Le taux de lymphocytes T CD4 au diagnostic de la séropositivité au virus de l'immunodéficience humaine à Libreville, 2022 / CD4 T lymphocyte count at diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity in Libreville, 2022

Introduction. L'efficacité du traitement antirétroviral dans la restauration immunitaire dépend fortement du stade de l'infection et du taux de lymphocyte TCD4 au moment de l'introduction du traitement. Nous avons évalué le taux de lymphocytes TCD4 à la découverte de la séropositivité au VIH pour caractériser le niveau d'infection de chaque patient. Matériel et méthodes. C'est une étude transversale et descriptive qui s'est déroulée dans le laboratoire de virologie de la faculté de médecine de Libreville. Nous avons analysé les données de la cohorte DERIRADO. Résultats. Nous avons inclus 133 patients. L'âge médian était de 45 ans (Q1-Q3 :37 ; 52). La médiane de LTCD4 était de 388 cellules/mm3 (Q1-Q3 : 250 ; 556). Le diagnostic était avancé chez 112 (84%) patients. Conclusion. La découverte de la séropositivité au Virus de l'Immunodéficience Humaine est faite à un stade d'immunodépression avancé chez la majorité des patients. Ce constat relève la nécessité de mettre en route les politiques de sensibilisation pour cibler les populations clés et amener le plus grand nombre au dépistage de l'infection par le Virus de l'Immunodéficience Humaine si l'on veut diminuer la courbe de transmission.

Introduction. The effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy in immune restoration largely depends on the stage of infection and the TCD4 lymphocyte count at the time of treatment initiation. We evaluated the rate of TCD4 lymphocytes at the discovery of HIV seropositivity to characterize the level of infection of each patient. Methods. This was a cross sectional descriptive and analytic study whose setting was the laboratory of virology of the faculty of medicine of Libreville. Our data source was DERIRADO cohort. Results. We included 133 patients. The median age was 45 (Q1- Q3:37;52). The median LTCD4 was 388 cells/mm3 (Q1-Q3: 250; 556). The diagnosis was advanced in 112 (84%) patients. Conclusion. The diagnosis of seropositivity to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is made at a stage of immunosuppression in the majority of patients. This highlights the need to implement sensitization policies to target key populations and bring as many people as possible to screening in order to reduce the transmission curve

Sarcoma de Kaposi en personas que viven con VIH-SIDA en un hospital público de referencia en Perú / Kaposi's sarcoma in people living with HIV/aids in a public referral hospital in Peru

RESUMEN El sarcoma de Kaposi (SK) es el cáncer más frecuente en las personas que viven con VIH. Las investigaciones sobre esta condición son escasas en la región, por lo que, el objetivo de este artículo fue describir las características demográficas, clínicas y terapéuticas de los pacientes con VIH que desarrollaron SK en el Hospital Cayetano Heredia entre el 2000 y 2018. Se identificaron 129 casos de SK, con una mediana de edad de 33 años, con predominio en varones con el 92% (119/129), y en su mayoría hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). La mediana de tiempo desde el diagnóstico de VIH hasta el del SK fue de cinco meses, asociado con un recuento de linfocitos CD4 de 64 células/µL (RIC: 33-185) al momento del diagnóstico de SK. El compromiso cutáneo fue el más común; sin embargo, al menos la mitad de ellos también tuvo la forma visceral.

ABSTRACT Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most frequent cancer in people living with HIV. Research on this condition is scarce in the region, therefore, this article aimed to describe the demographic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of patients with HIV who developed KS at the Cayetano Heredia Hospital between 2000 and 2018. A total of 129 KS cases were identified, with a median age of 33 years, predominantly males with 92% (119/129), and mostly men who have sex with men (MSM). The median time from HIV diagnosis to KS diagnosis was five months, associated with a CD4 lymphocyte count of 64 cells/μL (IQR: 33-185) at KS diagnosis. Cutaneous involvement was the most common presentation; however, at least half also had the visceral form.

Comparative analysis of anal colposcopy with histology in the follow-up of patients under treatment for anal condyloma

Objectives: To compare morphological abnormalities on anal colposcopy against histology to determine anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). Methods: This is a retrospective data assessment of HIV-negative and HIV-positive patients undergoing outpatient follow-up. The sample comprised 54 patients presenting acetowhite lesions on anal colposcopy. Acetowhite lesions were classified according to their morphology into punctation, verrucous, mosaic, ulcerated, or hypervascularized, and biopsies of these specimens were classified as anal HSIL, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), or normal. The data were analyzed using SPSS forWindows version 13.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The results were analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney test, the Fisher exact test and the chi-squared parametric test. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was used and a level of significance <5% was adopted for all statistical tests. Results Fifty-four patients (50 males, 80% HIV+) with biopsied acetowhite lesions were assessed. There were 31 punctation lesions, 1 classified as HSIL (3.2%; 95%CI: 0- 40.0), 17 verrucous lesions, 3 HSIL (17.7%; 95%CI: 0-10.7), and 1 ulcerated, classified as HSIL (100%), and 4 mosaic and 1 atypical vessel lesion, all classified as LSIL. The results showed no association of presence of anal HSIL with positivity for HIV infection or with counts above or below 500/µl in HIV+patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test, the Fisher exact test, and the chi-squared parametric test. Conclusion: The comparison of morphological findings on anal colposcopy against histology revealed no morphological pattern suggesting anal HSIL. (AU)

Moringa supplementation improves immunological indices and hematological abnormalities in seropositive patients receiving HAARTs

Background: Moringa oleifera Lam. is known to be of high nutritional and medicinal importance and has been demonstrated to possess a variety of biological activities. Objective: This study investigated the beneficial role of M. oleifera (moringa) supplementation in HIV positive subjects receiving antiretroviral drugs. Methods: Adult HIV positive individuals (104) attending the medical outpatient clinic in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapies (HAARTs) were recruited in a randomized fashion for the study. Half of the subjects received moringa supplement (20 mg daily) additionally, while the others received only HAART and represented the control group. All subjects were monitored for 3 months during which their immunological status (CD4 counts and TNF-α), and hematological abnormalities at pre (baseline) and post study periods were determined. Results: Baseline levels of CD4 increased while TNF-α decreased significantly in control and moringa supplemented groups (p < 0.01). However, the post study CD4 values in the moringa group were higher and TNF-α values were lower compared to the control group (p < 0.01). In addition, baseline hematological abnormalities (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia) were improved but most significantly in the moringa supplemented subjects. Conclusion: The results suggest that moringa has immune-beneficial properties and improved hematological abnormalities in HIV positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Actualités au cours de l'évolution de l'infection à VIH sida dans un centre de référence: à propos de 327 cas colligés dans le service de médecine interne du CHU de Bouake, Côte d'Ivoire / News during the evolution of HIV/AIDS infection in a reference center about 327 cases collected in the internal medicine department of the Bouake teaching hospital, Ivory Coast

Introduction : Les maladies opportunistes surviennent chez les personnes vivant avec le VIH (PvVIH) dans les situations de prise en charge tardive. En absence de traitements efficace, la multiplication du virus est inévitable et les personnes concernées sont confrontées à une baisse de leur immunité [1]. C'est dans cette situation que des infections opportunistes se déclarent. Objectif: contribuer à une meilleure connaissance des affections opportunistes liées au VIH Méthode : L'étude s'est déroulée dans le service de Médecine Interne du CHU de Bouaké du 1er janvier 2017 au 31 décembre 2020. C'était une étude rétrospective et transversale qui a concerné les dossiers de patients infectés par le VIH hospitalisés dans ledit service. Résultats : L'analyse a noté 327 cas de dossiers complets sur 3815. La prévalence hospitalière était de 8,5%. L'âge moyen était de 36,2 ans et le sex ratio de 0,83. 65,3% des patients n'ont découvert leur statut sérologique que pendant l'hospitalisation dont les motifs étaient dominés par l'altération de l'état général (36,8%) suivi du coma (19,2%). 84,5% des patients avaient le VIH1. Le taux moyen de CD4 était de 50,5% cellules/mm3 . Les affections opportunistes étaient dominées par la tuberculose (41,8% des cas) et la plus létale était la maladie de Kaposi digestif dans 100% des cas. Conclusion: les patients étaient hospitalisés au stade d'altération de l'état général et de coma d'où la forte létalité. La tuberculose était la principale affection opportuniste. Ces résultats montrent avec beaucoup d'intérêt l'importance de la sensibilisation de la population sur le VIH et la nécessité du dépistage précoce.

Introduction: Opportunistic diseases occur in people living with HIV (PvHIV) in situations of late treatment. In the absence of effective treatments, the multiplication of the virus is inevitable and the people concerned are confronted with a drop in their immune defenses [1, 2]. It is in this situation that opportunistic infections occur Objective: to contribute to a better understanding of opportunistic infections linked to HIV. Method: The study took place in the Internal Medicine department of the Bouake University Hospital from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020. It was a retrospective and cross-sectional study which concerned the files of patients infected with HIV hospitalized in the said department. Results: The analysis noted 327 cases of complete records out of 3815. The hospital prevalence of 8.5%. The mean age was 36 years and the sex ratio 0.83. 65.3% of patients only discovered their serological status during hospitalization, the reasons for which were dominated by deterioration in general condition (36%) followed by coma (19.2%). 84.5% of patients had HIV1. The average CD4 count was 50.5% cell/mm3. Opportunistic diseases were dominated by tuberculosis (38% of cases) and the most lethal was digestive Kaposi in 100% of cases. Conclusion: Most of our patients were without social security and did not know their HIV status. These patients were hospitalized at the stage of impaired general condition and coma, hence the high lethality observed. The main opportunistic infections were tuberculosis, cerebral toxoplasmosis and digestive mycoses. These results show with great interest the importance of sensitizing the general population on HIV AIDS and the need for early detection of these opportunistic diseases.

Recent HIV infections: evaluation of a simple identification score for newly diagnosed patients

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Recognize incident infection to better characterize the groups that fuel HIV epidemic. We propose a simple score to identify recent infections among newly diagnosed patients as a HIV surveillance tool. METHODS Newly diagnosed patients were defined as recent infections when a negative serological test in the previous year was available. Laboratory tests, such as the avidity index (Bio-Rad, according to the CEPHIA protocol), chemiluminescent intensity (CMIA, architect, Abbott), and the nucleotide ambiguity index of partial pol sequences were used as proxies of recency. A simple score based on clinical symptoms of acute retroviral syndrome during the previous year, CD4+ T cell count, and viral load at admission was tested to assess the predictive power, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, to identify recent cases of infection. RESULTS We evaluated 204 recently diagnosed patients who were admitted to the Ambulatório de Referência em Moléstias Infecciosas de Santo André (Santo André Reference Infectious Diseases Outpatient Clinic), in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil, recruited between 2011 and 2018. An HIV-negative test in the year prior to enrollment was documented in 37% of participants. The proportion of cases classified as recent infections (less than one year), according to the laboratory proxies were: 37% (67/181) for an avidity index < 40%, 22% (30/137) for a CMIA < 200, and 68% (124/181) for an ambiguity index < 0.5%. Using different combinations of recency definitions, our score showed an area under the ROC curve from 0.66 to 0.87 to predict recency. CONCLUSIONS Using data from patients' interviews and routine laboratory tests at admission, a simple score may provide information on HIV recency and thus, a proxy for HIV incidence to guide public policies. This simple for the Brazilian public health system and other low- and middle-income countries.

Assessing the underreporting of deaths among people living with HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2014 to 2019 / Avaliação da subnotificação de óbitos em pessoas vivendo com HIV no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre 2014 e 2019 / Evaluando el subregistro de muertes entre personas que viven con VIH en Río de Janeiro, Brasil, de 2014 a 2019

Abstract: We assessed the proportions and causes of the underreporting of deaths among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 2014 to 2019. Demographic variables, mention of tuberculosis (TB), and CD4 cell counts closest to death were used to compare those who had HIV/AIDS mentioned on their death certificate (HMDC) to those who did not. Out of 10,698 deaths, 2,863 (26.8%) had no HMDC, from which 412 (14.4%) had external underlying cause. After excluding deaths from external causes, we found that 24% still had no HMDC. Age ≥ 40 years (OR = 1.75; 95%CI: 1.52-2.01), non-white race/ethnicity (OR = 1.16; 95%CI: 1.02-1.31), the male gender (OR = 1.25; 95%CI: 1.11-1.42), higher CD4 cell counts closest to death (OR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.12-1.16), absence of TB (OR = 4.86; 95%CI: 3.76-6.29) and not dying within a hospital (OR = 2.61; 95%CI: 2.31-2.95) were associated with increased probabilities of not having HMDC. The proportion of deaths with no HMDC increased from 18.7% to 35.1% between 2014 and 2019. The high proportion of underreported deaths in Rio de Janeiro indicates that HIV/AIDS mortality coefficients in the state may be underestimated. With the changing patterns of mortality of PLHIV, physicians are advised to consider the broader clinical spectrum of HIV infection, and surveillance officers should improve death monitoring.

Resumo: Os autores avaliaram as proporções de subnotificação de óbitos e fatores associados em pessoas vivendo com HIV (PVHIV) no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, entre 2014 e 2019. Variáveis demográficas, menção de tuberculose (TB) e contagem de células CD4 mais próxima ao óbito foram utilizadas para comparar indivíduos que tiveram códigos para HIV/aids mencionados na declaração de óbito (HMDO) àqueles que não apresentaram tal menção. Entre 10.698 certidões de óbito, 2.863 (26.8%) não citaram HIV/aids. Entre estes, 412 (14,4%) apresentaram causas externas como a causa subjacente. Depois de excluir as causas externas, 24% das certidões não mencionaram HIV/aids. Idade acima de 40 anos (OR = 1,75; IC95%: 1,52-2,01), raça/etnicidade não branca (OR = 1,16; IC95%: 1,02-1,31), sexo masculino (OR = 1,25; IC95%: 1,11-1,42), contagem de CD4 mais alta próximo ao óbito (OR = 1,14; IC95%: 1,12-1,16), não ter TB (OR = 4,86; IC95%: 3,76-6,29) e morte extra-hospitalar (OR = 2,61; IC95%: 2,31-2,95) mostraram associação com aumento de probabilidade de não apresentar HMDO. A proporção de certidões de óbito que não citavam HIV/aids aumentou de 18,7% para 35,1% entre 2014 e 2019. A alta proporção de óbitos subnotificados no Rio de Janeiro indica a possível subestimação dos coeficientes de mortalidade por HIV/aids no estado. A mudança nos padrões de mortalidade em PVHIV desafia tanto os médicos, no sentido de considerar o espectro clínico mais amplo na infecção pelo HIV, quanto os especialistas em vigilância, no sentido de aprimorar o monitoramento da mortalidade.

Resumen: Evaluamos los porcentajes y factores asociados con el subregistro de muertes entre personas afectadas por VIH (PLHIV) en Río de Janeiro, Brasil, desde 2014 a 2019. Se utilizaron variables demográficas, mención de tuberculosis (TB) y recuentos de células CD4 más cercanos al fallecimiento, para comparar a quienes tenían VIH/SIDA reflejado en el certificado de defunción (HMDC), con quienes no lo tenían. De las 10.698 muertes, 2.863 (26,8%) no tuvieron HMDC. De entre ellos, 412 (14,4%) tenían causas externas como causa subyacente. Tras excluir las causas externas, un 24% no tuvieron HMDC. Edad ≥ 40 años (OR = 1,75; IC95%: 1,52-2,01), raza no blanca raza/etnicidad (OR = 1,16; IC95%: 1,02-1,31), género masculino (OR = 1,25; IC95%: 1,11-1,42), recuentos de células CD4 más altos más cercanos a la muerte (OR = 1,14; IC95%: 1,12-1,16), que no tenían TB (OR = 4,86; IC95%: 3,76-6,29), y que no murieron en un hospital (OR = 2,61; IC95%: 2,31-2,95), estuvieron asociados con probabilidades crecientes de no tener HMDC. La proporción de muertes que no tenían HMDC aumentó de un 18,7% a un 35,1% entre 2014 y 2019. La alta proporción de muertes subregistradas en Río de Janeiro indican que los coeficientes de mortalidad VIH/SIDA en el estado quizás estaban subestimados. Los patrones cambiantes de mortalidad suponen un desafío para las PLHIV, así como para los médicos, a la hora de considerar infección por VIH dentro de un espectro clínico más amplio, al igual que para los agentes de supervisión, con el fin de mejorar el monitoreo de muertes.

Epidemiological characteristics and adherence of a cohort of elderly people with HIV/AIDS in the Public Health System

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize the epidemiological profile of patients aged 50 years or older diagnosed as HIV/AIDS, in a Specialized Service of the Public Health System. Methods A retrospective cohort study using secondary data from medical records in the period 2014 to 2018. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and features related to treatment adherence were organized in a database. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean (or median) ± standard deviation (or interquartile range), and categorical variables expressed as number and percentage of patients. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to assess the probability of overall specific survival. Results Of the 241 initially eligible patients, 149 patients were evaluated, registering 19 deaths in the studied period. There was a predominance of males aged 50-59 years, with severe immunodeficiency upon admission (29.7%), and with a CD4+ T lymphocyte count below 200 cells in 62 (46.3%) of patients. Elderly people aged 61 or over were more adherent. There was an increase in the CD4+ T lymphocyte count by an average of 139.63 in the first 6 months, and 50.51 from the first 6 months to 12 months of follow-up, with an average increase in the first 12 months of 157.63 cells. Specific overall survival in the period was 85%. Conclusion Patients older than 50 years had an immune response and no viral load detection in the 12-month period, deserving further studies to improve survival.

Evolución virológica de pacientes con infección por VIH que inician terapia antirretroviral con carga viral basales muy alta / Virological evolution of patients with HIV infection that start antiretroviral therapy with a very high baseline viral load

INTRODUCCIÓN: Se desconoce el grado de supresión viral en pacientes con infección por VIH que inician terapia antirretroviral (TAR) con cargas virales (CV) muy altas. OBJETIVO: Conocer el porcentaje de supresión viral en pacientes con VIH que inician TAR con CV ≥ 500.000 copias/mL a 96 semanas. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes que iniciaron TAR con CV ≥ 500.000 copias/mL, entre los años 2008 y 2018, estratificándose en base a escala logarítmica. Se determinó el porcentaje de supresión viral, y las variables asociadas a este desenlace. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 221 pacientes. La mediana de edad y CV era de 43 años y 6,0 log, respectivamente, estando la mayoría (37%) en estadio C3 al inicio de TAR. El 48,8 y 87,7% de los pacientes logró la supresión viral al año y dos años de seguimiento, respectivamente. Se observó que, a mayor edad, a mayor inmunosupresión, y a mayor CV, mayor el tiempo para lograr la indetectabilidad. Sólo se demostró fracaso virológico en tres pacientes. DISCUSIÓN: Los pacientes con infección por VIH que inician TAR con CV muy altas demoran más tiempo en lograr la supresión viral, lo cual es proporcional a la magnitud de ésta y al grado de inmunosupresión, sin que esto conlleve mayor riesgo de fracaso virológico.

BACKGROUND: The degree of viral suppression in HIV patients who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) with very high viral loads (CV) is unknown. AIM: To know the percentage of viral suppression in HIV patients who start ART with CV ≥ 500,000 copies/mL at 96 weeks. METHOD: Retrospective study. Patients who started ART with a CV ≥ 500,000 copies/mL between 2008 and 2018 were included, stratifying on the basis of a logarithmic scale. The percentage of viral suppression and the variables associated with this outcome were determined. RESULTS: 221 patients were included. The median age and CV were 43 years and 6.0 log, respectively, with the majority (37%) being in stage C3 at the start of ART. 48.8 and 87.7% of the patients achieved viral suppression at one year and two years of follow-up, respectively. It was observed that the older the immunosuppression, and the higher CV, the longer the time to achieve undetectability. Virological failure was only demonstrated in three patients. DISCUSSION: Patients with HIV infection who start ART with very high CVs take longer to achieve viral suppression, which is proportional to the magnitude of this and the degree of immunosuppression, without this entailing a greater risk of virological failure.

Manifestaciones oculares asociadas a CD4+ en pacientes con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana / Ocular manifestations associated to CD4+ in patients with human immunodeficiency virus

Introducción: desde los primeros casos de virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), se conocen manifestaciones oculares secundarias a la infección y estas se han relacionado con el conteo de linfocitos CD4+. Objetivo: describir la correlación entre las manifestaciones oculares en pacientes con VIH y el conteo de linfocitos CD4+. Material y métodos: estudio transversal analítico de pacientes con VIH, en quienes se analizó la correlación entre conteo de CD4+ y manifestaciones oftalmológicas. Resultados: se incluyeron 21 pacientes entre 26 y 67 años de edad. Solo tres no se encontraban en terapia antirretroviral. El 67% presentó algún tipo de manifestación ocular, 42% presentó manifestaciones no relacionadas con la infección, 47% manifestaciones relacionadas y 24% ambas. La microangiopatía de la conjuntiva fue la manifestación ocular más frecuente (35.7%). Hubo una correlación estadísticamente significativa (r = 0.76, p = 0.0001) entre las manifestaciones oculares relacionadas con la infección y el conteo de linfocitos CD4+. Conclusiones: los pacientes con VIH presentan con frecuencia manifestaciones oculares, la mayoría asociadas a la infección. Existe correlación entre la presencia de estas con el conteo de CD4+; sin embargo, un número similar de manifestaciones no asociadas a la infección se presentaron sin correlación con el conteo, por lo que los pacientes con VIH deberían tener revisiones oftalmológicas periódicas, independientemente del conteo de CD4+.

Background: Since the first cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), ocular manifestations secondary to infection have been known and these have been related to the CD4+ lymphocyte count. Objective: To describe the correlation between ocular manifestations in patients with HIV and the CD4+ lymphocyte count. Material and methods: Analytical cross-sectional study of patients with HIV whose CD4+ count was correlated with the presence of ophthalmological manifestations. Results: 21 patients between 26 and 67 years were studied. Only 3 patients were not on antiretroviral therapy. 67% of the patients presented some type of ocular manifestation, 42% presented non-infection related manifestations, 47% related manifestations and 24% both. Conjunctival microangiopathy was the most frequent ocular manifestation (35.7%). There was a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.76, p = 0.0001) between eye manifestations related to infection and CD4+ lymphocyte count. Conclusions: Patients with HIV frequently present ocular manifestations, the majority related to infection; there is a correlation between the presence of these with the CD4+ count. However, a similar number of manifestations not related to infection occurred without correlation with the count; therefore, HIV patients should have periodic ophthalmological examinations, independently of CD4+ count.

Lípidos anormales y síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida: asociación de lípidos séricos con el estado del VIH / Abnormal Lipids and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: Association of Serum Lipids with HIV Status

Contexto y objetivo: las anomalías hematológicas se encuentran entre las complicaciones más comunes de la infección por el VIH. También se han realizado bastantes estudios sobre las alteraciones en el perfil de lípidos, aunque los resultados en gran medida no han sido concluyentes. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar el recuento de células CD4 y el perfil de lípidos en los pacientes infectados por el VIH y el SIDA en la población india y los correlaciona con los controles sero-negativos. Materiales y métodos: El presente estudio fue diseñado como un estudio transversal, con base en un hospital, para evaluar el recuento de células CD4 y el perfil de lípidos en los pacientes infectados por VIH y SIDA en la población india y los correlaciona con los controles sero-negativos. La evaluación del perfil de lípidos se realizó utilizando Erba EM 360, un analizador automático impulsado por un fotómetro de rejilla de difracción, mientras que los recuentos de células CD4 se evaluaron utilizando el Contador de ciclo de Partec. Análisis estadístico utilizado: Los datos se analizaron con SPSS versión 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, EE. UU.). La comparación de dichos parámetros se realizó mediante el análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y la prueba post-hoc de Games-Howell. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p <0,05. Resultados: Los niveles de colesterol total y lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) disminuyeron significativamente, mientras que los triglicéridos y las lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad (VLDL) aumentaron significativamente en los pacientes infectados por VIH y SIDA en comparación con los controles sero-negativos. Conclusión: El colesterol total, las LDL, los triglicéridos y las VLDL se alteraron significativamente en los pacientes infectados por VIH y con SIDA en comparación con los controles sero-negativos

Context and Aim: Hematological abnormalities are amongst the most common complications of infection with HIV.There have been quite a few studies on the alterations in lipid profile, too, though the results have largely been inconclusive. The present study was carried-out to assess CD4 cell counts and lipid profile in the HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population and correlates them with the sero-negative controls. Materials and Methods: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional, hospital-based study to assess CD4 cell counts and lipid profile in the HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population and correlates them with the sero-negative controls. Evaluation of lipid profile was done using Erba EM 360, an automated analyzer powered by a diffraction grating photometer while CD4 cell counts were evaluated using Partec Cyflow Counter. Statistical analysis used: The data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Comparison of the said parameters was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Games-Howell test. p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) were significantly decreased while triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) were significantly increased in the HIV infected and AIDS patients when compared with the sero-negative controls. Conclusion: Total cholesterol, LDLs, triglycerides and VLDLs were significantly altered in the HIV infected and AIDS patients when compared with the sero-negative controls

Multicomponent physical activity program to prevent body changes and metabolic disturbances associated with antiretroviral therapy and improve quality of life of people living with HIV: a pragmatic trial

OBJECTIVES: Comprehensive care for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLH) includes the promotion of healthier habits, including physical activity (PA). This study aimed to describe a multicomponent pragmatic trial protocol to assess the effect of PA in preventing body changes and metabolic disturbances, improving the quality of life of PLH starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) and present cohort characteristics. METHODS: PLH undergoing ART for ≤4 months were recruited for a randomized trial. The intervention comprised three cardiorespiratory and/or strength training sessions per week at the clinic or in public spaces for 6 months under on-site or remote supervision, and educational sessions. Participants' PA levels, cardiorespiratory fitness, anthropometric measures, strength, flexibility, quality of life, and laboratory monitoring (blood glucose and lipids, CD4 counts) at baseline and post-intervention will be compared. The pragmatic design aims to enable the assessment of intervention effectiveness in real-life conditions. RESULTS: At baseline, our cohort of 38 recently diagnosed patients (mean time since HIV diagnosis and duration of ART were 3 and 2.58 months, respectively) were predominantly male, young, with high schooling and good immune status (median CD4 count=498 cells/mm3). Twenty-two (57.9%) patients reported a PA below the World Health Organization recommendations. We found baseline normal anthropometric measures and metabolic parameters: below-average trunk flexion and elbow extension strength, poor handgrip strength and flexibility, and high quality of life scores in all except the physical domain. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding how effective PA is in preventing body changes and metabolic disturbances, and in improving the quality of PLH starting ART may help establish guidelines to better incorporate PA in HIV care.

AIDS-related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by reactivation of JC virus (JCV). METHODS: We described the profile of laboratory-confirmed PML cases among AIDS patients. RESULTS: A total of 43 HIV patients with clinical conditions compatible with PML were obtained; 5 cases were confirmed by JCV testing. The main clinical finding was mental confusion. Median CD4 count was 54 cells/mm³. CONCLUSIONS: Three of the five confirmed PML cases died; the time between diagnosis and death was 2, 5, and 6 months. It is important to consider JCV infection as a differential diagnosis.

Prevalence of Mucosal and Cutaneous disorders among HIV/AIDS adult Filipino patients 18-60 years old seen in a tertiary hospital in Makati City

Background@#With the recent rise in number of HIV/AIDS patients in the Philippines, knowledge of the most common mucosal and cutaneous findings among HIV/AIDS patients can be a valuable tool of assessment.@*Objectives@#To determine the different mucosal and cutaneous disease findings of HIV/AIDS patients; evaluate their frequency and association with the latest CD4 cell counts, and to determine patients’ demographic and medical profiles.@*Methods@#This is a cross-sectional study done at a tertiary hospital in Makati city from January 2017 to September 2018. Walk-in patients or those referred by Infectious Disease specialists were evaluated using a standardized history and physical examina- tion form. Latest CD4 counts were also obtained.@*Results@#A total of 93 patients were enrolled. Majority were males (98%), with a mean age of 32 +/- 7.08, employed (64%), and on HAART (87%). A large part of the group (45%) has severe immunosuppression (CD4 counts <200/mm3). The most common manifes- tations were the following: non-infective, fungal, and drug-related dermatoses, with the most common dermatoses being seb- orrheic dermatitis, xerosis, pruritic papular eruptions (PPE), superficial fungal infections, drug hypersensitivity reactions, and syphilis. PPE was noted to be significantly associated with low CD4 counts.@*Conclusion@#Due to small population size, significant associations between the other dermatoses with their CD4 counts were not seen except for PPE, which was significantly associated with CD4 counts <200/mm3. Nevertheless, a strong suspicion for any underlying HIV//AIDS infection is still warranted in the presence of these dermatoses.

Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in patients diagnosed with HIV without prior antiretroviral treatment / Prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH sin tratamiento antirretroviral previo

Abstract Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the most prevalent respiratory problem in the world. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have a higher prevalence of smoking and recurrent lung infections and are at higher risk of COPD. Objective: To determine the prevalence of COPD in HIV-diagnosed patients referred to an infectious diseases hospital. Method: Individuals with HIV infection without previous or ongoing antiretroviral treatment, with chronic respiratory symptoms, with or without a history of exposure for the development of COPD were included. Pre- and post-bronchodilation spirometry, high-resolution computed tomography, viral load determination and CD4 count were carried out. Spirometry measurements were compared with Wilcoxon’s test. Results: Sixty-six HIV-diagnosed patients, with a mean age of 31.5 years were included; 64 were males and two females. The prevalence of COPD was 7.6 %. The group with obstruction had a lower CD4 count (27.3 versus 225.9) and higher viral load (165,000 versus 57,722), in comparison with the group without obstruction. A positive correlation was observed between lower viral load and higher forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio. Conclusion: HIV-positive patients with a lower CD4 count and a higher viral load show a decrease in spirometry values.

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es el problema respiratorio de mayor prevalencia en el mundo. Los pacientes con infección por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) tienen mayor prevalencia de tabaquismo e infecciones pulmonares recurrentes y mayor riesgo de EPOC. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de la EPOC en pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH referidos a un hospital de infectología. Método: Se incluyeron individuos con infección por VIH sin tratamiento antirretroviral previo o actual, con sintomatología respiratoria crónica, con o sin antecedentes de exposición para desarrollar EPOC. Se realizó espirometría pre y posbroncodilatación, tomografía computarizada de alta resolución, determinación de carga viral y conteo de CD4. Las mediciones espirométricas se compararon con prueba de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Se incluyeron 66 pacientes con diagnóstico de VIH, con edad de 31.5 años; 64 hombres y dos mujeres. La prevalencia de EPOC fue de 7.6 %. El grupo con obstrucción presentó menor conteo de CD4 (27.3 versus 225.9) y mayor carga viral (165 000 versus 57 722), en comparación con el grupo sin obstrucción. Se observó correlación positiva entre menor carga viral y mayor relación de volumen espiratorio forzado al primer segundo/capacidad vital forzada. Conclusión: Los pacientes VIH-positivos con menor conteo de CD4 y mayor carga viral presentan disminución de los valores espirométricos.

Epidemiological profile of HIV older adults who are patients in a reference center in Aracaju-SE / Perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes idosos com HIV em um centro de referência de Aracaju-SE / Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes ancianos con VIH en un centro de referencia en Aracaju-SE

Background and objectives: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by HIV. 3% of the people living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil are 60 years old or over. Although older adults correspond to a small percentage, there has been a significant increase in the incidence in this group in recent years. Thus, HIV infection in older adults is a reality, however, literature hardly addresses this topic. The objective is to study the epidemiological clinical profile of older adults living with HIV monitored at a referral center. Methods:This is an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study with data collection obtained from the medical records of the STI/AIDS outpatient clinic at a reference center. The data were sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory, collected from September 2018 to February 2019. Results:In the reference center, 309 older adults were registered, representing 6.7% of all patients registered in the service. Of these, 75.6% are men, 38% are married, 70% heterosexual and approximately 50% with low education. Comorbidities are associated, with dyslipidemia (54%) being the main one. At the time of diagnosis, 65.8% had detectable viral load and 62% had CD4 + cells <500 cls/mm³ and after therapeutic follow-up, only 20% had detectable viral load. Several therapeutic regimens are used, the main one being Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Efavirenz (35.3%). Conclusion: The epidemiological profile of the population served in the region follows national and global characteristics, with a predominance of men, heterosexuals, married and with low education.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: A Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida (SIDA) é uma doença causada pelo HIV. Das pessoas vivendo com HIV(PVHIV)no Brasil, 3% apresentam 60 anos ou mais. Apesar dos idosos corresponderem a um pequeno percentual, há aumento significativo da incidência nesse grupo nos últimos anos. Dessa forma, a infecção pelo HIV em idosos é uma realidade, contudo, a literatura pouco aborda esse tema. O objetivo do trabalho é estudar o perfil clínico epidemiológico dos idosos vivendo com HIV acompanhados em um centro de referência. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo, de corte transversal, com coleta de dados obtida através dos prontuários do ambulatório de IST/SIDA de um centro de referência. Os dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais, foram coletados no período setembro de 2018 a fevereiro de 2019. Resultados: No centro de referência, estão cadastrados 309 idosos, representando 6,7% de todos os pacientes matriculados no serviço. Destes, 75,6% são homens, 38% casados, 70% de orientação heterossexual e aproximadamente 50% com baixa escolaridade. Comorbidades estão associadas, sendo a dislipidemia (54%) a principal. No momento do diagnóstico, 65,8% apresentavam carga viral (CV) detectável,62% tinham células CD4+ < 500céls/mm³ e após seguimento terapêutico apenas 20% apresentavam CV detectável. Vários esquemas terapêuticos foram utilizados, sendo o principal Tenofovir, Lamivudina e Efavirenz (35,3%). Conclusão: O perfil epidemiológico da população atendida na região segue as características nacionais e mundiais, com predomínio de homens, heterossexuais, casados e de baixa escolaridade.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: El Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirido(SIDA) es una enfermedad causada por el VIH. De las personas que viven con el VIH (PVVIH) en Brasil, el 3% tiene 60 años o más. Aunque los adultos mayor es corresponden a un pequeño porcentaje, en los últimos años se ha producido un aumento significativo de la incidencia en este grupo. La infección por VIH en los adultos mayores es una realidad; sin embargo, la literatura aborda poco este tema. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar el perfil clínico epidemiológico de adultos mayores que conviven con el VIH y se atienden en un centro de referencia. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, con datos obtenidos de los registros de ETS/SIDA de un centro de referencia. Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio desde septiembre de 2018 hasta febrero de 2019. Resultados: En el centro de referencia están registrados309 adultos mayores, que representan el 6,7% de todos los pacientes inscriptos en el servicio. De ellos, el 75,6% es del sexo masculino, el 38%, casado, el 70% con orientación heterosexual y aproximadamente el 50% con baja escolaridad. De las comorbilidades asociadas, la dislipidemia esla principal (54%). En el momento del diagnóstico, el 65,8% tenía una carga viral detectable (CV), el 62%tenía células CD4+<500 células/mm³ y después del seguimiento terapéutico sólo el 20% tenía CV detectable. Se utilizaron varios esquemas terapéuticos, siendo los principales el Tenofovir, la Lamivudina y el Efavirenz (35,3%). Conclusión: El perfil epidemiológico de la población atendida en la región sigue las características nacionales e internacionales, con predominio de hombres heterosexuales, casados y de baja escolaridad.(AU)

Unsatisfactory long-term virological suppression in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children in the Amazonas State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Achieving viral suppression (VS) in children is challenging despite the exponential increase in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). We evaluated VS in children >1 year of age and adolescents 5 years after they had begun ART, in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. METHODS: HIV-infected, ART-naive children >1 year of age between 1999 and 2016 were eligible. Analysis was stratified by age at ART initiation: 1-5 y, >5-10 y, and >10-19 y. CD4+ T-cell count and viral load were assessed on arrival at the clinic, on ART initiation, and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 5 years after ART initiation. The primary outcome was a viral load <50 copies/mL 5 years after ART initiation. RESULTS: Ultimately, 121 patients were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 4.8 years (SD 3.5), mean CD4% was 17.9 (SD 9.8), and mean viral load was 4.6 log10 copies/ml (SD 0.8). Five years after ART initiation, the overall VS rate was 46.9%. VS by patient age group was as follows: 36.6% for 1-5 y, 53.3% for >5-10 y, and 30% for >10-19 y. Almost all children (90,4%) showed an increase in CD4%+ T cell count. There were no statistically significant predictors for detecting children who do not achieve VS with treatment. VS remained below 65% in all the evaluated periods. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable immunological improvement is seen in children after ART initiation. Further efforts are needed to maintain adequate long-term VS levels and improve the survival of this vulnerable population.

Monitoring HIV infection in Minas Gerais state: 15-year assessment of adults living with HIV initiating Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract INTRODUCTION The first Brazilian HIV treatment recommendation was put forward in 1996, resulting in 12 subsequent guidelines. Several changes were made regarding "when" and "how" to begin treatment. The latest guideline recommends immediate initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to describe the evolution of HIV treatment among people living with HIV (PLHIV) who initiated ART between 2004 and 2018 based on the national guideline recommendations concerning T-CD4+ and VL measurements. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis of data of PLHIV aged >18 years, in Minas Gerais who received ART between 2004 and 2018 was conducted. Clinical, therapeutic, and demographic information were obtained from national healthcare databases. The study was divided into four periods: 2004-2007, 2008-2012, 2013-2016, and 2017-2018. Descriptive analyses were performed. RESULTS A total of 60,618 PLHIV initiated ART (67% male and 48% aged 25-39 years), 36% of whom had CD4 counts at ART initiation and 51% documented VL after ART initiation. The median CD4 count ranged from 288 to 373 cells/µL. The median time to ART initiation decreased from 604 to 28 days and was lower among males (p <0.01). The median time from ART initiation to the first VL result decreased from 101 to 62 days over the study period, while the median VL after ART initiation ranged from 2.3 to 1.7 log10 copies/ml. CONCLUSIONS Although our results demonstrated that most recommendations were followed, there seemed to be little impact on CD4 counts and VL testing. This may result in an inadequate evaluation of ART effectiveness.

The effects of favipiravir on hematological parameters of covid-19 patients

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION This study aims to evaluate changes in hematological parameters after the follow-up of patients who received treatment with favipiravir due to COVID-19 infections. METHODS Sixty-two cases receiving favipiravir treatment for at least five days due to COVID-19 infection were evaluated retrospectively. Parameters including age, gender, nasopharyngeal swab positivity, and chronic diseases were analyzed. Hematologic parameters were analyzed before and after the treatment. RESULTS The mean age of the patients receiving treatment with favipiravir was 63.7±12.3 years. Nasopharyngeal swab positivity was detected in 67.7%. The most common comorbid conditions detected in patients were hypertension in 25 cases (40.3%) and diabetes in 16 cases (25.8%). In the statistical analysis of the hematological parameters before and after treatment with favipiravir, WBC, PT-PTT-INR levels were found to be unaffected; the mean RBC was found to have decreased from 4.33 ± 0.58 M/uL to 4.16 ± 0.54 M/uL (p:0.003); the median hemoglobin level was found to have decreased from 12.3 g/dl to 11.9 g/dl (p:0.041); the hematocrit level decreased from 38.1% ± 4.8 to 36.9% ± 4.2 (p:0.026); the median neutrophil count decreased from 4.57 K/uL to 3.85 K/uL (p:0.001); the mean lymphocyte count increased from 1.22 ± 0.53 K/uL to 1.84 ± 1.19 K/uL (p:0.000); and the mean platelet count increased from 244.1 ± 85.1 K/uL to 281.9 ± 103.3 K/uL (p:0.005). CONCLUSION We concluded that the pathological effect of treatment with favipiravir on the hematologic system was the suppression in the erythrocyte series, and there were no adverse effects in other hematologic parameters.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar as alterações nos parâmetros hematológicos após o acompanhamento de pacientes que receberam tratamento com favipiravir devido à infecção por Covid-19. MÉTODOS Sessenta e dois casos em tratamento com favipiravir por pelo menos cinco dias devido à infecção por Covid-19 foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Parâmetros como idade, sexo, positividade do swab nasofaríngeo e doenças crônicas foram analisados. Os parâmetros hematológicos foram analisados antes e após o tratamento. RESULTADOS A idade média dos pacientes que receberam tratamento com favipiravir foi de 63,7±12,3 anos. A positividade do swab nasofaríngeo foi detectada em 67,7%. As condições comórbidas mais comuns detectadas nos pacientes foram hipertensão em 25 casos (40,3%) e diabetes em 16 casos (25,8%). Na análise estatística dos parâmetros hematológicos antes e após o tratamento com favipiravir, os níveis de leucócitos, PT-PTT-INR não foram afetados. Verificou-se que o RBC médio diminuiu de 4,33±0,58 M/uL para 4,16±0,54 M/uL (p=0,003); o nível médio de hemoglobina foi reduzido de 12,3 g/dl para 11,9 g/dl (p=0,041); o nível de hematócrito diminuiu de 38,1%±4,8 para 36,9%±4,2 (p=0,026); a contagem mediana de neutrófilos diminuiu de 4,57 K/uL para 3,85 K/uL (p=0,001); a contagem média de linfócitos aumentou de 1,22±0,53 K/uL para 1,84±1,19 K/uL (p=0,000); a contagem média de plaquetas aumentou de 244,1±85,1 K/uL para 281,9±103,3 K/uL (p=0,005). CONCLUSÃO Concluiu-se que o efeito patológico do tratamento com favipiravir no sistema hematológico foi a supressão na série eritrocitária e que não houve efeitos adversos em outros parâmetros hematológicos.

Factors associated with a SARS-CoV-2 recurrence after hospital discharge among patients with COVID-19: systematic review and meta-analysis / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

BACKGROUND@#The proportion of recurrences after discharge among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported to be between 9.1% and 31.0%. Little is known about this issue, however, so we performed a meta-analysis to summarize the demographical, clinical, and laboratorial characteristics of non-recurrence and recurrence groups.@*METHODS@#Comprehensive searches were conducted using eight electronic databases. Data regarding the demographic, clinical, and laboratorial characteristics of both recurrence and non-recurrence groups were extracted, and quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted.@*RESULTS@#Ten studies involving 2071 COVID-19 cases were included in this analysis. The proportion of recurrence cases involving patients with COVID-19 was 17.65% (between 12.38% and 25.16%) while older patients were more likely to experience recurrence (weighted mean difference (WMD)=1.67, range between 0.08 and 3.26). The time from discharge to recurrence was 13.38 d (between 12.08 and 14.69 d). Patients were categorized as having moderate severity (odds ratio (OR)=2.69, range between 1.30 and 5.58), while those with clinical symptoms including cough (OR=5.52, range between 3.18 and 9.60), sputum production (OR=5.10, range between 2.60 and 9.97), headache (OR=3.57, range between 1.36 and 9.35), and dizziness (OR=3.17, range between 1.12 and 8.96) were more likely to be associated with recurrence. Patients presenting with bilateral pulmonary infiltration and decreased leucocyte, platelet, and CD4@*CONCLUSIONS@#The main factors associated with the recurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) after hospital discharge were older age, moderate severity, bilateral pulmonary infiltration, laboratory findings including decreased leucocytes, platelets, and CD4