scholarly journals Healthcare utilization among persons living with HIV in Manitoba, Canada, prior to HIV diagnosis: A case-control analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 095646242110516
Author(s):  
Souradet Y Shaw ◽  
Laurie Ireland ◽  
Leigh M McClarty ◽  
Carla Loeppky ◽  
Jared Bullard ◽  
...  

Background Understanding care patterns of persons living with HIV prior to diagnosis can inform prevention opportunities, earlier diagnosis, and engagement strategies. We examined healthcare utilization among HIV-positive individuals and compared them to HIV-negative controls. Methods Data were from a retrospective cohort from Manitoba, Canada. Participants included individuals living with HIV presenting to care between 2007 and 2011, and HIV-negative controls, matched (1:5) by age, sex, and region. Data from population-based administrative databases included physician visits, hospitalizations, drug dispensation, and chlamydia and gonorrhea testing. Diagnoses associated with physician visits were classified according to International Classification of Diseases chapters. Conditional logistic regression models were used to compare cases/controls, with adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) reported. Results A total of 193 cases and 965 controls were included. Physician visits and hospitalizations were higher for cases, compared to controls. In the 2 years prior to case date, cases were more likely to be diagnosed with “blood disorders” (AOR: 4.2, 95% CI: 2.0–9.0), be treated for mood disorders (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.6–3.4), and to have 1+ visits to a hospital (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.4–3.6). Conclusion Opportunities exist for prevention, screening, and earlier diagnosis. There is a need for better integration of healthcare services with public health.

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e041734
Author(s):  
Ni Gusti Ayu Nanditha ◽  
Adrianna Paiero ◽  
Hiwot M Tafessu ◽  
Martin St-Jean ◽  
Taylor McLinden ◽  
...  

ObjectivesAs people living with HIV (PLWH) live longer, morbidity and mortality from non-AIDS comorbidities have emerged as major concerns. Our objective was to compare prevalence trends and age at diagnosis of nine chronic age-associated comorbidities between individuals living with and without HIV.Design and settingThis population-based cohort study used longitudinal cohort data from all diagnosed antiretroviral-treated PLWH and 1:4 age-sex-matched HIV-negative individuals in British Columbia, Canada.ParticipantsThe study included 8031 antiretroviral-treated PLWH and 32 124 HIV-negative controls (median age 40 years, 82% men). Eligible participants were ≥19 years old and followed for ≥1 year during 2000 to 2012.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe presence of non-AIDS-defining cancers, diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension, Alzheimer’s and/or non-HIV-related dementia, cardiovascular, kidney, liver and lung diseases were identified from provincial administrative databases. Beta regression assessed annual age-sex-standardised prevalence trends and Kruskal-Wallis tests compared the age at diagnosis of comorbidities stratified by rate of healthcare encounters.ResultsAcross study period, the prevalence of all chronic age-associated comorbidities, except hypertension, were higher among PLWH compared with their community-based HIV-negative counterparts; as much as 10 times higher for liver diseases (25.3% vs 2.1%, p value<0.0001). On stratification by healthcare encounter rates, PLWH experienced most chronic age-associated significantly earlier than HIV-negative controls, as early as 21 years earlier for Alzheimer’s and/or dementia.ConclusionsPLWH experienced higher prevalence and earlier age at diagnosis of non-AIDS comorbidities than their HIV-negative controls. These results stress the need for optimised screening for comorbidities at earlier ages among PLWH, and a comprehensive HIV care model that integrates prevention and treatment of chronic age-associated conditions. Additionally, the robust methodology developed in this study, which addresses concerns on the use of administrative health data to measure prevalence and incidence, is reproducible to other settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 846-862
Author(s):  
Analise L. Gruenewald ◽  
Yoelvis Garcia-Mesa ◽  
Alexander J Gill ◽  
Rolando Garza ◽  
Benjamin B. Gelman ◽  
...  

AbstractPrevious studies showed that persons living with HIV (PLWH) demonstrate higher brain prefrontal cortex neuroinflammation and immunoproteasome expression compared to HIV-negative individuals; these associate positively with HIV levels. Lower expression of the antioxidant enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) was observed in PLWH with HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (HIV-NCI) compared to neurocognitively normal PLWH. We hypothesized that similar expression patterns occur throughout cortical, subcortical, and brainstem regions in PLWH, and that neuroinflammation and immunoproteasome expression associate with lower expression of neuronal markers. We analyzed autopsied brains (15 regions) from 9 PLWH without HIV-NCI and 7 matched HIV-negative individuals. Using Western blot and RT-qPCR, we quantified synaptic, inflammatory, immunoproteasome, endothelial, and antioxidant biomarkers, including HO-1 and its isoform heme oxygenase 2 (HO-2). In these PLWH without HIV-NCI, we observed higher expression of neuroinflammatory, endothelial, and immunoproteasome markers in multiple cortical and subcortical regions compared to HIV-negative individuals, suggesting a global brain inflammatory response to HIV. Several regions, including posterior cingulate cortex, globus pallidus, and cerebellum, showed a distinct pattern of higher type I interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene and immunoproteasome expression. PLWH without HIV-NCI also had (i) stable or higher HO-1 expression and positive associations between (ii) HO-1 and HIV levels (CSF, plasma) and (iii) HO-1 expression and neuroinflammation, in multiple cortical, subcortical, and brainstem regions. We observed no differences in synaptic marker expression, suggesting little, if any, associated neuronal injury. We speculate that this may reflect a neuroprotective effect of a concurrent HO-1 antioxidant response despite global neuroinflammation, which will require further investigation.


HIV Medicine ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 274-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
D De Francesco ◽  
J Underwood ◽  
E Bagkeris ◽  
M Boffito ◽  
FA Post ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S652-S653
Author(s):  
Ruth O Adekunle ◽  
Rebecca Zhang ◽  
Zhensheng Wang ◽  
Rachel Patzer ◽  
Aneesh Mehta

Abstract Background As persons living with HIV (PLWH) live longer, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is emerging as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. PLWH had a three-fold increased risk of ESRD, while also experiencing lower survival rates on dialysis compared with the general population. There are limited data on the incidence and prevalence of PLWH on dialysis. Our objective was to determine the incidence of PLWH on dialysis in ESRD Network 6 (GA, NC, SC) and assess their referral to kidney transplantation and waitlisting on the deceased donor waiting list. Methods We merged data from the Southeast Transplant Referral Dataset with the United States Renal Data System Medicare Part D Prescription Claims. PLWH were defined as having a prescription for antiretroviral medications or primary cause of ESRD being HIV-associated nephropathy. Descriptive analysis was performed using Student’s t-test for continuous variables and chi-squared test for categorical variables. Results The dataset contained 24,587 patients (471 HIV positive) that initiated an ESRD service between 2012 and 2015. Incidence of PLWH on dialysis was 1.92%. Compared with HIV negative persons, PLWH were younger (median age 49 vs. 58, P < 0.001) and more often black (90% vs. 57%, P < 0.001). There were similar rates of referral among PLWH and HIV-negative persons (50% vs. 51%, P = 0.81), though PLWH were statistical significantly less likely to be waitlisted (8% vs. 15%, P < 0.001). PLWH had longer median time to be referred (240 days vs. 147 days, P < 0.001) and waitlisted compared with HIV-negative persons (611 days vs. 420 days, P = 0.04). Conclusion This pilot study offers the first ESRD Network-level characterization of PLWH receiving an ESRD service proceeding through the steps of kidney transplantation. PLWH were less likely to traverse the steps of kidney transplant compared with those HIV negative, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve access to kidney transplant in PLWH. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243814
Author(s):  
Sadie P. Hutson ◽  
Ashley Golden ◽  
Agricola Odoi

Background Access to healthcare services, from diagnosis through end of life (EOL), is important among persons living with Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA). However, little is known about the availability of hospice services in Appalachian areas. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe the geographic distribution of hospice, homecare and nursing home facilities in order to demonstrate current existence of and access to resources for EOL care among PLWHA in the Appalachian regions of Tennessee and Alabama. Methods This paper reports on the second aim of a larger sequential, mixed methods qualitative-quantitative (qual→quan) study. Data from advance care planning (ACP) surveys were collected by both electronic (n = 28) and paper copies (n = 201) and, among other things, obtained information on zip codes of residence of PLWHA. This enabled assessment of the geographic distribution of residences of PLWHA in relation to the distribution of healthcare services such as hospice and home healthcare services. Hospice and Home Healthcare data were obtained from the Tennessee and Alabama Departments of Health. The street addresses of these facilities were used to geocode and map the geographic distributions of the facilities using Street Map USA. Travel times to Hospice and Home Healthcare facilities were computed and mapped using ArcGIS 10.3. Results We identified a total of 32 hospice and 69 home healthcare facilities in the Tennessee Appalachian region, while the Alabama Appalachian region had a total of 110 hospice and 86 home healthcare facilities. Most care facilities were located in urban centers. The distribution of care facilities was worse in Tennessee with many counties having no facilities, requiring up to an hour drive time to reach patients. A total of 86% of the PLWHA indicated preference to die at home. Conclusions Persons living with HIV/AIDS in Appalachia face a number of challenges at the end of life that make access to EOL services difficult. Although respondents indicated a preference to die at home, the hospice/homecare infrastructure and resources are overwhelmingly inadequate to meet this need. There is need to improve access to EOL care in the Appalachian regions of both Tennessee and Alabama although the need is greater in Tennessee.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0244742
Author(s):  
Geert V. T. Roozen ◽  
Ruchika Meel ◽  
Joyce Peper ◽  
William D. F. Venter ◽  
Roos E. Barth ◽  
...  

Background Studies from high income countries report that HIV-positive people have an impaired systolic and diastolic cardiac function compared to HIV-negative people. It is unclear if results can be translated directly to the Sub-Saharan Africa context. This study assesses electro- and echocardiographic characteristics in an urban African population, comparing HIV-positive people (treated and not yet treated) with HIV-negative controls. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in Johannesburg, South Africa. We enrolled HIV-positive participants from three randomized controlled trials that had recruited participants from routine HIV testing programs. HIV-negative controls were recruited from the community. Data were collected on demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, medical history and electrocardiographic and echocardiographic characteristics. Results In total, 394 HIV-positive participants and 153 controls were enrolled. The mean age of HIV-positive participants was 40±9 years (controls: 35±10 years), and 34% were male (controls: 50%). Of HIV-positive participants 36% were overweight or obese (controls: 44%), 23% had hypertension (controls: 28%) and 12% were current smoker (controls: 37%). Median time since HIV diagnosis was 6.0 years (IQR 2.3–10.0) and median treatment duration was 4.0 years (IQR 0.0–8.0), 50% had undetectable viral load. The frequency of anatomical cardiac abnormalities was low and did not differ between people with and without HIV. We observed no relation between HIV or anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and systolic or diastolic heart function. There was an association between ART use and corrected QT interval: +11.8 ms compared to HIV-negative controls (p<0.01) and +18.9 ms compared to ART-naïve participants (p = 0.01). We also observed a higher left ventricular mass index in participants on ART (+7.8 g/m2, p<0.01), but this association disappeared after adjusting for CD4 cell count, viral load and HIV-duration. Conclusion The low number of major cardiac abnormalities in this relatively young, well managed urban African HIV-positive population is reassuring. The increase in corrected QT interval and left ventricular mass may contribute to higher cardiac mortality and morbidity in people living with HIV in the long term.


2015 ◽  
Vol 212 (5) ◽  
pp. 745-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua M. Wong ◽  
Leonard Cosmas ◽  
Dhillon Nyachieo ◽  
John M. Williamson ◽  
Beatrice Olack ◽  
...  

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e054208
Author(s):  
Cecilia T Costiniuk ◽  
Joel Singer ◽  
Marc-André Langlois ◽  
Iva Kulic ◽  
Judy Needham ◽  
...  

IntroductionMost existing vaccines require higher or additional doses or adjuvants to provide similar protection for people living with HIV (PLWH) compared with HIV-uninfected individuals. Additional research is necessary to inform COVID-19 vaccine use in PLWH.Methods and analysisThis multicentred observational Canadian cohort study will enrol 400 PLWH aged >16 years from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. Subpopulations of PLWH of interest will include individuals: (1) >55 years of age; (2) with CD4 counts <350 cells/mm3; (3) with multimorbidity (>2 comorbidities) and (4) ‘stable’ or ‘reference’ PLWH (CD4 T cells >350 cells/mm3, suppressed viral load for >6 months and <1 comorbidity). Data for 1000 HIV-negative controls will be obtained via a parallel cohort study (Stop the Spread Ottawa), using similar time points and methods. Participants receiving >1 COVID-19 vaccine will attend five visits: prevaccination; 1 month following the first vaccine dose; and at 3, 6 and 12 months following the second vaccine dose. The primary end point will be the percentage of PLWH with COVID-19-specific antibodies at 6 months following the second vaccine dose. Humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, and the interplay between T cell phenotypes and inflammatory markers, will be described. Regression techniques will be used to compare COVID-19-specific immune responses to determine whether there are differences between the ‘unstable’ PLWH group (CD4 <350 cells/mm3), the stable PLWH cohort and the HIV-negative controls, adjusting for factors believed to be associated with immune response. Unadjusted analyses will reveal whether there are differences in driving factors associated with group membership.Ethics and disseminationResearch ethics boards at all participating institutions have granted ethics approval for this study. Written informed consent will be obtained from all study participants prior to enrolment. The findings will inform the design of future COVID-19 clinical trials, dosing strategies aimed to improve immune responses and guideline development for PLWH.Trial registration numberNCT04894448.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei Qin ◽  
Jianmei He ◽  
Xue Yang ◽  
Siyu Chen ◽  
Xi Chen ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Neurocognitive impairment are prevalent among older people. It is more problematic among older people living with HIV (PLWH). This study was to explore whether the association between HIV sero-status and neurocognitive performance was mediated by depressive symptoms and/or level of physical activity. OBJECTIVE Neurocognitive impairment are prevalent among older people in China. It is more problematic among older people living with HIV (PLWH). This study was to compare neurocognitive performance between older PLWH and HIV-negative controls, and to explore whether the association between HIV sero-status and neurocognitive performance was mediated by depressive symptoms and/or level of physical activity. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Yongzhou, China. All PLWH aged ≥50 years listed in the registry were invited. Frequency matching was used to sample HIV-negative controls according to the distribution of age, sex, and years of formal education of older PLWH. A total of 315 older PLWH and 350 HIV-negative controls completed the face-to-face interview and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment of seven domains (learning, memory, working memory, verbal fluency, processing speed, executive function and motor skills). RESULTS As compared to HIV-negative controls, older PLWH performed worse in global score and all seven domains (P<.05). Positive HIV sero-status was associated with higher depressive symptoms (P<.001) and lower level of physical activity (P<.001). Depressive symptoms and physical activity were negatively correlated (P<.001). Depressive symptoms and/or level of physical activity mediated the association between HIV sero-status and global score and four domain-specific neurocognitive performance (learning, memory, verbal fluency, and processing speed). CONCLUSIONS Change in mental health and physical activity after HIV infection may partially explain why older PLWH are more susceptible to neurocognitive impairment. Promoting mental health and physical activity are potential entry points to slow down the progress of neurocognitive impairment among older PLWH.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261563
Author(s):  
Greg S. Gojanovich ◽  
Denise L. Jacobson ◽  
Carly Broadwell ◽  
Brad Karalius ◽  
Brian Kirmse ◽  
...  

Background In persons living with HIV, mitochondrial disease (MD) is difficult to diagnose, as clinical signs are non-specific with inconsistent patterns. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) are mitokines elevated in MD patients without HIV, and associated with cardiometabolic comorbidities in adults living with HIV. We assessed relationships of these biomarkers with MD in children living with perinatally-acquired HIV infection (CPHIV). Setting Cross-sectional study of CPHIV from Pediatric ACTG 219/219C classified by Mitochondrial Disease Criteria (MDC) that defines scores 2–4 as “possible” MD. Methods Each case with MDC equaling 4 (MDC4; n = 23) was matched to one randomly selected control displaying no MDC (MDC0; n = 23) based on calendar date. Unmatched cases with MDC equaling 3 (MDC3; n = 71) were also assessed. Plasma samples proximal to diagnoses were assayed by ELISA. Mitokine distributions were compared using Wilcoxon tests, Spearman correlations were calculated, and associations with MD status were assessed by conditional logistic regression. Results Median FGF21 and GDF15 concentrations, respectively, were highest in MDC4 (143.9 and 1441.1 pg/mL), then MDC3 (104.0 and 726.5 pg/mL), and lowest in controls (89.4 and 484.7 pg/mL). Distributions of FGF21 (paired Wilcoxon rank sum p = 0.002) and GDF15 (paired Wilcoxon rank sum p<0.001) differed in MDC4 vs MDC0. Mitokine concentrations were correlated across all participants (r = 0.33; p<0.001). Unadjusted odds ratios of being MDC4 vs MDC0 were 5.2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–25.92] for FGF21 and 3.5 (95%CI: 1.19–10.25) for GDF15. Relationships persisted after covariate adjustments. Conclusion FGF21 and GDF15 levels may be useful biomarkers to screen for CPHIV with mitochondrial dysfunction.


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