Antibody and T-cell response to bivalent booster SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in people with compromised immune function (COVERALL-3).

BACKGROUND: Bivalent mRNA vaccines, designed to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, incorporate ancestral strains and a new variant. Our study assessed the immune response in previously vaccinated individuals of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) and the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS) following bivalent mRNA vaccination. METHODS: Eligible SHCS and STCS participants received approved bivalent mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (mRNA-1273.214 or BA.1-adapted BNT162b2) within clinical routine. Blood samples were collected at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months post vaccination. We analyzed the proportion of participants with anti-spike protein antibody response ≥1642 units/ml (indicating protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection), and in a subsample T-cell response (including mean concentrations), stratifying results by cohorts and population characteristics. RESULTS: In SHCS participants, baseline anti-spike antibody concentrations ≥1642 were observed in 87% (96/112), reaching nearly 100% at follow-ups. Among STCS participants, 58% (35/60) had baseline antibodies ≥1642, increasing to 80% at 6 months. Except for lung transplant recipients, all participants showed a five-fold increase in geometric mean antibody concentrations at 4 weeks and a reduction by half at 6 months. At baseline, T-cell responses were positive in 96% (26/27) of SHCS participants and 36% (16/45) of STCS participants (moderate increase to 53% at 6 months). Few participants reported SARS-CoV-2 infections, side-effects, or serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Bivalent mRNA vaccination elicited a robust humoral response in individuals with HIV or solid organ transplants, with delayed responses in lung transplant recipients. Despite a waning effect, antibody levels remained high at 6 months and adverse events were rare.

Effectiveness of a peer educator-coordinated preference-based differentiated service delivery model on viral suppression among young people living with HIV in Lesotho: The PEBRA cluster-randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Southern and Eastern Africa is home to more than 2.1 million young people aged 15 to 24 years living with HIV. As compared with other age groups, this population group has poorer outcomes along the HIV care cascade. Young people living with HIV and the research team co-created the PEBRA (Peer Educator-Based Refill of ART) care model. In PEBRA, a peer educator (PE) delivered services as per regularly assessed patient preferences for medication pick-up, short message service (SMS) notifications, and psychosocial support. The cluster-randomized trial compared PEBRA model versus standard clinic care (no PE and ART refill done by nurses) in 3 districts in Lesotho. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Individuals taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) aged 15 to 24 years at 20 clinics (clusters) were eligible. In the 10 clinics randomized to the intervention arm, participants were offered the PEBRA model, coordinated by a trained PE and supported by an eHealth application (PEBRApp). In the 10 control clusters, participants received standard nurse-coordinated care without any service coordination by a PE. The primary endpoint was 12-month viral suppression below 20 copies/mL. Analyses were intention-to-treat and adjusted for sex. From November 6, 2019 to February 4, 2020, we enrolled 307 individuals (150 intervention, 157 control; 218 [71%] female, median age 19 years [interquartile range, IQR, 17 to 22]). At 12 months, 99 of 150 (66%) participants in the intervention versus 95 of 157 (61%) participants in the control arm had viral suppression (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.79 to 2.03]; p = 0.327); 4 of 150 (2.7%) versus 1 of 157 (0.6%) had died (adjusted OR 4.12; 95% CI [0.45 to 37.62]; p = 0.210); and 12 of 150 (8%) versus 23 of 157 (14.7%) had transferred out (adjusted OR 0.53; 95% CI [0.25 to 1.13]; p = 0.099). There were no significant differences between arms in other secondary outcomes. Twenty participants (11 in intervention and 9 in control) were lost to follow-up over the entire study period. The main limitation was that the data collectors in the control clusters were also young peers; however, they used a restricted version of the PEBRApp to collect data and thus were not able to provide the PEBRA model. The trial was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03969030). CONCLUSIONS: Preference-based peer-coordinated care for young people living with HIV, compared to nurse-based care only, did not lead to conclusive evidence for an effect on viral suppression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03969030, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03969030.

Dolutegravir in real life: Self-reported mental and physical health outcomes after transitioning from efavirenz- to dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in a prospective cohort study in Lesotho.

INTRODUCTION: HIV programmes across many countries in Africa have recently transitioned people living with HIV from efavirenz (EFV)- to dolutegravir (DTG)-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART). As both drugs are associated with neuropsychiatric adverse effects, this study assessed the mental health and HIV/ART-associated symptoms of people living with HIV before and after transition to DTG. METHODS: The prospective DO-REAL cohort enrolled people starting DTG-based ART in Lesotho from February to December 2020. For this analysis within DO-REAL, we included adults changing from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/lamivudine (3TC)/EFV to TDF/3TC/DTG within first-line therapy. At transition and 16 weeks thereafter, participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9; depression screening), the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12; mental and physical health), and a modified HIV Symptom Index (mHSI; HIV/ART-related symptoms). We also assessed weight change. We used McNemar tests with Bonferroni corrections to assess binary outcomes. CLINICALTRIALS: gov: NCT04238767. RESULTS: Among 1228 participants, 1131 completed follow-up. Of these, 60.0% were female, the median age was 46 years (interquartile range [IQR] 38-55), and the median time taking ART was 5.7 years (IQR 3.5-8.9). No change was observed for weight or overall PHQ-9 or SF-12 outcomes. However, three mHSI items decreased at follow-up: 'feeling sad/down/depressed' (bothered 6.0% vs. 3.3% of participants at least 'a little' before vs. after transition; adjusted p = 0.048); 'feeling nervous/anxious' (7.4% vs. 3.4%; adjusted p = 0.0009); and 'nightmares, strange/vivid dreams' (6.3% vs. 3.5%; adjusted p = 0.027). Individual PHQ-9 or SF-12 items also improved. Being symptom free across all measures increased from 5.1% to 11.4% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We observed no negative impacts and potential moderate improvements with DTG, providing further support for the rollout of DTG.

Nonregistration, discontinuation, and nonpublication of randomized trials: A repeated metaresearch analysis.

BACKGROUND: We previously found that 25% of 1,017 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) approved between 2000 and 2003 were discontinued prematurely, and 44% remained unpublished at a median of 12 years follow-up. We aimed to assess a decade later (1) whether rates of completion and publication have increased; (2) the extent to which nonpublished RCTs can be identified in trial registries; and (3) the association between reporting quality of protocols and premature discontinuation or nonpublication of RCTs. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We included 326 RCT protocols approved in 2012 by research ethics committees in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada in this metaresearch study. Pilot, feasibility, and phase 1 studies were excluded. We extracted trial characteristics from each study protocol and systematically searched for corresponding trial registration (if not reported in the protocol) and full text publications until February 2022. For trial registrations, we searched the (i) World Health Organization: International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP); (ii) US National Library of Medicine (ClinicalTrials.gov); (iii) European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database (EUCTR); (iv) ISRCTN registry; and (v) Google. For full text publications, we searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. We recorded whether RCTs were registered, discontinued (including reason for discontinuation), and published. The reporting quality of RCT protocols was assessed with the 33-item SPIRIT checklist. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between the independent variables protocol reporting quality, planned sample size, type of control (placebo versus other), reporting of any recruitment projection, single-center versus multicenter trials, and industry versus investigator sponsoring, with the 2 dependent variables: (1) publication of RCT results; and (2) trial discontinuation due to poor recruitment. Of the 326 included trials, 19 (6%) were unregistered. Ninety-eight trials (30%) were discontinued prematurely, most often due to poor recruitment (37%; 36/98). One in 5 trials (21%; 70/326) remained unpublished at 10 years follow-up, and 21% of unpublished trials (15/70) were unregistered. Twenty-three of 147 investigator-sponsored trials (16%) reported their results in a trial registry in contrast to 150 of 179 industry-sponsored trials (84%). The median proportion of reported SPIRIT items in included RCT protocols was 69% (interquartile range 61% to 77%). We found no variables associated with trial discontinuation; however, lower reporting quality of trial protocols was associated with nonpublication (odds ratio, 0.71 for each 10% increment in the proportion of SPIRIT items met; 95% confidence interval, 0.55 to 0.92; p = 0.009). Study limitations include that the moderate sample size may have limited the ability of our regression models to identify significant associations. CONCLUSIONS: We have observed that rates of premature trial discontinuation have not changed in the past decade. Nonpublication of RCTs has declined but remains common; 21% of unpublished trials could not be identified in registries. Only 16% of investigator-sponsored trials reported results in a trial registry. Higher reporting quality of RCT protocols was associated with publication of results. Further efforts from all stakeholders are needed to improve efficiency and transparency of clinical research.

Viral suppression after transition from nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor- to dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy: A prospective cohort study in Lesotho (DO-REAL study).

OBJECTIVES: Since 2018, the World Health Organization has recommended dolutegravir (DTG)-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) for most people living with HIV. Country programmes across Africa have subsequently transitioned from other, mostly nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based ART to DTG-based ART. This study aims to assess the virological impact of programmatic transitioning to DTG-based ART in Lesotho. METHODS: The prospective Dolutegravir in Real-Life in Lesotho (DO-REAL) cohort enrols people living with HIV initiating or transitioning to DTG-based ART in Lesotho. Here, we present data from participants who transitioned from NNRTI- to DTG-based ART between February and December 2020. Blood samples collected at transition and at 16 weeks' follow-up (window 8-32 weeks) were used for viral load (VL) and resistance testing. RESULTS: Among 1347 participants, follow-up data was available for 1225. The majority (60%) were female, median age at transition was 47 years [interquartile range (IQR): 38-56], and median (IQR) time since ART initiation was 5.9 (3.5-9.0) years. Among those with complete VL data, the rate of viral suppression to < 100 copies/mL was 1093/1116 (98%) before, 1073/1116 (96%) at, and 1098/1116 (98%) after transition. Even among those with a VL ≥ 100 copies/mL at transition, 42/44 (95%) achieved suppression to < 100 copies/mL at follow-up. Seven participants had a VL ≥ 1000 copies/mL at follow-up and did not harbour any integrase mutations associated with resistance to DTG. CONCLUSIONS: The high levels of viral suppression observed are encouraging regarding virological outcomes upon programmatic transitioning from NNRTI- to DTG-based ART.

Community-based care models for arterial hypertension management in non-pregnant adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a literature scoping review and framework for designing chronic services.

BACKGROUND: Arterial hypertension (aHT) is the leading cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor in sub-Saharan Africa; it remains, however, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. Community-based care services could potentially expand access to aHT diagnosis and treatment in underserved communities. In this scoping review, we catalogued, described, and appraised community-based care models for aHT in sub-Saharan Africa, considering their acceptability, engagement in care and clinical outcomes. Additionally, we developed a framework to design and describe service delivery models for long-term aHT care. METHODS: We searched relevant references in Embase Elsevier, MEDLINE Ovid, CINAHL EBSCOhost and Scopus. Included studies described models where substantial care occurred outside a formal health facility and reported on acceptability, blood pressure (BP) control, engagement in care, or end-organ damage. We summarized the interventions' characteristics, effectiveness, and evaluated the quality of included studies. Considering the common integrating elements of aHT care services, we conceptualized a general framework to guide the design of service models for aHT. RESULTS: We identified 18,695 records, screened 4,954 and included twelve studies. Four types of aHT care models were identified: services provided at community pharmacies, out-of-facility, household services, and aHT treatment groups. Two studies reported on acceptability, eleven on BP control, ten on engagement in care and one on end-organ damage. Most studies reported significant reductions in BP values and improved access to comprehensive CVDs services through task-sharing. Major reported shortcomings included high attrition rates and their nature as parallel, non-integrated models of care. The overall quality of the studies was low, with high risk of bias, and most of the studies did not include comparisons with routine facility-based care. CONCLUSIONS: The overall quality of available evidence on community-based aHT care is low. Published models of care are very heterogeneous and available evidence is insufficient to recommend or refute further scale up in sub-Sahara Africa. We propose that future projects and studies implementing and assessing community-based models for aHT care are designed and described according to six building blocks: providers, target groups, components, location, time of service delivery, and their use of information systems.

Offering ART refill through community health workers versus clinic-based follow-up after home-based same-day ART initiation in rural Lesotho: The VIBRA cluster-randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Community-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) dispensing by lay workers is an important differentiated service delivery model in sub-Sahara Africa. However, patients new in care are generally excluded from such models. Home-based same-day ART initiation is becoming widespread practice, but linkage to the clinic is challenging. The pragmatic VIBRA (Village-Based Refill of ART) trial compared ART refill by existing lay village health workers (VHWs) versus clinic-based refill after home-based same-day ART initiation. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The VIBRA trial is a cluster-randomized open-label clinical superiority trial conducted in 249 rural villages in the catchment areas of 20 health facilities in 2 districts (Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong) in Lesotho. In villages (clusters) randomized to the intervention arm, individuals found to be HIV-positive during a door-to-door HIV testing campaign were offered same-day ART initiation with the option of refill by VHWs. The trained VHWs dispensed drugs and scheduled clinic visits for viral load measurement at 6 and 12 months. In villages randomized to the control arm, participants were offered same-day ART initiation with clinic-based ART refill. The primary outcome was 12-month viral suppression. Secondary endpoints included linkage and 12-month engagement in care. Analyses were intention-to-treat. The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03630549). From 16 August 2018 until 28 May 2019, 118 individuals from 108 households in 57 clusters in the intervention arm, and 139 individuals from 130 households in 60 clusters in the control arm, were enrolled (150 [58%] female; median age 36 years [interquartile range 30-48]; 200 [78%] newly diagnosed). In the intervention arm, 48/118 (41%) opted for VHW refill. At 12 months, 46/118 (39%) participants in the intervention arm and 64/139 (46%) in the control arm achieved viral suppression (adjusted risk difference -0.07 [95% CI -0.20 to 0.06]; p = 0.256). Arms were similar in linkage (adjusted risk difference 0.03 [-0.10 to 0.16]; p = 0.630), but engagement in care was non-significantly lower in the intervention arm (adjusted risk difference -0.12 [-0.23 to 0.003]; p = 0.058). Seven and 0 deaths occurred in the intervention and control arm, respectively. Of the intervention participants who did not opt for drug refill from the VHW at enrollment, 41/70 (59%) mentioned trust or conflict issues as the primary reason. Study limitations include a rather small sample size, 9% missing viral load measurements in the primary endpoint window, the low uptake of the VHW refill option in the intervention arm, and substantial migration among the study population. CONCLUSIONS: The offer of village-based ART refill after same-day initiation led to similar outcomes as clinic-based refill. The intervention did not amplify the effect of home-based same-day ART initiation alone. The findings raise concerns about acceptance and safety of ART delivered by lay health workers after initiation in the community. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03630549).

Extensive drug resistance during low-level HIV viraemia while taking NNRTI-based ART supports lowering the viral load threshold for regimen switch in resource-limited settings: a pre-planned analysis from the SESOTHO trial.

OBJECTIVES: WHO guidelines on ART define the HIV-1 viral load (VL) threshold for treatment failure at 1000 copies/mL. The Switch Either near Suppression Or THOusand (SESOTHO) trial, conducted in Lesotho from 2017 to 2020, found that patients with persistent viraemia below this threshold (100-999 copies/mL) benefit from switching to second-line ART. This pre-planned nested study assesses the prevalence of resistance-associated mutations (RAMs) in SESOTHO trial participants. METHODS: The SESOTHO trial [registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03088241)] enrolled 80 persons taking NNRTI-based first-line ART with low-level HIV-1 viraemia (100-999 copies/mL) and randomized them (1:1) to switch to a PI-based second-line regimen (switch) or continue on first-line therapy (control). We sequenced relevant regions of the viral pol gene using plasma samples obtained at enrolment and 36 weeks. RAMs were classified with the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. RESULTS: Sequencing data were obtained for 37/80 (46%) participants at baseline and 26/48 (54%) participants without viral suppression to <50 copies/mL at 36 weeks (21 control participants and 5 switch participants). At baseline, 31/37 (84%) participants harboured high-level resistance to at least two drugs of their current regimen. At 36 weeks, 17/21 (81%) control participants harboured resistance to at least two drugs of their current regimen, while no PI-associated resistance was detected in the 5 switch participants with ongoing viraemia. CONCLUSIONS: Among persons with low-level viraemia while taking NNRTI-based first-line ART enrolled in the SESOTHO trial, the majority harboured HIV-1 with RAMs that necessitate ART modification. These findings support lowering the VL threshold triggering a switch to second-line ART in future WHO guidelines.

Engagement in Care, Viral Suppression, Drug Resistance, and Reasons for Nonengagement After Home-Based Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Lesotho: A Two-Year Follow-up of the CASCADE Trial.

BACKGROUND: The CASCADE trial showed that compared with usual care (UC), offering same-day (SD) antiretroviral therapy (ART) during home-based human immunodeficiency virus testing improved engagement in care and viral suppression 12 months after diagnosis. However, questions remain regarding long-term outcomes and the risk of propagating drug resistance. METHODS: After completion of the primary endpoint at 12 months, participants not in care in both arms were traced and encouraged to access care. At 24 months, the following outcomes were assessed in both arms: engagement in care, viral suppression, and reasons for nonengagement. Furthermore, we explored the acquisition of drug resistance mutations (DRMs) among SD arm nonlinkers. RESULTS: At 24 months, 64% (88/137) in the SD arm vs 59% (81/137) in the UC arm were in care (absolute difference [AD], 5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -6 to16; P = .38) and 57% (78/137) vs 54% (74/137) had documented viral suppression (AD, 3%; 95% CI, -9 to 15; P = .28). Among 36 participants alive and not in care at 24 months with ascertained status, the majority rejected contact with the health system or were unwilling to take ART. Among 8 interviewed SD arm nonlinkers, 6 had not initiated ART upon enrollment, and no acquired DRMs were detected. Two had taken the initial 30-day ART supply and acquired DRMs. CONCLUSIONS: SD ART resulted in higher rates of engagement in care and viral suppression at 12 months but not at 24 months. Leveling off between both arms was driven by linkage beyond 12 months in the UC arm. We did not observe compensatory long-term disengagement in the SD arm. These long-term results endorse SD ART initiation policies. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02692027.

Switch to second-line versus continued first-line antiretroviral therapy for patients with low-level HIV-1 viremia: An open-label randomized controlled trial in Lesotho.

BACKGROUND: Current World Health Organization (WHO) antiretroviral therapy (ART) guidelines define virologic failure as two consecutive viral load (VL) measurements ≥1,000 copies/mL, triggering empiric switch to next-line ART. This trial assessed if patients with sustained low-level HIV-1 viremia on first-line ART benefit from a switch to second-line treatment. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, superiority, randomized controlled trial enrolled patients on first-line ART containing non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) with two consecutive VLs ≥100 copies/mL, with the second VL between 100-999 copies/mL, from eight clinics in Lesotho. Consenting participants were randomly assigned (1:1), stratified by facility, demographic group, and baseline VL, to either switch to second-line ART (switch group) or continued first-line ART (control group; WHO guidelines). The primary endpoint was viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) at 36 weeks. Analyses were by intention to treat, using logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic group and baseline VL. Between August 1, 2017, and August 7, 2019, 137 individuals were screened, of whom 80 were eligible and randomly assigned to switch (n = 40) or control group (n = 40). The majority of participants were female (54 [68%]) with a median age of 42 y (interquartile range [IQR] 35-51), taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine/efavirenz (49 [61%]) and on ART for a median of 5.9 y (IQR 3.3-8.6). At 36 weeks, 22/40 (55%) participants in the switch versus 10/40 (25%) in the control group achieved viral suppression (adjusted difference 29%, 95% CI 8%-50%, p = 0.009). The switch group had significantly higher probability of viral suppression across different VL thresholds (<20, <100, <200, <400, and <600 copies/mL) but not for <1,000 copies/mL. Thirty-four (85%) participants in switch group and 21 (53%) in control group experienced at least one adverse event (AE) (p = 0.002). No hospitalization or death or other serious adverse events were observed. Study limitations include a follow-up period too short to observe differences in clinical outcomes, missing values in CD4 cell counts due to national stockout of reagents during the study, and limited generalizability of findings to other than NNRTI-based first-line ART regimens. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, switching to second-line ART among patients with sustained low-level HIV-1 viremia resulted in a higher proportion of participants with viral suppression. These results endorse lowering the threshold for virologic failure in future WHO guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03088241.

Low rates of active hepatitis B and C infections among adults and children living with HIV and taking antiretroviral therapy: A multicenter screening study in Lesotho.

Lesotho presents the second-highest adult human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence globally. Among people living with HIV, data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection are limited. We report HBV and HCV coinfection data from a multicentre cross-sectional study among adult and pediatric patients taking antiretroviral therapy in 10 health facilities in Lesotho. Among 1318 adults screened (68% female; median age, 44 years), 262 (20%) had immunologically controlled HBV infection, 99 (7.6%) tested anti-HBs positive and anti-HBc negative, indicating vaccination, and 57 (4.3%) had chronic HBV infection. Among the patients with chronic HBV infection, 15 tested hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) positive and eight had detectable HBV viremia (median, 2 477 400 copies/mL; interquartile range, 205-34 400 000) with a mean aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index of 0.48 (SD, 0.40). Prevalence of HCV coinfection was 1.7% (22 of 1318), and only one patient had detectable HCV viremia. Among 162 pediatric patients screened, three (1.9%) had chronic HBV infection, whereby two also tested HBeAg-positive, and one had detectable HBV viral load (210 copies/mL). Six of 162 (3.7%) had anti-HCV antibodies, all with undetectable HCV viral loads. Overall prevalence of chronic HBV/HIV and HCV/HIV coinfection among adults and children was relatively low, comparable to earlier reports from the same region. But prevalence of immunologically controlled HBV infection among adults was high. Of those patients with chronic HBV infection, a minority had detectable HBV-DNA.

Genotype-Informed Versus Empiric Management Of VirEmia (GIVE MOVE): study protocol of an open-label randomised clinical trial in children and adolescents living with HIV in Lesotho and Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Globally, the majority of people living with HIV have no or only limited access to HIV drug resistance testing to guide the selection of antiretroviral drugs. This is of particular concern for children and adolescents, who experience high rates of treatment failure. The GIVE MOVE trial assesses the clinical impact and cost-effectiveness of routinely providing genotypic resistance testing (GRT) to children and adolescents living with HIV who have an unsuppressed viral load (VL) while taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS: GIVE MOVE is an open-label randomised clinical trial enrolling children and adolescents (≥6 months to <19 years) living with HIV with a VL ≥400 copies/mL (c/mL) while taking first-line ART. Recruitment takes place at sites in Lesotho and Tanzania. Participants are randomised in a 1:1 allocation to a control arm receiving the standard of care (3 sessions of enhanced adherence counselling, a follow-up VL test, continuation of the same regimen upon viral resuppression or empiric selection of a new regimen upon sustained elevated viremia) and an intervention arm (GRT to inform onward treatment). The composite primary endpoint is the occurrence of any one or more of the following events during the 36 weeks of follow-up period: i) death due to any cause; ii) HIV- or ART-related hospital admission of ≥24 h duration; iii) new clinical World Health Organisation stage 4 event (excluding lymph node tuberculosis, stunting, oral or genital herpes simplex infection and oesophageal candidiasis); and iv) no documented VL <50 c/mL at 36 weeks follow-up. Secondary and exploratory endpoints assess additional health-related outcomes, and a nested study will assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention. Enrolment of a total of 276 participants is planned, with an interim analysis scheduled after the first 138 participants have completed follow-up. DISCUSSION: This randomised clinical trial will assess if the availability of resistance testing improves clinical outcomes in children and adolescents with elevated viremia while taking ART. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT04233242 ; registered 18.01.2020). More information: www.givemove.org .

PEBRA trial - effect of a peer-educator coordinated preference-based ART service delivery model on viral suppression among adolescents and young adults living with HIV: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho.

BACKGROUND: Despite tremendous progress in controlling the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, HIV-related mortality continues to increase among adolescents and young people living with HIV (AYPLHIV). Globally, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 85% of the AYPLHIV. Overall outcomes along the HIV care cascade are worse among AYPLHIV as compared to all other age groups due to various challenges in accessing and adhering to antiretroviral therapy (ART). New, innovative multicomponent packages of differentiated service delivery (DSD) models, are required to address the specific needs of AYPLHIV. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a multicomponent DSD model (PEBRA model) designed for AYPLHIV and coordinated by a peer-educator. METHODS: PEBRA (Peer-Educator Based Refill of ART) is a cluster randomized, open-label, superiority trial conducted at 20 health facilities in three districts of Lesotho, Southern Africa. The clusters (health facilities) are randomly assigned to either the PEBRA model or standard of care in a 1:1 ratio, stratified by district. AYPLHIV aged 15-24 years old in care and on ART at one of the clusters are eligible. In the PEBRA model, a peer-educator coordinates the antiretroviral therapy (ART) services - such as medication pick-up, SMS notifications and support options - according to the preferences of the AYPLHIV. The peer-educator delivers this personalized model using a tablet-based application called PEBRApp. The control clusters continue to offer standard of care: ART services coordinated by the nurse. The primary endpoint is viral suppression at 12 months. Secondary endpoints include self-reported adherence to ART, quality of life, satisfaction with care and engagement in care. The target sample size is 300 AYPLHIV. Statistical analyses are conducted and reported in line with CONSORT guidelines for cluster randomized trials. DISCUSSION: The PEBRA trial will provide evidence on the feasibility and effectiveness of an inclusive, holistic and preference-based DSD model for AYPLHIV that is coordinated by a peer-educator. Many countries in SSA have an existing peer-educator program. If proven effective, the PEBRA model and PEBRApp have the potential to be scaled up to similar settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03969030. Registered on 31 May 2019. More information: www.pebra.info.

Effect and cost of two successive home visits to increase HIV testing coverage: a prospective study in Lesotho, Southern Africa.

BACKGROUND: Home-based HIV testing and counselling (HB-HTC) is frequently used to increase awareness of HIV status in sub-Saharan Africa. Whereas acceptance of HB-HTC is usually high, testing coverage may remain low due to household members being absent during the home visits. This study assessed whether two consecutive visits, one during the week, one on the weekend, increase coverage. METHODS: The study was a predefined nested-study of the CASCADE-trial protocol and conducted in 62 randomly selected villages and 17 urban areas in Butha-Buthe district, Lesotho. HB-HTC teams visited each village/urban area twice: first during a weekday, followed by a weekend visit to catch-up for household members absent during the week. Primary outcome was HTC coverage after first and second visit. Coverage was defined as all individuals who knew their HIV status out of all household members (present and absent). RESULTS: HB-HTC teams visited 6665 households with 18,286 household members. At first visit, 69.2 and 75.4% of household members were encountered in rural and urban households respectively (p < 0.001) and acceptance for testing was 88.5% in rural and 79.5% in urban areas (p < 0.001), resulting in a coverage of 61.8 and 61.5%, respectively. After catch-up visit, the HTC coverage increased to 71.9% in rural and 69.4% in urban areas. The number of first time testers was higher at the second visit (47% versus 35%, p < 0.001). Direct cost per person tested and per person tested HIV positive were lower during weekdays (10.50 and 335 USD) than during weekends (20 and 1056 USD). CONCLUSIONS: A catch-up visit on weekends increased the proportion of persons knowing their HIV status from 62 to 71% and reached more first-time testers. However, cost per person tested during catch-up visits was nearly twice the cost during first visit. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02692027 (prospectively registered on February 21, 2016).

SESOTHO trial ("Switch Either near Suppression Or THOusand") - switch to second-line versus WHO-guided standard of care for unsuppressed patients on first-line ART with viremia below 1000 copies/mL: protocol of a multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, randomized clinical trial in Lesotho, Southern Africa.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends viral load (VL) measurement as the preferred monitoring strategy for HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in resource-limited settings. The new WHO guidelines 2016 continue to define virologic failure as two consecutive VL ≥1000 copies/mL (at least 3 months apart) despite good adherence, triggering switch to second-line therapy. However, the threshold of 1000 copies/mL for defining virologic failure is based on low-quality evidence. Observational studies have shown that individuals with low-level viremia (measurable but below 1000 copies/mL) are at increased risk for accumulation of resistance mutations and subsequent virologic failure. The SESOTHO trial assesses a lower threshold for switch to second-line ART in patients with sustained unsuppressed VL. METHODS: In this multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, randomized controlled trial conducted in Lesotho, patients on first-line ART with two consecutive unsuppressed VL measurements ≥100 copies/mL, where the second VL is between 100 and 999 copies/mL, will either be switched to second-line ART immediately (intervention group) or not be switched (standard of care, according to WHO guidelines). The primary endpoint is viral resuppression (VL < 50 copies/mL) 9 months after randomization. We will enrol 80 patients, giving us 90% power to detect a difference of 35% in viral resuppression between the groups (assuming two-sided 5% alpha error). For our primary analysis, we will use a modified intention-to-treat set, with those lost to care, death, or crossed over considered failure to resuppress, and using logistic regression models adjusted for the prespecified stratification variables. DISCUSSION: The SESOTHO trial challenges the current WHO guidelines, assessing an alternative, lower VL threshold for patients with unsuppressed VL on first-line ART. This trial will provide data to inform future WHO guidelines on VL thresholds to recommend switch to second-line ART. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03088241 ), registered May 05, 2017.

Effect of Offering Same-Day ART vs Usual Health Facility Referral During Home-Based HIV Testing on Linkage to Care and Viral Suppression Among Adults With HIV in Lesotho: The CASCADE Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Home-based HIV testing is a frequently used strategy to increase awareness of HIV status in sub-Saharan Africa. However, with referral to health facilities, less than half of those who test HIV positive link to care and initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART). Objective: To determine whether offering same-day home-based ART to patients with HIV improves linkage to care and viral suppression in a rural, high-prevalence setting in sub-Saharan Africa. Design, Setting, and Participants: Open-label, 2-group, randomized clinical trial (February 22, 2016-September 17, 2017), involving 6 health care facilities in northern Lesotho. During home-based HIV testing in 6655 households from 60 rural villages and 17 urban areas, 278 individuals aged 18 years or older who tested HIV positive and were ART naive from 268 households consented and enrolled. Individuals from the same household were randomized into the same group. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to be offered same-day home-based ART initiation (n = 138) and subsequent follow-up intervals of 1.5, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment initiation at the health facility or to receive usual care (n = 140) with referral to the nearest health facility for preparatory counseling followed by ART initiation and monthly follow-up visits thereafter. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary end points were rates of linkage to care within 3 months (presenting at the health facility within 90 days after the home visit) and viral suppression at 12 months, defined as a viral load of less than 100 copies/mL from 11 through 14 months after enrollment. Results: Among 278 randomized individuals (median age, 39 years [interquartile range, 28.0-52.0]; 180 women [65.7%]), 274 (98.6%) were included in the analysis (137 in the same-day group and 137 in the usual care group). In the same-day group, 134 (97.8%) indicated readiness to start ART that day and 2 (1.5%) within the next few days and were given a 1-month supply of ART. At 3 months, 68.6% (94) in same-day group vs 43.1% (59) in usual care group had linked to care (absolute difference, 25.6%; 95% CI, 13.8% to 36.3%; P < .001). At 12 months, 50.4% (69) in the same-day group vs 34.3% (47) in usual care group achieved viral suppression (absolute difference, 16.0%; 4.4%-27.2%; P = .007). Two deaths (1.5%) were reported in the same-day group, none in usual care group. Conclusions and Relevance: Among adults in rural Lesotho, a setting of high HIV prevalence, offering same-day home-based ART initiation to individuals who tested positive during home-based HIV testing, compared with usual care and standard clinic referral, significantly increased linkage to care at 3 months and HIV viral suppression at 12 months. These findings support the practice of offering same-day ART initiation during home-based HIV testing. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02692027.

Premature Discontinuation of Pediatric Randomized Controlled Trials: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion of pediatric randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that are prematurely discontinued, examine the reasons for discontinuation, and compare the risk for recruitment failure in pediatric and adult RCTs. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of RCTs approved by 1 of 6 Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in Switzerland, Germany, and Canada between 2000 and 2003. We recorded trial characteristics, trial discontinuation, and reasons for discontinuation from protocols, corresponding publications, REC files, and a survey of trialists. RESULTS: We included 894 RCTs, of which 86 enrolled children and 808 enrolled adults. Forty percent of the pediatric RCTs and 29% of the adult RCTs were discontinued. Slow recruitment accounted for 56% of pediatric RCT discontinuations and 43% of adult RCT discontinuations. Multivariable logistic regression analyses suggested that pediatric RCT was not an independent risk factor for recruitment failure after adjustment for other potential risk factors (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.57-2.63). Independent risk factors were acute care setting (aOR, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.72-9.31), nonindustry sponsorship (aOR, 4.45; 95% CI, 2.59-7.65), and smaller planned sample size (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.09, in decrements of 100 participants). CONCLUSION: Forty percent of pediatric RCTs were discontinued prematurely, owing predominately to slow recruitment. Enrollment of children was not an independent risk factor for recruitment failure.

Agreements between Industry and Academia on Publication Rights: A Retrospective Study of Protocols and Publications of Randomized Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about publication agreements between industry and academic investigators in trial protocols and the consistency of these agreements with corresponding statements in publications. We aimed to investigate (i) the existence and types of publication agreements in trial protocols, (ii) the completeness and consistency of the reporting of these agreements in subsequent publications, and (iii) the frequency of co-authorship by industry employees. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We used a retrospective cohort of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) based on archived protocols approved by six research ethics committees between 13 January 2000 and 25 November 2003. Only RCTs with industry involvement were eligible. We investigated the documentation of publication agreements in RCT protocols and statements in corresponding journal publications. Of 647 eligible RCT protocols, 456 (70.5%) mentioned an agreement regarding publication of results. Of these 456, 393 (86.2%) documented an industry partner's right to disapprove or at least review proposed manuscripts; 39 (8.6%) agreements were without constraints of publication. The remaining 24 (5.3%) protocols referred to separate agreement documents not accessible to us. Of those 432 protocols with an accessible publication agreement, 268 (62.0%) trials were published. Most agreements documented in the protocol were not reported in the subsequent publication (197/268 [73.5%]). Of 71 agreements reported in publications, 52 (73.2%) were concordant with those documented in the protocol. In 14 of 37 (37.8%) publications in which statements suggested unrestricted publication rights, at least one co-author was an industry employee. In 25 protocol-publication pairs, author statements in publications suggested no constraints, but 18 corresponding protocols documented restricting agreements. CONCLUSIONS: Publication agreements constraining academic authors' independence are common. Journal articles seldom report on publication agreements, and, if they do, statements can be discrepant with the trial protocol.

Premature Discontinuation of Randomized Trials in Critical and Emergency Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Randomized clinical trials that enroll patients in critical or emergency care (acute care) setting are challenging because of narrow time windows for recruitment and the inability of many patients to provide informed consent. To assess the extent that recruitment challenges lead to randomized clinical trial discontinuation, we compared the discontinuation of acute care and nonacute care randomized clinical trials. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort of 894 randomized clinical trials approved by six institutional review boards in Switzerland, Germany, and Canada between 2000 and 2003. SETTING: Randomized clinical trials involving patients in an acute or nonacute care setting. SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS: We recorded trial characteristics, self-reported trial discontinuation, and self-reported reasons for discontinuation from protocols, corresponding publications, institutional review board files, and a survey of investigators. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 894 randomized clinical trials, 64 (7%) were acute care randomized clinical trials (29 critical care and 35 emergency care). Compared with the 830 nonacute care randomized clinical trials, acute care randomized clinical trials were more frequently discontinued (28 of 64, 44% vs 221 of 830, 27%; p = 0.004). Slow recruitment was the most frequent reason for discontinuation, both in acute care (13 of 64, 20%) and in nonacute care randomized clinical trials (7 of 64, 11%). Logistic regression analyses suggested the acute care setting as an independent risk factor for randomized clinical trial discontinuation specifically as a result of slow recruitment (odds ratio, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.72-9.31) after adjusting for other established risk factors, including nonindustry sponsorship and small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Acute care randomized clinical trials are more vulnerable to premature discontinuation than nonacute care randomized clinical trials and have an approximately four-fold higher risk of discontinuation due to slow recruitment. These results highlight the need for strategies to reliably prevent and resolve slow patient recruitment in randomized clinical trials conducted in the critical and emergency care setting.