Well-controlled Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Research Articles

The impact of asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive disease status on inpatient complications following total joint arthroplasty: a propensity score-matched analysis.

The number of patients with asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (AHIV) is increasing as the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy improves. While there is research on operative risks associated with having HIV, there is a lack of literature describing the impact of well-controlled HIV on postoperative complications. This study seeks to elucidate the impact of AHIV on postoperative outcomes after total hip (THA) and knee (TKA) arthroplasty. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was retrospectively reviewed for patients undergoing TKA and THA from 2005 to 2013. Subjects were subdivided into those with AHIV and those without HIV (non-HIV). Patient demographics, hospital-related parameters, and postoperative complications were all collected. One-to-one propensity score-matching, Chi-square analysis, and multivariate logistical regressions were performed to compare both cohorts. There were no significant differences between AHIV and non-HIV patients undergoing TKA or THA in terms of sex, age, insurance status, or total costs (all, p ≥ 0.081). AHIV patients had longer lengths of stay (4.0days) than non-HIV patients after both TKA (3.3days) and THA (3.1days) (p ≤ 0.011). Both TKA groups had similar postoperative complication rates (p > 0.081). AHIV patients undergoing THA exhibited an increased rate of overall surgical complications compared non-HIV patients (0 vs. 4.5%, p = 0.043). AHIV was not associated with increased complications following both procedures. Despite lengthier hospital stays among AHIV patients, baseline AHIV was not associated with adverse outcomes following TKA and THA. This adds to the literature and warrants further research into the impact of asymptomatic, well-controlled HIV infection on postoperative outcomes following total joint arthroplasty.

A prospective cohort study identifies two types of HIV+ Kaposi Sarcoma lesions: proliferative and inflammatory.

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common cancer in people living with HIV (PLWH) in many countries where KS-associated herpesvirus is endemic. Treatment has changed little in 20 years, but the disease presentation has. This prospective cohort study enrolled 122 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive KS patients between 2017 and 2019 in Malawi. Participants were treated with bleomycin, vincristine and combination antiretroviral therapy, the local standard of care. One-year overall survival was 61%, and progression-free survival was 58%. The 48-week complete response rate was 35%. RNAseq (n = 78) differentiated two types of KS lesions, those with marked endothelial characteristics and those enriched in inflammatory transcripts. This suggests that different KS lesions are in different disease states consistent with the known heterogeneous clinical response to treatment. In contrast to earlier cohorts, the plasma HIV viral load of KS patients in our study was highly variable. A total of 25% of participants had no detectable HIV; all had detectable KSHV viral load. Our study affirms that many KS cases today develop in PLWH with well-controlled HIV infection and that different KS lesions have differing molecular compositions. Further studies are needed to develop predictive biomarkers for this disease.

A Case of Helicobacter heilmannii Gastritis in a Patient With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Abstract Helicobacter heilmannii is an uncommon Helicobacter that is a cause of gastritis in humans similar to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Treatment of H. heilmannii is not well studied, but traditional H. pylori regimens have shown success in case reports. Most case reports are in immunocompetent hosts, so little is known about the interplay between H. heilmannii and the immune system. We report a case of H. heilmannii infection in a patient with well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus infection who was treated with quadruple therapy (tetracycline, metronidazole, bismuth, and proton pump inhibitor) and had successful eradication of his infection.

ANCA-associated vasculitis in a HIV-infected patient:a case-based review

BackgroundThe occurrence of autoantibodies in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients has been previously reported, with a prevalence ranging from 20 to 83%. There are also a few reports of clinically relevant autoantibody profiles in HIV-positive patients that lead to true systemic autoimmune disease; these possible life-threatening diseases have to be considered and treated accordingly.Case presentationHere, we present the case of a 29-year-old female patient with a history of well-controlled HIV infection in the last 6 years who was admitted to our department for the evaluation of acute kidney injury and nephrotic syndrome with active urinary sediment. A diagnosis of systemic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) with renal and pulmonary involvement was established. The patient was treated with cyclophosphamide, rituximab and tapering glucocorticoids,and the diffuse alveolar hemorrhage resolved, but the evolution of kidney function was unfavorable, which led to the need to initiate hemodialysis. We highlight the importance of establishing the correct diagnosis, treating the disease accordingly and the possible clinical issues that can appear in a patient with HIV infection during immunosuppressant treatment as induction treatment. Additionally, we performed a thorough literature review of ANCA positivity in HIV-infected patients to properly understand the current evidence.ConclusionsAlthough it is not clear whether HIV infection and AAV are causally or coincidentally related, the possibility of this systemic autoimmune phenomenon should be acknowledged by physicians to establish the correct diagnosis and treat the disease accordingly by maintaining a balance between the risks and benefits of immunosuppression in this category of patients, with treatment decisions being made by the members of a multidisciplinary team in centers with experience in AAV.

High-Sensitivity Troponins and Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis Evaluated by Coronary Calcium Score Among Older Asians Living With Well-Controlled Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Elevated levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) are suggestive of myocardial cell injury and coronary artery disease. We explored the association between hs-cTn and subclinical arteriosclerosis using coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring among 337 virally suppressed patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who were ≥50 years old and without evidence of known coronary artery disease. Noncontrast cardiac computed tomography and blood sampling for hs-cTn, both subunit I (hs-cTnI) and subunit T (hs-cTnT), were performed. The relationship between CAC (Agatston score) and serum hs-cTn levels was analyzed using Spearman correlation and logistic regression models. The patients, of whom 62% were male, had a median age of 54 years and had been on antiretroviral therapy for a median of 16 years; the CAC score was >0 in 50% of patients and ≥100 in 16%. Both hs-cTn concentrations were positively correlated with the Agatston score, with correlation coefficients of 0.28 and 0.27 (P < .001) for hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT, respectively. hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT concentrations of ≥4 and ≥5.3 pg/mL, respectively, provided the best performance for discriminating patients with Agatston scores ≥100, with a sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 60%, respectively, for hs-cTnI and 70% and 50% for hs-cTnT. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, each log unit increase in hs-cTnI level was independently associated with increased odds of having an Agatston score ≥100 (odds ratio, 2.83 [95% confidence interval, 1.69-4.75]; P <.001). Although not an independent predictor, hs-cTnT was also associated with an increased odds of having an Agatston score ≥100 (odds ratio, 1.58 [95% confidence interval, .92-2.73]; P = .10). Among Asians aged ≥50 years with well-controlled HIV infection and without established cardiovascular disease, 50% had subclinical arteriosclerosis. Increasing hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT concentrations were associated with an increased risk of severe subclinical arteriosclerosis, and hs-cTn may be a potential biomarker to detect severe subclinical arteriosclerosis.

КЛИНИЧЕСКИЕ ИСХОДЫ COVID-19 СРЕДИ ЛИЦ, ЖИВУЩИХ С ВИРУСОМ ИММУНОДЕФИЦИТА ЧЕЛОВЕКА

Abstract. Introduction. Since the early 1980s, the world has experienced an epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus infection. After that, in 2019 healthcare system faced a pandemic of infection caused by the emergence of a new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which caused high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Data on the incidence, course, and outcomes of COVID-19 in people living with human immunodeficiency virus are limited. Aim. The aim of the study is to examine data from publications on clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in people living with human immunodeficiency virus. Material and methods. A thorough literature search was carried out using the MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus databases, 21 sources were selected and analyzed. Results and discussion. Publication data do not indicate that people living with human immunodeficiency virus are more susceptible to COVID-19 than the general population. As in the general population, older age and the presence of comorbidities worsen the prognosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus and COVID-19. A number of authors note higher mortality rates from COVID-19 infection in HIV-infected patients of African and Asian descent. Well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus infection does not change the clinical presentation or worsen the clinical outcome of hospitalization for COVID-19 infection in HIV-infected patients. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus in the advanced stages of the disease may show less severe symptoms of COVID-19 infection due to a reduction in the severity of immune responses. Conclusion. Clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus coinfection are comparable. The high-risk group for COVID-19 includes human immunodeficiency virus patients with pre-existing comorbidities and individuals in older age groups. Controlled human immunodeficiency virus patients with an undetectable viral load have a better prognosis than uncontrolled patients.

S2002 Colonic Schwannoma: A Cause for Nerves?

Introduction: Schwannomas arise from schwann cells, and though they are the commonest of all peripheral nerve tumors, it is exceedingly rare for them to be detected in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Here, we present the case of a submucosal colonic schwannoma detected incidentally as part of a routine colonoscopy for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and discuss the clinical significance of such tumors. Case Description/Methods: A 59-year-old male patient with intermittent constipation presented for colonoscopy for CRC screening. A previous colonoscopy 7 years prior had been unremarkable. Family history was notable for CRC in several second-degree relatives. The patient’s past medical history was significant for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus infection and prediabetes. Physical examination was unremarkable. At colonoscopy, an 8 mm submucosal lesion was found in the cecum. This was sessile and firm, and did not demonstrate a pillow sign characteristic of lipoma. The lesion was resected using a saline injection-lift technique and hot snare. At histology, the lesion was described as tan-pink polypoid tissue, with negative margins (Figure). Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely and strongly positive for S100 and negative for CD117, DOG1, SMA and desmin. This was consistent with a diagnosis of schwannoma. Discussion: When GI schwannomas arise, they are most commonly found in the upper GI tract, with 60-70% of GI cases found in the stomach and only 3% in the colon. There are no clear risk factors for their development other than advanced age. As in our patient’s case, colorectal schwannomas are typically detected incidentally on screening colonoscopies. They can be asymptomatic, or present with rectal bleeding (22.9%), abdominal pain (15.6%) or constipation (7.3%). The mass effect of large schwannomas can lead to colonic obstruction necessitating surgical resection of the tumor, but smaller lesions can typically be resected endoscopically. Schwannomas present as submucosal lesions and are almost always benign, with only atypical versions harboring any malignant potential. Numerous studies have demonstrated that recurrence after complete resection is rare, even after extended follow-up. There is no established guidance regarding follow-up intervals for patients with colorectal schwannomas, owing to their rarity. Based on the lack of malignant potential and the low risk of recurrence, we recommended a repeat colonoscopy in 5 years for our patient.Figure 1.: Cecal schwannoma in macroscopic (left) and microscopic (right) views.

Relationship between reward-related evoked potentials and real-world motivation in older people living with human immunodeficiency virus.

Apathy, a clinical disorder characterized by low motivation, is prevalent in people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It affects mental and physical health-related quality-of-life, medication adherence, and is associated with cognitive decline. However, the causes of apathy and the underlying brain mechanisms in HIV are unknown. Brain responses to reward may be relevant to understanding apathy and might serve as biomarkers for diagnosis or treatment response. Electroencephalogram (EEG) responses to gain and loss feedback in simple guessing tasks have been related to apathy in neurodegenerative conditions and healthy individuals. The primary aim of this study is to contribute evidence regarding the relationship between two EEG correlates of reward processing, the Reward Positivity, and the Feedback-P300, and real-world motivated behavior indicated by self-reported hours engaged in goal-directed leisure activities per week, in older individuals with well-controlled HIV infection. High-density EEG was collected from 75 participants while they performed a guessing task with gain or loss feedback. We found that a later component of reward processing, the Feedback-P300, was related to real-world engagement, while the earlier Reward Positivity was not. The Feedback-P300 measured with EEG holds promise as a biomarker for motivated behavior in older people living with HIV. These findings lay the groundwork for a better understanding of the neurobiology of apathy in this condition.

POD1UM-303/InterAACT 2: A phase III, global, randomized, double-blind study of retifanlimab or placebo plus carboplatin-paclitaxel in patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell anal carcinoma.

BackgroundSquamous carcinoma of the anal canal (SCAC) is a human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven cancer with poor prognosis in locally advanced or recurrent settings. Carboplatin–paclitaxel is the preferred first-line regimen for unresectable locally advanced or metastatic SCAC, with the reported median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 8.1 and 20.0 months, respectively. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) demonstrates improved survival in HPV-driven cervical and head and neck cancers. Retifanlimab (INCMGA00012) is an investigational humanized, hinge-stabilized, immunoglobulin G4κ monoclonal antibody targeting programmed cell death-1 (PD-1), with characteristics common to the ICB class. In POD1UM-202, retifanlimab showed substantial clinical activity and an expected safety profile in patients with advanced SCAC who progressed on platinum-based chemotherapy. Based on these encouraging results, POD1UM-303/InterAACT 2 (NCT04472429), a phase III, double-blind, randomized, multiregional study, investigates the addition of retifanlimab to the standard of care (SOC) carboplatin–paclitaxel in patients with inoperable locally recurrent or metastatic SCAC not previously treated with systemic chemotherapy.Methods and analysisPatients ≥18 years with inoperable locally recurrent or metastatic SCAC, measurable disease per RECIST v1.1, and no prior systemic chemotherapy or PD-(L)1-directed therapy will be enrolled and stratified by PD-L1 expression, region, and extent of disease. Patients with well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus infection are eligible. Planned enrollment is approximately 300 patients worldwide, with a 1:1 randomization to retifanlimab or placebo. Patients will receive up to six induction cycles (24 weeks) of carboplatin (area-under-the-curve 5 on day 1) and paclitaxel (80 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15) every 28 days per SOC. Concurrently, retifanlimab 500 mg or placebo will be administered intravenously in a blinded fashion on day 1 of each 28-day cycle for up to 13 cycles (1 year) in the absence of unacceptable toxicity, disease progression, withdrawal of consent, loss to follow-up, or premature discontinuation. Crossover to open-label retifanlimab will be allowed for patients assigned to placebo upon verification of progression by blinded independent central radiographic review (BICR). The primary study endpoint is PFS per RECIST v1.1 by BICR. Secondary endpoints are OS, objective response rate, duration of response, disease control rate, safety, and retifanlimab pharmacokinetics. The study is currently recruiting.Clinical Trial Registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04472429; https://clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=2020-000826-24

Relationship of sleep disorders with long-term complications and health-related quality of life in people with well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus.

Although sleep disorders are common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, they have not been adequately evaluated under currently advanced treatments, mainly with integrase strand transfer inhibitors. However, the relationship of sleep disorders with long-term complications and quality of life (QOL) status in patients infected with HIV is still poorly understood. Such associations are important in the management of outpatients with HIV. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate these associations.This cross-sectional observational study assessed the QOL changes of patients with HIV before and after the treatment regimen change. Male patients with well-controlled HIV who attended our hospital and changed HIV medications for reasons other than treatment failure between October 2019 and September 2021 were included. At the time of regimen change, sleep disorder status was assessed according to the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and health-related QOL (HRQOL) was assessed using the medical outcomes study 8-item short form health survey. In addition, we collected information on age, blood tests, and long-term comorbid conditions present during the evaluation. The HIV treatment regimen was also reviewed.Out of 45 male Japanese patients with HIV that were included in this study, 24 (53.3%) and 21 (46.7%) were classified into the sleep disorder group and nonsleep disorder group, respectively, according to their PSQI scores. The sleep disorder group had a significantly lower HRQOL mental component summary (P = .0222) than the nonsleep disorder group. The prevalence rates of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between PSQI scores and the HRQOL status (mental component summary, P = .0450; physical component summary, P = .0350).Sleep disorders remain common in patients with well-controlled HIV infection receiving current treatment. Sleep disorder is significantly associated with a low HRQOL in these patients. Hence, sleep status evaluation is necessary to improve HIV management.

Necrotizing leg gangrene from invasive cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma, reversed by pegylated liposomal doxorubicin

Although rare, Kaposi sarcoma is the most common malignant neoplasm associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Several agents have now been approved in the treatment of this malignancy and are used with varying degrees of success. We present a unique case of a 64-year-old man with well-controlled HIV infection who developed necrotizing leg gangrene from invasive cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma. He responded very well to systemic chemotherapy, thereby avoiding limb amputation. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) at a dose of 20 mg/m2 every 3 weeks was utilized, with a near-complete response after six cycles of therapy. The patient continues to receive maintenance treatment with PLD. His HIV infection remains in excellent control, with a high-normal CD4 T-cell count. Periodic echocardiogram evaluations have not shown any decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) over time. Most patients with Kaposi sarcoma achieve partial responses to treatment with PLD. Our case illustrates that near complete and complete responses are possible with this agent, leading to potential limb salvage in necrotizing gangrene.

Immunogenicity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection and Ad26.CoV2.S Vaccination in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) have been reported to have a higher risk of more severe COVID-19 disease and death. We assessed the ability of the Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine to elicit neutralizing activity against the Delta variant in PLWH relative to HIV-negative individuals. We also examined effects of HIV status and suppression on Delta neutralization response in SARS-CoV-2—infected unvaccinated participants.MethodsWe enrolled participants who were vaccinated through the SISONKE South African clinical trial of the Ad26.CoV2.S vaccine in healthcare workers (HCWs). PLWH in this group had well-controlled HIV infection. We also enrolled unvaccinated participants previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Neutralization capacity was assessed by a live virus neutralization assay of the Delta variant.ResultsMost Ad26.CoV2.S vaccinated HCWs were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. In this group, Delta variant neutralization was 9-fold higher compared with the infected-only group and 26-fold higher relative to the vaccinated-only group. No decrease in Delta variant neutralization was observed in PLWH relative to HIV-negative participants. In contrast, SARS-CoV-2—infected, unvaccinated PLWH showed 7-fold lower neutralization and a higher frequency of nonresponders, with the highest frequency of nonresponders in people with HIV viremia. Vaccinated-only participants showed low neutralization capacity.ConclusionsThe neutralization response of the Delta variant following Ad26.CoV2.S vaccination in PLWH with well-controlled HIV was not inferior to HIV-negative participants, irrespective of past SARS-CoV-2 infection. In SARS-CoV-2—infected and nonvaccinated participants, HIV infection reduced the neutralization response to SARS-CoV-2, with the strongest reduction in HIV viremic individuals.

Symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infection is associated with advanced presentation and perioperative mortality in patients undergoing surgery for peripheral arterial disease

ObjectivePrior studies have demonstrated an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, the effect of chronic HIV infection in patients with preexisting PAD and requiring vascular intervention is unclear. In the present study, we assessed the differences in clinical presentation and perioperative outcomes for patients with PAD who had undergone revascularization or amputation with and without HIV infection. MethodsInternational Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th Revisions, Clinical Modification, codes were used to identify patients with a prior diagnosis of PAD who had undergone lower extremity revascularization or amputation in the National Inpatient Sample (2003-2017). From this group, the patients were divided for analysis into those with and without HIV infection. Of the patients with HIV infection (PWHs), we identified additional subsets of patients: those with any prior or current diagnosis of an HIV-related illness, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, designated as symptomatic HIV, and those without such a diagnosis, designated as asymptomatic HIV infection. Propensity score matching was performed to create matched cohorts. Population-based comparative analyses were performed of the clinical characteristics of the HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses of the perioperative in-hospital outcomes were performed on the matched cohorts. ResultsA total of 224,912 patients aged 18 to 85 years were identified who had been admitted with an established diagnosis of PAD and had undergone a lower extremity procedure. Of these patients, 1264 (0.56%) also had a diagnosis of HIV infection. Symptomatic PWHs were more likely to present with critical limb ischemia than were the HIV-uninfected patients or asymptomatic PWHs (66.2% vs 46.3% and 43.6%; P < .01). However, both asymptomatic and symptomatic PWHs were more likely to have required minor (7.5% and 6.7% vs 2.6%; P < .01) and major (12.9% and 27.4% vs 7.0%; P < .01) amputations than were matched HIV-uninfected controls. Although adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated symptomatic HIV infection to be a significant, independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 2.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-4.40; P = .003), the perioperative mortality for the asymptomatic PWH was comparable to that of matched HIV-uninfected controls. ConclusionsSymptomatic PWHs, including patients living with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, who had required a PAD-related procedure had presented with more advanced vascular disease and were most at risk of early perioperative mortality. However, the presentation and mortality between asymptomatic PWHs with well-controlled disease and HIV-uninfected patients were comparable. All PWHs with PAD were more likely to undergo lower extremity amputations than were HIV-uninfected matched controls. Asymptomatic, well-controlled HIV infection should not be a contraindication to elective PAD-related procedures because the mortality was similar to that of HIV-uninfected controls. However, the limb salvage rates might be lower for all PWHs with PAD, regardless of HIV disease severity. Taken together, these findings can improve perioperative risk stratification and surgical management of PAD in this high-risk population.

The prevalence of and risk factors for low free testosterone levels in japanese men with well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus infection

The prevalence of and risk factors for low free testosterone levels in japanese men with well-controlled human immunodeficiency virus infection

Patterns of Care and Outcomes of Vulvar Cancer Treatment in Women With or Without HIV Infection in Botswana

Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecological malignancy. However, the incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated vulvar disease is increasing, particularly in low- and middle- income countries. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is also associated with an increased risk of vulvar cancer. Patterns of care for vulvar cancer in low resource-limited settings with high rates of HPV and HIV co-infection have not been well described. Women with vulvar cancer who presented to an oncology clinic in Botswana from January 2015 through October 2019 were prospectively enrolled in this observational cohort study. Factors associated with survival including age, HIV status, stage, and treatment were evaluated. Analysis of 128 women with vulvar cancer demonstrated a median age of 42 years. At presentation 53.3% of patients were early stage (stage I/II) and 46.6% were late stage (stage III/IV). The majority of patients were living with well-controlled HIV infection (89%, n = 107) with a median CD4 count of 461 cell/ul (IQR 300.5-684.5) and high level of viral suppression (95% with viral copies & <400). Surgery was performed in 25 (20.8%) patients, 29 (24%) patients received chemotherapy, and 81 (67.5%) received radiation therapy. Adjusted analysis controlling for HIV, age, stage, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation demonstrated no differences in survival at 32 months by HIV status (HR, 0.426; 95% CI, 0.112-1.5976). Advanced stage (stage III and IV) (HR, 2.41; (95% CI, 1.03-5.68) and older age (HR, 1.05; (95% CI, 1.00-1.10) were associated with worse survival while receipt of surgery was associated with improved survival (HR 0.09, 95% CI 0.15-0.74). Women in Botswana with vulvar cancer have a high rate of HIV infection. They present at a young age and just under half of patients present at a late stage. While decreased survival was associated with older age and late stage disease, HIV status did not impact survival outcomes. Efforts to identify patients early with limited disease burden may be necessary to improve outcomes in the future.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Low Free Testosterone Levels in Japanese Men with Well-controlled Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

The change in the prevalence of hypogonadism with age in men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is subject to debate. To address this issue, we diagnosed hypogonadism based on serum levels of free testosterone (fTST) rather than total testosterone which is thought to be an inaccurate indicator. We also determined the relationship between age and fTST levels and identified risk factors for hypogonadism in men with HIV infection. We retrospectively reviewed fTST levels and associated clinical factors in 71 wellcontrolled HIV-infected men who were treated at Teikyo University Hospital between April 2015 and March 2016 and who had data available on serum fTST levels, measured >6 months after starting antiretroviral therapy. fTST was measured using radioimmunoassay on blood samples collected in the morning. Risk factors for hypogonadism were identified using Welch's t-test and multiple regression analysis. The men had a mean (± standard deviation) age of 47.4 ± 13.6 years, and mean (± standard deviation) serum fTST level of 13.0 ± 6.1 pg/mL. Fifteen (21.1%) men had hypogonadism based on a fTST <8.5 pg/mL. Serum fTST levels significantly decreased with age (-0.216 pg/mL/year). Older age and low hemoglobin levels were identified as risk factors for hypogonadism. The men in the study experienced a more rapid decline in fTST levels with age than men in the general population (-0.161 pg/mL/year). Serum fTST levels in men with HIV infection should be monitored, especially in older men and those with low hemoglobin levels.

Sustained Virologic Suppression After 4 Weeks of Ledipasvir/Sofosbuvir in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Co-Infection

Patient: Male, 28-year-oldFinal Diagnosis: HCV infectionSymptoms: Not applicableMedication: —Clinical Procedure: —Specialty: Infectious DiseasesObjective:Unusual or unexpected effect of treatmentBackground:Short-course hepatitis C (HCV) treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA) under 8 weeks in duration has resulted in variable efficacy rates in HCV mono-infection. Further, DAA courses under 8 weeks in duration have not been studied in HIV/HCV co-infection. We present a case report of 12-week sustained virologic suppression after treatment interruption of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir at 4 weeks in a patient with HIV/HCV co-infection.Case Report:A 28-year-old male patient diagnosed with well-controlled HIV infection and HCV co-infection (treatment-naïve, genotype 1a, unknown hepatic fibrosis) started a 12-week course of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for HCV treatment. The patient completed only 4 weeks of LDV/SOF before returning for follow-up 7 weeks after initiation. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir treatment was discontinued. Sustained virologic suppression at 12 weeks was observed after completion of a short, 4-week course of LDV/SOF.Conclusions:Compared to currently recommended treatment durations, clinical trials of short-course DAA treatments of less than 8 weeks have not demonstrated successful rates of SVR12. However, in cases of DAA interruption or incomplete treatment, clinicians may choose to assess for SVR12 prior to continuing or restarting the full treatment course.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Patients Living with HIV Infection: Several Questions, Fewer Answers.

Both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) may be considered relatively uncommon disorders in the general population, but the precise incidence of AML in people living with HIV infection (PLWH) is uncertain. However, life expectancy of newly infected HIV-positive patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is gradually increasing, rivaling that of age-matched HIV-negative individuals, so that the occurrence of AML is also expected to progressively increase. Even if HIV is not reported to be directly mutagenic, several indirect leukemogenic mechanisms, mainly based on bone marrow microenvironment disruption, have been proposed. Despite a well-controlled HIV infection under ART should no longer be considered per se a contraindication to intensive chemotherapeutic approaches, including allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, in selected fit patients with AML, survival outcomes are still generally unsatisfactory. We discussed several controversial issues about pathogenesis and clinical management of AML in PLWH, but few evidence-based answers may currently be provided, due to the limited number of cases reported in the literature, mainly as case reports or small retrospective case series. Prospective multicenter clinical trials are warranted to more precisely investigate epidemiology and cytogenetic/molecular features of AML in PLWH, but also to standardize and further improve its therapeutic management.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the Brain-Culprit or Facilitator?

Introduction:Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) enters the brain early, where it can persist, evolve, and become compartmentalized. Central nervous system (CNS) disease can be attributed to HIV alone or to the complex interplay between the virus and other neurotropic pathogens.Aim:The current review aims to describe the direct impact of HIV on the brain as well as its relationship with other pathogens from a practitioner’s perspective, to provide a general clinical overview, brief workup, and, whenever possible, treatment guidance.Methods:A review of PubMed was conducted to identify studies on neuropathogenesis of HIV in relation to host responses. Furthermore, the interaction between the CNS pathogens and the host damage responses were revised in the setting of advanced and also well-controlled HIV infection.Results:Similar to other pathogens, HIV leads to CNS immune activation, inflammation, and viral persistence. Therefore, almost half of the infected individuals present with neurocognitive disorders, albeit mild. Compartmentalized HIV in the CNS can be responsible in a minority of cases for the dramatic presentation of symptomatic HIV escape. Disruption of the immune system secondary to HIV may reactivate latent infections or allow new pathogens to enter the CNS. Opportunistic infections with an inflammatory component are associated with elevated HIV loads in the cerebrospinal fluid and also with greater cognitive impairment. The inflammatory immune reconstitution syndrome associated with CNS opportunistic infections can be a life-threatening condition, which needs to be recognized and managed by efficiently controlling the pathogen burden and timely balanced combination antiretroviral therapy. Latent neurotropic pathogens can reactivate in the brain and mimic HIV-associated severe neurological diseases or contribute to neurocognitive impairment in the setting of stable HIV infection.Conclusions:As HIV can be responsible for considerable brain damage directly or by facilitating other pathogens, more effort is needed to recognize and manage HIV-associated CNS disorders and to eventually target HIV eradication from the brain.

Community-wide Prevalence of Malaria Parasitemia in HIV-Infected and Uninfected Populations in a High-Transmission Setting in Uganda.

Malaria control strategies depend on identifying individuals with parasitemia, who may be asymptomatic but retain the ability to transmit disease. Population-level survey data on parasitemia are limited and traditionally exclude adults and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. We performed a cross-sectional survey of residents aged 18 months to 94 years in Nankoma, Uganda. Blood specimens were collected using the dried blood spot technique from 9629 residents (87.6%), and samples from a subset of 4131 were tested for malaria parasites, using loop-mediated isothermal amplification. Population-level prevalence was estimated using a weighted proportion, and predictors of parasitemia were identified using a multivariate Poisson regression model. The community prevalence of parasitemia was 83.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.9%-84.6%). Parasite prevalence was highest among children aged 5-14 years (94.7%) and lowest among adults (61.9%). In analysis that controlled for age, HIV-infected individuals with an undetectable viral load had a lower risk of parasitemia, compared with HIV-uninfected individuals (adjusted relative risk, 0.16; 95% CI, .10-.27; P < .001). In a rural Ugandan community, 2 years after distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets, the prevalence of malaria parasitemia was high across all ages, peaking in school-aged children. Persons with well-controlled HIV infection had a lower risk of parasitemia, presumably reflecting access to HIV care.