Monkeypox Virus Infection in Humans across 16 Countries - April-June 2022.

BACKGROUND: Before April 2022, monkeypox virus infection in humans was seldom reported outside African regions where it is endemic. Currently, cases are occurring worldwide. Transmission, risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcomes of infection are poorly defined. METHODS: We formed an international collaborative group of clinicians who contributed to an international case series to describe the presentation, clinical course, and outcomes of polymerase-chain-reaction-confirmed monkeypox virus infections. RESULTS: We report 528 infections diagnosed between April 27 and June 24, 2022, at 43 sites in 16 countries. Overall, 98% of the persons with infection were gay or bisexual men, 75% were White, and 41% had human immunodeficiency virus infection; the median age was 38 years. Transmission was suspected to have occurred through sexual activity in 95% of the persons with infection. In this case series, 95% of the persons presented with a rash (with 64% having ≤10 lesions), 73% had anogenital lesions, and 41% had mucosal lesions (with 54 having a single genital lesion). Common systemic features preceding the rash included fever (62%), lethargy (41%), myalgia (31%), and headache (27%); lymphadenopathy was also common (reported in 56%). Concomitant sexually transmitted infections were reported in 109 of 377 persons (29%) who were tested. Among the 23 persons with a clear exposure history, the median incubation period was 7 days (range, 3 to 20). Monkeypox virus DNA was detected in 29 of the 32 persons in whom seminal fluid was analyzed. Antiviral treatment was given to 5% of the persons overall, and 70 (13%) were hospitalized; the reasons for hospitalization were pain management, mostly for severe anorectal pain (21 persons); soft-tissue superinfection (18); pharyngitis limiting oral intake (5); eye lesions (2); acute kidney injury (2); myocarditis (2); and infection-control purposes (13). No deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series, monkeypox manifested with a variety of dermatologic and systemic clinical findings. The simultaneous identification of cases outside areas where monkeypox has traditionally been endemic highlights the need for rapid identification and diagnosis of cases to contain further community spread.

Follicle-stimulating hormone in postmenopausal women living with HIV: a prevalence study.

OBJECTIVES: We examined follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in women living with HIV aged > 45 reporting ≥ 12 months' amenorrhoea, and investigated correlation with menopausal symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional substudy of 85 women from the Positive Transitions through the Menopause (PRIME) Study who reported irregular periods at entry into the PRIME Study and ≥ 12 months' amenorrhoea at recruitment into this substudy. Serum FSH was supplemented with clinical data and menopausal symptom assessment. Serum FSH > 30 mIU/mL was defined as consistent with postmenopausal status. Associations between FSH and menopausal symptom severity were assessed using Pearson's correlation and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Median age was 53 years [interquartile range (IQR): 51-55]; all were on antiretroviral therapy, three-quarters (n = 65) had a CD4 T-cell count > 500 cells/µL and 91.8% (n = 78) had an HIV viral load (VL) < 50 copies/mL. Median FSH was 65.9 mIU/mL (IQR: 49.1-78.6). Only four women (4.7%) had FSH ≤ 30 mIU/mL; none reported smoking or drug use, all had CD4 T-cell count ≥ 200 cells/µL, and one had viral load (VL) ≥ 50 copies/mL. Median body mass index (BMI) was elevated compared with women with FSH > 30 mIU/mL (40.8 vs. 30.5 kg/m2 ). Over a quarter (28.2%) reported severe menopausal symptoms, with no correlation between FSH and severity of menopausal symptoms (p = 0.21), or hot flushes (p = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Four women in this small substudy had low FSH despite being amenorrhoeic; all had BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 . We found that 95% of women with HIV aged > 45 years reporting ≥ 12 months' amenorrhoea had elevated FSH, suggesting that menopausal status can be ascertained from menstrual history alone in this group.

The association between severe menopausal symptoms and engagement with HIV care and treatment in women living with HIV.

Using data from the PRIME Study, an observational study of the menopause in women living with HIV in England, we explored the association between menopausal symptoms and: (i) antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and (ii) HIV clinic attendance. We measured menopausal symptom severity with the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS, score ≥17 indicating severe symptoms), adherence with the CPCRA Antiretroviral Medication Adherence Self-Report Form, and ascertained HIV clinic attendance via self-report. Odds ratios were obtained using logistic regression. Women who reported severe menopausal symptoms had greater odds of suboptimal ART adherence (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.22; 95% CI 1.13, 4.35) and suboptimal clinic attendance (AOR 1.52; 95% CI 1.01, 2.29). When psychological, somatic and urogenital domains of the MRS were analysed individually there was no association between adherence and severe symptoms (all p > 0.1), however there was an association between suboptimal HIV clinic attendance and severe somatic (AOR 1.98; 95% CI 1.24, 3.16) and psychological (AOR 1.76; 95% CI 1.17, 2.65) symptoms. Severe menopausal symptoms were significantly associated with sub-optimal ART adherence and HIV clinic attendance, however we cannot infer causality, highlighting the need for longitudinal data.

Association of HIV status with sexual function in women aged 45-60 in England: results from two national surveys.

Increasing numbers of women living with HIV are reaching their midlife. We explore the association of HIV status with sexual function (SF) in women aged 45-60 using two national cross-sectional surveys: the third British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles ("Natsal-3") and "PRIME", a survey of women living with HIV attending HIV clinics across England. Both studies asked the same questions about SF that take account not only sexual difficulties but also the relationship context and overall level of satisfaction, which collectively allowed an overall SF score to be derived. We undertook analyses of sexually-active women aged 45-60 from Natsal-3 (N = 1228, presumed HIV-negative given the low estimated prevalence of HIV in Britain) and PRIME (N = 386 women living with HIV). Women living with HIV were compared to Natsal-3 participants using multivariable logistic regression (adjusting for key confounders identified a priori: ethnicity, ongoing relationship status, depression and number of chronic conditions) and propensity scoring. Relative to Natsal-3 participants, women living with HIV were more likely to: have low overall SF (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.75 [2.15-6.56]), report ≥1 sexual problem(s) lasting ≥3 months (AOR 2.44 [1.49-4.00]), and report almost all 8 sexual problems asked about (AORs all ≥2.30). The association between HIV status and low SF remained statistically significant when using propensity scoring (AOR 2.43 [1.68-3.51]). Among women living with HIV (only), low SF was more common in those who were postmenopausal vs. Premenopausal (55.6% vs. 40.4%). This study suggests a negative association between HIV status and sexual function in women aged 45-60. We recommend routine assessment of SF in women living with HIV.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent the acquisition of HIV-1 infection (PROUD): effectiveness results from the pilot phase of a pragmatic open-label randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Randomised placebo-controlled trials have shown that daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with tenofovir-emtricitabine reduces the risk of HIV infection. However, this benefit could be counteracted by risk compensation in users of PrEP. We did the PROUD study to assess this effect. METHODS: PROUD is an open-label randomised trial done at 13 sexual health clinics in England. We enrolled HIV-negative gay and other men who have sex with men who had had anal intercourse without a condom in the previous 90 days. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive daily combined tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (245 mg) and emtricitabine (200 mg) either immediately or after a deferral period of 1 year. Randomisation was done via web-based access to a central computer-generated list with variable block sizes (stratified by clinical site). Follow-up was quarterly. The primary outcomes for the pilot phase were time to accrue 500 participants and retention; secondary outcomes included incident HIV infection during the deferral period, safety, adherence, and risk compensation. The trial is registered with ISRCTN (number ISRCTN94465371) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02065986). FINDINGS: We enrolled 544 participants (275 in the immediate group, 269 in the deferred group) between Nov 29, 2012, and April 30, 2014. Based on early evidence of effectiveness, the trial steering committee recommended on Oct 13, 2014, that all deferred participants be offered PrEP. Follow-up for HIV incidence was complete for 243 (94%) of 259 patient-years in the immediate group versus 222 (90%) of 245 patient-years in the deferred group. Three HIV infections occurred in the immediate group (1·2/100 person-years) versus 20 in the deferred group (9·0/100 person-years) despite 174 prescriptions of post-exposure prophylaxis in the deferred group (relative reduction 86%, 90% CI 64-96, p=0·0001; absolute difference 7·8/100 person-years, 90% CI 4·3-11·3). 13 men (90% CI 9-23) in a similar population would need access to 1 year of PrEP to avert one HIV infection. We recorded no serious adverse drug reactions; 28 adverse events, most commonly nausea, headache, and arthralgia, resulted in interruption of PrEp. We detected no difference in the occurrence of sexually transmitted infections, including rectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia, between groups, despite a suggestion of risk compensation among some PrEP recipients. INTERPRETATION: In this high incidence population, daily tenofovir-emtricitabine conferred even higher protection against HIV than in placebo-controlled trials, refuting concerns that effectiveness would be less in a real-world setting. There was no evidence of an increase in other sexually transmitted infections. Our findings strongly support the addition of PrEP to the standard of prevention for men who have sex with men at risk of HIV infection. FUNDING: MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Public Health England, and Gilead Sciences.

Homophobia in the provision of sexual health care in the UK.

Decision making in the provision of health care is influenced by not only scientific evidence but also by the systems in which decisions are made. We consider national decisions made in the UK related to sexually transmitted infection prevention in gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM), with three specific examples-HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) vaccination, and doxycycline prophylaxis. We suggest that entrenched societal and political homophobia results in unacceptable delays and limitations to accessing highly effective interventions and that these delays result in harm from preventable transmissions of HIV, mpox, and syphilis. GBMSM have been affected disproportionately by HIV, mpox, and bacterial sexually transmitted infections, and there is an ongoing unmet need for effective prevention. Denying access to public health interventions that meet these needs is unethical.

Latent and subclinical tuberculosis in HIV infected patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are commonly associated. Identifying latent and asymptomatic tuberculosis infection in HIV-positive patients is important in preventing death and morbidity associated with active TB. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of one time use of an interferon-gamma release assay (T-SPOT.TB - immunospot) to detect tuberculosis infection in patients in a UK inner city HIV clinic with a large sub-Saharan population. RESULTS: 542 patient samples from 520 patients who disclosed their symptoms of TB were tested. Median follow-up was 35 months (range 27-69). More than half (55%) originated from countries with medium or high tuberculosis burden and 57% were women. Antiretroviral therapy was used by 67%; median CD4 count at test was 458 cells/µl. A negative test was found in 452 samples and an indeterminate results in 40 (7.4%) but neither were associated with a low CD4 count. A positive test was found in 10% (50/502) individuals. All patients with positive tests were referred to the TB specialist, 47 (94%) had a chest radiograph and 46 (92%) attended the TB clinic. Two had culture-positive TB and a third individual with features of active TB was treated. 40 started and 38 completed preventive treatment. One patient who completed preventive treatment with isoniazid monotherapy subsequently developed isoniazid-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. No patient with a negative test has developed TB. CONCLUSIONS: We found an overall prevalence of latent TB infection of 10% through screening for TB in those with HIV infection and without symptoms, and a further 1% with active disease, a yield greater than typically found in contact tracing. Acceptability of preventive treatment was high with 85% of those with latent TB infection eventually completing their TB chemotherapy regimens. IGRA-based TB screening among HIV-infected individuals was feasible in the clinical setting and assisted with appropriate management (including preventive treatment and therapy for active disease). Follow-up of TB incidence in this group is needed to assess the long-term effects of preventive treatment.

A national audit of the management of HIV-2 in adults in the UK.

BACKGROUND: HIV-2 is rare in the UK. Many UK centres therefore only treat small numbers of people and there are few clinical trials to guide treatment. The British HIV Association (BHIVA) 2010 guidelines for management of HIV-2 formed the basis for this national audit, which aims to describe current practice and adherence to guidelines. METHODS: All UK centres providing HIV care were contacted via the BHIVA "Members Matters" newsletter, and asked to submit anonymised, retrospective data for individuals living with HIV-2 accessing care at their service. RESULTS: Thirty-five sites responded and data were analysed for 167 individuals. Nearly half of individuals accessed care at one of four large London centres (77/167, 46%).Most people living with HIV-2 have taken antiretroviral therapy (ART) (132/167, 79%). The most common reasons for initiating treatment were clinical disease (34/89, 38%) and pregnancy (11/89, 12%). Most treatment-naïve individuals were initiated on a protease inhibitor based regimen (70/89, 79%). The use of integrase strand transfer inhibitor based regimens has increased over time.A significant minority of patients did not have baseline drug resistance testing performed, despite having a detectable viral load (15/52, 29%). Virological failure occurred in a minority of individuals (21/132, 16%); the most common drug regimen change in this context was the addition of an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (12/26 regimen changes, 46%). CONCLUSIONS: Most individuals living with HIV-2 were managed according to national guidance, with key areas for improvement including the choice of ART, drug resistance testing and the management of virological failure. It is hoped that this national audit, performed in conjunction with the updated 2021 BHIVA guidelines will improve the care of individuals living with HIV-2 in the UK.

Using Climate-HIV to describe real-world clinical outcomes for people living with HIV taking dolutegravir-based regimens.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe the real-world use and effectiveness of dolutegravir-based regimens (DBRs) in routine clinical practice in the United Kingdom. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted using data from four National Health Service trusts using Climate-HIV, an electronic case record system. Eligible patients were aged ≥18 years with HIV-1 infection who were prescribed a DBR from December 2012 to March 2018. Outcome measurements were accessed at DBR initiation and at weeks 24, 48 and 96 and the last recorded visit up to the extraction date (last measurement). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL at Week 48. RESULTS: The study cohort included 934 patients; 337 (36%) were female, 414 (47%) were white and 717 (77%) were treatment experienced (TE). The Kaplan-Meier estimated probability of achieving HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL at 48 weeks was 96% for treatment-naive (TN) patients and 86% for TE patients. Median times to viral suppression (<50 copies/mL) were 49 and 57 days for TN and TE patients with detectable baseline viral load, respectively, according to Kaplan-Meier analysis. Median follow-up time was 377 days (interquartile range: 131-683). At last measurement, 87% (809/934) of patients remained on a DBR; among those patients, 681 (84%) had HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of virologic suppression and low rates of discontinuation of DBRs were seen in a large, diverse, UK-based population with HIV-1 infection. These findings are broadly consistent with efficacy data from phase III studies.

CD4 counts and the risk of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in individuals with HIV in the UK.

Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, there has been a decline in the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among HIV-infected individuals. We described trends in the incidence of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the UK CHIC Study from 1996-2006 and evaluated the association between immunosuppression and development of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: 286/23,155 (1.2%) individuals developed an AIDS-defining lymphoma (258 systemic). Younger age, receipt of highly active antiretroviral therapy and later calendar year were all independently associated with a reduced risk of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A lower latest CD4 count was strongly associated with systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in patients who had (RR per log(2)(cells/mm(3)) higher: 0.62) and had not (0.70) received highly active antiretroviral therapy. Associations with other measures of immunosuppression, including nadir CD4 count, experience and duration of severe immunosuppression, were generally weaker. Earlier highly active anti-retroviral therapy initiation and wider access to HIV testing is advocated to reduce the risk of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the PROUD randomised clinical trial of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this analysis is to: (i) assess the prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up for participants in the PROUD trial of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), examining changes in prevalence over time and (ii) investigate the association of socioeconomic and psychosocial factors with depression. METHODS: PROUD was an open label randomised trial evaluating the benefit of PrEP for 544 HIV-negative gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in England. Enrolment was between 2012 and 2014, with at least 2 years follow-up. Prevalence of depression (score ≥10 on Patient Health Questionnaire-9) was assessed and compared across time-points (using McNemar's χ2 tests) and between trial arms (using χ2 tests). Cross-sectional associations with socioeconomic and psychosocial factors were examined using baseline data in modified Poisson regression models and combined 12 and 24 month follow-up data in generalised estimating equations (GEEs). Prevalence ratios (PRs) were presented as unadjusted PR and adjusted PR (aPR) for age, UK birth, sexual identity, university education, London study clinic site and calendar time (and follow-up time-point in GEEs). RESULTS: Depression increased significantly from baseline (9.1%; 49/540) to the 12 month (14.4%; 59/410) and 24 month (14.4%; 48/333) follow-ups, possibly explained by underreporting at baseline. The prevalence of depression did not differ by study trial arm, at any time-point. In the baseline analysis, younger age, unemployment and crystal methamphetamine use, was associated with depression. In combined analysis of 12 and 24 month data, measures of intimate partner violence (IPV) (lifetime IPV victimisation aPR 2.57 (95% CI: 1.71 to 3.86)), internalised homophobia (aPR 1.91 (95% CI: 1.29 to 2.83)) and concealment of sexual identity (aPR 1.75 (95% CI: 1.16 to 2.65)), were strongly associated with depression. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high concomitant burden of psychosocial factors with depression among GBMSM. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN (ISRCTN94465371) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02065986).

Perceived need of, and interest in, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis amongst men who have sex with men attending three sexual health clinics in London, UK.

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven efficacy in reducing the risk of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM), but has not yet been commissioned in the UK. The aim of this study was to investigate perceived need and benefit (or experience of) PrEP among HIV-negative MSM attending sexual health clinics. HIV-negative MSM attending three sexual health centres in London, UK were opportunistically invited to complete a questionnaire. Data collected comprised demographic data and sexual and drug use behaviours as well as questions regarding perceptions of risk and need for PrEP. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to identify variables predicting acceptability of, and intention to use, PrEP. In addition, data were gathered in respondents already taking PrEP. Eight hundred and thirty-nine questionnaires were analysed. The median age of respondents was 35 years (IQR 28-41, range 18-78), 650 (77%) were of white ethnicity and 649 (77%) had a university education. Four hundred and fifty-six (54%) reported at least one episode of condomless anal sex in the preceding three months, 437 (52%) reported recreational drug use in the preceding three months and 311 (37%) had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection within the preceding six months. Four hundred and sixty-three (64%) of 726 strongly agreed with the statement 'I think I would benefit from PrEP'. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that having receptive anal intercourse (RAI) without condoms, having an awareness of the risk of unprotected RAI and having belief in the effectiveness of PrEP were independent predictors for someone thinking they would benefit from taking PrEP. Eight percent of respondents (59/724) had already taken or were currently taking PrEP. The results suggest that individuals at risk are likely to perceive themselves as benefiting from PrEP. The majority perceived their risk of acquiring HIV and benefit from PrEP accurately. Overall they appeared to have little concern over the use of PrEP and generally positive attitudes. Further investigation is warranted to understand why those at risk do not perceive benefit from PrEP.

Acceptability of an open-label wait-listed trial design: Experiences from the PROUD PrEP study.

BACKGROUND: PROUD participants were randomly assigned to receive pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) immediately or after a deferred period of one-year. We report on the acceptability of this open-label wait-listed trial design. METHODS: Participants completed an acceptability questionnaire, which included categorical study acceptability data and free-text data on most and least liked aspects of the study. We also conducted in-depth interviews (IDI) with a purposely selected sub-sample of participants. RESULTS: Acceptability questionnaires were completed by 76% (415/544) of participants. After controlling for age, immediate-group participants were almost twice as likely as deferred-group participants to complete the questionnaire (AOR:1.86;95%CI:1.24,2.81). In quantitative data, the majority of participants in both groups found the wait-listed design acceptable when measured by satisfaction of joining the study, intention to remain in the study, and interest in joining a subsequent study. However, three-quarters thought that the chance of being in the deferred-group might put other volunteers off joining the study. In free-text responses, data collection tools were the most frequently reported least liked aspect of the study. A fifth of deferred participants reported 'being deferred' as the thing they least liked about the study. However, more deferred participants disliked the data collection tools than the fact that they had to wait a year to access PrEP. Participants in the IDIs had a good understanding of the rationale for the open-label wait-listed study design. Most accepted the design but acknowledged they were, or would have been, disappointed to be randomised to the deferred group. Five of the 25 participants interviewed reported some objection to the wait-listed design. CONCLUSION: The quantitative and qualitative findings suggest that in an environment where PrEP was not available, the rationale for the wait-listed trial design was well understood and generally acceptable to most participants in this study.

An analysis of baseline data from the PROUD study: an open-label randomised trial of pre-exposure prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven biological efficacy to reduce the sexual acquisition of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The PROUD study found that PrEP conferred higher protection than in placebo-controlled trials, reducing HIV incidence by 86 % in a population with seven-fold higher HIV incidence than expected. We present the baseline characteristics of the PROUD study population and place the findings in the context of national sexual health clinic data. METHODS: The PROUD study was designed to explore the real-world effectiveness of PrEP (tenofovir-emtricitabine) by randomising HIV-negative gay and other men who have sex with men (GMSM) to receive open-label PrEP immediately or after a deferral period of 12 months. At enrolment, participants self-completed two baseline questionnaires collecting information on demographics, sexual behaviour and lifestyle in the last 30 and 90 days. These data were compared to data from HIV-negative GMSM attending sexual health clinics in 2013, collated by Public Health England using the genitourinary medicine clinic activity database (GUMCAD). RESULTS: The median age of participants was 35 (IQR: 29-43). Typically participants were white (81 %), educated at a university level (61 %) and in full-time employment (72 %). Of all participants, 217 (40 %) were born outside the UK. A sexually transmitted infection (STI) was reported to have been diagnosed in the previous 12 months in 330/515 (64 %) and 473/544 (87 %) participants reported ever having being diagnosed with an STI. At enrolment, 47/280 (17 %) participants were diagnosed with an STI. Participants reported a median (IQR) of 10 (5-20) partners in the last 90 days, a median (IQR) of 2 (1-5) were condomless sex acts where the participant was receptive and 2 (1-6) were condomless where the participant was insertive. Post-exposure prophylaxis had been prescribed to 184 (34 %) participants in the past 12 months. The number of STI diagnoses was high compared to those reported in GUMCAD attendees. CONCLUSIONS: The PROUD study population are at substantially higher risk of acquiring HIV infection sexually than the overall population of GMSM attending sexual health clinics in England. These findings contribute to explaining the extraordinary HIV incidence rate during follow-up and demonstrate that, despite broad eligibility criteria, the population interested in PrEP was highly selective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN94465371 . Date of registration: 28 February 2013.

Renal safety profile of STB in virologically suppressed subjects from two randomized phase 3b switch trials.

INTRODUCTION: Cobicistat, a component of stribild (STB), is known to inhibit renal creatinine secretion. A detailed analysis of the renal safety profile of STB in two Phase 3b switch studies of virologically-suppressed individuals on stable therapy: STRATEGY(S)-PI (STB vs a RTV-boosted protease inhibitor [PI] with emtricitabine and tenofovir DF [FTC/TDF]); and STRATEGY(S)-NNRTI (STB versus a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor [NNRTI] with FTC/TDF) is herein described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Baseline eGFR ≥70 mL/min was an inclusion criterion. The renal safety profile of STB was examined by baseline eGFR through week 48 (i.e., changes in eGFR, renal tubular laboratory abnormalities, investigator-reported renal adverse events leading to discontinuation and unreported subclinical proximal renal tubulopathy [PRT]). Subclinical PRT was defined as a confirmed serum-creatinine increase ≥0.4 mg/dL and two or three markers of renal tubular dysfunction (hypophosphatemia, normoglycemic glycosuria, proteinuria) occurring at the same visit at least once and with no alternative etiologies. RESULTS: In S-PI, 433 subjects (STB 293; PI 140) and in S-NNRTI, 434 subjects (STB 291; NNRTI 143) were randomized and treated. Most (>85%) STB subjects had a baseline eGFR ≥90 mL/min. STB subjects with baseline eGFR <90 mL/min had smaller declines in eGFR compared to those with baseline eGFR ≥90 mL/min and similar occurrences of renal tubular laboratory abnormalities (Table 1). Rate of renal adverse events leading to study drug discontinuation were similar for the STB group (one PRT in a subject with baseline tubular laboratory abnormalities consistent with underlying PRT and one isolated increase in serum creatinine) and PI group (one isolated decrease in eGFR); none in the NNRTI group. The case of PRT improved after study drug discontinuation. There were no cases of unreported subclinical PRT in any group. CONCLUSIONS: In this virologically suppressed patient population, the renal safety of STB did not differ by baseline eGFR. The renal discontinuation rate was low in the STB group, similar to the RTV-boosted PI group, and consistent with published historical rates.

Raised intracranial pressure complicating cryptococcal meningitis: immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome or recurrent cryptococcal disease?

We report the case of a patient with advanced HIV disease and cryptococcal meningitis, who after an initially good clinical and mycological response to systemic anti-fungal treatment developed symptomatic raised intracranial pressure 10 days after initiation of highly active anti-retroviral therapy. We describe the subsequent clinical management and the features that suggest that this persistently raised ICP was more likely due to an immune reconstitution syndrome (IRIS) following HAART rather than relapse of cryptococcal disease or failure of anti-fungal therapy.