Increase in Oral Streptococcal Endocarditis Among Moderate-Risk Patients: Impact of Guideline Changes on Endocarditis Prevention.

Background: The well-established connection between oral bacteria and infective endocarditis (IE) has prompted discussions about using antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) before invasive dental procedures. In 2007/2008, guidelines restricted AP from moderate and high-risk to exclusively high-risk patients. Objectives: The authors aimed to assess whether the proportion of oral streptococcal IE increased in moderate-risk patients using University Hospital Zurich data from 2000 to 2022. Methods: Adult IE patients were categorized into risk groups based on European Society of Cardiology and Swiss guidelines. The investigation focused on analyzing the proportion of oral streptococcal IE across different risk groups in two distinct periods (1: 2000-2008; 2: 2009-2022). Logistic regression models, adjusted for various factors, were employed. Results: Of 752 IE cases, 163 occurred in period 1, and 589 in period 2. Oral streptococci caused 22% of cases. Proportions of streptococcal IE in period 1 versus period 2 were 24% versus 16% in high-risk, 24% versus 39% in moderate-risk, 33% versus 7% in low-/unknown-risk, and 18% versus 14% in no-risk patients. Compared to the other risk groups, the moderate-risk group had a 22% higher chance of oral streptococcal IE in period 2. After multivariable adjustment, moderate-risk patients had twice the risk of oral streptococcal IE compared to period 1 (OR: 2.59 [95% CI: 1.16-5.81]). Among moderate-risk conditions, congenital valve anomalies were associated with oral streptococcal IE (unadjusted OR: 2.52 [95% CI: 1.71-3.71]). Conclusions: Oral streptococcal IEs increased in the moderate-risk group of patients after the AP guideline change. Exploring the potential necessity for expanding AP indications to certain patient groups with congenital valve anomalies may be warranted.

Beyond the Timeline: One-year Mortality Trends in Early vs. Late Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis.

Among 302 episodes with prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), one-year mortality was 31%. There was no evidence indicating that early-onset PVE within 6 months from valve surgery led to a worse outcome compared to late-onset PVE (21% versus 32%; p=0.126), despite similar redo valve surgeries across both categories.

Prevalence of HIV-related stigma among people with HIV in Switzerland: addressing the elephant in the room.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV-related stigma among people with HIV (PWH) in Switzerland. DESIGN: A cross-sectional multicenter study nested within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). METHODS: We included adult PWH enrolled in the SHCS, attending follow-up between March 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. Inability to speak English, French, German, or Italian was the only exclusion criterion. Participants were invited to complete a validated 12-item HIV-stigma questionnaire comprising four stigma subscales (negative self-image, personalized stigma, disclosure concerns, and concerns regarding public attitudes), plus two healthcare-related stigma items. Questionnaire responses were graded using a four-point Likert-type scale, higher scores indicating higher stigma. "Non-applicable," inferring HIV-status non-disclosure, was possible for personalized stigma; stigma scores from participants answering "non-applicable" to at least one item were analyzed separately. Factors associated with HIV-stigma were identified through multivariable linear models. RESULTS: Of 9643 PWH with a SHCS visit, 5563 participated in the study: 26% were female, 13% Black, and 37% heterosexual; median age was 53 years (interquartile range 44-59); 2067 participants (37%) gave at least one "non-applicable" response. Disclosure concerns had the highest stigma scores and were reported by 4656/5563 (84%). HIV-stigma was reported across all demographic groups. However, being female, Black, and heterosexual were independently associated with higher scores. Higher education and longer follow-up duration were associated with lower scores. Healthcare-related stigma was reported in 37% of participants. CONCLUSION: HIV-stigma was prevalent across all demographic groups. The association with being female and Black suggests that HIV-stigma accentuates preexisting sex and race inequalities.

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake patterns in positron emission tomography/computed tomography caused by inflammation and/or infection after graft surgery for thoracic aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: To identify 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake patterns in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) caused by infection, inflammation, surgical material, and/or graft coating. METHODS AND RESULTS: Of 610 consecutive patients with thoracic aortic graft surgery, 60 patients with 187 PET/CT were retrospectively included. We quantified FDG uptake in all grafts using maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) alone and in relation to liver background (SUVratio) and determined the uptake pattern. Mixed linear regression models with random slope and intercept were applied for the analysis of SUVratio over time and generalized estimating equations to analyze the associations with anastomosis uptake. FDG uptake was frequently focal (90%), higher in infected than in noninfected grafts (mean SUVratio 2.19; 95% CI 2.05-2.32 vs. 1.63; 1.46-1.79, P < 0.001), and decreasing slowly over time (SUVratio per year since surgery -0.048; 95% CI -0.15- 0.051, P = 0.34), without a difference in slope between infected and noninfected grafts (P = 0.52). There was no evidence of an interaction between SUVratio and use of BioGlue® surgical adhesive (intercept P = 0.73, slope P = 0.71), or graft coating (gelatin and collagen, all P > 0.7). FDG uptake at the anastomosis was more frequent in noninfected grafts than in infected grafts (66% vs. 21%, odds ratio (OR) 11.34; 95% CI 3.61-35.66, P < 0.001). This effect was attenuated by the use of BioGlue® (OR 5.05; 95% CI 0.45-56.9, P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: FDG uptake in PET/CT after thoracic aortic graft surgery is higher in infected grafts than in noninfected grafts. In noninfected grafts, focal uptake is also frequent, mostly anastomosis-associated, not associated with graft coating, and possibly affected by the use of BioGlue®.

Improving antimicrobial treatment in terms of antimicrobial stewardship and health costs by an OPAT service.

PURPOSE: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a standard for antimicrobial therapy internationally. With this prospective cohort study, we aimed to assess the impact of an OPAT service as part of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and evaluate the safety and efficiency of the program while illuminating the financial benefit for the hospital. METHODS: Socio-demographic data, treatment regimen and outcomes were prospectively recorded for all patients assigned to the program of the OPAT unit of the University Hospital of Zurich between November 2018 and September 2022. RESULTS: In total, we recorded 303 OPAT assignments of which 260 resulted in effective OPAT episodes. The 260 OPAT episodes were further optimized toward the choice of antimicrobial agent (n = 18) and length of therapy (n = 6). Moreover, OPAT resulted in alteration of patient assessment and care led by AMS strategies in 247 of 260 episodes (95%). While the bed days saved per year increased consistently with time, a total of 3934 in-hospital treatment days were saved amounting to a cost saving of 9,835,000 CHF over 47 months. Adverse events were recorded in 46 cases whilst only two of these have been the reason for readmission during OPAT treatment. Clinical cure was noted in 77% (199/260) and was negatively associated with Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI; OR per 1 unit higher 0.85 (95% CI 0.78-0.93)). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the impact of an OPAT service in the framework of AMS as well as its benefits for the hospital whilst preserving safety and efficacy for the patient's parenteral antimicrobial treatment.

Predicting type 2 diabetes risk before and after solid organ transplantation using polygenic scores in a Danish cohort.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can be multifactorial where both genetics and environmental factors play a role. We aimed to investigate the use of polygenic risk scores (PRS) in the prediction of pre-transplant T2DM and post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) among solid organ transplant (SOT) patients. Using non-genetic risk scores alone; and the combination with PRS, separate logistic regression models were built and compared using receiver operator curves. Patients were assessed pre-transplant and in three post-transplant periods: 0-45, 46-365 and >365 days. A higher PRS was significantly associated with increased odds of pre-transplant T2DM. However, no improvement was observed for pre-transplant T2DM prediction when comparing PRS combined with non-genetic risk scores to using non-genetic risk scores alone. This was also true for predictions of PTDM in all three post-transplant periods. This study demonstrated that polygenic risk was only associated with the risk of T2DM among SOT recipients prior to transplant and not for PTDM. Combining PRS with a clinical model of non-genetic risk scores did not significantly improve the predictive ability, indicating its limited clinical utility in identifying patients at high risk for T2DM before transplantation, suggesting that non-genetic or different genetic factors may contribute to PTDM.

Invasive Aspergillosis among Lung Transplant Recipients during Time Periods with Universal and Targeted Antifungal Prophylaxis-A Nationwide Cohort Study.

The optimal prevention strategy for invasive aspergillosis (IA) in lung transplant recipients (LTXr) is unknown. In 2016, the Danish guidelines were changed from universal to targeted IA prophylaxis. Previously, we found higher rates of adverse events in the universal prophylaxis period. In a Danish nationwide study including LTXr, for 2010-2019, we compared IA rates in time periods with universal vs. targeted prophylaxis and during person-time with vs. person-time without antifungal prophylaxis. IA hazard rates were analyzed in multivariable Cox models with adjustment for time after LTX. Among 295 LTXr, antifungal prophylaxis was initiated in 183/193 and 6/102 during the universal and targeted period, respectively. During the universal period, 62% discontinued prophylaxis prematurely. The median time on prophylaxis was 37 days (IQR 11-84). IA was diagnosed in 27/193 (14%) vs. 15/102 (15%) LTXr in the universal vs. targeted period, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.94 (95% CI 0.49-1.82). The aHR of IA during person-time with vs. person-time without antifungal prophylaxis was 0.36 (95% CI 0.12-1.02). No difference in IA was found during periods with universal vs. targeted prophylaxis. Prophylaxis was protective of IA when taken. Targeted prophylaxis may be preferred over universal due to comparable IA rates and lower rates of adverse events.

Dismal prognosis of patients with operative indication without surgical intervention in active left-sided infective endocarditis.

Introduction: Around 25% of patients with left-sided infective endocarditis and operative indication do not undergo surgery. Baseline characteristics and outcomes are underreported. This study describes characteristics and outcomes of surgical candidates with surgical intervention or medical treatment only. Methods: Retrospective analysis of ongoing collected data from a single-center from an observational cohort of patients with infective endocarditis (ENVALVE). Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival was calculated. Factors associated with survival were assessed using a bivariable Cox model. To adjust for confounding by indication, uni- and multivariable logistic regression for the propensity to receive surgery were adjusted. Results: From January 2018 and December 2021, 154 patients were analyzed: 116 underwent surgery and 38 received medical treatment only. Surgical candidates without surgery were older (70 vs. 62 years, p = 0.001). They had higher preoperative risk profile (EuroSCORE II 14% (7.2-28.6) vs. 5.8% (2.5-20.3), p = 0.002) and more comorbidities. One patient was lost-to-follow-up. Survival analysis revealed a significant higher one-year survival rate among patients following surgery (83.7% vs. 15.3% in the non-surgical group; log-rank test <0.0001). In the final multivariable adjusted model, surgery was less likely among patients with liver cirrhosis [OR = 0.03 (95% CI 0.00-0.30)] and with hemodialysis [OR = 0.014 (95% CI 0.00-0.47)]. Conclusion: Patients with left-sided infective endocarditis who do not undergo surgery despite an operative indication are older, have more comorbidities and therefore higher preoperative risk profile and a low 1-year survival. The role of the Endocarditis Team may be particularly important for the decision-making process in this specific group.

Epigenetic ageing accelerates before antiretroviral therapy and decelerates after viral suppression in people with HIV in Switzerland: a longitudinal study over 17 years.

BACKGROUND: Accelerated epigenetic ageing can occur in untreated HIV infection and is partially reversible with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). We aimed to make a long-term comparison of epigenetic ageing dynamics in people with HIV during untreated HIV infection and during suppressive ART. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, conducted over 17 years in HIV outpatient clinics in Switzerland, we applied 5 established epigenetic age estimators (epigenetic clocks) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants before or during suppressive ART. All participants had a longitudinal set of PBMC samples available at four timepoints (T1-T4). T1 and T2 had to be 3 years or longer apart, as did T3 and T4. We assessed epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) and a novel rate of epigenetic ageing. FINDINGS: Between March 13, 1990, and Jan 18, 2018, we recruited 81 people with HIV from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. We excluded one participant because a sample did not meet quality checks (transmission error). 52 (65%) of 80 patients were men, 76 (95%) were white, and the median patient age was 43 (IQR 37·5-47) years. Per year of untreated HIV infection (median observation 8·08 years, IQR 4·83-11·09), mean EAA was 0·47 years (95% CI 0·37 to 0·57) for Horvath's clock, 0·43 years (0·3 to 0·57) for Hannum's clock, 0·36 years (0·27 to 0·44) for SkinBlood clock, and 0·69 years (0·51 to 0·86) for PhenoAge. Per year of suppressive ART (median observation 9·8 years, IQR 7·2-11), mean EAA was -0·35 years (95% CI -0·44 to -0·27) for Horvath's clock, -0·39 years (-0·50 to -0·27) for Hannum's clock, -0·26 years (-0·33 to -0·18) for SkinBlood clock, and -0·49 years (-0·64 to -0·35) for PhenoAge. Our findings indicate that people with HIV epigenetically aged by a mean of 1·47 years for Horvath's clock, 1·43 years for Hannum's clock, 1·36 years for SkinBlood clock, and 1·69 years for PhenoAge per year of untreated HIV infection; and 0·65 years for Horvath's clock, 0·61 years for Hannum's clock, 0·74 years for SkinBlood clock, and 0·51 years for PhenoAge, per year of suppressive ART. GrimAge showed some change in the mean EAA during untreated HIV infection (0·10 years, 0·02 to 0·19) and suppressive ART (-0·05 years, -0·12 to 0·02). We obtained very similar results using the rate of epigenetic ageing. Contribution of multiple HIV-related, antiretroviral, and immunological variables, and of a DNA methylation-associated polygenic risk score to EAA was small. INTERPRETATION: In a longitudinal study over more than 17 years, epigenetic ageing accelerated during untreated HIV infection and decelerated during suppressive ART, highlighting the importance of limiting the duration of untreated HIV infection. FUNDING: Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Swiss National Science Foundation, and Gilead Sciences.

Association of a Polygenic Risk Score With Osteoporosis in People Living With HIV: The Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Bone mineral density (BMD) loss may be accelerated in people with HIV (PLWH). It is unknown whether a polygenic risk score (PRS) is associated with low BMD in PLWH. METHODS: Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants of self-reported European descent underwent ≥2 per-protocol dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measurements ≥2 years apart (2011-2020). Univariable and multivariable odds ratios (ORs) for DXA-defined osteoporosis were based on traditional and HIV-related risk factors and a genome-wide PRS built from 9413 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with low BMD in the general population. Controls were free from osteoporosis/osteopenia on all DXA measurements. RESULTS: We included 438 participants: 149 with osteoporosis and 289 controls (median age, 53 years; 82% male, 95% with suppressed HIV RNA). Participants with unfavorable osteoporosis PRS (top vs bottom quintile) had univariable and multivariable-adjusted osteoporosis ORs of 4.76 (95% CI, 2.34-9.67) and 4.13 (1.86-9.18), respectively. For comparison, hepatitis C seropositivity, 5-year tenofovir disoproxil fumarate exposure, and parent history of hip fracture yielded univariable osteoporosis ORs of 2.26 (1.37-3.74), 1.84 (1.40-2.43), and 1.54 (0.82-2.9). CONCLUSIONS: In PLWH in Switzerland, osteoporosis was independently associated with a BMD-associated PRS after adjustment for established risk factors, including exposure to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

Prospective evaluation of radiographic manifestations of tuberculosis in relationship with CD4 count in patients with HIV/AIDS.

A major risk factor to develop active tuberculosis (TB) is the infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Chest radiography is the first-line imaging modality used to rule out TB. Coinfected individuals present often with atypical imaging patterns, due to the immunosuppression caused by the virus, making diagnosis difficult. In this prospective observational study 268 TB and HIV coinfected patients were included. During a follow-up period of 24 weeks, the predominant patterns on chest radiography were analyzed and compared to the cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count under antiretroviral and anti-TB therapy. Patients with low CD4 counts (<200 cells//µL) showed more often lymphadenopathy (62% vs 38%;P = .08) and a miliary pattern (64% vs 36%;P = .04) but less likely cavitation (32% vs 68%;P = .008) or consolidation (47% vs 63%;P = .002) compared to individuals with higher CD4 counts. Over the follow-up period, partial response to therapy was the most frequent radiological evolution (62%), mainly accompanied by an increase of CD4 cells (92%). Patients with a decrease in CD4 count mostly presented with a worsening in radiological findings (53%). Radiographic TB manifestation correlated with the immune status of patients coinfected with HIV. Low CD4 counts often showed atypical manifestation.

Leukocyte Count and Coronary Artery Disease Events in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PWH) have increased cardiovascular risk. Higher leukocyte count has been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) events in the general population. It is unknown whether the leukocyte-CAD association also applies to PWH. METHODS: In a case-control study nested within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, we obtained uni- and multivariable odds ratios (OR) for CAD events, based on traditional and HIV-related CAD risk factors, leukocyte count, and confounders previously associated with leukocyte count. RESULTS: We included 536 cases with a first CAD event (2000-2021; median age, 56 years; 87% male; 84% with suppressed HIV RNA) and 1464 event-free controls. Cases had higher latest leukocyte count before CAD event than controls (median [interquartile range], 6495 [5300-7995] vs 5900 [4910-7200]; P < .01), but leukocytosis (>11 000/µL) was uncommon (4.3% vs 2.1%; P = .01). In the highest versus lowest leukocyte quintile at latest time point before CAD event, participants had univariable CAD-OR = 2.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.63-3.15) and multivariable adjusted CAD-OR = 1.59 (1.09-2.30). For comparison, univariable CAD-OR for dyslipidemia, diabetes, and recent abacavir exposure were 1.58 (1.29-1.93), 2.19 (1.59-3.03), and 1.73 (1.37-2.17), respectively. Smoking and, to a lesser degree, alcohol and ethnicity attenuated the leukocyte-CAD association. Leukocytes measured up to 8 years before the event were significantly associated with CAD events. CONCLUSIONS: PWH in Switzerland with higher leukocyte counts have an independently increased risk of CAD events, to a degree similar to traditional and HIV-related risk factors.

Polygenic Risk Scores for Prediction of Subclinical Coronary Artery Disease in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The Swiss HIV Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: In people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PWH), individual polygenic risk scores (PRSs) are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) events. Whether PRSs are associated with subclinical CAD is unknown. METHODS: In Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants of European descent, we defined subclinical CAD as presence of soft, mixed, or high-risk plaque (SMHRP) on coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography, or as participants in the top tertile of the study population's coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, using noncontrast CT. We obtained univariable and multivariable odds ratios (ORs) for subclinical CAD endpoints based on nongenetic risk factors, and validated genome-wide PRSs built from single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with CAD, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), or longevity in the general population. RESULTS: We included 345 genotyped participants (median age, 53 years; 89% male; 96% suppressed HIV RNA); 172 and 127 participants had SMHRP and CAC, respectively. CAD-associated PRS and IMT-associated PRS were associated with SMHRP and CAC (all P < .01), but longevity PRS was not. Participants with unfavorable CAD-PRS (top quintile) had an adjusted SMHRP OR = 2.58 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-5.67), and a CAC OR = 3.95 (95% CI, 1.45-10.77) vs. bottom quintile. Unfavorable nongenetic risk (top vs. bottom quintile) was associated with adjusted SMHRP OR = 24.01 (95% CI, 9.75-59.11), and a CAC-OR = 65.07 (95% CI, 18.48-229.15). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased when we added CAD-PRS to nongenetic risk factors (SMHRP: 0.75 and 0.78, respectively; CAC: 0.80 and 0.83, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In Swiss PWH, subclinical CAD is independently associated with an individual CAD-associated PRS. Combining nongenetic and genetic cardiovascular risk factors provided the most powerful subclinical CAD prediction.

Imaging characteristics and diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT, contrast enhanced CT and combined imaging in patients with suspected mycotic or inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and specific imaging characteristics of positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (PET/CT), contrast enhanced CT (CE-CT), and a combined imaging approach (CE-PET/CT) in patients with infectious/mycotic (MAA), inflammatory (IAA), and non-infected, non-inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, all imaging data sets of 29 consecutive patients with clinically suspected MAA or IAA were anonymised with different, reshuffled identification numbers and retrospectively and independently analysed by two experienced readers, blinded to all clinical patient data. Readers determined the presence or absence and MAA, IAA and AAA and of predefined imaging characteristics (e.g. fluid collection), and measured metabolic activity and wall thickness of all aneurysms. A multidisciplinary team of specialists served as standard of reference and re-evaluated every clinical case, considering all clinical, laboratory, microbiological, histopathological and imaging results, including all follow-up examinations. RESULTS: Diagnostic accuracy was higher in PET/CT as compared to CE-CT in differentiating AAA from MAA and IAA: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) 0.81 (95% confidence intervals 0.69-0.92) and 0.63 (0.52-0.74) (P = 0.027). Specific imaging characteristics were significantly associated with different types of aneurysms (P<0.05), i.e. very high metabolic activity and dorsal sparing of metabolic activity in PET/CT and wall thickening in CE-CT were indicative for IAA; fat stranding and fluid collections in CE-CT were associated with MAA; while low metabolic acitivity and absence of wall thickening in PET/CT, and less fat stranding and absence of wall thickening in CE-CT were indicative for non-infected, non-inflammatory AAA. CONCLUSION: Specific imaging characteristics of PET/CT and CE-CT may be helpful in differentiating between MAA, IAA, and non-infected, non-inflammatory AAA.

Prediction of benzimidazole therapy duration with PET/CT in inoperable patients with alveolar echinococcosis.

Alveolar echinococcosis is a rare parasitic disease, most frequently affecting the liver, as a slow-growing tumor-like lesion. If inoperable, long-term benzimidazole therapy is required, which is associated with high healthcare costs and occasionally with increased morbidity. The aim of our study was to determine the role 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in staging of patients with alveolar echinococcosis and to identify quantitative imaging parameters related to patient outcome and/or duration of benzimidazole therapy. In this single-center retrospective cohort study, 47 PET/CT performed for staging in patients with confirmed alveolar echinococcosis were analysed. In 43 patients (91%) benzimidazole therapy was initiated and was successfully stopped after a median of 870 days (766-2517) in 14/43 patients (33%). In inoperable patients, tests for trend of survivor functions displayed clear trends for longer benzimidazole therapy duration (p = 0.05; n = 25), and for longer time intervals to reach non-detectable serum concentration of Em-18 antibodies (p = 0.01, n = 15) across tertiles of SUVratio (maximum standardized uptake value in the echinococcus manifestation compared to normal liver tissue). Hence, in inoperable patients with alveolar echinococcosis, PET/CT performed for staging may predict the duration of benzimidazole therapy.

Risk of Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal Infections in Patients With Solid Malignant Tumors Treated With Curative Intent Radiation Therapy.

Purpose: The incidence, etiology, and association of infections with radiation therapy (RT)-induced lymphopenia in patients with solid tumors is not well elucidated. Methods and Materials: We identified possible, probable, and definite infections caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses, combining data on medication, microbiology, and diagnoses. Definite infections had either a diagnosis or a positive microbiological isolation. We analyzed the incidence and adjusted incidence-rate ratio of infections in the year after the start of RT among patients who received RT plus chemotherapy and RT monotherapy, by type of infection and according to the degree of RT-induced lymphopenia. Results: A total of 4450 of 6334 (70.3%) patients experienced 11264 infections overall; 1424 (22.5%) patients developed 2104 definite infections in the first year after RT. Infections were more frequent among patients who received RT plus chemotherapy (2590 of 3469; incidence: 16.5 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 16.1-17.0], per 100 patient-years) compared with patients who received RT monotherapy (1860 of 2865; incidence: 12.7 [95% CI, 12.3-13.2]). The incidence of infection was highest in the first 3 months overall (28.2 vs 18.0 in patients who received RT plus chemotherapy compared with those who received RT monotherapy) and for definite infections (4.7 vs 3.8). The proportion of specific bacterial infections were similar among patients who received RT plus chemotherapy versus those who received RT monotherapy. Urinary tract infections were the most frequent (51.2% vs 56.2%), followed by pneumonias (24.1% vs 22.4%). Viral and fungal infections were more frequent among patients who received RT plus chemotherapy, but they were uncommon. In multivariable analyses, patients who received RT plus chemotherapy with a lymphopenia grade of 1-2 or ≥3 versus no lymphopenia at end of RT had an increased risk of bacterial infections 0 to 3 months after RT (incidence rate ratio, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.06-1.97] and 1.71 [95% CI, 1.26-2.34], respectively). Limiting to definite bacterial infections, the incidence rate ratio for lymphopenia grade ≥3 versus no lymphopenia was 2.66 (95% CI, 1.40-5.03). Conclusions: The incidence of bacterial infections 0 to 3 months after RT plus chemotherapy for solid tumors was high, especially among patients with RT-induced lymphopenia grade 1-2 and ≥3.

Follow-up PET/CT of alveolar echinococcosis: Comparison of metabolic activity and immunodiagnostic testing.

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential role of follow-up 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in therapy control of inoperable patients with alveolar echinococcosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-center retrospective cohort study, 48 PET/CT of 16 patients with confirmed alveolar echinococcosis were analysed. FDG-uptake of the most active echinococcosis manifestation was measured (i.e., maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and in relation to background activity in normal liver tissue (SUVratio)) and compared to immunodiagnostic testing. For clinical patient follow-up, patient demographics, laboratory data, including E. granulosus hydatid fluid (EgHF) antibody units (AU) as well as clinical and treatment information were assessed for all patients at the time of PET/CT, and at the last recorded clinical visit. RESULTS: Metabolic activity of PET/CT measured in the echinococcosis manifestation was significantly correlated with EgHF AU (p < 0.001). The differences in metabolic activity of echinococcosis manifestations between two consecutive PET/CT examinations of the same patient and differences in EgHF AU in the respective time intervals displayed a significant positive correlation (p = 0.01). A trend for a more rapid decline in SUVratio liver over time was found in patients who stopped benzimidazole therapy versus patients who did not stop therapy (p = 0.059). CONCLUSION: In inoperable patients with alveolar echinococcosis, the course of metabolic activity in follow-up PET/CT is associated to the course EgHF antibody levels. Both parameters may potentially be used to evaluate the course of the disease and potentially predict the duration of benzimidazole therapy.

Telomere Length Declines in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Before Antiretroviral Therapy Start but Not After Viral Suppression: A Longitudinal Study Over >17 Years.

BACKGROUND: In people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), long-term telomere length (TL) change without/with suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the contribution of genetic background to TL are incompletely understood. METHODS: We measured TL change in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 107 Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants with longitudinal samples available both before and during suppressive ART. We applied mixed-effects multilevel regression to obtain uni-/multivariable estimates for longitudinal TL dynamics including age, sex, and CD4/CD8 ratio. We assessed the effect of (1) individual antiretrovirals and (2) an individual TL-polygenic risk score ([TL-PRS] based on 239 single-nucleotide polymorphisms) on TL in 798 additional participants from our previous longitudinal studies. RESULTS: During untreated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (median observation, 7.7; interquartile range [IQR], 4.7-11] years), TL declined significantly (median -2.12%/year; IQR, -3.48% to -0.76%/year; P = .002). During suppressive ART (median observation, 9.8; IQR, 7.1-11.1 years), there was no evidence of TL decline or increase (median + 0.54%/year; IQR, -0.55% to + 1.63%/year; P = .329). The TL-PRS contributed to TL change (global P = .019) but particular antiretrovirals did not (all P > .15). CONCLUSIONS: In PWH, TL is associated with an individual PRS. Telomere length declined significantly during untreated chronic HIV infection, but no TL change occurred during suppressive ART.

A Lower CD4 Count Predicts Most Causes of Death except Cardiovascular Deaths. The Austrian HIV Cohort Study.

(1) Objective: To investigate changes in mortality rates and predictors of all-cause mortality as well as specific causes of death over time among HIV-positive individuals in the combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) era. (2) Methods: We analyzed all-cause as well as cause-specific mortality among the Austrian HIV Cohort Study between 1997 and 2014. Observation time was divided into five periods: Period 1: 1997-2000; period 2: 2001-2004; period 3: 2005-2008; period 4: 2009-2011; and period 5: 2012-2014. Mortality rates are presented as deaths per 100 person-years (d/100py). Potential risk factors associated with all-cause mortality and specific causes of death were identified by using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Models were adjusted for time-updated CD4, age and cART, HIV transmission category, population size of residence area and country of birth. To assess potential nonlinear associations, we fitted all CD4 counts per patient using restricted cubic splines with truncation at 1000 cells/mm3. Vital status of patients was cross-checked with death registry data. (3) Results: Of 6848 patients (59,704 person-years of observation), 1192 died: 380 (31.9%) from AIDS-related diseases. All-cause mortality rates decreased continuously from 3.49 d/100py in period 1 to 1.40 d/100py in period 5. Death due to AIDS-related diseases, liver-related diseases and non-AIDS infections declined, whereas cardiovascular diseases as cause of death remained stable (0.27 d/100py in period 1, 0.10 d/100py in period 2, 0.16 d/100py in period 3, 0.09 d/100py in period 4 and 0.14 d/100py in period 5) and deaths due to non-AIDS-defining malignancies increased. Compared to latest CD4 counts of 500 cells/mm3, lower CD4 counts conferred a higher risk of deaths due to AIDS-related diseases, liver-related diseases, non-AIDS infections and non-AIDS-defining malignancies, whereas no significant association was observed for cardiovascular mortality. Results were similar in sensitivity analyses where observation time was divided into two periods: 1997-2004 and 2005-2014. (4) Conclusions: Since the introduction of cART, risk of death decreased and causes of death changed. We do not find evidence that HIV-positive individuals with a low CD4 count are more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases.

Neurocognitive course at 2-year follow-up in a Swiss cohort of people with well-treated HIV.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine neurocognitive course over time among people with well treated HIV. DESIGN: The Neurocognitive Assessment in the Metabolic and Aging Cohort (NAMACO) study is an ongoing, prospective, longitudinal, multicenter and multilingual study within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS). Participants undergo neuropsychological assessment at baseline and two-yearly follow-up. SETTING: Seven SHCS centres. PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged at least 45 years enrolled in the SHCS with fluency in the local language (French, German or Italian) and agreeing to participate in the NAMACO study: 981 participants at baseline, 720 at 2-year follow-up of whom 644 had complete data sets. INTERVENTION: Standardized neuropsychological assessment at baseline and 2-year follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Neurocognitive performance using Frascati criteria and mean z-scores. RESULTS: Four participants (of 644, 0.6%) had plasma HIV-1 RNA more than 50 copies/ml; median CD4+ cell count was 660 cells/µl. According to Frascati criteria, 204 participants (31.7%) had neurocognitive impairment (NCI) at baseline. NCI severity in these participants changed little over 2 years and comprehensive models based on Frascati criteria were not feasible. Examining mean z-scores, however, we observed neurocognitive stability or improvement over two years in five of seven neurocognitive domains assessed. Age at least 65 years (P = 0.02) and cognitive complaints (P = 0.004) were associated with neurocognitive decline, while black race (P = 0.01) and dolutegravir treatment (P = 0.002) were associated with improvement. CONCLUSION: Frascati criteria were less sensitive in measuring NCI change and therefore unsuitable for following neurocognitive course in our cohort of people with well treated HIV. Examining neurocognitive course by mean z-score change, we observed stability or improvement.