conclusion

The IDs department sees a high volume of patients compared to most developed countries. HIV, TB and their management dominate the workload. This study shows that HIV patients still have significant morbidity and mortality. The complexity of these patients indicates that specific expertise is required beyond that of the general physician.

Clinical, radiological, and laboratory predictors of a positive urine lipoarabinomannan test in sputum-scarce and sputum-negative patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis in two Johannesburg hospitals

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of mortality in persons living with HIV (PLWH). Sputum-based diagnosis of TB in patients with low CD4 counts is hampered by paucibacillary disease and consequent sputum scarcity or negative sputum results. Urine lipoarabinomannan (LAM) has shown promise in the point-of-care detection of TB in this patient subset but lacks sensitivity, and its exact role in a diagnostic algorithm for TB in South Africa remains to be clarified.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to better define the patient profile and the TB characteristics associated with a positive urine LAM (LAM+ve) test.

Method

This multicentre retrospective record review examined the clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics of hospitalised PLWH receiving urine LAM testing with sputum-scarce and/or negative sputum GeneXpert ^® (mycobacterium tuberculosis/resistance to rifampicin [MTB/RIF]) results.

Results

More than a third of patients, 121/342 (35%), were LAM+ve. The positive yield was greater in the sputum-scarce than the sputum-negative group, 66/156 (42%) versus 55/186 (30%), P = 0.0141, respectively. Patients who were LAM+ve were more likely to be confused (odds ratio [OR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2–3.7, P = 0.0045), have a higher median heart rate (P = 0.0135) and an elevated quick sepsis-related organ failure assessment score (≥ 2), OR = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.6–7.6, P = 0.0014. A LAM+ve test was significantly associated with disseminated TB (dTB), P < 0.0001, TB-related immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), P = 0.0035, and abdominal TB, P < 0.0001. Laboratory predictors of a LAM+ve status included renal dysfunction, P = 0.044, severe anaemia, P = 0.0116, and an elevated C-reactive protein, P = 0.0131. Of the 12 PLWH with disseminated non-TB mycobacteria cultured from the blood and/or bone marrow, n = 9 (75%) had a LAM+ve result (OR = 5.8, 95% CI = 1.6–20.8, P = 0.0053).

Conclusion

Urine LAM testing of hospitalised PLWH with suspected active TB had significant diagnostic utility in those that were sputum-scarce or sputum-negative. A LAM+ve result was associated with dTB, clinical and laboratory markers of severe illness, and TB-IRIS. Disseminated non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection of hospitalised PLWH may also yield urine LAM+ve results, and mycobacterial cultures must be checked in those non-responsive to conventional TB treatment. Selective use of the LAM test in the critically ill is likely to maximise the diagnostic yield, improve the test’s predictive value, and reduce the time to TB diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

HIV Infection as Risk Factor for Death among Hospitalized Persons with Candidemia, South Africa, 2012-2017

HIV-seropositive persons demonstrated increased adjusted risk for 30-day mortality and should be evaluated for intensive care.

We determined the effect of HIV infection on deaths among persons >18 months of age with culture-confirmed candidemia at 29 sentinel hospitals in South Africa during 2012–2017. Of 1,040 case-patients with documented HIV status and in-hospital survival data, 426 (41%) were HIV-seropositive. The in-hospital case-fatality rate was 54% (228/426) for HIV-seropositive participants and 37% (230/614) for HIV-seronegative participants (crude odds ratio [OR] 1.92, 95% CI 1.50–2.47; p<0.001). After adjusting for relevant confounders (n = 907), mortality rates were 1.89 (95% CI 1.38–2.60) times higher among HIV-seropositive participants than HIV-seronegative participants (p<0.001). Compared with HIV-seronegative persons, the stratum-specific adjusted mortality OR was higher among HIV-seropositive persons not managed in intensive care units (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.47–3.52; p<0.001) than among persons who were (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.00–2.43; p = 0.05). Outcomes among HIV-seropositive persons with candidemia might be improved with intensive care.

The HIV care cascade in sub-Saharan Africa: systematic review of published criteria and definitions

INTRODUCTION

The HIV care cascade examines the attrition of people living with HIV from diagnosis to the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and suppression of viral replication. We reviewed the literature from sub-Saharan Africa to assess the definitions used for the different steps in the HIV care cascade.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase and CINAHL for articles published from January 2004 to December 2020. Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies were included if they reported on at least one step of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 cascade or two steps of an extended 7-step cascade. A step was clearly defined if authors reported definitions for numerator and denominator, including the description of the eligible population and methods of assessment or measurement. The review protocol has been published and registered in Prospero.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Overall, 3364 articles were screened, and 82 studies from 19 countries met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were from Southern (38 studies, 34 from South Africa) and East Africa (29 studies). Fifty-eight studies (71.6%) were longitudinal, with a median follow-up of three years. The medium number of steps covered out of 7 steps was 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2 to 4); the median year of publication was 2015 (IQR 2013 to 2019). The number of different definitions for the numerators ranged from four definitions (for step "People living with HIV") to 21 (step "Viral suppression"). For the denominators, it ranged from three definitions ("Diagnosed and aware of HIV status") to 14 ("Viral suppression"). Only 12 studies assessed all three of the 90-90-90 steps. Most studies used longitudinal data, but denominator-denominator or denominator-numerator linkages over several steps were rare. Also, cascade data are lacking for many countries. Our review covers the academic literature but did not consider other data, such as government reports on the HIV care cascade. Also, it did not examine disengagement and reengagement in care.

CONCLUSIONS

The proportions of patients retained at each step of the HIV care cascade cannot be compared between studies, countries and time periods, nor meta-analysed, due to the many different definitions used for numerators and denominators. There is a need for standardization of methods and definitions.

HIV-Associated Cryptococcal Meningitis Patients Treated with Amphotericin B Deoxycholate Plus Flucytosine under Routine Care Conditions in a Referral Center in São Paulo, Brazil

BACKGROUND

Cryptococcal meningitis remains a common cause of mortality in low- and middle-income countries, where amphotericin B deoxycholate (amphotericin) plus fluconazole is the most common treatment. Flucytosine is almost uniformly absent as is outcome data on flucytosine use in routine care. The main goal of this study was identified the cumulative mortality at 2, 4, and 10 weeks after hospital admission.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study among HIV-infected adults with cryptococcal meningitis receiving amphotericin plus flucytosine as induction therapy in Brazil. We assessed cumulative mortality at 2, 4, and 10 weeks and the cumulative proportion discontinuating amphotericin or flucytosine due to toxicity at 2 weeks. We performed multiple logistic regression to identify variables associated with in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

In total, 77 individuals (n = 66 men) were included with median baseline CD4 of 29 (IQR, 9-68) cells/mcL. Twenty (26%) had at least one concurrent neurological disease diagnosed. Sixty (78%) patients received at least 14 days of amphotericin plus flucytosine. Cumulative mortality was 5% (4/77) at 2 weeks, 8% (6/77) at 4 weeks, and 19% (15/77) at 10 weeks. Cumulative proportion of patients that discontinuated amphotericin or flucytosine due to toxicity was 20% (16/77) at 2 weeks. In addition, in-hospital mortality was associated with receiving ≤ 10 days of induction therapy (odds ratio = 4.5, 95% CI 1.2-17.1, P = 0.028) or positive cerebrospinal fluid fungal culture after 2 weeks (odds ratio = 3.8, 95% CI 1.1-13.5, P = 0.035).

CONCLUSION

In this "real-world" study, amphotericin plus flucytosine shows low early mortality of patients with HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. Early discontinuation due to adverse events was moderate. More effective and safe antifungals are needed in order to improve the outcome of cryptococcal meningitis.

Virological failure, HIV-1 drug resistance, and early mortality in adults admitted to hospital in Malawi: an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up in sub-Saharan Africa combined with weak routine virological monitoring has driven increasing HIV drug resistance. We investigated ART failure, drug resistance, and early mortality among patients with HIV admitted to hospital in Malawi.

METHODS

This observational cohort study was nested within the rapid urine-based screening for tuberculosis to reduce AIDS-related mortality in hospitalised patients in Africa (STAMP) trial, which recruited unselected (ie, irrespective of clinical presentation) adult (aged ≥18 years) patients with HIV-1 at admission to medical wards. Patients were included in our observational cohort study if they were enrolled at the Malawi site (Zomba Central Hospital) and were taking ART for at least 6 months at admission. Patients who met inclusion criteria had frozen plasma samples tested for HIV-1 viral load. Those with HIV-1 RNA of at least 1000 copies per mL had drug resistance testing by ultra-deep sequencing, with drug resistance defined as intermediate or high-level resistance using the Stanford HIVDR program. Mortality risk was calculated 56 days from enrolment. Patients were censored at death, at 56 days, or at last contact if lost to follow-up. The modelling strategy addressed the causal association between HIV multidrug resistance and mortality, excluding factors on the causal pathway (most notably, CD4 cell count, clinical signs of advanced HIV, and poor functional and nutritional status).

FINDINGS

Of 1316 patients with HIV enrolled in the STAMP trial at the Malawi site between Oct 26, 2015, and Sept 19, 2017, 786 had taken ART for at least 6 months. 252 (32%) of 786 patients had virological failure (viral load ≥1000 copies per mL). Mean age was 41·5 years (SD 11·4) and 528 (67%) of 786 were women. Of 237 patients with HIV drug resistance results available, 195 (82%) had resistance to lamivudine, 128 (54%) to tenofovir, and 219 (92%) to efavirenz. Resistance to at least two drugs was common (196, 83%), and this was associated with increased mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1·7, 95% CI 1·2-2·4; p=0·0042).

INTERPRETATION

Interventions are urgently needed and should target ART clinic, hospital, and post-hospital care, including differentiated care focusing on patients with advanced HIV, rapid viral load testing, and routine access to drug resistance testing. Prompt diagnosis and switching to alternative ART could reduce early mortality among inpatients with HIV.

FUNDING

Joint Global Health Trials Scheme of the Medical Research Council, UK Department for International Development, and Wellcome Trust.

Management of active tuberculosis in adults with HIV

Every year, about 1 million people living with HIV worldwide develop tuberculosis. Although the drug regimens used to treat tuberculosis in these patients are the same as those used in HIV-negative patients, cotreatment of tuberculosis with antiretroviral therapy involves challenges including the optimal timing of antiretroviral initiation, drug-drug interactions, drug tolerability, and the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution syndrome. Furthermore, mortality is high in people with HIV who are diagnosed with tuberculosis during a hospital admission, and in those with tuberculous meningitis. Studies in this field have better characterised these challenges and informed optimal management and guideline revisions. In patients with tuberculosis, antiretroviral therapy improves survival, is well tolerated, and can be adjusted to manage drug-drug interactions with rifampicin. Prednisone is effective in both preventing and treating the paradoxical tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.

Early antituberculosis drug exposure in hospitalized patients with human immunodeficiency virus-associated tuberculosis

AIMS

Patients hospitalized at the time of human immunodeficiency virus-associated tuberculosis (HIV-TB) diagnosis have high early mortality. We hypothesized that compared to outpatients, there would be lower anti-TB drug exposure in hospitalized HIV-TB patients, and amongst hospitalized patients exposure would be lower in patients who die or have high lactate (a sepsis marker).

METHODS

We performed pharmacokinetic sampling in hospitalized HIV-TB patients and outpatients. Plasma rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide concentrations were measured in samples collected predose and at 1, 2.5, 4, 6 and 8 hours on the third day of standard anti-TB therapy. Twelve-week mortality was ascertained for inpatients. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Pharmacokinetic data were collected in 59 hospitalized HIV-TB patients and 48 outpatients. Inpatient 12-week mortality was 11/59 (19%). Rifampicin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide exposure was similar between hospitalized and outpatients (maximum concentration [C_max ]: 7.4 vs 8.3 μg mL^-1 , P = .223; 3.6 vs 3.5 μg mL^-1 , P = .569; 50.1 vs 46.8 μg mL^-1 , P = .081; area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 8 hours: 41.0 vs 43.8 mg h L^-1 , P = 0.290; 13.5 vs 12.4 mg h L^-1 , P = .630; 316.5 vs 292.2 mg h L^-1 , P = .164, respectively) and not lower in inpatients who died. Rifampicin and isoniazid C_max were below recommended ranges in 61% and 39% of inpatients and 44% and 35% of outpatients. Rifampicin exposure was higher in patients with lactate >2.2 mmol L^-1 .

CONCLUSION

Mortality in hospitalized HIV-TB patients was high. Early anti-TB drug exposure was similar to outpatients and not lower in inpatients who died. Rifampicin and isoniazid C_max were suboptimal in 61% and 39% of inpatients and rifampicin exposure was higher in patients with high lactate. Treatment strategies need to be optimized to improve survival.

Screening for invasive fungal disease using non-culture-based assays among inpatients with advanced HIV disease at a large academic hospital in South Africa

INTRODUCTION

Despite widespread access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), the burden of advanced HIV disease in South Africa is high. This translates into an increased risk of AIDS-related opportunistic infections, including invasive mycoses.

METHODS

Using a limited number of non-culture-based diagnostic assays, we aimed to determine the prevalence of invasive mycoses and tuberculosis among hospitalised adults with very advanced HIV (CD4 counts < 100 cells/µL) at a large academic hospital. We conducted interviews and prospective medical chart reviews. We performed point-of-care finger stick and serum cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assays; serum (1 → 3) ß-D-glucan assays; urine Histoplasma galactomannan antigen enzyme immunoassays and TB lipoarabinomannan assays.

RESULTS

We enrolled 189 participants from 5280 screened inpatients. Fifty-eight per cent were female, with median age 37 years (IQR: 30-43) and median CD4 count 32 cells/µL (IQR: 13-63). At enrolment, 60% (109/181) were receiving ART. Twenty-one participants (11%) had a diagnosis of an invasive mycosis, of whom 53% (11/21) had cryptococcal disease. Thirteen participants (7%) had tuberculosis and a concurrent invasive mycosis. ART-experienced participants were 60% less likely to have an invasive mycosis than those ART-naïve (adjusted OR: 0.4; 95% CI 0.15-1.0; P = .03). Overall in-hospital mortality was 13% (invasive mycosis: 10% [95% CI 1.2-30.7] versus other diagnoses: 13% (95% CI 8.4-19.3)).

CONCLUSIONS

One in ten participants had evidence of an invasive mycosis. Diagnosis of proven invasive fungal disease and differentiation from other opportunistic infections was challenging. More fungal-specific screening and diagnostic tests should be applied to inpatients with advanced HIV disease.

Occupational exposure to blood and body fluids and use of human immunodeficiency virus post-exposure prophylaxis amongst nurses in a Gauteng province hospital

Background

Healthcare facilities in South Africa are confronted by several challenges arising from Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune diseases syndrome infection pandemic. All categories of nurses continue to experience accidental occupational exposure to blood and body fluids (BBFs) of patients who are HIV-positive. Studies conducted revealed that nurses fail to report the occurrence of the exposures. This represents a serious challenge because they contract HIV infections whilst in the process of helping others.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to determine the occupational exposures and use of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) amongst nurses at the selected tertiary academic hospital, Tshwane district, Gauteng province, South Africa.

Methods

A quantitative descriptive study was conducted with 94 male and female clinical nurses, using a self-administered questionnaire that facilitated collection of biographical data, occupational exposures to BBFs and use of HIV PEP. The data analysis included univariate and bivariate descriptive analyses.

Results

Of the 94 nurses, n = 40 (43%) had been exposed to BBFs, either through sharp or needle prick injuries or splashes but only 16 (46%) of them reported the incident. Nurses were not keen to report accidental occupational exposures to BBFs in their own facility and rather sought HIV PEP outside their workplace. They gave different reasons for their behaviour. For example, ‘I did not know where to report’.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the gaps that exist in reporting occupational exposure to BBFs and obtaining HIV PEP. Therefore, we recommend evaluation of these occupational exposures to BBFs and the management thereof, as well as to address the identified problems.

Should we perform the serum cryptococcal antigen test in people living with HIV hospitalized due to a community-acquired pneumonia episode?

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of hospitalization among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH), particularly those with severe immunosuppression. Pulmonary disease due to cryptococcosis is uncommonly reported and likely under-diagnosed. There is scarce information about cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) prevalence in PLWH with CAP. The objectives of this study were to identify among PLWH who were hospitalized with CAP: (i) the prevalence of serum CrAg positivity, (ii) the proportion with asymptomatic vs. symptomatic cryptococcosis; and (iii) the prevalence of serum CrAg positivity in CD4+ T-cell count <100 cells/mm3. We performed a sub-analysis of a prospective cohort of hospitalized adults enrolled into a randomized clinical trial testing therapy for CAP. We included 202 participants who had serum CrAg testing performed. We found a 3.5% prevalence of serum CrAg-positivity overall, being higher (5.7%) in CD4+ T-cell count <100 cells/mm3. Overall, asymptomatic and symptomatic cryptococcosis were present in 2.0% and 1.5%, respectively. This study identifies a target population for CrAg testing: PLWH hospitalized with diagnosis of CAP, particularly those with CD4+ T-cell count <100 cells/mm3 where the number needed to test was 18 to detect 1 CrAg-positive person. This approach may facilitate the detection of asymptomatic cryptococcal infection and allow a timely diagnosis of symptomatic cryptococcal disease.

HIV-associated morbidity and mortality in a setting of high ART coverage: prospective surveillance results from a district hospital in Botswana

INTRODUCTION

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly improved survival in Africa in recent years. In Botswana, where adult HIV prevalence is 21.9%, AIDS-related mortality is estimated to have declined by 58% between 2005 and 2013 following the initial wide-spread introduction of ART, and ART coverage has steadily increased reaching 84% in 2016. However, there remains little data about the burden of HIV and its impact on mortality in the hospital setting where most deaths occur. We aimed to describe the burden of HIV and related morbidity and mortality among hospitalized medical patients in a district hospital in southern Botswana in the era of widespread ART coverage.

METHODS

We prospectively reviewed medical admissions to Scottish Livingstone Hospital from December 2015 to November 2017 and recorded HIV status, demographics, clinical characteristics and final diagnoses at discharge, death or transfer. We ascertained outcomes and determined factors associated with mortality. Results were compared with similar surveillance data collected at the same facility in 2011 to 2012.

RESULTS

A total of 2316 admissions occurred involving 1969 patients; 42.4% were of HIV-positive patients, 46.9% of HIV-negative patients and 10.7% of patients with unknown HIV status. Compared to HIV-negative patients, HIV-positive patients had younger age (mean 42 vs. 64 years, p < 0.0001) and higher mortality (22.2% vs. 18.0%, p = 0.03). Tuberculosis was the leading diagnosis among mortality cases in both groups but accounted for a higher proportion of deaths among HIV-positive admissions (44.5%) compared with HIV-negative admissions (19.4%, p < 0.0001). Compared with similar surveillance in 2011 to 2012, HIV prevalence was lower (42.4% vs. 47.6%, p < 0.01), and among HIV-positive admissions: ART coverage was higher (72.2% vs. 56.2%, p < 0.0001), viral load suppression was similar (78.6% vs. 80.3%, p = 0.77), CD4 counts were higher (55.0% vs. 44.6% with CD4 ≥200 cells/mm3 , p < 0.001), mortality was similar (22.2 vs. 22.7%, p = 0.93), tuberculosis diagnoses increased (27.5% vs. 20.1%, p < 0.01) and tuberculosis-associated mortality was higher (35.9% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high ART-coverage in Botswana, HIV-positive patients continue to be disproportionately represented among hospital admissions and deaths. Deaths from tuberculosis may be contributing to lack of reduction in inpatient mortality. Our findings suggest that control of HIV and tuberculosis remain top priorities for reducing inpatient mortality in Botswana.

Long-term adherence to antiretroviral therapy in a South African adult patient cohort: a retrospective study

Background

South Africa has the highest HIV prevalence and supports the largest antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme globally. With the introduction of a test and treat policy, ensuring long term optimal adherence to ART (≥95%) is essential for successful patient and public health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess long-term ART adherence to inform best practices for chronic HIV care.

Method

Long-term ART adherence was retrospectively analysed over a median duration of 5 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 5.3–6.5) in patients initially enrolled in a randomised controlled trial assessing tuberculosis and HIV treatment integration and subsequently followed post-trial in an observational cohort study in Durban, South Africa. The association between baseline patient characteristics and adherence over time was estimated using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Adherence was assessed using pharmacy pill counts conducted at each study visit and compared to 6 monthly viral load measurements. A Kaplan Meier survival analysis was used to estimate time to treatment failure. The McNemar test (with exact p-values) was used to determine the effect of pill burden and concurrent ART and tuberculosis treatment on adherence.

Results

Of the 270 patients included in the analysis; 54.8% were female, median age was 34 years (IQR:29–40) and median time on ART was 70 months (IQR = 64–78). Mean adherence was ≥95% for each year on ART. Stable patients provided with an extended 3-month ART supply maintained adherence > 99%. At study end, 96 and 94% of patients were optimally adherent and virologically suppressed, respectively. Time since ART initiation, female gender and primary breadwinner status were significantly associated with ≥95% adherence to ART. The cumulative probability of treatment failure was 10.7% at 5 years after ART initiation. Concurrent ART and tuberculosis treatment, or switching to a second line ART regimen with higher pill burden, did not impair ART adherence.

Conclusion

Optimal long-term adherence with successful treatment outcomes are possible within a structured ART programme with close adherence monitoring. This adherence support approach is relevant to a resource limited setting adopting a test and treat strategy.

Baseline CD4 and mortality trends in the South African human immunodeficiency virus programme: Analysis of routine data

Background

Despite widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa, there remains a considerable burden of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related morbidity and mortality.

Objectives

To describe ART initiation and outcome trends over time, with a focus on clients presenting with advanced HIV-infection, so as to identify interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Methods

Routine TIER.Net data from HIV-infected adults who had a documented baseline CD4 count and were newly initiating ART in Johannesburg or Mopani districts from 2004 to 2017 were analysed. Trends in baseline CD4 count and 5-year mortality were investigated and the population initiating ART with CD4 < 200 cells/mm³ was described.

Results

The Johannesburg and Mopani data sets comprised 203 131 and 101 814 records, respectively. Although median CD4 count increased over time, the proportion of initiations at CD4 < 200 cells/mm³ in 2017 remained high (Johannesburg 39%, Mopani 35%). Mortality was significantly increased among clients with CD4 < 200 compared to those with higher baseline counts (p < 0.001). Even though mortality among clients with low CD4 declined over time, likely because of improved drug regimens, in 2016-2017 mortality was still significantly increased among these clients (p < 0.001). Delivery of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis to clients with low CD4 declined over time to < 30% in 2017 and was associated with clinical stage. Presentation with CD4 < 200 cells/mm³ was associated with older age, male gender and hospitalisation.

Conclusion

A concerningly large proportion of South Africans still initiate ART at low CD4 counts. This is associated with increased mortality and requires targeted interventions to improve delivery of prophylactic regimens and early engagement in care.

Care Continuum and Postdischarge Outcomes Among HIV-Infected Adults Admitted to the Hospital in Zambia

Background

We characterized the extent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) experience and postdischarge mortality among hospitalized HIV-infected adults in Zambia.

Methods

At a central hospital with an opt-out HIV testing program, we enrolled HIV-infected adults (18+ years) admitted to internal medicine using a population-based sampling frame. Critically ill patients were excluded. Participants underwent a questionnaire regarding their HIV care history and CD4 count and viral load (VL) testing. We followed participants to 3 months after discharge. We analyzed prior awareness of HIV-positive status, antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, and VL suppression (VS; <1000 copies/mL). Using Cox proportional hazards regression, we assessed risk factors for mortality.

Results

Among 1283 adults, HIV status was available for 1132 (88.2%), and 762 (67.3%) were HIV-positive. In the 239 who enrolled, the median age was 36 years, 59.7% were women, and the median CD4 count was 183 cells/mm³. Active tuberculosis or Cryptococcus coinfection was diagnosed in 82 (34.3%); 93.3% reported prior awareness of HIV status, and 86.2% had ever started ART. In the 64.0% with >6 months on ART, 74.4% had VS. The majority (92.5%) were discharged, and by 3 months, 48 (21.7%) had died. Risk of postdischarge mortality increased with decreasing CD4, and there was a trend toward reduced risk in those treated for active tuberculosis.

Conclusions

Most HIV-related hospitalizations and deaths may now occur among ART-experienced vs -naïve individuals in Zambia. Development and evaluation of inpatient interventions are needed to mitigate the high risk of death in the postdischarge period.

Readmission and death following hospitalization among people with HIV in South Africa

BACKGROUND

Additional approaches are needed to identify and provide targeted interventions to populations at continued risk for HIV-associated mortality. We sought to describe care utilization and mortality following an index hospitalization for people with HIV in South Africa.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study among hospitalized patients admitted to medicine wards at a single hospital serving a large catchment area. Participants were followed to 6 months post-discharge. Hospital records were used to describe overall admission numbers and inpatient mortality. Poisson regression was used to assess for associations between readmission or death and independent variables.

RESULTS

Of 124 enrolled participants, 121 lived to hospital discharge. At the time of discharge the median length of stay of sampled patients was 5.5 days and 105 (87%) participants were referred for follow-up, most within 2 weeks of discharge. By 6 months post-discharge, only 18% of participants had attended the clinic to which they were referred and within the referred timeframe; 64 (53%) had been readmitted at least once and 31 (26%) had died. Self-reported skipping care due to difficulty in access (relative risk 1.3, p = 0.02) and not attending follow-up care on time or at the scheduled clinic or not attending clinic at all (relative risk 1.8 and 2.4, respectively, p = 0.001) were associated with readmission or mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The post-hospital period is a period of medical vulnerability and high mortality. Improving post-hospital retention in care may reduce post-hospital mortality.

Clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic determinants of mortality in hospitalized patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In high-burden settings, case fatality rates are reported to be between 11% and 32% in hospitalized patients with HIV-associated tuberculosis, yet the underlying causes of mortality remain poorly characterized. Understanding causes of mortality could inform the development of novel management strategies to improve survival. We aimed to assess clinical and microbiologic determinants of mortality and to characterize the pathophysiological processes underlying death by evaluating host soluble inflammatory mediators and determined the relationship between these mediators and death as well as biomarkers of disseminated tuberculosis.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Adult patients with HIV hospitalized with a new diagnosis of HIV-associated tuberculosis were enrolled in Cape Town between 2014 and 2016. Detailed tuberculosis diagnostic testing was performed. Biomarkers of tuberculosis dissemination and host soluble inflammatory mediators at baseline were assessed. Of 682 enrolled participants, 576 with tuberculosis (487/576, 84.5% microbiologically confirmed) were included in analyses. The median age was 37 years (IQR = 31-43), 51.2% were female, and the patients had advanced HIV with a median cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count of 58 cells/L (IQR = 21-120) and a median HIV viral load of 5.1 log10 copies/mL (IQR = 3.3-5.7). Antituberculosis therapy was initiated in 566/576 (98.3%) and 487/576 (84.5%) started therapy within 48 hours of enrolment. Twelve-week mortality was 124/576 (21.5%), with 46/124 (37.1%) deaths occurring within 7 days of enrolment. Clinical and microbiologic determinants of mortality included disseminated tuberculosis (positive urine lipoarabinomannan [LAM], urine Xpert MTB/RIF, or tuberculosis blood culture in 79.6% of deaths versus 60.7% of survivors, p = 0.001), sepsis syndrome (high lactate in 50.8% of deaths versus 28.9% of survivors, p < 0.001), and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (16.9% of deaths versus 7.2% of survivors, p = 0.002). Using non-supervised two-way hierarchical cluster and principal components analyses, we describe an immune profile dominated by mediators of the innate immune system and chemotactic signaling (interleukin-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1Ra], IL-6, IL-8, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta [MIP-1β]/C-C motif chemokine ligand 4 [CCL4], interferon gamma-induced protein-10 [IP-10]/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 [CXCL10], MIP-1 alpha [MIP-1α]/CCL3), which segregated participants who died from those who survived. This immune profile was associated with mortality in a Cox proportional hazards model (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.2, 95%CI = 1.9-2.7, p < 0.001) and with detection of biomarkers of disseminated tuberculosis. Clinicians attributing causes of death identified tuberculosis as a cause or one of the major causes of death in 89.5% of cases. We did not perform longitudinal sampling and did not have autopsy-confirmed causes of death.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we did not identify a major contribution from coinfections to these deaths. Disseminated tuberculosis, sepsis syndrome, and rifampicin resistance were associated with mortality. An immune profile dominated by mediators of the innate immune system and chemotactic signaling was associated with both tuberculosis dissemination and mortality. These findings provide pathophysiologic insights into underlying causes of mortality and could be used to inform the development of novel treatment strategies and to develop methods to risk stratify patients to appropriately target novel interventions. Causal relationships cannot be established from this study.

Population Pharmacokinetics with Monte Carlo Simulations of Gentamicin in a Population of Severely Ill Adult Patients from Sub-Saharan Africa

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), gentamicin is commonly used for severe infections in non-intensive-care-unit (ICU) settings, but pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data for this specific population are lacking. We performed a population pharmacokinetic study in an adult Mozambican non-ICU hospital population treated with gentamicin (n = 48) and developed a pharmacokinetic model using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Simulations showed that non-ICU patient populations in SSA may be at substantial risk for underexposure to gentamicin during routine once-daily dosing.

Adrenal Insufficiency: A Forgotten Diagnosis in HIV/AIDS Patients in Developing Countries

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is one of the most common endocrine disease in patients with HIV/AIDS, leading to high morbidity and mortality in HIV patients who become critically ill. Various etiologies are associated with the condition, including cytomegalovirus (CMV), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, and drugs such as rifampin, among others. HIV patients with advanced disease develop relative cortisol deficiency largely due to the reduction of cortisol reserve, which predisposes patients to adrenal crisis in periods of stress or critical illness. The prevalence of AI in HIV/AIDS patients during HAART era is higher in developing than developed countries, probably due to limited access to both diagnosis and adequate treatments which increases the risk of opportunistic infections. The clinical features of functional adrenal insufficiency in HIV/AIDS patients can be masked by various infectious, noninfectious, and iatrogenic causes, which reduce clinical recognition of the condition. Development of simple screening algorithms may help clinicians reach the diagnosis when approaching these patients. In many low-income countries, most HIV patients are diagnosed with advanced disease; thus, further research is necessary to elucidate the prevalence of adrenal insufficiency in HIV/AIDS patients and the condition's impact on mortality in this population.

Hospitalization of HIV positive patients in a referral tertiary care hospital in Antananarivo Madagascar, 2010-2016: Trends, causes and outcome

BACKGROUND

During the last few years, significant efforts have been made to improve access to antiretroviral therapy which led to dramatic reduction in AIDS-related events and mortality in HIV positive patients at the global level. However, current data in Africa suggested modest impact of widespread antiretroviral therapy scale-up especially regarding HIV-related hospitalization. In this study, we aimed to describe causes of hospitalization and factors associated with AIDS-defining events and inpatient mortality.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on medical records of HIV positive patients admitted for at least 24 hours in the Infectious Diseases Unit of the University Hospital Joseph Raseta Befelatanana Antananarivo. Cause of hospitalization was considered as the main diagnosis related to the symptoms at admission. Diagnostic criteria were based on criteria described in WHO guidelines. AIDS-defining events were defined as diseases corresponding to WHO stage 4 or category C of CDC classification.

RESULTS

From 2010 to 2016, 236 hospital admissions were included. AIDS-defining events were the most frequent cause of hospitalization (61.9%) with an increasing trend during the study period. Tuberculosis (28.4%), pneumocystis pneumonia (11.4%), cerebral toxoplasmosis (7.2%) and cryptococcosis (5.5%) were the most frequent AIDS-defining events. Tuberculosis was also the most frequent cause of overall hospitalization. In multivariate analysis, recent HIV diagnosis (aOR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0-3.9), CD4<200 cells/μl (aOR = 4.0, 95%CI: 1.9-8.1), persistent fever (aOR = 4.4, 95%CI: 2.1-9.0), duration of symptoms≥ 6 weeks (aOR = 2.6, 95%CI: 1.2-5.4) were associated with AIDS-defining events. Overall inpatient mortality was 19.5%. Age≥55 years (aOR = 4.9, 95%CI: 1.5-16.6), neurological signs (aOR = 3.2, 95%CI: 1.5-6.9) and AIDS-defining events (aOR = 2.9, 95%CI: 1.2--7.2) were associated with inpatient mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

AIDS-defining events were the most frequent cause of hospitalization during the study period. Factors associated with AIDS-defining events mostly reflected delay in HIV diagnosis. Factors associated with mortality were advanced age, neurological signs and AIDS-defining events.

Rapid urine-based screening for tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients admitted to hospital in Africa (STAMP): a pragmatic, multicentre, parallel-group, double-blind, randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Current diagnostics for HIV-associated tuberculosis are suboptimal, with missed diagnoses contributing to high hospital mortality and approximately 374 000 annual HIV-positive deaths globally. Urine-based assays have a good diagnostic yield; therefore, we aimed to assess whether urine-based screening in HIV-positive inpatients for tuberculosis improved outcomes.

METHODS

We did a pragmatic, multicentre, double-blind, randomised controlled trial in two hospitals in Malawi and South Africa. We included HIV-positive medical inpatients aged 18 years or more who were not taking tuberculosis treatment. We randomly assigned patients (1:1), using a computer-generated list of random block size stratified by site, to either the standard-of-care or the intervention screening group, irrespective of symptoms or clinical presentation. Attending clinicians made decisions about care; and patients, clinicians, and the study team were masked to the group allocation. In both groups, sputum was tested using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert; Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). In the standard-of-care group, urine samples were not tested for tuberculosis. In the intervention group, urine was tested with the Alere Determine TB-LAM Ag (TB-LAM; Alere, Waltham, MA, USA), and Xpert assays. The primary outcome was all-cause 56-day mortality. Subgroup analyses for the primary outcome were prespecified based on baseline CD4 count, haemoglobin, clinical suspicion for tuberculosis; and by study site and calendar time. We used an intention-to-treat principle for our analyses. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN71603869.

FINDINGS

Between Oct 26, 2015, and Sept 19, 2017, we screened 4788 HIV-positive adults, of which 2600 (54%) were randomly assigned to the study groups (n=1300 for each group). 13 patients were excluded after randomisation from analysis in each group, leaving 2574 in the final intention-to-treat analysis (n=1287 in each group). At admission, 1861 patients were taking antiretroviral therapy and median CD4 count was 227 cells per μL (IQR 79-436). Mortality at 56 days was reported for 272 (21%) of 1287 patients in the standard-of-care group and 235 (18%) of 1287 in the intervention group (adjusted risk reduction [aRD] -2·8%, 95% CI -5·8 to 0·3; p=0·074). In three of the 12 prespecified, but underpowered subgroups, mortality was lower in the intervention group than in the standard-of-care group for CD4 counts less than 100 cells per μL (aRD -7·1%, 95% CI -13·7 to -0·4; p=0.036), severe anaemia (-9·0%, -16·6 to -1·3; p=0·021), and patients with clinically suspected tuberculosis (-5·7%, -10·9 to -0·5; p=0·033); with no difference by site or calendar period. Adverse events were similar in both groups.

INTERPRETATION

Urine-based tuberculosis screening did not reduce overall mortality in all HIV-positive inpatients, but might benefit some high-risk subgroups. Implementation could contribute towards global targets to reduce tuberculosis mortality.

FUNDING

Joint Global Health Trials Scheme of the Medical Research Council, the UK Department for International Development, and the Wellcome Trust.

Scaling up ART adherence clubs in the public sector health system in the Western Cape, South Africa: a study of the institutionalisation of a pilot innovation

BACKGROUND

In 2011, a decision was made to scale up a pilot innovation involving 'adherence clubs' as a form of differentiated care for HIV positive people in the public sector antiretroviral therapy programme in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. In 2016 we were involved in the qualitative aspect of an evaluation of the adherence club model, the overall objective of which was to assess the health outcomes for patients accessing clubs through epidemiological analysis, and to conduct a health systems analysis to evaluate how the model of care performed at scale. In this paper we adopt a complex adaptive systems lens to analyse planned organisational change through intervention in a state health system. We explore the challenges associated with taking to scale a pilot that began as a relatively simple innovation by a non-governmental organisation.

RESULTS

Our analysis reveals how a programme initially representing a simple, unitary system in terms of management and clinical governance had evolved into a complex, differentiated care system. An innovation that was assessed as an excellent idea and received political backing, worked well whilst supported on a small scale. However, as scaling up progressed, challenges have emerged at the same time as support has waned. We identified a 'tipping point' at which the system was more likely to fail, as vulnerabilities magnified and the capacity for adaptation was exceeded. Yet the study also revealed the impressive capacity that a health system can have for catalysing novel approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

We argue that innovation in largescale, complex programmes in health systems is a continuous process that requires ongoing support and attention to new innovation as challenges emerge. Rapid scaling up is also likely to require recourse to further resources, and a culture of iterative learning to address emerging challenges and mitigate complex system errors. These are necessary steps to the future success of adherence clubs as a cornerstone of differentiated care. Further research is needed to assess the equity and quality outcomes of a differentiated care model and to ensure the inclusive distribution of the benefits to all categories of people living with HIV.

Pharmacokinetics of Antibiotics in Sub-Saharan African Patient Populations: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), severe febrile illness accounts for a large majority of medical admissions. SSA patients may also suffer from cachexia and organ dysfunction resulting from tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and hypertension. It is hard to tell how these conditions influence the pharmacokinetics (PK) of antibiotics in this population. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize antibiotic PK data of SSA adult patient populations to clarify whether inappropriate drug concentrations that may also lead to antimicrobial resistance are likely to occur.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the African Index Medicus collecting studies from 1946 to May 2016. Reviewers independently selected studies reporting outcome data on volume of distribution (V), clearance, and half-life. Relevant information was abstracted and quality assessed.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were selected, addressing 6 antibiotic classes. There were 6 studies on fluoroquinolones and 1 on β-lactam antibiotics. Nine out of 12 originated from South Africa and 6 of those dealt with intensive care unit (ICU) populations. The quality of most studies was low. Studies on amikacin, teicoplanin, and ertapenem (n = 4) displayed a pattern of a large V with low drug concentrations. Fluoroquinolone PK changes were less prominent and more diverse whereas the probability of pharmacodynamic target attainment was low for the treatment of tuberculosis in South Africa. Interindividual variability of V was high for 10/12 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic PK data of SSA adult patient populations are scarce, but disease-induced inappropriate drug concentrations do occur. Data from non-ICU, severely ill patients, and β-lactam data are particularly lacking, whereas β-lactam antibiotics are commonly used, and typically vulnerable to disease-induced PK changes. Studies investigating the PK and pharmacodynamics of β-lactam antibiotics in severely ill, adult SSA patient populations are needed to improve local antibiotic dosing strategies.

Persistent High Burden of Advanced HIV Disease Among Patients Seeking Care in South Africa's National HIV Program: Data From a Nationwide Laboratory Cohort

Background

The South African national HIV program has increased antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage over the last decade, supported by policy changes allowing for earlier ART initiation. However, many patients still enter care with advanced (<200 cells/μL) and very advanced (<100 cells/μL) HIV disease. We assessed disease progression at entry to care using nationwide laboratory data.

Methods

We constructed a national HIV cohort using laboratory records containing HIV RNA loads and CD4 counts from 2004 to 2016 to determine entry into care. We estimated numbers and proportions of adults with the first CD4 count <100 cells/ μL or 100-199 cells/μL. We calculated relative risks of presenting with advanced disease associated with male sex.

Results

8.04 million first CD4 results were identified. From 2005 to 2011, the proportion of patients entering into care with CD4 count <200 cells/μL declined from 46.8% to 35.6%. From 2011 onward, the proportion of patients entering ART with advanced HIV disease has remained relatively unchanged. In 2016, we estimated that of 654 868 patients entering care, 32.9% had advanced HIV disease, and 16.8% had very advanced HIV disease. Men were almost twice as likely as women (23.1% vs 12.6% ) to enter care with very advanced HIV disease.

Conclusions

The proportion of patients presenting with advanced HIV disease in South Africa remains consistently high despite ART scale-up, representing a large and avoidable burden of morbidity. Early HIV diagnosis, rapid linkage to ART and approaches to attract men into early ART initiation should be prioritized.

The Continuing Burden of Advanced HIV Disease Over 10 Years of Increasing Antiretroviral Therapy Coverage in South Africa

Background

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) has been massively scaled up to decrease human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related morbidity, mortality, and HIV transmission. However, despite documented increases in ART coverage, morbidity and mortality have remained substantial. This study describes trends in the numbers and characteristics of patients with very advanced HIV disease in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Methods

Annual cross-sectional snapshots of CD4 distributions were described over 10 years, derived from a province-wide cohort of all HIV patients receiving CD4 cell count testing in the public sector. Patients with a first CD4 count <50 cells/µL in each year were characterized with respect to prior CD4 and viral load testing, ART access, and retention in ART care.

Results

Patients attending HIV care for the first time initially constituted the largest group of those with CD4 count <50 cells/µL, dropping proportionally over the decade from 60.9% to 26.7%. By contrast, the proportion who were ART experienced increased from 14.3% to 56.7%. In patients with CD4 counts <50 cells/µL in 2016, 51.8% were ART experienced, of whom 76% could be confirmed to be off ART or had recent viremia. More than half who were ART experienced with a CD4 count <50 cells/µL in 2016 were men, compared to approximately one-third of all patients on ART in the same year.

Conclusions

Ongoing HIV-associated morbidity now results largely from treatment-experienced patients not being in continuous care or not being fully virologically suppressed. Innovative interventions to retain ART patients in effective care are an essential priority for the ongoing HIV response.

High Proportions of Patients With Advanced HIV Are Antiretroviral Therapy Experienced: Hospitalization Outcomes From 2 Sub-Saharan African Sites

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains an important cause of hospitalization and death in low- and middle- income countries. Yet morbidity and in-hospital mortality patterns remain poorly characterized, with prior antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure and treatment failure status largely unknown.

Methods

We studied HIV-infected inpatients aged ≥13 years from cohorts in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), assessing clinical and demographic characteristics and hospitalization outcomes. Kenyan inpatients were prospectively enrolled during hospitalization; identical retrospective data were extracted for Congolese patients meeting the study criteria using routine medical information.

Results

Among 338 HIV-infected patients in Kenya and 411 in DRC, 83.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.4%-87.3%) and 97.3% (95% CI, 95.2%-98.5%), were admitted with advanced disease (defined as CD4 <200 cells/µL or World Health Organization stage 3/4 illness). Among inpatients with advanced HIV, 35.4% and 21.7% were ART-naive at admission. Patients under care had a median time of 44.1 (interquartile range [IQR], 18.4-90.5) months and 55.9 (IQR, 28.1-99.6) months on treatment; 17.2% (95% CI, 13.5%-21.6%) and 29.6% (95% CI, 25.4%-34.3%) died, 25.9% (95% CI, 16.0%-39.0%) and 22.5% (95% CI, 15.8%-31.0%) of these within 48 hours.

Conclusions

Across 2 diverse clinical contexts in sub-Saharan Africa, advanced HIV inpatients were frequently admitted with low CD4 counts, often failing first-line ART. Earlier identification of treatment failure and rapid switching to second-line ART are needed.

Hospitalization causes and outcomes in HIV patients in the late antiretroviral era in Colombia

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has modified the natural history of HIV-infection: the incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs) has decreased and mortality associated to HIV has improved dramatically. The reasons for hospitalization have changed; OIs are no longer the most common reason for admission. This study describes the patient population, admission diagnosis and hospital course of HIV patients in Colombia in the ART era.

Methods

Patients admitted with HIV/AIDS at six hospitals in Medellin, Colombia between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015 were included. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were prospectively collected.

Results

551 HIV-infected patients were admitted: 76.0% were male, the median age was 37 (30–49). A new diagnosis of HIV was made in 22.0% of patients during the index admission. 56.0% of patients of the entire cohort had been diagnosed with HIV for more than 1 year and 68.9% were diagnosed in an advanced stage of the disease. More than 50.0% of patients had CD4 counts less than 200 CD4 cells/μL and viral loads greater than 100,000 copies. The main reasons for hospital admissions were OIs, tuberculosis, esophageal candidiasis and Toxoplasma encephalitis. The median hospital stay was 14 days (IQR 8–23). Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) was required in 10.3% of patients and 14.3% were readmitted to the hospital; mortality was 5.4%.

Conclusions

Similar to other countries in the developing world, in Colombia, the leading cause of hospitalization among HIV-infected patients remain opportunistic infections. However, in-hospital mortality was low, similar to those described for high-income countries. Strategies to monitor and optimize the adherence and retention in HIV programs are fundamental to maximize the benefit of ART.

Contemporary disengagement from antiretroviral therapy in Khayelitsha, South Africa: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Retention in care is an essential component of meeting the UNAIDS "90-90-90" HIV treatment targets. In Khayelitsha township (population ~500,000) in Cape Town, South Africa, more than 50,000 patients have received antiretroviral therapy (ART) since the inception of this public-sector program in 2001. Disengagement from care remains an important challenge. We sought to determine the incidence of and risk factors associated with disengagement from care during 2013-2014 and outcomes for those who disengaged.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients ≥10 years of age who visited 1 of the 13 Khayelitsha ART clinics from 2013-2014 regardless of the date they initiated ART. We described the cumulative incidence of first disengagement (>180 days not attending clinic) between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014 using competing risks methods, enabling us to estimate disengagement incidence up to 10 years after ART initiation. We also described risk factors for disengagement based on a Cox proportional hazards model, using multiple imputation for missing data. We ascertained outcomes (death, return to care, hospital admission, other hospital contact, alive but not in care, no information) after disengagement until 30 June 2015 using province-wide health databases and the National Death Registry. Of 39,884 patients meeting our eligibility criteria, the median time on ART to 31 December 2014 was 33.6 months (IQR 12.4-63.2). Of the total study cohort, 592 (1.5%) died in the study period, 1,231 (3.1%) formally transferred out, 987 (2.5%) were silent transfers and visited another Western Cape province clinic within 180 days, 9,005 (22.6%) disengaged, and 28,069 (70.4%) remained in care. Cumulative incidence of disengagement from care was estimated to be 25.1% by 2 years and 50.3% by 5 years on ART. Key factors associated with disengagement (age, male sex, pregnancy at ART start [HR 1.58, 95% CI 1.47-1.69], most recent CD4 count) and retention (ART club membership, baseline CD4) after adjustment were similar to those found in previous studies; however, notably, the higher hazard of disengagement soon after starting ART was no longer present after adjusting for these risk factors. Of the 9,005 who disengaged, the 2 most common initial outcomes were return to ART care after 180 days (33%; n = 2,976) and being alive but not in care in the Western Cape (25%; n = 2,255). After disengagement, a total of 1,459 (16%) patients were hospitalized and 237 (3%) died. The median follow-up from date of disengagement to 30 June 2015 was 16.7 months (IQR 11-22.4). As we included only patient follow-up from 2013-2014 by design in order to maximize the generalizability of our findings to current programs, this limited our ability to more fully describe temporal trends in first disengagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Twenty-three percent of ART patients in the large cohort of Khayelitsha, one of the oldest public-sector ART programs in South Africa, disengaged from care at least once in a contemporary 2-year period. Fifty-eight percent of these patients either subsequently returned to care (some "silently") or remained alive without hospitalization, suggesting that many who are considered "lost" actually return to care, and that misclassification of "lost" patients is likely common in similar urban populations. A challenge to meeting ART retention targets is developing, testing, and implementing program designs to target mobile populations and retain them in lifelong care. This should be guided by risk factors for disengagement and improving interlinkage of routine information systems to better support patient care across complex care platforms.

Disseminated tuberculosis among hospitalised HIV patients in South Africa: a common condition that can be rapidly diagnosed using urine-based assays

HIV-associated disseminated TB (tuberculosis) has been under-recognised and poorly characterised. Blood culture is the gold-standard diagnostic test, but is expensive, slow, and may under-diagnose TB dissemination. In a cohort of hospitalised HIV patients, we aimed to report the prevalence of TB-blood-culture positivity, performance of rapid diagnostics as diagnostic surrogates, and better characterise the clinical phenotype of disseminated TB. HIV-inpatients were systematically investigated using sputum, urine and blood testing. Overall, 132/410 (32.2%) patients had confirmed TB; 41/132 (31.1%) had a positive TB blood culture, of these 9/41 (22.0%) died within 90-days. In contrast to sputum diagnostics, urine Xpert and urine-lipoarabinomannan (LAM) combined identified 88% of TB blood-culture-positive patients, including 9/9 who died within 90-days. For confirmed-TB patients, half the variation in major clinical variables was captured on two principle components (PCs). Urine Xpert, urine LAM and TB-blood-culture positive patients clustered similarly on these axes, distinctly from patients with localised disease. Total number of positive tests from urine Xpert, urine LAM and MTB-blood-culture correlated with PCs (p < 0.001 for both). PC1&PC2 independently predicted 90-day mortality (ORs 2.6, 95%CI = 1.3-6.4; and 2.4, 95%CI = 1.3-4.5, respectively). Rather than being a non-specific diagnosis, disseminated TB is a distinct, life-threatening condition, which can be diagnosed using rapid urine-based tests, and warrants specific interventional trials.