Routine screening for depression: identifying a challenge for successful HIV care.

Individuals with HIV experience fluctuating levels of distress throughout the course of HIV infection. This study was conducted to examine the associations of depressive symptomatology with HIV disease in a cohort of individuals who are engaged in routine medical care. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms that were measured as part of a standard of care behavioral assessment among individuals at an urban HIV clinic in the Midwest. Demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, and behavioral risk factors were collected. A total of 514 individuals participated in the study, the majority of whom was male and African American. One quarter of the sample endorsed symptoms of other depressive disorder, while 18% (n = 91) endorsed symptoms of major depressive disorder as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Among those on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), individuals who were unemployed (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.54, 3.97), had a minor dependent (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.25, 3.77), or between the ages of 18 and 34 years (AOR = 1.37, CI = 1.03, 1.94) and detectable HIV viral load (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.22, 5.23) were more likely to report depressive disorder symptoms when controlling for age, gender, race, and education. Nearly 15% of the sample endorsed having suicidal thoughts at least once in the past two weeks. Regardless of HAART prescription, individuals who were unemployed had a higher likelihood of expressing suicidal ideation (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.66, 7.06). Given the association between depressive symptomatology and poor rates of HIV viral suppression, screening and appropriate interventions for depressive symptoms are warranted in the HIV outpatient setting to improve outcomes.

Factors associated with renal dysfunction within an urban HIV-infected cohort in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Kidney disease remains a prevalent problem in HIV care. The contribution of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), HIV disease factors and traditional factors needs further evaluation. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of all patients seen at an HIV outpatient clinic during 2005 was performed. All data were collected from medical record review. Multivariate regression modelling was used to identify independent predictors of lower glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and chronic renal failure (CRF) from factors significant in univariate analysis. eGFR was calculated using the simplified modification of diet in renal disease equation. Results were compared with those for persons from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) matched for age, race and gender. RESULTS: Of 845 HIV-infected persons, 64% were men and 34% were Caucasian, and the mean age was 39.8 years. Thirty per cent of the patients had proteinuria and 43% had eGFR<90 mL/min/1.73 m2. Persons on HAART (63%) had a lower mean eGFR than those not on HAART (92.0 vs. 101.6). In multivariate analyses, significant predictors of eGFR decline were diagnoses of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, proteinuria, use of tenofovir or stavudine, and lower viral load. Compared with those in NHANES, HIV-infected persons had a lower mean eGFR (94.9 vs. 104.2) and a higher prevalence of CRF (8% vs. 2%). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, the prevalence of CRF is low, but remains higher than that of the general population. Clinicians should routinely screen for early asymptomatic kidney disease to address risk factors that can be treated.

Predictors of immunity after hepatitis A vaccination in HIV-infected persons.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection remains a health risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. While the inactivated HAV vaccine affords protection to immunocompetent persons >95% of the time, rates of developing protective antibody (anti-HAV) in HIV+ persons are considerably lower. Although low CD4+ T-cell counts have previously been reported to be correlated with this poor response, the effect of HIV viraemia on HAV vaccine response has not previously been reported. The medical records of HIV-infected patients who had received at least one dose of HAV vaccine (Havrix, 1440 EIU) were reviewed for factors associated with the development of a protective anti-HAV response. Serological data with regard to anti-HAV status after vaccination were available in 238 patients with 133 individuals (49.6%) developing immunity after vaccination. In a logistic regression model, the only factors associated with a protective antibody response were an HIV plasma RNA level <1000 copies/mL at the time of vaccination (P = 0.011) and male gender (P = 0.016). Neither nadir CD4+ T cell count nor CD4+ T-cell count at time of vaccination were predictive of the development of anti-HAV. Suppression of HIV replication at time of vaccination is associated with a protective antibody response to HAV vaccination in HIV-infected adults. The low rate of response warrants further research in alternative strategies for HAV vaccination among HIV-infected persons.