Early antiretroviral therapy for patients with acute aids-related opportunistic infections: a cost-effectiveness analysis of ACTG A5164

Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in People Living with HIV Who Presented with Interstitial Pneumonitis: an Emerging Challenge in the Era of Rapid Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy

Studies on immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in people living with HIV (PLWH) and presenting with interstitial pneumonitis (IP) are limited in the era of rapid antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, particularly with integrase strand-transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-containing regimens. Adult PLWH presenting with IP in whom ART was initiated within 30 days of IP diagnosis between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively identified. The primary outcome was the occurrence of IRIS within 30 days after admission. Of 88 eligible PLWH with IP (median age, 36 years; CD4 count, 39 cells/mm3), Pneumocystis jirovecii and cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA were detected via polymerase-chain-reaction assay in 69.3% and 91.7% of respiratory specimens, respectively. 22 PLWH (25.0%) had manifestations that met French's IRIS criteria for paradoxical IRIS. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of the all-cause mortality (0.0% versus 6.1%, P = 0.24), the occurrence of respiratory failure (22.7% versus 19.7%, P = 0.76), and pneumothorax (9.1% versus 7.6%, P = 0.82) between PLWH with and those without paradoxical IRIS. In a multivariable analysis, the factors associated with IRIS were the decline of the 1 month plasma HIV RNA load (PVL) with ART (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] per 1 log decrease, 3.45; 95% CI, 1.52 to 7.81), a baseline CD4-to-CD8 ratio of <0.1 (aHR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.16 to 10.44), and the rapid initiation of ART (aHR, 7.95; 95% CI, 1.04 to 60.90). In conclusion, we found a high rate of paradoxical IRIS among PLWH with IP in the era of rapid ART initiation with INSTI-containing ART and this was associated with immune depletion at baseline, a rapid decline of PVL, and an interval of <7 days between the diagnosis of IP and the initiation of ART. IMPORTANCE Our study of PLWH who presented with IP mainly due to Pneumocystis jirovecii demonstrates that a high rate of paradoxical IRIS and a rapid decline of PVL with the initiation of ART, a CD4-to-CD8 ratio of <0.1 at baseline, and a short interval (<7 days) between the diagnosis of IP and the initiation of ART were associated with paradoxical IP-IRIS in PLWH. Paradoxical IP-IRIS was not associated with mortality or respiratory failure with heightened awareness among the HIV-treating physicians, rigorous investigations to exclude the possibilities of concomitant infections, or the malignancies and adverse effects of medications, including the cautious use of corticosteroids.

Rapid Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy Following Diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Patients with Commercial Insurance Coverage

BACKGROUND

New guidelines for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) advocate for rapid initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) ≤ 7 days after HIV diagnosis with agents that have a high genetic barrier to resistance, good tolerability, and convenient dosing.

OBJECTIVE

To describe characteristics, time to ART initiation, and health care costs in commercially insured patients living with HIV in the United States who are treated ≤ 60 days after HIV diagnosis.

METHODS

IBM MarketScan Research Databases (January 1, 2012-December 31, 2017) were used to identify ART-naive adults with HIV-1, ≥ 6 months of continuous eligibility before first HIV diagnosis, and ART initiation ≤ 60 days of first diagnosis. ART regimen had to include a protease inhibitor (PI), an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) with ≥ 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Cohorts were formed based on time to ART initiation after diagnosis: ≤ 7 days or 8-60 days. Health care costs were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after diagnosis among patients with ≥ 36 months of continuous eligibility.

RESULTS

Among 9,351 patients, median time to treatment was 31.0 days. Patients initiating ART > 60 days after HIV diagnosis were excluded (N = 2,608 [27.9%]), while 6,743 (72.1%) initiated ART ≤ 60 days after diagnosis and were analyzed; 18.3% and 81.7% were classified in the ≤ 7 days and 8-60 days cohorts, respectively. For all analyzed patients, mean age was 38.0 (SD = 12.0) years and 13.2% were female; 12.7%, 56.2%, and 31.1% initiated a PI, INSTI, or NNRTI-based regimen, respectively. Elvitegravir (32.9%), efavirenz (20.9%), dolutegravir (18.5%), and darunavir (8.5%) were the most commonly used antiretrovirals; most patients (74.3%) were initiated on single-tablet regimens. PI-based regimens were more common in the ≤ 7 days cohort (PI = 18.1%; darunavir = 11.4%) than in the 8-60 days cohort (PI = 11.5%; darunavir = 7.8%). INSTI-based regimens were more common in the 8-60 days cohort (INSTI = 57.7%; elvitegravir = 33.8%) than in the ≤ 7 days cohort (INSTI = 49.2%; elvitegravir = 29.1%). NNRTI-based regimens were as common in the ≤ 7 days (32.7%) and 8-60 days (30.7%) cohorts. Mean total accumulated costs were lower among patients in the ≤ 7 days cohort than in the 8-60 days cohort at all time points analyzed after diagnosis (e.g., 36 months: ≤ 7 days = $109,456; 8-60 days = $116,870). Total per-patient per-month costs decreased over time in the ≤ 7 days (i.e., 6 months = $4,359; 36 months = $3,040) and 8-60 days cohort (6 months = $4,727; 36 months = $3,246).

CONCLUSIONS

Although 72.1% of patients initiated ART ≤ 60 days after HIV diagnosis, only 18.3% initiated ART ≤ 7 days. Many patients initiating ART ≤ 7 days used suboptimal agents with low rather than high genetic barriers to resistance (i.e., efavirenz and elvitegravir) or agents (dolutegravir) coformulated with other antiretrovirals that require testing to prevent hypersensitivity reactions. Patients in the ≤ 7 days cohort showed lower total health care costs relative to those in the 8-60 days cohort, highlighting the potential long-term benefits of rapid ART initiation.

DISCLOSURES

This study was supported by Janssen Scientific Affairs, which was involved in the study design, interpretation of results, manuscript preparation, and publication decisions. Emond, Lefebvre, Lafeuille, and Côté-Sergent are employees of Analysis Group, a consulting company that was contracted by Janssen Scientific Affairs to conduct this study and develop the manuscript. Benson, Tandon, Chow, and Dunn are employees of Janssen Scientific Affairs and stockholders of Johnson & Johnson. Part of the material in this study has been presented at the AMCP 2019 Annual Meeting; March 25-28, 2019; San Diego, CA.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Financial Incentives for Viral Suppression: HPTN 065 Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of financial incentives for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral suppression compared to standard of care.

STUDY DESIGN

Mathematical model of 2-year intervention offering financial incentives ($70 quarterly) for viral suppression (<400 copies/ml3) based on the HPTN 065 clinical trial with HIV patients in the Bronx, NY and Washington, D.C.

METHODS

A disease progression model with HIV transmission risk equations was developed following guidelines from the Second Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine. We used health care sector and societal perspectives, 3% discount rate, and lifetime horizon. Data sources included trial data (baseline N = 16,208 patients), CDC HIV Surveillance data, and published literature. Outcomes were costs (2017 USD), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), HIV infections prevented, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

RESULTS

Financial incentives for viral suppression were estimated to be cost-saving from a societal perspective and cost-effective ($49,877/QALY) from a health care sector perspective. Compared to the standard of care, financial incentives gain 0.06 QALYs and lower discounted lifetime costs by $4210 per patient. The model estimates that incentivized patients transmit 9% fewer infections than the standard-of-care patients. In the sensitivity analysis, ICER 95% credible intervals ranged from cost-saving to $501,610/QALY with 72% of simulations being cost-effective using a $150,000/QALY threshold. Modeling results are limited by uncertainty in efficacy from the clinical trial.

CONCLUSIONS

Financial incentives, as used in HTPN 065, are estimated to improve quality and length of life, reduce HIV transmissions, and save money from a societal perspective. Financial incentives offer a promising option for enhancing the benefits of medication in the United States.

Time to HAART Initiation after Diagnosis and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in Patients with AIDS in Latin America

Background

Since 2009, earlier initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) after an opportunistic infection (OI) has been recommended based on lower risks of death and AIDS-related progression found in clinical trials. Delay in HAART initiation after OIs may be an important barrier for successful outcomes in patients with advanced disease. Timing of HAART initiation after an OI in “real life” settings in Latin America has not been evaluated.

Methods

Patients in the Caribbean, Central and South America network for HIV Epidemiology (CCASAnet) ≥18 years of age at enrolment, from 2001–2012 who had an OI before HAART initiation were included. Patients were divided in an early HAART (EH) group (those initiating within 4 weeks of an OI) and a delayed HAART (DH) group (those initiating more than 4 weeks after an OI). All patients with an AIDS-defining OI were included. In patients with more than one OI the first event reported was considered. Calendar trends in the proportion of patients in the EH group (before and after 2009) were estimated by site and for the whole cohort. Factors associated with EH were estimated using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

A total of 1457 patients had an OI before HAART initiation and were included in the analysis: 213 from Argentina, 686 from Brazil, 283 from Chile, 119 from Honduras and 156 from Mexico. Most prevalent OI were Tuberculosis (31%), followed by Pneumocystis pneumonia (24%), Invasive Candidiasis (16%) and Toxoplasmosis (9%). Median time from OI to HAART initiation decreased significantly from 5.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.8–12.1) weeks before 2009 to 4.3 (IQR 2.0–7.1) after 2009 (p<0.01). Factors associated with starting HAART within 4 weeks of OI diagnosis were lower CD4 count at enrolment (p-<0.001), having a non-tuberculosis OI (p<0.001), study site (p<0.001), and more recent years of OI diagnosis (p<0.001).

Discussion

The time from diagnosis of an OI to HAART initiation has decreased in Latin America coinciding with the publication of evidence of its benefit. We found important heterogeneity between sites which may reflect differences in clinical practices, local guidelines, and access to HAART. The impact of the timing of HAART initiation after OI on patient survival in this “real life” context needs further evaluation.

Inpatient mortality of HIV-infected adults in sub-Saharan Africa and possible interventions: a mixed methods review

Background

Despite the increased availability of anti-retroviral therapy, in-hospital HIV mortality remains high in sub-Saharan Africa. Reports from Senegal, Malawi, and Tanzania show rates of in-hospital, HIV-related mortality ranging from 24.2% to 44%. This mixed methods review explored the potential causes of preventable in-hospital mortality associated with HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa in the anti-retroviral era.

Results

Based on our experience as healthcare providers in Africa and a review of the literature we identified 5 health systems failures which may cause preventable in-hospital mortality, including: 1) late presentation of HIV cases, 2) low rates of in-hospital HIV testing, 3) poor laboratory capacity which limits CD4 T-cell testing and the diagnosis of opportunistic infections, 4) delay in initiation of anti-retroviral therapy in-hospital, and 5) problems associated with loss to follow-up upon discharge from hospital.

Conclusion

Our findings, together with the current available literature, should be used to develop practical interventions that can be implemented to reduce in-hospital mortality.

Clinically relevant drug-drug interactions between antiretrovirals and antifungals

INTRODUCTION

Complete delineation of the HIV-1 life cycle has resulted in the development of several antiretroviral drugs. Twenty-five therapeutic agents belonging to five different classes are currently available for the treatment of HIV-1 infections. Advent of triple combination antiretroviral therapy has significantly lowered the mortality rate in HIV patients. However, fungal infections still represent major opportunistic diseases in immunocompromised patients worldwide.

AREAS COVERED

Antiretroviral drugs that target enzymes and/or proteins indispensable for viral replication are discussed in this article. Fungal infections, causative organisms, epidemiology and preferred treatment modalities are also outlined. Finally, observed/predicted drug-drug interactions between antiretrovirals and antifungals are summarized along with clinical recommendations.

EXPERT OPINION

Concomitant use of amphotericin B and tenofovir must be closely monitored for renal functioning. Due to relatively weak interactive potential with the CYP450 system, fluconazole is the preferred antifungal drug. High itraconazole doses (> 200 mg/day) are not advised in patients receiving booster protease inhibitor (PI) regimen. Posaconazole is contraindicated in combination with either efavirenz or fosamprenavir. Moreover, voriconazole is contraindicated with high-dose ritonavir-boosted PI. Echinocandins may aid in overcoming the limitations of existing antifungal therapy. An increasing number of documented or predicted drug-drug interactions and therapeutic drug monitoring may aid in the management of HIV-associated opportunistic fungal infections.

Timing of antiretroviral therapy initiation after a first AIDS-defining event: temporal changes in clinical attitudes in the ICONA cohort

Background

Time of starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) after diagnosis of specific AIDS-defining event (ADE) is a crucial aspect. Objectives of this study were to evaluate if in patients diagnosed with ADE the time to ART initiation may vary according to year of diagnosis and type of ADE.

Methods

All HIV+ persons diagnosed with an ADE over the 6 months prior to or after enrolment in the Icona Foundation study cohort and while ART-naive were grouped according to type of diagnosis: Those with ADE requiring medications interacting with ART [group A], those with ADE treatable only with ART [B] and other ADE [C]. Survival analysis by Kaplan-Meier was used to estimate the percentage of people starting ART, overall and after stratification for calendar period and ADE group. Multivariable Cox regression model was used to investigate association between calendar year of specific ADE and time to ART initiation.

Results

720 persons with first ADE were observed over 1996–2013 (group A, n = 171; B, n = 115; C, n = 434). By 30 days from diagnosis, 27% (95% CI: 22–32) of those diagnosed in 1996–2000 had started ART vs. 32% (95% CI: 24–40) in 2001–2008 and 43% (95% CI: 33–47) after 2008 (log-rank p = 0.001). The proportion of patients starting ART by 30 days was 13% (95% CI 7–19), 40% (95% CI: 30–50) and 38% (95% CI 33–43) in ADE groups A, B and C (log-rank p = 0.0001). After adjustment for potential confounders, people diagnosed after 2008 remained at increased probability of starting ART more promptly than those diagnosed in 1996–1999 (AHR 1.72 (95% CI 1.16–2.56).

Conclusions

In our “real-life” setting, the time from ADE to ART initiation was significantly shorter in people diagnosed in more recent years, although perhaps less prompt than expected.

When to start ART in the setting of acute AIDS-related opportunistic infections: the time is now!

Despite the substantial benefits of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), a significant proportion of HIV-infected individuals still present with advanced disease and active AIDS-related opportunistic infections (OIs). The weight of evidence from recent studies supports the early initiation of ART (ie, within 2 weeks of initiating treatment for the acute OIs). Initiating ART early in acutely ill patients can reduce AIDS-related progression and death. Early ART has not been associated with increased rates of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in prospective studies of non-tuberculosis OIs, although this concern is frequently cited as a reason to delay ART. Nor has early ART been associated with increased adverse outcomes. Nonetheless, initiating ART early in acute care settings can be challenging to implement and requires a well-coordinated multidisciplinary team with expertise in ART management.

Antiretroviral therapy in Indian setting: when & what to start with, when & what to switch to?

With the rapid scale up of antiretroviral therapy, there is a dramatic decline in HIV related morbidity and mortality in both developed and developing countries. Several new safe antiretroviral, and newer class of drugs and monitoring assays are developed recently. As a result the treatment guideline for the management of HIV disease continue to change. This review focuses on evolving science on Indian policy - antiretroviral therapy initiation, which drugs to start with, when to change the initial regimen and what to change.

5th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention: summary of key research and implications for policy and practice - operations research

Operations research was added as a fourth scientific track to the pathogenesis conference series at the 5th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention (IAS 2009) in recognition of the importance of this growing research field and the need for applied research to inform and evaluate the scale up of some key interventions in HIV treatment, care and prevention.Several studies demonstrated how task shifting and the decentralization of health services can leverage scarce health care resources to support scale-up efforts. For example, a Ugandan study comparing home-based and facility-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery found that both delivered equivalent clinical outcomes, but home-based delivery resulted in substantial cost savings to patients; and a retrospective cohort analysis of an HIV care programme in Lesotho demonstrated that devolving routine patient management to nurses and trained counsellors resulted in impressive gains in annual enrolment, retention in care and other clinical indicators.Studies also demonstrated how the use of trained counsellors and public health advisors could effectively expand both clinical and public health capacity in low-income settings. Studies evaluating the impact of integrating HIV and TB care resulted in improved treatment outcomes in coinfected populations, the development of environmental interventions to reduce TB transmission, and uncovering of the extent of multi-drug-resistant and extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB and XDR-TB) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.Some mathematical modelling and cost-effectiveness studies presented at this meeting addressed interventions to increase retention in care, and strengthened the evidentiary basis for universal voluntary testing and immediate ART on reducing HIV transmission; debate continued about the relative merits of clinical versus laboratory monitoring. Finally, a provocative plenary presentation outlined the shortfalls of current prevention interventions and argued for more cost-effectiveness analyses to guide the selection of interventions for maximum benefit.