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Chandiwana N, Kruger C, Richardson N, Nxumalo S, Mashilo N, Dineka Y, Mudau N, Johnstone H, Kim W, Ju C, Arbe-Barnes S, Marrast AC, Flynn J, Venter WDF. Community-based management of a five-arm randomised clinical trial in COVID-19 outpatients in South Africa: challenges and opportunities. Trials 2023; 24:635. [PMID: 37794489 PMCID: PMC10548657 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07577-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repeated COVID-19 waves and corresponding mitigation measures have impacted health systems globally with exceptional challenges. In response to the pandemic, researchers, regulators, and funders rapidly pivoted to COVID-19 research activities. However, many clinical drug studies were not completed, due to often complex and rapidly evolving research conditions. METHODS We outline our experience of planning and managing a randomised, adaptive, open-label, phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of four repurposed drug regimens versus standard-of-care (SOC) in outpatients with 'mild to moderate' COVID-19 in Johannesburg, South Africa, in the context of a partnership with multiple stakeholders. The study was conducted between 3 September 2020 and 23 August 2021 during changing COVID-19 restrictions, significant morbidity and mortality waves, and allied supply line, economic, and political instability. RESULTS Our clinical study design was pragmatic, including low-risk patients who were treated open label. There was built-in flexibility, including provision for some sample size adjustment and a range of secondary efficacy outcomes. Barriers to recruitment included the timing of waves, staff shortages due to illness, late presentation of patients, COVID-19 misinformation, and political unrest. Mitigations were the use of community health workers, deployment of mobile clinical units, and simplification of screening. Trial management required a radical reorganisation of logistics and processes to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. These included the delivery of staff training and monitoring remotely, electronic consent, patient training and support to collect samples and report data at home, and the introduction of tele-medicine. These measures were successful for data collection, safe, and well received by patients. CONCLUSION Completing a COVID-19 trial in outpatients during the height of the pandemic required multiple innovations in nearly every aspect of clinical trial management, a high commitment level from study staff and patients, and support from study sponsors. Our experience has generated a more robust clinical research infrastructure, building in efficiencies to clinical trial management beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomathemba Chandiwana
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Building C, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa.
| | - Chelsea Kruger
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Building C, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
| | | | - Sibongiseni Nxumalo
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Building C, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
| | - Nkoleleng Mashilo
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Building C, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
| | - Yengiwe Dineka
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Building C, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
| | - Ntanganedzeni Mudau
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Building C, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
| | | | - Wookyung Kim
- Shin Poong Pharm. Co. Ltd, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chung Ju
- Shin Poong Pharm. Co. Ltd, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Clinical Pharmacy, CHA University, Pocheon-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Julia Flynn
- Medicines for Malaria Venture, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Willem D Francois Venter
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Building C, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Johannesburg, 2001, South Africa
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Cindi Z, Kawuma AN, Maartens G, Bradford Y, Sokhela S, Chandiwana N, Venter WDF, Wasmann RE, Denti P, Wiesner L, Ritchie MD, Haas DW, Sinxadi P. Pharmacogenetics of tenofovir clearance among Southern Africans living with HIV. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2023; 33:79-87. [PMID: 37098852 PMCID: PMC10154044 DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0000000000000495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tenofovir is a component of preferred combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens in Africa. Few pharmacogenetic studies have been conducted on tenofovir exposure in Africa, where genetic diversity is greatest. OBJECTIVE We characterized the pharmacogenetics of plasma tenofovir clearance in Southern Africans receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). METHODS Adults randomized to TAF or TDF in dolutegravir-containing arms of the ADVANCE trial (NCT03122262) were studied. Linear regression models stratified by study arm examined associations with unexplained variability in tenofovir clearance. We investigated genetic associations with polymorphisms selected a priori followed by genome-wide associations. RESULTS A total of 268 participants (138 and 130 in the TAF and TDF arm, respectively) were evaluable for associations. Among polymorphisms previously associated with any drug-related phenotype, IFNL4 rs12979860 was associated with more rapid tenofovir clearance in both arms (TAF: P = 0.003; TDF: P = 0.003). Genome-wide, the lowest P values for tenofovir clearance in TAF and TDF arms were LINC01684 rs9305223 (P = 3.0 × 10-8) and intergenic rs142693425 (P = 1.4 × 10-8), respectively. CONCLUSION Among Southern Africans randomized to TAF or TDF in ADVANCE, unexplained variability in tenofovir clearance was associated with a polymorphism in IFNL4, an immune-response gene. It is unclear how this gene would affect tenofovir disposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinhle Cindi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Aida N. Kawuma
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gary Maartens
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yuki Bradford
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Simiso Sokhela
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nomathemba Chandiwana
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - Roeland E. Wasmann
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Paolo Denti
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lubbe Wiesner
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marylyn D. Ritchie
- Department of Genetics and Institute for Biomedical Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David W. Haas
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Phumla Sinxadi
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW HIV treatment has evolved since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the 1990s. Earlier treatment strategies, and the introduction of integrase inhibitors in preferred first-line ART have fundamentally changed cardiovascular side effects due to HIV infection and ART. This review provides an update on cardiovascular toxicity of contemporary ART. RECENT FINDINGS Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, including heart failure, is still increased in people living with HIV (PLWH). Exposure to older antiretrovirals, including stavudine and zidovudine, still impact on CVD risk through persistent changes in body fat distribution years after discontinuation. Protease inhibitors (PI) and efavirenz have associated metabolic disturbances and increased risk of CVD, although use is decreasing worldwide. Integrase inhibitors and CCR5 antagonists seem to have negligible immediate CVD toxicity. Weight gain on newer antiretrovirals including integrase inhibitors is a reason for concern. SUMMARY CVD risk should be monitored carefully in PLWH who were exposed to first generation ART, efavirenz or to PIs. Registries should capture ART use and CVD events to stay informed on actual clinical risk in the current era of rapid initiation on integrase inhibitor-based ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alinda G Vos
- Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - W D F Venter
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Venter WDF, Madhi SA, Nel J, Mendelson M, Van den Heever A, Moshabela M. COVID-19 vaccines - less obfuscation, more transparency and action. S Afr Med J 2021; 111:515-516. [PMID: 34382555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Letter by Venter et al. on editorial by Schoub (Dial down the rhetoric over COVID-19 vaccines. S Afr Med J 2021;111(6):522-523. https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2021.v111i6.15740).
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Affiliation(s)
- W D F Venter
- Ezintsha, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Rosen S, Maskew M, Brennan AT, Fox MP, Vezi L, Ehrenkranz PD, Venter WDF. Improved simplified clinical algorithm for identifying patients eligible for immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy for HIV (SLATE II): protocol for a randomized evaluation. Trials 2018; 19:548. [PMID: 30305142 PMCID: PMC6180640 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-018-2928-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization recommends rapid (≤ 7 days) or same-day initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV-positive patients. South Africa adopted this recommendation in 2017, but multiple clinic visits, long waiting times, and delays for laboratory tests remain common. Streamlined approaches to same-day initiation that allow the majority of patients to start ART immediately, while ensuring that patients who do require additional services receive them, are needed to achieve national and international treatment program goals. METHODS/DESIGN The SLATE II (Simplified Algorithm for Treatment Eligibility) study is an individually randomized evaluation of a clinical algorithm to reliably determine a patient's eligibility for immediate ART initiation without waiting for laboratory results or additional clinic visits. It differs from the earlier SLATE I study in management of patients with symptoms of tuberculosis (under SLATE II these patients may be started on ART immediately) and other criteria for immediate initiation. SLATE II will randomize (1:1) 600 adult, HIV-positive patients who present for HIV testing or care and are not yet on ART in South Africa. Patients randomized to the standard arm will receive standard-of-care ART initiation from clinic staff. Patients randomized to the intervention arm will be administered a symptom report, medical history, brief physical exam, and readiness assessment. Symptomatic patients will also have a tuberculosis (TB) module with lipoarabinomannan antigen of mycobacteria test. Patients who have satisfactory results for all four components will be dispensed antiretrovirals (ARVs) immediately, at the same clinic visit. Patients who have any negative results will be referred for further investigation, care, counseling, tests, or other services prior to being dispensed ARVs. Follow-up will be by passive medical record review. The primary outcomes will be ART initiation in ≤ 7 days and retention in care 8 months after study enrollment. DISCUSSION SLATE II improves upon the SLATE I study by reducing the number of reasons for delaying ART initiation and allowing more patients with TB symptoms to start ART on the day of diagnosis. If successful, SLATE II will provide a simple and streamlined approach that can readily be adopted in other settings without investment in additional technology. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03315013 . Registered on 19 October 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rosen
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave Room 390, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - M Maskew
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - A T Brennan
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave Room 390, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - M P Fox
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Ave Room 390, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - L Vezi
- Health Economics and Epidemiology Research Office, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | - W D F Venter
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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McCarthy KM, Scott LE, Gous N, Tellie M, Venter WDF, Stevens WS, Van Rie A. High incidence of latent tuberculous infection among South African health workers: an urgent call for action. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2016; 19:647-53. [PMID: 25946353 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.14.0759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
SETTING In South Africa, health care workers (HCWs) are at two-fold greater risk of acquiring tuberculosis (TB) disease than the general population. Few studies have evaluated the risk of incident tuberculous infection. OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence and risk factors for latent tuberculous infection (LTBI) among HCWs and to compare the results of the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) with those of the tuberculin skin test (TST). DESIGN HCWs, including medical students, underwent a TST and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and IGRA testing at baseline and 12 months, and IGRA at 6 months. The participants kept 12-month TB exposure logs. RESULTS Among 199 participants (150 [76%] females, median age 31 years [range 20-61]), incident LTBI was documented using IGRA in 25/97 (26%; incident rate 29 cases/100 person-years [py], 95%CI 20-44) and using TST in 25/93 (27%; incident rate 29 cases/100 py, 95%CI 19-42). Agreement between TST and IGRA was poor (44.8%, κ = 0.23). Higher annual exposure to TB cases was reported among persons with LTBI than in those who were persistently IGRA-negative (81 cases, 95%CI 61-102 vs. 50 cases, 95%CI 43-57, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The high LTBI incidence and the association of incident LTBI with annual TB caseload among HCWs indicate that more effective TB infection control should be implemented in South African health care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M McCarthy
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; The Aurum Institute, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - L E Scott
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - N Gous
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - M Tellie
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - W D F Venter
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - W S Stevens
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - A Van Rie
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Martin C, Masote M, Hatcher A, Black V, Venter WDF, Scorgie F. HIV testing in the critical care setting: views of patients, family members and health providers from urban South Africa. AIDS Care 2014; 27:581-6. [PMID: 25483875 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2014.987104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
As antiretroviral treatment has led to decreased morbidity, HIV testing policy has increasingly shifted towards routine, provider-initiated approaches. Yet, few studies have examined the acceptability of provider-initiated HIV testing in the intensive, or critical care setting, where knowledge of HIV status is likely to impact on clinical management but explicit consent for testing is difficult to obtain. We conducted qualitative research in an urban hospital and clinic in Johannesburg. In-depth interviews were conducted among HIV testing clients (n = 20), recently discharged critical care patients (n = 13) and family members of critical care patients (n = 14). One focus group discussion was held with health care providers (n = 10). HIV testing in critical care was viewed as acceptable but challenging to implement. An overarching theme of ambivalence emerged from patients and families, who saw HIV testing as a pre-requisite to appropriate clinical care, but were concerned about the quality of its delivery. While providers were aware of the current "no testing without consent" policy, they expressed frustration in cases when testing was in the patient's best interest but consent could not be obtained. Furthermore, providers found it stressful to weigh up patient confidentiality against medical necessity when assessing patients' "best interests". Without specific guidelines, they often developed pragmatic, ad hoc ways to resolve dilemmas around testing in critical care. Our findings suggest that HIV testing guidelines specific to the critical care setting may help providers do their jobs more ethically and transparently. Provider-initiated approaches are likely to be acceptable to patients and may improve clinical outcomes, but training and support in policy implementation and ethical decision-making are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Martin
- a Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (WRHI), Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Witwatersrand , Johannesburg , South Africa
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Manthata G, Sibanyoni JM, Mutanha N, Motsamai PJ, Venter WDF. Socio-demographic Characteristics of Female Sex Worker's in the Inner-city Johannesburg Hillbrow. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2014. [DOI: 10.1089/aid.2014.5352.abstract] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Goitse Manthata
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute, Sex Workers and Truckers Programme, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jabhile Maria Sibanyoni
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute, Sex Workers and Truckers Programme, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nyaradzo Mutanha
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute, Sex Workers and Truckers Programme, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Petros Jacob Motsamai
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute, Sex Workers and Truckers Programme, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Willem D. Francois Venter
- Wits Reproductive Health & HIV Institute, Sex Workers and Truckers Programme, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Wong EB, Omar T, Setlhako GJ, Osih R, Feldman C, Murdoch DM, Martinson NA, Bangsberg DR, Venter WDF. Causes of death on antiretroviral therapy: a post-mortem study from South Africa. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47542. [PMID: 23094059 PMCID: PMC3472995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mortality in the first months of antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a significant clinical problem in sub-Saharan Africa. To date, no post-mortem study has investigated the causes of mortality in these patients. Methods HIV-positive adults who died as in-patients at a Johannesburg academic hospital underwent chart-review and ultrasound-guided needle autopsy for histological and microbiological examination of lung, liver, spleen, kidney, bone marrow, lymph node, skin and cerebrospinal fluid. A clinico-pathologic committee considered all available data and adjudicated immediate and contributing causes of death. Results Thirty-nine adults were enrolled: 14 pre-ART, 15 early-ART (7–90 days), and 10 late-ART (>90 days). Needle sampling yielded adequate specimen in 100% of kidney, skin, heart and cerebrospinal fluid samples, 97% of livers and lungs, 92% of bone marrows, 87% of spleens and 68% of lymph nodes. Mycobacterial infections were implicated in 69% of deaths (26 of 27 of these due to M. tuberculosis), bacterial infections in 33%, fungal infections in 21%, neoplasm in 26%, and non-infectious organ failure in 26%. Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) was implicated in 73% of early-ART deaths. Post-mortem investigations revealed previously undiagnosed causes of death in 49% of cases. Multiple pathologies were common with 62% of subjects with mycobacterial infection also having at least one other infectious or neoplastic cause of death. Conclusions Needle biopsy was efficient and yielded excellent pathology. The large majority of deaths in all three groups were caused by M. tuberculosis suggesting an urgent need for improved diagnosis and expedited treatment prior to and throughout the course of antiretroviral therapy. Complex, unrecognized co-morbidities pose an additional challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily B Wong
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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10
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Abstract
In a South African context, we consider the implications of the United States Food and Drug Administration’s recent approval of the OraQuick HIV self-testing kit. We argue that current law and policy inhibit the roll-out of accurate and well-regulated self-testing kits, and create a loophole for sale in supermarkets, but not pharmacies.
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McCarthy K, Chersich MF, Vearey J, Meyer-Rath G, Jaffer A, Simpwalo S, Venter WDF. Good treatment outcomes among foreigners receiving antiretroviral therapy in Johannesburg, South Africa. Int J STD AIDS 2009; 20:858-62. [DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2009.009258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Foreigners, including displaced persons, often have limited health-care access, especially to HIV services. Outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africans and foreigners were compared at a Johannesburg non-governmental clinic. Records were reviewed of 1297 adults enrolled between April 2004 and March 2007 (568 self-identified foreigners, 431 South Africans citizens and 298 with unknown origin). Compared with citizens, foreigners had fewer hospital admissions (39%, 90/303 versus 51%, 126/244; P < 0.001), less missed appointments for ART initiation (20%, 39/200 versus 25%, 51/206; P < 0.001), faster median time to ART initiation (14 versus 21 days, P = 0.008), better retention in care (88%, 325/369 versus 69%, 155/226; P < 0.001) and lower mortality (2.5%, 14/568 versus 10%, 44/431; P < 0.001) after 426 person-years. In logistic regression, after controlling for baseline CD4 count and tuberculosis status, foreigners were 55% less likely to fail ART than citizens (95% CI = 0.23–0.87). These findings support United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees recommendations that ART should not be withheld from displaced persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- K McCarthy
- Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - M F Chersich
- Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - J Vearey
- Forced Migration Studies Programme, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - G Meyer-Rath
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - A Jaffer
- Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - S Simpwalo
- Nazareth House, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - W D F Venter
- Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Venter WDF, Sanne IM. The cardiovascular consequences of HIV and antiretroviral therapy. Cardiovasc J S Afr 2003; 14:225-9. [PMID: 14610609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy has changed the face of the treatment of HIV throughout the world, converting a fatal into a chronic disease. HIV has reached disastrous levels of infection in southern Africa, and increased use of life-saving therapy is being implemented. The antiretrovirals have a variety of metabolic side effects that have been implicated in cardiovascular disease in other populations. This article discusses the impact of HIV on southern Africa, the metabolic and cardiac complications of both HIV and antiretrovirals, and strategies for dealing with drug side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- W D F Venter
- Reproductive Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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