[Early detection of cytomegalovirus infection in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients by real time-quantitative PCR]. / Detección precoz de infección por citomegalovirus en pacientes sometidos a trasplante alogéneico de precursores hematopoyéticos por reacción de polimerasa en cadena cuantitativa en tiempo real.

INTRODUCTION: CMV pp65-antigenemia (antigenemia) has been used for monitoring CMV viremia in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) recipients. Recently, real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) has been used as a better approach than antigenemia for CMV diagnosis. The objective of this study was to assess the correlation of CMV viremia between RT-qPCR and antigenemia in aHSCT patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational prospective study of all aHSCT patients during 10 months in our center. CMV RT-qPCR in whole blood was performed weekly from day +7 to +100 after aHSCT. Simultaneous antigenemia was performed from engrafment to day +100. Concordance between both assays was evaluated. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were included. In 120 simultaneous samples, 96 were concordant by both methods (80%). Kappa coefficient was 0.583. In 42% of cases without concordant results, patients were on antiviral therapy. Thirteen patients (72%) developed CMV infection (20 episodes). In 17 episodes, both the antigenemia and CMV RT-qPCR were positive. CMV RT-qPCR was detectable 1-2 weeks before antigenemia in 45% of the episodes. CONCLUSION: Both methods had a moderate concordance and CMV RT-qPCR detects CMV reactivations earlier than antigenemia, especially in neutropenic patients.

[Considerations in first line antiretroviral selection for adults]. / Consideraciones en la elección de terapia anti-retroviral de primera línea en adultos.

One of the main factors that influence the success of antiretroviral therapy is adherence to treatment. However, there are other elements that physicians must be aware in order to obtain maximal therapeutic efficacy. A diverse range of antiretroviraldrugs have been approved for its use in HIV infected patients with HIV, but each one of them has its own particular indications and contraindications. The selection of antiretrovirals will depend on factors such as age, sex, co-morbidities, co-infections, virologic and immunological status of the patient. Intake schedules and possible interactions with other drugs are also essential points to considerate for a favorable outcome of treatment.

[SARS-CoV-2 infection in people living with HIV. Topics on the global panorama and in Chile]. / Infección por SARS-CoV-2 en personas viviendo con VIH. Tópicos del panorama mundial y en Chile.

The COVID-19 disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and was declared a pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020. To date, more than 500 million people have been infected and it has caused over 6 million deaths worldwide. People that belong to the most vulnerable risk groups, such as those at the extremes of life, patients with chronic comorbidities and those with severe immunosuppression, are especially susceptible to developing a severe form of COVID-19 infection and death. Subjects living with HIV, especially those in precarious immunological conditions or those in whom antiretroviral therapy is yet to be started, may be at risk of developing complications related to COVID-19, as observed with other infectious diseases. This review aims to determine the magnitude of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on people living with HIV in Chile.

Situación epidemiológica de VIH a nivel global y nacional: Puesta al día / Epidemiological situation of HIV at global and national level: update

INTRODUCCIÓN: En las cuatro décadas de la epidemia por VIH, se han observado avances notables que han contribuido a una disminución progresiva en la incidencia de nuevas infecciones y en la mortalidad a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, no ha ocurrido lo mismo en Latinoamérica y en Chile. OBJETIVO: Esta revisión tiene como objetivo conocer la epidemiología actual a nivel global, latinoamericano y chileno. METODOLOGÍA: Se analizaron los informes epidemiológicos oficiales de infección por VIH emitidos por organismos nacionales e internacionales, más los estudios epidemiológicos nacionales. RESULTADOS: Se estima que 39 millones de personas viven con VIH en el mundo; no obstante, la mortalidad y la incidencia de nuevos casos han disminuido de forma notoria durante las últimas dos décadas, asociado a una expansión en al acceso a terapia antirretroviral en forma global. A diferencia del resto del mundo, América Latina presenta una tendencia de alza en las nuevas infecciones y Chile registra un aumento de 35% en nuevos casos durante los últimos 10 años, coincidiendo con un aumento en los flujos de migrantes que ha afectado a la región. Algunas estrategias preventivas como la profilaxis pre exposición se han implementa-do a un ritmo lento, tanto a nivel mundial, como latinoamericano. CONCLUSIONES: La epidemiología del VIH presenta características propias regionales y nacionales. En particular en Chile, diversos factores incluyendo déficit en políticas públicas de prevención y los recientes flujos migratorios han modelado nuestra actual epidemia. El desafío presente debe contemplar los esfuerzos multisectoriales para lograr los objetivos de ONUSIDA en esta década.

BACKGROUND: Over the course of the last four decades of global HIV epidemic, significant improvements have contributed to gradually reduce the frequency of new infections and global mortality rates. However, in Latin America particularly in Chile, new infections continue increasing. AIM: This review aims to comprehend the_epidemiology today on a worldwide, Latin American, and Chilean scale. METHODS: National epidemiology studies and official HIV reports from international and national organizations were reviewed. RESULTS: It is estimated that 39 million people live with HIV worldwide; however, mortality and the incidence of new cases have decreased markedly over the last two decades, associated with an expansion in access to antiretroviral therapy globally. In contrast to the rest of the world, Latin America shows an upward trend in new infections, with Chile registering a 35% increase in new cases over the last 10 years, coinciding with an increase in migratory flows that has occurred throughout the region. Some preventive strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, have been implemented at a slow pace, both globally and in Latin America. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of HIV has regional and national characteristics. Specifically in Chile, several factors, including deficits in public prevention policies and recent migratory flows, have shaped our current epidemic. The present challenge must contemplate multisectoral efforts to achieve the UNAIDS objectives during this decade.

Infección por SARS-CoV-2 en personas viviendo con VIH: tópicos del panorama mundial y en Chile / SARS-CoV-2 infection in people living with HIV: topics on the global panorama and in Chile

Resumen La enfermedad COVID-19 es una patología de origen infeccioso causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 y fue declarada pandemia por la OMS el 11 de marzo 2020. A la fecha se registran más de 500 millones de personas infectadas y más de 6 millones de fallecidos en todo el mundo. Las personas que pertenecen a grupos de riesgo más vulnerables, particularmente aquellos que se encuentran en los extremos de la vida, con comorbilidades crónicas o inmunocomprometidas, son especialmente susceptibles a presentar un eventual mayor riesgo de infección, de gravedad y de mortalidad por esta enfermedad. Las personas que viven con VIH, especialmente aquellos en precarias condiciones inmunológicas o aquellas que aún no inician terapia antiretroviral, pueden ser un grupo especialmente susceptible de presentar complicaciones relacionadas a esta y otras enfermedades de origen infeccioso. Con esta revisión se pretende determinar la magnitud del impacto del virus SARS-CoV-2 en personas viviendo con VIH en Chile.

Abstract The COVID-19 disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and was declared a pandemic by the WHO on March 11, 2020. To date, more than 500 million people have been infected and it has caused over 6 million deaths worldwide. People that belong to the most vulnerable risk groups, such as those at the extremes of life, patients with chronic comorbidities and those with severe immunosuppression, are especially susceptible to developing a severe form of COVID-19 infection and death. Subjects living with HIV, especially those in precarious immunological conditions or those in whom antiretroviral therapy is yet to be started, may be at risk of developing complications related to COVID-19, as observed with other infectious diseases. This review aims to determine the magnitude of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 virus on people living with HIV in Chile.

[Human herpes virus 6 infection in an inmunocompetent patient with carbamazepine-induced DRESS syndrome]. / Infección por virus herpes humano 6 en un paciente inmunocompetente con síndrome DRESS secundario a carbamazepina.

DRESS syndrome (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) is an adverse life-threatening drug reaction characterized by a polymorphous rash associated with fever, lymphadenopathy and multiorgan involvement with eosinophilia. We present the case of an immunocompetent man with DRESS syndrome secondary to carbamazepine, that developed concomitantly meningoencephalitis caused by human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), and a review of literature. The pathogenic role of HHV-6 in DRESS syndrome remains controversial. Given the diagnostic and possibly prognostic significance of HHV-6, the screening seems to be a good measure to use in the clinical management of these patients.

Virological and immunological outcomes to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients of an academic medical center in Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Red Salud UC is an Academic health network where HIV-infected patients from the public and private health system are followed by a multidisplinary team. AIM: To determine virologic and immunologic response after 144 weeks of starting first antiretroviral therapy in these patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of adult HIV patients attended between 1992 and 2011 was performed. Demographic and clinical characteristics, antiretroviral therapies data and immunologic and virologic outcomes were collected. CD4 count and HIV viral load changes up to 144 weeks after initiation of antiretroviral therapy were analyzed. RESULTS: 860 patients were included in the analyses. Median age was 42 years, 93% were men. Median CD4+ count at baseline was 202 cells/mm³. The most used ART regimen was zidovudine/lamivudine plus efavirenz. First line anti-retroviral therapy was changed in 42% patients, being the most common cause, drug toxicity. At week 144, median CD4+ lymphocyte cell count was 449 cells/mm³. Ninety percent and 96% had undetectable viral load measured as < 50 copies/mL or < 400 copies/mL respectively. DISCUSSION: First report of a university cohort, with CD4 and viral load follow up for 144 weeks, including Chilean patients from public and private system. After initiation of ART, an excellent immunologic and virologic response was observed in this cohort.

Respuesta virológica e inmunológica a la terapia anti-retroviral en pacientes portadores de infección por VIH atendidos en una red de salud académica de Chile / Virological and immunological outcomes to antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients of an academic medical center in Chile

Introduction: Red Salud UC is an Academic health network where HIV-infected patients from the public and private health system are followed by a multidisplinary team. Aim: To determine virologic and immunologic response after 144 weeks of starting first antiretroviral therapy in these patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis of adult HIV patients attended between 1992 and 2011 was performed. Demographic and clinical characteristics, antiretroviral therapies data and immunologic and virologic outcomes were collected. CD4 count and HIV viral load changes up to 144 weeks after initiation of antiretroviral therapy were analyzed. Results: 860 patients were included in the analyses. Median age was 42 years, 93% were men. Median CD4+ count at baseline was 202 cells/mm³. The most used ART regimen was zidovudine/lamivudine plus efavirenz. First line anti-retroviral therapy was changed in 42% patients, being the most common cause, drug toxicity. At week 144, median CD4+ lymphocyte cell count was 449 cells/mm³. Ninety percent and 96% had undetectable viral load measured as < 50 copies/mL or < 400 copies/mL respectively. Discussion: First report of a university cohort, with CD4 and viral load follow up for 144 weeks, including Chilean patients from public and private system. After initiation of ART, an excellent immunologic and virologic response was observed in this cohort.

Introducción: La Red de Salud UC es una red académica de atención, donde pacientes portadores del VIH del área pública y privada de salud son atendidos por un equipo profesional multidisciplinario. Objetivo: Determinar las respuestas virológicas e inmunológicas a 144 semanas de iniciada la primera terapia antiretroviral en dichos pacientes. Métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de registros de pacientes adultos portadores de VIH atendidos entre 1992 y 2011. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, clínicos, terapia anti-retroviral, resultados inmunológicos y virológicos. Se analizaron los resultados de linfocitos T CD4+ y carga viral de VIH a las 144 semanas de iniciada la primera terapia anti-retroviral. Resultados: Fueron incluidos en el análisis 860 pacientes. El promedio de edad fue 42 años, 93% hombres. La mediana basal de LT CD4+ fue 202 céls/mm³. La terapia más utilizada fue zidovudina/lamivudina/efavirenz. En 42% de los pacientes se cambió la terapia de primera línea; la causa más común fue toxicidad a los anti-retrovirales. A la semana 144 de iniciada la terapia, la mediana de LT CD4+ fue de 449 céls/mm³. Alcanzaron cargas virales indetectables 90 y 96% con < 50 copias ARN/mL o < 400 copias ARN/mL respectivamente. Discusión: Primer reporte de pacientes tratados en un centro universitario, con seguimiento inmuno-virológico a 144 semanas, que incluye pacientes del área pública y privada de salud chilena. Después del inicio de la terapia, se observó una excelente respuesta inmuno-virológica.

Infección por virus herpes humano 6 en un paciente inmunocompetente con síndrome DRESS secundario a carbamazepina / Human herpes virus 6 infection in an inmunocompetent patient with carbamazepine-induced DRESS syndrome

El síndrome DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) constituye una reacción adversa a fármacos, potencialmente mortal, caracterizada por una erupción cutánea polimorfa asociada a fiebre, linfadeno-patías y compromiso multiorgánico con eosinofilia. Presentamos el caso clínico de un hombre inmunocompetente con un síndrome DRESS secundario a carbamazepina que cursó concomitantemente con una meningoencefalitis por virus herpes humano 6 (VHH-6). El rol patogénico del VHH-6 en el síndrome DRESS sigue siendo controversial; sin embargo, dada la importancia diagnóstica y eventualmente pronóstica de la infección por VHH-6, su tamizaje sería recomendable dentro del estudio de estos pacientes.

DRESS syndrome (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) is an adverse life-threatening drug reaction characterized by a polymorphous rash associated with fever, lymphadenopathy and multiorgan involvement with eosinophilia. We present the case of an immunocompetent man with DRESS syndrome secondary to carbamazepine, that developed concomitantly meningoencephalitis caused by human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), and a review of literature. The pathogenic role of HHV-6 in DRESS syndrome remains controversial. Given the diagnostic and possibly prognostic significance of HHV-6, the screening seems to be a good measure to use in the clinical management of these patients.

Detección precoz de infección por citomegalovirus en pacientes sometidos a trasplante alogéneico de precursores hematopoyéticos por reacción de polimerasa en cadena cuantitativa en tiempo real / Early detection of cytomegalovirus infection in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients by real time-quantitative PCR

Introduction: CMV pp65-antigenemia (antigenemia) has been used for monitoring CMV viremia in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (aHSCT) recipients. Recently, real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR ) has been used as a better approach than antigenemia for CMV diagnosis. The objective of this study was to assess the correlation of CMV viremia between RT-qPCR and antigenemia in aHSCT patients. Material and Methods: Observational prospective study of all aHSCT patients during 10 months in our center. CMV RT-qPCR in whole blood was performed weekly from day +7 to +100 after aHSCT. Simultaneous antigenemia was performed from engrafment to day +100. Concordance between both assays was evaluated. Results: Eighteen patients were included. In 120 simultaneous samples, 96 were concordant by both methods (80%). Kappa coefficient was 0.583. In 42% of cases without concordant results, patients were on antiviral therapy. Thirteen patients (72%) developed CMV infection (20 episodes). In 17 episodes, both the antigenemia and CMV RT-qPCR were positive. CMV RT-qPCR was detectable 1-2 weeks before antigenemia in 45% of the episodes. Conclusion: Both methods had a moderate concordance and CMV RT-qPCR detects CMV reactivations earlier than antigenemia, especially in neutropenic patients.

Introducción: La antigenemia pp65 (antigenemia) ha sido utilizada para monitorizar viremia de citomegalovirus (CMV) en pacientes sometidos a trasplantes alogeneicos de precursores hematopoiéticos (TPHa). Recientemente, la reacción de polimerasa en cadena cuantitativa en tiempo real (en inglés RT-qPCR) se ha usado como una mejor aproximación al diagnóstico de infección por CMV. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la correlación de viremia por CMV a través de RT-qPCR con antigenemia, en pacientes que han recibido TPHa. Material y Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, de los pacientes sometidos a TPHa durante 10 meses. Se realizó RT-qPCR de CMV en sangre total semanalmente desde el día +7 al+100 después del trasplante y antigenemia en forma simultánea desde el prendimiento hasta el día +100. Se evaluó la concordancia entre ambos ensayos. Resultados: Dieciocho pacientes fueron incluidos. En 120 muestras simultáneas, 96 fueron concordantes por ambos métodos (80%). El coeficiente Kappa fue 0,583. En los casos no concordantes, el 42% se encontraba en terapia antiviral. Trece pacientes (72%) desarrollaron infección por CMV (20 episodios). En 17 episodios, ambos ensayos fueron positivos. La carga viral fue detectable 1-2 semanas antes que la antigenemia en 45% de los episodios. Conclusión: Existe una buena correlación entre ambas técnicas y la RT-qPCR detecta más precozmente que la antigenemia las reactivaciones de CMV, especialmente en pacientes neutropénicos.

Consideraciones en la elección de terapia anti-retroviral de primera línea en adultos / Considerations in first line antiretroviral selection for adults

One of the main factors that influence the success of antiretroviral therapy is adherence to treatment. However, there are other elements that physicians must be aware in order to obtain maximal therapeutic efficacy. A diverse range of antiretroviraldrugs have been approved for its use in HIV infected patients with HIV, but each one of them has its own particular indications and contraindications. The selection of antiretrovirals will depend on factors such as age, sex, co-morbidities, co-infections, virologic and immunological status of the patient. Intake schedules and possible interactions with other drugs are also essential points to considerate for a favorable outcome of treatment.

Uno de los principales factores que influyen en el éxito de la terapia anti-retroviral es la adherencia. Sin embargo, existen otros elementos que el médico debe conocer y cumplir de manera de optimizar la eficacia terapéutica. Si bien distintos fármacos anti-retrovirales han sido aprobados para su uso en pacientes con infección por VIH, cada uno de ellos tiene indicaciones y contraindicaciones particulares que habrá que conocer antes de indicarlos en un paciente en particular. La elección del anti-retroviral dependerá de múltiples factores tales como la edad, sexo, co-morbilidades, co-infecciones, estado virológico e inmunológico del paciente, entre otras. Además, es necesario explicar la importancia del cumplimiento de los horarios de administración y las posibles interacciones con otros medicamentos, todos puntos esenciales para obtener un pronóstico favorable de la terapia.