The burden of secrecy in the management of multimorbidity in older people living with HIV aged 70 and over.

The secrecy surrounding HIV continues to be a major concern for older people living with HIV (OPWH) despite their long-term experience of HIV and the presence of other chronic diseases. Our study aims to highlight how the secrecy surrounding HIV can affect the management of the other conditions. The results of this socio-anthropological sub-study of the ANRS EP66 SEPTAVIH study, which assesses frailty in OPWH, are based on in-depth interviews conducted with 20 OPWH with multimorbidities aged 70 years and over and 9 caregivers. Based on a cross-sectional thematic analysis, this study shows that HIV infection differs from other chronic diseases due to the secrecy and stigma associated with HIV. These specific issues associated with HIV complicate the lives of OPWH, depriving them of support from loved ones and forcing them to exclude their general practitioner from their care system. This then causes OPWH with multiple chronic diseases to become socially vulnerable and isolated. Interventions that support the sharing of information on HIV among OPWH and also among caregivers need to be identified as a matter of urgency in order to improve the lives and management of OPWH with multimorbidities.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03958786.

Outcomes of targeted treatment in immunocompromised patients with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19: a retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of targeted COVID-19 treatments in immunocompromised patients with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 during the period of expansion of the different Omicron subvariants in France. A retrospective monocentric observational study was performed. All immunocompromised patients aged 18 or more, with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or mild COVID-19, and who had received a targeted treatment with sotrovimab, tixagevimab/cilgavimab, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir or remdesivir at the Bordeaux University Hospital from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022 were eligible. The primary outcomes of interest was defined as a composite of either (i) progression to moderate (WHO-Clinical Progression Scale at 4 or 5) or severe COVID-19 (WHO-CPS ≥ 6), or (ii) the occurrence of COVID-19-related death. The secondary outcomes of interest were the components of the primary outcome. Outcomes were collected until day 30 after targeted treatment administration or at discharge for patients still hospitalised in relation with COVID-19 at day 30. 223 immunocompromised patients received targeted treatment for asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or mild COVID-19: 114 received sotrovimab, 50 tixagevimab/cilgavimab, 49 nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and 10 remdesivir. Among 223 treated patients, 10 (4.5%) progressed to moderate or severe disease: three patients (1.3%) progressed to moderate COVID-19 and 7 (3.1%) patients progressed to severe disease. Among them, 4 (1.8%) died of COVID-19. More than 95% of immunocompromised patients with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection or mild COVID-19 treated by targeted therapies during the Omicron subvariants era did not progress to moderate or severe disease.

Severe adverse events during medical and surgical treatment of hip and knee prosthetic joint infections.

INTRODUCTION: The management of prosthetic joint infection requires a complex treatment procedure and can be associated with complications. However, the occurrence of severe adverse events during this intervention has been poorly evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 5-year multicentric retrospective study including patients from 3 hospitals in the South-Western France referral center for complex bone and joint infections (Crioac GSO) and treated for hip or knee prosthetic joint infection with 1 or 2-stage implant exchanges. The objective was to describe grade≥3 adverse events, according to the CTCAE classification, occurring within 6 weeks after surgery and to identify their associated factors. RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen patients were identified. We observed 71 severe events in 50 patients (42.3%; 95% confidence interval [CI95%]: 33.8-51.4%). Sixteen severe events were an evolution of the infection. The remaining 55 others (47 grade 3 and 8 grade 4) occurred in 41 patients (34.7%; CI95%: 26.8-43.7%). They were distributed as follows: 27 (49.1%) medical complications, 21 (38.2%) surgical complications and 7 (12.7%) antibiotic-related complications. The main identified risk factor was a two-stage prosthetic exchange with OR=3.6 (CI95% [1.11-11.94], P=0.032). Obesity was limit of significance with OR=3.3 (CI95% [0.9-12.51], P=0.071). Infection with coagulase negative Staphylococcus was a protective factor with OR=0.3 (CI95% [0.12-0.99], P=0.047). CONCLUSION: Severe adverse events are frequent following prosthetic exchange for PJI (34.7%) and are related to the high frequency of comorbidities in this population and to the complex surgical procedures required. The risk factor significantly associated with these events was a two-stage exchange.

Evolution of comorbidities in people living with HIV between 2004 and 2014: cross-sectional analyses from ANRS CO3 Aquitaine cohort.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to describe the evolution of chronic non-AIDS related diseases and their risk factors, in patients living with HIV (PLHIV) in the French ANRS CO3 Aquitaine prospective cohort, observed both in 2004 and in 2014 in order to improve long-term healthcare management. METHODS: The ANRS CO3 Aquitaine cohort prospectively collects epidemiological, clinical, biological and therapeutic data on PLHIV in the French Aquitaine region. Two cross sectional analyses were performed in 2004 and 2014, to investigate the patient characteristics, HIV RNA, CD4 counts and prevalence of some common comorbidities and treatment. RESULTS: 2138 PLHIV (71% male, median age 52.2 years in 2014) were identified for inclusion in the study, including participants who were registered in the cohort with at least one hospital visit recorded in both 2004 and 2014. Significant increases in the prevalence of diagnosed chronic kidney disease (CKD), bone fractures, cardiovascular events (CVE), hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia, as well as an increase in treatment or prevention for these conditions (statins, clopidogrel, aspirin) were observed. It was also reflected in the increase in the proportion of patients in the "high" or "very high" risk groups of the disease risk scores for CKD, CVE and bone fracture score. CONCLUSIONS: Between 2004 and 2014, the aging PLHIV population identified in the French ANRS CO3 Aquitaine prospective cohort experienced an overall higher prevalence of non-HIV related comorbidities, including CKD and CVD. Long-term healthcare management and long-term health outcomes could be improved for PLHIV by: careful HIV management according to current recommendations with optimal selection of antiretrovirals, and early management of comorbidities through recommended lifestyle improvements and preventative measures.

Most chilblains observed during the COVID-19 outbreak occur in patients who are negative for COVID-19 on polymerase chain reaction and serology testing.

BACKGROUND: Acral lesions, mainly chilblains, are the most frequently reported cutaneous lesions associated with COVID-19. In more than 80% of patients tested, nasopharyngeal swabs were negative on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 when performed, and serology was generally not performed. METHODS: A national survey was launched on 30 March 2020 by the French Society of Dermatology asking physicians to report cases of skin manifestations in patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 by using a standardized questionnaire. We report the results for acral manifestations. RESULTS: We collected 311 cases of acral manifestations [58.5% women, median age 25.7 years (range 18-39)]. The most frequent clinical presentation (65%) was typical chilblains. In total, 93 cases (30%) showed clinical suspicion of COVID-19, 67 (22%) had only less specific infectious symptoms and 151 (49%) had no clinical signs preceding or during the course of acral lesions. Histology of skin biopsies was consistent with chilblains. Overall, 12 patients showed significant immunological abnormalities. Of the 150 (48%) patients who were tested, 10 patients were positive. Seven of 121 (6%) RT-PCR-tested patients were positive for SARS-CoV-2, and five of 75 (7%) serology-tested patients had IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2. Tested/untested patients or those with/without confirmed COVID-19 did not differ in age, sex, history or acral lesion clinical characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this survey do not rule out that SARS-CoV-2 could be directly responsible for some cases of chilblains, but we found no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the large majority of patients with acral lesions during the COVID-19 lockdown period in France. What is already known about this topic? About 1000 cases of acral lesions, mainly chilblains, were reported during the COVID-19 outbreak. Chilblains were reported to occur in young people within 2 weeks of infectious signs, which were mild when present. Most cases did not have COVID-19 confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and few serology results were available. What does this study add? Among 311 patients with acral lesions, mainly chilblains, during the COVID-19 lockdown period in France, the majority of patients tested had no evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, 70 of 75 patients were seronegative for SARS-Cov-2 serology and 114 of 121 patients were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR.

Haemophilus spp., an emerging multidrug-resistant sexually transmitted pathogen.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of patients with a positive urethral sample for Haemophilus spp. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study from January 2018 to July 2019 at the Bordeaux university hospital (France) of all urethral samples positive for Haemophilus spp. RESULTS: Haemophilus spp. was isolated in 10 urethral samples from nine patients. The mean age was 33.8 years. Most patients reported having unprotected sex. Haemophilus parainfluenzae was isolated in nine samples, and Haemophilus influenzae in one sample. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed in five samples; Haemophilus spp. was always resistant to amoxicillin and tetracycline. One patient had persistent symptoms after treatment for a multidrug-resistant Haemophilus parainfluenzae strain. CONCLUSION: Haemophilus spp. is a rare pathogen of urethritis. Its responsibility should be considered in case of persistent symptoms. The emergence of multidrug-resistant Haemophilus spp. is becoming problematic.

[Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases: Updated Guidelines for Clinical Practice - Short version]. / Les infections génitales hautes. Mise à jour des recommandations pour la pratique clinique ­ texte court.

OBJECTIVES: To provide up-to-date guidelines on management of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). METHODS: An initial search of the Cochrane database, PubMed, and Embase was performed using keywords related to PID to identify reports in any language published between January 1990 and January 2012, with an update in 2018. All identified reports published in French and English relevant to the areas of focus were included. A level of evidence based on the quality of the data available was applied for each area of focus and used for the guidelines. RESULTS: PID must be suspected when spontaneous pelvic pain is associated with induced adnexal or uterine pain (grade B). Pelvic ultrasonography is necessary to exclude tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) (grade C). Microbiological diagnosis requires endocervical and TOA sampling for molecular and bacteriological analysis (grade B). First-line treatment for uncomplicated PID combines ceftriaxone 1g, once, by intra-muscular (IM) or intra-venous (IV) route, doxycycline 100mg×2/d, and metronidazole 500mg×2/d oral (PO) for 10 days (grade A). First-line treatment for complicated PID combines IV ceftriaxone 1 to 2g/d until clinical improvement, doxycycline 100mg×2/d, IV or PO, and metronidazole 500mg×3/d, IV or PO for 14days (grade B). Drainage of TOA is indicated if the collection measures more than 3cm (grade B). Follow-up is required in women with sexually transmitted infections (STI) (grade C). The use of condoms is recommended (grade B). Vaginal sampling for microbiological diagnosis is recommended 3 to 6months after PID (grade C), before the insertion of an intra-uterine device (grade B), before elective termination of pregnancy or hysterosalpingography. Targeted antibiotics on identified bacteria are better than systematic antibioprophylaxis in those conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Current management of PID requires easily reproducible investigations and antibiotics adapted to STI and vaginal microbiota.

High prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium infection and macrolide resistance in patients enrolled in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis program.

OBJECTIVES: Limited data on Mycoplasma genitalium infection has been reported among PrEP users. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and macrolide resistance of M. genitalium infection among enrollees in a French PrEP program. PATIENTS AND METHODS: M. genitalium infection screening was systematically and prospectively proposed to patients of the Bordeaux PrEP program (between January 2016 and February 2017). Macrolide resistance was evaluated in M. genitalium-positive patients. RESULTS: Among 89 clients, M. genitalium infection prevalence was 10% (mainly asymptomatic) with a high rate of macrolide resistance (58%). CONCLUSIONS: Because of a high level of macrolide resistance, a systematic search for M. genitalium macrolide resistance associated-mutations may be recommended in PrEP users before initiating the antibiotic therapy.

[Pelvic inflammatory diseases: Microbiologic diagnosis - CNGOF and SPILF Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases Guidelines]. / Les infections génitales hautes : diagnostic microbiologique. RPC infections génitales hautes CNGOF et SPILF.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the microorganisms potentially involved in pelvic inflammatory diseases (PIDs) and the different diagnostic methods of PID. METHODS: PubMed and International Guidelines search. RESULTS: PIDs have various microbial causes. The pathogenic role of the main agents of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium is well demonstrated (NP1). C. trachomatis is the most commonly described bacterium in PID (NP1), especially in women under 30 years old. PIDs also occur in situations that decrease the effectiveness of the cervix microbiological lock, such as bacterial vaginosis, allowing facultative vaginal bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae and anaerobes to ascend to the uterine cavity. Nevertheless, participation of the diverse bacteria of the vaginal microbiota, in particular anaerobes, and the polymicrobial character of PIDs are still differently appreciated. In the case of uncomplicated PID, to obtain a microbiological diagnosis, endocervical sampling is recommended during gynecological examination under speculum (grade B). A first swab allows for a smear on a slide for direct examination (Gram, MGG). A second swab, in an adapted transport medium, is useful for standard culture with N. gonorrhoeae and facultative vaginal flora bacteria cultures, with antibiotic susceptibility testing. A third swab, in an appropriate transport medium, allows for the search for N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, and if possible M. genitalium by nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAATs), (NP1). It is possible to only use one swab in a transport medium suitable for (i) survival of bacteria and (ii) NAATs. When the diagnosis of PID is clinically compatible, a positive NAAT for one or more of the three STI-associated bacteria on a genital sample supports the PID diagnosis (NP1). On the other hand, a negative NAAT does not allow the exclusion of an STI agent for PID diagnosis (NP1). In situations where speculum use is not possible, vaginal sampling will be performed by default. In case of complicated IGH, tuboperitoneal samples can be performed either radiologically or surgically. Since these sites are sterile, any bacteria present will be considered pathogenic (NP2). C. trachomatis serology is not interesting as a first line diagnostic tool for PID diagnosis and is not useful for monitoring the evolution of PID (NP1).

[Diagnosis and management of intra-uterine infection: CNGOF Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Guidelines]. / Infection intra-utérine : diagnostic et traitement. RPC rupture prématurée des membranes avant terme CNGOF.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnosis criteria and management of intra-uterine inflammation or infection (Triple I, III). METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane Central databases search. RESULTS: III is defined as an infection of the fetal membranes, and/or other components like the decidua, fetus, amniotic fluid or placenta. This word should be preferred to the word chorioamnionitis that is less precise (Professional consensus). III clinical signs exhibit poor limited sensibility and specificity (EL3). The diagnosis of III is retained in case of maternal fever (defined by a body temperature≥38°C) with no alternative cause identified and at least 2 signs among the following: fetal tachycardia>160 bpm for 10min or longer, uterine pain of labor, purulent fluid from the cervical canal (Professional consensus). Maternal hyperleukocytosis>20 giga/L in the absence of corticosteroids treatment or increased plasmatic C-reactive protein also argue for III, despite their limited sensibility and specificity (EL3). III requires prompt delivery (Grade A). III is not by itself an indication for cesarean delivery (Professional consensus). Antibiotic treatment should cover Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia coli. Antibiotics should be started immediately and maintained all over delivery, to reduce neonatal and maternal morbidity (Grade B). Treatment should rely on a combination of betalactamin and aminoglycoside (Grade B). After vaginal delivery, one single dose of antibiotic is required. Antibiotic duration should be longer in case of bacteremia. Longer duration could be considered in case of persistent fever or of cesarean delivery (Professional consensus).

[Preterm premature rupture of membranes: CNGOF Guidelines for clinical practice - Short version]. / Rupture prématurée des membranes avant terme : recommandations pour la pratique clinique du CNGOF ­ Texte court.

OBJECTIVE: To determine management of women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS: Bibliographic search from the Medline and Cochrane Library databases and review of international clinical practice guidelines. RESULTS: In France, PPROM rate is 2 to 3% before 37 weeks of gestation (level of evidence [LE] 2) and less than 1% before 34 weeks of gestation (LE2). Prematurity and intra-uterine infection are the two major complications of PPROM (LE2). Compared to other causes of prematurity, PPROM is not associated with an increased risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity, except in case of intra-uterine infection, which is associated with an augmentation of early-onset neonatal sepsis (LE2) and of necrotizing enterocolitis (LE2). PPROM diagnosis is mainly clinical (professional consensus). In doubtful cases, detection of IGFBP-1 or PAMG-1 is recommended (professional consensus). Hospitalization of women with PPROM is recommended (professional consensus). There is no sufficient evidence to recommend or not recommend tocolysis (grade C). If a tocolysis should be prescribed, it should not last more than 48hours (grade C). Antenatal corticosteroids before 34 weeks of gestation (grade A) and magnesium sulfate before 32 weeks of gestation (grade A) are recommended. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended (grade A) because it is associated with a reduction of neonatal mortality and morbidity (LE1). Amoxicillin, 3rd generation cephalosporins, and erythromycin in monotherapy or the association erythromycin-amoxicillin can be used (professional consensus), for 7 days (grade C). However, in case of negative vaginal culture, early cessation of antibiotic prophylaxis might be acceptable (professional consensus). Co-amoxiclav, aminosides, glycopetides, first and second generation cephalosporins, clindamycin, and metronidazole are not recommended for antibiotic prophylaxis (professional consensus). Outpatient management of women with clinically stable PPROM after 48hours of hospitalization is a possible (professional consensus). During monitoring, it is recommended to identify the clinical and biological elements suggesting intra-uterine infection (professional consensus). However, it not possible to make recommendation regarding the frequency of this monitoring. In case of isolated elevated C-reactive protein, leukocytosis, or positive vaginal culture in an asymptomatic patient, it is not recommended to systematically prescribe antibiotics (professional consensus). In case of intra-uterine infection, it is recommended to immediately administer an antibiotic therapy associating beta-lactamine and aminoside (grade B), intravenously (grade B), and to deliver the baby (grade A). Cesarean delivery should be performed according to the usual obstetrical indications (professional consensus). Expectative management is recommended before 37 weeks of gestation in case of uncomplicated PPROM (grade A), even in case of positive vaginal culture for B Streptococcus, provided that an antibiotic prophylaxis has been prescribed (professional consensus). Oxytocin and prostaglandins are two possible options to induce labor in case of PPROM (professional consensus). CONCLUSION: Expectative management is recommended before 37 weeks of gestation in case of uncomplicated PPROM (grade A).

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in preterm premature rupture of membranes: CNGOF preterm premature rupture of membranes guidelines]. / Choix et durée de l'antibioprophylaxie en cas de rupture prématurée des membranes avant terme. RPC rupture prématurée des membranes avant terme CNGOF.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse benefits and risks of antibiotic prophylaxis in the management of preterm premature rupture of membranes. METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane Central databases search. RESULTS: Streptoccoccus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) and Escherichia coli are the two main bacteria identified in early neonatal sepsis (EL3). Antibiotic prophylaxis at admission is associated with significant prolongation of pregnancy (EL2), reduction in neonatal morbidity (EL1) without impact on neonatal mortality (EL2). Co-amoxiclav could be associated with an increased risk for neonatal necrotising enterocolitis (EL2). Antibiotic prophylaxis at admission in women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes is recommended (Grade A). Monotherapy with amoxicillin, third generation cephalosporin and erythromycin can be used as well as combination of erythromycin and amoxicillin (Professional consensus) for 7 days (GradeC). Shorter treatment is possible when initial vaginal culture is negative (Professional consensus). Co-amxiclav, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, first and second generation cephalosporin, clindamycin and metronidazole are not recommended (Professional consensus). CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotic prophylaxis against Streptoccoccus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) and E. coli is recommended in women with preterm premature of the membranes (Grade A). Monotherapy with amoxicillin, third generation cephalosporin or erythromycin, as well as combination of erythromycin and amoxicillin are recommended (Professional consensus).

Clinical and biological features of enteroviral meningitis among adults and children and factors associated with severity and length of stay.

BACKGROUND: Enterovirus (EV) meningitis is the most common form of meningitis. Clinical and biological manifestations may be non-specific, leading to prolonged and costly investigations. OBJECTIVES: To determine the different aspects of EV meningitis and the variables associated with length of stay (LOS) in hospital independently of patients' age. STUDY DESIGN: Single center retrospective study of all EV PCR positive CSF samples during 3.5 years in Bordeaux University Hospital, France. RESULTS: 172 patients were included. 65 were under 3 years old and 49 over 18 years old. 10% of patients had severe forms of the disease. 47 patients (27.3%) had normal CSF count and in 63 patients (36.6%) polynuclear cells predominated in CSF. Procalcitonin, Hoens' score or PCR in stool samples appeared as good markers for enteroviral diagnosis. Time elapsed before PCR results was associated with LOS (p = .002) and should help in limiting investigations in case of aseptic meningitis. CONCLUSION: Rapid availability of EV PCR reduces LOS for patients and contributes to diminish unnecessary procedures and further tests.

[A case of gonococcal arthritis: Diagnostic difficulties and usefulness of synovial fluid PCR]. / Monoarthrite septique à gonocoque : difficultés diagnostiques et intérêt de la PCR dans le liquide articulaire.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae septic arthritis remains low in the general population. Its clinical and microbiological diagnostic remains difficult. CASE REPORT: We report a 44-year-old man who presented with a monoarthritis of the right ankle. The diagnosis of gonoccocal septic arthritis was obtained by PCR from the joint fluid. Treatment with ceftriaxone was effective. CONCLUSION: In patients with high risk of N. gonorrhoeae infection, PCR for detection of gonorrhea in synovial fluid could potentially facilitate the diagnostic of gonococcal septic arthritis.

Knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes of HIV-infected men about syphilis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore knowledge on syphilis, sexual behaviors, and attitudes in men living with HIV in southwestern France. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the ANRS CO3 Aquitaine Cohort of people living with HIV (PLHIV), a self-administered questionnaire was proposed to all male PLHIV attending one of the seven participating clinics between September 22 and October 24, 2014. The 15 questions explored patient knowledge about syphilis disease, attitudes, and behaviors during sexual intercourse. RESULTS: Among 302 patients surveyed, 101 reported at least one episode of syphilis. A history of syphilis was associated with awareness that syphilis was on the rise in men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Aquitaine region (46% vs. 22%, P<0.0001). Knowledge that syphilis could be transmitted by oral sex was low in both patients with (37%) and without (20%) a history of syphilis (P=0.0045). Patients with a history of syphilis more often used recreational drugs (RR 1.6; P=0.0028). Among 160 patients who had sexual intercourse with a man in the past 12 months, 23% reported using condoms for oral intercourse and 80% reported using condoms for anal intercourse. Sixty-two per cent of MSM declared being ready to change their practice if informed about the rise in syphilis. CONCLUSIONS: This survey revealed important information gaps in PLHIV about syphilis and related behavior. The reported receptiveness of this population to behavioral change may help inform educational interventions.