Coronavirus disease 2019 hospitalization outcomes in persons with and without HIV in Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To compare coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hospitalization outcomes between persons with and without HIV. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study in 150 hospitals in Spain. METHODS: Patients admitted from 1 March to 8 October 2020 with COVID-19 diagnosis confirmed by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 positive) PCR test in respiratory tract samples. The primary data source was the COVID-19 Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna's registry (SEMI-COVID-19). Demographics, comorbidities, vital signs, laboratory parameters, and clinical severity as well as treatments received during admission, treatment duration, ICU admission, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and death were recorded. Factors associated with mortality and the composite of ICU admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, and death, were analyzed. RESULTS: Data from 16 563 admissions were collected, 98 (0.59%) of which were of persons with HIV infection. These patients were younger, the percentage of male patients was higher, and their Charlson comorbidity index was also higher. Rates of mortality and composite outcome of ICU admission, invasive mechanical ventilation or death were lower among patients with HIV infection. In the logistic regression analysis, HIV infection was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.53 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.96] for the composite outcome. CONCLUSION: HIV infection was associated with a lower probability of ICU admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, or death.

Inadequate use of antibiotics in the covid-19 era: effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.

BACKGROUND: Since December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the concept of medicine. This work aims to analyze the use of antibiotics in patients admitted to the hospital due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: This work analyzes the use and effectiveness of antibiotics in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 based on data from the SEMI-COVID-19 registry, an initiative to generate knowledge about this disease using data from electronic medical records. Our primary endpoint was all-cause in-hospital mortality according to antibiotic use. The secondary endpoint was the effect of macrolides on mortality. RESULTS: Of 13,932 patients, antibiotics were used in 12,238. The overall death rate was 20.7% and higher among those taking antibiotics (87.8%). Higher mortality was observed with use of all antibiotics (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.21-1.62; p < .001) except macrolides, which had a higher survival rate (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.64-0.76; p < .001). The decision to start antibiotics was influenced by presence of increased inflammatory markers and any kind of infiltrate on an x-ray. Patients receiving antibiotics required respiratory support and were transferred to intensive care units more often. CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial co-infection was uncommon among COVID-19 patients, yet use of antibiotics was high. There is insufficient evidence to support widespread use of empiric antibiotics in these patients. Most may not require empiric treatment and if they do, there is promising evidence regarding azithromycin as a potential COVID-19 treatment.

Prolonged administration of maraviroc reactivates latent HIV in vivo but it does not prevent antiretroviral-free viral rebound.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains incurable due to latent viral reservoirs established in non-activated CD4 T cells that cannot be eliminated via antiretroviral therapy. Current efforts to cure HIV are focused on identifying drugs that will induce viral gene expression in latently infected cells, commonly known as latency reversing agents (LRAs). Some drugs have been shown to reactivate latent HIV but do not cause a reduction in reservoir size. Therefore, finding new LRAs or new combinations or increasing the round of stimulations is needed to cure HIV. However, the effects of these drugs on viral rebound after prolonged treatment have not been evaluated. In a previous clinical trial, antiretroviral therapy intensification with maraviroc for 48 weeks caused an increase in residual viremia and episomal two LTR-DNA circles suggesting that maraviroc could reactivate latent HIV. We amended the initial clinical trial to explore additional virologic parameters in stored samples and to evaluate the time to viral rebound during analytical treatment interruption in three patients. Maraviroc induced an increase in cell-associated HIV RNA during the administration of the drug. However, there was a rapid rebound of viremia after antiretroviral therapy discontinuation. HIV-specific T cell response was slightly enhanced. These results show that maraviroc can reactivate latent HIV in vivo but further studies are required to efficiently reduce the reservoir size.

Brief Report: CYP27B1 rs10877012 T Allele Was Linked to Non-AIDS Progression in ART-Naïve HIV-Infected Patients: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS progression is linked to vitamin D, which is regulated by several key cytochromes P450 (CYP). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP genes influence vitamin D metabolism and serum levels. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between CYP SNPs and the clinical AIDS progression in antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naïve HIV-infected patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in 661 ART-naïve HIV-infected patients who were stratified by their AIDS progression pattern [181 long-term nonprogressors (LTNPs), 332 moderate progressors, and 148 rapid progressors (RPs)]. Four CYP SNPs (CYP2R1 rs10500804, CYP2R1 rs1993116, CYP27B1 rs10877012, and CYP24A1 rs6013897) were genotyped using Agena Bioscience's MassARRAY platform. Correction for multiple testing was performed using the false discovery rate (Benjamini-Hochberg procedure). RESULTS: The adjusted regression showed a significant association only for CYP27B1 rs10877012 SNP. When analyzing all HIV patients, the rs10877012 T allele was protective against AIDS progression (ordinal outcome) under the dominant [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.69; P = 0.021) and additive (aOR) = 0.75; P = 0.025] inheritance models. When analyzing LTNPs versus RPs, the rs10877012 T allele also showed a significant protective association under the dominant (aOR = 0.45; P = 0.004) and additive (aOR = 0.54; P = 0.008) inheritance models. P values remained significant after correcting by multiple comparisons only for the comparison of LTNPs versus RPs (extreme phenotypes). CONCLUSIONS: The CYP27B1 rs10877012 T allele was linked to non-AIDS progression in ART-naïve HIV-infected patients. The rs10877012 SNP seems to have an impact on the clinical AIDS progression, possibly modifying vitamin D levels, which could be relevant for the pathogenesis of HIV infection.

Insulin degludec allows for better glycaemic control with a lower risk of hypoglycaemia in patients with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

We conducted a retrospective observational study to demonstrate that switching to insulin degludec from other long-acting insulins reduces the risk of hypoglycaemia events and improves glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and stage 2-3B chronic kidney disease.

Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Like Reactive Hemophagocytic Syndrome Associated with Disseminated Histoplasmosis in a HIV Patient.

We describe an unusual clinical association of disseminated histoplasmosis with reactive hemophagocytic syndrome. We report the case of a new HIV-positive patient with reconstitution inflammatory syndrome like reactive hemophagocytic syndrome associated with disseminated histoplasmosis. We describe the clinical case, the procedures performed, the treatment provided and the patient's evolution. A figure of liver biopsy Grocott's silver methenamine stain that shows lots of uniform ovoid yeasts in portal spaces' macrophages that supports the diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis in our case.

Leishmaniasis con afectación colónica en paciente VIH: a propósito de un caso / Colonic leishmaniasis in a patient with HIV: a case report

Introducción: describir un cuadro poco habitual como es la leishmaniasis visceral con afectación colónica. Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de un paciente VIH positivo con leishmaniasis visceral. Se describe el caso clínico, con los procedimientos realizados, el tratamiento y su evolución. Se adjunta tabla comparativa de los casos publicados de leishmaniasis con afectación de colon. Discusión: la afectación intestinal en la leishmaniasis visceral es un proceso infrecuente, que debe incluirse en el diagnóstico diferencial en todo paciente inmunodeprimido con clínica de diarrea y que requiere un diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento adecuado, del que depende el pronóstico del paciente (AU)

Background: To describe an unusual clinical presentation of visceral leishmaniasis affecting the colon. Case report: We report the case of an HIV-positive patient with visceral leishmaniasis. We describe the clinical case, the procedures performed, the treatment provided and the patient’s evolution. A comparative table of previously reported similar cases is shown. Discussion: Visceral leishmaniasis with intestinal involvement is an uncommon process. Nevertheless, this possibility should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of immunosuppressed patients with symptoms of diarrhea, as a favorable prognosis depends on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment (AU)

Masa pulmonar en paciente con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Pulmonary mass in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection

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Colonic leishmaniasis in a patient with HIV: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To describe an unusual clinical presentation of visceral leishmaniasis affecting the colon. CASE REPORT: We report the case of an HIV-positive patient with visceral leishmaniasis. We describe the clinical case, the procedures performed, the treatment provided and the patient's evolution. A comparative table of previously reported similar cases is shown. DISCUSSION: Visceral leishmaniasis with intestinal involvement is an uncommon process. Nevertheless, this possibility should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of immunosuppressed patients with symptoms of diarrhea, as a favorable prognosis depends on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Barreras para el inicio del tratamiento antirretroviral en pacientes con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana e indicación de tratamiento en España. ¿Por qué no inician tratamiento quienes lo tienen indicado? Estudio Bridgap / Barriers to ART initiation in HIV infected subjects and with treatment indication in Spain. Why don’t they start their treatment? Bridgap Study

INTRODUCCIÓN: En España algunos pacientes con VIH no reciben tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR), aun teniendo indicaciones para ello. Nuestro objetivo es identificar las barreras de inicio del TAR en pacientes con indicación para recibirlo. MÉTODOS: Encuesta transversal en 19 hospitales en España en 2012, incluyendo todos los pacientes que no recibían tratamiento y tenían al menos una indicación según las recomendaciones de Gesida/2011. Las posibles barreras se agruparon así (categorías no excluyentes): a) el médico considera que la indicación no es absoluta; b) el paciente no quiere iniciarlo; c) el médico considera que debe iniciarlo pero existe alguna limitación o contraindicación; y d) el paciente tiene viremia indetectable en ausencia de tratamiento. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 256 pacientes de los 784 programados; 84% hombres, mediana de edad 39 años; 57% homosexuales, 24% heterosexuales, 16% UDI. Mediana de tiempo desde el diagnóstico: 3 años, CD4: 501 células/mm3, carga viral 4,4 log. Indicaciones de TAR más frecuentes: CD4 < 500 células/mm3(48%), pareja sexual no infectada (28%), coinfección con virus de la hepatitis C (23%). Las barreras para el inicio del TAR fueron dependientes del médico en el 55% de los casos, del paciente en el 28%, otras limitaciones: 23%, viremia indetectable: 6%. CONCLUSIONES: La mayoría de los pacientes con indicación de TAR lo estaban recibiendo. El motivo más frecuente en quienes no lo recibían fue que el médico pensaba que la indicación no era absoluta, y prefería esperar, lo que sugiere la necesidad de enfatizar en los beneficios de iniciar el TAR en estos casos

INTRODUCTION: In Spain, HIV treatment guidelines are well known and generally followed. However, in some patients there are no plans to initiate ART despite having treatment indications. The current barriers to ART initiation are presented. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey including every HIV infected patient in care in 19 hospitals across Spain in 2012, with ≥1 indication to start ART according to 2011 national treatment guidelines, who had not been scheduled for ART initiation. Reasons for deferring treatment were categorized as follows (non-exclusive categories): a) The physician thinks the indication is not absolute and prefers to defer it; b) The patient does not want to start it; c) The physician thinks ART must be started, but there is some limitation to starting it, and d) The patient has undetectable viral load in absence of ART. RESULTS: A total of 256 patients, out of 784 originally planned, were included. The large majority (84%) were male, median age 39 years, 57% MSM, 24% heterosexuals, and 16% IDUs. Median time since HIV diagnosis was 3 years, median CD4 count, 501 cells/mm3, median viral load 4.4 log copies/ml. Main ART indications were: CD4 count < 500 cells/mm3, 48%; having an uninfected sexual partner, 28%, and hepatitis C coinfection, 23%. Barriers due to, the physician, 55%; the patient, 28%; other limitations, 23%; and undetectable viral load, 6%. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of subjects with ART indication were on it. The most frequent barriers among those who did not receive it were physician-related, suggesting that the relevance of the conditions that indicate ART may need reinforcing

Respuesta: ¿Hipertensión arterial pulmonar o hipertensión pulmonar en pacientes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana? / Reply: Pulmonary arterial hypertension or pulmonary hypertension in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection?

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[Barriers to ART initiation in HIV infected subjects and with treatment indication in Spain. Why don't they start their treatment? Bridgap Study]. / Barreras para el inicio del tratamiento antirretroviral en pacientes con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana e indicación de tratamiento en España. ¿Por qué no inician tratamiento quienes lo tienen indicado? Estudio Bridgap.

INTRODUCTION: In Spain, HIV treatment guidelines are well known and generally followed. However, in some patients there are no plans to initiate ART despite having treatment indications. The current barriers to ART initiation are presented. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey including every HIV infected patient in care in 19 hospitals across Spain in 2012, with ≥1 indication to start ART according to 2011 national treatment guidelines, who had not been scheduled for ART initiation. Reasons for deferring treatment were categorized as follows (non-exclusive categories): a) The physician thinks the indication is not absolute and prefers to defer it; b) The patient does not want to start it; c) The physician thinks ART must be started, but there is some limitation to starting it, and d) The patient has undetectable viral load in absence of ART. RESULTS: A total of 256 patients, out of 784 originally planned, were included. The large majority (84%) were male, median age 39 years, 57% MSM, 24% heterosexuals, and 16% IDUs. Median time since HIV diagnosis was 3 years, median CD4 count, 501 cells/mm3, median viral load 4.4 log copies/ml. Main ART indications were: CD4 count <500 cells/mm(3), 48%; having an uninfected sexual partner, 28%, and hepatitis C coinfection, 23%. Barriers due to, the physician, 55%; the patient, 28%; other limitations, 23%; and undetectable viral load, 6%. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of subjects with ART indication were on it. The most frequent barriers among those who did not receive it were physician-related, suggesting that the relevance of the conditions that indicate ART may need reinforcing.

Respuesta: Predicción de bacteriemia: primer paso de un programa de intervención precoz sobre pacientes dados de alta en el Servicio de Urgencias / Reply: Prediction of bacteremia: The first step of an early intervention program for patients discharged from the Emergency Department

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Resultados de un programa de intervención precoz sobre pacientes con bacteriemia dados de alta en el Servicio de Urgencias / Results of an early intervention program for patients with bacteremia discharged from the Emergency Department

Fundamento y objetivo: La bacteriemia oculta representa un 3% de los hemocultivos extraídos en Urgencias. En la mayor parte de los casos se desconoce la evolución posterior, por lo que deben implementarse estrategias para recuperar estos pacientes. El objetivo del presente estudio es describir los resultados tras la implantación de un programa de intervención sobre pacientes con bacteriemia dados de alta desde el Servicio de Urgencias. Pacientes y método: Se describen los resultados de un programa de intervención precoz sobre pacientes con bacteriemia dados de alta en el Servicio Urgencias e implantado en la actividad diaria del Hospital Costa del Sol de Marbella (Málaga). Se analizaron las características epidemiológicas, microbiológicas, el índice de comorbilidad de Charlson, el índice de bacteriemia de Pitt y la mortalidad a 30 días. Resultados: Durante 15 meses se localizaron 90 pacientes. La mediana de edad fue de 67 años. Hubo 54 varones (60%). El lugar de adquisición fue comunitario en 51 casos (56,6%) y el microorganismo más frecuentemente involucrado fue Escherichia coli, con 31 casos (34,4%). La mediana del índice de Charlson y de bacteriemia de Pitt fue de 1. Treinta y ocho casos requirieron ingreso hospitalario (42,2%). El índice de Pitt > 1 y el cambio de tratamiento fueron las variables relacionadas con la necesidad de ingreso. Un paciente falleció (1,2%) y 6 no pudieron ser localizados (6,6%). Conclusiones: La implantación de programas de identificación de pacientes con bacteriemia remitidos a domicilio permite la recuperación precoz de aquellos que precisan ingreso hospitalario y la optimización del tratamiento antibiótico. En nuestra serie, la mortalidad tras la intervención precoz es muy baja (1,2%) (AU)

Background and objective: Occult bacteremia represents 3% of blood cultures drawn in the Emergency Department. In most cases, the evolution is unknown. The aim of the study is to analyze the results obtained after implementation of an intervention program for these patients. Patients and methods: We describe the results of an early intervention program for patients with bacteremia in the Emergency Department discharged at home, which was implemented in daily clinical activity in Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella (Malaga). We analyze the epidemiological, microbiological, Charlson comorbidity index, Pitt bacteremia index and 30-day mortality. Results: During 15 months, 90 patients were located. The median age was 67 years. There was a predominance of males with 54 of cases (60%). The acquisition place was predominantly the community with 51 cases (56.6%), being the most frequent microorganism Escherichia coli with 31 cases (34.4%). The median Charlson index and the bacteremia Pitt index were 1. Thirty-eight of the cases required hospitalization (42.2%). Pitt bacteremia index > 1 and exchange antibiotic treatment were the related variables with need for admission. One patient died (1.2%) and 6 patients could not be located (6.6%). Conclusions: The implementation of programs of early identification and management of patients with bacteremia in Emergency Department discharged al home allows early recovery of patients who require hospital admission and antibiotic treatment optimization. In our series, mortality after early intervention was low (1.2%) (AU)

[Results of an early intervention program for patients with bacteremia discharged from the Emergency Department]. / Resultados de un programa de intervención precoz sobre pacientes con bacteriemia dados de alta en el Servicio de Urgencias.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Occult bacteremia represents 3% of blood cultures drawn in the Emergency Department. In most cases, the evolution is unknown. The aim of the study is to analyze the results obtained after implementation of an intervention program for these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe the results of an early intervention program for patients with bacteremia in the Emergency Department discharged at home, which was implemented in daily clinical activity in Costa del Sol Hospital in Marbella (Malaga). We analyze the epidemiological, microbiological, Charlson comorbidity index, Pitt bacteremia index and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: During 15 months, 90 patients were located. The median age was 67 years. There was a predominance of males with 54 of cases (60%). The acquisition place was predominantly the community with 51 cases (56.6%), being the most frequent microorganism Escherichia coli with 31 cases (34.4%). The median Charlson index and the bacteremia Pitt index were 1. Thirty-eight of the cases required hospitalization (42.2%). Pitt bacteremia index>1 and exchange antibiotic treatment were the related variables with need for admission. One patient died (1.2%) and 6 patients could not be located (6.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of programs of early identification and management of patients with bacteremia in Emergency Department discharged al home allows early recovery of patients who require hospital admission and antibiotic treatment optimization. In our series, mortality after early intervention was low (1.2%).