Dolutegravir or Darunavir in Combination with Zidovudine or Tenofovir to Treat HIV.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends dolutegravir with two nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) for second-line treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Evidence is limited for the efficacy of this regimen when NRTIs are predicted to lack activity because of drug resistance, as well as for the recommended switch of an NRTI from tenofovir to zidovudine. METHODS: In a two-by-two factorial, open-label, noninferiority trial, we randomly assigned patients for whom first-line therapy was failing (HIV-1 viral load, ≥1000 copies per milliliter) to receive dolutegravir or ritonavir-boosted darunavir and to receive tenofovir or zidovudine; all patients received lamivudine. The primary outcome was a week 48 viral load of less than 400 copies per milliliter, assessed with the Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm (noninferiority margin for the between-group difference in the percentage of patients with the primary outcome, 12 percentage points). RESULTS: We enrolled 464 patients at seven sub-Saharan African sites. A week 48 viral load of less than 400 copies per milliliter was observed in 90.2% of the patients in the dolutegravir group (212 of 235) and in 91.7% of those in the darunavir group (210 of 229) (difference, -1.5 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], -6.7 to 3.7; P = 0.58; indicating noninferiority of dolutegravir, without superiority) and in 92.3% of the patients in the tenofovir group (215 of 233) and in 89.6% of those in the zidovudine group (207 of 231) (difference, 2.7 percentage points; 95% CI, -2.6 to 7.9; P = 0.32; indicating noninferiority of tenofovir, without superiority). In the subgroup of patients with no NRTIs that were predicted to have activity, a viral load of less than 400 copies per milliliter was observed in more than 90% of the patients in the dolutegravir group and the darunavir group. The incidence of adverse events did not differ substantially between the groups in either factorial comparison. CONCLUSIONS: Dolutegravir in combination with NRTIs was effective in treating patients with HIV-1 infection, including those with extensive NRTI resistance in whom no NRTIs were predicted to have activity. Tenofovir was noninferior to zidovudine as second-line therapy. (Funded by Janssen; NADIA ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03988452.).

Decreased Dolutegravir and Efavirenz Concentrations With Preserved Virological Suppression in Patients With Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Receiving High-Dose Rifampicin.

BACKGROUND: Higher doses of rifampicin may improve treatment outcomes and reduce the duration of tuberculosis (TB) therapy. However, drug-drug interactions with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and safety in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have not been evaluated. METHODS: This was a randomized, open-label trial where newly diagnosed TB patients were randomized to higher (35 mg/kg) or standard (10 mg/kg) daily-dose rifampicin. ART treatment-naive patients were randomized to dolutegravir- or efavirenz-based ART. At week 6, trough dolutegravir or mid-dose efavirenz plasma concentrations were assayed. HIV viral load was measured at week 24. RESULTS: Among 128 patients randomized, the median CD4 count was 191 cells/mm3. The geometric mean ratio (GMR) for trough dolutegravir concentrations on higher- vs standard-dose rifampicin was 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI], .34-.97; P = .039) and the GMR for mid-dose efavirenz was 0.63 (95% CI, .38-1.07; P = .083). There was no significant difference in attainment of targets for dolutegravir trough or efavirenz mid-dose concentrations between rifampicin doses. The incidence of HIV treatment failure at week 24 was similar between rifampicin doses (14.9% vs 14.0%, P = .901), as was the incidence of drug-related grade 3-4 adverse events (9.8% vs 6%). At week 8, fewer patients remained sputum culture positive on higher-dose rifampicin (18.6% vs 37.0%, P = .063). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with standard-dose rifampicin, high-dose rifampicin reduced dolutegravir and efavirenz exposures, but HIV suppression was similar across treatment arms. Higher-dose rifampicin was well tolerated among people with HIV and associated with a trend toward faster sputum culture conversion. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT03982277.

Unexpectedly low drug exposures among Ugandan patients with TB and HIV receiving high-dose rifampicin.

We characterized the pharmacokinetics of standard- and high-dose rifampicin in Ugandan adults with tuberculosis and HIV taking dolutegravir- or efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy. A liver model with saturable hepatic extraction adequately described the data, and the increase in exposure between high and standard doses was 4.7-fold. This was lower than what previous reports of dose-exposure nonlinearity would predict and was ascribed to 38% lower bioavailability of the rifampicin-only top-up formulation compared to the fixed-dose combination.

Dolutegravir pharmacokinetics in Ugandan patients with TB and HIV receiving standard- versus high-dose rifampicin.

Higher rifampicin doses may improve tuberculosis treatment outcomes. This could however exacerbate the existing drug interaction with dolutegravir. Moreover, the metabolism of dolutegravir may also be affected by polymorphism of UGT1A1, a gene that codes for uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase. We used population pharmacokinetic modeling to compare the pharmacokinetics of dolutegravir when coadministered with standard- versus high-dose rifampicin in adults with tuberculosis and HIV, and investigated the effect of genetic polymorphisms. Data from the SAEFRIF trial, where participants were randomized to receive first-line tuberculosis treatment with either standard- 10 mg/kg or high-dose 35 mg/kg rifampicin alongside antiretroviral therapy, were used. The dolutegravir model was developed with 211 plasma concentrations from 44 participants. The median (interquartile range) rifampicin area under the curve (AUC) in the standard- and high-dose arms were 32.3 (28.7-36.7) and 153 (138-175) mg·h/L, respectively. A one-compartment model with first-order elimination and absorption through transit compartments best described dolutegravir pharmacokinetics. For a typical 56 kg participant, we estimated a clearance, absorption rate constant, and volume of distribution of 1.87 L/h, 1.42 h-1, and 12.4 L, respectively. Each 10 mg·h/L increase in the AUC of coadministered rifampicin from 32.3 mg·h/L led to a 2.3 (3.1-1.4) % decrease in dolutegravir bioavailability. Genetic polymorphism of UGT1A1 did not significantly affect dolutegravir pharmacokinetics. Simulations of trough dolutegravir concentrations show that the 50 mg twice-daily regimen attains both the primary and secondary therapeutic targets of 0.064 and 0.3 mg/L, respectively, regardless of the dose of coadministered rifampicin, unlike the once-daily regimen.

Perceived risk and risk reduction behaviours of female first-degree relatives of breast cancer patients attending care at Uganda cancer institute.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the perceived risk of breast cancer (BC) and adoption of risk reduction behaviours among female first-degree relatives (FDRs) of BC patients attending care at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire to collect data between March to October 2019. Adult female FDRs of patients attending care at UCI were recruited consecutively. Breast cancer perceived risk was assessed using a verbal measure; 'My chances of getting BC are great' on a Likert scale with 5 response alternatives. Chi square tests and modified Poisson regression using generalised estimating equations model were used to determine associations and examine factors associated with perceived risk of BC. RESULTS: We enrolled 296 FDRs from 186 female BC patients. Few participants 118/296 (40%) had high perceived risk of BC. Majority 165/296 (56%), had ever practiced breast self-examination. At the multivariable modified Poisson GEE model, women aged 36-45 years were more likely to perceive themselves to be at high risk of developing BC compared to women aged 18-25 years (adjusted prevalence ratio: 1.174; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.05-2.88; p value = 0.030) after adjusting for age, religion, educational level and residence. CONCLUSION: Few FDRs of BC patients perceived themselves to be at high risk of developing BC and do not seek risk reduction measures including screening and early diagnosis approaches. Breast cancer health education especially targeting younger women should emphasize the increased risk of BC in FDRs.

Survival and predictors of mortality after completion of TB treatment among people living with HIV: a 5-year analytical cohort.

BACKGROUND: After completion of TB treatment patients may remain at risk of co-morbidity and mortality. We determined the survival and predictors of all-cause mortality after completing TB treatment among ART-experienced patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort analysis of all ART experienced patients who completed TB treatment at a specialist HIV clinic in Uganda, between 2009 and 2014. The patients were followed for five years after TB treatment. We determined the cumulative probability of death, and predictors of mortality using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively. RESULTS: A total 1,287 patients completed TB treatment between 2009 and 2014, of which 1,111 were included in the analysis. At TB treatment completion, the median age was 36 years (IQR: 31-42), 563 (50.7%) were males, and median CD4 cell count was 235 cells/mL (IQR: 139-366). The person-time at risk was 4410.60 person-years. The all-cause mortality rate was 15.42 (95% CI: 12.14-19.59) per 1000 person-years. The probability of death at five years was 6.9% (95%CI: 5.5- 8.8). In the multivariable analysis, CD4 count < 200 cells/mL was a predictor of all-cause mortality (aHR = 1.81, 95%CI:1.06-3.11, p = 0.03) alongside history of retreatment (aHR = 2.12, 95%CI: 1.16-3.85, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Survival post TB treatment in ART experienced PLHIV is reasonably good. Most deaths occur within two years after TB treatment completion. Patients with a low CD4 count and those with a history of retreatment have an increased risk of mortality which underscores the need for TB prophylaxis, detailed assessment, and close monitoring after completion of TB treatment.

Community-based directly observed therapy is effective and results in better treatment outcomes for patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Health facility-based directly observed therapy (HF DOT) is the main strategy for the management of patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR TB) in Uganda, however, this still yields sub-optimal treatment outcomes. We set out to assess the effectiveness of community-based directly observed therapy (CB DOT) for the treatment of DR TB in Uganda. METHODS: Using a previously developed patient-centered model for CB DOT, we assigned community health workers (CHWs) as primary caregivers to patients diagnosed with DR TB. CHWs administered daily DOT to patients in their homes. Once a month, patients received travel vouchers to attend clinic visits for treatment monitoring. We assessed the effectiveness of this model using a quasi-experimental pre and post-study. From December 2020 to March 2022, we enrolled adult DR-TB patients on the CB DOT model. We collected retrospective data from patients who had received care using the HF DOT model during the year before the study started. The adjusted effect of CB DOT versus HF DOT on DR TB treatment success was estimated using modified Poisson regression model with robust cluster variance estimator. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 264 DR TB patients (152 HF DOT, 112 CB DOT). The majority were males (67.8%) with a median age of 36 years (IQR 29 to 44 years). Baseline characteristics were similar across the comparison groups, except for educational level, regimen type, and organizational unit with age being borderline. The treatment success rate in the CB DOT group was 12% higher than that in the HF DOT (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR)= 1.12 [95%CI 1.01, 1.24], P-value=0.03). Males were less likely to achieve treatment success compared to their female counterparts (aPR=0.87 [95% CI 0.78, 0.98], P-value=0.02). A total of 126 (47.7%) of 264 patients reported at least one adverse event. The HF DOT group had a higher proportion of patients with at least one adverse event compared to the CB DOT group (90/152 [59.2%] versus 36/112 [32.1], P-value<0.01). The model was acceptable among patients (93.6%) and health workers (94.1%). CONCLUSIONS: CB DOT for DR-TB care is effective and results in better treatment outcomes than HF DOT. The cost-effectiveness of this model of care should be further evaluated.

Pharmacokinetics of levonorgestrel and etonogestrel contraceptive implants over 48†weeks with rilpivirine- or darunavir-based antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacokinetic data are lacking for progestin-releasing subdermal contraceptive implants when used with either rilpivirine- or darunavir/ritonavir-based ART. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of etonogestrel or levonorgestrel implants when administered with these ART regimens over 48 weeks. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two separate, parallel, three-group, non-randomized, pharmacokinetic studies evaluated either etonogestrel or levonorgestrel in women receiving rilpivirine- or darunavir-based ART compared with women without HIV (control group). Participants on ART were switched to rilpivirine-based ART with a run-in period of 6 weeks or darunavir-based ART with a run-in of 2 weeks prior to implant insertion. Plasma was collected on Day 0, and 1, 4, 12, 24, 36 and 48 weeks post-insertion. Plasma progestin concentrations were compared between ART and control groups by geometric mean ratio (GMR) and 90% CI. RESULTS: At the primary endpoint of Week 24, progestin concentrations were similar between the rilpivirine and control groups [etonogestrel: 1.18 (0.99-1.37); levonorgestrel: 1.16 (0.97-1.33)]. At Week 24, progestin exposure was higher in the darunavir groups compared with the control group [etonogestrel: 2.56 (1.69-3.28); levonorgestrel: 1.89 (1.38-2.29)]. Results remained consistent through to Week 48. No differences in etonogestrel-related adverse events were observed, but both ART groups experienced more menstrual abnormalities versus the control group with levonorgestrel. CONCLUSIONS: Etonogestrel and levonorgestrel concentrations were not altered by rilpivirine-based ART. Although progestin concentrations were higher in the ART groups containing ritonavir-boosted darunavir, no implant-related serious adverse events were observed. Both progestin-releasing implants are an appropriate contraceptive option with either rilpivirine- or darunavir/ritonavir-based ART.

Prevalence and factors associated with psychological distress among patients on warfarin at the Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide and are significantly associated with multiple comorbid disorders including mental disorders such as psychological distress (PD). At increased risk of PD are CVD patient sub-categories that not only require chronic therapy but also need follow up with continuous blood tests and dose adjustments (like the patients on warfarin). However, not much has been done to ascertain the burden of PD among patients on warfarin in Uganda. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with PD among patients on anticoagulation with warfarin at the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI). METHODS: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 197 participants were sampled from adults on warfarin attending the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) out patient clinic. The Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), a tool with a total maximum score of 20 and cutoff for PD at ≥6 was used to determine the presence of PD among participants, and a socio-demographic questionnaire to document the socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects. Additional questions including the underlying CVD diagnosis, medications used (besides warfarin) and presence of chronic illnesess were also assessed. Bi-variable and multi-variabe logistic regression analysis techniques were used to examine the associations between the dependent and independent variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of PD was 32%. The unemployed participants were 4.5 times more likely to have PD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]4.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-18.62, p = 0.04). Participants who had experienced social stressors were more likely to have PD (aOR: 11.38, CI: 3.60-36.04, p < 0.01). Other factors associated with a higher likelihood of having PD included: presence of other chronic comorbidities (aOR: 3.69, CI: 1.24-11.02, p = 0.02) and concomitant use of loop diuretics (aOR: 4.13, CI: 1.67-10.19,p < 0.01). A shorter length of time on warfarin (7-24 months) lowered the likelihood of PD (aOR: 0.23, CI: 0.07-0.74, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PD was high among patients on warfarin in this low income setting and there is a need to characterize the specific psychiatric disorders in patients with CVD. Interventions that address the high burden of PD are urgently needed in this setting.

Developing a patient-centered community-based model for management of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Uganda: a discrete choice experiment.

BACKGROUND: The advent of all-oral regimens for the management of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) makes the implementation of community-based directly observed therapy (CB-DOT) a possibility for this group of patients. We set out to determine patient preferences for different attributes of a community-based model for the management of MDR-TB in Uganda. METHODS: The study was conducted at five tertiary referral hospitals. We used a parallel convergent mixed methods study design. To collect quantitative data, we conducted a discrete choice experiment (DCE) with three different attributes of community-based care (DOT provider, location of care, and type of support) combined into eight choice sets, each with two options and an opt-out. We elicited patient reasons for selection of each choice set using qualitative methods. We fitted a mixed logit choice model to determine patient preferences for different attributes of community-based care and estimated the relative importance of each attribute using the range method. and used deductive thematic analysis to understand the reasons for the choices made. RESULTS: From December 2019 to January 2020, we interviewed 103 patients with MDR-TB. We found that all the three attributes considered were important predicators of choice. The relative importance of each attribute was as follows; the type of additional support (relative importance 36.2%), the location of treatment delivery (33.5%), and the type of DOT provider (30.3%). Participants significantly valued treatment delivered by community health workers (CHWs) or expert clients over that delivered by a family member, treatment delivered at home over that delivered at the workplace, and monthly travel vouchers as the form of additional support over phone call or SMS reminders. Subgroup analyses showed significant differences in preference across HIV status, age groups and duration on MDR-TB treatment, but not across gender. The preferred model consisted of a CHW giving DOT at home and travel vouchers to enable attendance of monthly clinic follow-up visits to tertiary referral hospitals for treatment monitoring. Qualitative interviews revealed that patients perceived CHWs as knowledgeable and able to offer psychosocial support. Patients also preferred to take medication at home to save both time and money and lower the risk of facing TB stigma. CONCLUSION: People with MDR-TB prefer to be supported to take their medicine at home by a member of their community. The effectiveness of this model of care is being further evaluated.

Spectrum of antibiotic resistance in UTI caused by Escherichia coli among HIV-infected patients in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial drug resistance is one of the top ten threats to global health according to the World Health Organization. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections and main reason for antibiotic prescription. The incidence of UTIs appears to be high among people living with HIV. We sought to determine the most common UTI pathogens among HIV infected patients and evaluate their susceptibility towards antibiotics. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study among HIV-infected patients aged ≥ 18 years presenting at an HIV care specialized clinic with symptoms suggestive of a urethritis. Urine cultures were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. The data was analyzed using STATA, we performed Pearson's Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests to compare differences between proportions. RESULTS: Out of the 200 patients, 123 (62%) were female. The median age was 41.9 years (IQR 34.7-49.3). Only 32 (16%) urine cultures showed bacterial growth. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated uropathogen (72%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (9%). E. coli was completely resistant to cotrimoxazole and ampicillin; resistance to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone was 44% and 35% respectively; 9% to gentamicin; no resistance detected to nitrofurantoin and imipenem. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are congruent with the Uganda national clinical guidelines which recommends nitrofurantoin as the first line antibiotic for uncomplicated UTI. Significant ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone resistance was detected. In the era of emerging antibiotic resistance, understanding the local susceptibilities among sub-populations such as HIV infected patients is crucial. Further investigation is needed to address reasons for the low bacterial growth rate observed in the urine cultures.

Risk factors for mortality among patients diagnosed with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis in Uganda- a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) End TB strategy aims to reduce mortality due to tuberculosis (TB) to less than 5% by 2035. However, mortality due to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains particularly high. Globally, almost 20% of patients started on MDR-TB treatment die during the course of treatment every year. We set out to examine the risk factors for mortality among a cohort of patients diagnosed with MDR-TB in Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study nested within the national MDR-TB cohort. We defined cases as patients who died from any cause during the course of MDR-TB treatment. We selected two controls for each case from patients alive and on MDR-TB treatment at the time that the death occurred (incidence-density sampling). We matched the cases and controls on health facility at which they were receiving care. We performed conditional logistic regression to identify the risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: Data from 198 patients (66 cases and 132 controls) started on MDR-TB treatment from January 1 to December 31, 2016, was analyzed for this study. Cases were similar to controls in age/sex distribution, occupation and history of TB treatment. However, cases were more likely to be HIV infected while controls were more likely to have attained secondary level education. On multivariate regression analysis, co-infection with HIV (aOR 1.9, 95% CI [1.1-4.92] p = 0.05); non-adherence to MDR-TB treatment (aOR 1.92, 95% CI [1.02-4.83] p = 0.04); age over 50 years (aOR 3.04, 95% CI [1.13-8.20] p = 0.03); and having no education (aOR 3.61, 95% CI [1.1-10.4] p = 0.03) were associated with MDR-TB mortality. CONCLUSION: To mitigate MDR-TB mortality, attention must be paid to provision of social support particularly for older persons on MDR-TB treatment. In addition, interventions that support treatment adherence and promote early detection and management of TB among HIV infected persons should also be emphasized.

Baseline Xpert MTB/RIF ct values predict sputum conversion during the intensive phase of anti-TB treatment in HIV infected patients in Kampala, Uganda: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: In resource-limited settings, sputum smear conversion is used to document treatment response. Many People living with HIV (PLHIV) are smear-negative at baseline. The Xpert MTB/RIF test can indirectly measure bacterial load through cycle threshold (ct) values. This study aimed to determine if baseline Xpert MTB/RIF could predict time to culture negativity in PLHIV with newly diagnosed TB. METHODS: A subset of 138 PLHIV from the 'SOUTH' study on outcomes related to TB and antiretroviral drug concentrations were included. Bacterial load was estimated by Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tubes (MGIT) culture time-to-positivity (TTP) and Lowenstein Jensen (LJ) colony counts. Changes in TTP and colony counts were analyzed with Poisson Generalised Estimating Equations (GEE) and multilevel ordered logistic regression models, respectively, while time to culture negativity analysed with Cox proportional hazard models. ROC curves were used to explore the accuracy of the ct value in predicting culture negativity. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients (58.7%) were males, median age 34 (IQR 29  ̶ 40) years, median CD4 cell count of 180 (IQR 68  ̶ 345) cells/µL and 77.5% were ART naive. The median baseline ct value was 25.1 (IQR 21.0  ̶ 30.1). A unit Increase in the ct value was associated with a 5% (IRR = 1.05 95% CI 1.04  ̶ 1.06) and 3% (IRR = 1.03 95% CI 1.03  ̶ 1.04) increase in TTP at week 2 and 4 respectively. With LJ culture, a patient's colony grade was reduced by 0.86 times (0R = 0.86 95% CI 0.74  ̶ 0.97) at week 2 and 0.84 times (OR = 0.84 95% CI 0.79  ̶ 0.95 P = 0.002) at week 4 for every unit increase in the baseline ct value. There was a 3% higher likelihood of earlier conversion to negativity for every unit increase in the ct value. A ct cut point ≥28 best predicted culture negativity at week 4 with a sensitivity of 91. 7% & specificity 53.7% while a cut point ≥23 best predicted culture negativity at week 8. CONCLUSION: Baseline Xpert MTB/RIF ct values predict sputum conversion in PLHIV on anti-TB treatment. Surrogate biomarkers for sputum conversion in PLHIV are still a research priority.

Safety and efficacy of hydroxychloroquine for treatment of non-severe COVID-19 among adults in Uganda: a randomized open label phase II clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Several repurposed drugs such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have been investigated for treatment of COVID-19, but none was confirmed to be efficacious. While in vitro studies have demonstrated antiviral properties of HCQ, data from clinical trials were conflicting regarding its benefit for COVID-19 treatment. Drugs that limit viral replication may be beneficial in the earlier course of the disease thus slowing progression to severe and critical illness. DESIGN: We conducted a randomized open label Phase II clinical trial from October-December 2020. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 using RT-PCR were included in the study if they were 18 years and above and had a diagnosis of COVID-19 made in the last 3 days. Patients were randomized in blocks, to receive either HCQ 400 mg twice a day for the first day followed by 200 mg twice daily for the next 4 days plus standard of care (SOC) treatment or SOC treatment alone. SARS COV-2 viral load (CT values) from RT-PCR testing of samples collected using nasal/orapharyngeal swabs was performed at baseline, day 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. The primary outcome was median time from randomization to SARS COV-2 viral clearance by day 6. RESULTS: Of the 105 participants enrolled, 55 were assigned to the intervention group (HCQ plus SOC) and 50 to the control group (SOC only). Baseline characteristics were similar across treatment arms. Viral clearance did not differ by treatment arm, 20 and 19 participants respectively had SARS COV-2 viral load clearance by day 6 with no significant difference, median (IQR) number of days to viral load clearance between the two groups was 4(3-4) vs 4(2-4): p = 0.457. There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes (symptom resolution and adverse events) between the intervention group and the control group. There were no significant differences in specific adverse events such as elevated alkaline phosphatase, prolonged QTc interval on ECG, among patients in the intervention group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results show that HCQ 400 mg twice a day for the first day followed by 200 mg twice daily for the next 4 days was safe but not associated with reduction in viral clearance or symptom resolution among adults with COVID-19 in Uganda. TRIAL REGISTRATION:  NCT04860284.

Low Antituberculosis Drug Concentrations in HIV-Tuberculosis-Coinfected Adults with Low Body Weight: Is It Time To Update Dosing Guidelines?

Antituberculosis drugs display large pharmacokinetic variability, which may be influenced by several factors, including body size, genetic differences, and drug-drug interactions. We set out to determine these factors, quantify their effect, and determine the dose adjustments necessary for optimal drug concentrations. HIV-infected Ugandan adults with pulmonary tuberculosis treated according to international weight-based dosing guidelines underwent pharmacokinetic sampling (1, 2, and 4 h after drug intake) 2, 8, and 24 weeks after treatment initiation. Between May 2013 and November 2015, we enrolled 268 patients (148 males) with a median weight of 53.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 47.5 to 59.0) kg and a median age of 35 (IQR, 29 to 40) years. Population pharmacokinetic modeling was used to interpret the data and revealed that patients weighing <55 kg achieved lower concentrations than those in higher weight bands for all drugs in the regimen. The models predicted that this imbalance could be solved with a dose increment of one fixed-dose combination (FDC) tablet for the weight bands of 30 to 37 and 38 to 54 kg. Additionally, the concomitant use of efavirenz increased isoniazid clearance by 24.1%, while bioavailability and absorption of rifampin and isoniazid varied up to 30% in patients on different formulations. Current dosing guidelines lead to lower drug exposure in patients in the lower weight bands. Simply adding one FDC tablet to current weight band-based dosing would address these differences in exposure and possibly improve outcomes. Lower isoniazid exposures due to efavirenz deserve further attention, as does the quality of currently used drug formulations of anti-TB drugs. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT01782950.).

Antiretroviral concentration measurements as an additional tool to manage virologic failure in resource limited settings: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: Several studies demonstrate a correlation between sub-therapeutic concentrations of antiretroviral drugs and virologic failure. We examined the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of sub-therapeutic drug levels in predicting viralogic failure. METHODS: This was a case control study with cases being samples of participants with virologic failure, and controls samples of participants with virologic suppression. We analyzed samples obtained from participants that had been on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for at least 6 months. Virologic failure was defined as HIV-RNA viral load ≥ 1000 copies/ml. Sub-therapeutic drug levels were defined according to published reference cutoffs. The diagnostic validity of drug levels for virologic failure was assessed using plasma viral loads as a gold standard. RESULTS: Sub-therapeutic ART concentrations explained only 38.2% of virologic failure with a probability of experiencing virologic failure of 0.66 in a patient with low drug levels versus 0.25 for participants with measurements within or above the normal range. Approximately 90% of participants with ART concentrations above the lower clinical cut off did not have virologic failure. CONCLUSIONS: These results support prior indication for therapeutic drug monitoring in cases of suspected virologic failure.

Incidence rate of sexually transmitted infections among HIV infected patients on long-term ART in an urban and a rural clinic in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: HIV immunosuppression increases susceptibility to other STIs and STIs can enhance HIV transmission, reduce CD4 cell count and increase viral load. Co-infections of HIV and STIs may thus reduce the preventive benefits of ART. Little is known about the incidence rate of STIs among long-term patients on ART. METHOD: We conducted a secondary data analysis of all patients enrolled in a rural and an urban longitudinal cohort studies who initiated ART between April 2003 and July 2007 followed up to 2016. Patients were screened for STI every three months using "a syndromic and case management approaches". STI incidence rate, was defined as the number of new cases per population at risk over the follow-up review period. We performed a time-to-event and Kaplan Meier analysis. We used a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model to assess for factors associated with STI incidence. RESULT: Of 1012 participants, 402 (39.8%) were urban and 610 (60.2%) rural residents. Mean age was 42.8 years (SD 8.5). The total number of follow up time was 44,304 person years. We observed STI incidence rate of 2.1 per 1000 person-years after follow-up. Rural residence (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.53, 95% CI: 1.95-6.39), younger age (aHR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.02-4.12 for 18-34 years and aHR 1.65, 95% CI: 1.00-2.72 for 35-44 years) were factors associated with higher incidence of STIs. Being male (aHR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27-0.93) was associated with a lower incidence of STIs. CONCLUSION: We found STIs incidence rate of approximately 3 per 1000 person-years among patients on long-term (≥ 4 years) ART followed up-to 3.5 years. Rural and younger persons on ART should be routinely screened for STIs because high incidence of STIs may undo the preventative effects of ART for all.

Delayed Sputum Culture Conversion in Tuberculosis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Coinfected Patients With Low Isoniazid and Rifampicin Concentrations.

Background: The relationship between concentrations of antituberculosis drugs, sputum culture conversion, and treatment outcome remains unclear. We sought to determine the association between antituberculosis drug concentrations and sputum conversion among patients coinfected with tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and receiving first-line antituberculosis drugs. Methods: We enrolled HIV-infected Ugandans with pulmonary tuberculosis. Estimation of first-line antituberculosis drug concentrations was performed 1, 2, and 4 hours after drug intake at 2, 8, and 24 weeks of tuberculosis treatment. Serial sputum cultures were performed at each visit. Time-to-event analysis was used to determine factors associated with sputum culture conversion. Results: We enrolled 268 HIV-infected patients. Patients with low isoniazid and rifampicin concentrations were less likely to have sputum culture conversion before the end of tuberculosis treatment (hazard ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, .37-.77; P = .001) or by the end of follow-up (0.61; .44-.85; P = .003). Patients in the highest quartile for area under the rifampicin and isoniazid concentration-time curves for were twice as likely to experience sputum conversion than those in the lowest quartile. Rifampicin and isoniazid concentrations below the thresholds and weight <55 kg were both risk factors for unfavorable tuberculosis treatment outcomes. Only 4.4% of the participants had treatment failure. Conclusion: Although low antituberculosis drug concentrations did not translate to a high proportion of patients with treatment failure, the association between low concentrations of rifampicin and isoniazid and delayed culture conversion may have implications for tuberculosis transmission. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT01782950.

Risky sexual behavior among patients on long-term antiretroviral therapy: a prospective cohort study in urban and rural Uganda.

BACKGROUND: While the effects of initiation of antiretroviral treatment (ART) on risky sexual behavior have been extensively studied, less is known about the long-term changes in risky sexual behavior over time in resource-poor settings. METHODS: We conducted a secondary longitudinal analysis of one rural and one urban cohort of patients who initiated ART in Uganda between April 2004 and July 2007 followed up-to 2016. Data on sexual behavior were collected every 6 months for 3.5 years in individuals on ART ≥ 4 years (baseline) when a behavioral questionnaire was introduced. Risky sexual behavior was defined as sexual intercourse with ≥ 2 partners or inconsistent or no condom use in previous 6 months. We report characteristics overall, and by cohort. We used multivariable generalized estimating equations logistic regression to assess the effects of time on ART on risky sexual behavior. RESULTS: Of 1012 participants, 402 (39.8%) were urban and 610 (60.2%) were rural residents. Mean age was 42.8 years (SD 8.5). Mean duration of follow-up was 51.3 months (SD 15.3), but longer for urban than rural participants (64.5 vs 36.4 months). Risky sexual behavior declined from 33.1% at baseline to 9.6% after 3.5 years of follow-up in the rural cohort (p ≤ 0.01 for the test of trend) and was unchanged from 9.7% at baseline to 9.9% after 3.5 years in the urban cohort (p = 0.51). Receiving care at a rural clinic (aOR 4.99, 95% CI 3.64-6.84); male gender (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.26-2.19) and being younger (aOR 5.60, 95% CI 3.80-8.25 for 18-34 years and aOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.74-3.14 for 35-44 years) were associated with increased odds of risky sexual behavior. Not being married (aOR 0.25; 95% CI 0.19-0.34), and longer time on ART (aOR 0.71 95% CI 0.67-0.76) were associated with reduced odds of risky sex. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a decline in risky sexual behavior in rural people on long-term (≥ 4 years) ART. Rural, male and young individuals had higher odds of self-reported risky sexual behavior. ART programs should continue to emphasize risk reduction practices, especially among people receiving care in rural health facilities, males, younger individuals and those who are married.

Different modalities of entry in a large urban clinic in Uganda and impact on outcomes of patients assessing HIV care and treatment.

In resource-limited settings, a number of patients do not receive continuous HIV care. In this analysis, we compared outcomes in patients who entered care by different modality of entry. This was a retrospective analysis of all patients started on antiretroviral treatment (ART) at a large urban center in Uganda from 2005 to 2012. Patients were categorized into three groups (1) Front door: started on ART without interruption during follow-up; (2) drop-out side door: restarted on ART after having an interruption >6 months and (3) transfer-in side door: transferred-in after being started on ART somewhere else. We compared characteristics at enrollment in the three groups and investigated the following outcomes: (1) retention in care (2) switch to second line. In the study period 11,528 (87.2%) were enrolled through the front door, 1159 (8.7%) resumed ART after dropping out, while 527 (4%) patients were transferred in on ART. The three groups were generally comparable, although patients transferred in were sicker. A larger proportion of patients entered through the drop-out side door died or was lost to follow-up (37.3%), as compared to patients in the front door group (24.9%) and transferred-in side door group (17.7%). More patients in the front door group (32.1%) were transferred out during the follow-up. The highest probability of switching to second line was found in the transferred-in group. Patients who re-enter our program after dropping out are at higher risk of dropping out of care and often need to be switched to second-line ART. The high demand for second-line therapy among patients in transfer-in side door reflects failure in management of complicated patients who are usually require "up-transfer" to better treatment centers. In future understanding, the different modes of entry into HIV care will be key in reshaping the general cascade of HIV care.