Early Detection of Cancer and Precancerous Lesions in Persons with HIV through a Comprehensive Cancer Screening Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Non-AIDS defining malignancies present a growing challenge for persons with HIV (PWH), yet tailored interventions for timely cancer diagnosis are lacking. The Spanish IMPAC-Neo protocol was designed to compare two comprehensive cancer screening strategies integrated into routine HIV care. This study reports baseline data on the prevalence and types of precancerous lesions and early-stage cancer among participants at enrolment. Acceptability of the procedure was additionally assessed. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of a comprehensive screening protocol to detect precancer and cancer. The readiness of healthcare providers to implement the protocol was evaluated using a validated 4-item survey. RESULTS: Among the 1430 enrolled PWH, 1172 underwent 3181 screening tests, with positive findings in 29.4% of cases, leading to further investigation in 20.7%. Adherence to the protocol was 84%, with HIV providers expressing high acceptability (97.1%), appropriateness (91.4%), and feasibility (77.1%). A total of 145 lesions were identified in 109 participants, including 60 precancerous lesions in 35 patients (3.0%), 9 early-stage cancers in 9 patients (0.8%), and 76 low-risk lesions in 65 subjects (5.5%). Adverse events related to screening occurred in 0.8% of participants, all mild. The overall prevalence of cancer precursors or early-stage cancer was 3.8% (95% CI, 2.74%-5.01%), with highest rates observed in individuals screened for anal and colorectal cancers. CONCLUSIONS: The baseline comprehensive cancer screening protocol of the IMPAC-Neo study successfully identified a significant proportion of PWH with precancerous lesions and early-stage cancer. High adherence rates and positive feedback from providers suggest effective implementation potential in real-world healthcare settings.

Rapid initiation of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide as first-line therapy in HIV infection. A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid initiation of ART after HIV diagnosis is recommended for individual and public health benefits. However, certain clinical and ART-related considerations hinder immediate initiation of therapy. METHODS: An open-label, single-arm, single-centre 48-week prospective clinical trial involving ART-naïve HIV-diagnosed adults who started bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) within a week from the first hospital visit, before the availability of baseline laboratory and genotype results. The primary aim was to determine the proportion of people with at least one condition that would hinder immediate initiation of any recommended ART regimen other than BIC/FTC/TAF. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04416906. RESULTS: We included 100 participants: 79% men, 64% from Latin America, median age 32 years. According to European AIDS Clinical Society (EACS) and US Department of Health and Human Services 2023 guidelines, 11% (95%CI 6; 19) of participants had at least one condition that made any ART different from BIC/FTC/TAF less appropriate for a rapid ART strategy. Seventy-nine percent of the people started BIC/FTC/TAF within the first 48 hours of their first hospital visit. There were 16 early discontinuations (11 lost to follow-up). By week 48, 92% (95%CI 86; 98) of the participants of the ITT population with observed data achieved viral suppression. Eight grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs), five serious AEs and six ART-related AEs were identified. Adherence remained high. CONCLUSIONS: BIC/FTC/TAF is an optimal treatment for rapid initiation of ART. However, additional strategies to improve retention in care must be implemented.

Effectiveness, safety and discontinuation rates of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) in people with HIV using real-world data: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The use of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) is based on the results of robust clinical trials. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness and safety of BIC/FTC/TAF in treatment-naïve (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE) people with HIV using available real-world cohort studies. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis of publications and communications identified via Boolean search in Medline, PubMed and Embase, and conference abstracts reporting retrospective real-world use of BIC/FTC/TAF, published until 31 January 2024. The primary endpoint was the proportion of TN and TE people with HIV with viral load (VL) < 50 copies/mL at 48 weeks while on treatment. RESULTS: Of the 38 identified publications and conference abstracts, for the present analysis we included 12 publications (comprising 792 TN and 6732 TE individuals). For the three publications including 507 TN participants reporting the primary outcome, VL suppression was 97% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 89-100]. For the nine publications including 4946 TE participants reporting the primary outcome, VL suppression was 95% (95% CI: 94-96), with suppression >93% in all studies. Total discontinuations at 48 weeks in TE individuals were 3% (95% CI: 2-5), 1% (95% CI: 0-2) due to side effects. A total of four publications with 151 TE individuals with previous presence of M184V substitution were identified, reporting a suppression rate at 48 weeks of 95% (95% CI: 88-100). CONCLUSIONS: Real-world studies demonstrate low discontinuation rates and high rates of virologic suppression in individuals treated with BIC/FTC/TAF, both TN and TE with and without previous detection of M184V substitution.

Efficacy and safety of raltegravir plus lamivudine maintenance therapy.

BACKGROUND: Decreasing medication burden with raltegravir plus lamivudine in virologically suppressed persons with HIV (PWH) maintained efficacy and was well tolerated at 24 weeks, but more comprehensive data over longer follow-up are required. METHODS: Prospective 48 week extension phase of the raltegravir plus lamivudine arm from a previous 24 week pilot randomized clinical trial in which virologically suppressed PWH were randomized 2:1 to switch to fixed-dose combination 150 mg lamivudine/300 mg raltegravir twice daily or to continue therapy. In this 48 week extension phase, raltegravir was dosed at 1200 mg/day and lamivudine 300 mg/day. Primary outcome was the proportion of PWH with treatment failure at Week 48. Secondary outcomes were changes in ultrasensitive plasma HIV RNA, HIV DNA in CD4 cells, serum IL-6, ultrasensitive C-reactive protein and sCD14, body composition, sleep quality, quality of life and adverse effects. RESULTS: Between May 2018 and June 2019, 33 PWH were enrolled. One participant experienced virological failure without resistance mutations and re-achieved sustained virological suppression without therapy discontinuation, and two others discontinued therapy due to adverse effects. Treatment failure was 9% (95% CI 2%-24%) and 3% (95% CI 0%-17%) in the ITT and on-treatment populations. There were significant changes between baseline and Week 48 in serum cytokines but not in other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Switching to raltegravir and lamivudine in PWH with virological suppression maintains efficacy and is well tolerated. This maintenance regimen might be a cost-effective option for PWH at risk of drug-drug interactions or needing to avoid specific toxicities of certain antiretroviral drugs or their negative impact on comorbidities.

Limited Weight Impact After Switching From Boosted Protease Inhibitors to Dolutegravir in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus With High Cardiovascular Risk: A Post Hoc Analysis of the 96-Week NEAT-022 Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: In the NEAT022 trial, virologically suppressed persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at high cardiovascular risk switching from protease inhibitors to dolutegravir either immediately (DTG-I) or after 48 weeks (DTG-D) showed noninferior virological suppression and significant lipid and cardiovascular disease risk reductions on switching to dolutegravir relative to continuing protease inhibitors. METHODS: In post hoc analysis, major endpoints were 48-week and 96-week weight and body mass index (BMI) changes. Factors associated with weight/BMI changes within the first 48 weeks of DTG exposure, proportion of participants by category of percentage weight change, proportions of BMI categories over time, and impact on metabolic outcomes were also assessed. RESULTS: Between May 2014 and November 2015, 204 (DTG-I) and 208 (DTG-D) participants were included. Weight significantly increased (mean, +0.810 kg DTG-I arm, and +0.979 kg DTG-D arm) in the first 48 weeks postswitch, but remained stable from 48 to 96 weeks in DTG-I arm. Switching from darunavir, White race, total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio <3.7, and normal/underweight BMI were independently associated with higher weight/BMI gains. The proportion of participants with ≥5% weight change increased similarly in both arms over time. The proportions of BMI categories, use of lipid-lowering drugs, diabetes and/or use of antidiabetic agents, and hypertension and/or use of antihypertensive agents did not change within or between arms at 48 and 96 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Switching from protease inhibitors to dolutegravir in persons with HIV with high cardiovascular risk led to modest weight gain limited to the first 48 weeks, which involved preferentially normal-weight or underweight persons and was not associated with negative metabolic outcomes. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT02098837 and EudraCT 2013-003704-39.

Incidence of Hypertension and Blood Pressure Changes in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus at High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Switching From Boosted Protease Inhibitors to Dolutegravir: A Post-hoc Analysis of the 96-week Randomised NEAT-022 Trial.

BACKGROUND: Integrase inhibitors have been recently linked to a higher risk for hypertension. In NEAT022 randomized trial, virologically suppressed persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PWH) with high cardiovascular risk switched from protease inhibitors to dolutegravir either immediately (DTG-I) or after 48 weeks (DTG-D). METHODS: Primary endpoint was incident hypertension at 48 weeks. Secondary endpoints were changes in systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure; adverse events and discontinuations associated with high blood pressure; and factors associated with incident hypertension. RESULTS: At baseline, 191 (46.4%) participants had hypertension and 24 persons without hypertension were receiving antihypertensive medications for other reasons. In the 197 PWH (n = 98, DTG-I arm; n = 99, DTG-D arm) without hypertension or antihypertensive agents at baseline, incidence rates per 100 person-years were 40.3 and 36.3 (DTG-I) and 34.7 and 52.0 (DTG-D) at 48 (P = .5755) and 96 (P = .2347) weeks. SBP or DBP changes did not differed between arms. DBP (mean, 95% confidence interval) significantly increased in both DTG-I (+2.78 mmHg [1.07-4.50], P = .0016) and DTG-D (+2.29 mmHg [0.35-4.23], P = .0211) arms in the first 48 weeks of exposure to dolutegravir. Four (3 under dolutegravir, 1 under protease inhibitors) participants discontinued study drugs due to adverse events associated with high blood pressure. Classical factors, but not treatment arm, were independently associated with incident hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: PWH at high risk for cardiovascular disease showed high rates of hypertension at baseline and after 96 weeks. Switching to dolutegravir did not negatively impact on the incidence of hypertension or blood pressure changes relative to continuing protease inhibitors.

Long-term effects on subclinical cardiovascular disease of switching from boosted protease inhibitors to dolutegravir.

BACKGROUND: In the NEAT022 trial, switching from boosted PIs (PI/r) to dolutegravir in people with HIV (PWH) with high cardiovascular risk decreased plasma lipids, soluble CD14 and adiponectin, and showed consistent favourable, although non-significant, effects on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) progression at 48 weeks. We hereby communicate planned final 96 week results on biomarker changes and CIMT progression. METHODS: PWH on a PI/r-based triple therapy regimen were randomly assigned (1:1) to switch the PI/r component to dolutegravir either immediately (DTG-I group) or after 48 weeks (DTG-D group) and were followed up to 96 weeks. We assessed changes in biomarkers associated with inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, monocyte immune activation, oxidation, insulin resistance, hypercoagulability, heart failure, myocardial injury and glomerular and tubular kidney injury, and right and left CIMT progression at 48 and 96 weeks. RESULTS: Of 415 PWH randomized, 287 (69%) and 143 (34%) contributed to the biomarker and CIMT substudies respectively. There were significant 96 week changes in biomarkers associated with inflammation, immune activation, oxidation, insulin resistance and myocardial injury. Most changes were favourable, except for adiponectin reduction, which may suggest higher insulin resistance. We were unable to detect significant changes in the progression of CIMT between arms or within arms at 96 weeks. DISCUSSION: After 96 weeks, switching from PI/r to dolutegravir in PWH with high cardiovascular risk led to significant changes in several biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease. Although most changes were favourable, adiponectin reduction was not. There were non-significant changes in CIMT progression.

Clinical use and effectiveness of dolutegravir and lamivudine: a long-term, real-world, retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The use of dolutegravir/lamivudine is based on solid clinical trials; however, real-world data remain limited. OBJECTIVES: To provide data on the clinical use and effectiveness of dolutegravir/lamivudine in persons with HIV in a real-world scenario. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, single-centre and observational study. We included all adults starting dolutegravir/lamivudine since November 2014. We reported all demographic, virological and immunological variables at baseline and assessed effectiveness [on treatment (OT), modified ITT (mITT) and ITT in those persons who reached 6 and 12 month follow-ups (M6 and M12). RESULTS: Of the 1058 persons, 9 were treatment-naive; the final analysis included 1049 treatment-experienced people with HIV. Median (IQR) follow-up was 1 (0.3-1.6) years, with 81% and 63% persons reaching M6 and M12, respectively. The longest use of dolutegravir/lamivudine was 7.4 years. Per OT, mITT and ITT, HIV-RNA < 50 copies/mL was 97%, 92% and 81% (M6) and 98%, 90% and 80% (M12), respectively. Females [adjusted risk ratio, aRR (95% CI): 1.69 (1.19-2.40)]; immediate, previous PI-based regimen [aRR (95% CI): 1.67 (1.09-2.56)]; and viral load (VL) ≥ 50 copies/mL at dolutegravir/lamivudine initiation [aRR (95% CI): 3.36 (2.32-4.88)] were independently associated with lack of effectiveness at M12; other demographic, immunological and virological variables like previous M184V/I substitutions or virological failure, were unrelated. Of the total, 944 (90%) continued dolutegravir/lamivudine. The most frequent known reason for discontinuation was toxicity [48 (46%) cases]. CONCLUSIONS: In our real-world experience, virological suppression rates were high for treatment-experienced persons on dolutegravir/lamivudine; however, we identified subgroups with a higher risk of lack of effectiveness at M12, who may benefit from closer follow-ups.

Tolerability of bictegravir/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine versus dolutegravir/lamivudine as maintenance therapy in a real-life setting.

BACKGROUND: While both the burden of therapy and the individual drugs in bictegravir/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (BIC/TAF/FTC) and dolutegravir/lamivudine differ, it is unclear whether their real-life tolerability may be also different. METHODS: Single-centre, clinical cohort analysis of all virologically suppressed persons with HIV (PWH) who were first prescribed bictegravir as BIC/TAF/FTC or dolutegravir as dolutegravir/lamivudine and had taken ≥1 dose of study medication. Major outcomes were discontinuations either for any reason or due to toxicity. Incidence was calculated as number of episodes per 100 person-years adjusted through propensity score analysis. RESULTS: Relative to persons treated with BIC/TAF/FTC (n = 1231), persons treated with dolutegravir/lamivudine (n = 821) were older and had more AIDS-defining conditions although better HIV control. After a median follow-up of 52 weeks, adjusted incidence rates for discontinuation were 6.68 (95% CI 5.18-8.19) and 8.44 (95% CI 6.29-10.60) episodes per 100 person-years for BIC/TAF/FTC and dolutegravir/lamivudine, respectively; adjusted incidence rate ratio for dolutegravir/lamivudine was 1.26 (95% CI 0.89-1.78) relative to BIC/TAF/FTC (P = 0.1847). Adjusted incidence rates for discontinuation due to toxicity were 3.88 (95% CI 2.70-5.06) and 4.62 (95% CI 3.05-6.19) episodes per 100 person-years for BIC/TAF/FTC and dolutegravir/lamivudine, respectively; adjusted incidence rate ratio for dolutegravir/lamivudine was 1.19 (95% CI 0.75-1.90) relative to BIC/TAF/FTC (P = 0. 4620). Adverse events leading to discontinuation were neuropsychiatric (n = 42; 2%), followed by gastrointestinal (n = 23; 1%), dermatological (n = 15; 1%) and weight increase (n = 15; 1%), without differences between regimens. CONCLUSIONS: Switching to BIC/TAF/FTC or dolutegravir/lamivudine showed no difference in the risks of overall or toxicity-related discontinuations or in the profile of adverse events leading to discontinuation.

Sex-based epidemiological and immunovirological characteristics of people living with HIV in current follow-up at a tertiary hospital: a comparative retrospective study, Catalonia, Spain, 1982 to 2020.

BackgroundEpidemiological and immunovirological features of people living with HIV (PLWH) can vary by sex.AimTo investigate, particularly according to sex, characteristics of PLWH who consulted a tertiary hospital in Barcelona, Spain, in 1982-2020.MethodsPLWH, still in active follow-up in 2020 were retrospectively analysed by sex, age at diagnosis, age at data extraction (December 2020), birth place, CD4+ cell counts, and virological failure.ResultsIn total, 5,377 PLWH (comprising 828 women; 15%) were included. HIV diagnoses in women appeared to decrease from the 1990s, representing 7.4% (61/828) of new diagnoses in 2015-2020. From 1997, proportions of new HIV diagnoses from patients born in Latin America seemed to increase; moreover, for women born outside of Spain, the median age at diagnosis appeared to become younger than for those born in Spain, with significant differences observed in 2005-2009 and 2010-2014 (31 vs 39 years (p = 0.001), and 32 vs 42 years (p < 0.001) respectively), but not in 2015-2020 (35 vs 42 years; p = 0.254). Among women, proportions of late diagnoses (CD4+ cells/mm3 < 350) were higher than men (significantly in 2015-2020: 62% (32/52) vs 46% (300/656); p = 0.030). Initially, virological failure rates were higher in women than men, but they were similar in 2015-2020 (12% (6/52) vs 8% (55/659); p = 0.431). Women ≥ 50 years old represented 68% (564/828) of women actively followed up in 2020.ConclusionsWomen still have higher rates of late HIV diagnoses than men. Among currently-followed-up women, ≥ 50 year-olds, who need age-adapted care represent a high percentage. Stratifying PLWH by sex matters for HIV prevention and control interventions.

Simplification from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus lamivudine or emtricitabine plus ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor to ritonavir-boosted atazanavir plus lamivudine in virologically suppressed HIV-infected adults with osteopenia: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, particularly when given with a ritonavir-boosted PI, reduces bone mineral density (BMD) and increases bone turnover markers (BTMs). Ritonavir-boosted atazanavir plus lamivudine is a feasible simplified option. We evaluated whether switching from a triple ritonavir-boosted PI plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to a two-drug regimen of lamivudine plus ritonavir-boosted atazanavir would improve BMD. METHODS: Single-arm pilot study. Virologically suppressed patients on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus lamivudine or emtricitabine plus ritonavir-boosted PI with low BMD, without previous resistance mutations and/or virological failure to study drugs were switched to 100/300 mg of ritonavir-boosted atazanavir plus 300 mg of lamivudine once daily. The primary endpoint was BMD change by DXA at Week 48. RESULTS: There were 31 patients, 4 (13%) female, and median age was 40 years. Seven participants (22.5%) had osteoporosis. At 48 weeks, mean (SD) changes in spine and hip BMD were +0.01 (0.03) (P = 0.0239) and +0.013 (0.03) g/cm2 (P = 0.0046), respectively. Mean (SD) T-score changes were +0.1 (0.23) (P = 0.0089) and +0.25 (0.76) (P = 0.0197), respectively. N-telopeptide and urine tenofovir disoproxil fumarate toxicity markers showed significant improvements. One participant withdrew from the study and two were lost to follow-up. There were no virological failures, or serious or grade 3-4 adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Switching from a tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus ritonavir-boosted PI triple therapy to a lamivudine plus ritonavir-boosted atazanavir two-drug regimen in virologically suppressed HIV-infected adults with low BMD was safe, increased low BMD and reduced plasma markers of bone turnover and urine markers of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate toxicity over 48 weeks.

Atherogenicity of low-density lipoproteins after switching from a protease inhibitor to dolutegravir: a substudy of the NEAT022 study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether switching from a ritonavir-boosted PI-based regimen to a dolutegravir-based regimen improved the atherogenic properties of LDL particles in patients with HIV. METHODS: This was a substudy of the NEAT022 study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02098837). Adults with HIV with a Framingham score >10% or aged >50 years and being treated with a stable boosted PI-based regimen were randomized to either switch to dolutegravir or continue with boosted PI. At baseline and Week 48, we assessed atherogenic LDL properties: LDL particle size and phenotype (A, intermediate, B), oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) activity. RESULTS: Eighty-six participants (dolutegravir 44; PI 42) were included. Participants had a median (IQR) age of 54 (51-57) years and 79.1% were male. In the dolutegravir arm, after 48 weeks, we observed: (1) an increase in LDL size [median 1.65 Š(IQR -0.60 to 4.20); P = 0.007], correlated with the decrease in triglyceride concentration [Spearman correlation = -0.352 (P = 0.001)], with a corresponding decrease of subjects with atherogenic LDL phenotype B (36.4% to 20.5%; P = 0.039); (2) a decrease in Lp-PLA2 activity [median 1.39 µmol/min/mL (IQR -2.3 to 0.54); P = 0.002]; and (3) a decrease in ox-LDL [median 14 U/L (IQR -102 to 13); P = 0.006]. In the PI arm, none of these favourable lipid modifications was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Forty-eight weeks after switching from a PI-based to a dolutegravir-based regimen, patients with Framingham score >10% or aged >50 years showed improvement of several atherogenic lipid features, including LDL particle phenotype, ox-LDL and Lp-PLA2.

Real-life experience with bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide in a large reference clinical centre.

BACKGROUND: The use of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) is mainly based on robust, pivotal clinical trials. OBJECTIVES: To provide data on clinical use of BIC/FTC/TAF in real life. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective and single-centre study. We included all adult, treatment-naive (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE) people living with HIV (PLWH) starting BIC/FTC/TAF from 8 June 2018. We evaluated effectiveness [on treatment (OT), modified intention-to-treat (mITT) and intention-to-treat (ITT)], tolerability and safety in those patients who reached 6 months of follow-up (M6). RESULTS: We included 1584 PLWH [213 TN (13%) and 1371 TE (87%)]. The median (IQR) follow-up was 16 (7-21) months, with 81% and 53% of PLWH reaching M6 and M12, respectively. By OT, mITT and ITT, HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL was 77%, 70% and 62% at M6 and 92%, 77% and 63% at M12 for TN PLWH and 94%, 89% and 83% at M6 and 93%, 85% and 78% at M12 for TE PLWH, respectively. In PLWH carrying an M184V/I substitution, OT RNA <50 copies/mL was 89.5% at M6. The median CD4 cell count increased from 329 to 511/µL in TN PLWH and from 630 to 683/µL in TE PLWH at M6. Of the total, 1148 (88%) PLWH continued on BIC/FTC/TAF at M6. The most frequent known reason for discontinuation was toxicity [42 (69%) cases]; only 7 cases were considered virological failures (0.6% of the total OT cohort at M6), with no emerging resistance substitutions. CONCLUSIONS: In real life, BIC/FTC/TAF showed high rates of virological suppression and also in PLWH carrying lamivudine/emtricitabine resistance substitutions. The tolerability and safety of BIC/FTC/TAF were good, with high persistence observed for patients on this regimen at M6.

Chemsex Practices in PrEP: Beyond Addiction and Risk Toward a Healthy Sex Life-Baseline Experiences from a Hospital-Based PrEP Program in Barcelona, Spain.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical intervention that has demonstrated efficacy in HIV prevention in individuals at high-risk, among them chemsex users. Out of 190 PrEP users followed at Hospital Clinic of Barcelona until October 2020, 89% reported drug use, and 63% disclosed that they had engaged in chemsex practices, initiated in 64% of cases within the past year. Twenty-one percent used 3 or more drugs simultaneously, being GHB/GBL, nitrites, sildenafil, and methamphetamine the most prevalent combination. Eight percent reported slamming. Forty-one percent described having had negative experiences and 8% did not remember the last time they had sober sex. Methamphetamine, mephedrone, GHB/GBL, and having had open relationships, group sex, double penetration, and fisting were significantly more prevalent. Forty-nine percent admitted being worried about chemsex use, and 18% said they needed help. A comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach is mandatory to enable the attainment of a healthy approach to one's sex life.

RESUMEN: La PrEP es una intervención biomédica eficaz en la prevención del VIH en personas con alto riesgo, entre ellas las personas que practican chemsex. De los 190 usuarios de PrEP seguidos en el Hospital Clínic de Barcelona hasta octubre de 2020, el 89% refirió utilizar drogas y el 63% en contexto de chemsex, iniciando el consumo el 64% durante el último año. El 21% refería policonsumo, siendo GHB/GBL, nitritos, sildenafilo y metanfetamina la combinación más prevalente. El 8% reportó slamming. El 41% describió haber tenido experiencias negativas y el 8% no recordaba la última vez que tuvo sexo sobrio. Metanfetamina, mefedrona, GHB/GBL y haber tenido relaciones abiertas, sexo en grupo, doble penetración y fisting fueron significativamente más frecuentes. El 49% refirió estar preocupado por la práctica de chemsex y el 18% necesitar ayuda. Un abordaje integral e interdisciplinar mejoraría el acompañamiento global de la sexualidad en estas personas.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 viral load and duration of symptoms before hospital admission on the mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

PURPOSE: Assess the impact of viral load estimated by cycle threshold (Ct) of reverse transcription real time-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and the days from symptoms onset on mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID19. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of 782 patients with a positive rRT-PCR from a nasopharyngeal swab was performed within the first 24 h from admission. Demographic data, clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters were collected. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with mortality at 60 days. RESULTS: Ct was divided into three groups and the mortality rate decreased from 27.3 to 20.7% and 9.8% for Ct values of ≤ 20, 21-25 and > 25, respectively (P = 0.0001). The multivariate analysis identified as predictors of mortality, a Ct value < 20 (OR 3.13, CI 95% 1.38-7.10), between 21-25 (OR 2.47, CI 95% 1.32-4.64) with respect to a Ct value > 25. Days from symptoms onset is a variable associated with mortality as well (DSOA) ≤ 6 (OR 1.86, CI 95% 1.00-3.46), among other factors. Patients requiring hospital admission within 6 DSOA with a Ct value ≤ 25 had the highest mortality rate (28%). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of Ct values and DSOA in the characterization of study populations could be a useful tool to evaluate the efficacy of antivirals.

Effective Treatment of Lymphogranuloma venereum Proctitis With Azithromycin.

BACKGROUND: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) serovars L1, L2, and L3 and is endemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. We evaluated weekly oral azithromycin 1 g for 3 weeks as a treatment for LGV proctitis. METHODS: This is an open clinical trial with convenience allocation according to treating physician preferences. Adults with clinical proctitis received a single dose of 1 g of intramuscular ceftriaxone and were subsequently allocated to receive (i) doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 21 days (Doxycycline group) or (ii) azithromycin 1 g orally once weekly for 3 weeks (Azithromycin group). LGV cure (primary endpoint) was defined as resolution of symptoms at week 6 (clinical cure, LGV-CC), with an additional supporting negative rectal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at week 4 (microbiological cure, LGV-MC), if available. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five individuals with LGV clinical proctitis were included. All were MSM, and 96% were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Eighty-two were in the Azithromycin group, and 43 were in the Doxycycline group. LGV cure on a modified intention-to-treat analysis (primary endpoint), occurred in 80 of 82 (98%) in the Azithromycin group versus 41 of 43 (95%) in the Doxycycline group (treatment difference [95% confidence interval {CI}] 2.2% [-3.2, 13.2]). LGV-MC occurred in 70 of 72 (97%) vs 15 of 15 (100%) in the Azithromycin group and Doxycycline group, respectively (treatment difference [95% CI] -2.8% [-9.6; 17.7]). Adverse events were similar in both treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support extended azithromycin dosing as an alternative treatment option for symptomatic LGV proctitis and provides the rationale for future randomized trials.

Factors associated with the use and composition of two-drug regimens in a large single-centre HIV cohort.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the clinical characteristics associated with the use of two-drug regimens (2DRs) and the factors associated with specific antiretrovirals in 2DRs in a large single-centre HIV cohort. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of demographics, HIV characteristics and AIDS events, antiretroviral prescription, virological failure and genotypic resistance testing, and laboratory results from all adult people with HIV (PWH) prospectively followed at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona who were receiving a 3DR or a 2DR in January 2020. We assessed factors associated with the probability of receiving 2DRs relative to three-drug regimens (3DRs) using a logistic regression model, controlling for age, sex and year of HIV diagnosis. The same methodology was applied to identify factors associated with the prescription of integrase inhibitor-based regimens or PI-based regimens among PWH receiving 2DRs. RESULTS: There were 3432 (88%) PWH receiving 3DRs and 463 (12%) receiving 2DRs. In the final adjusted model, ≥2 previous virological failures, previous resistance mutations, previous AIDS diagnosis, longer time on current regimen, higher total cholesterol or triglycerides and lower baseline haemoglobin were independent factors associated with 2DRs. The majority of 2DRs included an integrase inhibitor or/and a PI. We identified independent factors associated with the inclusion of integrase inhibitors (lower HDL cholesterol) or PIs (prior AIDS, prior genotypic resistance mutations and lower CD4/CD8 ratio) in the 2DR. CONCLUSIONS: In this large single-centre HIV cohort, a worse cardiometabolic status or more archived resistance were key factors associated with inclusion of integrase inhibitors or PIs, respectively, in 2DRs.

Switching from boosted PIs to dolutegravir decreases soluble CD14 and adiponectin in high cardiovascular risk people living with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Switching from boosted PIs to dolutegravir in people living with HIV (PLWH) with high cardiovascular risk improved plasma lipids at 48 weeks in the NEAT022 trial. Whether this strategy may have an impact on cardiovascular biomarkers is unknown. METHODS: We assessed 48 week changes in biomarkers associated with inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, monocyte immune activation, oxidation, insulin resistance, hypercoagulability, heart failure, myocardial injury, and glomerular and tubular kidney injury. RESULTS: Of 415 PLWH randomized in the NEAT022 study, 313 (75.4%) remained on allocated therapy and had paired samples available. Soluble CD14 (-11%, P < 0.001) and adiponectin (-11%, P < 0.001) significantly declined and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (-13%, P = 0.069) and oxidized LDL (-13%, P = 0.084) tended to decrease with dolutegravir. Switching to dolutegravir remained significantly associated with soluble CD14 and adiponectin reductions after adjustment for baseline variables. There were inverse correlations between soluble CD14 and CD4 count changes (P = 0.05), and between adiponectin and BMI changes (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Switching from boosted PIs to dolutegravir in PLWH with high cardiovascular risk led to soluble CD14 and adiponectin reductions at 48 weeks. While decreasing soluble CD14 may entail favourable health effects in PLWH, adiponectin reduction may reflect less insulin sensitivity associated with weight gain.

Efficacy of Elbasvir/Grazoprevir in Early Chronic G1/G4 Hepatitis C infection in HIV/HCV co-infected patients with mild fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Acute hepatitis C virus (AHC) infection is increasingly common among HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM). Until 2017, the guidelines recommended therapy with pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin with a mild sustained virological response (SVR). This prompted many patients to reject that treatment, at that time, waiting to be treated with better and safer options with new Direct-Acting-Antivirals (DAA). OBJECTIVES: Assess the efficacy and safety of Elbasvir/Grazoprevir to treat recent chronic hepatitis C infection, genotype 1 or 4, in HIV+ MSM patients. METHODS: Prospective, open-labeled, two center, pilot study. SVR is analyzed for treatment with Elbasvir/Grazoprevir (8 weeks in GT1b or 12 in GT1a or GT4) in patients with a recent chronic HCV infection, defined as HCV infection lasting less than 4 years and mild liver fibrosis (liver stiffness <8kPa). RESULTS: Forty-eight patients were included (May 2017-March 2018): 2 GT1b, 24 GT1a and 22 GT4. HCV-RNA>800000UI in 63% and medium liver stiffness 4.9kPa. The SVR was 98%, one patient failed due to poor adherence. 67% of patients had adverse effects, but only 16% treatment related. The most frequent side effects were gastrointestinal (19%), related with the central nervous system (18%), respiratory (16%) and systemic symptoms (15%). During one year of follow-up post-therapy, 4 AHC and 18 patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STD) were diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with Elbasvir/Grazoprevir in this scenario is highly effective and safe. Patients with risky sexual practices must remain linked to the medical care system to detect new STD and HCV reinfection.

Effectiveness of boosted darunavir plus rilpivirine in patients with long-lasting HIV-1 infection: DARIL study.

BACKGROUND: The combination of boosted darunavir plus rilpivirine, once daily, could be a convenient, effective and well-tolerated two-drug regimen to achieve HIV suppression in HIV-infected patients. METHODS: Multicentre, retrospective cohort study in nine hospitals in Spain. All HIV-infected subjects starting boosted darunavir plus rilpivirine were included, irrespective of their viral load (VL). The primary objective was the percentage of patients with VL <50 copies/mL at 48 weeks. Secondary objectives included changes in CD4+ cell count, lipid profile and renal function. RESULTS: Eighty-one of 84 patients reached Week 48. Fifty-nine (70.2%) patients had VL <50 copies/mL at baseline and the rest had a median VL of 202 (IQR 98-340) copies/mL. Subjects had a median of 21 years of infection with six prior regimens. The main reasons for starting boosted darunavir plus rilpivirine were simplification (44%), kidney or bone toxicity (28.6%) and virological failure (17.9%). Historical genotypes from 47 patients showed 41 (87.2%) patients with NRTI RAMs, 21 (44.7%) with NNRTI RAMs, 12 (25.5%) with primary PI RAMs and 7 (14.9%) with integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) RAMs. One patient had low-level resistance to boosted darunavir and five patients had some resistance to rilpivirine. At 48 weeks, 71 (87.7%) patients had VL <50 copies/mL. According to undetectable or detectable baseline VL, effectiveness was 91.1% or 80%, respectively. There were four virological failures with no emergence of new RAMs. Three of these patients resuppressed viraemia while maintaining the same regimen. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of boosted darunavir plus rilpivirine has shown good effectiveness and tolerability in this cohort of pretreated patients with a long-lasting HIV infection, exposure to multiple antiretroviral regimens and prior HIV resistance.