Case Series of People With HIV on the Long-Acting Combination of Lenacapavir and Cabotegravir: Call for a Trial.

Background: Injectable cabotegravir (CAB)/rilpivirine (RPV) is the only combination long-acting (LA) antiretroviral regimen approved for HIV. RPV may not be effective among individuals with non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance, which has >10% prevalence in many countries. Lenacapavir (LEN) is an LA capsid inhibitor given every 6 months, but has not been studied in combination with other LA agents. Methods: We assembled a case series from 4 US academic medical centers where patients with adherence challenges were prescribed LEN subcutaneously every 26 weeks/CAB (+/- RPV) intramuscularly every 4 or 8 weeks. Descriptive statistics, including viral load (VL) outcomes, were summarized. Results: All patients (n = 34: 76% male; 24% cis/trans female; 41% Black; 38% Latino/a; median age [range], 47 [28-75] years; 29% and 71% on CAB every 4 or 8 weeks) reported challenges adhering to oral ART. The reasons for using LEN/CAB with or without RPV were documented or suspected NNRTI mutations (n = 21, 59%), integrase mutations (n = 5, 15%), high VL (n = 6, 18%), or continued viremia on CAB/RPV alone (n = 4, 12%). Injection site reactions on LA LEN were reported in 44% (32% grade I, 12% grade 2). All patients but 2 (32/34; 94%) were suppressed (VL <75 copies/mL) after starting LEN at a median (range) of 8 (4-16) weeks, with 16/34 (47%) suppressed at baseline. Conclusions: In this case series of 34 patients on LEN/CAB, high rates of virologic suppression (94%) were observed. Reasons for using LEN/CAB included adherence challenges and underlying resistance, mostly to NNRTIs. These data support a clinical trial of LEN/CAB among persons with NNRTI resistance.

Differences in internalized HIV stigma across subpopulations of people with HIV in care across the United States.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined which subgroups of people with HIV (PWH) carry the greatest burden of internalized HIV stigma (IHS), which may be important to care provision and interventions. METHODS: PWH in the CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS) longitudinal, US-based, multisite, clinical care cohort completed tablet-based assessments during clinic visits including a four-item, Likert scale (low 1-5 high), IHS instrument. Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and IHS scores were assessed in adjusted linear regression models. RESULTS: Twelve thousand six hundred and fifty-six PWH completed the IHS assessment at least once from February 2016 to November 2022, providing 28 559 IHS assessments. At baseline IHS assessment, the mean age was 49 years, 41% reported White, 38% Black/African American, and 16% Latine race/ethnicity, and 80% were cisgender men. The mean IHS score was 2.04, with all subgroups represented among those endorsing IHS. In regression analyses, younger PWH and those in care fewer years had higher IHS scores. In addition, cisgender women vs. cisgender men, PWH residing in the West vs. the Southeast, and those with sexual identities other than gay/lesbian had higher IHS scores. Compared with White-identifying PWH, those who identified with Black/African American or Latine race/ethnicity had lower IHS scores. Age stratification revealed patterns related to age category, including specific age-related differences by gender, geographic region and race/ethnicity. DISCUSSION: IHS is prevalent among PWH, with differential burden by subgroups of PWH. These findings highlight the benefits of routine screening for IHS and suggest the need for targeting/tailoring interventions to reduce IHS among PWH.

Venous Thromboembolism Among People With HIV: Design, Implementation, and Findings of a Centralized Adjudication System in Clinical Care Sites Across the United States.

BACKGROUND: People with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We conducted this study to characterize VTE including provoking factors among PWH in the current treatment era. METHODS: We included PWH with VTE between 2010 and 2020 at 6 sites in the CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort. We ascertained for possible VTE using diagnosis, VTE-related imaging, and VTE-related procedure codes, followed by centralized adjudication of primary data by expert physician reviewers. We evaluated sensitivity and positive predictive value of VTE ascertainment approaches. VTEs were classified by type and anatomic location. Reviewers identified provoking factors such as hospitalizations, infections, and other potential predisposing factors such as smoking. RESULTS: We identified 557 PWH with adjudicated VTE: 239 (43%) had pulmonary embolism with or without deep venous thrombosis, and 318 (57%) had deep venous thrombosis alone. Ascertainment with clinical diagnoses alone missed 6% of VTEs identified with multiple ascertainment approaches. DVTs not associated with intravenous lines were most often in the proximal lower extremities. Among PWH with VTE, common provoking factors included recent hospitalization (n = 134, 42%), infection (n = 133, 42%), and immobilization/bed rest (n = 78, 25%). Only 57 (10%) PWH had no provoking factor identified. Smoking (46%), HIV viremia (27%), and injection drug use (22%) were also common. CONCLUSIONS: We conducted a robust adjudication process that demonstrated the benefits of multiple ascertainment approaches followed by adjudication. Provoked VTEs were more common than unprovoked events. Nontraditional and modifiable potential predisposing factors such as viremia and smoking were common.

Weight loss associated with semaglutide treatment among people with HIV.

OBJECTIVE: There is limited real-world evidence about the effectiveness of semaglutide for weight loss among people with HIV (PWH). We aimed to investigate weight change in a US cohort of PWH who initiated semaglutide treatment. DESIGN: Observational study using the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS) cohort. METHODS: We identified adult PWH who initiated semaglutide between 2018 and 2022 and with at least two weight measurements. The primary outcome was within-person bodyweight change in kilograms at 1 year. The secondary outcome was within-person Hemoglobin A1c percentage (HbA1c) change. Both outcomes were estimated using multivariable linear mixed model. RESULTS: In total, 222 new users of semaglutide met inclusion criteria. Mean follow-up was 1.1 years. Approximately 75% of new semaglutide users were men, and at baseline, mean age was 53 years [standard deviation (SD): 10], average weight was 108 kg (SD: 23), mean BMI was 35.5 kg/m 2 , mean HbA1c was 7.7% and 77% had clinically recognized diabetes. At baseline, 97% were on ART and 89% were virally suppressed (viral load < 50 copies/ml). In the adjusted mixed model analysis, treatment with semaglutide was associated with an average weight loss of 6.47 kg at 1 year (95% CI -7.67 to -5.18) and with a reduction in HbA1c of 1.07% at 1 year (95% CI -1.64 to -0.50) among the 157 PWH with a postindex HbA1c value. CONCLUSION: Semaglutide was associated with significant weight loss and HbA1c reduction among PWH, comparable to results of previous studies from the general population.

Effects of a hospital discharge clinic among people with HIV: Lack of early follow-up is associated with 30-day hospital readmission and decreased retention in care.

BACKGROUND: The transition between inpatient and outpatient care for hospitalized people with HIV represents an opportunity for linkage and re-engagement in care. We evaluated whether attendance at a post-hospitalization visit ('discharge clinic') within 1-2 weeks of discharge would reduce readmissions and improve retention in care (RIC) among people with HIV in San Diego, California, USA. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of people with HIV hospitalized between June 2020 and November 2021. Our primary outcome was 30-day readmissions among people with HIV who did or did not attend a discharge clinic visit. Secondary outcomes included the effect of discharge clinic attendance on RIC, along with the impact of attendance at any HIV clinic visit within 30 days of discharge on readmissions and RIC. RESULTS: We evaluated 114 people with HIV, of whom 77 (67.5%) and 90 (78.9%) attended a discharge clinic visit or any HIV clinic visit within 30 days of discharge, respectively. Active substance use disorder (SUD) was associated with failing to attend a discharge clinic visit (odds ratio 0.31; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.77). We observed no significant differences in readmissions between people with HIV who did or did not attend a discharge clinic visit; however, the former had significantly higher 6-month RIC (79.2% vs. 35.1%, p < 0.001). People with HIV attending any HIV clinic visit within 30 days of discharge had significantly fewer 30-day readmissions (8.9% vs. 29.2%, p = 0.02) and better 6-month RIC (75.6% vs. 25%, p < 0.001) than those who did not attend. CONCLUSION: Early hospital follow-up care was associated with a reduction in readmissions among people with HIV. Active SUD was a significant barrier to linkage to outpatient follow-up and RIC.

Nicotine Metabolite Ratio Decreases After Switching Off Efavirenz-Based Therapy in People With HIV Who Smoke.

Rates of cigarette smoking in people with HIV (PWH) are two to three times higher than in people without HIV. Nicotine is metabolized by CYP2A6 and the nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR; 3-hydroxycotinine/cotinine) is a measure of nicotine clearance. Higher NMR has been observed in PWH and is associated with lower quit rates. Efavirenz, a mainstay antiretroviral therapy (ART) globally, partially upregulates its own metabolism through CYP2A6. We hypothesized that efavirenz also upregulates nicotine metabolism by CYP2A6, resulting in a higher NMR, and switching to non-efavirenz ART would decrease the NMR, potentially leading to improved quit rates. We compared the NMR during and after efavirenz use among PWH in a longitudinal, multisite cohort. Eligibility criteria included: (i) active cigarette smoking, (ii) ART switched from efavirenz-based to non-efavirenz-based regimen, (iii) plasma available at pre- and post-ART switch, and (iv) viral suppression during study period. Plasma cotinine and 3-hydroxycotinine were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. T-tests compared the NMR on and off efavirenz. Samples were collected between 2010 and 2019 in 72 PWH. The mean NMR difference after switching to a non-efavirenz-based regimen was -0.24 (SD: 0.37, P < 0.001); 44 PWH had at least a 0.1 decrease in NMR. Effect modification by race was present; Black PWH had a larger mean decrease. Our findings suggest that previously observed higher NMR among PWH may be due to direct pharmacologic effects of ART. Assessing the effect of ART on the NMR suggests that avoiding nicotine metabolism inducers could potentially increase quit rates.

Predictors of Post-switch Viremia in People With HIV on Injectable Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of virologic failure in those receiving long-acting injectable (LAI) cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV) have been evaluated; however, factors associated with low-level viremia, including blips and persistent low-level viremia (pLLV), are not well-described. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using data from April 2021 through December 2022. Inclusion criteria included treatment with CAB/RPV for at least 3 months, availability of pre- and postswitch HIV RNA values, HIV RNA value of <200 copies/mL (cpm) at the time of switch to CAB/RPV, and at least 1 postswitch HIV RNA collected >21 days after the start of CAB/RPV. Outcomes included incidence of HIV RNA ≥20, ≥50, and ≥200 cpm after switch and factors associated with detectable HIV RNA after switch. RESULTS: The median duration of follow-up among 144 participants was 287 days. After switching to CAB/RPV, occurrences of at least 1 HIV RNA ≥20, ≥50, and ≥200 cpm after switch were 34.7%, 15.3%, and 2.8%, respectively. Those with pLLV before switch were significantly more likely to have detectable HIV RNA after switch [hazard ratio 24.39 (8.71-68.34)], and 44.4% of those with pLLV before switch continued with pLLV after switch to LAI CAB/RPV. Body mass index, late injection, and monthly versus every two-month dosing were not associated with detectable viremia after switch. CONCLUSIONS: Despite virologic suppression at the time of switch and the perceived adherence benefits, participants still experienced blips or pLLV after switch to LAI CAB/RPV. Having detectable HIV RNA on oral therapy before switch was associated with detectable HIV RNA after switching.

Biological and Clinical Implications of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Coreceptor Neuropilin-1 in Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) coreceptor neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) had the largest association with coronary plaque in the Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) proteomics analysis. With little known about NRP-1 in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), we explored its relation to other proteins in REPRIEVE and validated our findings through a Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS) case-cohort study by assessing its relation to host factors and incident cardiovascular disease and cancer. Within REPRIEVE, NRP-1 was associated with proteins involved in angiogenesis, signal transduction, immunoregulation, and cell migration/adhesion. Within CNICS, NRP-1 was associated with key host factors, including older age and male sex. NRP-1 was associated with an increased hazard of multiple cancers but a decreased prostate cancer risk. Finally, NRP-1 was most strongly associated with mortality and type 2 myocardial infarction. These data suggest that NRP-1 is part of a clinically relevant immunoregulatory pathway related to multiple comorbidities in PWH. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02344290.

Hepatitis C Virus Micro-elimination Among People With HIV in San Diego: Are We on Track?

Background: Rising incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people with HIV (PWH) in San Diego County (SDC) was reported. In 2018, the University of California San Diego (UCSD) launched a micro-elimination initiative among PWH, and in 2020 SDC launched an initiative to reduce HCV incidence by 80% across 2015-2030. We model the impact of observed treatment scale-up on HCV micro-elimination among PWH in SDC. Methods: A model of HCV transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) and men who have sex with men (MSM) was calibrated to SDC. The model was additionally stratified by age, gender, and HIV status. The model was calibrated to HCV viremia prevalence among PWH in 2010, 2018, and 2021 (42.1%, 18.5%, and 8.5%, respectively), and HCV seroprevalence among PWID aged 18-39 years, MSM, and MSM with HIV in 2015. We simulate treatment among PWH, weighted by UCSD Owen Clinic (reaching 26% of HCV-infected PWH) and non-UCSD treatment, calibrated to achieve the observed HCV viremia prevalence. We simulated HCV incidence with observed and further treatment scale-up (+/- risk reductions) among PWH. Results: Observed treatment scale-up from 2018 to 2021 will reduce HCV incidence among PWH in SDC from a mean of 429 infections/year in 2015 to 159 infections/year in 2030. County-wide scale-up to the maximum treatment rate achieved at UCSD Owen Clinic (in 2021) will reduce incidence by 69%, missing the 80% incidence reduction target by 2030 unless accompanied by behavioral risk reductions. Conclusions: As SDC progresses toward HCV micro-elimination among PWH, a comprehensive treatment and risk reduction approach is necessary to reach 2030 targets.

Associations between alcohol and cigarette use and type 1 and 2 myocardial infarction among people with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: People with HIV have a higher risk of myocardial infarction (MI) than the general population, with a greater proportion of type 2 MI (T2MI) due to oxygen demand-supply mismatch compared with type 1 (T1MI) resulting from atherothrombotic plaque disruption. People living with HIV report a greater prevalence of cigarette and alcohol use than do the general population. Alcohol use and smoking as risk factors for MI by type are not well studied among people living with HIV. We examined longitudinal associations between smoking and alcohol use patterns and MI by type among people living with HIV. DESIGN AND METHODS: Using longitudinal data from the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort, we conducted time-updated Cox proportional hazards models to determine the impact of smoking and alcohol consumption on adjudicated T1MI and T2MI. RESULTS: Among 13 506 people living with HIV, with a median 4 years of follow-up, we observed 177 T1MI and 141 T2MI. Current smoking was associated with a 60% increase in risk of both T1MI and T2MI. In addition, every cigarette smoked per day was associated with a 4% increase in risk of T1MI, with a suggestive, but not significant, 2% increase for T2MI. Cigarette use had a greater impact on T1MI for men than for women and on T2MI for women than for men. Increasing alcohol use was associated with a lower risk of T1MI but not T2MI. Frequency of heavy episodic alcohol use was not associated with MI. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reinforce the prioritization of smoking reduction, even without cessation, and cessation among people living with HIV for MI prevention and highlight the different impacts on MI type by gender.

Effects of drug and hazardous alcohol use on having a detectable HIV viral load: An adherence mediation analysis.

Objectives: People living with HIV (PWH) with substance or alcohol use often have unsuppressed plasma HIV viral loads (pVL). The degree to which substance and alcohol use effects on HIV viral suppression are mediated through medication nonadherence is incompletely understood. Methods: We included PWH prescribed antiretroviral therapy and receiving care at an academic HIV clinic between 2014 and 2018 who completed both patient-reported outcomes (PRO) questionnaires and had subsequent pVL measurements. Measures included assessments of alcohol use (AUDIT-C), drug use (NIDA-ASSIST), and self-reported adherence measured using four different methods. Substances found in bivariate analysis to predict detectable pVL were modeled separately for mediation effects through adherence. We report natural direct (NDE) and indirect effect (NIE), marginal total effect (MTE), and percentage mediated. Results: Among 3125 PWH who met eligibility criteria, 25.8% reported hazardous alcohol use, 27.1% cannabis, 13.1% amphetamines, 1.9% inhalants, 5.3% cocaine, 4.5% sedative-hypnotics, 2.9% opioids, and 2.3% hallucinogens. Excellent adherence was reported by 58% of PWH, and 10% had detectable pVL. Except for sedatives, using other substances was significantly associated with worse adherence. Bivariate predictors of detectable pVL were [OR (95% CI)]: amphetamine use 2.4 (1.8-3.2) and opioid use 2.3 (1.3-4.0). The percent of marginal total effect mediated by nonadherence varied by substance: 36% for amphetamine use, 27% for opioid use, and 39% for polysubstance use. Conclusion: Use of amphetamines, opioids, and multiple substances predicted detectable pVL. Up to 40% of their effects were mediated by self-reported nonadherence. Confirmation using longitudinal measurement models will strengthen causal inference from this cross-sectional analysis.

Single-center experience evaluating and initiating people with HIV on long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience evaluating and initiating individuals on long-acting injectable (LAI) cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV) and evaluate factors associated with starting LAI CAB/RPV and reasons for not starting. DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective single-center study at the UC San Diego Owen Clinic. METHODS: We included all individuals who expressed interest in treatment with LAI CAB/RPV between April 2021 and June 2022 who had a definitive decision made on starting LAI CAB/RPV. RESULTS: In total, 383 individuals were included with 201 (52.5%) initiating LAI CAB/RPV. Those who initiated LAI CAB/RPV were younger ( P  = 0.02) and were more likely to be on a two-drug regimen or first-generation integrase inhibitor regimen and less likely to be on a protease inhibitor or multiclass regimen. The most common reasons for not starting LAI CAB/RPV were inconsistent clinic attendance or difficulty being contacted and patient choice not to start. Of those who had a proviral DNA resistance test as workup for LAI CAB/RPV ( n  = 135), 18.5% had a resistance mutation identified that may have impacted the activity of LAI CAB/RPV. CONCLUSION: Despite novel challenges over half of our cohort initiated LAI CAB/RPV. Evaluating for potential non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance is an important part of the workup for LAI CAB/RPV and proviral DNA resistance testing can be an additional tool to identify potential resistance.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the risk for myocardial infarction by type in people with HIV.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cardiovascular disease in people with HIV (PWH) is incompletely understood. We determined whether COPD is associated with risk of myocardial infarction (MI) among PWH, and if this differs for type 1 (T1MI) and type 2 (T2MI). DESIGN: We utilized data from five sites in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS) cohort, a multisite observational study. METHODS: Our primary outcome was an adjudicated MI, classified as T1MI or T2MI. We defined COPD based on a validated algorithm requiring COPD diagnosis codes and at least 90-day continuous supply of inhalers. We conducted time-to-event analyses to first MI and used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to measure associations between COPD and MI. RESULTS: Among 12 046 PWH, 945 had COPD. Overall, 309 PWH had an MI: 58% had T1MI ( N  = 178) and 42% T2MI ( N  = 131). In adjusted models, COPD was associated with a significantly increased risk of all MI [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.68 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.99-3.60)] even after including self-reported smoking [aHR 2.40 (95% CI 1.76-3.26)]. COPD was also associated with significantly increased risk of T1MI and T2MI individually, and with sepsis and non-sepsis causes of T2MI. Associations were generally minimally changed adjusting for substance use. CONCLUSION: COPD is associated with a substantially increased risk for MI, including both T1MI and T2MI, among PWH. Given the association with both T1MI and T2MI, diverse mechanistic pathways are involved. Future strategies to decrease risk of T1MI and T2MI in PWH who have COPD are needed.

Vaporized Nicotine (E-Cigarette) and Tobacco Smoking Among People With HIV: Use Patterns and Associations With Depression and Panic Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Vaporized nicotine (VN) use is increasing among people with HIV (PWH). We examined demographics, patterns of use, depression, and panic symptoms associated with VN and combustible cigarette (CC) use among PWH. METHODS: We analyzed VN use among PWH in care at 7 US sites. PWH completed a set of patient-reported outcomes, including substance use and mental health. We categorized VN use as never vs. ever with the frequency of use (days/month) and CC use as never, former, or current. We used relative risk regression to associate VN and CC use, depression, and panic symptoms. Linear regression estimated each relationship with VN frequency. Models were adjusted for demographics. RESULTS: Among 7431 PWH, 812 (11%) reported ever-using VN, and 264 (4%) reported daily use. Half (51%) of VN users concurrently used CC. VN users were more likely than those without use to be younger, to be White, and to report ever-using CC. PWH reporting former CC use reported ≥8.5 more days per month of VN use compared with never CC use [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 5.5 to 11.5 days/month] or current CC use (95% CI: 6.6 to 10.5 days/month). Depression (relative risk: 1.20 [95% CI: 1.02 to 1.42]) and panic disorder (1.71 [95% CI: 1.43 to 2.05]) were more common among PWH ever-using VN. Depression was common among PWH using VN (27%) and CC (22%), as was panic disorder (21% for VN and 16% for CC). CONCLUSION: Our study elucidated demographic associations with VN use among PWH, revealed the overlap of VN and CC use, and associations with depression/panic symptoms, suggesting roles of VN in self-medication and CC substitution, warranting further longitudinal/qualitative research.

Racial and ethnic disparities in coronavirus disease 2019 disease incidence independent of comorbidities, among people with HIV in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: To define the incidence of clinically detected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in people with HIV (PWH) in the United States and evaluate how racial and ethnic disparities, comorbidities, and HIV-related factors contribute to risk of COVID-19. DESIGN: Observational study within the CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort in seven cities during 2020. METHODS: We calculated cumulative incidence rates of COVID-19 diagnosis among PWH in routine care by key characteristics including race/ethnicity, current and lowest CD4+ cell count, and geographic area. We evaluated risk factors for COVID-19 among PWH using relative risk regression models adjusted with disease risk scores. RESULTS: Among 16 056 PWH in care, of whom 44.5% were black, 12.5% were Hispanic, with a median age of 52 years (IQR 40-59), 18% had a current CD4+ cell count less than 350 cells/µl, including 7% less than 200; 95.5% were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 85.6% were virologically suppressed. Overall in 2020, 649 PWH were diagnosed with COVID-19 for a rate of 4.94 cases per 100 person-years. The cumulative incidence of COVID-19 was 2.4-fold and 1.7-fold higher in Hispanic and black PWH respectively, than non-Hispanic white PWH. In adjusted analyses, factors associated with COVID-19 included female sex, Hispanic or black identity, lowest historical CD4+ cell count less than 350 cells/µl (proxy for CD4+ nadir), current low CD4+ : CD8+ ratio, diabetes, and obesity. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the presence of structural racial inequities above and beyond medical comorbidities increased the risk of COVID-19 among PWH. PWH with immune exhaustion as evidenced by lowest historical CD4+ cell count or current low CD4+ : CD8+ ratio had greater risk of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Telemedicine and Vaccination at an Urban Safety Net HIV Medicine Clinic.

In response to the emerging coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in March 2020, the Owen Clinic at UC San Diego Health scaled up telemedicine to ensure the continuity of human immunodeficiency virus primary care. A group of nurse practitioners, physicians, and a physician assistant developed a dedicated COVID-19 telemedicine clinic to provide virtual health care services to patients with or at risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. This effort contributed to successful health outcomes for the clinic's 476 patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The Owen Clinic was also the first ambulatory clinic within UC San Diego Health to implement on-site COVID-19 vaccines. Nurse practitioners and a physician assistant spearheaded these 2 clinical initiatives.

Factors Associated With Severity of COVID-19 Disease in a Multicenter Cohort of People With HIV in the United States, March-December 2020.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the spectrum of COVID-19 in people with HIV (PWH) is critical to provide clinical guidance and risk reduction strategies. SETTING: Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinic System, a US multisite clinical cohort of PWH in care. METHODS: We identified COVID-19 cases and severity (hospitalization, intensive care, and death) in a large, diverse HIV cohort during March 1, 2020-December 31, 2020. We determined predictors and relative risks of hospitalization among PWH with COVID-19, adjusted for disease risk scores. RESULTS: Of 16,056 PWH in care, 649 were diagnosed with COVID-19 between March and December 2020. Case fatality was 2%; 106 (16.3%) were hospitalized, and 12 died. PWH with current CD4 count <350 cells/mm 3 [aRR 2.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.93 to 3.71; P < 0.001] or lowest recorded CD4 count <200 cells/mm 3 (aRR 1.67; 95% CI: 1.18 to 2.36; P < 0.005) had greater risks of hospitalization. HIV viral load and antiretroviral therapy status were not associated with hospitalization, although most of the PWH were suppressed (86%). Black PWH were 51% more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 compared with other racial/ethnic groups (aRR 1.51; 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.19; P = 0.03). Chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and increased cardiovascular and hepatic fibrosis risk scores were associated with higher hospitalization risk. PWH who were older, not on antiretroviral therapy, and with current CD4 count <350 cells/mm 3 , diabetes, and chronic kidney disease were overrepresented among PWH who required intubation or died. CONCLUSIONS: PWH with CD4 count <350 cells/mm 3 , and a history of CD4 count <200 cells/mm 3 , have a clear excess risk of severe COVID-19, accounting for comorbidities associated with severe outcomes. PWH with these risk factors should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination and early treatment and monitored closely for worsening illness.

Current Antiretroviral Treatment Among People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the United States: Findings from the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinic Systems Cohort.

Among 14 049 people with human immunodeficiency virus in care in 2019-2020, 96% were treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Current antiretroviral treatment patterns highlight high uptake of guideline-recommended ART regimens including second-generation integrase strand transfer inhibitors (dolutegravir and bictegravir) and tenofovir alafenamide, especially in antiretroviral-naive individuals initiating ART.

Factors associated with severity of COVID-19 disease in a multicenter cohort of people with HIV in the United States, March-December 2020.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease in people with HIV (PWH) is critical to provide clinical guidance and implement risk-reduction strategies. OBJECTIVE: To characterize COVID-19 in PWH in the United States and identify predictors of disease severity. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Geographically diverse clinical sites in the CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS). PARTICIPANTS: Adults receiving HIV care through December 31, 2020. MEASUREMENTS: COVID-19 cases and severity (hospitalization, intensive care, death). RESULTS: Of 16,056 PWH in care, 649 were diagnosed with COVID-19 between March-December 2020. Case fatality was 2%; 106 (16.3%) were hospitalized and 12 died. PWH with current CD4 count <350 cells/mm 3 (aRR 2.68; 95%CI 1.93-3.71; P<.001) or lowest recorded CD4 count <200 (aRR 1.67; 95%CI 1.18-2.36; P<.005) had greater risk of hospitalization. HIV viral load suppression and antiretroviral therapy (ART) status were not associated with hospitalization, although the majority of PWH were suppressed (86%). Black PWH were 51% more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to other racial/ethnic groups (aRR 1.51; 95%CI 1.04-2.19, P=.03). Chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and increased cardiovascular and hepatic fibrosis risk scores were associated with higher risk of hospitalization. PWH who were older, not on ART, with current CD4 <350, diabetes, and CKD were overrepresented amongst PWH who required intubation or died. LIMITATIONS: Unable to compare directly to persons without HIV; underestimate of total COVID-19 cases. CONCLUSIONS: PWH with CD4 <350 cells/mm 3 , low CD4/CD8 ratio, and history of CD4 <200, have a clear excess risk of severe COVID-19, after accounting for comorbidities also associated with severe outcomes. PWH with these risk factors should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination, early treatment, and monitored closely for worsening illness.

The impact of disease-related knowledge on perceptions of stigma among patients with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.

Most patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection perceive some degree of disease-related stigma. Misunderstandings about diseases may contribute to disease-related stigma. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient-level knowledge about HCV infection transmission and natural history and its association with HCV-related stigma among HCV-infected patients. We conducted a cross-sectional survey study among 265 patients with HCV in Philadelphia using the HCV Stigma Scale and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) Hepatitis C Follow-up Survey (2001-2008). The association between HCV knowledge and HCV-related stigma was evaluated via linear regression. Overall knowledge about HCV transmission and natural history was high, with >80% of participants answering ≥9 of 11 items correctly (median number of correct responses, 9 [82%]), HCV-related knowledge was similar between HIV/HCV-coinfected and HCV-monoinfected participants (p = 0.30). A higher level of HCV-related knowledge was associated with greater perceived HCV-related stigma (ß, 2.34 ([95% CI, 0.51-4.17]; p = 0.013). Results were similar after adjusting for age, race, ethnicity, HIV status, education level, stage of HCV management, time since diagnosis, and history of injection drug use. In this study, increased HCV-related knowledge was associated with greater perceptions of HCV stigma. Clinicians may consider allotting time to address common misconceptions about HCV when educating patients about HCV infection, which may counterbalance the stigmatizing impact of greater HCV-related knowledge.