ABSTRACT
Background: Argentina has been one of the most affected countries by the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are limited data regarding evolution of people living with HIV (PLWH) infected with SARS-CoV-2. This study evaluates characteristics associated with hospital admission due to COVID-19 among PLWH in Argentina. Methods: Adult PLWH with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled in a prospective observational multicentric cohort study to evaluate hospitalization due to COVID-19. Participating centers included nationwide HIV clinics and general hospitals from Argentina. A multivariable logistic regression model was performed to identify variables associated with hospitalization due to COVID-19. Results: Of 844 PLWH enrolled, 21.8% required hospital admission due to COVID-19. Characteristics of PLWH with and without hospitalization are shown in table 1. On a multivariable logistic regression model, age>=60 and presence of other comorbidities were associated with admission (OR: 1.82;95%CI:1.07-3.11;p<0.028;OR: 1.73;95%CI: 1.22-2.46 p<0.002;respectively). Female sex and CD4+ count >=500 cells/ml (OR: 0.60;95%CI:0.41-0.87;p=0.008;and OR:0.30;95% CI:0.14-0.66;p=0.003;respectively) were inversely associated with admission. ART and detectable viral load had no impact on hospitalization. Conclusion: We provide the first analysis regarding variables associated with hospitalization among PLWH in Argentina. Hospitalization in this population was associated with traditional risk factors (age, comorbidities) without influence of ART and viral load. According to our study, female sex and high CD4+ T-cell count provide a significant reduction in the risk of admission to hospital.