Heart Disease in Patients with HIV/AIDS-An Emerging Clinical Problem

Profiling and Benchmarking Central Nervous System Infections in an Infectious Diseases Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

There is little information comparing the performance of community acquired central nervous system infections (CNSI) treatment by intensive care units (ICUs) specialized in infectious diseases with treatment at other ICUs. Our objective was to reduce these gaps, creating bases for benchmarking and future case-mix classification.

METHODS

This is a retrospective observational cohort of 785 admissions with 82 cases of CNSI admitted to the ICU of an important Brazilian referral center for infectious diseases (INI) between January 2012 and January 2019. Comparisons were made to data retrospectively collected from the 303,500 intensive care admissions from the Brazilian state health care system included in the Epimed Monitor database. Clinical, epidemiologic, and performance indicators: the standardized mortality rate (SMR) and the standardized resource use rate per ICU surviving patient (SRU) were collected.

RESULTS

Case-mix infections profile and SMR/SRU data. SUS Mixed medical/surgical ICUs: SMR = 1.26, SRU = 1.59; SUS Neurological ICUs: SMR = 1.17, SRU = 2.23; INI ICU: SMR = 1.1, SRU = 1.1; INI ICU CNSI patients: SMR = 0.95, SRU = 1.01.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe patients with CNSI can be efficiently and effectively treated in an ICU specialized in infectious diseases when compared to mixed medical/surgical and neurological ICUs from the public health system. At the same time, we provided profiling and a case-mix that can help and encourage benchmarking by other institutions and other countries.

HIV-Related Myocardial Fibrosis: Inflammatory Hypothesis and Crucial Role of Immune Cells Dysregulation

Although the underlying mechanisms driving human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-mediated cardiovascular diseases (CVD) onset and progression remain unclear, the role of chronic immune activation as a significant mediator is increasingly being highlighted. Chronic inflammation is a characteristic feature of CVD and considered a contributor to diastolic dysfunction, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. This can trigger downstream effects that result in the increased release of pro-coagulant, pro-fibrotic, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Subsequently, this can lead to an enhanced thrombotic state (by platelet activation), endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial fibrosis. Of note, recent studies have revealed that myocardial fibrosis is emerging as a mediator of HIV-related CVD. Together, such factors can eventually result in systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and an increased risk for CVD. In light of this, the current review article will focus on (a) the contributions of a chronic inflammatory state and persistent immune activation, and (b) the role of immune cells (mainly platelets) and cardiac fibrosis in terms of HIV-related CVD onset/progression. It is our opinion that such a focus may lead to the development of promising therapeutic targets for the treatment and management of CVD in HIV-positive patients.

Evaluation of HIV-Related Cardiomyopathy in HIV-Positive Patients in Bushehr, Iran

Objectives

In 2020, according to the UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS), more than 37 million people lived with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection worldwide. The disease is known to affect several organs, and one of the most affected organs is the heart. Cardiac diseases are highly prevalent among HIV-infected individuals, and recent findings suggest that this could be due to the damage caused by the virus. HIV patients are subject to advanced immunosuppression, which may lead to cardiac muscle damage and, in turn, cardiomyopathy. We aimed to study the incidence of HIV-related cardiomyopathy.

Methods

A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted to assess cardiomyopathy among 200 HIV patients who presented to the Heart Center, Bushehr, Iran. Patients’ files were used to determine the demographic data including age, gender, education, marital status, history of illicit drug use, unsafe/unprotected sexual contact, and whether the patient was a prisoner. Several laboratory data were also collected from these files. Physical examination of the cardiovascular system and echocardiography were also included as part of the evaluation.

Results

Although at least four out of five patients presented with some kind of cardiac damage, including valvular damage and pericardial effusion, none was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. Valvular dysfunction was detected in 88.5% of the patients. Diastolic dysfunction was found in 7.7% of them. The mean ejection fraction was found to be 58%. In addition to cardiomyopathy, none of the patients developed systolic dysfunction, wall motion abnormality, intra-cardiac mass, or vegetation.

Conclusions

Cardiovascular complications are common among HIV-infected patients. Cardiomyopathy was not detected in our patients. In addition, the most common manifestations that were detected among our patients were valvular heart diseases and pericardial effusion.

Cardiac surgery and the sustainable development goals: a review

Background

In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as key priorities to improve the global health and international development agenda in an intersectoral manner, highlighting 17 SDGs. Six billion people lack access to safe, timely, and affordable cardiac surgical care due to capacity, geographic, and financial barriers. Nevertheless, cardiac surgery is largely disregarded on the global health agenda. In this review, we explore the intersection between cardiac surgery and the SDGs to delineate potential policy and advocacy avenues for the cardiothoracic surgical community.

Main body

A narrative review was performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and WHO databases with variations of the search terms “cardiac surgery,” “cardiovascular diseases,” and keywords extracted from individual SDGs. All SDGs were manually reviewed to define intersectionality with global cardiac surgery. Out of 17 SDGs, 15 are relevant and require additional attention from the cardiovascular community. SDG3, “Good Health and Well-being,” is the most relevant, although the intersection between global cardiac surgery and other SDGs is apparent. A call for interdisciplinary collaboration through increased preventive mechanisms, rigorous, all-inclusive clinical trials, advocacy with relevant legislators, and mobilizing capacity building mechanisms are made.

Conclusion

Meeting the SDGs will require recognition of cardiovascular disease management, including cardiac surgical care. Cardiac surgeons are essential stakeholders of multidisciplinary collaborations working to improve access to safe, timely, and affordable cardiac surgery for all. Their role as advocates will be vital to establish local, national, regional, and international partnerships and to ensure progress towards SDG attainment.

Laryngeal disorders in people living with HIV

OBJECTIVES

Several studies have shown that HIV infected individuals are at higher risk compared to the general population of developing non-AIDS defining conditions such as some types of cancer, kidney disease, liver disease and others. In this case-control study, we compared the incidence of laryngeal disorders between a treatment-seeking HIV-positive population and uninfected controls. We aimed to investigate whether there are any laryngeal disorders that are overrepresented in HIV-positive individuals.

METHODS

This was a case-control study based on retrospective chart review, comparing the incidence of laryngeal, airway, and swallowing disorders in sixty-nine HIV positive individuals and 4178 HIV negative controls treated between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017, at the Johns Hopkins Voice Center.

RESULTS

A majority of HIV-infected patients (59.4%) had at least one diagnosis belonging to the Vocal cord pathology category compared to 48.2% of controls (OR 1.57, p = 0.065). Compared to the entire treatment-seeking population, HIV patients were more likely to present with laryngeal cancer (15.9% vs. 3.4% in controls, OR 5.43, p < 0.001) and chronic laryngitis (17.4% vs. 4.2%, OR 4.79, p < 0.001). Fungal and ulcerative laryngitis were also overrepresented in HIV-positive individuals (OR 9.45, p < 0.001 and 6.29, p < 0.001, respectively). None of the diagnoses categorized as functional voice disorders, swallowing, or airway problems showed a significant difference between groups. Laryngeal papillomatosis, which is an HPV-dependent disease, had similar prevalence in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment-seeking HIV-positive patients presenting to a laryngology clinic suffer significantly more often from laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma as well as chronic, fungal, and ulcerative laryngitis compared to HIV-negative individuals.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

A rare cause of myocardial infarction and ventricular tachycardia in a young male with HIV/AIDS - spontaneous coronary artery dissection: A case report

HIV/AIDS is a multisystemic disorder and occurrence of cardiovascular disease is higher compared to non-HIV individuals. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) remains a rare and underdiagnosed cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), even in modern day era. SCAD is predominantly seen in young to middle aged females and present as a non-atherosclerotic cause of myocardial ischaemia, infarction or sudden cardiac death (SCD); with or without ventricular arrythmias. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) can sometimes be the initial presentation of SCAD. HIV associated arteriopathy can predispose to occurrence of SCAD. We report a case of a 38-year-old male suffering from HIV/AIDS, with no conventional risk factors presenting as VT. Coronary angiogram showed SCAD in right coronary artery without any flow limitation.

Etiology and pathophysiology of heart failure in people with HIV

HIV-associated cardiomyopathy is a well-established sequela in people infected with HIV (PHIV). Despite significant advances in HIV management through the use of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), PHIV on HAART continue to have elevated risk of cardiomyopathy and heart failure, even when accounting for known cardiovascular risk factors. This review article will explore the proposed mechanisms by which chronic HIV infection induces cardiomyopathy and heart failure in the setting of HAART. Evaluation, work-up, and management of cardiomyopathy in PHIV will also be briefly discussed. The advent of HAART has altered the pathophysiology HIV-associated cardiomyopathy from a rapidly progressive cardiomyopathy, often with pericardial involvement, into a chronic process involving inflammation and persistent immune dysregulation. With the significant decrease in AIDS-related deaths, the prevalence of cardiomyopathy and the mortality associated with heart failure in PHIV have increased. Multiple immune-related and inflammatory mechanisms have been proposed, which may provide insight into evaluation and management of cardiomyopathy in PHIV.

Burden of arrhythmia in hospitalized HIV patients

Background

The improved life expectancy observed in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has made age‐related cardiovascular complications, including arrhythmias, a growing health concern.

Hypothesis

We describe the temporal trends in frequency of various arrhythmias and assess impact of arrhythmias on hospitalized HIV patients using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS).

Methods

Data on HIV‐related hospitalizations from 2005 to 2014 were obtained from the NIS database using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD‐9) codes. Data was further subclassified into hospitalizations with associated arrhythmias and those without. Baseline demographics and comorbidities were determined. Outcomes including in‐hospital mortality, cost of care, and length of stay were extracted. SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) was utilized for analysis. A multivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of arrhythmias among hospitalized HIV patients.

Results

Among 2 370 751 HIV‐related hospitalizations identified, the overall frequency of any arrhythmia was 3.01%. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was the most frequent arrhythmia (2110 per 100 000). The overall frequency of arrhythmias increased over time by 108%, primarily due to a 132% increase in AF. Arrhythmias are more frequent among older males, lowest income quartile, and nonelective admissions. Patients with arrhythmias had a higher in‐hospital mortality rate (9.6%). In‐hospital mortality among patients with arrhythmias decreased over time by 43.8%. The cost of care and length of stay associated with arrhythmia‐related hospitalizations were mostly unchanged.

Conclusions

Arrhythmias are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in hospitalized HIV patients. AF is the most frequent arrhythmia in hospitalized HIV patients.

High Prevalence of AH in HIV Patients on ART, in Bahia, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) in HIV-patients is highly variable and its association with antiretroviral therapy (ART) is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of AH and associated factors in HIV-patients on ART.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in HIV-patients attended in a referral center in Salvador, Brazil. We evaluated clinical, socio-demographic and anthropometric data. Student's ttests or Mann-Whitney's and Pearson's chi-square tests were used to compare the groups. Values of p <0.05 were considered significant. The variables that presented a value of p <0.20 were included in a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

We evaluated 196 patients (60.7% male) with a mean age of 46.8 ± 11.7 years and a mean body mass index of 24.9 ± 5.3 kg / m2. The median elapsed time since HIV diagnosis and ART use was 11.8 (4.4 - 18.1) and 7.2 (2.7 - 15.3) years, respectively. The prevalence of AH was 41.8%. For individuals > 50 years old, there was a significant association between the increased abdominal circumference and AH and patients ≤ 50 years old presented significant association between AH and overweight, increased abdominal circumference and number of previous ART regimens. After multivariate analysis, age [OR:1.085; 95% CI 1,039 - 1,133], overweight [OR: 4.205; 95% CI 1,841 - 9,606], family history of AH [OR: 2.938; 95% CI 1,253 - 6.885], increased abdominal circumference [OR: 2.774; 95% CI 1.116 - 6.897] and life-time number of ART regimens used [OR: 3.842; 95% CI 1.307 - 11.299] remained associated with AH.

CONCLUSION

AH was highly prevalent and was associated not only with classical risk factors for arterial hypertension, but also with specific ART regimens.

HIV-related cardiovascular diseases: the search for a unifying hypothesis

Although the extensive rollout of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy resulted in a longer life expectancy for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), such individuals display a relatively increased occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This health challenge stimulated significant research interests in the field, leading to an improved understanding of both lifestyle-related risk factors and the underlying mechanisms of CVD onset in PLHIV. However, despite such progress, the precise role of various risk factors and mechanisms underlying the development of HIV-mediated CVD still remains relatively poorly understood. Therefore, we review CVD onset in PLHIV and focus on 1) the spectrum of cardiovascular complications that typically manifest in such persons and 2) underlying mechanisms that are implicated in this process. Here, the contributions of such factors and modulators and underlying mechanisms are considered in a holistic and integrative manner to generate a unifying hypothesis that includes identification of the core pathways mediating CVD onset. The review focuses on the sub-Saharan African context, as there are relatively high numbers of PLHIV residing within this region, indicating that the greater CVD risk will increasingly threaten the well-being and health of its citizens. It is our opinion that such an approach helps point the way for future research efforts to improve treatment strategies and/or lifestyle-related modifications for PLHIV.

Right Ventricular Hypertrophy and Dilation in Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the Absence of Clinical or Echocardiographic Pulmonary Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Involvement of right-sided heart chambers (RSHCs) in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is common and is usually attributed to pulmonary arterial or venous hypertension (PH). However, myocardial involvement in patients with HIV is also common and might affect RSHCs even in the absence of overt PH. Our aim was to define morphologic and functional alterations in RSHC in patients with HIV and without PH.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 50 asymptomatic patients with HIV and 25 control subjects without clinical or echocardiographic signs for PH were included in the study. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to obtain measurements. Patients with HIV had significantly increased right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD) and right ventricular free wall thickness (RVFWT), as well as increased right atrial area and pulmonary arterial diameter, compared with control subjects. After adjustment for age, sex, and body surface area, RVFWT (average 1.81 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35-3.26 mm) and RVEDD (average 6.82 mm, 95% CI 2.40-11.24 mm) were significantly higher in subjects infected with HIV. More patients with right ventricular hypertrophy were on antiretroviral treatment, and RVFWT was on average 1.3 mm higher (95% CI 0.24-2.37 mm) in patients on antiretroviral treatment after adjustment for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that alterations in RSHCs were present in patients with HIV without PH.

The Use of Primary Prevention Statin Therapy in Those Predisposed to Atherosclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Many guidelines exist for the use of statins in the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Few have focused on disease specific states that predispose to ASCVD. This review is intended to focus on the recommendations and evidence in inflammatory diseases that predispose to an increased risk of ASCVD beyond what conventional cardiac risk scores would predict.

RECENT FINDINGS

Certain autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), and psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis have all been shown to increase the risk of ASCVD. Other diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and mediastinal radiation have also been correlated with increased ASCVD. In RA and HIV, the evidence suggests a benefit to added statin therapy and society guidelines favor early initiation. The evidence for statin therapy in RA is limited to observational studies with small secondary analysis. In HIV, there is a large ongoing clinical trial to assess efficacy. In those with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, there is limited evidence for or against statin therapy independent of a calculated cardiac risk score. Finally, in SLE and in those with exposure to mediastinal radiation, cardiac events remain high, but evidence is limited on the beneficial effects of statin therapy. There are many individuals who have an increased risk for ASCVD above what is predicted from a cardiac risk score. It would be beneficial to create risk prediction models with statin therapy recommendations that are tailored to those predisposed to accelerated atherosclerosis.

Controversies in diagnosis and management of community-acquired pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common condition; however, it appears to be overdiagnosed. Diagnosing CAP too frequently may be adding to the problems of overuse of antibiotics, such as bacterial resistance in the community and greater costs and complications in individuals. Data support that most patients with non-severe CAP can be treated for 3-5 days; however, most patients with CAP are receiving much longer courses of therapy. Macrolides such as azithromycin have the potential to prolong the QT interval, although large population studies show that this does not appear to result in excess cardiac mortality. CAP is associated with an increase in a variety of cardiac complications, most notably infarctions and worsening cardiac failure, so clinicians should be vigilant for signs and symptoms of these complications, particularly in patients with a history of ischaemic cardiac disease or the presence of cardiac risk factors. Cardiac risk factors should be assessed and managed in patients with CAP over 40 years of age, although there are yet to be data to show that this approach reduces deaths. Corticosteroids may have a slight effect on reducing deaths in patients with severe CAP, but this must be balanced against the significant potential for side effects.

Left ventricular systolic function in Nigerian children infected with HIV/AIDS: a cross-sectional study

Background

Cardiac complications contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in children with HIV/AIDS. These rates have been under-reported in sub-Saharan African children.

Methods

This was an observational, cross-sectional Doppler echocardiographic study of ventricular systolic function, performed at a tertiary clinic on children with HIV/AIDS.

Results

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction was present in 27.0% of the children with HIV infection and 81.2% of those with AIDS. The mean fractional shortening in the AIDS group (31.6 ± 9.5%) was significantly lower than in the HIV-infected group (35.3 ± 10.5%, p = 0.001). A significant correlation was found with CD4+ cell count and age, and these were the best predictors of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in the stepwise multiple regression analysis (r = 0.396, p = 0.038; r = –0.212, p = 0.025, respectively).

Conclusion

Left ventricular systolic dysfunction is common in Nigerian children with HIV/AIDS.

Plant-derived cardiac glycosides: Role in heart ailments and cancer management

Cardiac glycosides, the cardiotonic steroids such as digitalis have been in use as heart ailment remedy since ages. They manipulate the renin-angiotensin axis to improve cardiac output. However; their safety and efficacy have come under scrutiny in recent times, as poisoning and accidental mortalities have been observed. In order to better understand and exploit them as cardiac ionotropes, studies are being pursued using different cardiac glycosides such as digitoxin, digoxin, ouabain, oleandrin etc. Several cardiac glycosides as peruvoside have shown promise in cancer control, especially ovary cancer and leukemia. Functional variability of these glycosides has revealed that not all cardiac glycosides are alike. Apart from their specific affinity to sodium-potassium ATPase, their therapeutic dosage and behavior in poly-morbidity conditions needs to be considered. This review presents a concise account of the key findings in recent years with adequate elaboration of the mechanisms. This compilation is expected to contribute towards management of cardiac, cancer, even viral ailments.

Infectious and Non-infectious Etiologies of Cardiovascular Disease in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Background:

Increasing rates of HIV have been observed in women, African Americans, and Hispanics, particularly those residing in rural areas of the United States. Although cardiovascular (CV) complications in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have significantly decreased following the introduction of antiretroviral therapy on a global scale, in many rural areas, residents face geographic, social, and cultural barriers that result in decreased access to care. Despite the advancements to combat the disease, many patients in these medically underserved areas are not linked to care, and fewer than half achieve viral suppression.

Methods:

Databases were systematically searched for peer-reviewed publications reporting infectious and non-infectious etiologies of cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients. Relevant articles cited in the retrieved publications were also reviewed for inclusion.

Results:

A variety of outcomes studies and literature reviews were included in the analysis. Relevant literature discussed the manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of infectious and non-infectious etiologies of cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected patients.

Conclusion:

In these medically underserved areas, it is vital that clinicians are knowledgeable in the manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of CV complications in patients with untreated HIV. This review summarizes the epidemiology and causes of CV complications associated with untreated HIV and provide recommendations for management of these complications.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients with HIV Undergoing Lead Extraction for Infectious and Noninfectious Indications

BACKGROUND

With the increasing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) patients in the United States, and the association between HIV and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, the use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in patients with HIV has become more common. With the increasing incidence of device-related complications, lead extraction is becoming a topic of importance in this population. As the use of implantable devices increases in the HIV+ population, complications are to be expected; therefore, lead extraction in the HIV population must be addressed.

METHODS

From January 2004 to May 2013, 1,018 patients requiring lead extraction were referred to a single, high-volume tertiary cardiovascular center. Within this group of patients, 10 were HIV+. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of this cohort and reported clinical variables of interest.

RESULTS

Infection was the most common indication for lead extraction and device removal. Four patients were in advanced heart failure, and the overall average ejection fraction of the sample population was 32.7 ± 16.3%. In addition, the majority of patients had one or more medical comorbidities. Devices removed, in order of frequency, were implantable cardioverter defibrillators, permanent pacemakers, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices. On average, 35.6 ± 41.6 months elapsed from implantation of the oldest lead to the date of extraction. There were no major or minor complications and all procedures were clinically successful.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser lead extraction is both safe and effective in patients with HIV. This study sets a level of clinical precedent regarding the management of CIED infection or malfunction in patients with HIV.

Increased cardiovascular disease risk in the HIV-positive population on ART: potential role of HIV-Nef and Tat

With effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), many HIV-infected people die of diseases other than acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In particular, coronary artery disease has emerged as one of most critical complications of HIV infection and a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although reportedly antiretroviral combination therapy itself may accelerate atherosclerosis by enhancing dyslipidemia, most recent epidemiological studies support the notion that HIV infection itself contributes to cardiovascular disease. However, it is still a mystery how the virus can contribute to cardiovascular disease development even while suppressed by ARTs. This review discusses the current understanding of interactions between HIV infection and cardiovascular diseases in both clinical and experimental studies with special focus on those viral proteins that are still produced by HIV. This will help infectious disease/vascular biology experts to gain insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV-associated cardiovascular disease and new trends to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease in the HIV-infected population.

Causes of death among people living with AIDS in the pre- and post-HAART Eras in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

Objective

We examine the trend in causes of death among people living with AIDS in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, in the periods before and after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and we investigate potential disparities across districts of residence.

Methods

Descriptive study of three periods: pre-HAART (1991–1996); early post-HAART (1997–1999); and late post-HAART (2000–2006). The data source was the São Paulo State STD/AIDS Program and São Paulo State Data Analysis Foundation. Causes of death were classified by the ICD-9 (1991–1995) and ICD-10 (1996–2006). We estimated age-adjusted mortality rates for leading underlying causes of death and described underlying and associated causes of death according to sociodemographic characteristics and area of residence. We used Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test to compare categorical variables. Areas of residence were categorized using a socioeconomic index. To analyze trends we apply generalized linear model with Poisson regression.

Results

We evaluated 32,808 AIDS-related deaths. Between the pre- and late post-HAART periods, the proportion of deaths whose underlying causes were non-AIDS-related diseases increased from 0.2% to 9.6% (p<0.001): from 0.01% to 1.67% (p<0.001) for cardiovascular diseases; 0.01% to 1.62% (p<0.001) for bacterial/unspecified pneumonia; and 0.03% to 1.46% (p<0.001) for non-AIDS-defining cancers. In the late post-HAART period, the most common associated causes of death were bacterial/unspecified pneumonia (35.94%), septicemia (33.46%), cardiovascular diseases (10.11%) and liver diseases (8.0%); and common underlying causes, besides AIDS disease, included non-AIDS-defining cancers in high-income areas, cardiovascular diseases in middle-income areas and assault in low-income areas.

Conclusions

The introduction of HAART has shifted the mortality profile away from AIDS-related conditions, suggesting changes in the pattern of morbidity, but heterogeneously according to area of residence. There is a need for public policies aimed at adapting health care services to address the new scenario.

Pattern of congestive heart failure in a Kenyan paediatric population

Background

Heart failure in children is a common cause of morbidity and mortality, with high socio-economic burden. Its pattern varies between countries but reports from Africa are few. The data are important to inform management and prevention strategies.

Objective

To describe the pattern of congestive heart failure in a Kenyan paediatric population.

Methods

This was a retrospective study done at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi Kenya. Records of patients aged 12 years and younger admitted with a diagnosis of heart failure between January 2006 and December 2010 were examined for mode of diagnosis, age, gender, cause, treatment and outcome. Data were analysed using the Statistical Programme for Social Scientists version 16.0 for windows, and presented in tables, bar and pie charts.

Results

One hundred and fifty-eight cases (91 male, 67 female) patients’ records were analysed. The mean age was 4.7 years, with a peak at 1–3 years. The male:female ratio was 1.4:1. All the cases were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II–IV. Evaluation of infants was based on the classification proposed by Ross et al. (1992). Diagnosis was made based on symptoms and signs combined with echocardiography (echo) and electrocardiography (ECG) (38%); echo alone (12.7%); ECG, echo and chest X-ray (CXR) (11.4%); and ECG alone (10.8%). The underlying cause was established on the basis of symptoms, signs, blood tests, CXR, echo and ECG results. Common causes were infection (22.8%), anaemia (17.1%), rheumatic heart disease (14.6%), congenital heart disease (13.3%), cardiomyopathy (7.6%), tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (6.9% each); 77.9% of patients recovered, 13.9% after successful surgery, and 7.6% died.

Conclusion

Congestive heart failure is not uncommon in the Kenyan paediatric population. It occurs mainly before five years of age, and affects boys more than girls. The majority are due to infection, anaemia, and rheumatic and congenital heart diseases. This differs from those in developed countries, where congenital heart disease and cardiomyopathy predominate. The majority of children usually recover. Prudent control of infection and correction of anaemia are recommended.

Non-communicable diseases in antiretroviral therapy recipients in Kagera Tanzania: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to describe the extent of self-reported non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) recipients in Kagera region in Tanzania and their effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study was conducted 2 years after HAART administration was started in Kagera region.

METHODS

The SF-36 questionnaire was used to collect the HRQOL data of 329 HAART recipients. Questions on the NCDs, socio-demographic characteristics and treatment information were validated and added to the SF-36. Bivariate analyses involving socio-demographic characteristics and SF-36 scores of the recipients were performed. Multiple logistic regression was employed to compute adjusted odds ratios for different explanatory variables on physical functioning and mental health scores.

RESULTS

Respondents who reported having 1 or more NCDs were 57.8% of all the respondents. Arthritis was the commonest NCD (57.8%). Respondents with the NCDs were more likely to have HRQOL scores below the mean of the general Tanzanian population. The population attributable fraction (PAF) for the NCDs on physical functioning was 0.28 and on mental health was 0.22.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported NCDs were prevalent among the HAART recipients in Kagera region. They accounted for 28% of the physical functioning scores and 22% of the mental health scores that were below the mean of the general Tanzanian population. Therefore, the integration of NCD care is important in the management of HIV/AIDS.

A qualitative study of community home-based care and antiretroviral adherence in Swaziland

Introduction

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has rendered HIV and AIDS a chronic condition for individuals in many parts of the world. Adherence, however, is integral to achieving chronicity. Studies have shown both relatively high ART adherence rates in sub-Saharan Africa and the importance of community home-based care (CHBC) to facilitating this process. In light of diminished HIV and AIDS funding globally and increased reliance on CHBC throughout Africa, a better understanding of how CHBC may strengthen ART adherence is essential to improving patients’ quality of life, tending to the needs of care supporters and achieving healthier populations.

Methods

This article reports findings from a qualitative study of a CHBC organiztion serving an estimated 2500 clients in rural Swaziland. Semi-structured questionnaires with 79 HIV-positive clients [people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA)] yielded data on diverse aspects of being HIV positive, including insights on whether and how PLWHA perceived care supporters to facilitate ART adherence in a high stigma and structurally impoverished setting.

Results

Ninety-two percent of participants said their health had improved since care supporters came into their lives. A major finding was that an estimated 53% of participants said they would have died, a few from suicide had the care supporter never intervened. More than one in four participants (27.9%) sought HIV testing after a care supporter began visiting them. Nearly a third (31%) commenced ART after and largely as a consequence of care supporter intervention. Approximately one in four (23%) reported that their care supporter had helped them to disclose their HIV-positive status to family members. Twenty-seven percent said they had felt discouraged or had been discouraged from taking ART by members of their family or community.

Discussion

General inductive analysis of participant reports suggested two social mechanisms of CHBC impact on ART adherence: (i) cultivating client-care supporter “talk” to enhance treatment uptake and literacy, reduce felt stigma and challenge social pressures to desist from ART and (ii) real-time interactions between clients and care supporters whereby the care “relationship” was itself the “intervention,” providing lay counsel, material and financial assistance, and encouragement when clients suffered stigma, side effects and other obstacles to adherence. These social dynamics of adherence generally fall outside the purview of conventional clinical and public health research.

Conclusions

PLWHA reports of care supporter practices that enabled ART adherence demonstrated the pivotal role that CHBC plays in many PLWHA lives, especially in hard to reach areas. Relative to clinic personnel, care supporters are often intensely engaged in clients’ experiences of sickness, stigma and poverty, rendering them influential in individuals’ decision-making. This influence must be matched with on-going training and support of care supporters, as well as a clear articulation with the formal and informal health sectors, to ensure that PLWHA are correctly counselled and care supporters themselves supported. Overall, findings showed that PLWHA experiences of CHBC should be captured and incorporated into any programme aimed at successfully implementing the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) Treatment 2.0 agenda Pillar 4 (increasing HIV testing uptake and care linkages) and Pillar 5 (strengthening community mobilization).