Plasma Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 RNA and CD4+ T-Cell Counts Are Determinants of Virological Nonsuppression Outcomes With Initial Integrase Inhibitor-Based Regimens: A Prospective RESPOND Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting data regarding baseline determinants of virological nonsuppression outcomes in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) starting antiretroviral treatment (ART). We evaluated the impact of different baseline variables in the RESPOND cohort. METHODS: We included treatment-naive participants aged ≥18 who initiated 3-drug ART, in 2014-2020. We assessed the odds of virological suppression (VS) at weeks 48 and 96 using logistic regression. Viral blips, low-level viremia (LLV), residual viremia (RV), and virological failure (VF) rates were assessed using Cox regression. RESULTS: Of 4310 eligible participants, 72% started integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens. At 48 and 96 weeks, 91.0% and 93.3% achieved VS, respectively. At 48 weeks, Kaplan-Meier estimates of rates were 9.6% for viral blips, 2.1% for LLV, 22.2% for RV, and 2.1% for VF. Baseline HIV-1 RNA levels >100 000 copies/mL and CD4+ T-cell counts ≤200/µL were negatively associated with VS at weeks 48 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.51 [95% confidence interval, .39-.68] and .40 [.27-.58], respectively) and 96 and with significantly higher rates of blips, LLV, and RV. CD4+ T-cell counts ≤200/µL were associated with higher risk of VF (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.12 [95% confidence interval, 2.02-4.83]). Results were consistent in those starting INSTIs versus other regimens and those starting dolutegravir versus other INSTIs. CONCLUSIONS: Initial high HIV-1 RNA and low CD4+ T-cell counts are associated with lower rates of VS at 48 and 96 weeks and higher rates of viral blips, LLV, and RV. Low baseline CD4+ T-cell counts are associated with higher VF rates. These associations remain with INSTI-based and specifically with dolutegravir-based regimens. These findings suggest that the impact of these baseline determinants is independent of the ART regimen initiated.

[Systemic hantavirus-infection in a comatose HIV patient]. / Systemische Hantavirus-Infektion bei einem komatösen HIV Patienten.

SYMPTOMS: A 40 year old, disoriented, HIV- and Hepatitis B positive male patient was admitted with 40.3 °C. Clinically he presented a sinustachycardia (160/min) and hypotension (70/60 mmHg). INVESTIGATIONS/DIAGNOSIS: Laboratory analyses showed elevated infection parameters, azotemia, proteinuria and thrombopenia. CD(4+)T-helper cells: 320/µl (32 %), HIV RNA: <40 copies/ml, Hepatitis B DNA: 20800 copies/ml. Hantavirus serology (immunofluorescence antibody assay): 1:2048; serotype Puumala. TREATMENT/COURSE: An early-goal-directed therapy and antibiotic treatment with Piperacillin and Tazobactam was initiated. The patient developed a bipulmonal infiltrate and an acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS ) requiring tracheal intubation, as well as a triad of fever, renal failure and profound hemorrhagic symptoms. This led to the diagnosis of the Puumala infection. Due to the parallel HIV- and Hepatits B infection an antiretroviral therapy was initiated. CONCLUSION: In summary the Puumala infection bears the potential for a severe multi-organ failure, which is not typical for this usually benign infection.