Tenofovir-Diphosphate and Emtricitabine-Triphosphate Adherence Benchmarks in Dried Blood Spots for Persons with HIV Receiving Tenofovir Alafenamide and Emtricitabine-based Antiretroviral Therapy (QUANTI-TAF).

BACKGROUND: QUANTI-TAF aimed to establish tenofovir-diphosphate/emtricitabine-triphosphate (TFV-DP/FTC-TP) adherence benchmarks in dried blood spots (DBS) for persons with HIV (PWH) receiving tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (TAF/FTC)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS: During a 16-week pharmacokinetic study, PWH received TAF/FTC-based ART co-encapsulated with an ingestible sensor to directly measure cumulative (enrollment to final visit) and 10-day adherence. At monthly visits, intraerythrocytic concentrations of TAF/FTC anabolites (TFV-DP/FTC-TP) in DBS were quantified by LC-MS/MS and summarized at steady-state (week 12 or 16) as median (IQR). Linear mixed-effects models evaluated factors associated with TFV-DP/FTC-TP. RESULTS: 84 participants (86% male, 11% female, and 4% transgender), predominantly receiving bictegravir/TAF/FTC (73%) enrolled. 92% completed week 12 or 16 (94% receiving unboosted ART). TFV-DP for <85% (7/72), ≥85%-<95% (9/72), and ≥95% (56/72) cumulative adherence was 2696 (2039-4108), 3117 (2332-3339), and 3344 (2605-4293) fmol/punches. All participants with ≥85% cumulative adherence had TFV-DP ≥1800 fmol/punches. Adjusting for cumulative adherence, TFV-DP was higher with boosted ART, lower BMI, and in non-Blacks. FTC-TP for <85% (14/77), ≥85%-<95% (6/77), and ≥95% (57/77) 10-day adherence was 3.52 (2.64-4.48), 4.58 (4.39-5.06), and 4.96 (4.21-6.26) pmol/punches. All participants with ≥85% 10-day adherence had FTC-TP ≥2.5 pmol/punches. Low-level viremia (HIV-1 RNA ≥20-<200 copies/mL) occurred at 60/335 (18%) visits in 33/84 (39%) participants (range: 20-149 copies/mL), with similar TFV-DP (3177 [2494-4149] fmol/punches) compared with HIV-1 RNA <20 copies/mL visits (3279 [2580-4407] fmol/punches). CONCLUSIONS: We propose PK-based TFV-DP (≥1800 fmol/punches)/FTC-TP (≥2.5 pmol/punches) benchmarks in DBS for PWH receiving unboosted TAF/FTC-based ART with ≥85% adherence. In the setting of high adherence, low-level viremia was common.

Energy balance and body composition after switch between integrase strand transfer inhibitors and doravirine among people with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are associated with excessive weight gain among a subset of persons with HIV (PWH), due to unclear mechanisms. We assessed energy intake (EI) and expenditure (EE) following switch off and onto INSTIs. METHODS: PWH with >10% weight gain on an INSTI-based regimen switched INSTI to doravirine for 12 weeks, then back to INSTI for 12 weeks while keeping their remaining regimen stable. Twenty-four-hour EE, EI and weight were measured on INSTI, following switch to doravirine, and upon INSTI restart. Mixed models analysed changes over time. RESULTS: Among 18 participants, unadjusted 24 h EE decreased by 83 (95% CI -181 to 14) kcal following switch to doravirine, and by 2 (-105 to 100) kcal after INSTI restart; energy balance (EE-EI) increased by 266 (-126 to 658) kcal from Week 0 to Week 12, and decreased by 3 (-429 to 423) kcal from Week 12 to Week 24. Trends toward weight loss occurred following switch to doravirine [mean -1.25 (-3.18 to 0.69) kg] and when back on INSTI [-0.47 (-2.45 to 1.52) kg]. Trunk fat decreased on doravirine [-474 (-1398 to 449) g], with some regain following INSTI restart [199 (-747 to 1145) g]. Fat-free mass decreased on doravirine [-491 (-1399 to 417) g] and increased slightly after INSTI restart [178 (-753 to 1108) g]. CONCLUSIONS: Among PWH with >10% weight gain on an INSTI, switch to doravirine was associated with a trend towards decreases in 24 h EE, weight, trunk fat mass and fat-free mass. Observed changes were not significant, but suggest a mild weight-suppressive effect of doravirine among PWH.

Predictors of 007 triphosphate concentrations in dried blood spots in persons with hepatitis C and active drug or alcohol use.

BACKGROUND: Sofosbuvir is converted to its active form, 007 triphosphate (007-TP), within cells. To date, the association between treatment adherence and 007-TP in dried blood spots (DBS) and factors that influence this relationship remain unknown. OBJECTIVES: To examine relationships between adherence and 007-TP concentrations in DBS and identify factors that influence 007-TP in DBS. METHODS: Persons with HCV or HIV/HCV coinfection and self-reported drug and/or alcohol use were randomized to one of two technology-based approaches for monitoring 12 week adherence to once-daily ledipasvir/sofosbuvir. Convenience blood samples were collected every 2 weeks during treatment. 007-TP in DBS was quantified using LC/MS and analysed using mixed-effects models. RESULTS: A total of 337 observations were available from 58 participants (78% male; 21% black; 22% Hispanic/Latino; 26% cirrhotic; 78% HIV-coinfected). The mean half-life of 007-TP in DBS was 142 h (95% CI 127-156) and concentrations increased by 7.3% (95% CI 2.2-12.6) for every 10% increase in between-visit adherence. Geometric mean (95% CI) 007-TP concentrations in DBS were 301 (247-368), 544 (462-639) and 647 (571-723) fmol/punch by adherence categories of ≤50%, >50 to ≤80%, and >80%. Adherence, time on therapy, increasing age and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate were associated with higher 007-TP, whereas increased time since last dose, male sex, black race and higher BMI were associated with lower 007-TP. CONCLUSIONS: 007-TP has an extended half-life in DBS and concentrations increased with adherence. Further research is needed to examine additional factors that affect 007-TP and the clinical utility of this measure.

Factors associated with tenofovir diphosphate concentrations in dried blood spots in persons living with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: To determine factors associated with interindividual variability in tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations in dried blood spots (DBSs) among persons living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: PLWH who were at least 18 years old and taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-containing ART were prospectively recruited and enrolled from a clinical cohort and followed longitudinally (up to three visits over 48 weeks). With log-transformed TFV-DP concentrations in DBSs as the outcome, mixed-model regression analyses were used to assess associations between self-reported 3 month ART adherence, race and other clinical covariates (gender, age, BMI, CD4+ T cell count, estimated glomerular filtration rate, haematocrit, duration on current ART and anchor drug class) on TFV-DP in DBSs. RESULTS: Five hundred and twenty-seven participants (1150 person-visits) were analysed. Adjusting for race and other clinical covariates, every 10% increase in self-reported 3 month ART adherence was associated with an average TFV-DP concentration increase in DBSs of 28% (95% CI: 24%-32%; P < 0.0001). In the same model, female participants had 20% (95% CI: 3%-40%; P = 0.02) higher TFV-DP concentrations in DBSs, compared with male participants, and every 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with a decrease in TFV-DP concentration in DBSs by 2% (95% CI: -3% to -1%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Individual patient characteristics were predictive of TFV-DP concentration in DBSs in PLWH receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-based ART. Future research to incorporate these predictors into the interpretation of this ART adherence biomarker, and to establish whether these associations extend to PLWH taking tenofovir alafenamide-containing ART, is needed.

Pharmacokinetics and renal safety of tenofovir alafenamide with boosted protease inhibitors and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir.

BACKGROUND: Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir increases tenofovir plasma exposures by up to 98% with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and exposures are highest with boosted PIs. There are currently no data on the combined use of the newer tenofovir prodrug, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), boosted PIs and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir. OBJECTIVES: To compare the plasma and intracellular pharmacokinetics and renal safety of TAF with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir when co-administered with boosted PIs. METHODS: Persons with HIV between 18 and 70 years and on a boosted PI with TDF were eligible. The study was comprised of four phases: (1) TDF 300 mg with boosted PI; (2) TAF 25 mg with boosted PI; (3) TAF 25 mg with boosted PI and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir; and (4) TAF 25 mg with boosted PI. Pharmacokinetic sampling, urine biomarker collection [urine protein (UPCR), retinol binding protein (RBP) and ß2 microglobulin (ß2M) normalized to creatinine] and safety assessments occurred at the end of each phase. Plasma, PBMCs and dried blood spots were collected at each visit. RESULTS: Ten participants were enrolled. Plasma tenofovir exposures were 76% lower and tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) concentrations in PBMCs increased 9.9-fold following the switch to TAF. Neither of these measures significantly increased with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir co-administration, nor did TAF plasma concentrations. No significant changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate or UPCR occurred, but RBP:creatinine and ß2M:creatinine improved following the switch to TAF. CONCLUSIONS: Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir did not significantly increase plasma tenofovir or intracellular TFV-DP in PBMCs with TAF. These findings provide reassurance that the combination of TAF, boosted PIs and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is safe in HIV/HCV-coinfected populations.

Predictive Value of Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots for Future Viremia in Persons Living With HIV.

BACKGROUND: Tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS) is associated with viral suppression in persons living with HIV (PLWH) taking tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). However, its value as a predictor of future viremia remained unknown. METHODS: Blood for plasma viral load (VL) and TFV-DP in DBS were collected (up to 3 visits within 48 weeks) in PLWH on TDF. TFV-DP cut points were selected using logistic prediction models maximizing the area under the receiver operation characteristic curve, and estimated adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of future viremia (≥20 copies/mL) were compared to the highest TFV-DP category. RESULTS: Among all 451 participants in the analysis, aOR of future viremia for participants with TFV-DP <800 and 800 to <1650 fmol/punch were 4.7 (95% CI, 2.6-8.7; P < .0001) and 2.1 (95% CI, 1.3-3.3; P = .002) versus ≥1650 fmol/punch, respectively. These remained significant for participants who were virologically suppressed at the time of the study visit (4.2; 95% CI, 1.5-12.0; P = .007 and 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.0; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: TFV-DP in DBS predicts future viremia in PLWH on TDF, even in those who are virologically suppressed. This highlights the utility of this biomarker to inform about adherence beyond VL. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02012621.

Tenofovir Diphosphate in Dried Blood Spots Is Strongly Associated With Viral Suppression in Individuals With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections.

BACKGROUND: Although tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS) is a predictor of adherence and pre-exposure prophylaxis efficacy, its utility in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment remains unknown. METHODS: DBS for TFV-DP were collected up to 3 times over 48 weeks in persons living with HIV (PLWH) who were receiving TFV disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based therapy. Log-transformed baseline TFV-DP was compared using t-tests or analyses of variance; generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of viral suppression (<20 copies/mL) based on the TFV-DP concentration at the study visit. RESULTS: We analyzed 1199 DBS from 532 participants (76 female; 101 Black, 101 Hispanic). Among the virologically-suppressed participants at baseline (n = 347), TFV-DP was lower in Blacks (geometric mean 1453, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1291-1635) vs Whites (1793, 95% CI 1678-1916; P = .002) and Hispanics (1760, 95% CI 1563-1982; P = .025); in non-boosted (1610, 95% CI 1505-1723) vs. boosted (1888, 95% CI 1749-2037; P = .002) regimens; and in non-nucleoside reverse transcription inhibitor-based (1563, 95% CI 1432-1707) vs. boosted protease inhibitor-based (1890, 95% CI 1704-2095; P = .006) and multiclass-based (1927, 95% CI 1650-2252; P = .022) regimens. The aOR of virologic suppression, after adjusting for age, gender, race, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, CD4+ T-cell count, antiretroviral drug class and duration of therapy, was 73.5 (95% CI 25.7-210.5; P < .0001) for a TFV-DP concentration ≥1850 fmol/punch compared to <350 fmol/punch. CONCLUSIONS: TFV-DP in DBS is strongly associated with virologic suppression in PLWH on TDF-based therapy and is associated with certain participant characteristics. Further research is required to evaluate this drug adherence and exposure measure in clinical practice. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02012621.

Emtricitabine triphosphate in dried blood spots is a predictor of viral suppression in HIV infection and reflects short-term adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Emtricitabine triphosphate (FTC-TP), the phosphorylated anabolite of emtricitabine, can be quantified in dried blood spots (DBS). We evaluated FTC-TP in DBS as a predictor of viral suppression and evaluated self-reported adherence as a predictor of FTC-TP. METHODS: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) on an FTC-containing regimen were prospectively recruited. A DBS and HIV viral load were obtained during routine clinical visits. Self-reported adherence for 3 days, 30 days and 3 months was captured. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of viral suppression for quantifiable FTC-TP versus below the limit of quantification (BLQ). The utility of self-reported adherence to predict quantifiable FTC-TP was assessed by calculating the area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred and fifty-four person-visits from 514 participants who had DBS assayed for FTC-TP were included in the analysis. After adjusting for age, gender, race, BMI, ART class, ART duration, estimated glomerular filtration rate and CD4+ T cell count, the aOR (95% CI) for viral suppression for quantifiable FTC-TP versus BLQ was 7.2 (4.3-12.0; P < 0.0001). After further adjusting for tenofovir diphosphate, the aOR was 2.1 (1.2-4.0; P < 0.015). The area under the ROC curve for 3 day self-reported adherence was 0.82 (95% CI 0.75-0.88) compared with 0.70 (95% CI 0.62-0.77, P = 0.004) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.71-0.86, P = 0.32) for 3 month and 30 day self-reported adherence, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In PLWH, FTC-TP from DBS is a strong predictor of viral suppression, even after adjusting for tenofovir diphosphate, and was best predicted by 3 day self-reported adherence.

Engagement in Mental Health Care is Associated with Higher Cumulative Drug Exposure and Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy.

Mental health (MH) disorders are more prevalent among persons living with HIV compared to the general population, and may contribute to suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP), the phosphorylated anabolite of tenofovir (TFV), is a biomarker with a 17-day half-life in red blood cells. TFV-DP can be measured in dried blood spots (DBS) using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to assess adherence and cumulative drug exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based ART. From a larger clinical cohort (N = 807), TFV-DP concentrations and a paired HIV viral load were available from 521 participants at their enrollment visit. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate the association between TFV-DP in DBS and engagement in MH care. After adjusting for clinical covariates, participants with MH disorders who were engaged in MH care had 40% higher TFV-DP compared to participants with MH disorders who were not engaged in MH care (p < 0.001), and similar TFV-DP to participants without MH disorders (p = 0.219). Further research is needed to identify the mechanism(s) for these findings, with the goal of optimizing engagement and retention in MH care strategies to improve ART adherence and clinical outcomes in PLWH with MH disorders.

Intracellular Tenofovir-Diphosphate and Emtricitabine-Triphosphate in Dried Blood Spots following Directly Observed Therapy.

Studies of daily emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (FTC-TDF) for HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in men who have sex with men (MSM) modeled intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS) to assess adherence and corresponding PrEP outcomes. We conducted a prospective, randomized, crossover pharmacokinetic study of TFV-DP in DBS during 33%, 67%, or 100% of daily dosing under directly observed therapy (DOT). Participants were assigned to two 12-week dosing regimens, separated by a 12-week washout. Forty-eight adults (25 women) from Denver and San Francisco were included. TFV-DP exhibited a median half-life of 17 days, reaching steady state in 8 weeks. TFV-DP was dose proportional with mean (SD) steady-state concentrations of 530 (159), 997 (267), and 1,605 (405) fmol/punch for the 33%, 67%, and 100% arms, respectively. Prior work in MSM demonstrated clinically meaningful TFV-DP thresholds of 350, 700, and 1,250 fmol/punch, which were estimated 25th percentiles for 2, 4, and 7 doses/week. In the present study, corresponding TFV-DP was within 3% of the prior estimates, and subgroups by site, race, and sex were within 14% of prior estimates, although males had 17.6% (95% confidence intervals [CIs], 6.5, 27.4%) lower TFV-DP than females. The thresholds of 350, 700, and 1,250 fmol/punch were achieved by 75% of men taking ≥1.2, 3.2, and 6 doses/week and 75% of women taking ≥0.6, 2.0, and 5.3 doses/week, indicating that lower dosing reached these thresholds for both sexes. In conclusion, TFV-DP arising from DOT was similar to previous estimates and is useful for interpreting PrEP adherence and study outcomes. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02022657.).

Follow Your Passion and Discover the Beauty of Being a Nurse Scientist.

Following one's passion can lead nursing educators and scientists to develop nursing knowledge. Influenced by her and her family's experiences with healthcare, Dr. Shannon Avery-Desmarais, a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and scientist, has developed a theoretical framework with her colleagues to promote minority PhD and DNP student success in nursing education. In addition, she and other colleagues are looking at stigma in nursing students and how nursing education can decrease stigma toward patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). In this column, Dr. Avery-Desmarais shares her influences on nursing knowledge and discusses her early contributions to nursing.

Karen J. Foli: A Nurse Scholar With an Unconventional Trajectory.

Nurse scholar Karen J. Foli has had an unconventional trajectory. She has written everything from mysteries to thrillers to peer-reviewed journal manuscripts and Food and Drug Administration documents. She conceptualized and disseminated two middle-range theories, one surrounding parental postadoption depression and one surrounding nurses' psychological trauma. Foli's research has revealed a new type of nurse-specific trauma, insufficient resource trauma, which calls for efforts at the organizational level. Winner of several book of the year awards, she is now working on a third middle-range theory. Dr. Foli shares her journey and encourages nurses to give theory a shot.

A Journey of Joy: Dr. Barbara M. Dossey's Evolution in Nursing.

Dr. Barbara M. Dossey is an internationally recognized pioneer in the holistic nursing and nurse coaching movements. She is a Florence Nightingale scholar, nurse theorist, and national and international speaker and teacher on the role of holistic, integral, and integrative nursing and nurse coaching in the integrative healthcare paradigm. Her theory of integral nursing presents the science and art of nursing. Her coauthored theory of integrative nurse coaching, a middle-range theory, is a framework to guide integrative nurse coaches in nurse coaching practice, education, research, and healthcare policy. In this column, Dr. Dossey shares her scholarly journey of joy.

The World of Women's Despair: An Unfolding Unitary Conceptual Journey.

In looking back over 3 decades since the development of his interest in developing a unitary conceptualization of despair, nurse scholar W. Richard Cowling, III, had new insights and revelations. The purpose of this dialogue article is to re-envision this journey as one of unfolding, seen with the gift of new eyes. Revisiting this journey allowed him to understand and appreciate it anew. Horizons of possibilities of this conceptual journey are explained in terms of conceptual-theoretical development, inquiry, and the advancement of discipline-specific knowledge, and improving the lives of women in despair. It is his sincere hope, as with all meaningful scholarly endeavors, that a wider discourse occurs with the persistent inclusion of women's voices and experiences.

Loving Words: A Nurse Theorist and Editor's Story of Precision and Clarity.

The words used in dialogue, published work, and even nursing theory reflect and cocreate meaning. In this column, nurse theorist, Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, and editor Dr. Rosemarie Rizzo Parse reflects on her love of words and writing and how that influenced her work and penchant for precision and clarity. She shares how the meaning of words changed in her humanbecoming worldview and her thoughts on societies' current use of some words and their methods of dialoguing.

Contributions to Nursing Knowledge: A Dialogue With Dr. Rozzano Locsin.

There are many nursing scholars who have contributed to nursing knowledge. Dr. Rozzano Locsin is one of those scholars. His many contributions to nursing knowledge include his middle-range theory technological competency as caring in nursing. In this scholarly dialogue Dr. Locsin talks about nursing and his contributions to its knowledge development.

A Dialogue with Dr. Marilyn A. Ray: Nurse Scholar and USAF Veteran.

Dr. Marilyn A. Ray, nurse scholar and retired United States Air Force (USAF) veteran and former flight nurse, began her nursing scholarship in Canada. She was influenced by the experiences and interprofessional scholarly ideas that she encountered along her career trajectory. Her early love of the air and space led her to the United States Air Force Nurse Corps, where she served as a flight nurse during the Vietnam war era, followed by leadership positions in nursing education, administration, practice, and research. Dr. Ray's contributions to nursing knowledge includes two nursing theories and a caring inquiry methodology. Dr. Ray is helping to create a new caring science certificate program at Florida Atlantic University, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing. In this column, Dr. Ray shares the story of her scholarly influences and how they helped her care for her husband and gain insight into her contributions to nursing knowledge development.

A Labor of Love: From Cranberry Biologist to Nurse Scholar and Educator.

There are many nursing scholars who have contributed to nursing knowledge. Dr. Monika Schuler started her career as a cranberry biologist and is now a nurse scholar and educator. Her contributions to nursing knowledge include two new models that contribute to our understanding of nursing professional growth: (1) the reflection, feedback, and restructuring model for role development in nursing and (2) the substance use disorder nursing attitude model. Dr. Schuler is working with colleagues toward developing an understanding of how nursing experiences inform their role development. In this scholarly dialogue, Dr. Schuler shares her path to nursing scholarship and her recent contributions to nursing knowledge development.

Improving the accuracy of adherence data collected using medication monitoring technology in clinical research.

Ambiguous adherence data adversely effects the statistical analyses, study conclusions, and generalizability of research findings for clinical trials. Fortunately, technology-based measures of drug dosing provide more objective measures of medication adherence. While adherence data obtained through monitoring technology avoids the well documented shortcomings of self-reported adherence data, there are important limitations and nuances with use of these technologies that should be considered at study inception, conduct, and analysis. This article describes considerations for data collection and management with use of electronic adherence monitoring, specifically mobile-phone video applications or electronic pillbox devices. The overall aim of this communique is to provide research teams the ability to collect more accurate adherence data and ultimately improve the quality and outcome of their research.