scholarly journals Performance and Outcomes of Routine Viral Load Testing in People Living with HIV Newly Initiating ART in the Integrated HIV Care Program in Myanmar between January 2016 and December 2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Sai Soe Thu Ya ◽  
Anthony D. Harries ◽  
Khin Thet Wai ◽  
Nang Thu Thu Kyaw ◽  
Thet Ko Aung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Virologic Failure ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Second Line ◽  
Load Testing ◽  
One Year ◽  
Living With Hiv

Myanmar has introduced routine viral load (VL) testing for people living with HIV (PLHIV) starting first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART). The first VL test was initially scheduled at 12-months and one year later this changed to 6-months. Using routinely collected secondary data, we assessed program performance of routine VL testing at 12-months and 6-months in PLHIV starting ART in the Integrated HIV-Care Program, Myanmar, from January 2016 to December 2017. There were 7153 PLHIV scheduled for VL testing at 12-months and 1976 scheduled for VL testing at 6-months. Among those eligible for testing, the first VL test was performed in 3476 (51%) of the 12-month cohort and 952 (50%) of the 6-month cohort. In the 12-month cohort, 10% had VL > 1000 copies/mL, 79% had repeat VL tests, 42% had repeat VL > 1000 copies/mL (virologic failure) and 85% were switched to second-line ART. In the 6-month cohort, 11% had VL > 1000 copies/mL, 83% had repeat VL tests, 26% had repeat VL > 1000 copies/mL (virologic failure) and 39% were switched to second-line ART. In conclusion, half of PLHIV initiated on ART had VL testing as scheduled at 12-months or 6-months, but fewer PLHIV in the 6-month cohort were diagnosed with virologic failure and switched to second-line ART. Programmatic implications are discussed.

scholarly journals Trends in CD4 and viral load testing 2005 to 2018: multi‐cohort study of people living with HIV in Southern Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Zaniewski ◽  
Cam H Dao Ostinelli ◽  
Frédérique Chammartin ◽  
Nicola Maxwell ◽  
Mary‐Ann Davies ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Load Testing ◽  
Viral Load Testing ◽  
Living With Hiv

scholarly journals Are you suppressed? Viral load test coverage for people living with HIV in Mutare District, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe, 2015-2017 Investigators

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Uzande ◽  
Jeffery Edwards ◽  
Philip Owiti ◽  
Admire Tatenda Maravanyika ◽  
Simba Mashizha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Electronic Monitoring ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Load Test ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Adjusted Relative Risk ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Living With Hiv

AbstractBackground:The third 90-90-90 UNAIDS goal require that 90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral treatment (ART) achieve viral load (VL) suppression. This study assessed the proportion of VL suppression and related factors among PLHIV on 1st and 2nd line ART in Mutare District, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe between 2015-2017.Methods:A retrospective study using routine HIV programme data from the electronic monitoring system for nine health facilities in Mutare District. VL suppression was defined as < 1,000 copies/ml.Results:Of 16,590 registered patients, 15,566(94%) were on first-line and 1024(6%) on second-line ART. Of those on 1st-line ART, 2856(18%) had a VL test result documented, while 367(36%) of 2nd-line ART patients had VL results. VL suppression rates were 86% among those on 1st-line and 45% in 2nd-line ART. Independent risk factors associated with VL non-suppression for those on 1st-line ART were age 0-9 years (adjusted relative risk, aRR=2.9; 95% confidence interval, CI=1.7-4.8;P<0.001), 10-19 years (aRR=2.2;95%CI=1.4-3.2,P<0.001) compared to those 20-49 years, concurrent TB (aRR=9; CI=3.0-29.7,P<0.001) and male gender (aRR=1.5,95%CI=1.1-2.1;P=0.02). There were no significant risk factors associated with VL non-suppression for 2nd-line ART patients.Conclusion:For PLHIV on 1st-line ART in Mutare district, Manicaland, Zimbabwe, the frequency of reported VL results were only 18% among those on 1st-line ART, while the rate of VL suppression was near 90%. Viral Load testing coverage appears to be lagging behind current Zimbabwe goals and increased support is needed to improve the quality of HIV care and help reduce the threat of possible HIV drug resistance in the future.

scholarly journals Association Between Depression and HIV Care Engagement Outcomes Among Patients Newly Initiating ART in Lilongwe, Malawi

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa A. Stockton ◽  
Bradley N. Gaynes ◽  
Mina C. Hosseinipour ◽  
Audrey E. Pettifor ◽  
Joanna Maselko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Load Testing ◽  
Art Initiation ◽  
Retention In Hiv Care ◽  
Hiv Care Engagement ◽  
Care Outcomes ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract As in other sub-Saharan countries, the burden of depression is high among people living with HIV in Malawi. However, the association between depression at ART initiation and two critical outcomes—retention in HIV care and viral suppression—is not well understood. Prior to the launch of an integrated depression treatment program, adult patients were screened for depression at ART initiation at two clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi. We compared retention in HIV care and viral suppression at 6 months between patients with and without depression at ART initiation using tabular comparison and regression models. The prevalence of depression among this population of adults newly initiating ART was 27%. Those with depression had similar HIV care outcomes at 6 months to those without depression. Retention metrics were generally poor for those with and without depression. However, among those completing viral load testing, nearly all achieved viral suppression. Depression at ART initiation was not associated with either retention or viral suppression. Further investigation of the relationship between depression and HIV is needed to understand the ways depression impacts the different aspects of HIV care engagement.

scholarly journals Costs of Point-of-Care Viral Load Testing for Adults and Children Living with HIV in Kenya

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Michelle Ann Bulterys ◽  
Patrick Oyaro ◽  
Evelyn Brown ◽  
Nashon Yongo ◽  
Enericah Karauki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Treatment Monitoring ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Capital Costs ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Equipment Costs

Background: The number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in need of treatment monitoring in low-and-middle-income countries is rapidly expanding, straining existing laboratory capacity. Point-of-care viral load (POC VL) testing can alleviate the burden on centralized laboratories and enable faster delivery of results, improving clinical outcomes. However, implementation costs are uncertain and will depend on clinic testing volume. We sought to estimate the costs of decentralized POC VL testing compared to centralized laboratory testing for adults and children receiving HIV care in Kenya. Methods: We conducted microcosting to estimate the per-patient costs of POC VL testing compared to known costs of centralized laboratory testing. We completed time-and-motion observations and stakeholder interviews to assess personnel structures, staff time, equipment costs, and laboratory processes associated with POC VL administration. Capital costs were estimated using a 5 year lifespan and a 3% annual discount rate. Results: We estimated that POC VL testing cost USD $24.25 per test, assuming a clinic is conducting 100 VL tests per month. Test cartridge and laboratory equipment costs accounted for most of the cost (62% and 28%, respectively). Costs varied by number of VL tests conducted at the clinic, ranging from $54.93 to $18.12 per test assuming 20 to 500 VL tests per month, respectively. A VL test processed at a centralized laboratory was estimated to cost USD $25.65. Conclusion: POC VL testing for HIV treatment monitoring can be feasibly implemented in clinics within Kenya and costs declined with higher testing volumes. Our cost estimates are useful to policymakers in planning resource allocation and can inform cost-effectiveness analyses evaluating POC VL testing.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Nonsuppressed Viral Load and Associated Factors Among Adults Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (2015-2017): Results from Population-Based Nationally-Representative Surveys

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas D Haas ◽  
Elizabeth Radin ◽  
Avi J Hakim ◽  
Andreas Jahn ◽  
Neena Philip ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Virologic Failure ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Antiretroviral Drugs ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Second Line ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Factors Associated

Introduction: The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has set a target of ≥90% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) to have viral load suppression (VLS). We examined factors associated with nonsuppressed viral Load (NVL). Methods: We included PLHIV receiving ART aged 15-59 years from Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Blood samples from PLHIV were analyzed for HIV RNA and recent exposure to antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). Outcomes were NVL (viral load ≥1000 copies/mL), virologic failure (VF; ARVs present and viral load ≥1000 copies/mL), interrupted ART (ARVs absent and viral load ≥1000 copies/mL), and receiving second-line ART. We calculated odds ratios and incidence rate ratios for factors associated with NVL, VF, interrupted ART, and switching to second-line ART. Results: The prevalence of NVL was 11.2%: 8.2% experienced VF, and 3.0% interrupted ART. Younger age, male gender, less education, suboptimal adherence, receiving nevirapine, HIV non-disclosure, never having married, and residing in Zimbabwe, Lesotho, or Zambia were associated with higher odds of NVL. Among people with NVL, marriage, female gender, shorter ART duration, higher CD4 count, and alcohol use were associated with higher odds for interrupted ART and lower odds for VF. Many people with VF (44.8%) had CD4 counts <200 cells/μL, but few (0.31% per year) switched to second-line ART. Conclusions: Countries are approaching UNAIDS VLS targets for adults. Treatment support for people initiating ART with asymptomatic HIV infection, scale-up of viral load monitoring, and optimized ART regimens may further reduce NVL prevalence.

scholarly journals Virologic Response of Treatment Experienced HIV-Infected Ugandan Children and Adolescents on NNRTI Based First-Line Regimen, Previously Monitored Without Viral Load

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phionah Kibalama Ssemambo ◽  
Mary Gorrethy Nalubega-Mboowa ◽  
Arthur H. Owora ◽  
Robert Serunjogi ◽  
Susan Kizito Kironde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Treatment Failure ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Virologic Failure ◽  
Virologic Response ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Second Line ◽  
First Line ◽  
Clinical Criteria

Abstract Background: Many HIV-infected African children gained access to antiretroviral treatment (ART) through expansion of PEPFAR programs since 2004 and introduction of “Test and Treat” WHO guidelines in 2015. As ART access increases and children transition from adolescence to adulthood, treatment failure is inevitable. Viral load (VL) monitoring in Uganda was introduced in 2016 replacing clinical monitoring. However, there’s limited data on the comparative effectiveness of these two strategies among HIV-infected children in resource-limited settings (RLS).Methods: HIV-infected Ugandan children aged 1-12 years from HIV-care programs with >1 year of first-line ART using only immunologic and clinical criteria to monitor response to treatment were screened in 2010. Eligible children were stratified by VL ≤ 400 and >400 copies/ml randomized to clinical and immunological (control) versus clinical, immunological and VL monitoring to determine treatment failure with follow-up at 12, 24, 36, and 48 weeks. Plasma VL was analyzed retrospectively for controls. Mixed-effects logistic regression models were used to compare the prevalence of viral suppression between study arms and identify factors associated with viral suppression. Results: At baseline all children (n=142) were on NNRTI based ART (75% Nevirapine, 25% efavirenz). One third of ART-experienced children had detectable VL at baseline despite high CD4%. Median age was 6 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 5-9) and 43% were female. Overall, the odds of viral suppression were not different between study arms: (arm by week interaction, p=0.63), adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.07; 95%CI: 0.53, 2.17, p=0.57) and did not change over time (aOR: 0 vs 24 week: 1.15; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.46, p=0.24 and 0 vs 48 weeks: 1.26; 95%CI: 0.92, 1.74, p=0.15). Longer duration of a child’s ART exposure was associated with lower odds of viral suppression (aOR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.87, p<.01). Only 13% (9/71) of children with virologic failure were switched to second-line ART, in spite of access to real-time VL.Conclusion: With increasing ART exposure, viral load monitoring is critical for early detection of treatment failure in RLS. Clinicians need to make timely informed decisions to switch failing children to second-line ART. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04489953, 28 Jul 2020. Retrospectively registered.

scholarly journals 1312. Increasing Care Engagement Amongst People Living with HIV Through a Text Messaging Intervention at a Tertiary Center

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S473-S474
Author(s):  
Nupur Gupta ◽  
Sarah McBeth ◽  
Ella Kaplan ◽  
Greg Valdisera ◽  
Deborah McMahon
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Care Continuum ◽  
Care Continuum ◽  
Tertiary Center ◽  
Risk Patients ◽  
Living With Hiv

Abstract Background HIV has transitioned from an acute illness to a chronic disease due to potent antiretroviral therapy (ART). People living with HIV (PLWH) must be highly compliant which is difficult due to multiple barriers. The HIV care continuum was developed as a series of steps that PLWH take in their treatment cascade. At our HIV clinic, 90% of the patients are virally suppressed (viral load <200 copies/mL). Although this is higher than the national average, PLWH who are not virally suppressed and not retained in care carry the highest risk of transmission. We have several resources to engage patients, but text messaging has not been utilized for at-risk patients at the clinic or at the academic center. Methods The aim is to demonstrate that a pilot study of a text messaging-based intervention will increase the proportion of PLWH along the care continuum. The pre-intervention data consists of the clinic population with a viral load ≥200 copies/mL between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. After chart review, eligible patients were consented to receive weekly text messages with content regarding appointment and medication reminders, and motivational messages. In the consented group, effectiveness of the intervention will be measured by tracking their appointments, viral loads, and ART prescriptions. Results After chart review, 80 patients were eligible, and 18 patients were consented for the intervention. In the eligible group, the average length of care is 8 years (range 0 to 26) and average number of years since initial ART prescription is 6.8 (range 0 to 20). The average viral load is 27,372 copies/mL. Amongst the consented group (n = 18), compared with the pre-intervention, there was a 6% increase in those who made an appointment, 33% increase in those who kept an appointment, 50% increase in those who had a viral load <200, and 62% increase in those who had ART dispensed post-intervention. Conclusion The intervention group is small due to difficulties in consenting this vulnerable population. This is an observational study that demonstrated the impact of text messaging a high-risk population with minimal harm that not only improved the local HIV care continuum, but also addressed the barriers to care. The next steps are to determine how this method can link other at-risk patients to care at a large HIV clinic at a tertiary center. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Dose Response Effects of Digital HIV Care Navigation on Mental Health and Viral Suppression among Young People Living with HIV (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Arayasirikul ◽  
Caitlin M Turner ◽  
Dillon Trujillo ◽  
Jarett Maycott ◽  
Erin C Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Young People ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Viral Suppression ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Social Inequities ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Living With Hiv

BACKGROUND The HIV epidemic has revealed considerable disparities in health among sexual and gender minorities of color within the Unites States, disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans women. Social inequities further disadvantage those with intersectional identities through homophobia, anti-trans discrimination, and racism, shaping not only those at-risk for HIV infection, but also HIV prevention and care outcomes. Digital interventions have great potential to address barriers and improve HIV care among MSM and trans women; however, efficacy of digital HIV care interventions vary and need further examination. OBJECTIVE This study assessed 12-month efficacy of a 6-month digital HIV care navigation intervention among young people living with HIV (YPLWH) in San Francisco We examined dose-response relationships between intervention exposure (e.g. text messaging) and viral suppression and mental health. Health electronic navigation (eNavigation or eNav) is a 6-month, text message-based, digital HIV care navigation intervention, in which YPLWH are connected to their own HIV care navigator through text messaging to improve engagement in HIV primary care. METHODS This study had a single-arm, prospective, pre-post design. Eligibility criteria for the study included: identifying as a man who has sex with men or a trans woman; being between the ages of 18 and 34 years; and being newly diagnosed with HIV or not being engaged/retained in HIV care or having a detectable viral load. We assessed and analyzed sociodemographic, intervention exposure, and HIV care and mental health outcome data for participants who completed the 6-month Health eNav intervention. We assessed all outcomes using generalized estimating equations (GEE) to account for within-subjects correlation, and marginal effects of texting engagement on all outcomes were calculated over the entire 12-month study period. Finally, we specified an interaction between texting engagement and time to evaluate the effects of texting engagement on outcomes. RESULTS Over the entire 12-month study period showed that every one-text increase in engagement was associated with an increased odds of undetectable viral load (adjusted odds ratio, aOR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00 – 1.02, p = 0.03). We found that mean negative mental health experiences decreased significantly at 12 months compared to baseline for every one-text increase in engagement (coefficient on interaction term: 0.97, 95%CI = 0.96-0.99, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Digital care navigation interventions like Health eNavigation may be a critical component in the health delivery service system as the digital safety net for those whose social vulnerability is exacerbated in times of crisis, disasters, or global pandemics due to multiple social inequities. We found that increased engagement in a digital HIV care navigation intervention helped to improve viral suppression and mental health – intersecting, co-morbid conditions – 6-months after the intervention concluded. Digital care navigation may be a promising, effective, sustainable, and scalable intervention. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/16406

scholarly journals Viral load care of HIV-1 infected children and adolescents: A longitudinal study in rural Zimbabwe

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0245085
Author(s):  
Tichaona Mapangisana ◽  
Rhoderick Machekano ◽  
Vinie Kouamou ◽  
Caroline Maposhere ◽  
Kathy McCarty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Virologic Failure ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Virologic Suppression ◽  
Second Line ◽  
Load Testing ◽  
Viral Load Suppression ◽  
Viral Load Testing

Introduction Maintaining virologic suppression of children and adolescents on ART in rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa is challenging. We explored switching drug regimens to protease inhibitor (PI) based treatment and reducing nevirapine and zidovudine use in a differentiated community service delivery model in rural Zimbabwe. Methods From 2016 through 2018, we followed 306 children and adolescents on ART in Hurungwe, Zimbabwe at Chidamoyo Christian Hospital, which provides compact ART regimens at 8 dispersed rural community outreach sites. Viral load testing was performed (2016) by Roche and at follow-up (2018) by a point of care viral load assay. Virologic failure was defined as viral load ≥1,000 copies/ml. A logistic regression model which included demographics, treatment regimens and caregiver’s characteristics was used to assess risks for virologic failure and loss to follow-up (LTFU). Results At baseline in 2016, 296 of 306 children and adolescents (97%) were on first-line ART, and only 10 were receiving a PI-based regimen. The median age was 12 years (IQR 8–15) and 55% were female. Two hundred and nine (68%) had viral load suppression (<1,000 copies/ml) and 97(32%) were unsuppressed (viral load ≥1000). At follow-up in 2018, 42/306 (14%) were either transferred 23 (7%) or LTFU 17 (6%) and 2 had died. In 2018, of the 264 retained in care, 107/264 (41%), had been switched to second-line, ritonavir-boosted PI with abacavir as a new nucleotide analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). Overall viral load suppression increased from 68% in 2016 to 81% in 2018 (P<0.001). Conclusion Viral load testing, and switching to second-line, ritonavir-boosted PI with abacavir significantly increased virologic suppression among HIV-infected children and adolescents in rural Zimbabwe.

scholarly journals Psychiatric Symptoms and Barriers to Care in HIV-Infected Individuals Who Are Lost to Care

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 423-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen P. McLean ◽  
Natalie G. Gay ◽  
David A. Metzger ◽  
Edna B. Foa ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Barriers To Care ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Blood Draw ◽  
Living With Hiv

Past studies of barriers to HIV care have not comprehensively assessed psychiatric symptoms, and few have assessed barriers to care among people living with HIV (PLWH) who are lost to care (LTC). We examined psychiatric symptoms, barriers to HIV care, and immune functioning in PLWH who were retained in care (RIC; n = 21) or LTC (n = 21). Participants completed diagnostic interviews for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric disorders, self-report measures of HIV risk behaviors and psychiatric symptoms, and a blood draw to assess viral load. Compared to RIC participants, LTC participants met criteria for a greater number of psychiatric disorders and reported greater depressive symptoms and more barriers to HIV care. There were no group differences in PTSD severity, risk behaviors, or viral load, suggesting that LTC individuals experience greater psychiatric problems and perceive more barriers to care than RIC participants, but are not less likely to have achieved viral suppression.

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