Sarcoma de Kaposi anoperineal: uma rara apresentação / Perineal Kaposi's Sarcoma: a rare presentation

O sarcoma de Kaposi é uma neoplasia maligna associada à infecção pelo herpes vírus humano 8 em doentes imunossupressos. O sarcoma de Kaposi Epidêmico é o tipo epidemiológico mais frequente e afeta indivíduos VIH-positivos. A região anoperineal é raramente envolvida e as lesões suspeitas devem ser biopsiadas para confirmação histológica. A base do tratamento é a restauração imune do doente. Relatamos o caso de um jovem, com diagnóstico recente de infeção pelo VIH, sem tratamento, que foi admitido no serviço de infectologia apresentando sintomas constitucionais, adenomegalias inguinais e extensa lesão verrucosa e ulcerada na região anoperineal. As biópsias confirmaram o diagnóstico de sarcoma de Kaposi e o doente iniciou terapia antirretroviral e quimioterapia. Houve recuperação clínica, regressão das lesões e desaparecimento das adenomegalias. Este relato objetiva alertar as equipes médicas no sentido de se incluir o sarcoma de Kaposi no diagnóstico diferencial das lesões que afetam a região anoperineal.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a malignant neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus 8 infection in immunocompromised patients. Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common epidemiological type and affects HIV-positive patients. Perineal involvement is rare, and suspicious lesions should be biopsied to confirm histological diagnosis. Treatment consists of restoring the patient's immune system. We report the case of a young patient recently diagnosed with HIV, without treatment, who was admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases with nonspecific symptoms, inguinal lymphadenopathy, and an extensive verrucous ulcerated lesion in the perineal region. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma, and the patient was started on antiretroviral therapy and chemotherapy. Clinical recovery was achieved, with lesion reduction and inguinal adenopathy resolution. This case report aims to encourage physicians to include Kaposi's sarcoma in the differential diagnosis of perineal lesions.

Factors related to adherence to antiretroviral treatment in a specialized care facility

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to verify the level of adherence to antiretroviral treatment and its associated factors. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study based on data retrieved from medical records. To achieve this, we used a questionnaire composed of sociodemographic and clinical information recorded from patients aged between thirteen and fifty-nine years who attended a specialized service from 2007 to 2014. The chi-square test was performed to verify the association of the outcome with the categorical variables. Continuous variables were compared through the Student t-test. Thirteen variables were analyzed in the bivariate model, resulting in the selection of the following variables to the multivariate model (p<0.20) age of discovery (p=0.12), age (p=0.14), skin color (p=0.12), level of education (p=0.03), time since HIV diagnosis (p<0.001) and AIDS case (p<0.001). Among the six variables selected for the multivariate model, cases of aids (p<0.001) remained significant. We concluded that having aids decreases the probability of non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment by 92%. These results indicate that symptomatic patients have better adherence to therapy.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar os níveis de adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral e os fatores associados a ela. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de delineamento transversal baseado em levantamento de prontuários. Para tanto, foi utilizado um questionário composto de informações sociodemográficas e clínicas de pacientes com idade entre 13 e 59 anos atendidos em um serviço de atendimento especializado nos anos de 2007 a 2014. Foi realizado o teste do Qui-quadrado para verificar a associação do desfecho com as variáveis categóricas. As variáveis contínuas foram comparadas pelo teste t de "Student" (dois grupos). Treze variáveis foram analisadas no modelo bivariado, sendo selecionadas para o modelo multivariado (p<0,20): idade de descoberta (p=0,12), idade (p=0,14), cor da pele (p=0,12), escolaridade (p=0,03), tempo de diagnóstico do HIV (p<0,001) e caso de aids (p<0,001). Das seis variáveis selecionadas para o modelo multivariado, permaneceu significante o fato de o paciente ter aids (p<0,001). Concluiu-se que ter aids reduz a probabilidade de não adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral em cerca de 92%. Os resultados indicam que o indivíduo que é sintomático adere melhor à terapia.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in northeastern Brazil: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Nonadherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) may lead to viral replication and development of antiretroviral resistance. OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors associated with nonadherence to ART among people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a tertiary-level hospital in northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Intake of less than 90% of the antiretroviral drugs prescribed in the last week prior to the interview was defined as nonadherence. Intake was evaluated using a questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were conducted on the study population, with estimation of the respective odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The prevalence of nonadherence was 28.4%. Significant associations were found regarding the following variables: age less than 35 years, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, lack of medication and lack of knowledge regarding the patient's HIV status, on the part of the patient's partner or family. CONCLUSIONS: Encouragement of adherence to antiretroviral therapy is one of the fundamental pillars of treatment for HIV-infected patients. The high proportion of nonadherence (28.4%) and the predictive factors related to this indicate that it is necessary to improve patients' adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Envío de mensajes de texto para mejorar la adherencia de pacientes en targa: ensayo aleatorizado controlado / Text messaging to improve patient adherence in haart: randomized controlled trial

RESUMEN Objetivos . Evaluar la eficacia de una estrategia de envío de mensajes de texto (SMS) en la mejora de la asistencia a citas, adherencia al tratamiento y marcadores biológicos (carga viral y CD4) en pacientes continuadores con tratamiento antirretroviral de gran actividad (TARGA) que asistieron a destiempo a su última cita programada. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un ensayo aleatorizado controlado implementado en Vía Libre, una organización no gubernamental (ONG) que brinda servicios a personas viviendo con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) en Lima. Se aleatorizaron 166 pacientes continuadores: 82 participantes recibieron SMS por seis meses y 84 participantes la atención estándar. Resultados. Los pacientes en el grupo de intervención, un 93,9% fueron hombres y tenían una mediana de 5,1 años en TARGA; en cambio en el grupo control, un 94,1% fueron hombres y una mediana de 5,3 años en TARGA. En el grupo de intervención, los pacientes asistieron con más frecuencia que aquellos en el grupo control a sus citas médicas programadas (RR=1,89; IC 95%: 1,21-2,97) en los seis meses de intervención. Al comparar el nivel de carga viral y el nivel de CD4 no se encontraron diferencias (p=0,930 y p=0,905, respectivamente). La adherencia al tratamiento medida por autorreporte fue mayor en el grupo de intervención (p<0,001). Conclusiones. Los resultados en este estudio sugieren que el envío de SMS por seis meses puede mejorar la asistencia a citas y la adherencia al tratamiento en pacientes continuadores en TARGA.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To assess the efficacy of a text messaging (SMS) strategy to improve appointment attendance, treatment adherence, and biological markers (viral load and CD4) in continuous patients with high activity antiretroviral therapy (HAART) who were late to their last scheduled appointment. Materials and Methods. A randomized controlled trial implemented in Via Libre, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that provides services to people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Lima, Peru, was conducted, where 166 follow-up patients were randomized: 82 participants received SMS for six months and 84 participants received standard care. Results. Patients in the intervention group: 93.9% were men and had a median of 5.1 years in HAART; in the control group: 94.1% were men and a median of 5.3 years in HAART. In the intervention group, patients attended their scheduled medical appointments more frequently than those in the control group (RR=1.89, 95% CI 1.21-2.97) during the six months of intervention. Comparing the viral load level and CD4 level, no differences were found (p=0.930 and p=0.905, respectively). Adherence to treatment measured by self-report was higher in the intervention group (p<0.001). Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that sending SMS for six months may improve appointment attendance and adherence to treatment in continuing patients on HAART.

Uso do telefone para adesão de pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS à terapia antirretroviral: revisão sistemática / Use of the telephone for accessing people living with HIV/AIDS to antiretroviral therapy: systematic review

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a eficácia do uso do telefone para adesão de pessoas com HIV/AIDS à terapia antirretroviral. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática, nas bases de dados: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs/Bireme), Scopus, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline/PubMed), Web of Science; e nas bibliotecas Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO) e Cochrane, com uso dos seguintes descritores: "HIV", "Cell Phones", "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome" e "Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active". Obteve-se uma amostra de 17 artigos. As intervenções com uso de telefones celulares propostas foram: uso de aplicativos de celulares, Serviço de Mensagem Curta e chamadas telefônicas. Na maioria dos estudos, o uso do telefone trouxe impacto significativo sobre a adesão ao tratamento. A avaliação dos estudos apontou boa qualidade metodológica e sigilo de alocação adequado. Acerca dos métodos de mensuração da adesão destacou-se a autorrelatada. A utilização de telefone celular foi eficaz para a melhoria da adesão à terapia antirretroviral de pessoas vivendo com HIV.

Abstract This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of telephone use for the adherence of people with HIV/AIDS to antiretroviral therapy. A systematic review was carried out in the following databases: Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs/ Bireme), SCOPUS, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science; and in the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Cochrane libraries, using the following descriptors: "HIV", "Cell Phones", "Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome" and "Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active". We gathered a sample of 17 papers. The proposed cellphone interventions were the use of cellular applications, Short Message Service, and telephone calls. In most studies, telephone use has had a significant impact on adherence to treatment. The evaluation of the studies showed good methodological quality and adequate allocation secrecy. Self-reported adherence emerged among the adherence measuring methods. Cellphone use was effective in improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV.

Polypharmacy among HIV infected people aged 50 years or older / Polifarmacia en pacientes mayores de 50 años con infección por el VIH

Abstract Introduction: Although HAART cannot eradicate HIV, it suppresses viral replication, resulting in a progressive reduction in HIV-related morbidity and mortality. The increase in life expectancy for HIV-infected patients has turned this disease into a chronic disease and, therefore, to the appearance of comorbidities. At the same time there is an increase in the use of concomitant medication, making HIV-infected patient a polymedicated patient. Objective: To determine the degree of polypharmacy and to describe clinically relevant drug interactions, as well as the comorbidities and adherence to HAART in HIV + patients over 50 years. Methods: Observational, transversal study. Patients ≥50 years on HAART ambulatory were included. The variables were collected: aged, sex, VL, CD4, comorbidities, ARV, concomitant medication, herbal products and adherence. Patients who did not sign informed consent were excluded. Results: Were included 154 patients ≥50 years on HAART. The presence of polypharmacy, defined as the use of 5 or more medications including HAART, was 40.3%. 73.4% of the patients had concomitant medication: lipid-lowering agents (33.8%), anxiolytics / sedatives (28.6%), proton-pump inhibitors (26.0%) antihypertensive agents (23.4%). 102 relevant interactions were recorded, finding statistically significant differences in relation to the presence of polypharmacy and pharmacologic drugs classes (p <0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of polypharmacy among HIV+ patients ≥50 years is high. Comorbidities, interactions and drugs associated were similar to those described in the literature. It is necessary to establish priorities in relation to drug interactions with polypharmacy and a correct approach to the pathologies that may develop.

Resumen Introducción: El HAART, si bien no puede erradicar la infección por el VIH, mantiene suprimida la replicación viral obteniendo una progresiva reducción de la morbimortalidad. El aumento de la esperanza de vida ha convertido a esta enfermedad en una patología crónica y por tanto, a la aparición de comorbilidades. Paralelamente, se produce un incremento en el uso de medicamentos que califican al paciente VIH como polimedicado. Objetivos: Determinar el grado de polifarmacia, describir las interacciones relevantes, así como conocer las comorbilidades y la adherencia al HAART en pacientes VIH+ ≥50 años. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes ≥50 años VIH + con terapia HAART ambulatoria. Se recogieron las variables: edad, sexo, carga viral, CD4, comorbilidades, tratamiento antirretroviral, medicación concomitante, productos de herboristería y adherencia. Resultados: Se incluyeron 154 pacientes ≥50 años con HAART. La polifarmacia, definida como la presencia de 5 o más principios activos incluido el HAART, se presentaron en el 40.3% de los pacientes. El 73.4% tenía medicación concomitante: hipolipemiantes (33.8%), ansiolíticos/sedantes (28.6%), inhibidores de la bomba de protones (26.0%), antihipertensivos (23.4%). Se registraron 102 interacciones relevantes encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas en relación a la presencia de polifarmacia y al grupo farmacológico antirretroviral (p <0.001). Conclusiones: Existe una alta prevalencia de polifarmacia en pacientes VIH+ ≥50 años. Las comorbilidades, las interacciones identificadas y la medicación concomitante fueron similares a las descritas en la literatura. Es necesario establecer prioridades en relación a las interacciones farmacológicas con la polifarmacia y un correcto abordaje de las patologías que se puedan desarrollar.

El acceso universal al tratamiento antirretroviral no ha modificado las causas de internación y muerte en infectados por HIV en Buenos Aires / The universal high active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) did not chance the causes of admiission and death of HIV infected patients in Buenos Aires

Introducción: El tratamiento antirretroviral de alta eficacia (TARGA) ha desplazado a las infecciones oportunistas como principal causa de hospitalización en infectados por el HIV. Sin embargo, algunos autores hallaron que las causas de internación por HIV en Buenos Aires no cambiaron a pesar del acceso universal al TARGA desde 1996. Pacientes y Métodos. Para confirmar estos resultados revisamos todos los ingresos hospitalarios ocurridos durante tres años en un hospital general de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Resultados: 57 pacientes (34 hombres) tuvieron 79 hospitalizaciones: 43 ingresaron sólo una vez y los 14 restantes tuvieron dos o más ingresos hasta totalizar 36 internaciones. La edad fue de 44.46 ± 11.55 años (promedio ± desvío estándard), 43 pacientes (75.45%) se sabían HIV + y 28 de ellos (65.12%) recibían TARGA al ingreso, 31 hospitalizaciones (39.24%) fueron causadas por enfermedades marcadoras de SIDA; 35 (44.30%) por infecciones no marcadoras de SIDA (INMS) y 13 (13.46%) por enfermedades no infecciosas. Tuberculosis fue el diagnóstico más frecuente (11 casos, 13.92%), seguida por meningitis a Cryptococcus neoformans en 9 (11.39%) y toxoplasmosis cerebral en 6 (7.59%). Entre las INMS, la neumonía fue la principal causa de hospitalización (13 pacientes, 16.46%). Discusión: Estos resultados confirman resultados previos comunicando que las causas de hospitalización en infectados por el HIV no cambiaron en respuesta al TARGA en Buenos Aires, lo que puede estar reflejando problemas de detección o adherencia, o puede estar relacionado con resistencia viral, razones sociales o cualquier combinación de estos factores (AU)

Introduction. High Active Antiretroviral Treatment (HAART) displaced opportunistic infections as the main cause of hospitalization in HIV infected patients. However, some authors found that causes for hospitalization in HiV infected patients did not changed at Buenos Aires although this country offers universal access to HAART since 1996. Patients and Methods. We analyzed all the HIV related admissions recorded during three years at a general hospital. Results. 57 patients (34 men) were hospitalized 79 times. 43 out of them were hospitalized only one time. The reaining 14 were hospitalized 36 times. Age was 44.46 ± 11.55 years (mean ± standard deviation). 43 patients (75.45%) had a previous diagnosis of HIV infection. 28 of them (65.12%) received HAART. 31 hospitalizations (39.24%) were caused by AIDS defining events. 35 (44.30%) related to non-AIDS-defining infections diseases (NADID), and 13 (13.46%) to non-infections diseases. Tuberculosis was the prevalent illness (11 cases, 13.92%), followed by cryptoccal meningitis in 9 (11.39%) and cerebral toxoplasmosis in 6 (7.59%). Among NADID, pneumonia was the main cause of admission (13 patientes, 16,46%). Discussion: These results confirm previous reports showing that causes of HIV related hospitalization remain unchanged in spite of HAART at Buenos Aires, which may be reflecting problems of detection and adherence, or may be related to local viral resistance, social reasons, or any combination of these factors (AU)

Pregnancy outcomes in young mothers with perinatally and behaviorally acquired HIV infections in Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT Background: Perinatally HIV-infected children are surviving into adulthood, and getting pregnant. There is a scarcity of information on health and pregnancy outcomes in these women. Aim: To evaluate characteristics related to HIV disease and pregnancy outcomes in perinatally infected women, and to compare these women with a group of youth with behaviorally acquired HIV-infection, at a reference hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: A cohort study. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data were compared between perinatally (PHIV) and behaviorally HIV-infected (BHIV) pregnant youth with the primary aim to study pregnancy outcomes in the PHIV group and compare with outcomes to BHIV group. Results: Thirty-two pregnancies occurred in PHIV group, and 595 in BHIV group. A total of seven (22%) PHIV women and 64 (11%) BHIV women had a premature delivery (p = 0.04), however, when adjusting for younger age at pregnancy, and antiretroviral therapy initiation in 1st trimester of pregnancy (OR = 18.66, 95%CI = 5.52-63.14), the difference was no longer significant. No cases of mother-to-child HIV transmission (MTCT) were observed in the PHIV group while there was a 2% MTCT rate in BHIV group. Conclusion: Pregnancy among PHIV was as safe as among BHIV. The differences between those groups were probably related to treatment and prolonged care in the first group.

Inequalities in HAART uptake and differential survival according to exposure category in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Desigualdades no acesso à HAART e diferenças de sobrevida de acordo com a categoria de exposição ao HIV no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Desigualdades en el consumo de la TARGA y supervivencia diferencial según la categoría de exposición en Río de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract: Despite substantial improvement in prognosis and quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Brazil, inequalities in access to treatment remain. We assessed the impact of these inequalities on survival in Rio de Janeiro over a 12-year period (2000/11). Data were merged from four databases that comprise the national AIDS monitoring system: SINAN-AIDS (Brazilian Information System for Notificable Diseases; AIDS cases), SISCEL (laboratory tests), SICLOM (electronic dispensing system), and SIM (Brazilian Mortality Information System), using probabilistic linkage. Cox regressions were fitted to assess the impact of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) on AIDS-related mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID), and heterosexuals diagnosed with AIDS, between 2000 and 2011, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Among 15,420 cases, 60.7% were heterosexuals, 36.1% MSM and 3.2% PWID. There were 2,807 (18.2%) deaths and the median survival time was 6.29. HAART and CD4+ > 200 at baseline were associated with important protective effects. Non-whites had a 33% higher risk of dying in consequence of AIDS than whites. PWID had a 56% higher risk and MSM a 11% lower risk of dying of AIDS than heterosexuals. Non-white individuals, those with less than eight years of formal education, and PWID, were more likely to die of AIDS and less likely to receive HAART. Important inequalities persist in access to treatment, resulting in disparate impacts on mortality among exposure categories. Despite these persistent disparities, mortality decreased significantly during the period for all categories under analysis, and the overall positive impact of HAART on survival has been dramatic.

Resumo: Apesar de uma melhora substancial no prognóstico e na qualidade de vida de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids (PVHA) no Brasil, permanecem desigualdades no acesso ao tratamento. Avaliamos o impacto dessas desigualdades na sobrevida na cidade do Rio de Janeiro ao longo de 12 anos (2000/11). Os dados foram consolidados a partir de quatro bases que constituem o sistema nacional de monitoramento da aids: SINAN-aids (Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação; casos de aids), SISCEL (exames laboratoriais), SICLOM (controle logístico de medicamentos) e SIM (Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade), usando relacionamento probabilístico. As regressões de Cox foram ajustadas para avaliar o impacto da HAART (terapia antirretroviral altivamente ativa) na mortalidade relacionada à aids entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH), usuários de drogas injetáveis (UDI) e heterossexuais diagnosticados com aids entre 2000 e 2011 na cidade do Rio de Janeiro. Dos 15.420 casos, 60,7% eram heterossexuais, 36,1% HSH e 3,2% UDI. Houve 2.807 óbitos (18,2%) e a sobrevida mediana foi 6,29 anos. Houve associação significativa entre HAART e contagem de CD4+ > 200 na linha de base e importantes efeitos protetores. Comparados aos brancos, os não-brancos tiveram um risco 33% maior de morrer de aids. Os UDI tiveram um risco 56% maior, enquanto HSH tiveram um risco 11% menor de morrer de aids, comparados aos heterossexuais. Os indivíduos não-brancos, aqueles com menos de oito anos de escolaridade e UDI mostraram probabilidade mais alta de não receber HAART e de morrer de aids. No Rio de Janeiro, persistem desigualdades importantes no acesso ao tratamento, que resultam em impactos diferenciados na mortalidade de acordo com as categorias de exposição. Apesar da persistência dessas disparidades, a mortalidade diminuiu significativamente ao longo do período em todas as categorias analisadas, e o acesso à HAART teve impacto dramático no tempo de sobrevida.

Resumen: Pese a la mejora sustancial en el pronóstico y calidad de vida entre las personas que viven con VIH/SIDA (PLWHA) en Brasil, persisten las desigualdades en el acceso al tratamiento. Evaluamos el impacto de estas desigualdades en la supervivencia en Río de Janeiro, durante un período de 12 años (2000/11). Los datos fueron recabados de cuatros bases de datos que comprenden el sistema nacional de monitoreo del SIDA: SINAN-SIDA (Sistema de Información de Agravios de Notificación; casos de SIDA), SISCEL (pruebas de laboratorio), SICLOM (sistema dispensador electrónico), y SIM (Sistema de Información sobre la Mortalidad), usando una vinculación probabilística. Las regresiones de Cox fueron usadas para evaluar el impacto de la TARGA (terapia antirretroviral de gran actividad) en la mortalidad relacionada con el SIDA, entre hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH), individuos que se inyectan drogas por vía intravenosa (PWID por sus siglas en inglés), y heterosexuales diagnosticados con SIDA, entre 2000 y 2011, en la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. Entre 15.420 casos, un 60,7% eran heterosexuales, un 36,1% HSH y un 3,2% PWID. Hubo 2.807 (18.2%) muertes y el tiempo medio de supervivencia fue 6,29. TARGA y CD4+ > 200 en la base de referencia estuvieron asociados con efectos importantes de protección. Los no-blancos tuvieron un riesgo un 33% mayor de morir a consecuencia de SIDA que los blancos. Los PWID tuvieron un riesgo un 56% mayor, y los HSH un riesgo un 11% menor, de morir de SIDA que los heterosexuales. Los no-blancos, con menos de ocho años de educación formal, y los PWID, eran más propensos a morir de SIDA y menos a recibir TARGA. Existen importantes inequidades en el acceso al tratamiento, resultando en efectos dispares en la mortalidad entre las diferentes categorías exposición. A pesar de estas persistentes disparidades, la mortalidad decreció significativamente durante el periodo para todas las categorías bajo análisis, y el impacto general positivo del TARGA en la supervivencia había sido importantísimo.

Treatment adherence in patients living with HIV/AIDS assisted at a specialized facility in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In the 1990s, Brazil adopted a public policy that allowed for universal, free access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Since then, treatment adherence has become a new challenge for administrators of sexually transmitted disease/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (STD/AIDS) policies. This study quantified adherence to ART and verified whether there is an association between sociodemographic variables and clinical/laboratory data in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, exploratory study with a quantitative approach that was conducted over 8 months. The target population contained patients who were assisted at the ambulatory care facility specialized in STD/AIDS of a medium-size city located in Northwest São Paulo. In order to verify the level of adherence to ART, a validated CEAT-VIH (Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Questionnaire) questionnaire was used. Sociodemographic aspects and clinical/laboratory data were obtained from the medical records. The results were analyzed using the Student's t-test and Pearson's coefficient. RESULTS Herein, 109 patients were interviewed, 56% of whom were male. The age of the population ranged 18-74 years (mean 45.67 years). Adherence to ART was classified as insufficient in 80.7% of cases. There was an association between ART adherence and presence of symptoms and/or opportunistic infection (p=0.008) and economic status (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to ART among HIV carriers cared for by the public health system is low. Patients who reported a favorable economic status and those without symptoms and/or opportunistic infection demonstrated greater treatment adherence than those who needed to take more than 3 pills a day.

Antiretroviral changes during the first year of therapy / Mudanças de terapia antirretroviral durante o primeiro ano de tratamento

Summary Introduction: The Brazilian HIV/AIDS management and treatment guideline (PCDT), published in 2013, recommends and standardizes the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in all adult patients, in spite of LTCD4 count. This study aimed to analyze the first year of HAART use in patients from a reference center on HIV/AIDS management in Fortaleza, Ceará. Method: This descriptive study reviewed all prescription forms of antiretroviral regimens initiation and changes from January to July 2014. All antiretroviral regimen changes that occurred during the first year of therapy were evaluated. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20. Mean, standard deviation and frequency, Student's t and Mann-Whitney tests calculations were used, with significance at p<0.05. Results: From 527 patients initiating HAART, 16.5% (n=87) had a regimen change in the first year. These patients were mostly male (59.8%; n=52), aged 20 to 39 years, with only one HAART change (72.4%; n=63). Efavirenz was the most often changed drug, followed by tenofovir, zidovudine and lopinavir/ritonavir. Mean time of HAART changes was 120 days, with adverse reactions as the most prevalent cause. HAART was effective in decreasing viral load since second month of treatment (p=0.003) and increasing LTCD4 lymphocytes since fifth month (p<0.001). Conclusion: The main cause of initial HAART changes was adverse reaction and most patients had only one change in the HAART regimen. HAART prescription was in accordance to the PCDT from 2013.

Resumo Introdução: O Protocolo Clínico e Diretrizes Terapêuticas para manejo da infecção pelo HIV em adultos (PCDT) de 2013 recomenda e normatiza início de terapia antirretroviral (TARV) em pacientes com qualquer contagem de LTCD4. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o primeiro ano de TARV de pacientes em acompanhamento em um centro de referência em HIV/AIDS de Fortaleza, Ceará. Método: O estudo descritivo revisou formulários de solicitação de início e modificação de TARV em pacientes que iniciaram tratamento entre janeiro e julho de 2014. Foram avaliadas todas as mudanças que ocorreram durante o primeiro ano de terapia. Os dados foram analisados no programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versão 20. Foram calculados médias, desvios padrão, frequências, testes t Student e Mann-Whitney, com significância de p<0,05. Resultados: Dos 527 pacientes que iniciaram TARV, 16,5% (n=87) realizaram troca no primeiro ano. A maioria era do sexo masculino (59,8%; n=52), de 20 a 39 anos, com apenas uma mudança da TARV (72,4%; n=63). Efavirenz foi o fármaco mais substituído, seguido por tenofovir, zidovudina e lopinavir/ritonavir. O tempo médio de ocorrência das modificações da TARV foi de 120 dias, tendo reações adversas como causas principais. TARV foi efetiva na queda da carga viral desde o 2ºmês de tratamento (p=0,003) e na elevação de LTCD4 desde o 5º mês (p<0,001). Conclusão: Os principais fatores envolvidos em modificações de TARV inicial foram reações adversas, com apenas uma mudança de esquema na maioria dos pacientes. O manejo da TARV estava de acordo com o PCDT de 2013.

Efetividade do tratamento antirretroviral nas primeiras 48 semanas após seu início, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais - 2010 a 2013 / Effectiveness of antiretroviral treatment in the first 48 weeks after its beginning, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais - 2010 to 2013

Introdução: Após mais de 30 anos da epidemia e apesar de grandes conquistas, o impacto da infecção HIV/Aids representa ainda grande problema em todo o mundo, permanecendo como um desafio a ser vencido. Método: Trata-se estudo de coorte que avalia a efetividade da terapia antirretroviral (TARV) no primeiro ano de sua introdução. Analisou-se apenas efetividade através da quantificação da carga viral (CV) 48 semanas após o início. Trocas relacionadas à intolerância e evento adverso não foram consideradas falha terapêutica. O estudo foi conduzido no Serviço de Referência em Doenças Infecto-parasitárias (CTR/DIP) Orestes Diniz, em Belo Horizonte, MG, entre outubro de 2010 e janeiro de 2013. Foram incluídos 182 pacientes que preencheram os critérios inclusão. Resultados: Houve predomínio do sexo masculino, maioria abaixo 50 anos. Encontrou-se elevada prevalência de grupos de maior vulnerabilidade para exposição ao HIV, como homens que fazem sexo com homens, que representavam 43,4% da amostra do estudo. A efetividade geral, avaliada através da proporção de CV < limite de detecção, foi 91% (166/182). Análises univariada e multivariada não encontraram associação entre variáveis estudadas e a efetividade do tratamento. Conclusão: Observou-se alta taxa sucesso terapêutico avaliado através da CV, entretanto o grande desafio é a manutenção dos indivíduos no cuidado e adesão ao tratamento. Destaca-se também menor percentual de início tardio da TARV em relação outros estudos brasileiros, entretanto, ainda elevado em relação aos países desenvolvidos. Apesar disso, as respostas imunovirológicas foram superiores às descritas pelo Ministério da Saúde e alguns estudos de eficácia. (AU)

Introduction: After more than 30 years of epidemic and despite all achievements, HIV infection represents healthy problem that still has to be faced. Methods: It is cohort study that analyzes the efficacy of TARV after a year of use. It has studied the effectiveness through the quantification of viral load (VL) change after 48 weeks of use. The changes related to intolerance or adverse effects were not considered as therapeutic failure. The study was conduced in outpatient clinic in Belo Horizonte, MG. It was include 182 patients with HIV that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results: There were found 91% of efficacy. There were more male patients, and the majority was younger than 50 years. The vulnerable group, like men who have sex with men, was the majority (43.4%). Conclusion: There was a high rate of therapeutic success assessed by VL. However, the biggest challenge is the maintenance of the patients in the treatment. This study also highlights the lower percentage of late onset of TARV compared with other Brazilian studies. Unfortunately, our percentage is s higher compared with develop countries. Despite of that, immune and viral response in this study was higher than the values described by Ministry of Health. It is important to remember that our study did not considered the change of initial antiretroviral treatment due intolerance or toxicity as a failed and that could had increased the success rate of this cohort. (AU)

Evolución de las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de pacientes adultos del programa nacional al inicio de la terapia anti-retroviral en la Cohorte Chilena de SIDA, 2001-2015 / Evolution of epidemiological and clinical characteristics of adults patients belonging to the national program at start of antiretroviral therapy in the Chilean AIDS Cohort, 2001-2015

Background: Chilean AIDS Cohort is the oldest and extensive in Latin America and one of most numerous and with longer follow up time to international level. Records information from 14,873 patients out of approximately 22,000 in antiretroviral therapy in the public system and its results have allowed to know the national reality and have contributed to the adoption of public policies. Aim: To describe the demographic, clinical and immunological characteristics of patients who have started ART in Chile and its evolution over the past 15 years. Patients and Methods: The cases were stratified by five-year periods: 2001-2005, 2006-2010 and 2011-2015. The data analysis included calculating proportions, their respective confidence intervals 95% and X² test for significance analysis was applied. Results: 17.4% of patients starting ART are women and the proportion has remained relatively constant. The highest proportion of new HIV cases are 30 and 39 years old, nevertheless the layer of 15-29 years demonstrates a significant increase from 21.7 to 36.4% in 2011-2015 especially in men. 12.1% of new cases are older than 50 years old with a stable trend over time; however, women over 50 have increased from 11.0 to 15.6%. Antiretroviral therapy initiation with CD4+ T lymphocytes less than 200 cells/mm³ has decreased from 79.7 to 42.4% and in stage C from 45.4 to 22.6%. Late presentation to antiretroviral therapy is higher in men but this gap has narrowed in the last five years. Pneumocystis jiroveci, wasting syndrome, tuberculosis, Kaposi’s sarcoma and esophageal candidiasis are the most common opportunistic diseases without significant changes in the three-year periods analyzed. In the last five years, 15.5% of opportunistic diseases occurs in patients with CD4+ TL > 200 cells/mm3. Discussion: Despite the limitations of observational studies present report describes the characteristics and evolution of the epidemics in Chile in the last 15 years. The infection occurs at younger ages in men, whereas in women there is an increase over 50 years old. Despite advances in treatment access have reduced late presentation to therapy, important challenges remain to achieve more timely initiation of antiretroviral therapy in accordance with WHO 90-90-90 goals.

Introducción: La Cohorte Chilena de SIDA es la más antigua y extensa de Latinoamérica y una de las más numerosas y con mayor tiempo de seguimiento a nivel internacional. Registra información de 14.873 pacientes de los aproximadamente 22.000 en TARV en el sistema público y sus resultados han permitido conocer la realidad nacional y han contribuido a la adopción de políticas públicas. El objetivo de este estudio es describir las características demográficas, clínicas e inmunológicas de los pacientes que han comenzado TARV en Chile y su evolución en los últimos 15 años. Pacientes y Métodos: Los casos fueron estratificados por quinquenios: 2001-2005, 2006-2010 y 2011-2015. El análisis de los datos incluyó el cálculo de proporciones, sus respectivos intervalos de confianza 95% y se aplicó test de X² para análisis de significación. Resultados: El 17,4% de los casos que inician TARV corresponde a mujeres y la proporción se ha mantenido relativamente constante. Por edad, destaca el grupo de adultos entre 30 y 39 años aunque el estrato de 15-29 años evidencia un importante aumento desde 21,7 a 36,4% en 2011-2015, especialmente en hombres. Un 12,1% del total de los inicios de TARV son mayores de 50 años con una tendencia estable en el tiempo; sin embargo, las mujeres mayores de 50 años han aumentado de 11,0 a 15,6%. El inicio de TARV con LT CD4 menor de 200 céls/mm³ ha disminuido desde 79,7 a 42,4% y en etapa C desde 45,4 a 22,6%. La presentación tardía a TARV es mayor en hombres pero esta diferencia se ha reducido en el último quinquenio. Neumonía por Pneumocystis jiroveci, síndrome consuntivo, tuberculosis, sarcoma de Kaposi y candidiasis esofágica son las enfermedades oportunistas más frecuentes sin cambios significativos en los tres quinquenios analizados. En el último quinquenio, 15,5% de las enfermedades oportunistas se presenta en pacientes con LT CD4 > 200 céls/mm³. Discusión: Pese a las limitaciones de los estudios observacionales el presente reporte describe las características y evolución de la epidemia en Chile en los últimos 15 años. La infección se presenta a edades más jóvenes en hombres, mientras que en mujeres hay un aumento en mayores de 50 años. Pese a los avances en acceso a tratamiento que han permitido reducir la presentación a tardía a terapia, aún persisten importantes desafíos para alcanzar un inicio de TARV más oportuno, en concordancia con las metas 90-90-90 de OMS.

Infección por VIH/SIDA en niños y adolescentes: cohorte chilena 1987-2014 / HIV/AIDS infection in children and adolescents: Chilean cohort 1987-2014

The present document describes the Cohort of HIV/AIDS children detected in Chile from 1987 to August 2014 and the effectiveness of the Protocol for Prevention of Vertical Transmission (PPVT) of HIV infection. Of the 375 HIV infected children enrolled since 1987 to August 2014, 245 of them are still in pediatric control. From the analysis of the Cohort is inferred that: a) it has observed an improvement in the detection of the HIV infected child, in number and precocious time; b) the majority of these children continue to be detected by clinic symptoms and signs (mainly unspecific and infectious manifestations); c) the ARVT use has meant a clinic and immunologic improvement with diminution of the infections, principally opportunistic infections, with a better life quality, a prolongation of survival and a diminution of lethality; d) as more survival has been produced, cancer has begun to be detected, a very infrequent complication observed in them before the ARVT use. The PPVT started in 1995, and was reinforced in 2005 with the "Joint Norm of HIV and Syphilis Vertical Transmission Prevention" (MINSAL), both have meant a diminution of the HIV vertical transmission from > 35% (before 1995) to < 2% nowadays in the mother-child binomial; also have permitted a second generation of HIV exposed children born without infection. In spite this PPVT, still HIV infected child continue to be detected which imply failures in some points of the health system.

Se presentan datos de la cohorte de niños con infección por VIH/SIDA detectados en Chile desde el año 1987 a agosto de 2014 y datos de la transmisión vertical (TV) del VIH con uso de protocolos de prevención de TV (PPTV). De los 375 niños infectados con VIH en este período, siguen en control pediátrico 245. Del análisis de la cohorte se desprende que: a) ha habido una mejoría en la pesquisa de los niños infectados con VIH, tanto en número como en precocidad; b) estos niños siguen detectándose, en su mayoría, por hechos clínicos (manifestaciones inespecíficas e infecciosas principalmente); c) el uso de TARV ha significado una mejoría clínica e inmunológica con disminución de las infecciones, principalmente las oportunistas, con una mejor calidad de vida, prolongación de la sobrevida, y disminución de la letalidad; d) por su mayor sobrevida, se ha observado el desarrollo de cánceres, muy infrecuentes en ellos antes del uso de terapia anti-retroviral. La aplicación de Protocolos de Prevención de la TV desde 1995, reforzada el 2005 con la “Norma Conjunta de la Prevención de la Transmisión Vertical del VIH y Sífilis” (MINSAL), ha significado una disminución de la TV del VIH desde más de 35% (antes de 1995) a < 2% actualmente en los binomios en prevención; además ha permitido que una segunda generación de niños expuestos al VIH nazca no infectada. A pesar de estos PPTV, aún siguen naciendo niños infectados con VIH, lo que implica fallas en algunos puntos del sistema de salud.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy of Brazilian HIV-infected children and their caregivers

Abstract Background Successful treatment of HIV-positive children requires a high level of adherence (at least 95%) to highly active antiretroviral therapy. Adherence is influenced by factors related to the child and caregivers. Objectives To evaluate children and caregivers characteristics associated to children's adherence. Methods Cross-sectional study, from September 2013 to June 2015, comprising a sample of caregivers of perinatally HIV-infected children, in the age group of 1–12 years, under antiretroviral therapy for at least 6 months and on follow-up in two AIDS reference centers in Salvador, Bahia. Caregiver self-reports were the sole source of 4 days adherence and sociodemographic information. Study participants who reported an intake >95% of prescribed medication were considered adherents. A variable, (“Composed Adherence”), was created to better evaluate adherence. Results We included 77 children and their caregivers. 88.3% of the caregivers were female, the median age was 38.0 years (IQR 33.5–47.5), 48.1% were white or mixed, 72.7% lived in Salvador and 53.2% had no fixed income. The 4 days child's adherence was associated only to caregivers that received less than a minimum salary (p < 0.05), 70.1% of the caregivers had less than four years of formal education, 81.8% were children's relative and 53.2% of the caregivers were HIV positive. The caregiver's pharmacy refill, long-term adherence and 4 days adherence, were significantly associated with composed adherence (p < 0.05). Child's long-term adherence was strongly associated to the 4 days child's adherence referred by caregiver (p < 0.001). Conclusions Our results suggest the need of improvement in HIV-infected children adherence, through reinforcement of the caregivers own adherence.

Vitamin D status in a Brazilian cohort of adolescents and young adults with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus infection

The purpose was to determine the prevalence and related factors of vitamin D (VitD) insufficiency in adolescents and young adults with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus. A cohort of 65 patients (17.6 ± 2 years) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were examined for pubertal development, nutrition, serum parathormone and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [s25(OH)D]. s25(OH)D levels < 30 ng/mL (< 75 nmol/L) were defined as VitD insufficiency. CD4+ T-cell counts and viral load, history of worst clinical status, immunologic status as nadir, current immunologic status, and antiretroviral (ART) regimen were also evaluated as risk factors for VitD insufficiency. Mean s25(OH)D was 37.7 ± 13.9 ng/mL and 29.2% had VitD insufficiency. There was no difference between VitD status and gender, age, nutritional status, clinical and immunological classification, and type of ART. Only VitD consumption showed tendency of association with s25(OH)D (p = 0.064). Individuals analysed in summer/autumn season had a higher s25(OH)D compared to the ones analysed in winter/spring (42.6 ± 14.9 vs. 34.0 ± 11.9, p = 0.011). Although, the frequency of VitD insufficiency did not differ statistically between the groups (summer/autumn 17.9% vs. winter/spring 37.8%, p = 0.102), we suggest to monitor s25(OH)D in seropositive adolescents and young adults, especially during winter/spring months, even in sunny regions.

Adesão a terapia antirretroviral: percepção das mulheres que vivem com HIV/aids

A adesão ao esquema terapêutico antirretroviral é ao mesmo tempo um dos maiores desafios para o sucesso do tratamento do HIV/aids e a mais poderosa arma contra a aids. Este estudo teve como objetivos: Medir o grau de adesão a Terapia Antirretroviral; Descrever a percepção que as mulheres que vivem com HIV/aids tem sobre o significado da adesão ao tratamento; Identificar os fatores que facilitam e/ou dificultam as mulheres que vivem com HIV/aids na adesão ao tratamento; Discutir formas de melhorar a adesão ao tratamento, na visão das mulheres que vivem com HIV/aids. Para fundamentar a dissertação, o referencial teórico baseia-se no conceito de cuidado de si de Michel Foucault. Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo descritiva exploratória, com abordagem mista. Os participantes do estudo foram 87 mulheres que vivem com HIV/aids e estão em acompanhamento ambulatorial há pelo menos 6 meses. Os cenários escolhidos foram quatro ONG do município do Rio de Janeiro, o Projeto Reiki e Floral (EEAN/UFRJ) e o Serviço de Atendimento Especializado do Hospital Escola São Francisco de Assis. No seguimento quantitativo, a estratégia adotada para a coleta de dados foi a de aplicação do “Cuestionario para la Evaluación de la Adhesión al Tratamiento Antirretroviral” (CEAT-VIH), utilizado para avaliar a adesão à terapia antirretroviral. No seguimento qualitativo, foi utilizado um roteiro semi estruturado que apresentava uma breve caracterização e abordava a percepção da mulher em relação à adesão ao tratamento. Os dados qualitativos foram tratados e analisados utilizando-se análise temática proposta por Laurence Bardin e para a análise dos dados quantitativos foi utilizado o programa estatístico Epi Info®...

Adherence to antiretroviral treatment regimen is both a major challenge for the successfultreatment of HIV / AIDS and the most powerful weapon against AIDS. This study aimed to:Measure the degree of adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy; Describe the perception thatwomen living with HIV / AIDS have on the meaning of adherence to treatment; Identify thefactors that facilitate and / or hinder women living with HIV / AIDS treatment adherence;Discuss some ways to improve adherence to treatment, in view of women living with HIV /AIDS. In support of the thesis, the theoretical reference is based on the concept of self-care ofMichel Foucault. This is an exploratory descriptive survey, with mixed approach. The studyparticipants were 87 women living with HIV / AIDS, are in attendance for at least 6. Thescenarios chosen were four ONG in the city of Rio de Janeiro, the project Reiki and Floral(EEAN / UFRJ) and the Specialized Service of the São Francisco de Assis Hospital. Thequantitative follow-up, the strategy adopted for data collection was the application of the“Cuestionario para la Evaluación de la Adhesión al Tratamiento Antirretroviral” (CEATVIH),used to evaluate adherence to antiretroviral therapy. In the qualitative follow-up, it wasused a semi-structured script with a brief description and the perception of women in relationto treatment adherence. Qualitative data were processed and analyzed using the thematicanalysis proposed by Laurence Bardin and for the analysis of quantitative data, the Epi Info® program was used...

The influence of depressive symptoms and substance use on adherence to antiretroviral therapy. A cross-sectional prevalence study / A influência dos sintomas depressivos e do uso de substâncias na adesão à terapia antirretroviral. Um estudo transversal de prevalência

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) is not a stable condition, but is dynamic, like mental conditions. The aim of this study was to examine whether non-adherence to ART is related to demographic and immunological variables, substance use and presence of depressive symptoms. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional prevalence study carried out at a public AIDS treatment center in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, between July 2006 and January 2007. METHODS: 438 patients on regular ART schedules with recent laboratory tests answered a demographic questionnaire, questions about substance use, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ). RESULTS: The prevalence of non-adherence over the past three months (a pattern of treatment interruption) was 46.3%, and 27.2% also reported this in the past week (a pattern of missed doses). ART interruption was significantly related to older age, lower CD4+ cell count and homosexual/bisexual transmission. The pattern of missed doses was significantly related to younger age, higher HDRS scores and higher viral load of RNA HIV. CONCLUSION: ART interruption may reflect recall errors and changes to the Brazilian demographic characteristics of HIV infection. The missed doses may reflect lifestyle characteristics of younger individuals. Attendance for HIV-positive individuals, particularly younger patients, should involve interventions and counseling in relation to the presence of depressive symptoms. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral (TARV) não é uma condição estável, mas dinâmica, como os transtornos mentais. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se a não adesão ao TARV relaciona-se às variáveis demográficas e imunológicas, ao uso de substâncias e à presença de sintomas depressivos. DESENHO E LOCAL: Este estudo transversal de prevalência foi realizado em um serviço público para tratamento de pessoas HIV-positivas na cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, entre julho 2006 e janeiro 2007. MÉTODOS: 438 pacientes em regime regular de TARV, que tinham exames laboratoriais recentes, responderam a questionário demográfico, questões sobre uso de substâncias, Escala de Hamilton para Depressão (HAM-D) e Questionário Simplificado de Adesão à Medicação (QSAM). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de não adesão nos últimos três meses (um padrão de interrupção de tratamento) foi de 46,3% e de 27,2% na última semana (um padrão de perda de doses). A interrupção do TARV relacionou-se significativamente a maior idade, menor contagem de células CD4+ e contágio homo/bissexual, enquanto o padrão de perda de doses relacionou-se significativamente com idade mais jovem, pontuação mais alta na HAM-D e maior carga viral de RNA HIV. CONCLUSÃO: A interrupção do TARV pode refletir erros de memória e mudanças nas características demográficas brasileiras da infecção por HIV. A perda de doses pode refletir aspectos de estilo de vida de indivíduos mais jovens. O atendimento de indivíduos HIV-positivos, particularmente os mais jovens, deve envolver intervenções e aconselhamento em relação à presença de sintomas depressivos. .

Non-compliance to Antiretroviral Therapy:Road Blocks and Possible Solutions.

A hospital based interventional study was done at Anti Retroviral Therapy centre (ART) of SMS Medical College during August 2010 to January 2011 with the objectives of finding out the proportion of patients who did not adhere to ART, its associated factors, reasons for non-compliance and determine the effect of reinforced counselling through interpersonal communication addressing patient specific reasons and solution for increasing compliance. There were 2841 HIV patients on ART during study period and on an average 381 (13%) of them did not adhere to ART. Age, literacy, unemployment, presence of co-infections were significantly associated with non-compliance while marital status, sex of patient, area of living, family size, distance from ART centre and type of ART regime were not associated with non-compliance. Reasons stated for not coming to collect drugs or not consuming them were mainly patients were travelling, forget to take the pills, no one was there to accompany them, no money for fare, busy in agriculture or other day to day activities. 100 randomly selected non-compliant patients were offered reinforced counselling with focus on patient specific reasons for non compliance and with an intention to encourage the patients to come up with solutions in prevailing circumstances. 74 patients started taking drugs regularly at the end of study. One patient out of these hundred died during study period.