First and second COVID-19 waves in Brazil: A cross-sectional study of patients' characteristics related to hospitalization and in-hospital mortality.

BACKGROUND: Background The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was more aggressive in Brazil compared to other countries around the globe. Considering the Brazilian peculiarities, we analyze the in-hospital mortality concerning socio-epidemiological characteristics of patients and the health system of all states during the first and second waves of COVID-19. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of hospitalized patients with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil. Data was obtained from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe) and comprised the period from February 25, 2020, to April 30, 2021, separated in two waves on November 5, 2020. We performed a descriptive study of patients analyzing socio-demographic characteristics, symptoms, comorbidities, and risk factors stratified by age. In addition, we analyzed in-hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in both waves and how it varies in each Brazilian state. FINDINGS: Between February 25, 2020 and April 30, 2021, 678 235 patients were admitted with a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2, with 325 903 and 352 332 patients for the first and second wave, respectively. The mean age of patients was 59 · 65 (IQR 48 · 0 - 72 · 0). In total, 379 817 (56 · 00%) patients had a risk factor or comorbidity. In-hospital mortality increased from 34 · 81% in the first to 39 · 30% in the second wave. In the second wave, there were more ICU admissions, use of non-invasive and invasive ventilation, and increased mortality for younger age groups. The southern and southeastern regions of Brazil had the highest hospitalization rates per 100 000 inhabitants. However, the in-hospital mortality rate was higher in the northern and northeastern states of the country. Racial differences were observed in clinical outcomes, with White being the most prevalent hospitalized population, but with Blacks/Browns (Pardos) having higher mortality rates. Younger age groups had more considerable differences in mortality as compared to groups with and without comorbidities in both waves. INTERPRETATION: We observed a more considerable burden on the Brazilian hospital system throughout the second wave. Furthermore, the north and northeast of Brazil, which present lower Human Development Indexes, concentrated the worst in-hospital mortality rates. The highest mortality rates are also shown among vulnerable social groups. Finally, we believe that the results can help to understand the behavior of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, helping to define public policies, allocate resources, and improve strategies for vaccination of priority groups. FUNDING: Coordinating Agency for Advanced Training of Graduate Personnel (CAPES) (C.F. 001), and National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) (No. 309537/2020-7).

Spatial and spatio-temporal distribution of women living with HIV mortality in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017.

OBJETIVE: To present some factors related to the mortality rates of WLHIV in the city of Porto Alegre-RS. METHODS: This is a spatial and spatio-temporal analysis of ecological data about all women monitored by the health care services for the vertical transmission (VT) of HIV, between 2007 and 2017, residing in the city that died during the period. The units of analysis were the 17 sanitary districts of the city. The dependent variable was the mortality rate. The independent territorial variables were the indicators of vulnerability to poverty, women householder proportion, lack of infrastructure, HDI, and GINI index. Still, the individual data collected were: age, race/color, level of education, and period since the HIV diagnosis. The analyses used SPSS 20.0, and QGIS 218.15. RESULTS: Regions with higher vulnerability to poverty and precarious local infrastructure registered higher WLHIV mortality rates, especially black/"pardo" women in fertile age with low education. The regions with most women householders presented a risk of mortality seven times higher. The population with vulnerability to poverty presented the same result. CONCLUSIONS: Regions with critical indicators of vulnerability presented higher mortality rates of WLHIV, which demonstrates social inequalities' impact for these women.

Factors associated with HIV care and treatment cascade in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2014-2017: A cross-sectional study.

In 2018, Rio Grande do Sul (RS) had some of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in Brazil, and we did not find any studies about the HIV care and treatment cascade (HCTC) related to this state. We aimed to estimate the indicators of HCTC of RS, Brazil, and associated factors. A cross-sectional study with all people living with HIV (PLWH) in RS between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2017 was conducted using a national database which registers all HIV notifications, CD4 and viral load laboratory data and antiretroviral therapy (ART) usage in the public health system. We considered sex, age, education, race, year of HIV diagnosis, and health region as predictor factors, and defined linkage to care, retention to care, being on ART, and having undetectable viral load as the HCTC indicators. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed using Stata 15.2. A total of 116,121 PLWH were diagnosed, 79,959 were linked to care, 72,117 retained in care, 69,219 on ART, and 54,857 had undetectable viral load from 2014 to 2017. We observed greatest attrition for younger age, non-white, and lower education in all HCTC indicators. Women are more likely to have undetectable viral load (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01-1.07), even though they are less likely to be retained to care (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.89-0.96) and on ART (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.78-0.86). Although all HCTC indicators have increased over the period and the "test and treat" policy indicates improvements in ART and in undetectable viral load outcomes, evidence suggests specific attrition and disparities such as those related to HIV healthcare facilities should be addressed. These findings may be used by researchers, health professionals, and policymakers in order to investigate and implement interventions to better engage PLWH across the HCTC.

Spatial and spatio-temporal distribution of women living with HIV mortality in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017 / Distribuição espacial e espaço temporal de óbitos de mulheres vivendo com HIV em Porto Alegre de 2007 a 2017

ABSTRACT OBJETIVE: To present some factors related to the mortality rates of WLHIV in the city of Porto Alegre-RS. METHODS: This is a spatial and spatio-temporal analysis of ecological data about all women monitored by the health care services for the vertical transmission (VT) of HIV, between 2007 and 2017, residing in the city that died during the period. The units of analysis were the 17 sanitary districts of the city. The dependent variable was the mortality rate. The independent territorial variables were the indicators of vulnerability to poverty, women householder proportion, lack of infrastructure, HDI, and GINI index. Still, the individual data collected were: age, race/color, level of education, and period since the HIV diagnosis. The analyses used SPSS 20.0, and QGIS 218.15. RESULTS: Regions with higher vulnerability to poverty and precarious local infrastructure registered higher WLHIV mortality rates, especially black/"pardo" women in fertile age with low education. The regions with most women householders presented a risk of mortality seven times higher. The population with vulnerability to poverty presented the same result. CONCLUSIONS: Regions with critical indicators of vulnerability presented higher mortality rates of WLHIV, which demonstrates social inequalities' impact for these women.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Apresentar fatores associados à taxa de óbitos de mulheres vivendo com HIV (MVHIV) na cidade de Porto Alegre-RS. MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico de análise espacial e espaço temporal incluindo todas as mulheres acompanhadas nos serviços de atenção à transmissão vertical (TV) do HIV, entre 2007 e 2017, residentes no município e que faleceram nesse período. As unidades de análise foram os 17 distritos sanitários do município. A variável dependente foi a taxa de óbito e as independentes territoriais foram os indicadores de vulnerabilidade à pobreza, proporção de mulheres chefe de família, escassez de infraestrutura, IDH e o índice de GINI, já as advindas da informação individual foram: idade, raça/cor, escolaridade, tempo de diagnóstico HIV. As análises utilizaram o SPSS 20.0 e o QGIS 218.15. RESULTADOS: Taxas mais elevadas de óbito de MVHIV foram registradas nas regiões com maior vulnerabilidade à pobreza e precariedade na infraestrutura local, associadas ao desfecho em mulheres em idade fértil, pretas/pardas e de baixa escolaridade. Nas regiões com altas taxas de mulheres que chefiam a família, a prevalência de óbito foi sete vezes maior, mesmo resultado obtido com a proporção populacional de vulnerabilidade à pobreza. CONCLUSÕES: As regiões que apresentam indicadores de vulnerabilidade críticos resultaram em taxas mais elevadas de óbito em MVHIV, revelando o impacto das desigualdades sociais em saúde para a morte dessas mulheres.

Impact of Raltegravir or Efavirenz on Cell-Associated Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) Deoxyribonucleic Acid and Systemic Inflammation in HIV-1/Tuberculosis Coinfected Adults Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy.

BACKGROUND: In view of the fast viremia decline obtained with integrase inhibitors, we studied the respective effects of initiating efavirenz (EFV) or raltegravir (RAL)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) levels and inflammation biomarkers in the highly inflammatory setting of advanced HIV-1 disease with tuberculosis (TB) coinfection. METHODS: We followed cell-associated HIV-1 DNA, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), soluble CD14 and D-Dimer levels for 48 weeks after ART initiation in the participants to the ANRS12-180 REFLATE-TB study. This phase II open-label randomized study included ART-naive people with HIV and TB treated with rifampicin to receive RAL 400 mg twice daily (RAL400), RAL 800 mg twice daily (RAL800) or EFV 600 mg QD with tenofovir and lamivudine. RESULTS: In 146 participants, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) week (W)0 HIV-1 DNA level was 4.7 (IQR, 4.3-5.1) log10 copies/106 CD4+, and the reduction by W48 was -0.8 log10 copies/106 CD4+ on EFV, -0.9 on RAL400, and -1.0 on RAL800 (P = .74). Baseline median (IQR) hsCRP, IL-6, sCD14, and D-Dimer levels were 6.9 (IQR, 3.3-15.6) mg/L, 7.3 (IQR, 3.5-12.3) pg/mL, 3221 (IQR, 2383-4130) ng/mL, and 975 (IQR, 535-1970) ng/mL. All biomarker levels decreased over the study: the overall W0-W48 mean (95% confidence interval) fold-change on ART was 0.37 (IQR, 0.28-0.48) for hsCRP, 0.42 (IQR, 0.35-0.51) for IL-6, 0.51 (IQR, 0.47-0.56) for sCD14, and 0.39 (IQR, 0.32-0.47) for D-Dimers. There were no differences in biomarker reduction across treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: In participants with HIV and TB, EFV, RAL400, or RAL800 effectively and equally reduced inflammation and HIV-1 DNA levels.

Social inequalities in the use of contraceptives in adult women from Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the contraceptive methods used by adult women and the associated socioeconomic and demographic factors. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study with 20 to 49-year-old women from São Leopoldo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2015. Three outcomes were considered to analyze the association with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics: use of oral contraceptive pills, tubal ligation and male condom. The crude prevalence ratios, stratified by age, and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were obtained using Poisson regression, taking the experimental error into account. RESULTS: A total of 736 women, aged from 20 to 49 years old, were evaluated. The prevalence of the use of oral contraceptive pills, tubal ligation and male condom were respectively 31.8% (95%CI 28.4-35.3), 11.1% (95%CI 9.0-13.6) and 10.9% (95%CI 8.7-13.3). In addition, 10.5% (n = 77) of the women reported making combined use of oral contraceptive pills and condom. In the stratified analysis, younger women with lower education level and from lower social classes reported less use of oral contraceptive pills. Tubal ligation was more prevalent among the lower social classes, but only in the age group from 30 to 39 years old. No differences were found in relation to male condom. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that differences persist in relation to contraception, which can be associated with both the difficulties of access to these inputs and the frailty of actions in reproductive health to achieve the needs and preferences of women who are more socially vulnerable.

Social inequalities in the use of contraceptives in adult women from Southern Brazil / Desigualdades sociais no uso de contraceptivos em mulheres adultas no Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To describe the contraceptive methods used by adult women and the associated socioeconomic and demographic factors. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional study with 20 to 49-year-old women from São Leopoldo, state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2015. Three outcomes were considered to analyze the association with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics: use of oral contraceptive pills, tubal ligation and male condom. The crude prevalence ratios, stratified by age, and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were obtained using Poisson regression, taking the experimental error into account. RESULTS: A total of 736 women, aged from 20 to 49 years old, were evaluated. The prevalence of the use of oral contraceptive pills, tubal ligation and male condom were respectively 31.8% (95%CI 28.4-35.3), 11.1% (95%CI 9.0-13.6) and 10.9% (95%CI 8.7-13.3). In addition, 10.5% (n = 77) of the women reported making combined use of oral contraceptive pills and condom. In the stratified analysis, younger women with lower education level and from lower social classes reported less use of oral contraceptive pills. Tubal ligation was more prevalent among the lower social classes, but only in the age group from 30 to 39 years old. No differences were found in relation to male condom. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that differences persist in relation to contraception, which can be associated with both the difficulties of access to these inputs and the frailty of actions in reproductive health to achieve the needs and preferences of women who are more socially vulnerable.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Descrever os métodos contraceptivos utilizados e fatores demográficos e socioeconômicos associados em mulheres adultas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal de base populacional com mulheres de 20 a 49 anos de São Leopoldo, RS, em 2015. Foram considerados três desfechos para analisar a associação com características demográficas e socioeconômicas: uso de anticoncepcional oral, ligadura tubária e uso de preservativo masculino. Foram obtidas razões de prevalências, brutas e estratificadas por idade, e intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%) por meio de regressão de Poisson, levando em conta o erro de delineamento. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliadas 736 mulheres com idades entre 20 e 49 anos. A prevalência de uso de anticoncepcional oral, de ligadura tubária e de uso de preservativo masculino foram, respectivamente, 31,8% (IC95% 28,4-35,3), 11,1% (IC95% 9,0-13,6) e 10,9% (IC95% 8,7-13,3). Além disso, 10,5% (n = 77) das mulheres relataram fazer uso combinado de anticoncepcional oral e preservativo masculino. Na análise estratificada, as mulheres mais jovens, de menor escolaridade e classe econômica mais baixa relataram menor uso de anticoncepcional oral. Já a ligadura tubária foi mais prevalente entre as de classe econômica mais baixa, mas apenas na faixa etária de 30 a 39 anos. Não foram encontradas diferenças quanto ao preservativo masculino. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados indicaram que ainda persistem diferenças quanto à contracepção, o que pode se relacionar tanto a dificuldades no acesso a esses insumos como a fragilidades das ações em saúde reprodutiva para atingir as necessidades e preferências das mulheres em maior vulnerabilidade social.

Effect of characteristics of pharmacotherapy on non-adherence in chronic cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular medications are effective in prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD); however, medication non-adherence contributes to morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarise the evidence regarding the relationship between characteristics of drug therapy (pharmacotherapy) and medication non-adherence in the CVD population. METHODS: Systematic searches in PubMed, LILACS, Academic Search and CINAHL databases for observational studies that enrolled adults with CVD were performed, from January 1960 to December 2015. The meta-analysis tested the association between characteristics of pharmacotherapy and self-reported medication non-adherence outcome, using a random effects model. To investigate heterogeneity, we performed subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four cross-sectional studies and 7 cohort studies were included in this review. Based on 31 studies including 27 441 participants, we performed meta-analyses for all the characteristics of drug therapy that at least 2 studies evaluated, with a total of fourteen meta-analyses. The pooled results showed that studies which evaluate whether participants have insurance or another program that assists with medication costs, but not full coverage (OR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.53-0.74; P < .001; I2  = 0%, P = .938), and a dosing frequency of twice or more daily (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.13-1.69; P < .001) were associated with non-adherence. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results of this review suggest that access to insurance or another program that assists with medication costs was a protection factor for non-adherence. On the other hand, a high frequency of dosing was a risk factor for non-adherence. Therefore, these characteristics of pharmacotherapy must be considered to improve medication adherence among CVD patients.

Pharmacotherapeutic profile of users and expenditure on high-cost drugs in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, 2014. / Perfil farmacoterapêutico dos usuários e gasto com medicamentos de alto custo em São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2014.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the pharmacotherapeutic profile of users of the Specialized Program for Pharmaceutical Assistance, and to measure the expenditure on the most prevalent and the most expensive medications. METHODS: descriptive study conducted in São Leopoldo-RS, Brazil, with secondary data regarding information about requests accepted in 2014, through administrative proceedings; delivery notes of the State Health Department/RS were used to assess the costs. RESULTS: 1,528 users were included in the study, mostly women (56.7%), and the average age was 52 years (standard deviation=17.9); the most frequent diagnoses were allergic asthma (17.1%), chronic kidney disease (11.5%) and rheumatoid arthritis (8.4%); the most prevalent drug was budesonide+formoterol fumarate (18.3%); among the most prevalent drugs, the highest total monthly expense was with epoetin alfa (BRL37,922.34) and among the most expensive drugs, infliximab (BRL72,503.28). CONCLUSION: the data show the importance of the Specialized Program for Pharmaceutical Assistance in the high-cost treatment of highly prevalent.

Perfil farmacoterapêutico dos usuários e gasto com medicamentos de alto custo em São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2014 / Perfil farmacoterapéutico de los usuarios y gasto en medicamentos de alto costo en São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2014 / Pharmacotherapeutic profile of users and expenditure on high-cost drugs in São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, 2014

OBJETIVO: descrever o perfil farmacoterapêutico dos usuários do Componente Especializado da Assistência Farmacêutica (CEAF) e mensurar os gastos com os medicamentos mais prevalentes e os mais onerosos. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo, realizado no município de São Leopoldo-RS, Brasil; utilizaram-se dados secundários sobre solicitações de medicamentos deferidas em 2014 via processo administrativo; para avaliar os custos, foram consultadas as guias de remessa da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde/RS. RESULTADOS: foram incluídos 1.528 usuários, sobretudo mulheres (56,7%), e idade média de 52 anos (desvio-padrão=17,9); os diagnósticos mais frequentes foram asma alérgica (17,1%), doença renal crônica (11,5%) e artrite reumatoide (8,4%); o medicamento mais prevalente foi o fumarato de formoterol+budesonida (18,3%); o maior gasto total mensal entre os medicamentos mais prevalentes foi com alfaepoetina (R$37.922,34), e entre os mais onerosos, com infliximab (R$72.503,28). CONCLUSÃO: os dados apontam para a importância do CEAF no tratamento de alto custo de morbidades com elevada prevalência.

OBJETIVO: describir el perfil farmacoterapéutico de usuarios del Programa de Asistencia Farmacéutica Especializada (CEAF), y medir los costos de los medicamentos más comunes y más costosos. MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo realizado en São Leopoldo/RS, con datos secundarios sobre solicitudes de drogas diferidas en 2014 a través de procesos administrativos; para evaluar el costo, utilizamos las entregas de Secretaría Estatal de Salud/RS. RESULTADOS: se incluyeron 1.528 usuarios, la mayoría mujeres (56,7%), edad media 52 años (desviación estándar=17,9); los diagnósticos más frecuentes fueron asma alérgica (17,1%), enfermedad renal crónica (11,5%) y artritis reumatoide (8,4%); la droga más frecuente fue budesónida+formoterol fumarato (18,3%); el mayor gasto total mensual de los fármacos más prevalentes fue con alfaepoetina (R$37.922,34) y entre los más caros, con infliximab (R$72.503,28). CONCLUSIÓN: los datos señalan la importancia de este componente en el tratamiento de alto costo de morbilidad con altas prevalencias.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the pharmacotherapeutic profile of users of the Specialized Program for Pharmaceutical Assistance, and to measure the expenditure on the most prevalent and the most expensive medications. METHODS: descriptive study conducted in São Leopoldo-RS, Brazil, with secondary data regarding information about requests accepted in 2014, through administrative proceedings; delivery notes of the State Health Department/RS were used to assess the costs. RESULTS: 1,528 users were included in the study, mostly women (56.7%), and the average age was 52 years (standard deviation=17.9); the most frequent diagnoses were allergic asthma (17.1%), chronic kidney disease (11.5%) and rheumatoid arthritis (8.4%); the most prevalent drug was budesonide+formoterol fumarate (18.3%); among the most prevalent drugs, the highest total monthly expense was with epoetin alfa (BRL37,922.34) and among the most expensive drugs, infliximab (BRL72,503.28). CONCLUSION: the data show the importance of the Specialized Program for Pharmaceutical Assistance in the high-cost treatment of highly prevalent.

Aproximações entre percepção de usuários e itens do instrumento para avaliação dos serviços brasileiros em síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida / Approaches between perception of users and items of the instrument for evaluation of Brazilian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome care services

Resumo O artigo traz uma avaliação de um serviço especializado em síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida, no sul do Brasil, relacionando as percepções de usuários com as dimensões do questionário eletrônico - usado no país para avaliação dos serviços especializados. As perspectivas centrais do estudo são os conceitos de integralidade e humanização da atenção. Foram realizados grupos focais submetidos à análise temática de conteúdos. Os elementos acolhimento e acesso apareceram com destaque entre itens não captados pelo questionário em uso. Tais itens também influenciam o estabelecimento de vínculo, a adesão ao tratamento e a preferência pelo serviço. A pressão de demanda, que interfere negativamente na relação usuário-serviço, também foi captada em detalhes, assim como itens de descontentamento, mesmo predominando uma avaliação positiva do serviço. O preconceito de pessoas vivendo com a síndrome e o que recai sobre elas também se sobressaem, evidenciando a necessidade de organização de práticas em saúde específicas, bem como estudos mais aprofundados sobre o tema. O trabalho mostra a pertinência da inclusão de usuários nas avaliações de serviços de saúde para a qualificação da assistência e ressalta itens que podem ser aproveitados na ampliação e qualificação do instrumento de avaliação dos serviços.

Abstract This paper presents contents from the evaluation made by users from an Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome specialized care center in Southern Brazil, comparing perceptions of the groups with the dimensions of the electronic questionnaire employed in Brazil to evaluate this kind of service. The central perspectives were the comprehensiveness and humanization in health care services. Users were invited to focus groups and the transcriptions of the meetings were submitted to a thematic analysis. The quality of access and reception appeared prominently not captured by the employed instrument and influencing connection, treatment adherence and preference for the service. The demand pressure which impacts negatively on the relation among users and health team was also captured in detail as well as items of dissatisfaction, even the service being predominantly assessed as positive. The prejudice concerning people living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome also stands out, highlighting the need for organization of specific health practices as well as further studies on the topic. This paper shows the relevance of including users in the evaluation of health care procedures for upgrading care and it also highlights items that could be used in the expansion and qualification of the instrument used in Brazil.

People living with HIV on ART have accurate perception of lipodystrophy signs: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of lipodystrophy ranges from 31 to 65%, depending on the criteria adopted for diagnosis. The usual methods applied in the diagnosis vary from self-perception, medical examination, skinfolds measurements, or even imaging assessment for confirmation of fat distribution changes. Although several methods have been developed, there is no gold standard for characterization of LA and LH, or mixed forms. This study aimed to compare self-reported signs of lipodystrophy with objective measures by skinfolds and circumferences, and to evaluate the prevalence of lipoatrophy (LA) and lipohypertrophy (LH) among subjects living with HIV/AIDS on ART. METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolled participants living with HIV/AIDS receiving ART, aged 18 years or older from an outpatient health care center, in Southern Brazil. Self-reported body fat enlargement in the abdomen, chest or breasts, and dorsocervical fat pad were used to determine LH, while LA was identified by self-reported fat wasting of the face, neck, legs, arms or buttocks. Measurements were obtained with a scientific caliper for infraorbital, buccal, and submandibular skinfolds, and using an inelastic tape to measure circumferences of waist, hip, neck, and arm. LH and LA were established by the presence of at least one self-reported sign. RESULTS: Comparisons of self-reported signs with objective measurements for men and women were carried out in 815 participants on ART, out of 1240 participants with HIV infection. Self-report of decreased facial fat and sunken cheeks was associated with lower infraorbital, buccal, and submandibular skinfolds. Participants who reported buffalo hump had, on average, greater neck circumference, as well as those who have increased waist circumference also reported abdominal enlargement, but no buttock wasting. Men were most commonly affected by lipoatrophy (73 vs. 53%; P < 0.001), and women by lipohypertrophy (79 vs. 56%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, self-reported signs of lipodystrophy and lipoatrophy are prevalent, differ by gender, and are associated with objective measurements in people living with HIV/AIDS.

Coinfecção HIV/sífilis na gestação e transmissão vertical do HIV: um estudo a partir de dados da vigilância epidemiológica / HIV and syphilis coinfection in pregnancy and vertical HIV transmission: a study based on epidemiological surveillance data

Objetivo. Estimar a taxa de coinfecção do HIV/sífilis nas gestantes de Porto Alegre, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, e sua associação com a transmissão vertical do HIV e variáveis socioeconômicas. Método. Neste estudo transversal retrospectivo analítico, foram utilizados dados do sistema de vigilância epidemiológica de gestantes portadoras do HIV e crianças expostas e dados da sífilis na gestação e da sífilis congênita no período de 2010 a 2013. Resultados. A população do estudo incluiu 1 500 gestantes positivas para HIV com partos no período de 2010 a 2013. Dessas, 155 (10,3%) também eram infectadas por sífilis, correspondendo a uma taxa de coinfecção HIV/sífilis de 10,2% (± 1,5%). Foi encontrada menor escolaridade no grupo de gestantes coinfectadas, bem como maior prevalência de mulheres negras e maior exposição ao HIV relacionada ao uso de drogas pelo parceiro e pela gestante. Gestantes com coinfecção HIV/sífilis tiveram diagnóstico do HIV em momentos mais tardios, como no parto, além de maior prevalência de não realização de pré-natal (44%). Na análise bruta foi identificada associação da transmissão vertical do HIV com a presença de coinfecção HIV/sífilis (razão de prevalência = 2,1; IC95%: 1,21 a 3,74; P = 0,01), a qual se manteve na análise ajustada. Conclusão. Um perfil de maior vulnerabilidade foi evidenciado no grupo de gestantes coinfectadas por HIV/sífilis, enfatizando a importância de melhorar o acesso a atendimento qualificado à saúde para impacto positivo do tratamento na redução da sífilis congênita e na eliminação da transmissão vertical do HIV.

Objective. To estimate the rate of HIV and syphilis coinfection among pregnant women living in Porto Alegre, Brazil, as well as the association of coinfection with vertical HIV transmission and socioeconomic variables. Method. This analytical retrospective cross-sectional study employed data from the regular epidemiological surveillance system for the period from 2010 to 2013. Data were obtained regarding pregnant women with HIV and exposed children, syphilis in pregnancy, and congenital syphilis. Results. The study population included 1 500 HIV-positive women with deliveries from 2010 to 2013. Of these, 155 (10.3%) were also infected with syphilis, corresponding to an HIV and syphilis coinfection rate of 10.2% (± 1.5%). The coinfected group had lower education levels, higher prevalence of black women, and greater HIV exposure related to drug use by the woman or a partner. Coinfected women had more delayed HIV diagnosis (for example, during childbirth) and greater prevalence of lacking prenatal care (44%). Crude analysis showed an association between vertical HIV transmission and HIV and syphilis co-infection (PR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.21-3.74; P = 0.01) that persisted in the adjusted analysis. Conclusion. A profile of increased vulnerability was identified among pregnant women with HIV and syphilis coinfection. A positive impact of the treatment to reduce congenital syphilis and eliminate vertical transmission of HIV depends on enhanced access to qualified health care.

Coinfecção HIV/sífilis na gestação e transmissão vertical do HIV: um estudo a partir de dados da vigilância epidemiológica / HIV and syphilis coinfection in pregnancy and vertical HIV transmission: a study based on epidemiological surveillance data

RESUMO Objetivo Estimar a taxa de coinfecção do HIV/sífilis nas gestantes de Porto Alegre, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, e sua associação com a transmissão vertical do HIV e variáveis socioeconômicas. Método Neste estudo transversal retrospectivo analítico, foram utilizados dados do sistema de vigilância epidemiológica de gestantes portadoras do HIV e crianças expostas e dados da sífilis na gestação e da sífilis congênita no período de 2010 a 2013. Resultados A população do estudo incluiu 1 500 gestantes positivas para HIV com partos no período de 2010 a 2013. Dessas, 155 (10,3%) também eram infectadas por sífilis, correspondendo a uma taxa de coinfecção HIV/sífilis de 10,2% (± 1,5%). Foi encontrada menor escolaridade no grupo de gestantes coinfectadas, bem como maior prevalência de mulheres negras e maior exposição ao HIV relacionada ao uso de drogas pelo parceiro e pela gestante. Gestantes com coinfecção HIV/sífilis tiveram diagnóstico do HIV em momentos mais tardios, como no parto, além de maior prevalência de não realização de pré-natal (44%). Na análise bruta foi identificada associação da transmissão vertical do HIV com a presença de coinfecção HIV/sífilis (razão de prevalência = 2,1; IC95%: 1,21 a 3,74; P = 0,01), a qual se manteve na análise ajustada. Conclusão Um perfil de maior vulnerabilidade foi evidenciado no grupo de gestantes coinfectadas por HIV/sífilis, enfatizando a importância de melhorar o acesso a atendimento qualificado à saúde para impacto positivo do tratamento na redução da sífilis congênita e na eliminação da transmissão vertical do HIV.

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the rate of HIV and syphilis coinfection among pregnant women living in Porto Alegre, Brazil, as well as the association of coinfection with vertical HIV transmission and socioeconomic variables. Method This analytical retrospective cross-sectional study employed data from the regular epidemiological surveillance system for the period from 2010 to 2013. Data were obtained regarding pregnant women with HIV and exposed children, syphilis in pregnancy, and congenital syphilis. Results The study population included 1 500 HIV-positive women with deliveries from 2010 to 2013. Of these, 155 (10.3%) were also infected with syphilis, corresponding to an HIV and syphilis coinfection rate of 10.2% (± 1.5%). The coinfected group had lower education levels, higher prevalence of black women, and greater HIV exposure related to drug use by the woman or a partner. Coinfected women had more delayed HIV diagnosis (for example, during childbirth) and greater prevalence of lacking prenatal care (44%). Crude analysis showed an association between vertical HIV transmission and HIV and syphilis co-infection (PR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.21-3.74; P = 0.01) that persisted in the adjusted analysis. Conclusion A profile of increased vulnerability was identified among pregnant women with HIV and syphilis coinfection. A positive impact of the treatment to reduce congenital syphilis and eliminate vertical transmission of HIV depends on enhanced access to qualified health care.

Alcohol Drinking Pattern: A Comparison between HIV-Infected Patients and Individuals from the General Population.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption is highly prevalent in the general population and among HIV-infected population. This study aimed to compare the pattern of alcohol consumption and to describe characteristics associated with heavy alcohol consumption in individuals from the general population with patients infected with HIV. METHODS: Participants for this analysis came from a population-based cross-sectional study and from a consecutive sampling of patients infected with HIV. Participants aged 18 years or older were interviewed using similar questionnaires with questions pertaining to socio-demographic characteristics, alcohol consumption, smoking, physical activity, and HIV-related characteristics, among others. Blood pressure and anthropometric measures were measured using standardized procedures. RESULTS: Weekly alcohol consumption was more prevalent among individuals from the general population than HIV-infected patients: 57.0 vs. 31.1%, P<0.001. The prevalence of heavy episodic drinking was higher in the population sample as well: 46.1 vs. 17.0%, P<0.001. In the general population, heavy alcohol consumption was more prevalent in men. Cigarette smoking was independently associated with heavy alcohol consumption among HIV infected (Prevalence Ratio; PR = 5.9; 95%CI 2.6-13.9; P<0,001) and general population (PR = 2.6; 95%CI 1.9-3.0; P<0.001). Years at school were inversely associated with heavy alcohol consumption among HIV-infected patients and directly associated among participants from the general population, even after controlling for sex, age, skin color, and smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy alcohol consumption is more prevalent in the general population than among HIV-infected patients. Individuals aware about their disease may reduce the amount of alcoholic beverages consumption comparatively to healthy individuals from the general population.

Biochemical non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis cannot replace biopsy in HIV-HCV coinfected patients.

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE: The liver biopsy has been considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and quantification of fibrosis. However, this method presents limitations. In addition, the non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis is a challenge. The aim of this study was to validate the fibrosis cirrhosis index (FCI) index in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfected patients, and compare to AST/ALT ratio (AAR), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) and FIB-4 scores, as a tool for the assessment of liver fibrosis in coinfected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cross sectional study including 92 HIV-HCV coinfected patients evaluated in two reference centers for HIV treatment in the Public Health System in Southern Brazil. Patients who underwent liver biopsy for any indication and had concomitant laboratory data in the 3 months prior to liver biopsy, to allow the calculation of studied noninvasive markers (AAR, APRI, FIB-4 and FCI) were included. RESULTS: APRI < 0.5 presents the higher specificity to detect no or minimal fibrosis, whereas APRI > 1.5 presents the best negative predictive value and FCI > 1.25 the best specificity to detect significant fibrosis. The values of noninvasive markers for each Metavir fibrosis stage showed statistically significant differences only for APRI. In conclusion, until better noninvasive markers for liver fibrosis are developed and validated for HIV-HCV coinfected patients, noninvasive serum markers should be used carefully in this population.

[HIV and syphilis coinfection in pregnancy and vertical HIV transmission: a study based on epidemiological surveillance data]. / Coinfecção HIV/sífilis na gestação e transmissão vertical do HIV: um estudo a partir de dados da vigilância epidemiológica.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of HIV and syphilis coinfection among pregnant women living in Porto Alegre, Brazil, as well as the association of coinfection with vertical HIV transmission and socioeconomic variables. METHOD: This analytical retrospective cross-sectional study employed data from the regular epidemiological surveillance system for the period from 2010 to 2013. Data were obtained regarding pregnant women with HIV and exposed children, syphilis in pregnancy, and congenital syphilis. RESULTS: The study population included 1 500 HIV-positive women with deliveries from 2010 to 2013. Of these, 155 (10.3%) were also infected with syphilis, corresponding to an HIV and syphilis coinfection rate of 10.2% (± 1.5%). The coinfected group had lower education levels, higher prevalence of black women, and greater HIV exposure related to drug use by the woman or a partner. Coinfected women had more delayed HIV diagnosis (for example, during childbirth) and greater prevalence of lacking prenatal care (44%). Crude analysis showed an association between vertical HIV transmission and HIV and syphilis co-infection (PR = 2.1; 95%CI: 1.21-3.74; P = 0.01) that persisted in the adjusted analysis. CONCLUSION: A profile of increased vulnerability was identified among pregnant women with HIV and syphilis coinfection. A positive impact of the treatment to reduce congenital syphilis and eliminate vertical transmission of HIV depends on enhanced access to qualified health care.

Strategies to prevent HIV transmission to serodiscordant couples.

INTRODUCTION: The use antiretroviral reduces the sexual transmission of HIV, expanding interventions for serodiscordant couples. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to review the use of antiretroviral and other prevention interventions among serodiscordant couples and to analyze its use in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed through the MEDLINE database and bases included in the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. RESULTS: The articles recovered exhibit four main strategies: (1) condom; (2) reduction of risks in sexual practices; (3) use of antiretrovirals, particularly early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (TASP) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); (4) risk reduction in reproduction. DISCUSSION: TASP is highly effective in reducing sexual transmission, PrEP was tested in serodiscordant couples and both reduce the sexual transmission risk in different sexual practices, enabling individualized prevention strategies. CONCLUSIONS: When used in combination, antiretrovirals and sexual practices with condoms offer greater efficacy than any single strategy. The combined use of new and old strategies allows us to build a prevention policy for all.