Determinants of Liver Complications Among HIV/Hepatitis B Virus-Coinfected Patients.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HIV. Factors contributing to the high rates of liver complications among HIV/HBV-coinfected individuals remain unknown. SETTING: North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study among HIV/HBV-coinfected patients in 10 US and Canadian cohorts of the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design that validated ESLD (ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, variceal hemorrhage, and/or hepatic encephalopathy) and HCC diagnoses from 1996 to 2010. Multivariable Cox regression was used to examine adjusted hazard ratios [aHRs with 95% confidence interval (CIs)] of liver complications (first occurrence of ESLD or HCC) associated with hypothesized determinants and with increasing durations of HIV suppression (≤500 copies/mL). RESULTS: Among 3573 HIV/HBV patients with 13,790 person-years of follow-up, 111 liver complications occurred (incidence rate = 8.0 [95% CI: 6.6 to 9.7] events/1000 person-years). Rates of liver complication were increased with non-black/non-Hispanic race [aHR = 1.76 (1.13-2.74)], diabetes mellitus [aHR = 2.07 (1.20-3.57)], lower time-updated CD4 cell count [<200 cells/mm: aHR = 2.59 (1.36-4.91); 201-499 cells/mm: aHR = 1.75 (1.01-3.06) versus ≥500 cells/mm], heavy alcohol use [aHR = 1.58 (1.04-2.39)], and higher FIB-4 at start of follow-up [>3.25: aHR = 9.79 (5.73-16.74); 1.45-3.25: aHR = 3.20 (1.87-5.47) versus FIB-4 <1.45]. HIV suppression for ≥6 months was associated with lower liver complication rates compared with those with unsuppressed HIV [aHR = 0.56 (0.35-0.91)]. CONCLUSIONS: Non-black/non-Hispanic race, diabetes, lower CD4 cell count, heavy alcohol use, and advanced liver fibrosis were determinants of liver complications among HIV/HBV patients. Sustained HIV suppression should be a focus for HIV/HBV-coinfected patients to reduce the risks of ESLD/HCC.

Reduced Cancer Survival Among Adults With HIV and AIDS-Defining Illnesses Despite No Difference in Cancer Stage at Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: It is not known whether immune dysfunction is associated with increased risk of death after cancer diagnosis in persons with HIV (PWH). AIDS-defining illness (ADI) can signal significant immunosuppression. Our objective was to determine differences in cancer stage and mortality rates in PWH with and without history of ADI. METHODS: PWH with anal, oropharynx, cervical, lung cancers, or Hodgkin lymphoma diagnoses from January 2000 to December 2009 in the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design were included. RESULTS: Among 81,865 PWH, 814 had diagnoses included in the study; 341 (39%) had a history of ADI at time of cancer diagnosis. For each cancer type, stage at diagnosis did not differ by ADI (P > 0.05). Mortality and survival estimates for cervical cancer were limited by n = 5 diagnoses. Adjusted mortality rate ratios showed a 30%-70% increase in mortality among those with ADI for all cancer diagnoses, although only lung cancer was statistically significant. Survival after lung cancer diagnosis was poorer in PWH with ADI vs. without (P = 0.0001); the probability of survival was also poorer in those with ADI at, or before other cancers although not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: PWH with a history of ADI at lung cancer diagnosis had higher mortality and poorer survival after diagnosis compared to those without. Although not statistically significant, the findings of increased mortality and decreased survival among those with ADI (vs. without) were consistent for all other cancers, suggesting the need for further investigations into the role of HIV-related immune suppression and cancer outcomes.

Malignancies Trends in a Hispanic Cohort of HIV Persons in Puerto Rico before and after cART.

BACKGROUND: The study describes the cancer trends in a Puerto Rican Hispanic HIV/AIDS cohort for three different time periods as defined by the availability of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in the Island: pre (1992-1995), early (1996-2002, and recent (2003-2009). METHODS: AIDS and non-AIDS related malignancies risk, standardized incidence rate and one year mortality was evaluated in the cohort before and after cART. RESULTS: Of the 281 malignancies found in 265 persons; 72% were in men, 38% in injecting drug users and 42.3% were AIDS related cancers. AIDS related cancer standardized incidence rates decreased significantly in the cART eras; however, Kaposi's sarcoma and invasive cervical carcinoma incidence remained significantly higher in the cohort when compare to the general population. On the contrary, non-AIDS related cancer standardized incidence rates increased significantly in the cART eras, specifically those of the oral/cavity/pharynx, liver, anus, vaginal, and Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas. Around 50% of the persons with cancers were reported dead within the first year of their diagnoses without a significant variation during the cART eras. CONCLUSION: The higher incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma, invasive cervical carcinoma and non-AIDS related malignancies and their high mortality in the cART eras is suggestive of the role of oncogenic viruses, environmental agents, risky lifestyle behaviors and inadequate cancer prevention efforts that contribute and accelerate the risk of malignant transformation in these subjects. Aggressive intervention in the form of vaccines, risky practice reduction, early screening, early treatment and adequate risk reduction education needs to be incremented in this vulnerable population.

Late HIV Testing in a Cohort of HIV-Infected Patients in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: Late HIV testing (LT), defined as receiving an AIDS diagnosis within a year of one's first positive HIV test, is associated with higher HIV transmission, lower HAART effectiveness, and worse outcomes. Latinos represent 36% of LT in the US, yet research concerning LT among HIV cases in Puerto Rico is scarce. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with LT, and a Cochran‒Armitage test was used to determine LT trends in an HIV-infected cohort followed at a clinic in Puerto Rico specialized in the management and treatment of HIV. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2011, 47% of eligible patients were late testers, with lower median CD4 counts (54 vs. 420 cells/mm3) and higher median HIV viral load counts (253,680 vs. 23,700 copies/mL) than non-LT patients. LT prevalence decreased significantly, from 47% in 2000 to 37% in 2011. In a mutually adjusted logistic regression model, males, older age at enrollment and past history of IDU significantly increased LT odds, whereas having a history of amphetamine use decreased LT odds. When the data were stratified by mode of transmission, it became apparent that only the category men who have sex with men (MSM) saw a significant reduction in the proportion of LT, falling from 67% in 2000 to 33% in 2011. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a gap in early HIV detection in Puerto Rico, a gap that decreased only among MSM. An evaluation of the manner in which current HIV-testing guidelines are implemented on the island is needed.

Clinical Manifestations Associated with Overweight/Obesity in Puerto Ricans with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Objective. To determine the clinical manifestations associated with overweight/obesity in Hispanics from Puerto Rico with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed in 144 patients with FMS (per American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria). Sociodemographic features, FMS-related symptoms, tender points (per ACR criteria), comorbidities, and FMS treatment were examined. BMI was calculated and patients were grouped into two categories: BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m(2) (nonoverweight/obese) and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) (overweight/obese). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate differences between the study groups. Results. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age of patients was 50.2 (9.9) years; 95.1% were females and 75.7% were overweight/obese. In the bivariate analysis, overweight/obese patients were more likely to have self-reported memory impairment, anxiety, shortness of breath, and urinary frequency than nonoverweight/obese patients. In addition, the tender point count was higher in the overweight/obese group. In the logistic regression analyses, self-reported memory impairment and urinary frequency differences remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables. Conclusion. In this population of Puerto Ricans with FMS, overweight/obese patients experienced more FMS-related manifestations than nonoverweight/obese individuals. However, prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations and to elucidate if weight reduction interventions could favorably impact the severity of FMS.

Impact of ASUMA Intervention on HIV Risk Behaviors among Puerto Rican Adolescents.

The purpose of this manuscript is to assess and compare HIV risk behaviors among early adolescents after a three-year pilot study. A total of 135 public and private junior high schools students completed the intervention protocol. A self-administered questionnaire was given at baseline and at the end of the third year (fourth measure). Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed using SPSS 20.0. About 60% of the students were 14 years old at the fourth measure. The proportion of students that did not report at least one HIV risk behavior at baseline and those that reported any risk behavior at the fourth measure was lower in the intervention group (45.0%) than in the control group (54.5%). The proportion of students that reported at least one HIV risk behavior at baseline and those that did not report any HIV risk behavior at the fourth measure was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (33.3% vs. 8.3%). The proportion of students engaging in HIV risk behaviors was higher in the control group than in the intervention group at the fourth measure, suggesting that A Supportive Model for HIV Risk Reduction in Early Adolescence (ASUMA) intervention might be a promising initiative to reduce adolescents' engagement in HIV risk behaviors.

Profile of HIV-Infected Hispanics with Pancytopenia.

Pancytopenia is seen in late HIV infection; it is associated with medical complications and with decreased survival. We determined the prevalence of pancytopenia at baseline in a cohort of HIV-positive Hispanics living in Puerto Rico, and compared their socio-demographic, immunological and clinical characteristics. A total of 1202 patients enrolled between 2000 and 2010 were included. They were grouped according to pancytopenia status, defined by having: platelets <150,000 µL, white cell count <4000 µL, and hemoglobin <12 g/dL (women) or <13 g/dL (men). Differences were evaluated using Student's t-test, Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier method. The prevalence of pancytopenia was 8.7%. Patients with pancytopenia had lower BMI and lower CD4 count, as well as higher HIV viral load and higher proportions of unemployment, clinical AIDS and antiretroviral treatment (ART) use (p < 0.05). One-year mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with pancytopenia (18.1% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.001). When stratifying for ART this association persisted for patients who did not receive ART (41.4% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001), but it was not seen in patients who received treatment (9.2% vs. 5.6%, p = 0.196). Pancytopenia was associated with elements of advanced stages of HIV. ART could reduce the mortality of HIV-patients with pancytopenia to levels comparable to patients without the disorders.

Late HIV Testing in a Cohort of HIV-Infected Patients in Puerto Rico.

OBJECTIVE: Late HIV testing (LT), defined as receiving an AIDS diagnosis within a year of one's first positive HIV test, is associated with higher HIV transmission, lower HAART effectiveness, and worse outcomes. Latinos represent 36% of LT in the US, yet research concerning LT among HIV cases in Puerto Rico is scarce. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with LT, and a Cochran‒Armitage test was used to determine LT trends in an HIV-infected cohort followed at a clinic in Puerto Rico specialized in the management and treatment of HIV. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2011, 47% of eligible patients were late testers, with lower median CD4 counts (54 vs. 420 cells/mm3) and higher median HIV viral load counts (253,680 vs. 23,700 copies/mL) than non-LT patients. LT prevalence decreased significantly, from 47% in 2000 to 37% in 2011. In a mutually adjusted logistic regression model, males, older age at enrollment and past history of IDU significantly increased LT odds, whereas having a history of amphetamine use decreased LT odds. When the data were stratified by mode of transmission, it became apparent that only the category men who have sex with men (MSM) saw a significant reduction in the proportion of LT, falling from 67% in 2000 to 33% in 2011. CONCLUSION: These results suggest a gap in early HIV detection in Puerto Rico, a gap that decreased only among MSM. An evaluation of the manner in which current HIV-testing guidelines are implemented on the island is needed.

Factors associated with tender point count in Puerto Ricans with fibromyalgia syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the factors associated with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) tender point count (TPC) in a group of Hispanic patients from Puerto Rico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 144 FMS patients as determined using American College of Rheumatology [ACR] classification). Sociodemographic features, clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and pharmacologic agents were determined during the study visit. Tender points were assessed as described in the ACR classification for FMS. A t-test and one-way ANOVA test were used to examine the relationships between continuous, dichotomous, and nominal variables. RESULTS: The mean (standard deviation, [SD]) age of the FMS patients in this study was 50.2 (9.9) years; 95.1% were females. The mean (SD) TPC was 15.0 (4.7). Dysmenorrhea, the sicca syndrome, subjective swelling, increased urinary frequency, shortness of breath, headache, constipation, paresthesia, cognitive dysfunction, arthralgia, tiredness, morning stiffness, depression, and anxiety were associated with higher TPC. No associations were seen between socio-demographic features and FMS pharmacologic therapies. CONCLUSION: In this group of Puerto Ricans with FMS, TPC was associated with several FMS symptoms and comorbidities. This study suggests that TPC may be a simple and effective tool for assessing disease severity in FMS patients.

Anemia in a cohort of HIV-infected Hispanics: prevalence, associated factors and impact on one-year mortality.

BACKGROUND: Anemia occurs frequently in HIV-infected patients and has been associated with an increased risk of death in this population. For Hispanic subjects, information describing this blood disorder during HIV is scarce. Therefore, the present study examined data from a cohort of HIV-positive Hispanics to determine the prevalence of anemia, identify its associated factors, and evaluate its relationship with one-year mortality. METHODS: This study included 1,486 patients who enrolled between January, 2000 and December, 2010 in an HIV-cohort in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Data were collected through personal interviews and medical record abstractions. To determine the factors independently associated with anemia, a multivariable logistic regression model was used. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models were also performed to estimate survival time and to predict death risk. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia at enrollment was 41.5%. Factors independently associated with increased odds of anemia were: unemployment (OR = 2.02; 95% CI 1.45-2.79), CD4 count <200 cells/µL (OR = 2.66; 95% CI 1.94-3.66), HIV viral load ≥100,000 copies/mL (OR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.36-2.78), white blood cell count <4,000 cells/µL (OR = 2.42; 95% CI 1.78-3.28) and having clinical AIDS (OR = 2.39; 95% CI 1.39-4.09). Overweight (OR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.32-0.59) and obese (OR = 0.44; 95% CI 0.29-0.67) BMI's were independently associated with reduced odds of anemia. Survival differed significantly by anemia status (log-rank test: p < 0.001). One-year mortality estimates were: 30.8%, 23.3%, 8.4% and 2.5%, for patients with severe, moderate, mild and no anemia, respectively. Having anemia at baseline was independently associated with an increased one-year mortality risk (severe anemia: HR = 9.06; 95% CI: 4.16-19.72; moderate anemia: HR = 6.51; 95% CI: 3.25-13.06; mild anemia: HR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.35-4.74). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of anemia at enrollment was observed in this cohort of HIV-infected Hispanics. Unemployment and several adverse prognostic features of HIV infection were independently associated with this blood disorder. Anemia resulted to be the strongest predictor of one-year mortality, evidencing a dose-response effect. Further investigations are needed to evaluate whether recovering from anemia is associated with longer survival, and to identify the types of anemia affecting this particular group of HIV patients.

Factors associated with regional rheumatic pain disorders in a population of Puerto Ricans with diabetes mellitus.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with bursitis/tendonitis disorders in Puerto Ricans with diabetes mellitus (DM). A cross-sectional study was performed in 202 adult Puerto Ricans (100 DM patients and 102 non-diabetic subjects). For each participant, a complete medical history and a musculoskeletal exam were systematically performed. Socio-demographic parameters, health-related behaviors, comorbidities, and pharmacotherapy were determined for all subjects. For DM patients, disease duration, glycemic control, and DM long-term complications were also examined. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with bursitis/tendonitis disorders. The mean (SD) age for DM patients and non-diabetic controls were 53.3 (12.9) and 50.0 (13.1) years; 64.0 and 64.7 % of DM patients and controls were females, respectively. Overall, the prevalence of bursitis/tendonitis was higher in DM patients than among non-diabetics (59.0 % vs. 29.4 %, p < 0.01). In multivariate analyses, DM patients had 2.47 (95 % CI 1.05, 5.84) the odds of having bursitis/tendonitis as compared to non-diabetics. Specifically, DM patients had a higher frequency of flexor tenosynovitis, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis, trochanteric bursitis, and anserine bursitis than non-diabetic subjects (p < 0.05). Among DM patients, multivariate analyses showed that those with bursitis/tendonitis were more likely to be female [OR (95 % CI) 4.55 (1.42, 14.55)] and have peripheral vascular disease [OR (95 % CI) 8.48 (1.71, 41.93)]. In conclusion, bursitis/tendonitis disorders were common in this population of Hispanics with DM. Among DM patients, bursitis/tendonitis disorders were more frequent in women and those with long-term complications such as peripheral vascular disease.

Hepatitis-C multimedia prevention program in poor Hispanic HIV-infected injecting drug users: six months after intervention.

BACKGROUND: In order to prevent the spread of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) amongst Hispanic injection drug users (IDUs), we developed, validated, and implemented a multimedia educational intervention program. METHODS: A pre-post intervention study design was used to evaluate long-lasting knowledge and behavior changes in a group of 88 low-income Hispanic HIV-infected IDUs. Pre-intervention data was compared with data measured six months after the intervention. RESULTS: A significant increase in the awareness regarding HCV clinical manifestations, HCV risky behaviors, HCV prevention practices, and HIV/HCV co-infection synergisms was observed in the group six months post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the long-lasting benefits of multimedia based intervention programs for disseminating HCV prevention strategies in IDUs. Preventive educational approaches that use images, figures, and animations tools can be recommended to target and tailor interventions for vulnerable populations.

HIV/AIDS in the Puerto Rican elderly: immunological changes between gender and body mass index.

PURPOSE: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the elderly population has serious repercussions. The elderly are underdiagnosed for HIV and the costs associated with their late-stage care represent a financial burden to the public health system. The purpose is to analyze various profiles among a cohort of elderly patients with HIV/AIDS. METHODS: This is a baseline cohort 60 years or older seen in the Retrovirus Research Center between January 2000 to December 2011. We present the profiles of our cohort stratified by gender and body mass index viewed as a covariate of interest. RESULTS: A total of 266 people (68% males and 32% females) seen at the Center were older than 60 years of age. Males were significantly more often overweight (p<.05). Females were significantly more underweight with chronic conditions (p<.05). Women had higher CD4 count and lower HIV viral loads (p<.05). Underweight elderly males were more heavily affected with the burden of HIV infection compared with women.

Rheumatology practice profiles in teaching and community settings in Puerto Rico: implications to subspecialty training.

BACKGROUND: University-based fellowship training programs may not always provide the required experience to manage common and less complex medical conditions usually seen at the community setting. Few studies have addressed this concern. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the demographic features, diagnoses, and rheumatologic procedures in patients seen at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus Adult Rheumatology Training Program practice and 3 community-based rheumatology practices in Puerto Rico. METHODS: Claim forms submitted to health care insurance companies in 2007 from the university and community practices were evaluated. Demographic parameters, primary diagnoses (per International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision), medical visits, and rheumatologic procedures (per Current Procedural Terminology 4) were examined. Variables were analyzed by χ and Student t tests. RESULTS: A total of 11,373 claim forms were reviewed: 1952 from the university setting and 9421 from the community-based practices. Younger age and female sex were more common in visits from the university-based setting. Autoimmune diseases were reported more commonly at the university setting (65.3% vs 37.6%, P < 0.001). Conversely, osteoarthritis (24.4% vs 9.8%, P < 0.001), fibromyalgia syndrome (7.4% vs 1.9, P < 0.001), and regional rheumatic pain syndromes (7.2% vs 1.4%, P < 0.001) were seen more frequently at community practices. Hospital/emergency room visits (11.8% vs 0.3%, P < 0.001) were more frequent at the university setting, whereas joint (13.3% vs 2.9%, P < 0.001) and periarticular injections (6.2% vs 1.7%, P < 0.001) were performed more frequently at the community practices. CONCLUSIONS: Several differences were found in the profile of demographic parameters, diagnoses, medical visits, and rheumatologic procedures between patients seen at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus rheumatology practice and 3 community-based practices. Efforts may be required to diversify and increase the exposure of rheumatology fellows to patients with conditions commonly seen at the community setting.

Impact of managed care health insurance system for indigent patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Puerto Rico.

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcome among indigent patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Puerto Rico receiving their healthcare in a managed care system, as compared with non-indigent patients treated in fee-for-service settings. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 214 Puerto Ricans with RA (per American College of Rheumatology classification criteria). Demographic features, health-related behaviors, cumulative clinical manifestations, disease activity (per disease activity score 28), comorbid conditions, functional status (per Health Assessment Questionnaire), and pharmacologic profile were determined. Data were examined using uni- and multivariable (logistic regression) analyses. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age of the study population was 56.6 (13.5) years; 180 (84.1 %) were women. The mean (SD) disease duration was 10.8 (9.6) years. Sixty-seven patients were treated in the managed care setting, and 147 patients received their healthcare in fee-for-service settings. In the multivariable analyses, RA patients treated in the managed care setting had more joint deformities, extra-articular manifestations, arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular events, fibromyalgia syndrome, and poorer functional status while having a lower exposure to biological agents than those treated in fee-for-service settings. Efforts should be undertaken to curtail the gap of health disparities among these Hispanic patients in order to improve their long-term outcomes.

Association of hand or knee osteoarthritis with diabetes mellitus in a population of Hispanics from Puerto Rico.

BACKGROUND: Although a higher prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) has been reported among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, inconsistencies and limitations of observational studies have precluded a conclusive association. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of hand or knee OA with DM in a population of Hispanics from Puerto Rico. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 202 subjects (100 adult DM patients as per the National Diabetes Data Group Classification and 102 nondiabetic subjects). Osteoarthritis of hand and knee was ascertained using the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. Sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, comorbidities, pharmacotherapy, and DM clinical manifestations were determined. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of DM with hand or knee OA and to evaluate factors associated with hand or knee OA among DM patients. RESULTS: The mean (SD) age for DM patients was 51.6 (13.1) years; 64.0% were females. The mean (SD) DM duration was 11.0 (10.4) years. The prevalence of OA in patients with DM and nondiabetic subjects was 49.0% and 26.5%, respectively (P < 0.01). In the multivariable analysis, patients with DM had 2.18 the odds of having OA when compared with nondiabetic subjects (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-4.24). In a subanalysis among DM patients, female patients were more likely to have hand or knee OA (odds ratio [95% CI], 5.06 [1.66-15.66]), whereas patients who did not use insulin alone for DM therapy were more likely to have OA (odds ratio [95% CI], 4.44 [1.22-16.12]). CONCLUSIONS: In this population of Hispanics from Puerto Rico, DM patients were more likely to have OA of hands or knees than were nondiabetic subjects. This association was retained in multivariable models accounting for established risk factors for OA. Among DM patients, females were at greater risk for OA, whereas the use of insulin was negatively associated.

Toxoplasmic encephalitis in an AIDS cohort at Puerto Rico before and after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) significantly reduced the toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) incidence in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. The TE incidence and mortality were evaluated in an AIDS cohort followed in Puerto Rico before, during, and after HAART implementation in the Island. Of the 2,431 AIDS studied patients 10.9% had TE diagnosis, with an incidence density that decreased from 5.9/100 person-years to 1.1/100 person-years after HAART. Cox proportional hazard analysis showed substantial mortality reduction among TE cases who received HAART. No mortality reduction was seen in those cases who received TE prophylaxis. Although this study shows a TE incidence and mortality reduction in the AIDS cohort after HAART, the incidence was higher than those reported in the United States AIDS patients. Poor TE prophylaxis compliance might explain the lack of impact of this intervention. Strengthening the diagnostic and opportune TE diagnosis and prompt initiation of HAART in susceptible patients is important to control this opportunistic infection.

Outcome and predictors of kidney disease progression in Puerto Ricans with systemic lupus erythematosus initially presenting with mild renal involvement.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to determine the outcomes and predictors of renal disease progression in Puerto Ricans with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) initially presenting mild renal involvement. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 61 patients with SLE (per American College of Rheumatology classification) with mild renal involvement was studied. Mild renal disease was defined as glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 90 mL/min or higher in the presence of proteinuria (>0.25 g/d, but <3.5 g/d), hematuria, and/or urinary cellular casts. Demographic parameters, clinical manifestations, serologic markers, comorbidities, pharmacologic treatments, disease activity, and damage accrual were determined at onset of renal disease. Factors associated with renal disease progression were evaluated using recurrent event survival analysis. RESULTS: Of 61 patients, 55 (90.2%) were women. The mean (SD) age at renal onset was 29 (11.2) years, and the mean (SD) follow-up period was 5.1 (3.4) years. Thirty-eight patients had a decline in GFR. Thirty-two had a mild decline (GFR = 60-89 mL/min), 5 developed moderate to severe renal insufficiency (GFR = 15-59 mL/min), and 1 evolved to end-stage renal disease (GFR < 15 mL/min). In the Cox model, low C4 levels and proteinuria greater than 0.5 g/d were associated with an earlier decline in GFR. CONCLUSIONS: Most Puerto Rican patients with SLE initially presenting with mild renal involvement had a decrease in GFR after an average of 5 years of kidney disease, although most had a mild dysfunction. Low C4 levels and proteinuria were predictors of an earlier decline in GFR. We emphasize that awareness of these factors may contribute to early identification of individuals at risk for renal deterioration.

Efficacy of two cyclophosphamide regimens for the treatment of lupus nephritis in Puerto Ricans: low vs. standard dose.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical outcome and therapeutic response to immunosuppressive agents vary among patients with lupus nephritis of different ethnic populations. Thus, we evaluated the efficacy of two established treatment protocols for lupus nephritis (low-dose versus standard-dose cyclophosphamide) in Puerto Ricans with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: A retrospective cohort of 49 adult patients with SLE treated with intravenous low or standard-dose cyclophosphamide for clinical or biopsy confirmed lupus nephritis was studied. Demographic parameters, clinical manifestations, autoantibodies and pharmacological treatments were determined prior to cyclophosphamide treatment. Renal parameters, disease activity, damage accrual and corticosteroid use were determined before and after treatment. Cyclophosphamide-associated adverse events were also examined. Univariable and bivariable analyses were used to evaluate group differences. RESULTS: Thirty-nine SLE patients received the standard-dose treatment and ten patients the low-dose therapy. Prior to cyclophosphamide infusion, demographic parameters, clinical manifestations, autoantibodies profile, disease damage and pharmacologic treatments were similar in both groups. Disease activity was higher in the low-dose group. After cyclophosphamide therapy, significant improvement of renal parameters (increase in the glomerular filtration rate and decrease in hematuria, pyuria, urinary cellular casts, proteinuria and hypertension) were observed only for patients that received the standard-dose therapy. Disease activity and corticosteroids requirement decreased in both groups after treatment. No differences were observed for adverse events associated with cyclophosphamide. CONCLUSIONS: The standard-dose cyclophosphamide therapy appears to be more effective, and similar in terms of drug safety, than the low-dose regime for lupus nephritis in Puerto Ricans with SLE.

The effectiveness evaluation of a multimedia hepatitis C prevention program for Hispanic HIV-infected individuals.

INTRODUCTION: With the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has become a primary health problem among individuals suffering from HIV/ AIDS in Puerto Rico, principally those who are injecting drug users (IDUs). A multimedia educational intervention, based on the Health Beliefs Model and Social Cognitive Theory was developed and implemented to reduce HCV-associated risk behaviors among IDUs. METHODS: A pre- and post- intervention study evaluated the knowledge and behavioral changes in a group of HIV-infected persons recruited from February 2006 through December 2008. RESULTS: A total of 110 participants were recruited: all were IDUs; 82% were men; 86.3% were HIV/HCV co-infected and 24.5% had active injected drugs in the month prior to recruitment. The group mean age was 42.2 +/- 9.2 years and mean educational level was 10th grade. Knowledge of HCV risk behaviors, perception of HCV susceptibility, and perception of disease severity increased after the intervention. Knowledge of HCV clinical manifestations and HIV co-infection complications and treatment also improved. In addition, HCV risk behaviors and injecting drug practice decreased significantly among IDUs. CONCLUSIONS: This new multimedia intervention captured and maintained the participants' attention and interest, facilitating their educational process. Thus, greater attention and interest leads to greater knowledge and prevention improvement.