Sexual risk and HIV testing disconnect in men who have sex with men (MSM) recruited to an online HIV self-testing trial.

OBJECTIVES: We report the frequency of previous HIV testing at baseline in men who have sex with men (MSM) who enrolled in an HIV self-testing (HIVST) randomized controlled trial [an HIV self-testing public health intervention (SELPHI)]. METHODS: Criteria for enrolment were age ≥ 16 years, being a man (including trans men) who ever had anal intercourse (AI) with a man, not being known to be HIV positive and having consented to national HIV database linkage. Using online survey baseline data (2017-2018), we assessed associations with never having tested for HIV and not testing in the previous 6 months, among men who reported at least two recent condomless AI (CAI) partners. RESULTS: A total of 10 111 men were randomized; the median age was 33 years [interquartile range (IQR) 26-44 years], 89% were white, 20% were born outside the UK, 0.8% were trans men, 47% were degree educated, and 8% and 4% had ever used and were currently using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), respectively. In the previous 3 months, 89% reported AI and 72% reported CAI with at least one male partner. Overall, 17%, 33%, 54%, and 72% had tested for HIV in the last 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 2 years, respectively; 13% had tested more than 2 years ago and 15% had never tested. Among 3972 men reporting at least two recent CAI partners, only 22% had tested in the previous 3 months. Region of residence and education level were independently associated with recent HIV testing. Among current PrEP users, 15% had not tested in the previous 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Most men in SELPHI, particularly those reporting at least two CAI partners and current PrEP users, were not testing in line with current UK recommendations. The results of the trial will inform whether online promotion of HIVST addresses ongoing testing barriers.

Treatment outcomes of integrase inhibitors, boosted protease inhibitors and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors in antiretroviral-naïve persons starting treatment.

OBJECTIVES: Although outcomes of antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been evaluated in randomized controlled trials, experiences from subpopulations defined by age, CD4 count or viral load (VL) in heterogeneous real-world settings are limited. METHODS: The study design was an international multicohort collaboration. Logistic regression was used to compare virological and immunological outcomes at 12 ± 3 months after starting ART with an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI), contemporary nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) or boosted protease inhibitor (PI/b) with two nucleos(t)ides after 1 January 2012. The composite treatment outcome (cTO) defined success as VL < 200 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL with no regimen change and no AIDS/death events. Immunological success was defined as a CD4 count > 750 cells/µL or a 33% increase where the baseline CD4 count was ≥ 500 cells/µL. Poisson regression compared clinical failures (AIDS/death ≥ 14 days after starting ART). Interactions between ART class and age, CD4 count, and VL were determined for each endpoint. RESULTS: Of 5198 ART-naïve persons in the International Cohort Consortium of Infectious Diseases (RESPOND), 45.4% started INSTIs, 26.0% PI/b and 28.7% NNRTIs; 880 (17.4%) were aged > 50 years, 2539 (49.4%) had CD4 counts < 350 cells/µL and 1891 (36.8%) had VL > 100 000 copies/mL. Differences in virological and immunological success and clinical failure among ART classes were similar across age groups (≤ 40, 40-50 and > 50 years), CD4 count categories (≤ 350 vs. > 350 cells/µL) and VL categories at ART initiation (≤ 100 000 vs. > 100 000 copies/mL), with all investigated interactions being nonsignificant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Differences among ART classes in virological, immunological and clinical outcomes in ART-naïve participants were consistent irrespective of age, immune suppression or VL at ART initiation. While confounding by indication cannot be excluded, this provides reassuring evidence that such subpopulations will equally benefit from contemporary ART.

HIV self-testing intervention experiences and kit usability: results from a qualitative study among men who have sex with men in the SELPHI (Self-Testing Public Health Intervention) randomized controlled trial in England and Wales.

OBJECTIVES: SELPHI (HIV Self-Testing Public Health Intervention) is the largest randomized controlled trial (RCT) of HIV self-testing (HIVST) in a high-income setting to date, and has recruited 10 000 men who have sex with men (cis- and transgender) and transgender women who have sex with men. This qualitative substudy aimed to explore how those utilizing self-tests experience HIVST and the implications for further intervention development and scale-up. This is the first qualitative study in Europe investigating experiences of HIVST among intervention users, and the first globally examining the experience of using blood-based HIVST. METHODS: Thirty-seven cisgender MSM SELPHI participants from across England and Wales were purposively recruited to the substudy, in which semi-structured interviews were used to explore testing history, HIVST experiences and intervention preferences. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed through a framework analysis. RESULTS: Men accessed the intervention because HIVST reduced barriers related to convenience, stigma and privacy concerns. Emotional responses had direct links to acceptability. Supportive intervention components increased engagement with testing and addressed supportive concerns. HIVST facilitated more frequent testing, with the potential to reduce sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening frequency. Substudy participants with an HIV-positive result (n = 2) linked to care promptly and reported very high acceptability. Minor adverse outcomes (n = 2; relationship discord and fainting) did not reduce acceptability. Ease of use difficulties were with the lancet and the test processing stage. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention components shaped acceptability, particularly in relation to overcoming a perceived lack of support. The intervention was broadly acceptable and usable; participants expressed an unexpected degree of enthusiasm for HIVST, including those with HIV-positive results and individuals with minor adverse outcomes.

Investigating Conceptual Models for the Relationship Between Depression and Condomless Sex Among Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who have Sex with Men: Using Structural Equation Modelling to Assess Mediation.

The aim of this study is to investigate five hypothesized mechanisms of causation between depression and condomless sex with ≥ 2 partners (CLS2+) among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), involving alternative roles of self-efficacy for sexual safety and recreational drug use. Data were from the AURAH cross-sectional study of 1340 GBMSM attending genitourinary medicine clinics in England (2013-2014). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to investigate which conceptual model was more consistent with the data. Twelve percent of men reported depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 32% reported CLS2+ in the past 3 months. AURAH data were more consistent with the model in which depression was considered to lead to CLS2+ indirectly via low self-efficacy for sexual safety (indirect Beta = 0.158; p < 0.001) as well as indirectly via higher levels of recreational drug use (indirect Beta = 0.158; p < 0.001). SEM assists in understanding the relationship between depression and CLS among GBMSM.

Respiratory health status is impaired in UK HIV-positive adults with virologically suppressed HIV infection.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate whether people living with HIV (PLWH) using effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) have worse respiratory health status than similar HIV-negative individuals. METHODS: We recruited 197 HIV-positive and 93 HIV-negative adults from HIV and sexual health clinics. They completed a questionnaire regarding risk factors for respiratory illness. Respiratory health status was assessed using the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) breathlessness scale. Subjects underwent spirometry without bronchodilation. RESULTS: PLWH had worse respiratory health status: the median SGRQ Total score was 12 [interquartile range (IQR) 6-25] in HIV-positive subjects vs. 6 (IQR 2-14) in HIV-negative subjects (P < 0.001); breathlessness was common in the HIV-positive group, where 47% compared with 24% had an MRC breathlessness score ≥ 2 (P = 0.001). Eighteen (11%) HIV-positive and seven (9%) HIV-negative participants had airflow obstruction. In multivariable analyses (adjusted for age, gender, smoking, body mass index and depression), HIV infection remained associated with higher SGRQ and MRC scores, with an adjusted fold-change in SGRQ Total score of 1.54 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14-2.09; P = 0.005] and adjusted odds ratio of having an MRC score of ≥ 2 of 2.45 (95% CI 1.15-5.20; P = 0.02). Similar findings were obtained when analyses were repeated including only HIV-positive participants with a viral load < 40 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Despite effective ART, impaired respiratory health appears more common in HIV-positive adults, and has a significant impact on health-related quality of life.

Age, time living with diagnosed HIV infection, and self-rated health.

OBJECTIVES: An increasing proportion of people living with HIV are older adults, who may require specialized care. Adverse physical and psychological effects of HIV infection may be greatest among older people or those who have lived longer with HIV. METHODS: The ASTRA study is a cross-sectional questionnaire study of 3258 HIV-diagnosed adults (2248 men who have sex with men, 373 heterosexual men and 637 women) recruited from UK clinics in 2011-2012. Associations of age group with physical symptom distress (significant distress for at least one of 26 symptoms), depression and anxiety symptoms (scores ≥ 10 on PHQ-9 and GAD-7, respectively), and health-related functional problems (problems on at least one of three domains of the Euroqol 5D-3L)) were assessed, adjusting for time with diagnosed HIV infection, gender/sexual orientation and ethnicity. RESULTS: The age distribution of participants was: < 30 years, 5%; 30-39 years, 23%; 40-49 years, 43%; 50-59 years, 22%; and ≥ 60 years, 7%. Overall prevalences were: physical symptom distress, 56%; depression symptoms, 27%; anxiety symptoms, 22%; functional problems, 38%. No trend was found in the prevalence of physical symptom distress with age [adjusted odds ratio (OR) for trend across age groups, 0.96; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89, 1.04; P = 0.36]. The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms decreased with age [adjusted OR 0.86 (95% CI 0.79, 0.94; P = 0.001) and adjusted OR 0.85 (95% CI 0.77, 0.94; P = 0.001), respectively], while that of functional problems increased (adjusted OR 1.28; 95% CI 1.17, 1.39; P < 0.001). In contrast, a longer time with diagnosed HIV infection was strongly and independently associated with a higher prevalence of symptom distress, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and functional problems (P < 0.001 for trends, adjusted analysis). CONCLUSIONS: Among people living with HIV, although health-related functional problems were more common with older age, physical symptom distress was not, and mental health was more favourable. These results suggest that a longer time with diagnosed HIV infection, rather than age, is the dominating factor contributing to psychological morbidity and lower quality of life.

Accuracy of self-report of HIV viral load among people with HIV on antiretroviral treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess, among people living with HIV, knowledge of their latest HIV viral load (VL) and CD4 count. METHODS: Agreement between self-report and clinic record was assessed among 2771 HIV-diagnosed individuals on antiretroviral treatment (ART) in the UK Antiretrovirals, Sexual Transmission Risk and Attitudes Study (2011-2012). A confidential self-completed questionnaire collected information on demographic, socioeconomic, HIV-related and health-related factors. Participants were asked to self-report their latest VL [undetectable (≤ 50 copies/mL), detectable (> 50 copies/mL) or "don't know"] and CD4 count (< 200, 200-350, 351-500 or > 500 cells/µL, or "don't know"). Latest clinic-recorded VL and CD4 count were documented. RESULTS: Of 2678 participants on ART, 434 (16.2%) did not accurately report whether their VL was undetectable. Of 2334 participants with clinic-recorded VL ≤ 50 copies/mL, 2061 (88.3%) correctly reported undetectable VL; 49 (2.1%) reported detectable VL; 224 (9.6%) did not know their VL. Of 344 participants with clinic-recorded VL > 50 copies/mL, 183 (53.2%) correctly reported detectable VL; 76 (22.1%) reported undetectable VL; 85 (24.7%) did not know their VL. Of 2137 participants who reported undetectable VL, clinic-recorded VL was ≤ 50 copies/mL for 2061 (96.4%) and <1000 copies/mL for 2122 (99.3%). In analyses adjusted for gender/sexual orientation, ethnicity, age and time since starting ART, factors strongly associated with inaccurate self-report of VL (including "don't know") included socioeconomic disadvantage [prevalence ratio (95% CI) for "not" vs. "always" having enough money for basic needs: 2.4 (1.9, 3.1)], poor English fluency [3.5 (2.4, 5.1) vs. UK born], nondisclosure of HIV status [1.7 (1.3, 2.1)], ART nonadherence [2.1 (1.7, 2.7) for three or more missed doses vs. none in the past 2 weeks] and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) [1.9 (1.6, 2.2)]. Overall, 612 (22.9%) of 2667 participants on ART did not accurately self-report whether or not their CD4 count was ≤ 350 cells/µL. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high level of accuracy of a self-report of undetectable VL in people on ART in the UK. Overall, accurate knowledge of personal VL level varied according to demographic, socioeconomic, HIV-related and health-related factors. Active identification of people who may benefit from increased levels of support and engagement in care is important.

Does gender or mode of HIV acquisition affect virological response to modern antiretroviral therapy (ART)?

OBJECTIVES: Previous UK studies have reported disparities in HIV treatment outcomes for women. We investigated whether these differences persist in the modern antiretroviral treatment (ART) era. METHODS: A single-centre cohort analysis was carried out. We included in the study all previously ART-naïve individuals at our clinic starting triple ART from 1 January 2006 onwards with at least one follow-up viral load (VL). Time to viral suppression (VS; first viral load < 50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL), virological failure (VF; first of two consecutive VLs > 200 copies/mL more than 6 months post-ART) and treatment modification were estimated using standard survival methods. RESULTS: Of 1086 individuals, 563 (52%) were men whose risk for HIV acquisition was sex with other men (MSM), 207 (19%) were men whose risk for HIV acquisition was sex with women (MSW) and 316 (29%) were women. Median pre-ART CD4 count and time since HIV diagnosis in these groups were 298, 215 and 219 cells/µL, and 2.3, 0.3 and 0.3 years, respectively. Time to VS was comparable between groups, but women [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28-4.22] and MSW (aHR 3.28; 95% CI 1.91-5.64) were at considerably higher risk of VF than MSM. Treatment switches and complete discontinuation were also more common among MSW [aHR 1.38 (95% CI 1.04-1.81) and aHR 1.73 (95% CI 0.97-3.16), respectively] and women [aHR 1.87 (95% CI 1.43-2.46) and aHR 3.20 (95% CI 2.03-5.03), respectively] than MSM. CONCLUSIONS: Although response rates were good in all groups, poorer virological outcomes for women and MSW have persisted into the modern ART era. Factors that might influence the differences include socioeconomic status and mental health disorders. Further interventions to ensure excellent response rates in women and MSW are required.

Transmission risk behaviour at enrolment in participants in the INSIGHT Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial.

OBJECTIVES: A proportion of HIV-positive people have condomless sex. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) reduces infectiousness, but a substantial proportion of HIV-diagnosed people are not yet on ART. We describe baseline self-reported risk behaviours in ART-naïve Strategic Timing of AntiRetroviral Treatment (START) trial participants. METHODS: All START participants completed a risk behaviour questionnaire. Data were collected on sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, health and wellbeing status and clinical status. Recent sexual behaviour and HIV transmission beliefs in the context of ART were also assessed. The primary interest was in condomless sex with serodifferent partners (CLS-D) in the past two months. RESULTS: A total of 4601 of 4685 HIV-positive participants (98%) completed the questionnaire [2559 men who have sex with men (MSM), 803 heterosexual men and 1239 women]. Region of recruitment was Europe/Israel, 33%; South America/Mexico, 25%; Africa, 22%; other, 21%. Median age was 36 years [interquartile range (IQR) 29, 44 years]. Forty-five per cent reported white ethnicity and 31% black ethnicity. Two per cent had HIV viral load < 50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL. Seventeen per cent (767 of 4601) reported CLS-D; 20% of MSM compared with 10% of heterosexual men and 14% of women. MSM were also more likely to report multiple CLS-D partners. Possible risk limitation measures (reported by more than half of those who had CLS-D) were seropositioning (receptive anal CLS-D only) or withdrawal (insertive anal CLS-D always without ejaculation). CLS-D was more commonly reported by participants from South America/Mexico and North America compared with Europe; among heterosexual men and women CLS-D was also more commonly reported among participants from Africa compared with Europe. Knowledge of ART impact on transmission risk was low. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial minority recruited to the START study reported CLS-D at baseline. CLS-D reporting was higher in MSM than heterosexuals and varied significantly according to region of recruitment. A substantial proportion of MSM reporting CLS-D appear to take transmission risk limitation measures.

Doctor-patient concordance during HIV treatment switching decision-making.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to explore levels of doctor-patient concordance during the making of decisions regarding HIV treatment switching and stopping in relation to patient health-related outcomes. METHODS: Adult patients attending five HIV clinics in the United Kingdom were requested to complete the study questionnaire, which included a Concordance Scale, and measures of symptoms [Memorial Symptom Assessment Short Form (MSAS) index], quality of life (EuroQol), satisfaction, adherence and sexual risk behaviour. Clinical health measures (HIV viral load and CD4 cell count) were also obtained. A total of 779 patients completed the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 86%; of these 779 patients, 430 had switched or stopped their HIV treatment and were thus eligible for inclusion. Of these patients, 217 (50.5%) fully completed the Concordance Scale. RESULTS: Concordance levels were high (88% scored between 30 and 40 on the scale; score range 10-40). Higher concordance was related to several patient outcomes, including: better quality of life (P=0.003), less severe and burdensome symptom experience (lower MSAS-physical score, P=0.001; lower MSAS-psychological score, P=0.008; lower MSAS-global distress index score, P=0.011; fewer symptoms reported, P=0.007), higher CD4 cell count (at baseline, P=0.019, and 6-12 months later, P=0.043) and greater adherence (P=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: High levels of doctor-patient concordance in HIV treatment decision-making are associated with greater adherence and better physical and psychological functioning. More research is needed to establish a causal relationship between concordance and these outcomes.

Self-reported non-adherence to ART and virological outcome in a multiclinic UK study.

Adherence is of fundamental importance to ART success. We examined the association of self-reported non-adherence with demographic factors, health and behaviour issues, and virological outcome, in a multi-clinic study. Seven hundred and seventy-eight HIV patients in five clinics in London and Brighton completed a questionnaire on adherence and HIV/health issues at baseline in 2005/6. For 486 subjects taking ART, non-adherence in the past week was defined as: (A)>or=1 dose missed or taken incorrectly (wrong time/circumstances); (B)>or=1 dose missed; (C)>or=2 doses missed. Questionnaire data were matched with routine treatment and virology data for consenting subjects (61.4%). We assessed four virological outcomes in 307 of 486 patients: (i) VL>50c/mL using latest VL at the questionnaire and excluding patients starting HAART<24 weeks ago; (ii) VL>50c/mL using the first VL from 6 to 12 months post-questionnaire; (iii) any VL>50c/mL from 6 to 12 months post-questionnaire; (iv) among patients with VL<50c/mL at questionnaire, time to first subsequent VL>50c/mL over two years follow up. Non-adherence was reported by 278 (57.2%), 102 (21.0%) and 49 (10.1%) of 486 patients, for definitions A, B and C, respectively. Non-adherence declined markedly with older age, and tended to be more commonly reported by Black patients, those born outside the UK, those with greater psychological symptoms and those with suicidal thoughts. There was a weaker association with physical symptoms and no association with gender/sexuality, education, unemployment, or risk behaviour (p>0.1). In logistic regression analyses, younger age, non-UK birth and psychological variables were independent predictors of non-adherence [e.g., for non-adherence B: odds ratios (95% CI) were 0.95 (0.92, 0.98) for every year older age; 1.6 (1.0, 2.5) for non-UK born; 2.3 (1.5, 3.7) for suicidal thoughts]. Non-adherence was associated with poorer virological outcome; the most consistent association was for definition C. Among 255 patients with VL<50c/mL at baseline, non-adherence definition C was independently associated with subsequent VL>50c/mL [adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) 3.2 (1.5, 7.2)]. Non-UK birth and psychological symptoms predicted non-adherence, but the most striking association was with younger age. Age should be an important consideration in clinical strategies to minimise non-adherence and in decisions regarding ART initiation. A simple measure of non-adherence can identify patients at risk of poorer virological outcome.

Use of a prescription-based measure of antiretroviral therapy adherence to predict viral rebound in HIV-infected individuals with viral suppression.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess whether a simple, routinely available measure of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence predicts viral rebound at the next HIV viral load (VL) measurement in virally suppressed patients. METHODS: The analysis was performed on the Royal Free HIV Cohort, London, UK. Each 'drug coverage-viral load episode' (DCVL episode) was defined as a 6-month period immediately prior to a VL < or =50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL (time-zero), during which the patient had been continuously on HAART, with all measured VLs < or =50 copies/mL. The next VL after time-zero was used to assess whether VL rebound (defined as >200 copies/mL) had occurred. Drug coverage, our measure of adherence, was calculated as the proportion of days in the 6-month period covered by a valid prescription for at least three antiretroviral drugs. RESULTS: A total of 376 (2.4%) VL rebounds occurred in 15 660 DCVL episodes among 1632 patients. Drug coverage was 100% for 32% of episodes, 95-99% for 16% of episodes and < or =60% for 10% of episodes. The risk ratio of rebound associated with a 10% increase in drug coverage, adjusted for potential confounding variables, was 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.88-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Antiretroviral drug coverage assessed at the time of VL measurement in patients with undetectable VL is potentially clinically useful for predicting VL rebound at the next VL measurement.

Factors associated with viral rebound among highly treatment-experienced HIV-positive patients who have achieved viral suppression.

OBJECTIVE: More and more highly treatment-experienced patients are achieving viral suppression. However, the durability of suppression remains unclear. METHODS: Patients from Royal Free Hospital (London, UK) and JW Goethe University Hospital (Frankfurt, Germany) who had failed > or = 1 antiretroviral (ARV) regimen in all three main drug classes and > or = 3 previous ARV regimens and subsequently achieved viral load < 50 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL were included. They were followed until stopping pre-combination antiretroviral therapy, end of follow-up or viral rebound (two viral loads >400 copies/mL). RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-seven patients contributed 723 person-years and 114 viral rebounds [rate=15.8 per 100 person-years; 95% confidence interval (CI) 12.9-18.7]. More recent calendar years of viral suppression [relative risk (RR)=0.90 per year later; 95% CI 0.81-1.00; P=0.05] and greater number of ARVs in the regimen not previously failed (RR=0.78 per 1 ARV more; 95% CI 0.65-0.95; P=0.01) were associated with lower viral rebound rates. At 0-1, 1-2, 2-3 and > 3 years after achieving suppression, the rebound rates were 30.9, 9.2, 4.3 and 3.5 per 100 person-years, respectively. Compared to 0-1 years, the adjusted RRs (95% CIs) after 1-2, 2-3 and > 3 years were 0.33 (0.18-0.58), 0.21 (0.09-0.48) and 0.14 (0.06-0.33), respectively (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although rebound rates are high, especially in the first year after viral suppression, this risk reduces substantially if highly treatment-experienced patients can maintain viral suppression.

No association between HIV disease and its treatment and thyroid function.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were (i) to investigate the prevalence of overt and subclinical thyroid disease in HIV-positive patients in a London teaching hospital; (ii) to determine risk factors associated with the development of thyroid dysfunction, including highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and individual antivirals, and (iii) to determine the occurrence of thyroid dysfunction longitudinally over 3 years. METHODS: The study consisted of retrospective analyses of thyroid function tests (TFT) in HIV-positive patients. The period prevalence of and factors associated with clinical and subclinical thyroid dysfunction were investigated. Patients with normal TFT but previous thyroid disease were identified from pharmacy records and included in the overt category. RESULTS: A total of 1565 patients (73% of the clinic population) had at least one TFT taken since 2001. Overall, 3584 samples were analysed. Of the patients included in the study, 1233 (79%) were male, 1043 (66%) were white and 365 (23%) were black African, and in 969 (62%) the main risk for HIV was homosexual sex. Median age at baseline was 37 years. Nine hundred patients (58%) were on HAART at the start of the study. Thirty-nine (2.5%) were found to have overt hypothyroidism, and eight (<1%) had overt hyperthyroidism. Sixty-one (4%) had subclinical hypothyroidism, five (<1%) had subclinical hyperthyroidism and 263 (17%) had a nonthyroidal illness. A normal TFT was obtained for 1118 patients (75.5%). Multivariate analysis suggested that no independent variables were significantly associated with overt hypothyroidism, including HAART and stavudine use specifically. Repeated measurements over 3 years were available for 825 patients and only eight new cases (1%) of overt thyroid disease occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of overt thyroid disease was low in this cohort, suggesting that screening is not warranted.

Treatment outcomes amongst previously antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected patients starting lopinavir/ritonavir-containing antiretroviral regimens at the Royal Free Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To describe outcomes in patients starting first-line antiretroviral regimens including lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) in a routine clinic setting. METHODS: Previously naïve patients starting LPV/r-containing antiretroviral therapy were included in the study. Virological failure was defined as the first of two viral loads >500 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL more than 6 months after starting LPV/r. Cumulative percentages experiencing virological failure were calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods. RESULTS: A total of 195 individuals had a median follow-up time of 1.7 years. At 48 weeks, 87.9, 77.4 and 71.6% of patients with pretreatment CD4 counts of <50, 50-200 and >200 cells/microL, respectively, remained on LPV/r. By 48, 72 and 96 weeks, 2.2, 3.0 and 5.0% of patients, respectively, had experienced virological failure, ignoring treatment changes but censoring follow-up at discontinuation of all antiretrovirals; these percentages became 24.0, 33.7 and 42.3% when LPV/r discontinuation was considered as virological failure. Censoring those who stopped LPV/r with a viral load <50 copies/mL and considering as virological failures those who stopped LPV/r with a viral load >50 copies/mL gave 12.1, 14.6 and 17.0% virological failure at 48, 72 and 96 weeks, respectively. Median CD4 count increases at 24, 48 and 72 weeks were 167, 230 and 253 cells/microL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Few patients experienced virological failure whilst on a LPV/r-based regimen, although it was not uncommon for patients in our clinic with higher baseline CD4 counts to discontinue LPV/r.

Assessments for oxygen therapy in COPD: are we under correcting arterial oxygen tensions?

There is little data about the use of different oxygen sources during assessment for long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) and how this impacts upon blood oxygen tensions and prescribed flow rates. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), n=30, had assessments for LTOT using both an oxygen-concentrator and piped hospital oxygen (wall-oxygen) as supply sources. In addition, a random survey of 64 hospitals was conducted to determine what source of oxygen supply was used during assessments. Wall-oxygen was used by 89% of hospitals to perform assessments. During assessments, the median oxygen flow required to achieve an arterial oxygen tension (Pa,O2) >8 kPa was significantly greater for an oxygen-concentrator than for wall-oxygen, with a median difference (range) in flow of 1 (0-3) L. This difference was most likely in those with an forced expiratory volume <30% of predicted. At an oxygen flow of 1 L.min(-1), the mean P(a,O2) using an oxygen-concentrator was significantly lower than that of the wall-oxygen value, with a difference of 1.32+/-1.19 kPa (mean+/-SD). The common practice of using wall-oxygen to perform assessments significantly underestimates the required oxygen-concentrator flow rate. This may have implications for the long-term effect of domiciliary oxygen therapy.

North-south gradients in Britain for stroke and CHD: are they explained by the same factors?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The geographic variation in CHD and stroke within Great Britain is well known. We aimed to quantify these variations and to determine the contribution of established risk factors. METHODS: This prospective study consisted of 7735 men 40 to 59 years of age in 24 British towns who were followed up for 20 years from screening in 1978 to 1980. We compared age-adjusted incidences of major stroke and CHD events in southern England and the rest of Britain before and after adjustment for established cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: At least 1 episode of stroke occurred in 467 men (3.54 per 1000 person-years, age standardized) and of CHD in 1299 men (10.05 per 1000 person-years). Event rates varied between towns, from 2.00 to 5.45 per 1000 person-years for stroke and from 6.16 to 12.21 per 1000 person-years for CHD. Incidence for both diseases was highest in Scottish towns and lowest in southern English towns ("north-south gradient"). The hazard ratio for stroke in the rest of Britain compared with southern England was 1.44 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16 to 1.78); for CHD, it was 1.32 (95% CI, 1.14 to 1.53). After adjustment for baseline systolic blood pressure, smoking status, physical activity, social class, and height, the hazard ratio was 1.24 (95% CI, 1.00 to 1.54) for stroke and 1.17 (95% CI, 1.02 to 1.35) for CHD. CONCLUSIONS: Similar north-south gradients were observed for major stroke and major CHD events. The magnitude of these gradients was considerably diminished when individual risk variables were taken into account.

An audit of antiretroviral treatment use in HIV-infected patients in a London clinic: the limitations of observational databases when auditing antiretroviral treatment use.

OBJECTIVE: To audit the use of antiretroviral (ARV) treatment in a large treatment clinic in the UK against the British HIV Association (BHIVA) ARV treatment guidelines. METHODS: All patients under follow-up between 1st January 2000 and 1st January 2001 were included. The most recent CD4 count and HIV RNA level prior to 1st January 2001, and the nadir CD4 count and peak HIV RNA level over follow-up, were used to identify which patients should be receiving HAART according to the guidelines. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and sixty-four patients were included in the analysis (63.8% homosexual, 29.0% heterosexual risk; 72.9% white; 79.2% male). Almost half of patients had ever had a CD4 count below 200 cells/ micro L and over 80% had previously had a viral load above 4 log10 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL. Under 2000 BHIVA guidelines, treatment would be recommended in 77.4% patients. Overall, 819 patients were receiving ARV therapy. Two hundred and eighty-five patients were not receiving treatment when guidelines suggest they should (including 33 patients who were receiving regimens not recommended in the guidelines). These patients were younger, less likely to be homosexual and had higher CD4 nadirs than those who were receiving ARV treatment. Almost half of these patients had previously received ARV therapy but were not currently receiving it. CONCLUSION: Only a small proportion of patients at our centre were not receiving ARV treatment in line with national guidelines. While genuine reasons may exist for these departures from optimal care, this may simply reflect the limitations of using observational databases when auditing treatment use in a clinic setting.

Non-attendance at re-examination 20 years after screening in the British Regional Heart Study.

BACKGROUND: Maintenance of high participation rates in longitudinal studies is critical to their validity because of the possibility of bias associated with non-participation, which may differ between studies. This paper examines factors associated with participation status over time, by comparing the characteristics of non-attenders and attenders at a 20 year follow-up examination in a cardiovascular cohort study with an initial participation rate of 78 percent. METHODS: A baseline examination was carried out between 1978 and 1980 and subjects have been followed up through regular reviews of general practice records, postal questionnaires, and a clinical re-examination of survivors in 1998-2000. Data obtained by questionnaire in 1996 (Q96) and at baseline examination have been used to compare the characteristics of these recent non-attenders and attenders who remain in the cohort for further follow-up. RESULTS: The non-attendance rate of available survivors at re-examination was 23 per cent (n = 1313). Rates of non-attendance were highest in Scotland and lowest in Southern England. Non-attenders were older than attenders, more likely to smoke, and reported more disabling conditions and greater use of multiple medications at Q96, but recalled similar rates of diagnosed coronary heart disease. Marked differences in social factors were identified. Total mortality rates within 1 year of re-examination were over three times higher amongst non-attenders than attenders. CONCLUSIONS: Non-attendance is related to health status, risk factor status and social circumstances and may affect some estimates of disease prevalence, but does not appearto have a major impact on the estimated prevalence of coronary heart disease. Information collected on non-attenders in longitudinal studies helps to estimate, adjust and minimize these effects.

Is the prevalence of coronary heart disease falling in British men?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether long term trends over time in acute coronary heart disease (CHD) event rates have influenced the burden of prevalent CHD in British men. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: 7735 men, aged 40-59 at entry (1978-80), selected from 24 British towns. METHODS: The prevalences of current angina symptoms and history of diagnosed CHD were ascertained by questionnaire in 1978-80, 1983-85, 1992, and 1996. New major CHD events (fatal and non-fatal) were ascertained throughout the study from National Health Service central registers and general practice record reviews. Age adjusted trends in CHD prevalence were compared with trends in major CHD event rates. RESULTS: From 1978-1996 there was a clear decline in the prevalence of current angina symptoms: the age adjusted annual percentage change in odds was -1.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) -2.8% to -0.8%). However, there was no evidence of a trend in the prevalence of history of diagnosed CHD (annual change in odds 0.1%, 95% CI -1.0% to 1.2%). Over the same period, the CHD mortality rate fell substantially (annual change -4.1%, 95% CI -6.5% to -1.6%); rates of non-fatal myocardial infarction, all major CHD events, and first major CHD event fell by -1.7% (95% CI -3.9% to 0.5%), -2.5% (95% CI -4.1% to -0.8%), and -2.4% (95% CI% -4.3 to -0.4%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that middle aged British men are less likely to experience symptoms of angina than in previous decades but are just as likely to have a history of diagnosed CHD. Despite falling rates of new major events and falling symptom prevalence, the need for secondary prevention among middle aged men with established CHD is as great as ever.