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Omondi MP. An assessment of turnaround times of infant Deoxyribonucleic acid-Polymerase Chain Reaction testing and the associated factors in Western Kenya: A mixed methods study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302396. [PMID: 38696502 PMCID: PMC11065280 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV/AIDS continues being a significant global public health priority in the 21st century with social and economic consequences Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) occurs when an HIV-infected woman passes the virus to her infant and about 90% of these MTCT infections occurs in Africa where children and infants are still dying of HIV. Early definitive diagnosis using Deoxyribonucleic acid reaction of HIV infection in infants is critical to ensuring that HIV-infected infants receive appropriate and timely care and treatment to reduce HIV related morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE To assess the Infant Deoxyribonucleic acid-Polymerase Chain Reaction (DNA-PCR) Turnaround Time (TAT) of dry blood spots and associated factors in Vihiga, Bungoma, Kakamega and Busia counties, in Kenya. METHOD A mixed methods study using a) retrospectively collected data from Ministry of Health Laboratory registers, Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) database from 28 health facilities and b) 9 key informant interviews with laboratory in-charges were conducted. A total of 2,879 HIV exposed babies' data were abstracted from January 2012 to June 2013. RESULTS The mean TAT from specimen collection and results received back at the facilities was 46.90 days, Vihiga county having the shortest mean duration at 33.7days and Kakamega county having the longest duration at 51.7days (p = 0.001). In addition, the mean transport time from specimen collection and receipt at Alupe Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) reference Laboratory was 16.50 days. Vihiga County had the shortest transport time at 13.01 days while Busia had the longest at 18.99 days (p = 0.001). Longer TAT was due to the batching of specimens at the peripheral health facilities and hubbing to the nearest referral hospitals. CONCLUSION The TAT for DNA-PCR specimen was 46.90 days with Vihiga County having the shortest TAT due to lack of specimen batching and hubbing. RECOMMENDATION Discourage specimen batching/hubbing and support point-of-care early infant diagnosis (EID) tests.
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Tassembedo S, Mwiya M, Mennecier A, Kankasa C, Fao P, Molès JP, Kania D, Chunda-Liyoka C, Sakana BLD, D’Ottavi M, Taofiki AO, Rutagwera D, Wilfred-Tonga MM, Tylleskär T, Nagot N, Van de Perre P. Evaluation of the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programs at the second immunization visit in Burkina Faso and Zambia. AIDS 2024; 38:875-885. [PMID: 38181091 PMCID: PMC10994186 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our study aimed to assess the PMTCT indicators in Burkina Faso and Zambia using a patient-orientated innovative strategy based on the second visit in the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI-2) visit at 6-8 weeks. DESIGN This was a cross sectional study. METHODS We assessed women attending EPI-2 at primary healthcare facilities in Burkina Faso and Zambia with their children about their exposure to PMTCT interventions. For women living with HIV (WLHIV), viral load was measured and their children were tested for HIV DNA using point of care devices. RESULTS Overall, 25 093 were enrolled from Burkina Faso and 8961 women from Zambia. Almost, all women attended at least one antenatal care visit. Among those aware of their HIV-positive status, 95.8 and 99.2% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Burkina Faso and Zambia, respectively. Among WLHIV on ART, 75 and 79.2% achieved a viral load suppression (viral load <1000 copies/ml) in Burkina Faso and Zambia, respectively. Infant postnatal prophylaxis was administered from birth until EPI-2 to 60.9 and 89.7% of HIV-exposed children in Burkina Faso and Zambia, respectively. In Burkina Faso, only 60 of 192 (31.3%) of HIV-exposed children were sampled at day 42 for early infant diagnosis (EID) and 3 (1.6%) received a result by EPI-2. In Zambia, these figures were 879 of 1465 (64.0%) and 9.9% (145/1465), respectively for HIV-exposed children sampled at birth. CONCLUSION This evaluation strategy at EPI-2 visit could strengthen program monitoring and help identifying gaps to be addressed on the last mile towards elimination of MTCT of HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souleymane Tassembedo
- Infectious Disease Research Programme, Centre MURAZ/National Institute of Public Health, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Univ. Montpellier, Inserm, EFS, Univ. Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Mwiya Mwiya
- Pediatric center of excellence, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anais Mennecier
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Univ. Montpellier, Inserm, EFS, Univ. Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Chipepo Kankasa
- Pediatric center of excellence, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Paulin Fao
- Infectious Disease Research Programme, Centre MURAZ/National Institute of Public Health, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Jean Pierre Molès
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Univ. Montpellier, Inserm, EFS, Univ. Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Dramane Kania
- Infectious Disease Research Programme, Centre MURAZ/National Institute of Public Health, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | | | - Morgana D’Ottavi
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Univ. Montpellier, Inserm, EFS, Univ. Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Ajani Ousmane Taofiki
- Infectious Disease Research Programme, Centre MURAZ/National Institute of Public Health, Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - David Rutagwera
- Pediatric center of excellence, University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Thorkild Tylleskär
- Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Univ. Montpellier, Inserm, EFS, Univ. Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, Univ. Montpellier, Inserm, EFS, Univ. Antilles, Montpellier, France
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Metta E, Tesha N. A scoping review on HIV early infant diagnosis among HIV exposed infants, ART use and adherence in Tanzania. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:868. [PMID: 38082235 PMCID: PMC10714633 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08868-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (HEID) is critical for the timely initiation of HIV treatments and improved health outcomes among HIV-infected infants. However, the uptake of HEID remains largely low in Tanzania. This descriptive scoping review of evidence on HEID among HIV-exposed infants in Tanzania seeks to understand the dynamics of HEID, ART use and adherence to inform targeted interventions and promote its uptake. METHODS The Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework guided this scoping review. We searched for peer-published articles on HEID in Tanzania through PubMed and Google Scholar with full-text retrieval from HINAR. We included only English language articles published between 2013 and 2022. Further searches for the materials on the reference lists of the publications yielded additional relevant articles. We carried out an inductive thematic analysis to analyze and synthesize the data. RESULTS In all, nine articles met the inclusion criteria and, hence, qualified for the review. The variations in the uptake of HEID in the empirical literature reviewed indicate an upward trend. HEID increased from 77.2% in 2009 to 97.8% in 2011 in Kilimanjaro, Mbeya and Tanga and from 53.2% in 2014 to 69.2% in 2016 in Dar es Salaam. The median age at the initial test ranged from 5.6 weeks in Kilimanjaro to 8.6 weeks in Mbeya. The uptake of HEID was necessitated by individual, household and health facility factors. Unknown HIV status at conception, low level of education of the household head, and large household size negatively affected uptake of HEID. The health facility factors such as unavailability of the test kits, long distances to the facility and transport costs negatively influenced HEID uptake. The percentage of HIV-positive infants on ART ranged from 52.7 to 61%, and loss to follow ranged from 31 to 61%. CONCLUSION The uptake of HEID varied among regions depending on individual, household and health facility factors. Multifaced efforts are needed to address these factors for accelerated uptake of HEID and improved health outcomes and survival among this strategic population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmy Metta
- Department of Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS, P.O. Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Novatus Tesha
- Department of Development Studies, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, MUHAS, P.O. Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Sutcliffe CG, Moyo N, Hamahuwa M, Mutanga JN, van Dijk JH, Hamangaba F, Schue JL, Thuma PE, Moss WJ. The Evolving Pediatric HIV Epidemic in Rural Southern Zambia: The Beneficial Impact of Advances in Prevention and Treatment at a District Hospital From 2007 to 2019. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2023; 42:489-495. [PMID: 36795584 PMCID: PMC10360039 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remarkable progress has been made in expanding access to services addressing the pediatric HIV epidemic, including programs to prevent mother-to-child transmission, early diagnosis and treatment for children living with HIV. Few long-term data are available from rural sub-Saharan Africa to assess implementation and impact of national guidelines. METHODS Results from 3 cross-sectional studies and 1 cohort study conducted at Macha Hospital in Southern Province, Zambia from 2007 to 2019 were summarized. For infant diagnosis, maternal antiretroviral treatment, infant test results and turnaround times for results were evaluated by year. For pediatric HIV care, the number and age of children initiating care and treatment, and treatment outcomes within 12 months were evaluated by year. RESULTS Receipt of maternal combination antiretroviral treatment increased from 51.6% in 2010-2012 to 93.4% in 2019, and the proportion of infants testing positive decreased from 12.4% to 4.0%. Turnaround times for results returning to clinic varied but were shorter when labs consistently used a text messaging system. The proportion of mothers receiving results was higher when a text message intervention was piloted. The number of children living with HIV enrolled into care and the proportion initiating treatment with severe immunosuppression and dying within 12 months decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrate the long-term beneficial impact of implementing a strong HIV prevention and treatment program. While expansion and decentralization brought challenges, the program succeeded in decreasing the rate of mother-to-child transmission and ensuring that children living with HIV benefit from access to life-saving treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G. Sutcliffe
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jessica L. Schue
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Philip E. Thuma
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
| | - William J. Moss
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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le Roux SM, Odayar J, Sutcliffe CG, Salvatore PP, de Broucker G, Dowdy D, McCann NC, Frank SC, Ciaranello AL, Myer L, Vojnov L. Cost-effectiveness of point-of-care versus centralised, laboratory-based nucleic acid testing for diagnosis of HIV in infants: a systematic review of modelling studies. Lancet HIV 2023; 10:e320-e331. [PMID: 37149292 PMCID: PMC10175481 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(23)00029-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care (POC) nucleic acid testing for diagnosis of HIV in infants facilitates earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) than with centralised (standard-of-care, SOC) testing, but can be more expensive. We evaluated cost-effectiveness data from mathematical models comparing POC with SOC to provide global policy guidance. METHODS In this systematic review of modelling studies, we searched PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database, Econlit, and conference abstracts, combining terms for "HIV" + "infant"/"early infant diagnosis" + "point-of-care" + "cost-effectiveness" + "mathematical models", without restrictions from database inception to July 15, 2022. We selected reports of mathematical cost-effectiveness models comparing POC with SOC for HIV diagnosis in infants younger than 18 months. Titles and abstracts were independently reviewed, with full-text review for qualifying articles. We extracted data on health and economic outcomes and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for narrative synthesis. The primary outcomes of interest were ICERs (comparing POC with SOC) for ART initiation and survival of children living with HIV. FINDINGS Our search identified 75 records through database search. 13 duplicates were excluded, leaving 62 non-duplicate articles. 57 records were excluded and five were reviewed in full text. One article was excluded as it was not a modelling study, and four qualifying studies were included in the review. These four reports were from two mathematical models from two independent modelling groups. Two reports used the Johns Hopkins model to compare POC with SOC for repeat early infant diagnosis testing in the first 6 months in sub-Saharan Africa (first report, simulation of 25 000 children) and Zambia (second report, simulation of 7500 children). In the base scenario, POC versus SOC increased probability of ART initiation within 60 days of testing from 19% to 82% (ICER per additional ART initiation range US$430-1097; 9-month cost horizon) in the first report; and from 28% to 81% in the second ($23-1609, 5-year cost horizon). Two reports compared POC with SOC for testing at 6 weeks in Zimbabwe using the Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications-Paediatric model (simulation of 30 million children; lifetime horizon). POC increased life expectancy and was considered cost-effective compared with SOC (ICER $711-850 per year of life saved in HIV-exposed children). Results were robust throughout sensitivity and scenario analyses. In most scenarios, platform cost-sharing (co-use with other programmes) resulted in POC being cost-saving compared with SOC. INTERPRETATION Four reports from two different models suggest that POC is a cost-effective and potentially cost-saving strategy for upscaling of early infant testing compared with SOC. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Unitaid, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, WHO, and Massachusetts General Hospital Research Scholars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanzi M le Roux
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Jasantha Odayar
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Catherine G Sutcliffe
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Phillip P Salvatore
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gatien de Broucker
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David Dowdy
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole C McCann
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simone C Frank
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea L Ciaranello
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA, USA
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lara Vojnov
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Gawde N, Kamble S, Kurle S, Jagtap D, Goel N, Nikhare K, Kamble S, Gade S, Verma V, Singh R, Nerurkar S, Rajan S, Das C. Determinants of Turn-Around-Time for Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV Testing: Retrospective Analysis of National Level PCR Testing Data. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2023; 60:469580231159493. [PMID: 36932853 PMCID: PMC10026091 DOI: 10.1177/00469580231159493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
India has been implementing one of the biggest Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV intervention globally. The turn-around-time (TAT) for EID test is one of the major factors for success of the program. This study was to assess the turnaround time and its determinants. It is a mixed methods study with quantitative analysis of retrospective data (2013-2016) collected from all the 7 Early Infant Diagnosis testing laboratories (called as regional reference laboratories or RRLs) in India and qualitative component that can help explain the determinants of turn-around-time. The retrospective national level data available from the RRLs was analyzed to measure the turn-around-time from the receipt of samples to the dispatch of results and to understand the determinants for the same. The 3 components transport time, testing time, and dispatch time were also calculated. Transport time was analyzed state-wise and the testing time RRL wise to understand disparities, if any. Qualitative interviews with the RRL officials were conducted to understand the underlying determinants of TAT. The Median turn-around-time ranged between 29 and 53 days over the 4 years. Transport time was significantly higher for states without RRL (42 days) than those with RRL (27 days). Testing time varied from RRL to RRL and was associated with incomplete forms, inadequate samples, kits logistics, staff turnover, staff training, and instrument related issues. The TAT is high and can be potentially reduced with interventions, such as decentralization of RRLs; courier systems for sample transport; and ensuring adequate resources at the RRL level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh Gawde
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Suchit Kamble
- ICMR - National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Swarali Kurle
- ICMR - National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dhanashree Jagtap
- ICMR - National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Noopur Goel
- ICMR - National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kalyani Nikhare
- ICMR - National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Susmita Kamble
- ICMR - National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sharda Gade
- ICMR - National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vinita Verma
- National AIDS Control Organisation, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravikar Singh
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sayali Nerurkar
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shobini Rajan
- National AIDS Control Organisation, New Delhi, India
| | - Chinmoyee Das
- National AIDS Control Organisation, New Delhi, India
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Morales JA, Hamahuwa M, Moyo N, Mutanga JN, Schue JL, Maunga S, Thuma PE, Moss WJ, Sutcliffe CG. Factors associated with antiretroviral therapy use among pregnant women in rural and urban settings in Southern Province, Zambia: 2016-2019. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:902-912. [PMID: 36127148 PMCID: PMC10375440 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage among pregnant women living with HIV and compare the characteristics of women who received and did not receive ART during pregnancy in Zambia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at urban and rural health facilities in Southern Province, Zambia, from 2016 to 2019. Pregnant women living with HIV delivering at study sites were enrolled and administered a questionnaire, and the results of infant diagnostic testing for HIV at birth was documented. RESULTS About 1184 mother/infant pairs were enrolled. ART coverage was 93.7%. Most women who did not receive ART during pregnancy reported HIV diagnosis at delivery (18.0%) or during pregnancy (57.7%). The primary reported reason for not receiving ART was not wanting to take the drugs. Women who did not receive ART during pregnancy were significantly younger, less likely to have disclosed their HIV-infection status to others, and less likely to have received antenatal care than women who received ART. ART use correlated with higher levels of education in urban but not rural sites. Overall, 1.0% of infants were infected with HIV at birth, including 0.8% of infants born to women who received ART and 4.1% of infants born to women who did not. CONCLUSIONS Most women received ART according to guidelines, resulting in low perinatal transmission rates of HIV to infants. Efforts to increase ART coverage and prevent vertical transmission should focus on identifying incident HIV infections during pregnancy and strengthening counselling for newly diagnosed pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet A Morales
- International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | | | | | - Jane N Mutanga
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Jessica L Schue
- International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Philip E Thuma
- Macha Research Trust, Zambia.,Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - William J Moss
- Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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Nuoh RD, Nyarko KM, Noora CL, Addo-Lartey A, Nortey P, Nuolabong C, Lartey M, Kenu E. Barriers to early infant diagnosis of HIV in the Wa Municipality and Lawra District of Upper West Region, Ghana. Ghana Med J 2021; 54:83-90. [PMID: 33536673 PMCID: PMC7837354 DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v54i2s.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We identified socio-demographic, health system and psycho-social barriers to Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Design An unmatched case control study of 96 cases and 96 controls was conducted in the ART centers in Lawra district and Wa Municipality between December 2014 and April 2015. Setting A public health facility Participants We defined a case as an HIV positive mother with an exposed infant who received EID service between January 2011 and December 2014. A control was defined as HIV Positive Mother with an exposed infant who did not receive EID services between January 2011 and December 2014. Main outcome EID by dry blood spot Deoxyribonucleic acid Polymerase chain reaction. Results A total of 192 mother-infant pairs were assessed. The mean age of infants at testing for cases was 17.3±14.9 weeks. Mother-to-child-transmission-rate was 2.3%. Factors associated with EID testing included: mother being formally employed (cOR=2.0: 95%CI:1.1–3.8), maternal formal education (cOR=2.0, 95%CI: 1.1–3.6) and maternal independent source of income (cOR 2.2, 95%CI 1.2–4.1). After adjusting for confounders, maternal independent income source was associated with EID testing (aOR 2.2, 95%CI 1.2–4.1). Median turn-around time of EID result was 11 weeks (IQR 4–27 weeks). Conclusion Women need to be empowered to gain an independent source of income. This can help maximize the benefits of e-MTCT and increase EID in the Upper West Region of Ghana. Funding This work was funded by the authors
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Nuoh
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kofi M Nyarko
- Namibia Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Charles L Noora
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adolphina Addo-Lartey
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Priscillia Nortey
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Culbert Nuolabong
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Margaret Lartey
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ernest Kenu
- Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana Legon, Accra, Ghana.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle Bu, Accra, Ghana
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9
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Sutcliffe CG, Moyo N, Schue JL, Mutanga JN, Hamahuwa M, Munachoonga P, Maunga S, Thuma PE, Moss WJ. The NSEBA Demonstration Project: implementation of a point-of-care platform for early infant diagnosis of HIV in rural Zambia. Trop Med Int Health 2021; 26:1036-1046. [PMID: 33999480 PMCID: PMC8416694 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the experience and resource requirements of implementing point-of-care testing for early infant diagnosis of HIV in rural Zambia. METHODS A demonstration project was conducted using a hub-and-spoke model in 2018-2019 at five clinics in rural Zambia. Two testing hubs were established, and all HIV-exposed infants were tested with the GeneXpert system. Data on costs, turnaround times and test results were collected. RESULTS Seven hundred and eighty six tests were conducted. At the hubs, results were available a median of 2.4 (IQR: 2.1, 2.8) hours after sample collection and most mothers (84%) received same-day results. At the spoke facilities, results were available a median of 9 days (IQR: 7, 12) after sample collection and provided to the mother a median of 16 days (IQR: 10, 28) after sample collection. Eleven children tested positive, and 9 (82%) started treatment a median of 13 days (IQR: 7, 21) after sample collection and on the day mothers received results. In contrast, results from matching samples sent for routine testing were available a median of 38 days (IQR: 27, 61) after sample collection and provided to the mother a median of 91 days (IQR: 47, 135) after sample collection. CONCLUSIONS Implementing point-of-care testing in a network of rural health centres in Zambia required significant initial and ongoing investment in infrastructure, training and supervision. However, point-of-care testing can rapidly diagnose HIV-infected infants, so they can benefit from early treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jessica L Schue
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip E Thuma
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
| | - William J Moss
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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10
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Iyun V, Technau KG, Vinikoor M, Yotebieng M, Vreeman R, Abuogi L, Desmonde S, Edmonds A, Amorissani-Folquet M, Davies MA. Variations in the characteristics and outcomes of children living with HIV following universal ART in sub-Saharan Africa (2006-17): a retrospective cohort study. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e353-e362. [PMID: 33932330 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(21)00004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proportion of children living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa has increased greatly since 2006, yet the changes in their demographic characteristics and treatment outcomes have not been well described. We examine the trends in characteristics and outcomes of children living with HIV who were younger than 5 years at ART initiation, and compare outcomes over time and across country income groups. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of data from children living with HIV who were younger than 5 years at ART initiation from 45 paediatric sites in 16 low-income, lower-middle-income, and upper-middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa (Benin, Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe). Outcomes were trends in patient characteristics at ART initiation (age, weight, height, and CD4%), and comparisons of mortality and loss to follow-up during ART over time and in various economic settings. We identified risk factors for mortality using Cox proportional hazards models. Each participating region had relevant institutional ethics review board approvals to contribute data to the analysis. FINDINGS We included 32 221 children living with HIV and initiating ART younger than 5 years between Jan 1, 2006, and Dec 31, 2017. Median age at ART initiation was 20·4 months (IQR 9·4-36·0) in 2006-10, 19·2 months (8·3-33·6) in 2011-13, and 19·2 months (8·8-33·7) in 2014-17. Median age at ART initiation was 13·2 months (IQR 4·7-26·8) in upper-middle-income countries, 22·6 months (13·2-37·5) in lower-middle-income countries and 24·2 months (13·5-39·1) in low-income countries. The proportion of children initiating ART younger than 3 months increased from 770 (5·1%) of 14 943 children in 2006-10 to 728 (10·0%) of 7290 children in 2014-17. The proportion of children initiating ART with severe immunosuppression decreased from 5469 (74·7%) of 7314 children for whom CD4% data were available in 2006-10 to 2353 (55·2%) of 4269 children in 2014-17. Mortality at 24 months on ART decreased from 970 (6·5%) of 14 943 children in 2006-10 to 214 (2·9%) of 7290 children in 2014-17. Loss to follow-up was 20·5% (95% CI 20·1-21·0) overall, and was similar across time periods. In multivariable analysis, lower mortality was observed for more recent ART initiation cohorts (adjusted hazard ratio 0·70, 95% CI 0·63-0·79 for 2011-13; 0·53, 0·45-0·72 for 2014-17 vs 2006-10) and for those residing in an upper-middle-income country (0·42, 0·35-0·49 vs low-income countries). INTERPRETATION Mortality declined significantly after universal ART recommendations for children younger than 2 years in 2010 and children younger than 5 years in 2013. However, substantial variations persisted across country income groups, and one in five children continue to be lost to follow-up. Targeted interventions are required to improve outcomes of children living with HIV, especially in the poorest countries. FUNDING National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Iyun
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Karl-Gunter Technau
- Empilweni Service and Research Centre, Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Michael Vinikoor
- Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Marcel Yotebieng
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Vreeman
- Department of Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Abuogi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Sophie Desmonde
- Inserm U1027, Université Paul Sabatier Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
| | - Andrew Edmonds
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Mary-Ann Davies
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Health Impact Assessment, Western Cape Department of Health, Cape Town, South Africa
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Copan eNAT Transport System To Address Challenges in COVID-19 Diagnostics in Regions with Limited Testing Access. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:JCM.00110-21. [PMID: 33579730 PMCID: PMC8091855 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00110-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Community-based health care clinics and hospital outreach services have the potential to expand coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnostics to rural areas. However, reduced specimen stability during extended transport, the absence of a cold chain to centralized laboratories, and biosafety concerns surrounding specimen handling have limited this expansion. Community-based health care clinics and hospital outreach services have the potential to expand coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnostics to rural areas. However, reduced specimen stability during extended transport, the absence of a cold chain to centralized laboratories, and biosafety concerns surrounding specimen handling have limited this expansion. In the following study, we evaluated eNAT (Copan Italia, Brescia, Italy) as an alternative transport system to address the biosafety and stability challenges associated with expanding COVID-19 diagnostics to rural and remote regions. In this study, we demonstrated that high-titer severe acute respiratory virus syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lysate placed into eNAT medium cannot be propagated in cell culture, supporting viral inactivation. To account for off-site testing in these settings, we assessed the stability of contrived nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens stored for up to 14 days in various transport media (eNAT, eSwab, viral transport medium [VTM], saline, and phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) at 4°C, 22 to 25°C, and 35°C. The molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 was unaffected by sample storage temperature over the 2 weeks when stored in eNAT or PBS (change in cycle threshold, ≤1). In contrast, variable stability was observed across test conditions for other transport media. As eNAT can inactivate SARS-CoV-2, it may support COVID-19 diagnostics at the point of care. Evaluation of compatibility of eNAT with Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay demonstrated diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity equivalent to those of VTM. Taken together, these findings suggest that the implementation of eNAT as a collection device can expand COVID-19 testing to areas with limited health care access.
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Use of Point-of-Care Nucleic Acid Tests Beyond Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV: A Retrospective Case Review in Lesotho. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 84 Suppl 1:S78-S83. [PMID: 32520919 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for HIV antibodies remain the primary method of diagnosis of HIV in individuals over age 18 months in Lesotho. Although antibody tests have high sensitivity and specificity, up to 2.3% of serial two-test algorithms can have discrepant results between RDTs. In the case of inconclusive RDT results, Lesotho guidelines at the time of this study recommended either repeat testing with the same RDT algorithm after 14 days or immediately collect a blood sample to be sent for laboratory-based polymerase chain reaction testing. Point-of-care qualitative nucleic acid tests (POC qual NAT) may have benefits in rapidly resolving these inconclusive results, particularly when compared with repeating RDTs later or conventional polymerase chain reaction testing at the National Reference Laboratory. SETTING Hospitals and clinics at 29 locations throughout Lesotho that had access to point-of-care nucleic acid testing. METHODS Retrospective case review. RESULTS We identified 100 testing records where POC qual NAT was used to resolve inconclusive RDTs per Lesotho guidelines. Eighty-nine percent of patients received their results in a median of one day from their inconclusive RDT result (interquartile range 0-7 days). Sixty-eight patients (68%) were determined to be HIV positive based on POC nucleic acid tests (NATs), of which 54 (79%) were started on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Median time from inconclusive RDT result to initiation of ART therapy was 2 days (interquartile range 0-14 days). Three patients in this review were pregnant at the time of testing; one was HIV positive by POC qual NAT and was started on ART therapy the same day. CONCLUSION As the availability of POC qual NAT platforms increases, they may serve as feasible options for rapid resolution of inconclusive results and initiation of ART, particularly in populations with high risk of imminent transmission.
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Acceptability of Routine Point-of-Care Early Infant Diagnosis in Eight African Countries: Findings From a Qualitative Assessment of Clinical and Laboratory Personnel. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 84 Suppl 1:S41-S48. [PMID: 32520914 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation introduced point-of-care (POC) testing for early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV in 8 African countries. Understanding experiences and opinions of users can help facilitate introduction and sustainability. SETTING Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe. METHODS Structured interviews with health care workers (HCWs) providing EID services and semistructured interviews with national and regional laboratory managers or EID program managers were conducted before and after the implementation of POC EID. Survey responses were analyzed and compared; open-ended responses were analyzed by theme. RESULTS In total, 234 and 175 interviews with HCWs and 28 and 14 interviews with laboratory or program managers were conducted before and after the introduction of POC EID, respectively. In preintervention interviews, challenges identified with laboratory-based EID testing included distance from patients' residence to the health facility, time-consuming sample transportation to central laboratories, stockout of testing kits, and long wait times for results. Postintervention data revealed that HCWs found POC EID easy to use and were very satisfied with the fast turnaround time and ability to initiate treatment for HIV-infected infants sooner. Laboratory managers were also supportive of scaling-up POC testing although cautious of the need for reliable infrastructure to operate platforms. The recommendation was that POC EID be integrated within the national diagnostic testing network. CONCLUSIONS Support for POC EID from key stakeholders is essential for sustainability. Overall, participants supported the rollout of POC testing for EID, noting challenges and opportunities for scaling-up POC EID and recommending integration into the overall EID system.
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De Broucker G, Salvatore PP, Mutembo S, Moyo N, Mutanga JN, Thuma PE, Moss WJ, Sutcliffe CG. The cost-effectiveness of scaling-up rapid point-of-care testing for early infant diagnosis of HIV in southern Zambia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248217. [PMID: 33690733 PMCID: PMC7943017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early infant diagnosis (EID) and treatment can prevent much of the HIV-related morbidity and mortality experienced by children but is challenging to implement in sub-Saharan Africa. Point-of-care (PoC) testing would decentralize testing and increase access to rapid diagnosis. The objective of this study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of PoC testing in Southern Province, Zambia. Methods A decision tree model was developed to compare health outcomes and costs between the standard of care (SoC) and PoC testing using GeneXpert and m-PIMA platforms. The primary health outcome was antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation within 60 days of sample collection. Additional outcomes included ART initiation by 12 months of age and death prior to ART initiation. Costs included both capital and recurrent costs. Health outcomes and costs were combined to create incremental cost effectiveness ratios (ICERs). Results The proportion of children initiating ART within 60 days increased from 27.8% with SoC to 79.8–82.8% with PoC testing depending on the algorithm and platform. The proportion of children initiating ART by 12 months of age increased from 50.9% with SoC to 84.0–86.5% with PoC testing. The proportion of HIV-infected children dying prior to ART initiation decreased from 18.1% with SoC to 3.8–4.6% with PoC testing. Total program costs were similar for the SoC and GeneXpert but higher for m-PIMA. ICERs for PoC testing were favorable, ranging from $23–1,609 for ART initiation within 60 days, $37–2,491 for ART initiation by 12 months of age, and $90–6,188 for deaths prior to ART initiation. Factors impacting the costs of PoC testing, including the lifespan of the testing instruments and integrated utilization of PoC platforms, had the biggest impact on the ICERs. Integrating utilization across programs decreased costs for the EID program, such that PoC testing was cost-saving in some situations. Conclusion PoC testing has the potential to improve linkage to care and ART initiation for HIV-infected infants and should be considered for implementation within EID programs to achieve equity in access to HIV services and reduce HIV-related pediatric morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gatien De Broucker
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Phillip P. Salvatore
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - William J. Moss
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Catherine G. Sutcliffe
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Ankrah AK, Dako-Gyeke P. Factors influencing the delivery and uptake of early infant diagnosis of HIV services in Greater Accra, Ghana: A qualitative study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246876. [PMID: 33596241 PMCID: PMC7888588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV and timely initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality of HIV infected infants. Despite the benefits of early infant testing, the coverage of EID of HIV services is still low in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. OBJECTIVES To ascertain the factors that facilitate or hinder the delivery and uptake of EID of HIV services. METHODS The study is a cross-sectional exploratory qualitative research conducted in two health facilities in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Respondents (n = 50) comprising health workers (n = 20) and HIV positive mothers (n = 30) were purposively sampled and engaged in in-depth interviews. The Nvivo 11 software and the Braun and Clarke's stages of thematic analysis were used in coding data and data analysis respectively. RESULTS The study found that health system factors such as inadequate Staff with sample collection skills, unavailability of vehicles to convey samples to the reference laboratory for analysis, the long turnaround time for receipt of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results, inadequate and frequent breakdown of PCR machine hindered EID service delivery. On the other hand, adequate knowledge of health workers on EID, availability of Dried Blood Spot (DBS) cards and the adoption of task shifting strategies facilitated EID service delivery. Factors such as the denial of HIV status, non-completion of the EID process due to frustrations encountered whiles accessing service and delay in receipt of PCR results served as barriers to mother's utilisation of EID services for their exposed infants. The study also identified that adequate knowledge of EID, perceived importance of EID, financial stability as well as financial support from others and the positive attitudes of health workers facilitated HIV positive mother's uptake of EID services for their exposed infants. CONCLUSION The factors attributing to the low coverage of EID of HIV services must be promptly addressed to improve service delivery and uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette Kailey Ankrah
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
- * E-mail:
| | - Phyllis Dako-Gyeke
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Salvatore PP, de Broucker G, Vojnov L, Moss WJ, Dowdy DW, Sutcliffe CG. Modeling the cost-effectiveness of point-of-care platforms for infant diagnosis of HIV in sub-Saharan African countries. AIDS 2021; 35:287-297. [PMID: 33394672 PMCID: PMC7789262 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early infant diagnosis of HIV (EID) improves child survival through earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). In many settings, ART initiation is hindered by delays in testing performed in centralized labs. Point-of-care (PoC) platforms offer opportunities to improve the timeliness of ART initiation. METHODS We used a mathematical model to estimate the costs and performance of on-site PoC testing using three platforms (m-PIMA, GeneXpert IV, and GeneXpert Edge) compared with the standard of care (SoC). Primary outcomes included ART initiation within 60 days of sample collection, HIV-related mortality before ART initiation, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). RESULTS PoC testing significantly increased ART initiation within 60 days (from 19% with SoC to 82-84% with PoC) and decreased HIV-related mortality (from 23% with SoC to 5% with PoC). ART initiation and mortality were similar across PoC platforms. When only used for EID and with high coverage of prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programs, ICERs for PoC testing compared with the SoC ranged from $430 to $1097 per additional infant on ART within 60 days and from $1527 to $3888 per death averted. PoC-based testing was more cost-effective in settings with lower PMTCT coverage, greater delays in the SoC, and when PoC instruments could be integrated with other disease programs. CONCLUSION Our findings illustrate that PoC platforms can dramatically improve the timeliness of EID and linkage to HIV care. The cost-effectiveness of PoC platforms depends on the cost of PoC testing, existing access to diagnostic testing, and the ability to integrate PoC testing with non-EID programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gatien de Broucker
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lara Vojnov
- Department of HIV and Global Hepatitis Programme, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - William J Moss
- Department of Epidemiology
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David W Dowdy
- Department of Epidemiology
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Catherine G Sutcliffe
- Department of Epidemiology
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Point-of-care p24 antigen detection for early infant diagnosis of HIV infection: cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in Zambia. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:118. [PMID: 33499820 PMCID: PMC7835654 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05808-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early infant diagnosis of HIV infection is challenging in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in rural areas, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Use of a point-of-care test would overcome many challenges. This study evaluated the validity of a novel point-of-care p24 antigen detection test (LYNX) in rural and urban settings in southern Zambia. METHODS Two studies were conducted: a cross-sectional study from 2014 to 2015 at Macha Hospital (LYNX Hospital study) and a longitudinal study from 2016 to 2018 at 12 health facilities in Southern Province, Zambia (NSEBA study). In both studies, children attending the facilities for early infant diagnosis were enrolled and a blood sample was collected for routine testing at the central lab and immediate on-site testing with the LYNX test. The performance of the LYNX test was measured in comparison to nucleic acid-based testing at the central lab. RESULTS In the LYNX Hospital study, 210 tests were performed at a median age of 23.5 weeks (IQR: 8.9, 29.0). The sensitivity and specificity of the test were 70.0 and 100.0%, respectively. In the NSEBA study, 2608 tests were performed, including 1305 at birth and 1222 on children ≥4 weeks of age. For samples tested at birth, sensitivity was 13.6% (95% CI: 2.9, 34.9) and specificity was 99.6% (95% CI: 99.1, 99.9). While specificity was high for all ages, sensitivity increased with age and was higher for participants tested at ≥4 weeks of age (80.6%; 95% CI: 67.4, 93.7). Children with positive nucleic acid tests were more likely to be negative by the LYNX test if their mother received antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy (60.7% vs. 24.2%; p = 004). CONCLUSIONS Considering the high specificity and moderate sensitivity that increased with age, the LYNX test could be of value for early infant diagnosis for infants ≥4 weeks of age, particularly in rural areas where centralized testing leads to long delays. Point-of-care tests with moderate sensitivity and high specificity that are affordable, easy-to-use, and easily implemented and maintained should be developed to expand access to testing and deliver same-day results to infants in areas where it is not feasible to implement nucleic acid-based point-of-care assays.
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Birth Testing for Infant HIV Diagnosis in Eswatini: Implementation Experience and Uptake Among Women Living With HIV in Manzini Region. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2020; 39:e235-e241. [PMID: 32453193 PMCID: PMC8317136 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000002734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HIV testing at birth of HIV-exposed infants (HEIs) may improve the identification of infants infected with HIV in utero and accelerate antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation. METHODS ICAP at Columbia University supported implementation of a national pilot of HIV testing at birth (0-7 days) in Eswatini at 2 maternity facilities. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples from neonates of women living with HIV (WLHIV) were collected and processed at the National Molecular Reference Laboratory using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Mothers received birth test results at community health clinics. We report data on HIV birth testing uptake and outcomes for HIV-positive infants from the initial intensive phase (October 2017-March 2018) and routine support phase (April-December 2018). RESULTS During the initial intensive pilot phase, 1669 WLHIV delivered 1697 live-born HEI at 2 health facilities and 1480 (90.3%) HEI received birth testing. During the routine support phase, 2546 WLHIV delivered and 2277 (93.5%) HEI received birth testing. Overall October 2017-December 2018, 22 (0.6%) infants of 3757 receiving birth testing had a positive PCR test, 15 (68.2%) of whom were successfully traced and linked for confirmatory testing (2 infants were reported by caregivers to have negative follow-up HIV tests). Median time from birth test to receipt of results by the caregiver was 13 days (range: 8-23). Twelve (60.0%) of 20 infants confirmed to be HIV-positive started ART at median age of 17.5 days (12-43). One mother of an HIV-positive infant who was successfully traced refused ART following linkage to care and another child died after ART initiation. Three infants (15.0%) had died by the time their mothers were reached and 4 (15.0%) infants were never located. CONCLUSION This pilot of universal birth testing in Eswatini demonstrates the feasibility of using a standard of care approach in a low resource and high burden setting. We document high uptake of testing for newborns among HIV-positive mothers and very few infants were found to be infected through birth testing.
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Terris-Prestholt F, Boeras D, Ong JJ, Torres-Rueda S, Cassim N, Mbengue MAS, Mboup S, Mwau M, Munemo E, Nyegenye W, Odhiambo CO, Dabula P, Sandstrom P, Sarr M, Simbi R, Stevens W, Tucker JD, Vickerman P, Ciaranello A, Peeling RW. The potential for quality assurance systems to save costs and lives: the case of early infant diagnosis of HIV. Trop Med Int Health 2020; 25:1235-1245. [PMID: 32737914 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Scaling up of point-of-care testing (POCT) for early infant diagnosis of HIV (EID) could reduce the large gap in infant testing. However, suboptimal POCT EID could have limited impact and potentially high avoidable costs. This study models the cost-effectiveness of a quality assurance system to address testing performance and screening interruptions, due to, for example, supply stockouts, in Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe, with varying HIV epidemics and different health systems. METHODS We modelled a quality assurance system-raised EID quality from suboptimal levels: that is, from misdiagnosis rates of 5%, 10% and 20% and EID testing interruptions in months, to uninterrupted optimal performance (98.5% sensitivity, 99.9% specificity). For each country, we estimated the 1-year impact and cost-effectiveness (US$/DALY averted) of improved scenarios in averting missed HIV infections and unneeded HIV treatment costs for false-positive diagnoses. RESULTS The modelled 1-year costs of a national POCT quality assurance system range from US$ 69 359 in South Africa to US$ 334 341 in Zimbabwe. At the country level, quality assurance systems could potentially avert between 36 and 711 missed infections (i.e. false negatives) per year and unneeded treatment costs between US$ 5808 and US$ 739 030. CONCLUSIONS The model estimates adding effective quality assurance systems are cost-saving in four of the five countries within the first year. Starting EQA requires an initial investment but will provide a positive return on investment within five years by averting the costs of misdiagnoses and would be even more efficient if implemented across multiple applications of POCT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - D Boeras
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Global Health Impact Group, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J J Ong
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - S Torres-Rueda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - N Cassim
- National Health Laboratory Service, National Priority Programmes, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - M A S Mbengue
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formations, Dakar, Sénégal.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - S Mboup
- Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formations, Dakar, Sénégal
| | - M Mwau
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - E Munemo
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Harare Central Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - W Nyegenye
- Ministry of Health Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - P Dabula
- National Health Laboratory Service, National Priority Programmes, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - P Sandstrom
- National HIV & Retrovirology Laboratories, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - M Sarr
- Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD, USA
| | - R Simbi
- Ministry of Health and Child Care, National Microbiology Reference Laboratory, Harare Central Hospital, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - W Stevens
- National Health Laboratory Service, National Priority Programmes, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - J D Tucker
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - P Vickerman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - A Ciaranello
- Medical Practice Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R W Peeling
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Alemnji G, Pati R, Chun H, Zeh C, Mosha F, Siberry G, Ondoa P. Clinical/Laboratory Interface Interventions to Improve Impact of Viral Load and Early Infant Diagnosis Testing Scale-Up. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:550-555. [PMID: 32070109 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2019.0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous improvements in viral load (VL) monitoring and early infant diagnosis (EID) in many countries, low VL and EID testing rates and low VL suppression rates persist in specific regions and among certain subpopulations. The VL/EID cascade includes patient and provider demand creation, sample collection and transportation, laboratory testing, results transmission back to the clinic, and patient management. Gaps in communication and coordination between clinical and laboratory counterparts can lead to suboptimal outcomes, such as delay or inability to collect and transport samples to the laboratory for testing and failure of test results to reach providers and patients in an efficient, timely, and effective manner. To bridge these gaps and optimize the impact of VL/EID scale-up, we reviewed the components of the cascade and their interrelationships to identify barriers and facilitators. As part of this process, people living with HIV must be engaged in creating demand for VL/EID testing. In addition, there should be strong communication and collaboration between the clinical and laboratory teams throughout the cascade, along with joint performance review, site visits, and continuous quality improvement activities. Strengthening the clinical/laboratory interface requires innovative solutions and implementation of best practices, including the use of point-of-care diagnostics, simplified data systems, and an efficient supply chain system to minimize interface gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Alemnji
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Health Diplomacy, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Rituparna Pati
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Helen Chun
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Clement Zeh
- Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Fausta Mosha
- HTH/Communicable Diseases Cluster, AFRO Inter-Country Support Team, World Health Organization, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - George Siberry
- Division of Prevention, Care and Treatment, United States Agency for International Development, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Pascale Ondoa
- African Society for Laboratory Medicine, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Sutcliffe CG, Mutanga JN, Moyo N, Schue JL, Hamahuwa M, Thuma PE, Moss WJ. Acceptability and feasibility of testing for HIV infection at birth and linkage to care in rural and urban Zambia: a cross-sectional study. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:227. [PMID: 32183751 PMCID: PMC7079396 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4947-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early infant diagnosis is important for timely identification of HIV-infected infants and linkage to care. Testing at birth has been implemented to facilitate earlier diagnosis of HIV infection but may present new challenges. This study was conducted to understand the acceptability and feasibility of birth testing in urban and rural settings in southern Zambia. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at 11 hospitals and clinics in Livingstone, Choma, and Macha in Southern Province, Zambia from 2016 to 2018. Infants born to pregnant women living with HIV at the sites were eligible for enrollment. After enrollment, a questionnaire was administered to the mother and a dried blood spot card was collected from infants for testing at a central laboratory. When results were available, mothers were notified to return to the clinic. Acceptability of birth testing was evaluated based on the proportion of women who agreed to participate and the reasons for non-participation among women who declined. Feasibility of testing at birth was evaluated using turnaround times for returning results, the proportion of women receiving results, and linkage to care for infants testing positive. RESULTS One thousand four hundred three women were approached for the study. A small proportion declined due to refusal of birth testing (0 to 8.2% across sites). One thousand two hundred ninety women agreed to have their infants tested. The proportion of mothers receiving results ranged from 51.6 to 92.1%, and was significantly lower at the hospital than clinics in Livingstone (51.6% vs. 69.8%; p < 0.0001) and Macha (69.5% vs. 85.7%; p < 0.0001) but not Choma (85.7% vs. 92.1%; p = 0.34). For mothers who received test results, the median turnaround time from sample collection was 67 days in Livingstone and 53 days in Macha and Choma. Overall, 23 (1.8%) infants tested positive for HIV but only 8 (34.8%) were linked to care a median of 68 days (range: 29, 784) after sample collection. CONCLUSIONS While testing at birth was acceptable, this study highlights the operational challenges under a centralized laboratory testing system. Point-of-care platforms are needed for rapid testing and return of results so HIV-infected children can be identified, linked to care, and treated as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jessica L. Schue
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD USA
| | | | - Philip E. Thuma
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD USA
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
| | - William J. Moss
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD USA
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22
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Ngandu NK, Maduna V, Sherman G, Noveve N, Chirinda W, Ramokolo V, Lombard C, Goga AE. Infrastructural and human-resource factors associated with return of infant HIV test results to caregivers: secondary analysis of a nationally representative situational assessment, South Africa, 2010. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:785. [PMID: 31526381 PMCID: PMC6745768 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4337-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In June 2015, South Africa introduced early infant HIV diagnosis (EID) at birth and ten weeks postpartum. Guidelines recommended return of birth results within a week and ten weeks postpartum results within four weeks. Task shifting was also suggested to increase service coverage. This study aimed to understand factors affecting return of EID results to caregivers. Methods Secondary analysis of data gathered from 571 public-sector primary health care facilities (PHCs) during a nationally representative situational assessment, was conducted. The assessment was performed one to three months prior to facility involvement in the 2010 evaluation of the South African programme to prevent mother-to-child HIV transmission (SAPMTCTE). Self-reported infrastructural and human resource EID-related data were collected from managers and designated staff using a structured questionnaire. The main outcome variable was ‘EID turn-around-time (TAT) to caregiver’ (caregiver TAT), measured as reported number of weeks from infant blood draw to caregiver receipt of results. This was dichotomized as either short (≤3 weeks) or delayed (> 3 weeks) caregiver TAT. Logit-based risk difference analysis was used to assess factors associated with short caregiver TAT. Analysis included TAT to facility (facility TAT), defined as reported number of weeks from infant blood draw to facility receipt of results. Results Overall, 26.3% of the 571 PHCs reported short caregiver TAT. In adjusted analyses, short caregiver TAT was less achieved when facility TAT was > 7 days (versus ≤7 days) (adjusted risk difference (aRD): − 0.2 (95% confidence interval − 0.3-(− 0.1)), p = 0.006 for 8–14 days and − 0.3 (− 0.5-(− 0.1)), p = 0.006 for > 14 days), and in facilities with staff nurses (compared to those without) (aRD: − 9.4 (− 16.6-(− 2.2), p = 0.011). Conclusion Although short caregiver TAT for EID was only reported in approximately 26% of facilities, these facilities demonstrate that achieving EID TAT of ≤3 weeks is possible, making timely ART initiation within 3 weeks of diagnosis feasible within the public health sector. Our adjusted analyses underpin the need for quick return of results to facilities. They also raise questions around staff mentoring: we hypothesise that facilities with staff nurses were likely to have fewer professional nurses, and thus inadequate senior support. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-019-4337-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobubelo Kwanele Ngandu
- Health Systems Research Unit, South, African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA, South Africa.
| | - Vincent Maduna
- Health Systems Research Unit, South, African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA, South Africa
| | - Gayle Sherman
- Centre for HIV and STI, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, SA, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SA, South Africa
| | - Nobuntu Noveve
- Health Systems Research Unit, South, African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA, South Africa
| | - Witness Chirinda
- Health Systems Research Unit, South, African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA, South Africa
| | - Vundli Ramokolo
- Health Systems Research Unit, South, African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, SA, South Africa
| | - Ameena Ebrahim Goga
- Health Systems Research Unit, South, African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, SA, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, SA, South Africa
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McFall SM, Maiga M, Glucksberg M, Achenbach CJ, Palamountain KL, Murphy RL. Supporting Diagnosis and Management of HIV/AIDS Patients Through Point-of-Care Technology Development. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2019; 11:9-15. [PMID: 32864521 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The HIV pandemic disproportionately impacts sub-Saharan Africa where in 2017, 71% of people living with HIV resided, 65% of new infections and 75% of deaths were reported. Prevention, screening and treatment strategies have led to progress in addressing this disease. HIV diagnostics have been crucial for prevention and treatment but more progress is required to reduce HIV infection. The Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS at Northwestern University (C-THAN) is a vital partner in the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Point-of-Care Technologies Research Network. C-THAN's mission is to develop and commercialize a pipeline of point-of-care technologies critical for improved prevention and management of HIV in low- and middle-income countries with specific emphasis on sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally M McFall
- Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Mamoudou Maiga
- Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), Bamako, Mali
| | - Matthew Glucksberg
- Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Chad J Achenbach
- Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kara L Palamountain
- Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Robert L Murphy
- Center for Innovation in Point-of-Care Technologies for HIV/AIDS at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Bianchi F, Cohn J, Sacks E, Bailey R, Lemaire JF, Machekano R. Evaluation of a routine point-of-care intervention for early infant diagnosis of HIV: an observational study in eight African countries. Lancet HIV 2019; 6:e373-e381. [PMID: 30987937 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(19)30033-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, there were 180 000 estimated new HIV infections in children aged 0-14 years. Without early diagnosis and treatment, half of infants with HIV die by age 2 years, with peak mortality around age 8-10 weeks. Conventional early infant diagnosis (EID) systems have not consistently returned results in a timely manner. However, point-of-care (POC) EID devices, which are new to market, could improve outcomes. In December, 2016, POC EID testing was introduced in eight sub-Saharan African countries as part of routine service delivery. We aimed to compare key service delivery and clinical outcomes and costs of POC versus conventional EID. METHODS In our observational study, we compared service delivery and clinical outcomes in eight countries (Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Rwanda, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe), before and after a POC intervention was introduced for EID of HIV. For the baseline, pre-intervention sample, we sampled 30 consecutive tests for HIV-exposed infants who had a documented date of blood collection for EID within Ministry of Health registers in a subset of Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF)-supported sites that would be enrolled in POC. For the post-intervention sample, all infants who were tested with POC EID for HIV at an EGPAF site were included in the sample. For both conventional and POC EID testing, we did not specify an age range, but used national EID guidelines for EID eligibility. A range of sites for conventional data collection were selected to represent both primary testing sites (where POC EID instruments would be placed) and spoke sites, rural and urban environment, and high throughput and low throughput sites. In all countries, except Mozambique, we developed a POC EID test request form in conjunction with the Ministry of Health. In Mozambique, EGPAF-trained staff extracted data from health facility registers and other sources using a data collection form. Certain specific indicators were required for all countries, but countries could collect additional variables, as the POC EID test request form was used for patient management for the duration of the project. These forms were filled in by health-care providers at the facility. Once the form was completed it was collected by EGPAF staff and entered into a project-specific database. The cost per test result returned was approximated by use of the Global Fund's total cost of ownership estimates. FINDINGS Retrospective collection of data on clinical and service delivery outcomes of conventional testing began on Nov 14, 2016, and was completed on Nov 26, 2017, for tests done between March 3, 2014, and March 30, 2017, at 96 health-care facilities using conventional testing. POC tests were done at 339 health-care facilities between Dec 1, 2016, and Dec 31, 2017. We evaluated data from 2875 infants exposed to HIV who were tested with conventional testing methods (2899 tests) and 18 220 infants tested with POC testing (19 071 tests). Several EID outcomes were significantly improved with POC testing relative to conventional testing. The return of results to caregivers within 30 days (in 18 737 [98·3%] of 19 058 infants receiving POC testing vs 542 [18·7%] of 2898 infants receiving conventional testing; p<0·0001), the median time from sample collection to return of results to caregivers (0 vs 55 days; p<0·0001), the number of infants with HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) within 60 days of sample collection (639 [92·3%] of 692 infants vs 42 [43·3%] of 97 infants; p<0·0001), the median time from sample collection to ART initiation among infants with HIV (0 vs 49 days; p<0·0001), and the median age at ART initiation among infants with HIV who were tested at 6-8 weeks (1·6 vs 3·3 months; p<0·0001) were all improved with POC testing compared with conventional testing. The cost per test result returned within 30 days was less for POC (US$27·24, range 21·39-33·10) than conventional testing ($131·02, 96·26-165·76). INTERPRETATION POC EID improves the speed of return of HIV test results and enables earlier ART initiation; this approach could potentially reduce morbidity and mortality in infants with HIV. National programmes, funders, and implementing partners should consider POC EID as a preferred testing strategy for implementation. FUNDING Unitaid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Bianchi
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Jennifer Cohn
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Emma Sacks
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rebecca Bailey
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Geneva, Switzerland
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Mutanga JN, Mutembo S, Ezeamama AE, Fubisha RC, Sialondwe D, Simuchembu B, Mutukwa M, Chinyonga J, Thuma PE, Whalen CC. Tracking Progress Toward Elimination of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV in Zambia: Findings from the Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV Program (2009-2017). J Trop Pediatr 2019; 66:56-65. [PMID: 31089687 PMCID: PMC7156365 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We carried out analyses of early infant testing results at Livingstone Central Hospital in Zambia to assess time of testing, linkages to care and availability of test results for clinical decision making. METHODS We abstracted data from registers of HIV-exposed infants who had dried blood spots cards (DBS) collected for DNA-PCR from January 2009 to December 2017. Only those tested from 2014 to 2017 had additional data which were used to estimate risk factors for mother-to-child HIV transmission using logistic regression models. RESULTS DBS were collected from 2630 children. The proportion of HIV-positive tests decreased from 21% in 2009 to 2% in 2016 and 2017. Median turnaround time for results was 9 weeks (IQR: 5, 15) for HIV-negative, 7 weeks (IQR: 5, 13) for HIV-positive children. Only 2% of infants whose mothers took antiretroviral therapy (ART) were HIV positive, while 18% of infants whose mothers took short course antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) were infected. Infants of mothers who did not take ARVs had 9 times the odds of an HIV positive test (OR = 8.9, 95% CI: 3.6, 22.6). Infants of mothers who received short course ARVs were 40% less likely to get an HIV test within the first 2 months of life (OR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4, 0.9) compared to infants of mothers who received ART. Only 52% had a third test at median age 52 weeks (IQR: 50, 54). CONCLUSIONS Long turnaround time for test results and low retention in care after the initial HIV test were critical challenges to clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane N Mutanga
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens GA, 30602, USA,Global Health Institute, College of Public Health University of Georgia, Athens GA, 30602, USA,Correspondence: Jane N. Mutanga, Livingstone Central Hospital, Akapelwa Street, Livingstone, 10101, Zambia. E-mail <>
| | - Simon Mutembo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens GA, 30602, USA,Global Health Institute, College of Public Health University of Georgia, Athens GA, 30602, USA,Southern Province Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, 10101, Zambia
| | - Amara E Ezeamama
- Research Division, Department of Psychiatry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Robert C Fubisha
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Derrick Sialondwe
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Brenda Simuchembu
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Macwani Mutukwa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Livingstone Central Hospital, Livingstone, Zambia
| | - Jelita Chinyonga
- Southern Province Medical Office, Ministry of Health, Choma, 10101, Zambia
| | | | - Christopher C Whalen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens GA, 30602, USA,Global Health Institute, College of Public Health University of Georgia, Athens GA, 30602, USA
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Sandbulte MR, Gautney BJ, Maloba M, Wexler C, Brown M, Mabachi N, Goggin K, Lwembe R, Nazir N, Odeny TA, Finocchario-Kessler S. Infant HIV testing at birth using point-of-care and conventional HIV DNA PCR: an implementation feasibility pilot study in Kenya. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2019; 5:18. [PMID: 30701079 PMCID: PMC6347792 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-019-0402-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infant HIV diagnosis by HIV DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing at the standard 6 weeks of age is often late to mitigate the mortality peak that occurs in HIV positive infants’ first 2–3 months of life. Kenya recently revised their early infant diagnosis (EID) guidelines to include HIV DNA PCR testing at birth (pilot only), 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postnatal and a final 18-month antibody test. The World Health Organization (WHO) approved point-of-care (POC) diagnostic platforms for infant HIV testing in resource-limited countries that could simplify logistics and expedite infant diagnosis. Sustainable scale-up and optimal utility in Kenya and other high-prevalence countries depend on robust implementation studies in diverse clinical settings. Methods We will pilot the implementation of birth testing by HIV DNA PCR, as well as two POC testing systems (Xpert HIV-1 Qual [Xpert] and Alere q HIV-1/2 Detect [Alere q]), on specimens collected from Kenyan infants at birth (0 to 2 weeks) and 6 weeks (4 to < 24 weeks) postnatal. The formative phase will inform optimal implementation of birth testing and two POC testing technologies. Qualitative interviews with stakeholders (providers, parents of HIV-exposed infants, and community members) will assess attitudes, barriers, and recommendations to optimize implementation at their respective sites. A non-blinded pilot study at four Kenyan hospitals (n = 2 Xpert, n = 2 Alere q platforms) will evaluate infant HIV POC testing compared with standard of care HIV DNA PCR testing in both the birth and 6-week windows. Objectives of the pilot are to assess uptake, efficiency, quality, implementation variables, user experiences of birth testing with both POC testing systems or with HIV DNA PCR, and costs. Discussion This study will generate data on the clinical impact and feasibility of adding HIV testing at birth utilizing POC and traditional PCR HIV testing strategies in resource-limited settings. Data from this pilot will inform the optimal implementation of Kenya’s birth testing guidelines and of POC testing systems for the improvement of EID outcomes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03435887. Registered 26 February 2018. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40814-019-0402-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Sandbulte
- 1Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS USA
| | | | - May Maloba
- Global Health Innovations, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Catherine Wexler
- 1Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS USA
| | - Melinda Brown
- 1Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS USA
| | - Natabhona Mabachi
- 1Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS USA
| | - Kathy Goggin
- 4Health Services and Outcomes Research, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, MO USA.,5University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO USA
| | - Raphael Lwembe
- 6Centre for Virus Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Niaman Nazir
- 7Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS USA
| | - Thomas A Odeny
- 5University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO USA.,8Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Abstract
HIV diagnostics have played a central role in the remarkable progress in identifying, staging, initiating, and monitoring infected individuals on life-saving antiretroviral therapy. They are also useful in surveillance and outbreak responses, allowing for assessment of disease burden and identification of vulnerable populations and transmission "hot spots," thus enabling planning, appropriate interventions, and allocation of appropriate funding. HIV diagnostics are critical in achieving epidemic control and require a hybrid of conventional laboratory-based diagnostic tests and new technologies, including point-of-care (POC) testing, to expand coverage, increase access, and positively impact patient management. In this review, we provide (i) a historical perspective on the evolution of HIV diagnostics (serologic and molecular) and their interplay with WHO normative guidelines, (ii) a description of the role of conventional and POC testing within the tiered laboratory diagnostic network, (iii) information on the evaluations and selection of appropriate diagnostics, (iv) a description of the quality management systems needed to ensure reliability of testing, and (v) strategies to increase access while reducing the time to return results to patients. Maintaining the central role of HIV diagnostics in programs requires periodic monitoring and optimization with quality assurance in order to inform adjustments or alignment to achieve epidemic control.
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Thiha S, Shewade HD, Philip S, Aung TK, Kyaw NTT, Oo MM, Kyaw KWY, War MW, Oo HN. Early infant diagnosis of HIV in Myanmar: call for innovative interventions to improve uptake and reduce turnaround time. Glob Health Action 2018; 10:1319616. [PMID: 28574336 PMCID: PMC5496058 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1319616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In collaboration with the national AIDS program, early infant diagnosis (EID) is implemented by Integrated HIV Care (IHC) program through its anti-retroviral therapy (ART) centers across 10 cities in five states and regions of Myanmar. Blood samples from the ART centers are sent using public transport to a centralized PCR facility. OBJECTIVES Among HIV-exposed babies <9 months at enrolment into IHC program (2013-15), to describe the EID cascade (enrolment, sample collection for PCR, result receipt by mother, HIV diagnosis and ART initiation) and factors associated with delayed (>8 weeks of age) or no blood sample collection for EID. METHODS Retrospective cohort study involving record review. A predictive poisson regression model with robust variance estimates was fitted for risk factors of delayed or no sample collection. RESULTS Of 1349 babies, 523 (39%) of the babies' mothers were on ART before pregnancy. Timely uptake of EID (<8 weeks of age) was 47% (633/1349); sample collection was delayed in 27% (367/1349) and not done in 26% (349/1349) babies. Among samples collected (n = 1000), 667 results were received by the mother; 52 (5%) were HIV-infected; among them 42 (81%) were initiated on ART. Median (IQR) turnaround time from sample collection to result receipt by mother and time to initiate ART from result receipt by mother was 7 (4,12) and 8.5 (6,16) weeks, respectively. Mothers not on ART before pregnancy and distance of ART center from PCR facility (more than 128 km) were the risk factors of delayed or no sample collection. CONCLUSIONS Improving provision of ART to mothers (through universal 'test and treat') is urgently required, which has the potential to improve the timely uptake of EID as well. Interventions to reduce turnaround times, like point of care EID testing and/or systematic use of mobile technology to communicate results, are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soe Thiha
- a HIV Unit , International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) , Mandalay , Myanmar
| | - Hemant Deepak Shewade
- b Department of Operational Research , International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) , New Delhi , India
| | - Sairu Philip
- c Department of Community Medicine , Government T.D. Medical College , Alappuzha , India
| | - Thet Ko Aung
- a HIV Unit , International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) , Mandalay , Myanmar
| | - Nang Thu Thu Kyaw
- d Department of Operational Research , International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) , Mandalay , Myanmar
| | - Myo Minn Oo
- d Department of Operational Research , International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) , Mandalay , Myanmar
| | - Khine Wut Yee Kyaw
- d Department of Operational Research , International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) , Mandalay , Myanmar
| | - May Wint War
- e Public Health Laboratory, Department of Medical Services , Ministry of Health and Sports , Mandalay , Myanmar
| | - Htun Nyunt Oo
- f National AIDS Program, Department of Public Health , Ministry of Health and Sports , Nay Pyi Taw , Myanmar
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Gous N, Takle J, Oppenheimer A, Schooley A. Racing for results: lessons learnt in improving the efficiency of HIV viral load and early infant diagnosis result delivery from laboratory to clinic. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2018; 18:789-795. [PMID: 30033823 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2018.1503951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In pursuit of the 90-90-90 goals, emphasis has been placed on accelerating centralized-laboratory HIV viral load testing of a population that is largely rural and decentralized. Successful outcome requires effective specimen transport, laboratory testing, and results delivery. This paper focuses on the methods currently employed for results delivery. New innovations in this area are yielding mixed results; we analyze different approaches and estimate the impact of each on achieving the third '90.' Areas covered: Strategies employing electronic or mobile health platforms, such as online portals, SMS, and SMS printers are showing potential to deliver results in significantly improved turnaround times but are not without challenges. Also, merely delivering a result to the clinic is not sufficient; results need to be actioned to ensure improved patient linkage and retention. Innovative solutions that not only support real-time reporting but monitor receipt of results and address infrastructure constraints faced by limited-resource settings are discussed. Expert commentary: There is tremendous opportunity to inform better patient care and directly contribute to '90-90-90' progress by developing digital systems for result delivery. Besides infrastructure and technical challenges, systems should address the entire cascade of care from initial diagnosis to monitoring treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Gous
- a Department of Global Health, SystemOne , Johannesburg , South Africa
| | - Jeff Takle
- b Department of Global Health , SystemOne, Springfield , MA , United States of America
| | - Aaron Oppenheimer
- b Department of Global Health , SystemOne, Springfield , MA , United States of America
| | - Alan Schooley
- c Partners in Hope Medical Centre , EQUIP-Malawi, Lilongwe , Malawi.,d Department of Medicine and Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA , United States of America
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Bwana VM, Mfinanga SG, Simulundu E, Mboera LEG, Michelo C. Accessibility of Early Infant Diagnostic Services by Under-5 Years and HIV Exposed Children in Muheza District, North-East Tanzania. Front Public Health 2018; 6:139. [PMID: 29868546 PMCID: PMC5962700 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Early infant diagnosis (EID) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) provides an opportunity for follow up of HIV exposed children for early detection of infection and timely access to antiretroviral treatment. We assessed predictors for accessing HIV diagnostic services among under-five children exposed to HIV infection in Muheza district, Tanzania. Methods: A cross sectional facility-based study among mother/guardian-child pairs of HIV exposed children was conducted from June 2015 to June 2016. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected information on HIV status, socio-demographic characteristics and other relevant data. Multiple regression analyses were used to investigate associations of potential predictors of accessing EID services. Results: A total of 576 children with their respective mothers/guardians were recruited. Of the 576 mothers/guardians, 549 (95.3%) were the biological mothers with a median age of 34 years (inter-quartile range: 30–38 years). The median age of the 576 children was 15 months (inter- quartile range: 8.5–38.0 months). A total of 251 (43.6%) children were born to mothers with unknown HIV status at conception. Only 329 (57.1%) children accessed EID between 4 and 6 weeks of age. Children born to mothers with unknown HIV status at conception (AOR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.8) and those with ages 13–59 months (AOR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2–0.6) were the significant predictors of missed opportunity to access EID. Children living with the head of household with at least a high education level had higher chances of accessing EID (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.3). Their chances of accessing EID services was three-fold higher among mothers/guardians with good knowledge of HIV infection prevention of mother to child transmission (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 2.0–5.2) than those with poor knowledge. Mothers/guardians living in rural areas had poorer knowledge of HIV infection prevention of mother to child transmission (AOR = 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9) than those living in urban areas. Conclusion: Accessibility of EID services among children below 5 years exposed to HIV infection in Muheza is low. These findings stress the need for continued HIV education and outreach services, particularly in rural areas in order to improve maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veneranda M Bwana
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Amani Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Muheza, Tanzania
| | | | - Edgar Simulundu
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Leonard E G Mboera
- National Institute for Medical Research, Headquarters, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Charles Michelo
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia.,Strategic Centre for Health Systems Metrics and Evaluations, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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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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Qiao S, Zhang Y, Li X, Menon JA. Facilitators and barriers for HIV-testing in Zambia: A systematic review of multi-level factors. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192327. [PMID: 29415004 PMCID: PMC5802917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It was estimated that 1.2 million people live with HIV/AIDS in Zambia by 2015. Zambia has developed and implemented diverse programs to reduce the prevalence in the country. HIV-testing is a critical step in HIV treatment and prevention, especially among all the key populations. However, there is no systematic review so far to demonstrate the trend of HIV-testing studies in Zambia since 1990s or synthesis the key factors that associated with HIV-testing practices in the country. Therefore, this study conducted a systematic review to search all English literature published prior to November 2016 in six electronic databases and retrieved 32 articles that meet our inclusion criteria. The results indicated that higher education was a common facilitator of HIV testing, while misconception of HIV testing and the fear of negative consequences were the major barriers for using the testing services. Other factors, such as demographic characteristics, marital dynamics, partner relationship, and relationship with the health care services, also greatly affects the participants' decision making. The findings indicated that 1) individualized strategies and comprehensive services are needed for diverse key population; 2) capacity building for healthcare providers is critical for effectively implementing the task-shifting strategy; 3) HIV testing services need to adapt to the social context of Zambia where HIV-related stigma and discrimination is still persistent and overwhelming; and 4) family-based education and intervention should involving improving gender equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Qiao
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - Yao Zhang
- School of Information, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, South Carolina SmartState Center for Healthcare Quality (CHQ), Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States of America
| | - J. Anitha Menon
- Department of Psychology, University of Zambia, Central Administration Block Great East Road Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
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Scaling up Pediatric HIV Testing by Incorporating Provider-Initiated HIV Testing Into all Child Health Services in Hurungwe District, Zimbabwe. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2017; 77:78-85. [PMID: 28991881 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000001564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Practical ways are needed to scale-up pediatric HIV testing in sub-Saharan Africa, where testing is usually limited to HIV-exposed children in maternal and child health clinics. METHODS We implemented an enhanced pediatric HIV testing program in 33 health facilities in Zimbabwe by integrating HIV testing into all pediatric health services. We collected individual data on children tested by having health care workers complete a program-specific child health booklet. We compared numbers of children tested before and during the program using routinely collected aggregate program data reported by health facilities. RESULTS A total of 12,556 children aged 0-5 years were recorded in child health booklets; 9431 (75.1%) had information on HIV testing, of whom 7326 (77.7%) were tested; 7167 had test results of whom 122 (1.7%) were HIV-infected. Among children seen in outpatient clinics, 82.1% were tested compared with 66.5% tested among children seen in maternal/child health clinics. Of the 122 HIV-infected children identified, 77 (63.1%) could be missed under existing pediatric testing guidelines. The number of HIV-infected children identified during the 6-month program increased by 55% compared with the prior 6-month period (RR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.96). Factors independently associated with HIV infection included being malnourished (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 7.7, 95% CI: 2.1 to 28.6), being exposed to TB (AOR = 8.1, 95% CI: 2.0 to 32.2), and having an HIV-infected mother (AOR = 41.6, 95% CI: 15.9 to 108.8). CONCLUSIONS Integrating HIV testing into all pediatric health services is feasible and can assist in identifying HIV-infected children who could be missed in current testing guidelines.
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Assessing Very Early Infant Diagnosis Turnaround Times: Findings from a Birth Testing Pilot in Lesotho. AIDS Res Treat 2017; 2017:2572594. [PMID: 29410914 PMCID: PMC5749171 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2572594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Very early infant diagnosis (VEID) (testing within two weeks of life), combined with rapid treatment initiation, could reduce early infant mortality. Our study evaluated turnaround time (TAT) to receipt of infants' HIV test results and ART initiation if HIV-infected, with and without birth testing availability. Data from facility records and national databases were collected for 12 facilities offering VEID, as part of an observational prospective cohort study, and 10 noncohort facilities. HIV-exposed infants born in January-June 2016 and any cohort infant diagnosed as HIV-infected at birth or six weeks were included. The median TAT from blood draw to caregiver result receipt was 76.5 days at birth and 63 and 70 days at six weeks at cohort and noncohort facilities, respectively. HIV-exposed infants tested at birth were approximately one month younger when their caregivers received results versus those tested at six weeks. Infants diagnosed at birth initiated ART about two months earlier (median 6.4 weeks old) than those identified at six weeks (median 14.8 weeks). However, the long TAT for testing at both birth and six weeks illustrates the prolonged process for specimen transport and result return that could compromise the effectiveness of adding VEID to existing overburdened EID systems.
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Tiam A, Gill MM, Hoffman HJ, Isavwa A, Mokone M, Foso M, Safrit JT, Mofenson LM, Tylleskär T, Guay L. Conventional early infant diagnosis in Lesotho from specimen collection to results usage to manage patients: Where are the bottlenecks? PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184769. [PMID: 29016634 PMCID: PMC5634554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Early infant diagnosis is an important step in identifying children infected with HIV during the perinatal period or in utero. Multiple factors contribute to delayed antiretroviral treatment initiation for HIV-infected children, including delays in the early infant HIV diagnosis cascade. Methods We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate early infant diagnosis turnaround times in Lesotho. Trained staff reviewed records of HIV-exposed infants (aged-6-8 weeks) who received an HIV test during 2011. Study sites were drawn from Highlands, Foothills and Lowlands regions of Lesotho. Central laboratory database data were linked to facility and laboratory register information. Turnaround time geometric means (with 95% CI) were calculated and compared by region using linear mixed models. Results 1,187 individual infant records from 25 facilities were reviewed. Overall, early infant diagnosis turnaround time was 61.7 days (95%CI: 55.3–68.7). Mean time from specimen collection to district laboratory was 14 days (95%CI: 12.1–16.1); from district to central laboratory, 2 days (95%CI 0.8–5.2); results from central laboratory to district hospital, 23.3 days (95%CI: 18.7–29.0); from district hospital to health facility, 3.2 days (95%CI 1.9–5.5); and from health facility to caregiver, 10.4 days (95%CI, 7.9–13.5). Mean times from specimen transfer to the central laboratory and for result transfer from central laboratory to district hospital were significantly shorter in the Lowlands Region (0.9 and 16.2 days, respectively), compared to Highlands Region (6.0 [P = 0.030] and 34.3 days [P = 0.0099]. Turnaround time from blood draw to receipt of results was significantly shorter for HIV infected infants compared to HIV uninfected infants [p = 0.0036] at an average of 47.1 days (95%CI: 38.9–56.9) and 62 days (95%CI: 55.9–68.7) respectively. Of 47 HIV-infected infants, 36 were initiated on antiretroviral therapy at an average of 1.3 days (95%CI: 0.3, 5.7) after caregiver received the result. Conclusion HIV-infected infants received results earlier and were rapidly initiated on antiretroviral therapy once the result was delivered to caregiver. However, average early infant diagnosis turnaround time was two months; the longest period of delay was transfer of results from central laboratory to district hospital. Turnaround time of results based on geographical regions or between hospitals and health centres varied but did not reach statistical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Appolinaire Tiam
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maseru, Lesotho
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Michelle M. Gill
- Research, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Heather J. Hoffman
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Anthony Isavwa
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Mafusi Mokone
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Matokelo Foso
- Medical and Scientific Affairs, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Jeffrey T. Safrit
- Research Alliances, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lynne M. Mofenson
- Research, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington DC, United States of America
| | | | - Laura Guay
- Research, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington DC, United States of America
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington DC, United States of America
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Gumede-Moyo S, Filteau S, Munthali T, Todd J, Musonda P. Implementation effectiveness of revised (post-2010) World Health Organization guidelines on prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV using routinely collected data in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e8055. [PMID: 28984760 PMCID: PMC5737996 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000008055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To synthesize and evaluate the impact of implementing post-2010 World Health Organization (WHO) prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) guidelines on attainment of PMTCT targets. METHODS Retrospective and prospective cohort study designs that utilized routinely collected data with a focus on provision and utilization of the cascade of PMTCT services were included. The outcomes included the proportion of pregnant women who were tested during their antenatal clinic (ANC) visits; mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate; adherence; retention rate; and loss to follow-up (LTFU). RESULTS Of the 1210 references screened, 45 met the inclusion criteria. The studies originated from 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The highest number of studies originated from Malawi (10) followed by Nigeria and South Africa with 7 studies each. More than half of the studies were on option A while the majority of option B+ studies were conducted in Malawi. These studies indicated a high uptake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing ranging from 75% in Nigeria to over 96% in Zimbabwe and South Africa. High proportions of CD4 count testing were reported in studies only from South Africa despite that in most of the countries CD4 testing was a prerequisite to access treatment. MTCT rate ranged from 1.1% to 15.1% and it was higher in studies where data were collected in the early days of the WHO 2010 PMTCT guidelines. During the postpartum period, adherence and retention rate decreased, and LTFU increased for both HIV-positive mothers and exposed infants. CONCLUSION Irrespective of which option was followed, uptake of antenatal HIV testing was high but there was a large drop off along later points in the PMTCT cascade. More research is needed on how to improve later components of the PMTCT cascade, especially of option B+ which is now the norm throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehlulekile Gumede-Moyo
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia
| | - Suzanne Filteau
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Tendai Munthali
- School of Public Health, University of Zambia
- Ministry of Health, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Jim Todd
- Department of Population Health, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Only 51% of HIV-exposed infants receive an HIV test between 4 and 6 weeks of age, with even lower repeat testing rates at older ages, and only 49% of infants tested are initiated on antiretroviral therapy. The purpose of this article is to discuss potential solutions for increasing coverage of early infant diagnosis (EID), decreasing turnaround time for result return, improving linkages to care and treatment and fulfilling the objective of improving outcomes for HIV-infected children. RECENT FINDINGS Differences in HIV testing guidelines have emerged in different countries, with some recommending HIV testing at birth. Although EID programs are not yet optimal, some solutions have proven successful including the use of short message service printers, community-based interventions and support and education of mothers. Birth and EID point-of-care testing have emerged as potential game changers for improving EID programs. SUMMARY For EID programs to impact on child health outcomes, by preventing HIV-associated morbidity and mortality, and provide more value than a mere surveillance tool, efforts need to be aligned toward the implementation of a comprehensive set of interventions that take cognizance of different contexts, epidemiology and health systems, and that are backed by political and community support.
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Wexler C, Cheng AL, Gautney B, Finocchario-Kessler S, Goggin K, Khamadi S. Evaluating turnaround times for early infant diagnosis samples in Kenya from 2011-2014: A retrospective analysis of HITSystem program data. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181005. [PMID: 28796791 PMCID: PMC5552093 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Long turnaround times (TAT) for the processing and posting of results of infant HIV DNA PCR samples can hinder the success of early infant diagnosis (EID) programs. The HITSystem is an eHealth intervention that alerts staff when services are overdue or results are delayed. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 3669 HIV-exposed infants enrolled in 15 Kenya hospital EID programs and three laboratories using the HITSystem from 2011–2014. We assessed mean and median TAT from when a sample was: 1) obtained to when it was shipped to the laboratory, 2) shipped to when it was received at the laboratory, 3) received to when a result was posted, and 4) the total time from obtaining the sample (step 1) to posting the result (step 3). TAT were compared by laboratory, clinic, year, and month of sample collection. 3625 infant samples had results posted by end of 2014. Mean TAT from sample collection to shipping was 5.2 days, from shipping to laboratory receipt was 2.0 days, and from laboratory receipt to result posting was 17.4 days. Altogether, it took an average of 24.7 days from sample collection until result posting. There was significant variation between laboratories, particularly in laboratory processing times (step 3). TAT showed a decreasing trend from 2011–2014, although TAT in December remained higher. Compared with other Kenyan studies, TAT in these HITSystem enrolled settings were shorter. Significant variation between laboratories, however, indicates the need to strengthen protocols and infrastructure to ensure that all laboratories can provide rapid, high-quality services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Wexler
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - An-Lin Cheng
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Brad Gautney
- Global Health Innovations, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sarah Finocchario-Kessler
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Kathy Goggin
- Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Health Services and Outcomes Research, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Pharmacy, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
| | | | - HITSystem Team
- Global Health Innovations, Kansas City, Missouri, United States of America
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
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Wagner AD, Njuguna IN, Andere RA, Cranmer LM, Okinyi HM, Benki-Nugent S, Chohan BH, Maleche-Obimbo E, Wamalwa DC, John-Stewart GC. Infant/child rapid serology tests fail to reliably assess HIV exposure among sick hospitalized infants. AIDS 2017; 31:F1-F7. [PMID: 28609404 PMCID: PMC5540651 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000001562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The WHO guidelines for infant and child HIV diagnosis recommend the use of maternal serology to determine child exposure status in ages 0-18 months, but suggest that infant serology can reliably be used to determine exposure for those less than 4 months. There is little evidence about the performance of these recommendations among hospitalized sick infants and children. METHODS Within a clinical trial (NCT02063880) in Kenya, among children 18 months or younger, maternal and child rapid serologic HIV tests were performed in tandem. Dried blood spots were tested using HIV DNA PCR for all children whose mothers were seropositive, irrespective of child serostatus. We characterized the performance of infant/child serology results to detect HIV exposure in three age groups: 0-3, 4-8, and 9-18 months. RESULTS Among 65 maternal serology positive infants age 0-3 months, 48 (74%), 1 (2%) and 16 (25%) had positive, indeterminate and negative infant serology results, respectively. Twelve (25%), 0 and 4 (25%) of those with positive, indeterminate and negative infant serology results, respectively, were HIV-infected by DNA PCR. Among 71 maternal serology positive infants age 4-8 months, 31 (44%), 8 (11%) and 32 (45%) had positive, indeterminate and negative infant serology results, respectively. Fourteen (45%), 2 (25%) and 7 (22%) infants with positive, indeterminate and negative infant serology results, respectively, were HIV-infected. Among 67 maternal serology positive infants/children age 9-18 months, 40 (60%), 2 (3%) and 25 (37%) had positive, indeterminate and negative infant serology results, respectively. Thirty-six (90%), 2 (100%) and 2 (8%) infants with positive, indeterminate and negative infant serology results, respectively, were HIV-infected. In the 0-3, 4-8 and 9-18 month age groups, use of maternal serology to define HIV exposure identified 33% [95% confidence interval (CI) 10-65%], 44% (95% CI 20-70%) and 5% (95% CI 0.1-18%) more HIV infections, respectively. CONCLUSION Maternal serology should preferentially be used for screening among hospitalized infants of all ages to improve early diagnosis of children with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjuli D Wagner
- aDepartment of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA bKenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya cDepartment of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia, USA dDepartment of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya eDepartment of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA fKenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya gDepartment of Epidemiology hDepartment of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA. *Anjuli D. Wagner and Irene N. Njuguna are co-first authors
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Phiri NA, Lee HY, Chilenga L, Mtika C, Sinyiza F, Musopole O, Nyirenda R, Yu JKL, Harries AD. Early infant diagnosis and outcomes in HIV-exposed infants at a central and a district hospital, Northern Malawi. Public Health Action 2017; 7:83-89. [PMID: 28695079 DOI: 10.5588/pha.16.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Setting: Mzuzu Central Hospital (MZCH), Mzuzu, and Chitipa District Hospital (CDH), Chitipa, Malawi. Objective: To compare management and outcomes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exposed infants in early infant diagnosis (EID) programmes at MZCH, where DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is performed on site, and CDH, where samples are sent to MZCH, between 2013 and 2014. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Results: Of infants enrolled at MZCH (n = 409) and CDH (n = 176), DNA PCR results were communicated to the children's guardians in respectively 56% and 51% of cases. The median time from sample collection to guardians receiving results was 34 days for MZCH and 56 days for CDH. In both hospitals, only half of the dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected between 6 and 8 weeks. More guardians from MZCH than CDH received test results within 1 month of sample collection (25% vs. 10%). Among the HIV-positive infants, a higher proportion at MZCH (92%) started antiretroviral therapy than at CDH (46%). The relative risk (RR) of death was higher among infants with late DBS collection (RR 1.3, 95%CI 1.0-1.7) or no collection (RR 5.8, 95%CI 4.6-7.2), and when guardians did not receive test results (RR 8.3, 95%CI 5.7-11.9). Conclusion: EID programmes performed equally poorly at both hospitals, and might be helped by point-of-care DNA PCR testing. Better programme implementation and active follow-up might improve infant outcome and retention in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Phiri
- Mzuzu Central Hospital, Mzuzu, Malawi.,University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - H-Y Lee
- Luke International, Mzuzu, Malawi.,Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - L Chilenga
- Chitipa District Hospital, Chitipa, Malawi
| | - C Mtika
- Mzuzu Central Hospital, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - F Sinyiza
- Mzuzu Central Hospital, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - O Musopole
- Northern Zone Health Office, Ministry of Health, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - R Nyirenda
- Department of HIV and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - J K-L Yu
- Pingtung Christian Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan
| | - A D Harries
- International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, Paris, France.,London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Sutcliffe CG, Thuma PE, van Dijk JH, Sinywimaanzi K, Mweetwa S, Hamahuwa M, Moss WJ. Use of mobile phones and text messaging to decrease the turnaround time for early infant HIV diagnosis and notification in rural Zambia: an observational study. BMC Pediatr 2017; 17:66. [PMID: 28270134 PMCID: PMC5341427 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-017-0822-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early infant diagnosis of HIV infection is challenging in rural sub-Saharan Africa as blood samples are sent to central laboratories for HIV DNA testing, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation. Simple technologies to rapidly deliver results to clinics and notify mothers of test results would decrease many of these delays. The feasibility of using mobile phones to contact mothers was evaluated. In addition, the first two years of implementation of a national short message service (SMS) reporting system to deliver test results from the laboratory to the clinic were evaluated. METHODS The study was conducted in Macha, Zambia from 2013 to 2015 among mothers of HIV-exposed infants. Mothers were interviewed about mobile phone use and willingness to be contacted directly or through their rural health center. Mothers were contacted according to their preferred method of communication when test results were available. Mothers of positive infants were asked to return to the clinic as soon as possible. Dates of sample collection, delivery of test results to the clinic and notification of mothers were documented in addition to test results. RESULTS Four hundred nineteen mothers and infants were enrolled. Only 30% of mothers had ever used a mobile phone. 96% of mobile phone owners were reached by study staff and 98% of mothers without mobile phones were contacted through their rural health center. Turnaround times for mothers of positive infants were approximately 2 weeks shorter than for mothers of negative infants. Delivery of test results by the national SMS system improved from 2013 to 2014, with increases in the availability of texted results (38 vs. 91%) and arrival of the texted result prior to the hardcopy report (27 vs. 83%). Texted results arriving at the clinic before the hardcopy were received a median of 19 days earlier. Four discrepancies between texted and hardcopy results were identified out of 340 tests. CONCLUSIONS Mobile phone and text messaging technology has the potential to improve early infant diagnosis but challenges to widespread implementation need to be addressed, including low mobile phone ownership, use and coverage in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G Sutcliffe
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | - Janneke H van Dijk
- Macha Research Trust, Macha Hospital, Choma, Zambia.,Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - William J Moss
- Department of Epidemiology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Diallo K, Modi S, Hurlston M, Beard RS, Nkengasong JN. A Proposed Framework for the Implementation of Early Infant Diagnosis Point-of-Care. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2017; 33:203-210. [PMID: 27758117 PMCID: PMC5333568 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2016.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Early diagnosis of HIV infection in infants and children remains a challenge in resource-limited settings, with approximately half of all HIV-exposed infants receiving virological testing for HIV by the recommended age of 2 months in 2015. To reduce morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected children and close the treatment gap for HIV-infected children, there is an urgent need to evaluate existing programmatic and laboratory practices for early infant diagnosis and introduce strategies to improve identification of HIV-exposed infants and ensure access to systematic, early HIV testing, with early linkage to treatment for HIV-infected infants. This article describes progress made in follow-up of HIV-exposed infants since 2006, including remaining unmet laboratory and programmatic needs, and recommends strategies for improvement, especially those related to the implementation of point-of-care technology for early infant diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karidia Diallo
- International Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Surbhi Modi
- Maternal and Child Health Branch, Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Mackenzie Hurlston
- International Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - R. Suzanne Beard
- International Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - John N. Nkengasong
- International Laboratory Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Thiha S, Shewade HD, Philip S, Aung TK, Kyaw NTT, Oo MM, Kyaw KWY, Wint War M, Oo HN. Factors associated with long turnaround time for early infant diagnosis of HIV in Myanmar. Glob Health Action 2017; 10:1395657. [PMID: 29115910 PMCID: PMC5700493 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1395657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A previous review of early infant diagnosis (EID) using polymerase chain reaction technology (PCR) under integrated HIV care (IHC) program in Myanmar revealed a low uptake of timely (within 6 to 8 weeks of babies' age) EID and a long turnaround time (TAT) of receiving results. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the proportion and factors associated with the composite outcome of a long TAT (≥7 weeks; from sample collection to receipt of result by mother) or nonreceipt of result among HIV-exposed babies whose blood samples were collected for PCR at <9 months of age under the IHC program, Myanmar (2013-15). METHODS Cohort study involving record review of routinely collected data. A predictive Poisson regression model with robust variance estimates was fitted for risk factors of long TAT or nonreceipt of result. RESULTS Blood samples of 1 000 babies were collected; among them, long TAT or nonreceipt of results was seen in 690 (69%), and this was more than 50% across all subgroups. Babies with a mother's CD4 count of 100-350 cells/mm3 at enrollment [adjusted RR (0.95 confidence intervals, CI): 0.8 (0.7, 0.9)] had a 20% lower risk of long TAT or nonreceipt of results when compared with ≥350 cells/mm3. Distance between ART center and PCR facility ≥105 km [adjusted RR (0.95 CI): 1.2 (1.1, 1.4)], when compared with <105 km, was associated with 20% higher risk of long TAT or nonreceipt of results. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of babies with long TAT or nonreceipt of result by the mother was high. Point-of-care testing for EID may reduce TAT/nonreceipt of results by the mother. Health system, laboratory, and logistic factors such as sample transportation, laboratory procedures, and result dispatching associated with long TAT should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soe Thiha
- HIV Unit, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Hemant Deepak Shewade
- Department of Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), New Delhi, India
| | - Sairu Philip
- Department of Community Medicine, Government T.D. Medical College, Alappuzha, India
| | - Thet Ko Aung
- HIV Unit, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Nang Thu Thu Kyaw
- Department of Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Myo Minn Oo
- Department of Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Khine Wut Yee Kyaw
- Department of Operational Research, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - May Wint War
- Public Health Laboratory, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Health and Sports, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Htun Nyunt Oo
- National AIDS Program, Department of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Sports, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
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Goggin K, Wexler C, Nazir N, Staggs VS, Gautney B, Okoth V, Khamadi SA, Ruff A, Sweat M, Cheng AL, Finocchario-Kessler S. Predictors of Infant Age at Enrollment in Early Infant Diagnosis Services in Kenya. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:2141-50. [PMID: 27108002 PMCID: PMC4995224 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1404-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Despite the importance of early detection to signal lifesaving treatment initiation for HIV+ infants, early infant diagnosis (EID) services have received considerably less attention than other aspects of prevention of mother to child transmission care. This study draws on baseline data from an on-going cluster randomized study of an intervention to improve EID services at six government hospitals across Kenya. Two logistic regressions examined potential predictors of “on time” (infant ≤6 weeks of age) vs. “late” (≥7 weeks) and “on time” versus “very late” (≥12 weeks) EID engagement among 756 mother-infant pairs. A quarter of the infants failed to get “on time” testing. Predictors of “on time” testing included being informed about EID by providers when pregnant, perceiving less HIV stigma, and mother’s level of education. Predictors of “very late” testing (≥12 weeks of age) included not being informed about EID by providers when pregnant and living farther from services. Findings highlight the importance of ensuring that health care providers actively and repeatedly inform HIV+ mothers of the availability of EID services, reduce stigma by frequently communicating judgment free support, and assisting mothers in early planning for accessing EID services. Extra care should be focused on engaging mothers with less formal education who are at increased risk for seeking “late” EID testing. This study offers clear targets for improving services so that all HIV-exposed infants can be properly engaged in EID services, thus increasing the potential for the best possible outcomes for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Goggin
- Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Health Services and Outcomes Research, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA.
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA.
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Pharmacy, Kansas City, MO, USA.
| | - Catherine Wexler
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Family Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Niaman Nazir
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Preventive Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Vincent S Staggs
- Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Health Services and Outcomes Research, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Ruff
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael Sweat
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - An-Lin Cheng
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Nursing and Health Studies, Kansas City, MO, USA
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Ritchie AV, Goel N, Sembongi H, Lehga J, Farleigh LE, Edemaga D, Wisniewski CA, Lee HH. Performance evaluation of the point-of-care SAMBA I and II HIV-1 Qual whole blood tests. J Virol Methods 2016; 237:143-149. [PMID: 27568275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The SAMBA HIV-1 Qual Whole Blood Test is a nucleic acid-based amplification assay for the qualitative detection of HIV-1 in whole blood of adults or infants. The test can be run on either the semi-automated SAMBA I system for clinical use or the fully automated, including readout, SAMBA II system for point-of-care use in resource-limited settings. We have assessed the performance characteristics of the SAMBA HIV-1 Qual Whole Blood Test on SAMBA I and SAMBA II. The limit of detection obtained for the two tests were 518IU/ml and 399copies/ml on SAMBA I and 457IU/ml and 433copies/ml on SAMBA II. Test specificity on both systems was 100% with a panel of 503 HIV-1 negative samples. Evaluation of test reproducibility showed 100% concordance with expected gold standard results as well as 100% agreement between operators, days, and runs as well as within runs on both SAMBA I and SAMBA II. Our results thus show that the SAMBA HIV-1 Qual Whole Blood Test performs equivalently on SAMBA I and SAMBA II, and also suggest that the test is suitable for implementation in medium-throughput clinical facilities (SAMBA I) or low-throughput point-of-care (POC) settings (SAMBA II) in resource-poor regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson V Ritchie
- Diagnostics Development Unit, Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Science Village, Chesterford Research Park, Great Chesterford, CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Neha Goel
- Diagnostics Development Unit, Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Science Village, Chesterford Research Park, Great Chesterford, CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Hiroshi Sembongi
- Diagnostics for the Real World EU Ltd., Science Village, Chesterford Research Park, Great Chesterford, CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Jesse Lehga
- Diagnostics for the Real World Ltd., 840 Del Rey Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA
| | - Laura E Farleigh
- Diagnostics for the Real World EU Ltd., Science Village, Chesterford Research Park, Great Chesterford, CB10 1XL, UK
| | - Daniel Edemaga
- Diagnostics for the Real World Ltd., 840 Del Rey Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA
| | - Craig A Wisniewski
- Diagnostics Development Unit, Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Science Village, Chesterford Research Park, Great Chesterford, CB10 1XL, UK; Diagnostics for the Real World Ltd., 840 Del Rey Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA
| | - Helen H Lee
- Diagnostics Development Unit, Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Science Village, Chesterford Research Park, Great Chesterford, CB10 1XL, UK; Diagnostics for the Real World Ltd., 840 Del Rey Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA.
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Mofenson LM. Diagnosis of HIV Infection During Early Infancy: How Early Is Early Enough? J Infect Dis 2016; 214:1294-1296. [PMID: 27540111 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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TRACnet Internet and Short Message Service Technology Improves Time to Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation Among HIV-infected Infants in Rwanda. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2016; 35:767-71. [PMID: 27031258 PMCID: PMC4925214 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000001153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delays in testing HIV-exposed infants and obtaining results in resource-limited settings contribute to delays for initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) in infants. To overcome this challenge, Rwanda expanded its national mobile and Internet-based HIV/AIDS informatics system, called TRACnet, to include HIV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results in 2010. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of TRACnet technology on the time to delivery of test results and the subsequent initiation of ART in HIV-infected infants. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 380 infants who initiated ART in 190 health facilities in Rwanda from March 2010 to June 2013. Program data collected by the TRACnet system were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS Since the introduction of TRACnet for processing PCR results, the time to receive results has significantly decreased from a median of 144 days [interquartile range (IQR): 121-197 days] to 23 days (IQR: 17-43 days). The number of days between PCR sampling and health facility receipt of results decreased substantially from a median of 90 days (IQR: 83-158 days) to 5 days (IQR: 2-8 days). After receiving PCR results at a health facility, it takes a median of 44 days (IQR: 32-77 days) before ART initiation. Result turnaround time was significantly associated with time to initiating ART (P < 0.001). An increased number of staff trained for HIV care and treatment was also significantly associated with decreased time to ART initiation (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS The use of mobile technology for communication of HIV PCR results, coupled with well-trained and skilled personnel, can reduce delays in communicating results to providers. Such reductions may improve timely ART initiation in resource-limited settings.
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Merten S, Ntalasha H, Musheke M. Non-Uptake of HIV Testing in Children at Risk in Two Urban and Rural Settings in Zambia: A Mixed-Methods Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155510. [PMID: 27280282 PMCID: PMC4900571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This article investigates reasons why children who were considered at risk of HIV were not taken for HIV testing by their caregivers. Qualitative and quantitative data collected in Zambia from 2010–11 revealed that twelve percent of caregivers who stated that they had been suspecting an HIV infection in a child in their custody had not had the child tested. Fears of negative reactions from the family were the most often stated reason for not testing a child. Experience of pre-existing conflicts between the couple or within the family (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.00–1.82) and observed stigmatisation of seropositive children in one’s own neighbourhood (aOR 1.69, 95% CI1.20–2.39) showed significant associations for not testing a child perceived at risk of HIV. Although services for HIV testing and treatment of children have been made available through national policies and programmes, some women and children were denied access leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment–not on the side of the health system, but on the household level. Social norms, such as assigning the male household head the power to decide over the use of healthcare services by his wife and children, jeopardize women’s bargaining power to claim their rights to healthcare, especially in a conflict-affected relationship. Social norms and customary and statutory regulations that disadvantage women and their children must be addressed at every level–including the community and household–in order to effectively decrease barriers to HIV related care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Merten
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Harriet Ntalasha
- Department of Population Studies, University of Zambia, Great East Road Campus, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Maurice Musheke
- Population Council Zambia Office, 4 Mwaleshi Road, Olympia Park, Lusaka, Zambia
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Sacks E, Moss WJ, Winch PJ, Thuma P, van Dijk JH, Mullany LC. Postnatal care utilization and local understandings of contagion among HIV-infected and uninfected women in rural, southern Zambia. AIDS Care 2016; 28:1052-7. [PMID: 27064444 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1168912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Postnatal care is essential for ensuring the optimal health of newborns and necessary for the prevention of maternal-to-child human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission as well as the early diagnosis and treatment of HIV-infected infants. However, coverage of postnatal care is low in many rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. We examined women's experiences of accessing formal postnatal care for their HIV-exposed newborns, comparing reports of HIV-infected and uninfected women in an HIV-endemic area of rural southern Zambia. We conducted 24 qualitative in-depth interviews with recently delivered women in a rural region of southern Zambia, including 8 with women who were willing to disclose their HIV infection status and answer additional questions. Data were transcribed, coded and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. HIV-infected women identified more disincentives and reported more negative experiences accessing postnatal care than HIV-uninfected women. A local notion of contagion holds that healthy infants may become sick with chibele, a fatal, febrile illness, if exposed to another infant who is taking "strong medicine", such as antiretroviral drugs. Thus, HIV-uninfected women expressed objections to sharing clinics with women and infants who were presumed to be under treatment. Additionally, women reported receiving better treatment from staff at HIV clinics compared to general pediatric clinics. Due to these tensions, HIV-infected women were less likely to visit a clinic for newborn care if the clinic or waiting area was a common space used by HIV-uninfected women and their children. When integrating programs for HIV with maternal and child health care, these nuanced tensions between groups of patients must be recognized and resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sacks
- a Department of International Health , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA.,b USAID Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP)/ICF International , Washington , DC , USA
| | - William J Moss
- c Department of Epidemiology , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | - Peter J Winch
- a Department of International Health , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | | | | | - Luke C Mullany
- a Department of International Health , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Although care and treatment are available to many HIV-infected children, barriers remain that delay initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Minimizing these barriers is critical to starting ART at earlier ages. METHODS Reasons for delay were evaluated among 200 children younger than 15 years of age initiating treatment in an HIV clinic in rural Zambia from 2011 to 2013. RESULTS The median age of children at ART eligibility was 2.9 years, and 49% were male. After being determined eligible, 60% of children delayed ART initiation for a median of 28 days (interquartile range: 14, 75). Primary reasons for delay included waiting for test results, adherence issues and concurrent treatment for tuberculosis. When reasons for delay were categorized by type, 36% of children had family-related delays, 32% had delays because of clinic logistics, 27% had health-related delays and 6% had other or no identified reasons for delay. The median time between eligibility and ART initiation was shortest for children with delays because of clinic logistics (median: 18 days; interquartile range: 14, 35). Children with family-related delays tended to be older and orphaned, whereas children with delays because of clinic logistics tended to be younger, and children with health-related delays tended to have more advanced disease. In the first year of ART, no association was found between adherence and type of delay. CD4 T-cell percentages and weight-for-age Z scores were lower for children with health-related delays. CONCLUSIONS Strategies to reduce delays in ART initiation will need to address a diverse set of issues, so children can benefit from earlier treatment.
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