The impact of integrase inhibitors on steatosis and fibrosis biomarkers in persons with HIV naïve to antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has a high prevalence among persons with HIV infection. Since Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs) are used worldwide and have been associated with weight gain, we must determine their effect in the development of NAFLD and Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) in these patients. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of INSTIs on variation of liver steatosis and fibrosis in the ART-naïve person with HIV, using Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4), BARD score and NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS). METHODS: We performed a monocentric, retrospective cohort study in ART-naïve persons with HIV that initiated INSTI based regimens between December 2019 and January 2022. Data was collected at baseline, 6 and 12 months after initiation. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics, hepatic steatosis, and fibrosis scores were compared between baseline and last visit at 12 months. Linear regression models were performed to analyse the associations between analytical data at baseline and hepatic scores variation during the 12 months of treatment. Models were performed unadjusted and adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS: 99 patients were included in our study. 82% were male and median age was 36 years. We observed a significant increase in body mass index (BMI), HDL, platelet count, albumin, and creatinine and a significant decrease in AST levels. HSI showed no statistically significant differences during follow-up (p = 0.114). We observed a significant decrease in FIB-4 (p = 0.007) and NFS (p = 0.002). BARD score showed a significant increase (p = 0.006). The linear regression model demonstrated a significant negative association between baseline HIV RNA and FIB-4 change (ß= -0.08, 95% CI [-0.16 to -0.00], p = 0.045), suggesting that higher HIV RNA loads at baseline were associated with a greater decrease in FIB-4. CONCLUSION: INSTIs seem to have no impact on hepatic steatosis, even though they were associated with a significant increase in BMI. This might be explained by the direct effect of a dolutegravir-containing regimen and/or by the "return-to-health effect" observed with ART initiation. Furthermore, INSTIs were associated with a reduction in risk of liver fibrosis in ART-naïve persons with HIV, possibly due to their effect on viral suppression.

Lymph node tuberculosis-associated paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in a non-HIV patient: Case report and review of literature.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health threat, especially in HIV patients who may experience immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) upon Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Diagnosing and defining IRIS in non-HIV patients remains challenging. A 63-year-old male with acute leukaemia underwent induction therapy with a regimen containing fludarabine. Febrile neutropenia led to further investigations, revealing non-cavitary pulmonary TB, prompting anti-tuberculosis therapy (ATT) alongside resumed leukaemia treatment with sorafenib. Persistent extra-pulmonary TB, specifically lymph node involvement, were observed and IRIS was suspected, evidenced by enlarged lymphadenopathies, scrofula, and skin lesions that developed during the 13-month course of ATT, with no recurrence after its cessation. This article explores a case of lymph node TB-associated paradoxical IRIS in a non-HIV leukaemia patient, revealing the intricate interplay between tuberculosis and haematological malignancies and emphasizing the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment consensus. Challenges in lymph node TB diagnosis and management highlight the need for tailored therapeutic approaches. The report explores the potential immunomodulatory effects of fludarabine and sorafenib, questioning their roles in TB-IRIS. This case illuminates TB-IRIS dynamics in non-HIV patients, urging further research and collaborative efforts to enhance understanding and outcomes. As medical complexities persist, personalized therapeutic approaches and advancements in TB-IRIS research are crucial.

Acute Myocarditis: A New Manifestation of Monkeypox Infection?

A 31-year-old male patient with confirmed monkeypox infection developed acute myocarditis days after the eruption of skin lesions. Cardiac magnetic resonance study confirmed myocardial inflammation. The patient was treated with supportive care and had full clinical recovery. This case highlights cardiac involvement as a potential complication associated with monkeypox. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).