Time To Complete hepatitis C Cascade of Care Among Patients Identified During Mass Screening Campaigns in Rural Rwanda: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Since the discovery of direct-acting antivirals, treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is increasingly accessible in low-resource settings, but quality of care in these settings is not known. We described progression through the cascade of care among individuals who screened positive for HCV antibodies during a mass screening campaign in Kirehe and Kayonza, two rural Rwandan districts, in September 2019. Methods This retrospective cohort study used routine clinical data to assess proportions of participants completing each stage of the cascade of care, including: a) screening positive on rapid diagnostic test; b) return of initial viral load results; c) detectable viral load; d) treatment assessment; e) treatment initiation; f) return of sustained virological response (SVR12) results; and g) achieving SVR12. We proposed three indicators to assess timely care provision and used medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) to describe the time to complete the cascade of care. Results Overall, 666 participants screened HCV positive, among them, 452 (68.1%) were female and median age was 61 years (IQR: 47, 70). Viral load results were returned for 537 (80.6%) participants of whom 448 (83.4%) had detectable viral loads. Of these, 398 (88.8%) were assessed for treatment, 394 (99%) were initiated, but only 222 (56.3%) had results returned for SVR12. Among those with SVR12 results, 208 (93.7%) achieved SVR12. When assessing timely care provision, we found 65.9% (95% CI: 62.0, 69.7) of initial viral load results were returned ≤ 30 days of screening; 45% (95% CI: 40.1, 49.8) of people with detectable viral load completed treatment assessment ≤ 90 days of initial viral load results; and 12.5% (95% CI: 9.2,16.3) of SVR12 results were returned ≤ 210 days of treatment initiation among those who initiated treatment. The overall median time from screening to SVR12 assessment was 437 days. Conclusion Despite high rates of SVR12 among those who completed all stages of the cascade of care, we identified gaps and delays in the treatment cascade. Improving communication between viral load testing hubs and health facilities could reduce the turn-around time for viral load testing, and actively monitor timeliness of care provision could improve quality of HCV care.

HIV infection in the west region of Pará

Aims: knowledge of the patient’s profile, for the evaluation and suggested behaviors, promotes a favorable outcome. Thus, the objective of the study is to analyze the socioeconomic, clinical, and immunological characteristics of patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus in the western region of the state of Pará.Methods: were analyzed 1966 medical records of patients whose first visit to a reference center, in the municipality of Santarém-PA, was between 1998 and 2018. Socioeconomic, clinical, and immunological information was collected from patient medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, adopting p <0.05.Results: there was a predominance of males (62.5%), aged 20-39 years (69.1%), elementary school (58.6%), single (57.3%), and employed (66.4%). Immunosuppression was present in 22% of patients and a viral load was detectable in 66%. Tuberculosis (37%) and toxoplasmosis (23%) predominated as opportunistic infections, and syphilis (62.6%) and human papillomavirus (HPV; 14%) as other infections.Conclusions: it is concluded that both opportunistic infections and other infections were present in 25-22% of the patients and that the presence of opportunistic infections favors the installation of another infection, or vice versa. Toxoplasmosis, HPV, and syphilis are positively associated with men, and toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis with age >35 years. Immunosuppression was shown to be positively associated with men and age >35 years, as well as favoring the onset of tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, and detectable viral load.

Factors Impacting Video Telehealth Appointment Completion During COVID-19 Pandemic Among People Living with HIV in a Community-Based Health System

As the threat of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations continues, mitigation protocols have escalated the use of telehealth platforms, secure 2-way video platforms with audio capabilities. The goal of the current study was to examine factors associated with successful completion of video telehealth appointments in HIV care. We utilized a random effects logistic model to assess characteristics of patient encounters that predicted completed telehealth visits. Results show that factors such as identifying as black (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.23–0.40, p < 0.01), identifying as heterosexual (AOR = 0.40, 95% CI, 0.29–0.55, p < 0.01), identifying as Hispanic/Latinx (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI, 0.48–0.95), having public insurance (e.g., Ryan White funding, Medicare/Medicaid) (AOR = .25, 95% CI 0.19–0.33, p < .001), and having detectable viral load (AOR = .049, 95% CI, 0.31–0.76) are negatively associated with completion of telehealth appointments. Results suggest that greater efforts to address the digital divide are needed to increase access to video telehealth.

Linkage to intensive adherence counselling among HIV-positive persons on ART with detectable viral load in Gomba district, rural Uganda

Background Antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is a primary determinant of sustained viral suppression, HIV transmission risk, disease progression and death. The World Health Organization recommends that adherence support interventions be provided to people on ART, but implementation is suboptimal. We evaluated linkage to intensive adherence counselling (IAC) for persons on ART with detectable viral load (VL). Methods Between January and December 2017, we conducted a retrospective chart review of HIV-positive persons on ART with detectable VL (> 1000 copies/ml), in Gomba district, rural Uganda. We abstracted records from eight HIV clinics; seven health center III’s (facilities which provide basic preventive and curative care and are headed by clinical officers) and a health center IV (mini-hospital headed by a medical doctor). Linkage to IAC was defined as provision of IAC to ART clients with detectable VL within three months of receipt of results at the health facility. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate factors associated with linkage to IAC. Results Of 4,100 HIV-positive persons on ART for at least 6 months, 411 (10%) had detectable VL. The median age was 32 years (interquartile range [IQR] 13–43) and 52% were female. The median duration on ART was 3.2 years (IQR 1.8–4.8). A total of 311 ART clients (81%) were linked to IAC. Receipt of ART at a Health Center level IV was associated with a two-fold higher odds of IAC linkage compared with Health Center level III (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.78; 95% CI 1.00–3.16; p = 0.01). Age, gender, marital status and ART duration were not related to IAC linkage. Conclusions Linkage to IAC was high among persons with detectable VL in rural Uganda, with greater odds of linkage at a higher-level health facility. Strategies to optimize IAC linkage at lower-level health facilities for persons with suboptimal ART adherence are needed.

Profile of Chronic Comorbid Conditions and Obstetrical Complications Among Pregnant Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in the United States

Background To evaluate the frequency and associated characteristics of chronic comorbid conditions and obstetrical complications among pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in comparison to those without HIV. Methods We compared 2 independent concurrent US pregnancy cohorts: (1) with HIV (International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Protocol P1025, 2002–2013) and (2) without HIV (Consortium for Safe Labor Study, 2002–2007). Outcomes were ≥2 chronic comorbid conditions and obstetrical complications. For women with HIV, we assessed whether late prenatal care (≥14 weeks), starting ART in an earlier era (2002–2008), and a detectable viral load at delivery (≥400 copies/mL) were associated with study outcomes. Results We assessed 2868 deliveries (n = 2574 women) with HIV and receiving ART and 211 910 deliveries (n = 193 170 women) without HIV. Women with HIV were more likely to have ≥2 chronic comorbid conditions versus those without HIV (10 vs 3%; adjusted OR [AOR]: 2.96; 95% CI: 2.58–3.41). Women with HIV were slightly less likely to have obstetrical complications versus those without HIV (both 17%; AOR: .84; 95% CI: .75–.94), but secondarily, higher odds of preterm birth &lt;37 weeks. Late entry to prenatal care and starting ART in an earlier era were associated with a lower likelihood of ≥2 chronic comorbidities and obstetrical complications; detectable viral load at delivery was associated with a higher likelihood of obstetric complications. Conclusions Pregnant women with HIV receiving ART have more chronic comorbid conditions, but not necessarily obstetrical complications, than their peers without HIV.

Dental caries in association with viral load in children living with HIV in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: a cross‐sectional study

Background Oral health status is associated with the overall health among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, it is unclear whether dental caries is associated with the viral load in this population. Particularly, dental caries among children living with HIV needs better understanding as this can affect their overall health and future well-being. This study assessed the association between dental caries and viral load among children living with HIV in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Methods This cross-sectional study, conducted at the National Pediatric Hospital as a baseline survey of a randomized controlled trial, included 328, 3–15-year-old children living with HIV and their primary caregivers. Calibrated and trained examiners conducted oral examinations for dental caries (DMFT/dmft index) in the children and retrieved the latest HIV viral load data from the hospital’s patient information system. On the dental examination day, the children and their caregivers were invited to answer a questionnaire-based interview. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between dental caries and viral load. The cut-off point for undetectable viral load was set at < 40 copies/mL. Results Data from 328 children were included in the analysis; 68.3% had an undetectable viral load. The mean DMFT/dmft was 7.7 (standard deviation = 5.0). Adjusted regression analysis showed that dental caries in permanent or deciduous teeth was positively associated with detectable viral load (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.14). Conversely, antiretroviral therapy of ≥ 1 year and self-reported better adherence to antiretroviral drugs were negatively associated with detectable viral load. Among children with detectable viral load, dental caries in permanent or deciduous teeth was positively associated with non-suppression of viral load (> 1000 copies/mL) (AOR: 1.12, CI: 1.03–1.23). Conclusions Dental caries was associated with viral load status detection among children living with HIV. This finding suggests that dental caries may affect their immune status. The oral health of children living with HIV should be strengthened, and further research is needed to clarify the causal relationship between viral load and oral health status.

Dental caries in association with viral load in children living with HIV in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Oral health status is known to be associated with overall health among people living with HIV. However, it is unclear whether dental caries is associated with viral load among this population. In particular, dental caries among children living with HIV needs to be better understood, as this can affect their overall health and future well-being. This study assessed the association between dental caries and viral load among children living with HIV in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Paediatric Hospital as a baseline survey of a randomized controlled trial. The study population included children living with HIV aged 3–15 years and their primary caregivers. Calibrated examiners collected data on dental caries status (WHO index) and the latest HIV viral load data stored in the patients’ information system at the hospital. On the day of the dental examination, children’s caregivers and older children were invited to answer a questionnaire-based interview. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between dental caries and viral load. The cut-off point for undetectable viral load was set at <40 copies/mL.Results: Data from 328 children were included in the analysis; 68.3% had an undetectable viral load. The mean decayed, missing, or filled permanent/deciduous teeth was 7.7 (standard deviation = 5.0). In the regression analysis, dental caries in permanent or deciduous teeth was positively associated with detectable viral load (adjusted odds ratio: 1.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.14). Conversely, antiretroviral therapy of ≥1 year and self-reported better adherence to antiretroviral drugs were negatively associated with detectable viral load. Among children with detectable viral load, dental caries in permanent or deciduous teeth was also positively associated with non-suppression of viral load (>1000 copies/mL) (adjusted odds ratio: 1.12, 95% confidence interval: 1.03–1.23).Conclusions: Dental caries was associated with viral load status detection among children living with HIV. This finding suggests that dental caries may affect the immune status of children. The oral health of children living with HIV should be strengthened, and further research is needed to clarify the causal relationship between viral load and oral health status.

Alcohol use and viral suppression in HIV-positive Kenyan female sex workers on antiretroviral therapy

Background Excessive alcohol intake has been associated with poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The impact of alcohol on viral suppression is particularly important among groups at high risk of HIV transmission, such as female sex workers (FSWs). Few studies have directly evaluated the association between alcohol use and HIV viral load. We hypothesized that hazardous or harmful alcohol use is associated with detectable plasma viral load among HIV-positive FSWs. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-positive FSWs in Mombasa, Kenya. Hazardous or harmful alcohol use was assessed yearly and defined as an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score ≥7. Detectable viral load was assessed every six months and defined as ≥180 c/mL. Adherence measures were collected monthly and included late ART refill (>48 hours) and self-reported adherence, using both a validated self-rating scale of ability to take medication and visual analog scale (VAS) of ART use in the last month. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate adjusted relative risks (aRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results This analysis included 366 participants followed monthly between October 2012 and March 2018. At baseline, AUDIT scores indicated hazardous alcohol use (AUDIT 7–15) in 14.3%, harmful alcohol use (AUDIT 16–19) in 1.4%, and alcohol dependency (AUDIT ≥20) in 1.4% of participants. After adjusting for potential confounders, a combined exposure including hazardous, harmful, and dependent alcohol use was not associated with detectable viral load (aRR 1.10, 95%CI 0.63–1.92) or late ART refill (aRR 1.13, 95%CI 0.82–1.56), but was associated with lower self-rated ability to take medication (aRR 2.38, 95%CI 1.42–3.99) and a lower rate of self-reported perfect ART adherence by VAS (aRR 2.62, 95%CI 1.84–3.71). Conclusions In this FSW cohort, while participants reporting hazardous, harmful, or dependent alcohol use were not more likely to have a detectable viral load, they were more likely to report lower ART adherence. These results suggest that interventions targeting alcohol use among this population of FSWs may not have a large impact on viral suppression.

1109. Valgancyclovir Dosing for Cytomegalovirus Prophylaxis in Heart Transplant Recipients

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most common infections after transplantation and continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality. Current guidelines recommend 3-6 months of post-transplant prophylaxis with 900mg daily of valganciclovir in heart transplant recipients. At our institution, however, the protocol is to use 450mg daily of valganciclovir for 6-12 months for intermediate risk (R+) patients and 900 mg daily for high risk (D+/R-) patients. In this study we aimed to identify underlying patient characteristics associated with detectable viral load above the quantifiable threshold. Table 1. Comparison of patients with a CMV viral above and below 137. Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records of adult (≥ 18 years) heart transplant recipients with detectable CMV viremia from 2016-2018 resulted during routine clinical screening. Results Ninety-seven heart transplant recipients with a detectable CMV viral load were identified. Of those, 38 (37.2%) had a quantifiable viral load above the 137 IU/mL threshold. When compared to the individuals with a detectable viral load below the threshold (&lt; 137 IU/mL), they had similar age at time of transplant, increased likelihood of donor/recipient CMV IgG mismatch, and were more frequently on 900mg daily of prophylaxis at time of viremia. Of the individuals with CMV DNAemia above the threshold, the median time to viremia was 271.4 days and the median peak viral load was 701 IU/mL. When limiting analysis to only recipients who were CMV IgG positive, patients with viremia had similar age and more likely to be on 900mg daily of valganciclovir as prophylaxis when compared to individuals with CMV viremia &lt; 137 IU/mL. When comparing CMV D+/R- patients, age and rates of 900mg valganciclovir as prophylaxis were similar (Table 1). Conclusion We found that despite receipt of CMV prophylaxis, an appreciable number of both R+ and D-/R+ heart transplant recipients developed breakthrough DNAemia despite being on prophylaxis of valganciclovir as recommended by guidelines. Despite receipt of the higher 900 mg daily dose, high risk patients had higher rates of breakthrough DNAemia at our institution compared with R+ intermediate risk patients. More research is needed to evaluate the optimal dose and duration for prophylaxis in heart transplant patients against CMV. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures