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Akpan U, Nwanja E, Ukpong KA, Toyo O, Nwaokoro P, Sanwo O, Gana B, Badru T, Idemudia A, Pandey SR, Khamofu H, Bateganya M. Reaching Viral Suppression Among People With HIV With Suspected Treatment Failure who Received Enhanced Adherence Counseling in Southern Nigeria: A Retrospective Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2022; 9:ofac651. [PMID: 36589481 PMCID: PMC9792083 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofac651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study assessed viral load (VL) testing and viral suppression following enhanced adherence counseling (EAC) among people with HIV (PWH) with suspected treatment failure and identified factors associated with persistent viremia. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of electronic medical records of PWH aged 15 years or older who had received antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 6 months as of December 2020 and had a high viral load (HVL; ≥1000 copies/mL) across 22 comprehensive HIV treatment facilities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Patients with HVL were expected to receive 3 EAC sessions delivered in person or virtually and repeat VL testing upon completion of EAC and after documented good adherence. At 6 months post-EAC enrollment, we reviewed the data to determine client uptake of 1 or more EAC sessions, completion of 3 EAC sessions, a repeat viral load (VL) test conducted post-EAC, and persistent viremia with a VL of ≥1000 copies/mL. Selected sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed to identify factors associated with persistent viremia using SPSS, version 26. Results Of the 3257 unsuppressed PWH, EAC uptake was 94.8% (n = 3088), EAC completion was 81.5% (2517/3088), post-EAC VL testing uptake was 75.9% (2344/3088), and viral resuppression was 73.8% (2280/3088). In multivariable analysis, those on ART for <12 months (P ≤ .001) and those who completed EAC within 3 months (P = .045) were less likely to have persistent viremia. Conclusions An HVL resuppression rate of 74% was achieved, but EAC completion was low. Identification of the challenges faced by PWH with a higher risk of persistent viremia is recommended to optimize the potential benefit of EAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uduak Akpan
- Correspondence: Uduak Akpan, 67, Bennett Bassey Street (Unit C), Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria ()
| | - Esther Nwanja
- Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
| | | | - Otoyo Toyo
- Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Bala Gana
- Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
| | - Titilope Badru
- Achieving Health Nigeria Initiative (AHNi), Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
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Mutambanengwe-Jacob MT, Maponga CC, Amico KR, Ngara B, Yende-Zuma N, Chawana TD, Nematadzira T, Gumbo JF, Goverayi T, Matibe P, Malunda BV, Aizire J, Taha TE, Fowler MG, Stranix-Chibanda L. Impact of Motivational Enhanced Adherence Counseling and Point-of-Care Viral Load Monitoring on Viral Load Outcome in Women on Life-Long ART: A Randomized Pilot Study. AIDS Res Treat 2022; 2022:4887202. [PMID: 36105074 PMCID: PMC9467808 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4887202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We piloted the combined effectiveness of point-of-care viral load monitoring plus motivational enhanced adherence counseling (intervention) compared with routine care (control) in women identified at risk of virologic failure in the PROMOTE study in Zimbabwe. In an unblinded randomized study, consenting women with last viral load ≥200 copies/ml and/or pill count outside 90-110% range were randomized 1 : 1 to receive the intervention or continue routine care, comprising laboratory-based VL monitoring and standard EAC, from trained nurses and counsellors. Viral load was measured 0, 3, 6, and 12 months after enrolment. We compared viral suppression <200 copies/ml at 6 and 12 months between the arms through Fisher's exact test and sought associated factors by logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Between December 2018 and July 2019, 50 women were enrolled (25 intervention and 25 controls) and followed until November 2020. At entry, 60% of the women were virally suppressed, 52% intervention vs. 68% control arm. Viral suppression was balanced between the two arms (p value = 0.248). At month 6 post study entry (primary endpont), 64% of the women retained in care were virally suppressed, 54% intervention vs. 76% control arm (p value = 0.124). At month12 post study entry (secondary endpoint), 69% of the women retained in care were virally suppressed, 67% intervention vs. 71% control arm women (p value = 0.739). More intervention women completed all scheduled sessions by month 6. Control group women were more likely to be virally suppressed at both timepoints. Only 25% had treatment switch by 12 months. Despite intense adherence support and viral load monitoring, sustained viral suppression remained elusive in women identified at risk of viral failure. These findings highlight the continued need for effective adherence intervention for women with unsuppressed HIV viral loads, efficient treatment switch strategies, as well as drug level monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercy T. Mutambanengwe-Jacob
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Charles C. Maponga
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - K. Rivet Amico
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bernard Ngara
- Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nonhlanhla Yende-Zuma
- Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban, South Africa
| | - Tariro D. Chawana
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Justice F. Gumbo
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tendayi Goverayi
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Petronella Matibe
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Jim Aizire
- Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Taha E. Taha
- Department of Epidemiology, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mary G. Fowler
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lynda Stranix-Chibanda
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Child and Adolescent Health Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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3
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Lubega P, Nalugya SJ, Kimuli AN, Twinokusiima M, Khasalamwa M, Kyomugisa R, Kabami J, Owaraganise A. Adherence to viral load testing guidelines, barriers, and associated factors among persons living with HIV on ART in Southwestern Uganda: a mixed-methods study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1268. [PMID: 35768800 PMCID: PMC9244194 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13674-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Uganda adapted Viral load (VL) testing for monitoring HIV treatment success and virologic failure. However, there is a paucity of data on how the VL testing guidelines are followed in practice in the HIV clinics. This study determined the adherence to national guidelines on VL testing, barriers, and associated factors in persons living with HIV (PLHIV) on ART in southwestern Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional mixed methods study from April to May 2021 at four HIV clinics in southwestern Uganda. Patient chart review using a checklist that captured age, gender, and level of a healthcare facility, dates of ART initiation, dates VL specimens were drawn, line of ART, patient adherence to ART was done. Continuous data were summarized using mean and median and Chi-square was used for categorical data. We performed regression analysis to determine factors associated with adherence to viral load testing guidelines at a 95% level of significance. Key informant interviews with managers of the health facility, ART clinic and laboratory were carried out, and thematic analysis was conducted to explore barriers to adherence to VL testing guidelines. Results The participants’ mean (SD) age was 39.9(± 13.1) years, 39.5% were male, 45.8% received care at a general hospital and median duration on ART was 5 years (IQR;3–7). Of the 395 patient charts reviewed, 317 had their VL testing (80.3%) per the guidelines (defined as up to one month post due date). Receiving care at a hospital (aOR = 2.20; 95%CI 1.30–3.70; p = 0.002) and increasing patient age (aOR = 1.02; 95%CI 1.02–1.06; p = 0.020) were the factors associated with adhering to VL testing guidelines. Long turnaround time of VL results and insufficient VL testing kits were cites by providers as barriers. Conclusion We found suboptimal adherence to VL testing guidelines in PLHIV on ART in southwestern Uganda. Increasing patient age and getting care at a higher-level health facility were associated with guideline-based viral VL testing. Long turnaround time of VL test results and inadequate test kits hindered compliance to VL monitoring guidelines. Strategies that target young PLHIV and lower-level health facilities, increase the stock of consumables and shorten VL results turnaround time are needed to improve adherence to VL testing guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly Lubega
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | | | | | - Mercy Khasalamwa
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Richard Kyomugisa
- Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Jane Kabami
- Department of Nursing, Kabale University School of Medicine, Kabale, Uganda.,Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Asiphas Owaraganise
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda.
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Maena J, Banke-Thomas A, Mukiza N, Kuteesa CN, Kakumba RM, Kataike H, Kizito S, Babirye JA, Nakalega R. Determinants of viral load non-suppression among adolescents in Mbale District, Eastern Rural Uganda. AIDS Res Ther 2021; 18:91. [PMID: 34863196 PMCID: PMC8642852 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-021-00408-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescents are lagging behind in the "third 95" objective of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS requiring 95% of individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to have viral load (VL) suppression. This study aimed to describe factors associated with viral non-suppression among adolescents in Mbale district, Uganda. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of routinely collected HIV programme records. Data such as age, education, ART Regimen, ART duration, WHO Clinical stage, comorbidities, etc., were extracted from medical records for the period January 2018 to December 2018. Descriptive analysis was done for continuous variables using means and frequencies to describe study sample characteristics, and to determine the prevalence of outcome variables. We used logistic regression to assess factors associated with VL non-suppression among adolescents. RESULTS The analysis included 567 HIV-infected adolescents, with 300 (52.9%) aged between 13 to 15 years, 335 (59.1%) female, and mean age of 15.6 years (interquartile range [IQR] 13.5-17.8. VL non-suppression was 31.4% (178/567). Male sex (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.06, 2.99; p < 0.01), age 16-19 years (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.06, 2.99; p < 0.05), No formal education (AOR = 3.67, 95% CI 1.48-9.09; p < 0.01), primary education (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.05-2.32; p < 0.01), ART duration of > 12 months to 5 years (AOR = 3.20, 95% CI 1.31-7.82; p < 0.05), ART duration > 5 years (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI 1.39- 8.66; p < 0.01), WHO Clinical Stage II (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.82; p < 0.01), second-line ART regimen (AOR = 2.38, 95% CI 1.53-3.72; p < 0.001) and comorbidities (AOR = 3.28, 95% CI 1.20-9.00; p < 0.05) were significantly associated with viral non-suppression. CONCLUSIONS VL non-suppression among adolescents was almost comparable to the national average. VL non-suppression was associated with being male, age 16-19 years, education level, duration on ART therapy, WHO Clinical Staging II, second-line ART regimen, and presence of comorbidities. Adolescent-friendly strategies to improve VL suppression e.g. peer involvement, VL focal persons to identify and actively follow-up non-suppressed adolescents, patient education on VL suppression and demand creation for ART are needed, especially for newly-initiated adolescents and adolescents on ART for protracted periods, to foster attainment of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Maena
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration Kampala, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | - Hajira Kataike
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Samuel Kizito
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, USA
| | - Juliet Allen Babirye
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rita Nakalega
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration Kampala, Kampala, Uganda
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Kerschberger B, Boulle A, Kuwengwa R, Ciglenecki I, Schomaker M. The Impact of Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Under the World Health Organization Treat-All Policy. Am J Epidemiol 2021; 190:1519-1532. [PMID: 33576383 PMCID: PMC8327202 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwab032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is recommended for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with the option to start treatment on the day of diagnosis (same-day ART). However, the effect of same-day ART remains unknown in realistic public sector settings. We established a cohort of ≥16-year-old patients who initiated first-line ART under a treat-all policy in Nhlangano (Eswatini) during 2014-2016, either on the day of HIV care enrollment (same-day ART) or 1-14 days thereafter (early ART). Directed acyclic graphs, flexible parametric survival analysis, and targeted maximum likelihood estimation (TMLE) were used to estimate the effect of same-day-ART initiation on a composite unfavorable treatment outcome (loss to follow-up, death, viral failure, treatment switch). Of 1,328 patients, 839 (63.2%) initiated same-day ART. The adjusted hazard ratio of the unfavorable outcome was higher, 1.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.16, 1.89), for same-day ART compared with early ART. TMLE suggested that after 1 year, 28.9% of patients would experience the unfavorable outcome under same-day ART compared with 21.2% under early ART (difference: 7.7%; 1.3%-14.1%). This estimate was driven by loss to follow-up and varied over time, with a higher hazard during the first year after HIV care enrollment and a similar hazard thereafter. We found an increased risk with same-day ART. A limitation was that possible silent transfers that were not captured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Correspondence to Dr. Bernhard Kerschberger, Médecins Sans Frontières, Mantsholo Road 325, Mbabane, Eswatini (e-mail: )
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Gueguen M, Nicholas S, Poulet E, Schramm B, Szumilin E, Wolters L, Wapling J, Ajule E, Rakesh A, Mwenda R, Kiyaga C, Balkan S. Implementation and operational feasibility of SAMBA I HIV-1 semi-quantitative viral load testing at the point-of-care in rural settings in Malawi and Uganda. Trop Med Int Health 2020; 26:184-194. [PMID: 33159822 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We monitored a large-scale implementation of the Simple Amplification-Based Assay semi-quantitative viral load test for HIV-1 version I (SAMBA I Viral Load = SAMBA I VL) within Médecins Sans Frontières' HIV programmes in Malawi and Uganda, to assess its performance and operational feasibility. METHODS Descriptive analysis of routine programme data between August 2013 and December 2016. The dataset included samples collected for VL monitoring and tested using SAMBA I VL in five HIV clinics in Malawi (four peripheral health centres and one district hospital), and one HIV clinic in a regional referral hospital in Uganda. SAMBA I VL was used for VL testing in patients who had been receiving ART for between 6 months and ten years, to determine whether plasma VL was above or below 1000 copies/mL of HIV-1, reflecting ART failure or efficacy. Randomly selected samples were quantified with commercial VL assays. SAMBA I instruments and test performance, site throughput, and delays in communicating results to clinicians and patients were monitored. RESULTS Between August 2013 and December 2016 a total of 60 889 patient samples were analysed with SAMBA I VL. Overall, 0.23% of initial SAMBA I VL results were invalid; this was reduced to 0.04% after repeating the test once. Global test failure, including instrument failure, was 1.34%. Concordance with reference quantitative testing of VL was 2620/2727, 96.0% (1338/1382, 96.8% in Malawi; 1282/1345, 95.3% in Uganda). For Chiradzulu peripheral health centres and Arua Hospital HIV clinic, where testing was performed on-site, same-day results were communicated to clinicians for between 91% and 97% of samples. Same-day clinical review was obtained for 84.7% across the whole set of samples tested. CONCLUSIONS SAMBA I VL testing is feasible for monitoring cohorts of 1000 to 5000 ART-experienced patients. Same-day results can be used to inform rapid clinical decision-making at rural and remote health facilities, potentially reducing time available for development of resistance and conceivably helping to reduce morbidity and mortality.
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Walsh F, Khan S, Bärnighausen T, Hettema A, Lejeune C, Mazibuko S, Mlambo CK, Reis R, Fleming Y, Khumalo G, Zwane M, Okello V, Spiegelman D. Getting to 90-90-90: Experiences from the MaxART Early Access to ART for All (EAAA) Trial in Eswatini. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2020; 17:324-332. [PMID: 32474844 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-020-00501-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The MaxART Consortium-led by the Eswatini Ministry of Health-implemented multiple interventions between 2012 and 2017 to achieve UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. We summarize key findings from community outreach strategies in support of the first 90 goal, and from the Early Access to ART for All (EAAA) trial on the implementation of a "Treat All" strategy to achieve the second and third 90 goals within a government-managed public health system. RECENT FINDINGS The MaxART Consortium demonstrated that "Fast Track," a problem-solving approach, was effective at increasing testing coverage in the community. Compared with baseline data at 3 months prior to the start of the Fast Track, there was a 273% proportional increase in HIV tests conducted among adolescent males, adolescent females, and adult men, and 722% over baseline for adolescent males. The MaxART EAAA trial further showed that implementation of the Treat All policy was associated with significant two-fold shorter time from enrollment into care to ART initiation than under the standard CD4+ cell threshold-based treatment guidelines. Finally, through the MaxART trial, Eswatini was able to identify areas for further investment, including addressing the system-side barriers to routine viral load monitoring, and designing and implementing innovative community-based approaches to reach individuals who were not more routinely accessing HIV testing and counseling services. As low- and middle-income countries adopt the Treat All approach in their national HIV care and treatment guidelines, further implementation science research is needed to understand and address the system-level barriers to achieving the benefits of Treat All for HIV-infected individuals and those at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shaukat Khan
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), 333 Dorchester Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Till Bärnighausen
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, 130.3 INF, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,Africa Health Research Institute, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Anita Hettema
- Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Tsekwane St, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | | | | | - Ria Reis
- Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Social Science, University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Children's Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yvette Fleming
- aidsfonds, Condensatorweg 54, 1014 AX, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gavin Khumalo
- Eswatini National Network of People Living with HIV (SWANNEPHA), P. O. Box 4161, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Mandisa Zwane
- SAfAIDS, Lamvelase Building, Nkoseluhlaza Street, Manzini, Eswatini
| | - Velephi Okello
- Directorate Office, Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Donna Spiegelman
- Department of Biostatistics, Center on Methods for Implementation and Prevention Science, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA. .,Departments of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Nutrition and Global Health, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
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Performance and Outcomes of Routine Viral Load Testing in People Living with HIV Newly Initiating ART in the Integrated HIV Care Program in Myanmar between January 2016 and December 2017. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:tropicalmed5030140. [PMID: 32878307 PMCID: PMC7557853 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5030140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Myanmar has introduced routine viral load (VL) testing for people living with HIV (PLHIV) starting first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). The first VL test was initially scheduled at 12-months and one year later this changed to 6-months. Using routinely collected secondary data, we assessed program performance of routine VL testing at 12-months and 6-months in PLHIV starting ART in the Integrated HIV-Care Program, Myanmar, from January 2016 to December 2017. There were 7153 PLHIV scheduled for VL testing at 12-months and 1976 scheduled for VL testing at 6-months. Among those eligible for testing, the first VL test was performed in 3476 (51%) of the 12-month cohort and 952 (50%) of the 6-month cohort. In the 12-month cohort, 10% had VL > 1000 copies/mL, 79% had repeat VL tests, 42% had repeat VL > 1000 copies/mL (virologic failure) and 85% were switched to second-line ART. In the 6-month cohort, 11% had VL > 1000 copies/mL, 83% had repeat VL tests, 26% had repeat VL > 1000 copies/mL (virologic failure) and 39% were switched to second-line ART. In conclusion, half of PLHIV initiated on ART had VL testing as scheduled at 12-months or 6-months, but fewer PLHIV in the 6-month cohort were diagnosed with virologic failure and switched to second-line ART. Programmatic implications are discussed.
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Jewell BL, Mudimu E, Stover J, Ten Brink D, Phillips AN, Smith JA, Martin-Hughes R, Teng Y, Glaubius R, Mahiane SG, Bansi-Matharu L, Taramusi I, Chagoma N, Morrison M, Doherty M, Marsh K, Bershteyn A, Hallett TB, Kelly SL. Potential effects of disruption to HIV programmes in sub-Saharan Africa caused by COVID-19: results from multiple mathematical models. Lancet HIV 2020; 7:e629-e640. [PMID: 32771089 PMCID: PMC7482434 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30211-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic could lead to disruptions to provision of HIV services for people living with HIV and those at risk of acquiring HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, where UNAIDS estimated that more than two-thirds of the approximately 38 million people living with HIV resided in 2018. We aimed to predict the potential effects of such disruptions on HIV-related deaths and new infections in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods In this modelling study, we used five well described models of HIV epidemics (Goals, Optima HIV, HIV Synthesis, an Imperial College London model, and Epidemiological MODeling software [EMOD]) to estimate the effect of various potential disruptions to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services on HIV-related deaths and new infections in sub-Saharan Africa lasting 6 months over 1 year from April 1, 2020. We considered scenarios in which disruptions affected 20%, 50%, and 100% of the population. Findings A 6-month interruption of supply of antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs across 50% of the population of people living with HIV who are on treatment would be expected to lead to a 1·63 times (median across models; range 1·39–1·87) increase in HIV-related deaths over a 1-year period compared with no disruption. In sub-Saharan Africa, this increase amounts to a median excess of HIV deaths, across all model estimates, of 296 000 (range 229 023–420 000) if such a high level of disruption occurred. Interruption of ART would increase mother-to-child transmission of HIV by approximately 1·6 times. Although an interruption in the supply of ART drugs would have the largest impact of any potential disruptions, effects of poorer clinical care due to overstretched health facilities, interruptions of supply of other drugs such as co-trimoxazole, and suspension of HIV testing would all have a substantial effect on population-level mortality (up to a 1·06 times increase in HIV-related deaths over a 1-year period due to disruptions affecting 50% of the population compared with no disruption). Interruption to condom supplies and peer education would make populations more susceptible to increases in HIV incidence, although physical distancing measures could lead to reductions in risky sexual behaviour (up to 1·19 times increase in new HIV infections over a 1-year period if 50% of people are affected). Interpretation During the COVID-19 pandemic, the primary priority for governments, donors, suppliers, and communities should focus on maintaining uninterrupted supply of ART drugs for people with HIV to avoid additional HIV-related deaths. The provision of other HIV prevention measures is also important to prevent any increase in HIV incidence. Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta L Jewell
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Edinah Mudimu
- Department of Decision Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | | | | | | | - Jennifer A Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Yu Teng
- Avenir Health, Glastonbury, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Anna Bershteyn
- New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Timothy B Hallett
- Medical Research Council Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Abdul Latif Jameel Institute for Disease and Emergency Analytics, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Sandbulte M, Brown M, Wexler C, Maloba M, Gautney B, Goggin K, Muchoki E, Babu S, Maosa N, Finocchario-Kessler S. Maternal viral load monitoring: Coverage and clinical action at 4 Kenyan hospitals. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232358. [PMID: 32469876 PMCID: PMC7259657 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kenya’s guidelines for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) recommend routine viral load (VL) monitoring for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Method We assessed PMTCT VL monitoring and clinical action occurring between last menstrual period (LMP) and 6 months postpartum at 4 Kenyan government hospitals. Pregnant women enrolled in the HIV Infant Tracking System from May 2016-March 2018 were included. We computed proportions who received VL testing within recommended timeframes and who received clinical action after unsuppressed VL result. Results Of 424 participants, any VL testing was documented for 305 (72%) women and repeat VL testing was documented for 79 (19%). Only 115 women (27%) received a guideline-adherent baseline VL test and 27 (6%) received a guideline-adherent baseline and repeat VL test sequence. Return of baseline and repeat VL test results to the facility was high (average 96%), but patient notification of VL results was low (36% baseline and 49% repeat). Clinical action for unsuppressed VL results was even lower: 11 of 38 (29%) unsuppressed baseline results and 2 of 14 (14%) unsuppressed repeat results triggered clinical action. Discussion Guideline-adherent VL testing and clinical intervention during PMTCT must be prioritized to improve maternal care and reduce the risk of HIV transmission to infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Sandbulte
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
| | - Melinda Brown
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
| | - Catherine Wexler
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
| | - May Maloba
- Global Health Innovations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brad Gautney
- Global Health Innovations, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Kathy Goggin
- Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States of America.,School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Sarah Finocchario-Kessler
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
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Laxmeshwar C, Acharya S, Das M, Keskar P, Pazare A, Ingole N, Mehta P, Gori P, Mansoor H, Kalon S, Singh P, Mathur T, Ferlazzo G, Isaakidis P. Routine viral load monitoring and enhanced adherence counselling at a public ART centre in Mumbai, India. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232576. [PMID: 32369504 PMCID: PMC7199933 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Routine viral-load (VL) measurements along with enhanced adherence counselling (EAC) are recommended to achieve virological suppression among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) on anti-retroviral therapy (ART). The Mumbai Districts AIDS Control Society along with Médecins Sans Frontières has provided routine VL measurements and EAC to PLHA on ART at King Edward Memorial (KEM) hospital, Mumbai since October-2016. This study aims to describe the initial VL results and impact of EAC on viral suppression and factors associated with initial viral non-suppression among patients with an initial detectable VL, in a cohort of patients tested between October-2016 and September-2018. Methods This is a descriptive study of PLHA on ART who received VL testing and EAC during October-2016 to September-2018. Log-binomial regression was used to identify factors associated with a high VL. Results Among 3849 PLHA who underwent VL testing, 1603(42%) were female and median age was 42 years (IQR:35–48). Majority were referred for routine testing (3432(89%)) and clinical/immunological failure (233(6%)). Overall, 3402(88%) PLHA had suppressed VL at initial testing. Among 3432 tested for routine monitoring, 3141(92%) had VL suppressed. Of 291 with VL>1000c/ml, 253(87%) received EAC and after repeat VL, 70(28%) had VL<1000c/ml. Among 233 referred for clinical/immunological failure, 122(52%) had VL>1000c/ml and 109 have been switched to second-line ART. CD4 count<500 (aOR-5.0[95%CI 3.8–6.5]), on ART for<5 years (aOR-1.5[1.1–2.0]) and age<15 years (aOR-5.2[3.0–8.9]) were associated with an initial VL>1000c/ml. Factors associated with follow-up VL suppression included EAC (p<0.05) and being on second-line ART (p<0.05). Conclusion Results from a routine VL program in public sector in India were encouraging and in line with UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets. Routine VL monitoring along with EAC resulted in early switch to alternative optimised regimens while also preventing unnecessary switches. Along with the vital scale up of routine VL monitoring, implementation of enhanced adherence strategies for patients with detectable viral load should be ensured.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gabriella Ferlazzo
- Southern Africa Medical Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Petros Isaakidis
- Southern Africa Medical Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
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12
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Nicholas S, Poulet E, Wolters L, Wapling J, Rakesh A, Amoros I, Szumilin E, Gueguen M, Schramm B. Point-of-care viral load monitoring: outcomes from a decentralized HIV programme in Malawi. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 22:e25387. [PMID: 31441242 PMCID: PMC6706700 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Routinely monitoring the HIV viral load (VL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on anti‐retroviral therapy (ART) facilitates intensive adherence counselling and faster ART regimen switch when treatment failure is indicated. Yet standard VL‐testing in centralized laboratories can be time‐intensive and logistically difficult in low‐resource settings. This paper evaluates the outcomes of the first four years of routine VL‐monitoring using Point‐of‐Care technology, implemented by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in rural clinics in Malawi. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of patients eligible for routine VL‐ testing between 2013 and 2017 in four decentralized ART‐clinics and the district hospital in Chiradzulu, Malawi. We assessed VL‐testing coverage and the treatment failure cascade (from suspected failure (first VL>1000 copies/mL) to VL suppression post regimen switch). We used descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to assess factors associated with suspected failure. Results and Discussion Among 21,400 eligible patients, VL‐testing coverage was 85% and VL suppression was found in 89% of those tested. In the decentralized clinics, 88% of test results were reviewed on the same day as blood collection, whereas in the district hospital the median turnaround‐time for results was 85 days. Among first‐line ART patients with suspected failure (N = 1544), 30% suppressed (VL<1000 copies/mL), 35% were treatment failures (confirmed by subsequent VL‐testing) and 35% had incomplete VL follow‐up. Among treatment failures, 80% (N = 540) were switched to a second‐line regimen, with a higher switching rate in the decentralized clinics than in the district hospital (86% vs. 67%, p < 0.01) and a shorter median time‐to‐switch (6.8 months vs. 9.7 months, p < 0.01). Similarly, the post‐switch VL‐testing rate was markedly higher in the decentralized clinics (61% vs. 26%, p < 0.01). Overall, 79% of patients with a post‐switch VL‐test were suppressed. Conclusions Viral load testing at the point‐of‐care in Chiradzulu, Malawi achieved high coverage and good drug regimen switch rates among those identified as treatment failures. In decentralized clinics, same‐day test results and shorter time‐to‐switch illustrated the game‐changing potential of POC‐based VL‐testing. Nevertheless, gaps were identified along all steps of the failure cascade. Regular staff training, continuous monitoring and creating demand are essential to the success of routine VL‐testing.
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Field Suitability and Diagnostic Accuracy of the Biocentric Open Real-Time PCR Platform for Dried Blood Spot-Based HIV Viral Load Quantification in Eswatini. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 82:96-104. [PMID: 31408452 PMCID: PMC6727953 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Background: To assess the performance and suitability of dried blood spot (DBS) sampling using filter paper to collect blood for viral load (VL) quantification under routine conditions. Methods: We compared performance of DBS VL quantification using the Biocentric method with plasma VL quantification using Roche and Biocentric as reference methods. Adults (≥18 years) were enrolled at 2 health facilities in Eswatini from October 12, 2016 to March 1, 2017. DBS samples were prepared through finger-prick by a phlebotomist (DBS-1), and through the pipetting of whole venous blood by a phlebotomist (DBS-2) and by a laboratory technologist (DBS-3). We calculated the VL-testing completion rate, correlation, and agreement, as well as diagnostic accuracy estimates at the clinical threshold of 1000 copies/mL. Results: Of 362 patients enrolled, 1066 DBS cards (DBS-1: 347; DBS-2: 359; DBS-3: 360) were tested. Overall, test characteristics were comparable between DBS-sampling methods, irrespective of the reference method. The Pearson correlation coefficients ranged from 0.67 to 0.82 (P < 0.001) for different types of DBS sampling using both reference methods, and the Bland–Altman difference ranged from 0.15 to 0.30 log10 copies/mL. Sensitivity estimates were from 85.3% to 89.2% and specificity estimates were from 94.5% to 98.6%. The positive predictive values were between 87.0% and 96.5% at a prevalence of 30% VL elevations, and negative predictive values were between 93.7% and 95.4%. Conclusions: DBS VL quantification using the newly configured Biocentric method can be part of contextualized VL-testing strategies, particularly for remote settings and populations with higher viral failure rates.
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Pasipamire L, Nesbitt RC, Dube L, Mabena E, Nzima M, Dlamini M, Rugongo N, Maphalala N, Obulutsa TA, Ciglenecki I, Kerschberger B. Implementation of community and facility-based HIV self-testing under routine conditions in southern Eswatini. Trop Med Int Health 2020; 25:723-731. [PMID: 32219945 PMCID: PMC7317513 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Objectives WHO recommends HIV self‐testing (HIVST) as an additional approach to HIV testing services. The study describes the strategies used during phase‐in of HIVST under routine conditions in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Methods Between May 2017 and January 2018, assisted and unassisted oral HIVST was offered at HIV testing services (HTS) sites to people aged ≥ 16 years. Additional support tools were available, including a telephone hotline answered 24/7, HIVST demonstration videos and printed educational information about HIV prevention and care services. Demographic characteristics of HIVST users were described and compared with standard blood‐based HTS in the community. HIVST results were monitored with follow‐up phone calls and the hotline. Results During the 9‐month period, 1895 people accessed HIVST and 2415 HIVST kits were distributed. More people accessed HIVST kits in the community (n = 1365, 72.0%) than at health facilities (n = 530, 28.0%). The proportion of males and median age among those accessing HIVST and standard HTS in the community were similar (49.3%, 29 years HIVST vs. 48.7%, 27 years standard HTS). In total, 34 (3.9%) reactive results were reported from 938 people with known HIVST results; 32.4% were males, and median age was 30 years (interquartile range 25–36). Twenty‐one (62%) patients were known to have received confirmatory blood‐based HTS; of these, 20 (95%) had concordant reactive results and 19 (95%) were linked to HIV care at a clinic. Conclusion Integration of HIVST into existing HIV facility‐ and community‐based testing strategies in Eswatini was found to be feasible, and HIVST has been adopted by national testing bodies in Eswatini.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robin C Nesbitt
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Lenhle Dube
- Eswatini National AIDS Programme (ENAP), Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Edwin Mabena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Muzi Nzima
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Mduduzi Dlamini
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | - Nozizwe Rugongo
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Eswatini
| | | | | | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Geneva, Switzerland
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Kerschberger B, Schomaker M, Jobanputra K, Kabore SM, Teck R, Mabhena E, Mthethwa‐Hleza S, Rusch B, Ciglenecki I, Boulle A. HIV programmatic outcomes following implementation of the 'Treat-All' policy in a public sector setting in Eswatini: a prospective cohort study. J Int AIDS Soc 2020; 23:e25458. [PMID: 32128964 PMCID: PMC7054447 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Treat-All policy - antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation irrespective of CD4 cell criteria - increases access to treatment. Many ART programmes, however, reported increasing attrition and viral failure during treatment expansion, questioning the programmatic feasibility of Treat-All in resource-limited settings. We aimed to describe and compare programmatic outcomes between Treat-All and standard of care (SOC) in the public sectors of Eswatini. METHODS This is a prospective cohort study of ≥16-year-old HIV-positive patients initiated on first-line ART under Treat-All and SOC in 18 health facilities of the Shiselweni region, from October 2014 to March 2016. SOC followed the CD4 350 and 500 cells/mm3 treatment eligibility thresholds. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to describe crude programmatic outcomes. Multivariate flexible parametric survival models were built to assess associations of time from ART initiation with the composite unfavourable outcome of all-cause attrition and viral failure. RESULTS Of the 3170 patients, 1888 (59.6%) initiated ART under Treat-All at a median CD4 cell count of 329 (IQR 168 to 488) cells/mm3 compared with 292 (IQR 161 to 430) (p < 0.001) under SOC. Although crude programme retention at 36 months tended to be lower under Treat-All (71%) than SOC (75%) (p = 0.002), it was similar in covariate-adjusted analysis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.23). The hazard of viral suppression was higher for Treat-All (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23), while the hazard of viral failure was comparable (Treat-All: aHR 0.89, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.49). Among patients with advanced HIV disease (n = 1080), those under Treat-All (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.44) had a similar risk of an composite unfavourable outcome to SOC. Factors increasing the risk of the composite unfavourable outcome under both interventions were aged 16 to 24 years, being unmarried, anaemia, ART initiation on the same day as HIV care enrolment and CD4 ≤ 100 cells/mm3 . Under Treat-All only, the risk of the unfavourable outcome was higher for pregnant women, WHO III/IV clinical stage and elevated creatinine. CONCLUSIONS Compared to SOC, Treat-All resulted in comparable retention, improved viral suppression and comparable composite outcomes of retention without viral failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and Health Technology AssessmentUMIT ‐ University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and TechnologyHall in TirolAustria
| | | | - Serge M Kabore
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Roger Teck
- The Manson UnitMédecins Sans FrontièresLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | | | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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Evaluation of the Management of Patients with Detectable Viral Load after the Implementation of Routine Viral Load Monitoring in an Urban HIV Clinic in Uganda. AIDS Res Treat 2019; 2019:9271450. [PMID: 31934447 PMCID: PMC6942703 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9271450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe the clinical decisions taken for patients failing on treatment and possible implementation leakages within the monitoring cascade at a large urban HIV Centre in Kampala, Uganda. Methods As per internal clinic guidelines, VL results >1,000 copies/ml are flagged by a quality assurance officer and sent to the requesting clinician. The clinician fills a “decision form” choosing: (1) refer for adherence counselling, (2) repeat VL after 3 months, and (3) switch to second line. We performed data extraction on a random sample of 100 patients with VL test >1,000 copies/ml between January and August 2015. For each patient, we described the action taken by the clinicians. Results Of 6,438 patients with VL performed, 1,021 (16%) had >1,000 copies/ml. Of the 100 (10.1%) clinical files sampled, 61% were female, median age was 39 years (IQR: 32–47), 81% were on 1st-line ART, 19% on 2nd-line, median CD4 count was 249 cells/µL (IQR: 145–390), median log10 VL 4.42 (IQR: 3.98–4.92). Doctors' decisions were; refer for adherence counseling 49%, repeat VL for 25%, and switch to second line for 24% patients. Forty-one percent were not managed according to the guidelines. Of these, 29 (70.7%) were still active in care, 7 were tracked [5 (12.2%) lost to program, 2 (4.9%) dead] and 5 patients were not tracked. Conclusion Despite the implementation of internal systems to manage patients failing ART, we found substantial leakages in the monitoring “cascade”. Additional measures and stronger clinical supervision are needed to make every test count, and to ensure appropriate management of patients failing on ART.
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Thinn KK, Thekkur P, Kyaw NTT, Aye NS, Zaw TM, Soan P, Hone S, Oo HN. Uptake of routine viral load testing among people living with HIV and its implementation challenges in Yangon region of Myanmar: a mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e032678. [PMID: 31796489 PMCID: PMC6924823 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In 2017, Myanmar implemented routine viral load (VL) monitoring for assessing the response to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people living with HIV (PLHIV). The performance of routine VL testing and implementation challenges has not yet assessed. We aimed to determine the uptake of VL testing and factors associated with it among PLHIV initiated on ART during 2017 in ART clinics of Yangon region and to explore the implementation challenges as perceived by the healthcare providers. DESIGN An explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted. The quantitative component was a cohort study, and the qualitative part was a descriptive study with in-depth interviews. SETTING Six ART clinics operated by AIDS/sexually transmitted infection teams under the National AIDS Programme. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES (1) The proportion who underwent VL testing by 30 March 2019 and the proportion with virological suppression (plasma VL <1000 copies/mL); (2) association between patient characteristics and 'not tested' was assessed using log binomial regression and (3) qualitative codes on implementation challenges. RESULTS Of the 567 PLHIV started on ART, 498 (87.8%) retained in care for more than 6 months and were eligible for VL testing. 288 (57.8%, 95% CI: 53.3% to 62.2%) PLHIV underwent VL testing, of which 263 (91.3%, 95% CI: 87.1% to 94.4%) had virological suppression. PLHIV with WHO clinical stage 4 had significantly higher rates of 'not being tested' for VL. Collection of sample for VL testing only twice a month, difficulties in sample collection and transportation, limited trained workforce, wage loss and out-of-pocket expenditure for patients due to added visits were major implementation challenges. CONCLUSIONS The VL test uptake was low, with only six out of ten PLHIV tested. The VL testing uptake needs to be improved by strengthening sample collection and transportation, adopting point-of-care VL tests, increasing trained workforce, providing compensation to patients for wage loss and travel costs for additional visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khine Khine Thinn
- Department of Public Health, Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Pruthu Thekkur
- Centre for Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France
- Centre for Operational Research, The Union South-East Asia Office, New Delhi, India
| | - Nang Thu Thu Kyaw
- Centre for Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Nyein Su Aye
- Department of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Tin Maung Zaw
- Yangon Regional Public Health Department, Ministry of Health and Sports, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Pyae Soan
- Department of Public Health, Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports, Naypyidaw, Naypyidaw Union Territory, Myanmar
| | - San Hone
- Department of Public Health, Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports, Naypyidaw, Naypyidaw Union Territory, Myanmar
| | - Htun Nyunt Oo
- Department of Public Health, Myanmar Ministry of Health and Sports, Naypyidaw, Naypyidaw Union Territory, Myanmar
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Kerschberger B, Jobanputra K, Schomaker M, Kabore SM, Teck R, Mabhena E, Lukhele N, Rusch B, Boulle A, Ciglenecki I. Feasibility of antiretroviral therapy initiation under the treat-all policy under routine conditions: a prospective cohort study from Eswatini. J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25401. [PMID: 31647613 PMCID: PMC6812490 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The World Health Organization recommends the Treat-All policy of immediate antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, but questions persist about its feasibility in resource-poor settings. We assessed the feasibility of Treat-All compared with standard of care (SOC) under routine conditions. METHODS This prospective cohort study from southern Eswatini followed adults from HIV care enrolment to ART initiation. Between October 2014 and March 2016, Treat-All was offered in one health zone and SOC according to the CD4 350 and 500 cells/mm3 treatment eligibility thresholds in the neighbouring health zone, each of which comprised one secondary and eight primary care facilities. We used Kaplan-Meier estimates, multivariate flexible parametric survival models and standardized survival curves to compare ART initiation between the two interventions. RESULTS Of the 1726 (57.3%) patients enrolled under Treat-All and 1287 (42.7%) under SOC, cumulative three-month ART initiation was higher under Treat-All (91%) than SOC (74%; p < 0.001) with a median time to ART of 1 (IQR 0 to 14) and 10 (IQR 2 to 117) days respectively. Under Treat-All, ART initiation was higher in pregnant women (vs. non-pregnant women: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.70 to 2.26), those with secondary education (vs. no formal education: aHR 1.48, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.95), and patients with an HIV-positive diagnosis before care enrolment (aHR 1.22, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.36). ART initiation was lower in patients attending secondary care facilities (aHR 0.64, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.72) and for CD4 351 to 500 when compared with CD4 201 to 350 cells/mm3 (aHR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.00). ART initiation varied over time for TB cases, with lower hazard during the first two weeks after HIV care enrolment and higher hazards thereafter. Of patients with advanced HIV disease (n = 1085; 36.0%), crude 3-month ART initiation was similar in both interventions (91% to 92%) although Treat-All initiated patients more quickly during the first month after HIV care enrolment. CONCLUSIONS ART initiation was high under Treat-All and without evidence of de-prioritization of patients with advanced HIV disease. Additional studies are needed to understand the long-term impact of Treat-All on patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Institute of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and HealthTechnology AssessmentMedical Informatics and TechnologyUMIT – University for Health SciencesHall in TirolAustria
| | - Serge M Kabore
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Roger Teck
- The Manson UnitMédecins Sans FrontièresLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | | | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
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Haas AD, Johnson LF, Grimsrud A, Ford N, Mugglin C, Fox MP, Euvrard J, van Lettow M, Prozesky H, Sikazwe I, Chimbetete C, Hobbins M, Kunzekwenyika C, Egger M. Extending Visit Intervals for Clinically Stable Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy: Multicohort Analysis of HIV Programs in Southern Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 81:439-447. [PMID: 31242142 PMCID: PMC6597180 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends differentiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery with longer visit intervals for clinically stable patients. We examined time trends in visit frequency and associations between criteria for clinical stability and visit frequency in ART programs in Southern Africa. METHODS We included adults on ART from 4 programs with viral-load monitoring, 2 programs with CD4 monitoring, and 4 programs with clinical monitoring of ART. We classified patients as clinically stable based on virological (viral load <1000 copies/mL), immunological (CD4 >200 cells/µL), or clinical (no current tuberculosis) criteria. We used Poisson regression and survival models to examine associations between criteria for clinical stability and the rate of clinic visits. RESULTS We included 180,837 patients. There were trends toward fewer visits in more recent years and with longer ART duration. In all ART programs, clinically stable patients were seen less frequently than patients receiving failing ART, but the strength of the association varied. Adjusted incidence rate ratios comparing visit rates for stable patients with patients on failing ART were 0.82 (95% confidence interval: 0.73 to 0.90) for patients classified based on the virological criterion, 0.81 (0.69 to 0.93) for patients classified based on the clinical criterion, and 0.90 (0.85 to 0.96) for patients classified based on the immunological criterion for stability. CONCLUSION Differences in visit rates between stable patients and patients failing ART were variable and modest overall. Larger differences were seen in programs using virological criteria for clinical stability than in programs using immunological criteria. Greater access to routine viral-load monitoring may increase scale-up of differentiated ART delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas D. Haas
- Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leigh F. Johnson
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Nathan Ford
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Catarina Mugglin
- Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthew P. Fox
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Euvrard
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Monique van Lettow
- Dignitas International, Zomba, Malawi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Hans Prozesky
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch and Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | | | | | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social & Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kerschberger B, Schomaker M, Ciglenecki I, Pasipamire L, Mabhena E, Telnov A, Rusch B, Lukhele N, Teck R, Boulle A. Programmatic outcomes and impact of rapid public sector antiretroviral therapy expansion in adults prior to introduction of the WHO treat-all approach in rural Eswatini. Trop Med Int Health 2019; 24:701-714. [PMID: 30938037 PMCID: PMC6849841 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART) outcomes during rapid HIV programme expansion in the public sector of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). METHODS This is a retrospectively established cohort of HIV-positive adults (≥16 years) who started first-line ART in 25 health facilities in Shiselweni (Eswatini) between 01/2006 and 12/2014. Temporal trends in ART attrition, treatment expansion and ART coverage were described over 9 years. We used flexible parametric survival models to assess the relationship between time to ART attrition and covariates. RESULTS Of 24 772 ART initiations, 6% (n = 1488) occurred in 2006, vs. 13% (n = 3192) in 2014. Between these years, median CD4 cell count at ART initiation increased (113-265 cells/mm3 ). The active treatment cohort expanded 8.4-fold, ART coverage increased 8.0-fold (7.1% in 2006 vs. 56.8% in 2014) and 12-month crude ART retention improved from 71% to 86%. Compared with the pre-decentralisation period (2006-2007), attrition decreased by 5% (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.88-1.02) during HIV-TB service decentralisation (2008-2010), by 17% (aHR 0.83, 0.75-0.92) during service consolidation (2011-2012), and by 20% (aHR 0.80, 0.71-0.90) during further treatment expansion (2013-2014). The risk of attrition was higher for young age, male sex, pathological baseline haemoglobin and biochemistry results, more toxic drug regimens, WHO III/IV staging and low CD4 cell count; access to a telephone was protective. CONCLUSIONS Programmatic outcomes improved during large expansion of the treatment cohort and increased ART coverage. Changes in ART programming may have contributed to better outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Michael Schomaker
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | | | - Edwin Mabhena
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)MbabaneEswatini
| | - Alex Telnov
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | - Barbara Rusch
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva)GenevaSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Andrew Boulle
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and ResearchSchool of Public Health and Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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Point-of-Care HIV Viral Load Testing: an Essential Tool for a Sustainable Global HIV/AIDS Response. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 32:32/3/e00097-18. [PMID: 31092508 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00097-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The global public health community has set ambitious treatment targets to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic. With the notable absence of a cure, the goal of HIV treatment is to achieve sustained suppression of an HIV viral load, which allows for immunological recovery and reduces the risk of onward HIV transmission. Monitoring HIV viral load in people living with HIV is therefore central to maintaining effective individual antiretroviral therapy as well as monitoring progress toward achieving population targets for viral suppression. The capacity for laboratory-based HIV viral load testing has increased rapidly in low- and middle-income countries, but implementation of universal viral load monitoring is still hindered by several barriers and delays. New devices for point-of-care HIV viral load testing may be used near patients to improve HIV management by reducing the turnaround time for clinical test results. The implementation of near-patient testing using these new and emerging technologies may be an essential tool for ensuring a sustainable response that will ultimately enable an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In this report, we review the current and emerging technology, the evidence for decentralized viral load monitoring by non-laboratory health care workers, and the additional considerations for expanding point-of-care HIV viral load testing.
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Performance of a Novel Low-Cost, Instrument-Free Plasma Separation Device for HIV Viral Load Quantification and Determination of Treatment Failure in People Living with HIV in Malaysia: a Diagnostic Accuracy Study. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:JCM.01683-18. [PMID: 30700508 PMCID: PMC6440787 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01683-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV viral load (VL) testing is the recommended method for monitoring the response of people living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The availability of standard plasma VL testing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and access to this testing, are limited by the need to use fresh plasma. Good specimen collection methods for HIV VL testing that are applicable to resource-constrained settings are needed. We assessed the diagnostic performance of the filtered dried plasma spot (FDPS), created using the newly developed, instrument-free VLPlasma device, in identifying treatment failure at a VL threshold of 1,000 copies/ml in fresh plasma. Performance was compared with that of the conventional dried blood spot (DBS). Venous blood samples from 201 people living with HIV and attending an infectious disease clinic in Malaysia were collected, and HIV VL was quantified using fresh plasma (the reference standard), FDPS, and DBS specimens. VL testing was done using the Roche Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan v2.0 assay. At a threshold of 1,000 copies/ml, the diagnostic performance of the FDPS was superior (sensitivity, 100% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 89.1 to 100%]; specificity, 100% [95% CI, 97.8 to 100%]) to that of the DBS (sensitivity, 100% [95% CI, 89.4 to 100%]; specificity, 36.8% [95% CI, 29.4 to 44.7%]) (P < 0.001). A stronger correlation was observed between the FDPS VL and the plasma VL (r = 0.94; P < 0.001) than between the DBS VL and the plasma VL (r = 0.85; P < 0.001). The mean difference in VL measures between the FDPS and plasma (plasma VL minus FDPS VL) was 0.127 log10 copies/ml (standard deviation [SD], 0.32), in contrast to -0.95 log10 copies/ml (SD, 0.84) between the DBS and plasma. HIV VL measurement using the FDPS outperformed that with the DBS in identifying treatment failure at a threshold of 1,000 copies/ml and compared well with the quantification of VL in plasma. The FDPS can be an attractive alternative to fresh plasma for improving access to HIV VL monitoring among people living with HIV on ART in LMICs.
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Yotebieng M, Brazier E, Addison D, Kimmel AD, Cornell M, Keiser O, Parcesepe AM, Onovo A, Lancaster KE, Castelnuovo B, Murnane PM, Cohen CR, Vreeman RC, Davies M, Duda SN, Yiannoutsos CT, Bono RS, Agler R, Bernard C, Syvertsen JL, Sinayobye JD, Wikramanayake R, Sohn AH, von Groote PM, Wandeler G, Leroy V, Williams CF, Wools‐Kaloustian K, Nash D. Research priorities to inform "Treat All" policy implementation for people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: a consensus statement from the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA). J Int AIDS Soc 2019; 22:e25218. [PMID: 30657644 PMCID: PMC6338103 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION "Treat All" - the treatment of all people with HIV, irrespective of disease stage or CD4 cell count - represents a paradigm shift in HIV care that has the potential to end AIDS as a public health threat. With accelerating implementation of Treat All in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a need for a focused agenda and research to identify and inform strategies for promoting timely uptake of HIV treatment, retention in care, and sustained viral suppression and addressing bottlenecks impeding implementation. METHODS The Delphi approach was used to develop consensus around research priorities for Treat All implementation in SSA. Through an iterative process (June 2017 to March 2018), a set of research priorities was collectively formulated and refined by a technical working group and shared for review, deliberation and prioritization by more than 200 researchers, implementation experts, policy/decision-makers, and HIV community representatives in East, Central, Southern and West Africa. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The process resulted in a list of nine research priorities for generating evidence to guide Treat All policies, implementation strategies and monitoring efforts. These priorities highlight the need for increased focus on adolescents, men, and those with mental health and substance use disorders - groups that remain underserved in SSA and for whom more effective testing, linkage and care strategies need to be identified. The priorities also reflect consensus on the need to: (1) generate accurate national and sub-national estimates of the size of key populations and describe those who remain underserved along the HIV-care continuum; (2) characterize the timeliness of HIV care and short- and long-term HIV care continuum outcomes, as well as factors influencing timely achievement of these outcomes; (3) estimate the incidence and prevalence of HIV-drug resistance and regimen switching; and (4) identify cost-effective and affordable service delivery models and strategies to optimize uptake and minimize gaps, disparities, and losses along the HIV-care continuum, particularly among underserved populations. CONCLUSIONS Reflecting consensus among a broad group of experts, researchers, policy- and decision-makers, PLWH, and other stakeholders, the resulting research priorities highlight important evidence gaps that are relevant for ministries of health, funders, normative bodies and research networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen Brazier
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Diane Addison
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - April D Kimmel
- Department of Health Behavior and PolicyVirginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVAUSA
| | - Morna Cornell
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology& ResearchSchool of Public Health & Family MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Olivia Keiser
- Institute of Global HealthUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | - Amobi Onovo
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNCUSA
| | | | | | - Pamela M Murnane
- Center for AIDS Prevention StudiesDepartment of MedicineUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Craig R Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive SciencesBixby Center for Global Reproductive HealthUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Rachel C Vreeman
- Department of PediatricsIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisINUSA
| | - Mary‐Ann Davies
- School of Public Health and Family MedicineFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | | | - Rose S Bono
- Department of Health Behavior and PolicyVirginia Commonwealth University School of MedicineRichmondVAUSA
| | | | - Charlotte Bernard
- InsermCentre INSERM U1219‐Epidémiologie‐BiostatistiqueSchool of Public Health (ISPED)University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | | | | | - Radhika Wikramanayake
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Annette H Sohn
- TREAT AsiaamfAR – The Foundation for AIDS ResearchBangkokThailand
| | - Per M von Groote
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Gilles Wandeler
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Valeriane Leroy
- Inserm (French Institute of Health and Medical Research)UMR 1027 Université Toulouse 3ToulouseFrance
| | - Carolyn F Williams
- Epidemiology BranchDivision of AIDS at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)National Institute of Health (NIH)RockvilleMDUSA
| | | | - Denis Nash
- Institute for Implementation Science in Population HealthCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsGraduate School of Public Health and Health PolicyCity University of New YorkNew YorkNYUSA
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Kerschberger B, Mpala Q, Uribe PAD, Maphalala G, de la Tour R, Kalombola S, Bekele A, Chawinga T, Mliba M, Ntshalintshali N, Phugwayo N, Kabore SM, Goiri J, Dlamini S, Ciglenecki I, Fajardo E. Field suitability and diagnostic accuracy of the Biocentric® open real-time PCR platform for plasma-based HIV viral load quantification in Swaziland. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:570. [PMID: 30428850 PMCID: PMC6236955 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3474-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral load (VL) testing is being scaled up in resource-limited settings. However, not all commercially available VL testing methods have been evaluated under field conditions. This study is one of a few to evaluate the Biocentric platform for VL quantification in routine practice in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Venous blood specimens were obtained from patients eligible for VL testing at two health facilities in Swaziland from October 2016 to March 2017. Samples were centrifuged at two laboratories (LAB-1, LAB-2) to obtain paired plasma specimens for VL quantification with the national reference method and on the Biocentric platform. Agreement (correlation, Bland-Altman) and accuracy (sensitivity, specificity) indicators were calculated at the VL thresholds of 416 (2.62 log10) and 1000 (3.0 log10) copies/mL. Leftover samples from patients with discordant VL results were re-quantified and accuracy indicators recalculated. Logistic regression was used to compare laboratory performance. RESULTS A total of 364 paired plasma samples (LAB-1: n = 198; LAB-2: n = 166) were successfully tested using both methods. The correlation was high (R = 0.82, p < 0.01), and the Bland-Altman analysis showed a minimal mean difference (- 0.03 log10 copies/mL; 95% CI: -1.15 to 1.08). At the clinical threshold level of 3.0 log10 copies/mL, the sensitivity was 88.6% (95% CI: 78.7 to 94.9) and the specificity was 98.3% (95% CI: 96.1 to 99.4). Sensitivity was higher in LAB-1 (100%; 95% CI: 71.5 to 100) than in LAB-2 (86.4%; 95% CI: 75.0 to 94.0). Most upward (n = 8, 2.2%) and downward (n = 11, 3.0%) misclassifications occurred at the 2.62 log threshold, with LAB-2 having a 16 (95% CI: 2.26 to 113.27; p = 0.006) times higher odds of downward misclassification. After retesting of discordant leftover samples (n = 17), overall sensitivity increased to 93.5% (95% CI: 85.5 to 97.9) and 97.1% (95% CI: 90.1 to 99.7) at the 2.62 and 3.0 thresholds, and specificity increased to 98.6% (95% CI: 96.5 to 99.6) and 99.0% (95% CI: 97.0 to 99.8) respectively. CONCLUSIONS The test characteristics of the Biocentric platform were overall comparable to the national reference method for VL quantification. One laboratory tended to misclassify VL results downwards, likely owing to unmet training needs and lack of previous hands-on practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Kerschberger
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (OCG), P.O. Box 18, Eveni, Lot No. 331, Sheffield Road, Industrial Area, Mbabane, Swaziland.
| | - Qhubekani Mpala
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (OCG), P.O. Box 18, Eveni, Lot No. 331, Sheffield Road, Industrial Area, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Paola Andrea Díaz Uribe
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (OCG), P.O. Box 18, Eveni, Lot No. 331, Sheffield Road, Industrial Area, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Gugu Maphalala
- Ministry of Health (National Reference Laboratory), Mbabane, Swaziland
| | | | - Sydney Kalombola
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (OCG), P.O. Box 18, Eveni, Lot No. 331, Sheffield Road, Industrial Area, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Addis Bekele
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (OCG), P.O. Box 18, Eveni, Lot No. 331, Sheffield Road, Industrial Area, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Tiwonge Chawinga
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (OCG), P.O. Box 18, Eveni, Lot No. 331, Sheffield Road, Industrial Area, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Mukelo Mliba
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (OCG), P.O. Box 18, Eveni, Lot No. 331, Sheffield Road, Industrial Area, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | | | - Nomcebo Phugwayo
- Ministry of Health (National Reference Laboratory), Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Serge Mathurin Kabore
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (OCG), P.O. Box 18, Eveni, Lot No. 331, Sheffield Road, Industrial Area, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Javier Goiri
- Medecins Sans Frontieres (OCG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sindisiwe Dlamini
- Ministry of Health (National Reference Laboratory), Mbabane, Swaziland
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Etoori D, Ciglenecki I, Ndlangamandla M, Edwards CG, Jobanputra K, Pasipamire M, Maphalala G, Yang C, Zabsonre I, Kabore SM, Goiri J, Teck R, Kerschberger B. Successes and challenges in optimizing the viral load cascade to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence and rationalize second-line switches in Swaziland. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 21:e25194. [PMID: 30350392 PMCID: PMC6198167 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As antiretroviral therapy (ART) is scaled up, more patients become eligible for routine viral load (VL) monitoring, the most important tool for monitoring ART efficacy. For HIV programmes to become effective, leakages along the VL cascade need to be minimized and treatment switching needs to be optimized. However, many HIV programmes in resource-constrained settings report significant shortfalls. METHODS From a public sector HIV programme in rural Swaziland, we evaluated the VL cascade of adults (≥18 years) on ART from the time of the first elevated VL (>1000 copies/mL) between January 2013 and June 2014 to treatment switching by December 2015. We additionally described HIV drug resistance for patients with virological failure. We used descriptive statistics and Kaplan-Meier estimates to describe the different steps along the cascade and regression models to determine factors associated with outcomes. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Of 828 patients with a first elevated VL, 252 (30.4%) did not receive any enhanced adherence counselling (EAC). Six hundred and ninety-six (84.1%) patients had a follow-up VL measurement, and the predictors of receiving a follow-up VL were being a second-line patient (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.72; p = 0.051), Hlathikhulu health zone (aHR: 0.79; p = 0.013) and having received two EAC sessions (aHR: 1.31; p = 0.023). Four hundred and ten patients (58.9%) achieved VL re-suppression. Predictors of re-suppression were age 50 to 64 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.02; p = 0.015) compared with age 18 to 34 years, being on second-line treatment (aOR: 3.29; p = 0.003) and two (aOR: 1.66; p = 0.045) or three (aOR: 1.86; p = 0.003) EAC sessions. Of 278 patients eligible to switch to second-line therapy, 120 (43.2%) had switched by the end of the study. Finally, of 155 successfully sequenced dried blood spots, 144 (92.9%) were from first-line patients. Of these, 133 (positive predictive value: 92.4%) had resistance patterns that necessitated treatment switching. CONCLUSIONS Patients on ART with high VLs were more likely to re-suppress if they received EAC. Failure to re-suppress after counselling was predictive of genotypically confirmed resistance patterns requiring treatment switching. Delays in switching were significant despite the ability of the WHO algorithm to predict treatment failure. Despite significant progress in recent years, enhanced focus on quality care along the VL cascade in resource-limited settings is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Etoori
- Research DepartmentMédecins Sans FrontièresMbabaneSwaziland
- Department of Population HealthLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Iza Ciglenecki
- Research DepartmentMédecins Sans FrontièresGenevaSwitzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Gugu Maphalala
- Swaziland National Reference Laboratory (NRL)Ministry of HealthMbabaneSwaziland
| | - Chunfu Yang
- Division of Global HIV/AIDSThe Centre for Disease ControlAtlantaGAUSA
| | | | - Serge M Kabore
- Research DepartmentMédecins Sans FrontièresMbabaneSwaziland
| | - Javier Goiri
- Research DepartmentMédecins Sans FrontièresGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Roger Teck
- Research DepartmentMédecins Sans FrontièresGenevaSwitzerland
- South African Medical UnitMédecins Sans FrontièresCape TownSouth Africa
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Sithole Z, Mbizvo E, Chonzi P, Mungati M, Juru TP, Shambira G, Gombe NT, Tshimanga M. Virological failure among adolescents on ART, Harare City, 2017- a case-control study. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:469. [PMID: 30227831 PMCID: PMC6145182 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3372-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zimbabwe is on track towards achieving viral suppression among adults (87%). However, adolescents have only achieved 44% by 2016. In Harare city, 57% of adolescents had attained viral suppression after 12 months on ART compared to 88% among adults. We determined factors associated with virological failure among adolescents (age 10-19 years) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Harare city. METHODS We conducted a one to one unmatched case control study among 102 randomly recruited case: control pairs at the two main infectious disease hospitals in Harare. A case was any adolescent who presented with VL > 1000c/ml after at least 12 months on ART. A control was any adolescent who presented with VL < 1000c/ml after at least 12 months on ART. Interviewer administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Epi Info 7 was used to generate frequencies, means, proportions, ORs and p-values at 95% CI. RESULTS We interviewed 102 case-control pairs. Poor adherence to ART [aOR = 8.15, 95% CI (2.80-11.70)], taking alcohol [aOR = 8.46, 95% CI (3.22-22.22)] and non- disclosure of HIV status [aOR = 4.56, 95% CI (2.20-9.46)] were independent risk factors for virological failure. Always using a condom [aOR = 0.04, 95% CI (0.01-0.35)], being on second line treatment [aOR = 0.04, 95% CI (0.23-0.81)] and belonging to a support group [aOR = 0.41, 95% CI (0.21-0.80)] were protective. CONCLUSION Poor adherence, alcohol consumption and non-disclosure increased the odds of virological failure. Based on these findings support should focus on behavior change and strengthening of peer to peer projects to help address issues related to disclosure and adherence. Further operational research should aim to define other components of effective adherence support for adolescents with virological failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zvanaka Sithole
- MPH Programme, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Elizabeth Mbizvo
- MPH Programme, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - More Mungati
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatirc AIDS Foundation, Lesotho, Swaziland
| | - Tsitsi Patience Juru
- MPH Programme, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Gerald Shambira
- MPH Programme, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Notion Tafara Gombe
- MPH Programme, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Mufuta Tshimanga
- MPH Programme, Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Stevens ER, Li L, Nucifora KA, Zhou Q, McNairy ML, Gachuhi A, Lamb MR, Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha H, Sahabo R, Okello V, El-Sadr WM, Braithwaite RS. Cost-effectiveness of a combination strategy to enhance the HIV care continuum in Swaziland: Link4Health. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204245. [PMID: 30222768 PMCID: PMC6141095 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Link4Health, a cluster-RCT, demonstrated the effectiveness of a combination strategy targeting barriers at various HIV continuum steps on linkage to and retention in care; showing effectiveness in achieving linkage to HIV care within 1 month plus retention in care at 12 months after HIV testing for people living with HIV (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.19-1.96, p = 0.002). In addition to standard of care, Link4Health included: 1) Point-of-care CD4+ count testing; 2) Accelerated ART initiation; 3) Mobile phone appointment reminders; 4) Care and prevention package including commodities and informational materials; and 5) Non-cash financial incentive. Our objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a scale-up of the Link4Health strategy in Swaziland. METHODS AND FINDINGS We incorporated the effects and costs of the Link4Health strategy into a computer simulation of the HIV epidemic in Swaziland, comparing a scenario where the strategy was scaled up to a scenario with no implementation. The simulation combined a deterministic compartmental model of HIV transmission with a stochastic microsimulation of HIV progression calibrated to Swaziland epidemiological data. It incorporated downstream health costs potentially saved and infections potentially prevented by improved linkage and treatment adherence. We assessed the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of Link4Health compared to standard care from a health sector perspective reported in US$2015, a time horizon of 20 years, and a discount rate of 3% in accordance with WHO guidelines.[1] Our results suggest that scale-up of the Link4Health strategy would reduce new HIV infections over 20 years by 11,059 infections, a 7% reduction from the projected 169,019 cases and prevent 5,313 deaths, an 11% reduction from the projected 49,582 deaths. Link4Health resulted in an incremental cost per infection prevented of $13,310 and an incremental cost per QALY gained of $3,560/QALY from the health sector perspective. CONCLUSIONS Using a threshold of <3 x per capita GDP, the Link4Health strategy is likely to be a cost-effective strategy for responding to the HIV epidemic in Swaziland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R. Stevens
- Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Lingfeng Li
- Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Kimberly A. Nucifora
- Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Qinlian Zhou
- Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | - Averie Gachuhi
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Lamb
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | | | | | - Wafaa M. El-Sadr
- ICAP at Columbia University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - R. Scott Braithwaite
- Department of Population Health, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
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Nasuuna E, Kigozi J, Babirye L, Muganzi A, Sewankambo NK, Nakanjako D. Low HIV viral suppression rates following the intensive adherence counseling (IAC) program for children and adolescents with viral failure in public health facilities in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:1048. [PMID: 30134880 PMCID: PMC6103875 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5964-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The UNAIDS 90–90-90 strategy clearly stipulates that 90% of all people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) should have a suppressed viral load. Intensified adherence counselling (IAC) was recently recommended by WHO to improve viral suppression among ART-treated paediatric and adolescent clients with virological failure. This paper describes the implementation and outcomes of IAC in the first year of implementation in a public ART program, to inform strategic interventions to reach the “third 90” among children. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted for all children aged 9 months to 19 years with HIV viral loads (VL) ≥ 1000 copies/ml at 15 public health facilities from June 2015–December 2016. Data on initial VL test results, IAC sessions, repeat VL test results, and ART regimen switch were abstracted and analysed for completion of IAC and viral suppression after IAC. Results A total of 449 children had a detectable viral load above 1000 copies/ml, after an average of 3.5 years (SD 5.8) years of ART. 192 (43%) were 10–20 years of age, and 320 (71%) were receiving Nevirapine-based ART regimen. Out of 345 (77%) who completed the recommended three IAC sessions, 62 (23%) achieved viral suppression following IAC. The mean time from 1st to 3rd IAC session was 113 (SD 153) days and 172 (50%) of the children had completed the three sessions within 200 days. Conclusion Suppression rates were low among ART-treated children with virological failure that completed the recommended three IAC sessions. As we move towards having 90% of ART-treated children and adolescents achieve and maintain viral suppression, there is need to re-evaluate the implementation of IAC among children and adolescents to consider both psychosocial and biological factors such as resistance testing for those with multiple detectable viral loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Nasuuna
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Joanita Kigozi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lillian Babirye
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Muganzi
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Nelson K Sewankambo
- School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Damalie Nakanjako
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 22418, Kampala, Uganda.,School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O.Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
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29
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Ntamatungiro AJ, Muri L, Glass TR, Erb S, Battegay M, Furrer H, Hatz C, Tanner M, Felger I, Klimkait T, Letang E. Strengthening HIV therapy and care in rural Tanzania affects rates of viral suppression. J Antimicrob Chemother 2018; 72:2069-2074. [PMID: 28387865 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkx095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To assess viral suppression rates, to assess prevalence of acquired HIV drug resistance and to characterize the spectrum of HIV-1 drug resistance mutations (HIV-DRM) in HIV-1-infected patients in a rural Tanzanian HIV cohort. Methods This was a cross-sectional study nested within the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort. Virological failure was defined as HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/mL. Risk factors associated with virological failure and with the development of HIV-DRM were assessed using logistic regression. Results This study included 304 participants with a median time on ART of 3.5 years (IQR = 1.7-5.3 years); 91% were on an NNRTI-based regimen and 9% were on a boosted PI-based regimen. Viral suppression was observed in 277/304 patients (91%). Of the remaining 27 patients, 21 were successfully genotyped and 17/21 (81%) harboured ≥1 clinically relevant HIV-DRM. Of these, 13/17 (76.5%) had HIV-1 plasma viral loads of >1000 copies/mL. CD4 cell count <200 cells/mm(3) at the time of recruitment was independently associated with a close to 8-fold increased odds of virological failure [adjusted OR (aOR) = 7.71, 95% CI = 2.86-20.78, P < 0.001] and with a >8-fold increased odds of developing HIV-DRM (aOR = 8.46, 95% CI = 2.48-28.93, P = 0.001). Conclusions High levels of viral suppression can be achieved in rural sub-Saharan Africa when treatment and care programmes are well managed. In the absence of routine HIV sequencing, the WHO-recommended threshold of 1000 viral RNA copies/mL largely discriminates virological failure secondary to HIV-DRM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lukas Muri
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tracy R Glass
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Erb
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Department of Medicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Battegay
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, Department of Medicine and Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Hansjakob Furrer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Hatz
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ingrid Felger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Klimkait
- Molecular Virology, Department Biomedicine Petersplatz, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emilio Letang
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Centre for International Health Research (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Etoori D, Kerschberger B, Staderini N, Ndlangamandla M, Nhlabatsi B, Jobanputra K, Mthethwa-Hleza S, Parker LA, Sibanda S, Mabhena E, Pasipamire M, Kabore SM, Rusch B, Jamet C, Ciglenecki I, Teck R. Challenges and successes in the implementation of option B+ to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV in southern Swaziland. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:374. [PMID: 29558896 PMCID: PMC5859825 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5258-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all pregnant/ breastfeeding women living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), known as Prevention of mother-to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) Option B+ (PMTCTB+), is being scaled up in most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. In the transition to PMTCTB+, many countries face challenges with proper implementation of the HIV care cascade. We aimed to describe the feasibility of a PMTCTB+ approach in the public health sector in Swaziland. Methods Lifelong ART was offered to a cohort of HIV+ pregnant women aged ≥16 years at the first antenatal care (ANC1) visit in 9 public sector facilities, between 01/2013 and 06/2014. The study enrolment period was divided into 3 phases (early: 01–06/2013, mid: 07–12/2013 and late: 01–06/2014) to account for temporal trends. Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were applied for ART initiation and attrition analyses. Results Of 665 HIV+ pregnant women, 496 (74.6%) initiated ART. ART initiation increased in later study enrolment phases (mid: aHR: 1.41; later: aHR: 2.36), and decreased at CD4 ≥ 500 (aHR: 0.69). 52.9% were retained in care at 24 months. Attrition was associated with ANC1 in the third trimester (aHR: 2.37), attending a secondary care facility (aHR: 1.98) and ART initiation during later enrolment phases (mid aHR: 1.48; late aHR: 1.67). Of 373 women eligible, 67.3% received a first VL. 223/251 (88.8%) were virologically suppressed (< 1000 copies/mL). Of 670 infants, 53.6% received an EID test, 320/359 had a test result recorded and of whom 7 (2.2%) were HIV+. Conclusions PMTCTB+ was found to be feasible in this setting, with high rates of maternal viral suppression and low transmission to the infant. High treatment attrition, poor follow-up of mother-baby pairs and under-utilisation of VL and EID testing are important programmatic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Etoori
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Mbabane, Swaziland. .,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | | | | | | | - Bonisile Nhlabatsi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | | | | | - Lucy Anne Parker
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Roger Teck
- Médecins Sans Frontières, Geneva, Switzerland.,South African Medical Unit, Médecins Sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
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Arpadi SM, Shiau S, De Gusmao EP, Violari A. Routine viral load monitoring in HIV-infected infants and children in low- and middle-income countries: challenges and opportunities. J Int AIDS Soc 2018; 20 Suppl 7. [PMID: 29171190 PMCID: PMC5978643 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The objective of this commentary is to review considerations for implementing routine viral load (VL) monitoring programmes for HIV-infected infants and children living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Since 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines recommend VL testing as the preferred monitoring approach for all individuals treated with ART in order to assess treatment response, detect treatment failure and determine the need to switch to a second-line regimen in a timely manner. More recently, WHO guidelines from 2016 identify HIV-infected infants and children as a priority group for routine VL monitoring. DISCUSSION There are a number of reasons why HIV-infected infants and children should be prioritized for routine VL monitoring. Data from national VL monitoring programmes as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses from LMIC indicate rates of viral suppression are lower for infants and children compared to adults. The number of antiretroviral drugs and palatable formulations suitable for young children are limited. In addition, emotional and developmental issues particular to children can make daily medication administration difficult and pose a challenge to adherence and achievement of sustained viral suppression. VL monitoring can be instrumental for identifying those in need of additional adherence support, reducing regimen switches and preserving treatment options. The needs of infants and children warrant consideration in all aspects of VL monitoring services. If capacity for paediatric venipuncture is not assured, platforms that accept dried blood spot specimens are necessary in order for infants and children to have equitable access. Healthcare systems also need to prepare to manage the substantial number of infants and children identified with elevated VL, including adherence interventions that are appropriate for children. Establishing robust systems to evaluate processes and outcomes of routine VL monitoring services and to support drug forecasting and supply management is essential to determine best practices for infants and children in LMIC. CONCLUSIONS The particular concerns of HIV-infected infants and children warrant attention during all phases of planning and implementation of VL monitoring services. There are a number of key areas, including frequency of monitoring, blood specimen type and adherence challenges, where specific approaches tailored for infants and children may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Arpadi
- ICAP Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Shiau
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Empilweni Services and Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Avy Violari
- Perinatal Health Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Alemnji G, Chase M, Branch S, Guevara G, Nkengasong J, Albalak R. Improving Laboratory Efficiency in the Caribbean to Attain the World Health Organization HIV Treat All Recommendations. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2018; 34:132-139. [PMID: 28967269 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2017.0158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientific evidence showing the benefits of early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) prompted World Health organization (WHO) to recommend that all persons diagnosed as HIV positive should commence ART irrespective of CD4 count and disease progression. Based on this recommendation, countries should adopt and implement the HIV "Treat All" policy to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets and ultimately reach epidemic control. Attaining this goal along the HIV treatment cascade depends on the laboratory to monitor progress and measure impact. The laboratory plays an important role in HIV diagnosis to attain the first 90 and in viral load (VL) and HIV drug resistance testing to reinforce adherence, improve viral suppression, and measure the third 90. Countries in the Caribbean region have endorsed the WHO HIV "Treat all" recommendation; however, they are faced with diminishing financial resources to support laboratory testing, seen as a rate-limiting factor to achieving this goal. To improve laboratory coverage with fewer resources in the Caribbean there is the need to optimize laboratory operations to ensure the implementation of high quality, less expensive evidence-based approaches that will result in more efficient and effective service delivery. Suggested practical and innovative approaches to achieve this include: (1) targeted testing within HIV hotspots; (2) strengthening sample referral systems for VL; (3) better laboratory data collection systems; and (4) use of treatment cascade data for programmatic decision-making. Furthermore, strengthening quality improvement and procurement systems will minimize diagnostic errors and guarantee a continuum of uninterrupted testing which is critical for routine monitoring of patients to meet the stated goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Alemnji
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
- State Department Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy (S/GAC), Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Martine Chase
- Caribbean Regional Office, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Songee Branch
- Ladymeade Reference Unit Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - Giselle Guevara
- Caribbean Regional Office, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados
| | - John Nkengasong
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rachel Albalak
- Caribbean Regional Office, Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Embassy, Bridgetown, Barbados
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Swannet S, Decroo T, de Castro SMTL, Rose C, Giuliani R, Molfino L, Torrens AW, Macueia WSED, Perry S, Reid T. Journey towards universal viral load monitoring in Maputo, Mozambique: many gaps, but encouraging signs. Int Health 2017; 9:206-214. [PMID: 28810670 PMCID: PMC5881256 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihx021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Viral load (VL) monitoring for people on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is extremely challenging in resource-limited settings. We assessed the VL testing scale-up in six Médecins Sans Frontières supported health centres in Maputo, Mozambique, during 2014–15. Methods In a retrospective cohort study, routine programme data were used to describe VL testing uptake and results, and multi-variate logistical regression to estimate predictors of VL testing uptake and suppression. Results Uptake of a first VL test was 40% (17 236/43 579). Uptake of a follow-up VL test for patients with a high first VL result was 35% (1095/3100). Factors associated with a higher uptake included: age below 15 years, longer time on ART and attending tailored service delivery platforms. Virological suppression was higher in pregnant/breastfeeding women and in community ART Group members. Patients with a high first VL result (18%; 3100/17 236) were mostly younger, had been on ART longer or had tuberculosis. Out of 1095 attending for a follow-up VL test, 678 (62%) had virological failure. Of those, less than one-third had started second line ART. Conclusion This was the first study describing the uptake and results of VL testing scale-up in Mozambique. Identified gaps show patient and programmatic challenges. Where service delivery was customized to patient needs, VL monitoring was more successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Swannet
- Operational Centres Geneva and Brussels, Médecins sans Frontières, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Tom Decroo
- Operational Research Unit, Médecins sans Frontières, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | | | - Caroline Rose
- Operational Centres Geneva and Brussels, Médecins sans Frontières, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Ruggero Giuliani
- Operational Centres Geneva and Brussels, Médecins sans Frontières, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Lucas Molfino
- Operational Centres Geneva and Brussels, Médecins sans Frontières, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Ana W Torrens
- Operational Centres Geneva and Brussels, Médecins sans Frontières, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Walter S E D Macueia
- Operational Centres Geneva and Brussels, Médecins sans Frontières, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Sharon Perry
- Southern Africa Medical Unit, Médecins sans Frontières, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tony Reid
- Operational Research Unit, Médecins sans Frontières, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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Gibb J, Chitsulo J, Chipungu C, Chivwara M, Schooley A, Hoffman RM. Supporting Quality Data Systems: Lessons Learned from Early Implementation of Routine Viral Load Monitoring at a Large Clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 3. [PMID: 28702463 DOI: 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-17-1468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Successful viral load programs rely on the presence of data systems and high quality of patient data. Using a cohort of 49 patients at Partners in Hope, a large, urban HIV clinic in Malawi, we performed a quality improvement assessment of a new viral load program with a focus on accuracy of data collected from patients as well as adherence to Malawi HIV Guidelines in regard to response to elevated viral loads (≥1,000 copies/mL). Data were obtained from three parallel medical record systems to investigate the proportion of patients with a repeat viral load and whether the three data systems agreed in regard to sociodemographic and clinical data. Fewer than 30% of patients had a repeat viral load within six months, as recommended in the Malawi HIV Guidelines. There were significant problems with data agreement across the three parallel databases used for care. Date of birth was consistent for 55.1% (N=27) of patients, while a different date of birth was noted in all three sources for 10.2% of pateints (N=1). For 65.3% (N=32), the viral load from the laboratory did not match the recorded viral load in the electronic or paper record. Scale-up of viral load monitoring must be accompanied by the development of data systems that support workflow from sample collection to lab and back to provider. Education of providers and strategies for data collection with minimal errors can facilitate scale-up of high quality programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Gibb
- Resident physician, Internal Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, 757 Westwood Plaza, Suite 7501, Los Angeles, CA 90095, Mobile: +1-253-691-6253
| | - Jimmy Chitsulo
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, PO Box 302, Lilongwe, Malawi, Tele: +265 (0) 1-727-155
| | - Chifundo Chipungu
- Partners in Hope Medical Center, PO Box 302, Lilongwe, Malawi, Tele: +265 (0) 1-727-155
| | - Mackenzie Chivwara
- PO Box 302, Partners in Hope Medical Center, Lilongwe, Malawi, Tele: +265 (0) 1-727-155
| | - Alan Schooley
- Country Director, Partners in Hope Medical Center, PO Box 302, Lilongwe, Malawi, +265 994 425691
| | - Risa M Hoffman
- Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Univeristy of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 37-121 CHS, Los Angeles, California, USA 90095, Mobile: +1-310-623-0671
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Optimizing Treatment Monitoring in Resource Limited Settings in the Era of Routine Viral Load Monitoring. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-017-0098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Pham MD, Romero L, Parnell B, Anderson DA, Crowe SM, Luchters S. Feasibility of antiretroviral treatment monitoring in the era of decentralized HIV care: a systematic review. AIDS Res Ther 2017; 14:3. [PMID: 28103895 PMCID: PMC5248527 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-017-0131-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular monitoring of HIV patients who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) is required to ensure patient benefits and the long-term effectiveness and sustainability of ART programs. Prompted by WHO recommendations for expansion and decentralization of HIV treatment and care in low and middle income countries, we conducted a systematic review to assess the feasibility of treatment monitoring in these settings. METHODS A comprehensive search strategy was developed using a combination of MeSH and free text terms relevant to HIV treatment and care, health service delivery, health service accessibility, decentralization and other relevant terms. Five electronic databases and two conference websites were searched to identify relevant studies conducted in LMICs, published in English between Jan 2006 and Dec 2015. Outcomes of interest included the proportion of patients who received treatment monitoring and health system factors related to monitoring of patients on ART under decentralized HIV service delivery models. RESULTS From 5363 records retrieved, twenty studies were included in the review; all but one was conducted in sub-Saharan African countries. The majority of studies (15/20) had relatively short follow-up duration (≤24 months), and only two studies were specifically designed to assess treatment monitoring practices. The most frequently studied follow-up period was 12 months and a wide range of treatment monitoring coverage was observed. The reported proportions of patients on ART who received CD4 monitoring ranged from very low (6%; N = 2145) to very high (95%; N = 488). The median uptake of viral load monitoring was 86% with studies in program settings reporting coverage as low as 14%. Overall, the longer the follow-up period, the lower the proportion of patients who received regular monitoring tests; and programs in rural areas reported low coverage of laboratory monitoring. Moreover, uptake in the context of research had significantly better where monitoring was done by dedicated research staff. In the absence of point of care (POC) testing, the limited capacity for blood sample transportation between clinic and laboratory and poor quality of nursing staff were identified as a major barrier for treatment monitoring practice. CONCLUSIONS There is a paucity of data on the uptake of treatment monitoring, particularly with longer-term follow-up. Wide variation in access to both virological and immunological regular monitoring was observed, with some clinics in well-resourced settings supported by external donors achieving high coverage. The feasibility of treatment monitoring, particularly in decentralized settings of HIV treatment and care may thus be of concern and requires further study. Significant investment in POC diagnostic technologies and, improving the quality of and training for nursing staff is required to ensure effective scale up of ART programs towards the targets of 90-90-90 by the year 2020.
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Roberts T, Cohn J, Bonner K, Hargreaves S. Scale-up of Routine Viral Load Testing in Resource-Poor Settings: Current and Future Implementation Challenges. Clin Infect Dis 2016; 62:1043-8. [PMID: 26743094 PMCID: PMC4803106 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciw001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite immense progress in antiretroviral therapy (ART) scale-up, many people still lack access to basic standards of care, with our ability to meet the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 treatment targets for HIV/AIDS dependent on dramatic improvements in diagnostics. The World Health Organization recommends routine monitoring of ART effectiveness using viral load (VL) testing at 6 months and every 12 months, to monitor treatment adherence and minimize failure, and will publish its VL toolkit later this year. However, the cost and complexity of VL is preventing scale-up beyond developed countries and there is a lack of awareness among clinicians as to the long-term patient benefits and its role in prolonging the longevity of treatment programs. With developments in this diagnostic field rapidly evolving-including the recent improvements for accurately using dried blood spots and the imminent appearance to the market of point-of-care technologies offering decentralized diagnosis-we describe current barriers to VL testing in resource-limited settings. Effective scale-up can be achieved through health system and laboratory system strengthening and test price reductions, as well as tackling multiple programmatic and funding challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sally Hargreaves
- International Health Unit, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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Strengthening the "Viral Failure Pathway": Clinical Decision and Outcomes of Patients With Confirmed Viral Failure in a Large HIV Care Clinic in Uganda. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2016; 70:e174-6. [PMID: 26569179 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Nlend AEN, Lyeb S, Moyo STN, Motaze AN. Viral Monitoring and Prevalence of Viral Failure in HIV-1 Infected Children under First Line Antiretroviral Therapy during the First 60 Months of Treatment in Yaoundé, Cameroon: A Serial Cross Sectional Analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.4236/ojped.2016.61012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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40
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Jobanputra K, Parker LA, Azih C, Okello V, Maphalala G, Kershberger B, Khogali M, Lujan J, Antierens A, Teck R, Ellman T, Kosgei R, Reid T. Factors associated with virological failure and suppression after enhanced adherence counselling, in children, adolescents and adults on antiretroviral therapy for HIV in Swaziland. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116144. [PMID: 25695494 PMCID: PMC4335028 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study explores factors associated with virological detectability, and viral re-suppression after enhanced adherence counselling, in adults and children on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Swaziland. METHODS This descriptive study used laboratory data from 7/5/2012 to 30/9/2013, which were linked with the national ART database to provide information on time on ART and CD4 count; information on enhanced adherence counselling was obtained from file review in health facilities. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between viral load, gender, age, time on ART, CD4 count and receiving (or not receiving) enhanced adherence counselling. RESULTS From 12,063 patients undergoing routine viral load monitoring, 1941 (16%) had detectable viral loads. Children were more likely to have detectable viral loads (AOR 2.6, 95%CI 1.5-4.5), as were adolescents (AOR 3.2, 95%CI 2.2-4.8), patients with last CD4<350 cells/µl (AOR 2.2, 95%CI 1.7-2.9) or WHO Stage 3/4 disease (AOR 1.3, 95%CI 1.1-1.6), and patients on ART for longer (AOR 1.1, 95%CI 1.1-1.2). At retesting, 450 (54% of those tested) showed viral re-suppression. Children were less likely to re-suppress (AOR 0.2, 95%CI 0.1-0.7), as were adolescents (AOR 0.3, 95%CI 0.2-0.8), those with initial viral load> 1000 copies/ml (AOR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1-0.7), and those with last CD4<350 cells/µl (AOR 0.4, 95%CI 0.2-0.7). Receiving (or not receiving) enhanced adherence counselling was not associated with likelihood of re-suppression. CONCLUSIONS Children, adolescents and those with advanced disease were most likely to have high viral loads and least likely to achieve viral suppression at retesting; receiving adherence counselling was not associated with higher likelihood of viral suppression. Although the level of viral resistance was not quantified, this study suggests the need for ART treatment support that addresses the adherence problems of younger people; and to define the elements of optimal enhanced adherence support for patients of all ages with detectable viral loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Jobanputra
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Lucy Anne Parker
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Charles Azih
- Swaziland National ART Program, Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Velephi Okello
- Swaziland National ART Program, Ministry of Health, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - Gugu Maphalala
- Swaziland National Reference Laboratory, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | | | - Mohammed Khogali
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Research Unit), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Johnny Lujan
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Annick Antierens
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Roger Teck
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Centre Geneva), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tom Ellman
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Southern Africa Medical Unit), Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rose Kosgei
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Research Unit), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Tony Reid
- Médecins Sans Frontières (Operational Research Unit), Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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