Improved methods for targeting HIV testing among patients most likely to be infected are required; HIDES I aimed to define the methodology of a European wide study of HIV prevalence in individuals ...presenting with one of eight indicator conditions/diseases (ID); sexually transmitted infection, lymphoma, cervical or anal cancer/dysplasia, herpes zoster, hepatitis B/C, mononucleosis-like illness, unexplained leukocytopenia/thrombocytopenia and seborrheic dermatitis/exanthema, and to identify those with an HIV prevalence of >0.1%, a level determined to be cost effective. A staff questionnaire was performed. From October 2009- February 2011, individuals, not known to be HIV positive, presenting with one of the ID were offered an HIV test; additional information was collected on previous HIV testing behaviour and recent medical history. A total of 3588 individuals from 16 centres were included. Sixty-six tested positive for HIV, giving an HIV prevalence of 1.8% 95% CI: 1.42-2.34; all eight ID exceeded 0.1% prevalence. Of those testing HIV positive, 83% were male, 58% identified as MSM and 9% were injecting drug users. Twenty percent reported previously having potentially HIV-related symptoms and 52% had previously tested HIV negative (median time since last test: 1.58 years); which together with the median CD4 count at diagnosis (400 cell/uL) adds weight to this strategy being effective in diagnosing HIV at an earlier stage. A positive test was more likely for non-white individuals, MSM, injecting drug users and those testing in non-Northern regions. HIDES I describes an effective strategy to detect undiagnosed HIV infection. All eight ID fulfilled the >0.1% criterion for cost effectiveness. All individuals presenting to any health care setting with one of these ID should be strongly recommended an HIV test. A strategy is being developed in collaboration with ECDC and WHO Europe to guide the implementation of this novel public health initiative across Europe.
Background. The risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been assessed in 13 anti-HIV drugs in the Data Collection on Adverse Events of ...Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) study. Methods. Poisson regression models were adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors, cohort, calendar year, and use of other antiretroviral drugs and assessed the association between MI risk and cumulative (per year) or recent (current or in the past 6 months) use of antiretroviral drugs, with 130,000 person-years of exposure. Results. Over 178,835 person-years, 580 patients developed MI. There were no associations between use of tenofovir, zalcitabine, zidovudine, stavudine, or lamivudine and MI risk. Recent exposure to abacavir or didanosine was associated with an increased risk of MI. No association was found between MI risk and cumulative exposure to nevirapine, efavirenz, nelfinavir, or saquinavir. Cumulative exposure to indinavir and lopinavir-ritonavir was associated with an increased risk of MI (relative rate RR per year, 1.12 and 1.13, respectively). These increased risks were attenuated slightly (RR per year, 1.08 95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.02–1.14 and 1.09 95% CI, 1.01–1.17, respectively) after adjustment for lipids but were not altered further after adjustment for other metabolic parameters. Conclusions. Of the drugs considered, only indinavir, lopinavir-ritonavir, didanosine, and abacavir were associated with a significantly increased risk of MI. As with any observational study, our findings must be interpreted with caution (given the potential for confounding) and in the context of the benefits that these drugs provide.
Summary Background With the advent of effective antiretroviral treatment, the life expectancy for people with HIV is now approaching that seen in the general population. Consequently, the relative ...importance of other traditionally non-AIDS-related morbidities has increased. We investigated trends over time in all-cause mortality and for specific causes of death in people with HIV from 1999 to 2011. Methods Individuals from the Data collection on Adverse events of anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) study were followed up from March, 1999, until death, loss to follow-up, or Feb 1, 2011, whichever occurred first. The D:A:D study is a collaboration of 11 cohort studies following HIV-1-positive individuals receiving care at 212 clinics in Europe, USA, and Australia. All fatal events were centrally validated at the D:A:D coordinating centre using coding causes of death in HIV (CoDe) methodology. We calculated relative rates using Poisson regression. Findings 3909 of the 49 731 D:A:D study participants died during the 308 719 person-years of follow-up (crude incidence mortality rate, 12·7 per 1000 person-years 95% CI 12·3–13·1). Leading underlying causes were: AIDS-related (1123 29% deaths), non-AIDS-defining cancers (590 15% deaths), liver disease (515 13% deaths), and cardiovascular disease (436 11% deaths). Rates of all-cause death per 1000 person-years decreased from 17·5 in 1999–2000 to 9·1 in 2009–11; we saw similar decreases in death rates per 1000 person-years over the same period for AIDS-related deaths (5·9 to 2·0), deaths from liver disease (2·7 to 0·9), and cardiovascular disease deaths (1·8 to 0·9). However, non-AIDS cancers increased slightly from 1·6 per 1000 person-years in 1999–2000 to 2·1 in 2009–11 (p=0·58). After adjustment for factors that changed over time, including CD4 cell count, we detected no decreases in AIDS-related death rates (relative rate for 2009–11 vs 1999–2000: 0·92 0·70–1·22). However, all-cause (0·72 0·61–0·83), liver disease (0·48 0·32–0·74), and cardiovascular disease (0·33 0·20–0·53) death rates still decreased over time. The percentage of all deaths that were AIDS-related (87/256 34% in 1999–2000 and 141/627 22% in 2009–11) and liver-related (40/256 16% in 1999–2000 and 64/627 10% in 2009–11) decreased over time, whereas non-AIDS cancers increased (24/256 9% in 1999–2000 to 142/627 23% in 2009–11). Interpretation Recent reductions in rates of AIDS-related deaths are linked with continued improvement in CD4 cell count. We hypothesise that the substantially reduced rates of liver disease and cardiovascular disease deaths over time could be explained by improved use of non-HIV-specific preventive interventions. Non-AIDS cancer is now the leading non-AIDS cause and without any evidence of improvement. Funding Oversight Committee for the Evaluation of Metabolic Complications of HAART, with representatives from academia, patient community, US Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency and consortium of AbbVie, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead Sciences, ViiV Healthcare, Merck, Pfizer, F Hoffmann-La Roche, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
The association between combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and cancer risk, especially regimens containing protease inhibitors (PIs) or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), ...is unclear.
Participants were followed from the latest of D:A:D study entry or January 1, 2004, until the earliest of a first cancer diagnosis, February 1, 2012, death, or 6 months after the last visit. Multivariable Poisson regression models assessed associations between cumulative (per year) use of either any cART or PI/NNRTI, and the incidence of any cancer, non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADC), AIDS-defining cancers (ADC), and the most frequently occurring ADC (Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and NADC (lung, invasive anal, head/neck cancers, and Hodgkin lymphoma).
A total of 41,762 persons contributed 241,556 person-years (PY). A total of 1832 cancers were diagnosed incidence rate: 0.76/100 PY (95% confidence interval: 0.72 to 0.79), 718 ADC 0.30/100 PY (0.28-0.32), and 1114 NADC 0.46/100 PY (0.43-0.49). Longer exposure to cART was associated with a lower ADC risk adjusted rate ratio: 0.88/year (0.85-0.92) but a higher NADC risk 1.02/year (1.00-1.03). Both PI and NNRTI use were associated with a lower ADC risk PI: 0.96/year (0.92-1.00); NNRTI: 0.86/year (0.81-0.91). PI use was associated with a higher NADC risk 1.03/year (1.01-1.05). Although this was largely driven by an association with anal cancer 1.08/year (1.04-1.13), the association remained after excluding anal cancers from the end point 1.02/year (1.01-1.04). No association was seen between NNRTI use and NADC 1.00/year (0.98-1.02).
Cumulative use of PIs may be associated with a higher risk of anal cancer and possibly other NADC. Further investigation of biological mechanisms is warranted.
Whether or not the association between some antiretrovirals used in HIV infection and chronic kidney disease is cumulative is a controversial topic, especially in patients with initially normal renal ...function. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between duration of exposure to antiretrovirals and the development of chronic kidney disease in people with initially normal renal function, as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
In this prospective international cohort study, HIV-positive adult participants (aged ≥16 years) from the D:A:D study (based in Europe, the USA, and Australia) with first eGFR greater than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m(2) were followed from baseline (first eGFR measurement after Jan 1, 2004) until the occurrence of one of the following: chronic kidney disease; last eGFR measurement; Feb 1, 2014; or final visit plus 6 months (whichever occurred first). Chronic kidney disease was defined as confirmed (>3 months apart) eGFR lower than 60 mL/min per 1·73 m(2). The primary outcome was the occurrence of chronic kidney disease. Poisson regression was used to estimate the incidence rate of chronic kidney disease associated with cumulative exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, ritonavir-boosted atazanavir, ritonavir-boosted lopinavir, other ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors, or abacavir.
Between Jan 1, 2004, and July 26, 2013, 23,905 eligible individuals from the D:A:D study were included. Participants had a median baseline eGFR of 110 mL/min per 1·73 m(2) (IQR 100-125), a median age of 39 years (33-45), and median CD4 cell count of 441 cells per mm(3) (294-628). During a median follow-up of 7·2 years (IQR 5·1-8·9), 285 (1%) of 23,905 people developed chronic kidney disease (incidence 1·76 per 1000 person-years of follow-up 95% CI 1·56-1·97). After adjustment, we recorded a significant increase in chronic kidney disease associated with each additional year of exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1·14 95% CI 1·10-1·19, p<0·0001), ritonavir-boosted atazanavir (1·20 1·13-1·26, p<0·0001), and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (1·11 1·06-1·16, p<0·0001), but not other ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors or abacavir.
In people with normal renal function, the annual incidence of chronic kidney disease increased for up to 6 years of exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, ritonavir-boosted atazanavir, or ritonavir-boosted lopinavir therapy. Although the absolute number of new cases of chronic kidney disease was modest, treatment with these antiretrovirals might result in an increasing and cumulative risk of chronic kidney disease. Patients on potentially nephrotoxic antiretrovirals or at high risk of chronic kidney disease should be closely monitored.
The Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Oversight Committee.
Background
Expanding statin use may help to alleviate the excess burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Pravastatin and pitavastatin are preferred agents ...due to their lack of substantial interaction with antiretroviral therapy. We aimed to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of pravastatin and pitavastatin for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease among PLHIV in the United States.
Methods
We developed a microsimulation model that randomly selected (with replacement) individuals from the Data‐collection on Adverse Effects of Anti‐HIV Drugs study with follow‐up between 2013 and 2016. Our study population was PLHIV aged 40 to 75 years, stable on antiretroviral therapy, and not currently using lipid‐lowering therapy. Direct medical costs and quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) were assigned in annual cycles and discounted at 3% per year. We assumed a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $100,000/QALY gained. The interventions assessed were as follows: (1) treating no one with statins; (2) treating everyone with generic pravastatin 40 mg/day (drug cost $236/year) and (3) treating everyone with branded pitavastatin 4 mg/day (drug cost $2,828/year). The model simulated each individual’s probability of experiencing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease over 20 years.
Results
Persons receiving pravastatin accrued 0.024 additional QALYs compared with those not receiving a statin, at an incremental cost of $1338, giving an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $56,000/QALY gained. Individuals receiving pitavastatin accumulated 0.013 additional QALYs compared with those using pravastatin, at an additional cost of $18,251, giving an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $1,444,000/QALY gained. These findings were most sensitive to the pill burden associated with daily statin administration, statin costs, statin efficacy and baseline atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. In probabilistic sensitivity analysis, no statin was optimal in 5.2% of simulations, pravastatin was optimal in 94.8% of simulations and pitavastatin was never optimal.
Conclusions
Pravastatin was projected to be cost‐effective compared with no statin. With substantial price reduction, pitavastatin may be cost‐effective compared with pravastatin. These findings bode well for the expanded use of statins among PLHIV in the United States. To gain greater confidence in our conclusions it is important to generate strong, HIV‐specific estimates on the efficacy of statins and the quality‐of‐life burden associated with taking an additional daily pill.
Abstract
Background
Relations between different measures of human immunodeficiency virus–related immunosuppression and chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain unknown.
Methods
Immunosuppression measures ...included baseline, current, time-lagged and nadir CD4, years and percentage of follow-up (%FU) with CD4 ≤200 cells/μL, and CD4 recovery. CKD was defined as confirmed estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2.
Results
Of 33 791 persons, 2226 developed CKD. Univariably, all immunosuppression measures predicted CKD. Multivariably, the strongest predictor was %FU CD4 ≤200 cells/μL (0 vs >25%; incidence rate ratio IRR, 0.77 95% confidence interval CI, .68–.88), with highest effect in those at low D:A:D CKD risk (IRR, 0.45 95% CI, .24–.80) vs 0.80 95% CI, .70–.93).
Conclusions
Longer immunosuppression duration most strongly predicts CKD and affects persons at low CKD risk more.
While HIV-related immunosuppression duration and severity both predict chronic kidney disease (CKD), the duration association is strongest. CKD risk related to low CD4 count diminishes once immune function is restored, and most strongly affects persons with low estimated CKD risk.
In March 2008, the D:A:D study published results demonstrating an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) for patients on abacavir (ABC). We describe changes to the use of ABC since this date, ...and investigate changes to the association between ABC and MI with subsequent follow-up.
A total of 49,717 D:A:D participants were followed from study entry until the first of an MI, death, 1 February 2013 or 6 months after last visit. Associations between a person's 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and the likelihood of initiating or discontinuing ABC were assessed using multivariable logistic/Poisson regression. Poisson regression was used to assess the association between current ABC use and MI risk, adjusting for potential confounders, and a test of interaction was performed to assess whether the association had changed in the post-March 2008 period.
Use of ABC increased from 10 % of the cohort in 2000 to 20 % in 2008, before stabilising at 18-19 %. Increases in use pre-March 2008, and subsequent decreases, were greatest in those at moderate and high CVD risk. Post-March 2008, those on ABC at moderate/high CVD risk were more likely to discontinue ABC than those at low/unknown CVD risk, regardless of viral load (≤1,000 copies/ml: relative rate 1.49 95 % confidence interval 1.34-1.65; >1,000 copies/ml: 1.23 1.02-1.48); no such associations were seen pre-March 2008. There was some evidence that antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve persons at moderate/high CVD risk post-March 2008 were less likely to initiate ABC than those at low/unknown CVD risk (odds ratio 0.74 0.48-1.13). By 1 February 2013, 941 MI events had occurred in 367,559 person-years. Current ABC use was associated with a 98 % increase in MI rate (RR 1.98 1.72-2.29) with no difference in the pre- (1.97 1.68-2.33) or post- (1.97 1.43-2.72) March 2008 periods (interaction P = 0.74).
Despite a reduction in the channelling of ABC for patients at higher CVD risk since 2008, we continue to observe an association between ABC use and MI risk. Whilst confounding cannot be fully ruled out, this further diminishes channelling bias as an explanation for our findings.
Among persons with HIV (PWH), higher alcohol use and having hepatitis C virus (HCV) are separately associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We investigated whether the association between ...alcohol use and mortality among PWH is modified by HCV. Data were combined from European and North American cohorts of adult PWH who started antiretroviral therapy (ART). Self‐reported alcohol use data, collected in diverse ways between cohorts, were converted to grams/day. Eligible PWH started ART during 2001–2017 and were followed from ART initiation for mortality. Interactions between the associations of baseline alcohol use (0, 0.1–20.0, >20.0 g/day) and HCV status were assessed using multivariable Cox models. Of 58,769 PWH, 29,711 (51%), 23,974 (41%) and 5084 (9%) self‐reported alcohol use of 0 g/day, 0.1–20.0 g/day, and > 20.0 g/day, respectively, and 4799 (8%) had HCV at baseline. There were 844 deaths in 37,729 person‐years and 2755 deaths in 443,121 person‐years among those with and without HCV, respectively. Among PWH without HCV, adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for mortality were 1.18 (95% CI: 1.08–1.29) for 0.0 g/day and 1.84 (1.62–2.09) for >20.0 g/day compared with 0.1–20.0 g/day. This J‐shaped pattern was absent among those with HCV: aHRs were 1.00 (0.86–1.17) for 0.0 g/day and 1.64 (1.33–2.02) for >20.0 g/day compared with 0.1–20.0 g/day (interaction p < .001). Among PWH without HCV, mortality was higher in both non‐drinkers and heavy drinkers compared with moderate alcohol drinkers. Among those with HCV, mortality was higher in heavy drinkers but not non‐drinkers, potentially due to differing reasons for not drinking (e.g. illness) between those with and without HCV.
In patients with HIV, immune reconstitution after antiretroviral therapy (ART) is often incomplete. We assessed the probability of patients reaching a CD4/CD8 ratio of 1 or more after the start of ...ART and its association with the onset of non-AIDS-defining events and death.
We did an analysis of the ICONA cohort, which recruited treatment-naive patients with HIV in Italy. We included participants in the cohort who started ART, reached an undetectable viral load (≤80 copies per mL), and had a CD4/CD8 ratio of less than 0·8 at the time of an undetectable viral load. We defined ratio normalisation in patients as two consecutive values of 1 or more. We used Kaplan-Meier curves to estimate the cumulative probability of ratio normalisation. We then used Poisson regression models to identify factors independently associated with normalisation and with progression to non-AIDS-defining events or death.
We included 3236 participants, enrolled between Jan 22, 1997, and Feb 25, 2013. At the start of ART, median CD4/CD8 ratio in our population was 0·39 (IQR 0·26-0·55). 458 (14%) patients reached a CD4/CD8 ratio of 1 or more; the estimated probability of normalisation was 4·4% (95% CI 3·7-5·2) by 1 year from baseline, 11·5% (10·2-13·0) by 2 years, and 29·4% (26·7-32·4) by 5 years. Factors associated with normalisation were high pre-ART CD4 cell counts, a high CD4/CD8 ratio at baseline, and negative cytomegalovirus serological findings. The incidence rate of non-AIDS-defining events for patients with a CD4/CD8 ratio of less than 0·30 (4·2 per 100 patient-years, 95% CI 3·4-5·3) was double that for those with a ratio of 0·30-0·45 (2·3, 2·1-2·5) or more than 0·45 (2·2, 1·7-2·9). A ratio of less than 0·30 was independently associated with an increased risk of non-AIDS-defining events or death compared with one of more than 0·45.
Few patients had normalised CD4/CD8 ratios, even though they had viral suppression. Low ratios were associated with increased risk of serious events and deaths. The CD4/CD8 ratio could be used by clinicians to identity patients at risk of non-AIDS-related events.
AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Gilead, Janssen, Merck Sharp & Dohme, ViiV Italy.