Long or complicated mpox in patients with uncontrolled HIV infection.

To date, former research about the impact of HIV infection on mpox poor outcomes is still limited and controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the impact of HIV on the clinical course of mpox, in a large population of patients from Spain. Nationwide case-series study. Patients from 18 Spanish hospitals, with PCR-confirmed mpox from April 27, 2022 to June 30, 2023 were included in this study. The main outcome was the development of long or complicated (LC) mpox, defined as: (i) duration of the clinical course ≥ 28 days, or; (ii) disseminated disease, or: (iii) emergence of severe complications. One thousand eight hundred twenty-three individuals were included. Seven hundred eighty-six (43%) were people living with HIV (PLWH), of whom 11 (1%) had a CD4 cell count < 200 cells/mm3 and 33 (3%) <350 cells/mm3 . HIV viral load ≥ 1000 cp/mL was found in 27 (3%) PLWH, none of them were on effective ART. Fifteen (60%) PLWH with HIV-RNA ≥ 1000 cp/mL showed LC versus 182 (29%) PLWH with plasma HIV-RNA load < 1000 copies/mL and 192 (24%) individuals without HIV infection (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, adjusted by age, sex, CD4 cell counts and HIV viral load at the time of mpox, only plasma HIV-RNA ≥ 1000 cp/mL was associated with a greater risk of developing LC mpox [adjusted OR = 4.06 (95% confidence interval 1.57-10.51), p = 0.004]. PLWH with uncontrolled HIV infection, due to lack of ART, are at a greater risk of developing LC mpox. Efforts should be made to ensure HIV testing is carried out in patients with mpox and to start ART without delay in those tested positive.

IL7RA rs10491434 polymorphism is related to spontaneous HIV infection control in naïve HIV-infected patients: A retrospective study.

Interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) is vital in the adaptive immune response against human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). We assessed IL7RA polymorphisms (SNPs) in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve HIV patients for their association with spontaneous HIV infection control. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving 667 ART-naïve patients categorized by HIV progression (ordinal variable): 150 rapid progressors, 334 moderate/typical progressors, 86 long-term nonprogressors elite controllers (LTNPs-EC), and 97 LTNPs-non-EC. We genotyped three IL7RA SNPs using Agena Bioscience's MassARRAY platform. The association between IL7RA SNPs and spontaneous HIV infection control was evaluated using ordinal logistic regression. Individuals carrying the rs10491434 G allele have a higher likelihood of spontaneous HIV infection control (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.33; p = 0.023). Moreover, the IL7RA GCT haplotype, consisting of three specific SNPs (rs6897932, rs987106, and rs10491434), demonstrated an association with the control of untreated HIV infection (aOR = 1.34; p = 0.050). Remarkably, the rs10491434 SNP and the IL7RA GCT haplotype exhibited similar aOR values, suggesting that rs10491434 may be primarily responsible for the observed effect of the haplotype. IL7RA rs10491434 G allele is associated with a higher likelihood of spontaneous HIV infection control, indicating its significant role in the pathogenesis of HIV, possibly influencing infection course and viral replication control.

A Risk Assessment Tool for Predicting Fragility Fractures in People with HIV: Derivation and Internal Validation of the FRESIA Model.

People with HIV have a higher risk of fracture than the general population. Because of the low performance of the existing prediction tools, there is controversy surrounding fracture risk estimation in this population. The aim of the study was to develop a model for predicting the long-term risk of fragility fractures in people with HIV. We included 11,899 individuals aged ≥30 years from the Spanish HIV/AIDS research network cohort. We identified incident fragility fractures from medical records, defined as nontraumatic or those occurring after a casual fall, at major osteoporotic sites (hip, clinical spine, forearm, proximal humerus). Our model accounted for the competing risk of death and included 12 candidate predictors to estimate the time to first fragility fracture. We assessed the discrimination and calibration of the model and compared it with the FRAX tool. The incidence rate of fragility fractures was 4.34 (95% CI 3.61 to 5.22) per 1000 person-years. The final prediction model included age, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as significant predictors. The model accurately predicted the 5- and 10-year risk of fragility fractures, with an area under the receiving operator characteristic curve of 0.768 (95% CI 0.722 to 0.814) and agreement between the observed and expected probabilities. Furthermore, it demonstrated better discrimination and calibration than the FRAX tool, improving the classification of over 35% of individuals with fragility fractures compared to FRAX. Our prediction model demonstrated accuracy in predicting the long-term risk of fragility fractures. It can assist in making personalized intervention decisions for individuals with HIV and could potentially replace the current tools recommended for fracture risk assessment in this population. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Factors associated with malaria and arboviral disease in patients with imported febrile syndrome: a retrospective cohort study. / Factores asociados con malaria y arboviriasis en pacientes con síndrome febril importado: estudio de cohortes retrospectivo.

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of malaria and arboviral disease in patients with febrile syndrome who seek care after traveling from tropical or subtropical locations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational retrospective cohort study. We collected demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical data; laboratory findings; and the clinical and final microbiologic diagnoses. Multivariate analysis was used to calculate indices of diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values) and coefficients of probability of combinations of variables. RESULTS: Data for 291 patients with febrile syndrome were included; 108 had malaria (37.1%), 28 had an arboviral disease (9.6%), and 155 had other causes of fever (53.3%). Multivariate analysis showed patients most likely to have malaria were those from sub-Saharan Africa, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 45.85 (95% CI, 9.45-222.49); immigrants who returned to visit friends and relatives (VFR), aOR of 3.55 (95% CI, 1.21-10.46); or had platelet concentrations 150 000/mm3, aORa of 16.47 (95% CI, 5.46-49.70) or headache, aOR of 10.62 (95% CI, 3.20-35.28). The combination of these 4 variables gave a positive probability coefficient (PPC) of 23.72 (95% CI, 5.76-97.62). Patients with febrile syndrome most likely to have an arboviral disease were those from Central or South America, OR 5.07 (95% CI, 1.73-14.92), and those who had exanthems, OR 5.10 (95% CI, 1.72-17.02) or joint pain, OR 14.50 (95% CI, 3.05-68.80). The combination of these 3 variables gave a PPC of 20.66 (95% CI, 7.74-55.21). CONCLUSION: Patients with febrile syndrome with the greatest probability of having malaria are those from sub-Saharan Africa, those who are VFR, and those with platelet concentrations under 150.000/µL or headache. Arboviral disease was more likely in patients from Central and South America who had exanthems or joint pain.

OBJETIVO: Definir variables predictoras de malaria y arboviriasis en pacientes que consultan por síndrome febril tras la vuelta de un viaje a zonas tropicales/subtropicales. METODO: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo. Se incluyeron variables demográficas, epidemiológicas, clínicas, analíticas y el diagnóstico final clínico y microbiológico. Se realizó un análisis multivariante y se calcularon los índices de exactitud diagnóstica (sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos) y cocientes de probabilidad de la combinación de dichasvariables. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 291 pacientes con síndrome febril, 108 tenían malaria (37,1%), 28 arboviriasis (9,6%) y 155 otras causas de fiebre (53,3%). En el análisis multivariante, los pacientes con síndrome febril con más riesgo de padecer malaria fueron los que procedían de África subsahariana [odds ratio ajustado (ORa): 45,85; IC 95%: 9,45- 222,49], eran inmigrantes que visitan a familiares y amigos (VFA) (ORa = 3,55; IC 95%: 1,21-10,46), presentaban cifras de plaquetas 150.000/mm3 (ORa = 16,47; IC 95%: 5,46-49,70) o cefalea (ORa = 10,62; IC 95%: 3,20-35,28). La combinación de estas cuatro variables tiene un cociente de probabilidad positivo (CPP) de 23,72 (IC 95%: 5,76- 97,62). Los pacientes con síndrome febril que tienen más riesgo de padecer arboviriasis eran los que procedían de Centroamérica y Sudamérica (OR = 5,07; IC 95%: 1,73-14,92), presentaban exantema (OR = 5,10; IC 95%: 1,72- 17,02) o artromialgias (OR = 14,50; IC 95%: 3,05-68,80). La combinación de estas tres variables tiene un CPP de 20,66 (IC 95%: 7,74-55,21). CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con síndrome febril que tienen más riesgo de padecer malaria son los que procedían de África subsahariana, eran VFA, presentaban cifras de plaquetas 150.000/µl o cefalea, y tenían mayor riesgo de padecer arboviriasis si procedían de Centroamérica y Sudamérica, presentaban exantema o artromialgias.

Factores asociados con malaria y arboviriasis en pacientes con síndrome febril importado: estudio de cohortes retrospectivo / Factors associated with malaria and arboviral disease in patients with imported febrile syndrome: a retrospective cohort study

Objetivos: Definir variables predictoras de malaria y arboviriasis en pacientes que consultan por síndrome febril tras la vuelta de un viaje a zonas tropicales/subtropicales. Método: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo. Se incluyeron variables demográficas, epidemiológicas, clínicas, analíticas y el diagnóstico final clínico y microbiológico. Se realizó un análisis multivariante y se calcularon los índices de exactitud diagnóstica (sensibilidad, especificidad, valores predictivos) y cocientes de probabilidad de la combinación de dichas variables. Resultados: Se incluyeron 291 pacientes con síndrome febril, 108 tenían malaria (37,1%), 28 arboviriasis (9,6%) y 155 otras causas de fiebre (53,3%). En el análisis multivariante, los pacientes con síndrome febril con más riesgo de padecer malaria fueron los que procedían de África subsahariana [odds ratio ajustado (ORa): 45,85; IC 95%: 9,45-222,49], eran inmigrantes que visitan a familiares y amigos (VFA) (ORa = 3,55; IC 95%: 1,21-10,46), presentaban cifras de plaquetas < 150.000/mm3 (ORa = 16,47; IC 95%: 5,46-49,70) o cefalea (ORa = 10,62; IC 95%: 3,20-35,28). La combinación de estas cuatro variables tiene un cociente de probabilidad positivo (CPP) de 23,72 (IC 95%: 5,76-97,62). Los pacientes con síndrome febril que tienen más riesgo de padecer arboviriasis eran los que procedían de Centroamérica y Sudamérica (OR = 5,07; IC 95%: 1,73-14,92), presentaban exantema (OR = 5,10; IC 95%: 1,72-17,02) o artromialgias (OR = 14,50; IC 95%: 3,05-68,80). La combinación de estas tres variables tiene un CPP de 20,66 (IC 95%: 7,74-55,21). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con síndrome febril que tienen más riesgo de padecer malaria son los que procedían de África subsahariana, eran VFA, presentaban cifras de plaquetas < 150.000/μl o cefalea, y tenían mayor riesgo de padecer arboviriasis si procedían de Centroamérica y Sudamérica, presentaban exantema o artromialgias. (AU)

Objective: To identify predictors of malaria and arboviral disease in patients with febrile syndrome who seek care after traveling from tropical or subtropical locations. Methods: Observational retrospective cohort study. We collected demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical data; laboratory findings; and the clinical and final microbiologic diagnoses. Multivariate analysis was used to calculate indices of diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values) and coefficients of probability of combinations of variables. Results: Data for 291 patients with febrile syndrome were included; 108 had malaria (37.1%), 28 had an arboviral disease (9.6%), and 155 had other causes of fever (53.3%). Multivariate analysis showed patients most likely to have malaria were those from sub-Saharan Africa, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 45.85 (95% CI, 9.45-222.49); immigrants who returned to visit friends and relatives (VFR), aOR of 3.55 (95% CI, 1.21-10.46); or had platelet concentrations <150 000/mm3, aORa of 16.47 (95% CI, 5.46-49.70) or headache, aOR of 10.62 (95% CI, 3.20-35.28). The combination of these 4 variables gave a positive probability coefficient (PPC) of 23.72 (95% CI, 5.76-97.62). Patients with febrile syndrome most likely to have an arboviral disease were those from Central or South America, OR 5.07 (95% CI, 1.73-14.92), and those who had exanthems, OR 5.10 (95% CI, 1.72-17.02) or joint pain, OR 14.50 (95% CI, 3.05-68.80). The combination of these 3 variables gave a PPC of 20.66 (95% CI, 7.74-55.21). Conclusions: Patients with febrile syndrome with the greatest probability of having malaria are those from sub-Saharan Africa, those who are VFR, and those with platelet concentrations under 150.000/μL or headache. Arboviral disease wasmore likely in patients from Central and South America who had exanthems or joint pain. (AU)

New contributions on chronic low back pain: disc infection or contaminated cultures?

There is controversy about the likely infectious origin of chronic low back pain, because it has been suggested the possibility of a relationship with infection by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). The aim of this study is to compare four methods to determine the presence of a likely infection caused by C. acnes in surgical disc samples. This work is a cross-sectional observational study in which there are included 23 patients with microdiscectomy indication. Disc samples were taken during surgery and analysis was done by culture, Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and real-time PCR (qPCR). Furthermore, clinical data collection was conducted, and it was analyzed the presence of the Modic-like changes on the magnetic resonance imaging. In 5 of the samples from among the 23 patients (21.7%), C. acnes was isolated by culture. However, in none of the samples could its genome be detected through Sanger sequencing, the less sensitive method. Only the qPCR and NGS were able to detect very few copies of the genome of this microorganism in all the samples, with no significant quantitative differences being observed between the patients in whom isolation of the microorganism by culture was evident or not. Furthermore, there were no significant relationships identified between the clinical variables, including Modic alterations and positive cultures. The most sensitive methods to the detect C. acnes were NGS and qPCR. The data obtained do not suggest association between the presence of C. acnes and the clinical process and support the hypothesis that C. acnes is found in these samples only because it is a contamination from the skin microbiome.

A Genome-Wide Association Study on Liver Stiffness Changes during Hepatitis C Virus Infection Cure.

Liver stiffness (LS) at sustained virological response (SVR) after direct-acting antivirals (DAA)-based therapy is a predictor of liver events in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. The study aim was to identify genetic factors associated with LS changes from the moment of starting anti-HCV therapy to SVR. This prospective study included HCV-infected patients from the GEHEP-011 cohort who achieved SVR with DAA-based therapy, with LS pre-treatment ≥ 9.5 kPa and LS measurement available at SVR. Plink and Magma software were used to carry out genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based and gene-based association analyses, respectively. The ShinyGO application was used for exploring enrichment in Gene Ontology (GO) categories for biological processes. Overall, 242 patients were included. Median (quartile 1, quartile 3) LS values at pre-treatment and at SVR were 16.8 (12, 28) kPa and 12.0 (8.5, 19.3) kPa, respectively. Thirty-five SNPs and three genes reached suggestive association with LS changes from the moment of starting anti-HCV therapy to SVR. GO categories related to DNA packaging complex, DNA conformation change, chromosome organization and chromatin organization were significantly enriched. Our study reports possible genetic factors associated with LS changes during HCV-infection cure. In addition, our results suggest that processes related to DNA conformation are also involved in these changes.

Kinetics of emergence of liver complications in hepatitis C virus infected patients and advanced fibrosis, with and without HIV-coinfection, after sustained virological response.

OBJECTIVE: There is scarce available evidence on the distribution over time of liver complications emergence in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients who achieve sustained virological response (SVR) with direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based therapy. Therefore, we aimed at describing the kinetics of liver-related events appearance in this setting. DESIGN: A multicentric prospective cohort study. METHODS: HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients from GEHEP-011 cohort, whose inclusion criteria were had achieved SVR with DAA-based therapy; liver stiffness prior to starting treatment at least 9.5 kPa; and available liver stiffness measurement at SVR. SVR was considered as the baseline time-point. RESULTS: One thousand and thirty-five patients were included, 664 (64%) coinfected with HIV. Before DAA-based therapy, 63 (6.1%) individuals showed decompensated cirrhosis. After SVR, 51 (4.9%) patients developed liver complications. Median (Q1-Q3) time to the emergence of hepatic events was hepatic encephalopathy 11 (7-24) months, ascites 14 (6-29) months, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) 17 (11-42) months and portal hypertension gastrointestinal bleeding (PHGB) 28 (22-38) months (P = 0.152). We define two profiles of liver complications: those emerging earlier (encephalopathy and ascites) and, those occurring continuously during the follow-up (HCC, PHGB) [median (Q1-Q3) time to emergence 12.7 (6.6-28.2) months vs. 25.4 (12.5-41.53) months, respectively (P = 0.026)]. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of HCV-infected patients who develop liver complications after reaching SVR with DAA do it within 3 years after SVR time-point. Specifically, hepatic encephalopathy and ascites do not usually emerge after this period. Conversely, HCC and PHGB may occur in longer term. It is critical to identify patients at risk of developing hepatic events to continue performing surveillance for them.

Infective endocarditis in elderly and very elderly patients.

AIMS: To compare the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and the evolution of infective endocarditis in adults aged under 65 years, 65-79 years, and 80 years or older. METHODS: An observational retrospective cohort study in patients with infective endocarditis was performed in a public hospital in Spain from January 2013 to December 2017. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients were treated: 26 (36.1%) were under 65 years old, 28 (38.9%) were 65-79 years old, and 18 (25%) were aged 80 or older. Prosthetic valve endocarditis was less common in patients aged 65-79 years (3.6%) than in younger (23.1%; p = 0.047) or older (38.9%; p = 0.004) patients. In contrast, degenerative heart disease was more prevalent in the 65-79 year age group [64.3% compared to 15.4% (p < 0.001) in the youngest group, and 33.3% (p = 0.04) in the oldest]. Surgical interventions were similar in patients aged 65-79 (50%) and under 65 years (42.3%), but less common in people over 80 years (16.7%; p = 0.022). CONCLUSIONS: The characteristics of infective endocarditis are different in patients aged 65-79 years and in those over 80 years.

HIV-coinfected patients respond worse to direct-acting antiviral-based therapy against chronic hepatitis C in real life than HCV-monoinfected individuals: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: HIV/HCV-coinfected patients and hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfected subjects are thought to respond equally to direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based therapy despite the lack of data derived from clinical trials. This study is aimed to evaluate the impact of HIV coinfection on the response to DAA-based treatment against HCV infection in the clinical practice. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective multicohort study, patients who initiated DAA-based therapy at the Infectious Disease Units of 33 hospitals throughout Spain were included. The primary efficacy outcome variables were the achievement of sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the scheduled end of therapy date (SVR12). RESULTS: A total of 908 individuals had reached the SVR12 evaluation time-point, 426 (46.9%) were HIV/HCV-coinfected, and 472 (52%) received interferon (IFN)-free therapy. In an intention-to-treat analysis, SVR12 rates in subjects with and without HIV-coinfection were 55.3% (94/170 patients) versus 67.3% (179/266 subjects; p = 0.012) for IFN-based treatment and 86.3% (221/256 subjects) versus 94.9% (205/216 patients, p = 0.002) for IFN-free regimens. Relapse after end-of-treatment response to IFN-free therapy was observed in 3/208 (1.4%) HCV-monoinfected subjects and 10/231 (4.4%) HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals (p = 0.075). In a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, transmission route, body-mass index, HCV genotype, and cirrhosis, the absence of HIV-coinfection (adjusted odds ratio: 3.367; 95% confidence interval: 1.15-9.854; p = 0.027) was independently associated with SVR12 to IFN-free therapy. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-coinfection is associated with worse response to DAA-based therapy against HCV infection. In patients receiving IFN-free therapy, this fact seems to be mainly driven by a higher rate of relapses among HIV-coinfected subjects.

Toxoplasmosis cerebral en paciente con macroglobulinemia de Waldenström / Cerebral toxoplasmosis in a patient with Waldenström's macroglobulinemia

No disponible

Asociación entre marcadores inflamatorios y traslocación bacteriana en pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en tratamiento antirretroviral / Association between inflammatory markers and microbial translocation in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection taking antiretroviral treatment

Fundamento y objetivo: Ciertos marcadores inflamatorios están elevados en pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). El tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) mejora algunos de estos parámetros, pero no suele normalizarlos. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar los factores, incluida la traslocación bacteriana, asociados a una mayor actividad inflamatoria en pacientes con infección por VIH en tratamiento. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes con infección por VIH que recibían TAR y tenían carga viral plasmática del VIH (CVP-VIH) < 400 copias/ml. Se seleccionaron pacientes consecutivos entre noviembre de 2011 y enero de 2012. Las variables de resultado fueron los valores séricos de interleucina 6 (IL-6) y de tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α, «factor de necrosis tumoral α»). La variable explicativa principal fueron los marcadores de traslocación bacteriana (ADN ribosomal 16S y sCD14). Los pacientes con valores de IL-6 o TNF-α por encima del percentil 75 (grupo 1) se compararon con el resto de pacientes (grupo 2), y se calcularon las odds ratio (OR) brutas y ajustadas (análisis multivariante). Resultados: Se incluyeron 81 pacientes (73% varones, edad mediana 45 años, 48% en estadio C). El 26% tenía hepatitis crónica C. La mediana de linfocitos CD4 era de 493 cél/mm3 y el 30% tenía CVP-VIH detectable. Se detectó ADN ribosomal en el 21% de los pacientes. Los integrantes del grupo 1 presentaron con mayor frecuencia ADN ribosomal (OR 77, p < 0,0001), valores altos de sCD14 (p < 0,0001) y antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular (OR 15, p < 0,01). En el análisis multivariante la asociación se mantuvo para la presencia de ADN ribosomal (OR 62, p < 0,0001) y antecedentes cardiovasculares (OR 25, p < 0,01). Conclusiones: En pacientes con infección por VIH en tratamiento, los mayores valores de marcadores inflamatorios se observan en aquellos casos con traslocación bacteriana y antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular (AU)

Background and objective: Inflammatory biomarkers are increased in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) improves some parameters but do not normalize them. The aim of this study is to determine those factors (including microbial translocation) associated with higher inflammation in HIV treated patients. Patients and methods: Transversal observational study. Inclusion criteria: HIV patients receiving ART with an HIV viral load (VL) < 400 copies/mL. Selection of patients: consecutively between November 2011 and January 2012. Main variable: plasma levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Main explanatory variable: microbial translocation markers (16S ribosomal DNA and sCD14). Patients with IL-6 or TNF-α levels above percentile 75 (group 1) were compared with the rest of patients (group 2). Odds ratio (OR) were determined. Results: Eighty-one patients were included (73% male, median age 45 years, 48% stage C). Twenty-six percent had chronic hepatitis C. Median CD4 cell was 493/mm3 and 30% had detectable HIV VL. 16S ribosomal DNA was detected in 21% of patients. Factors associated with the higher levels of inflammatory markers were 16S ribosomal DNA (OR 77, P < .0001), sCD14 levels (P < .0001) and history of cardiovascular disease (OR 15, P < .01). In multivariate analysis, associations remained for 16S ribosomal DNA (OR 62, P < .0001) and previous cardiovascular disease (OR 25, P < .01). Conclusions: In patients with HIV infection receiving treatment, the higher levels of inflammatory markers are associated with microbial translocation and past cardiovascular events (AU)

[Association between inflammatory markers and microbial translocation in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection taking antiretroviral treatment]. / Asociación entre marcadores inflamatorios y traslocación bacteriana en pacientes con infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en tratamiento antirretroviral.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory biomarkers are increased in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) improves some parameters but do not normalize them. The aim of this study is to determine those factors (including microbial translocation) associated with higher inflammation in HIV treated patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Transversal observational study. INCLUSION CRITERIA: HIV patients receiving ART with an HIV viral load (VL)<400 copies/mL. Selection of patients: consecutively between November 2011 and January 2012. Main variable: plasma levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Main explanatory variable: microbial translocation markers (16S ribosomal DNA and sCD14). Patients with IL-6 or TNF-α levels above percentile 75 (group 1) were compared with the rest of patients (group 2). Odds ratio (OR) were determined. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were included (73% male, median age 45 years, 48% stage C). Twenty-six percent had chronic hepatitis C. Median CD4 cell was 493/mm(3) and 30% had detectable HIV VL. 16S ribosomal DNA was detected in 21% of patients. Factors associated with the higher levels of inflammatory markers were 16S ribosomal DNA (OR 77, P<.0001), sCD14 levels (P<.0001) and history of cardiovascular disease (OR 15, P<.01). In multivariate analysis, associations remained for 16S ribosomal DNA (OR 62, P<.0001) and previous cardiovascular disease (OR 25, P<.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with HIV infection receiving treatment, the higher levels of inflammatory markers are associated with microbial translocation and past cardiovascular events.

[Expert recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in the prison setting]. / Recomendaciones de expertos sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hepatitis C crónica en el medio penitenciario.

The prevalence of HCV infection in Spanish prisons is very high (38.5%). The characteristics of the infected patients, particularly the high rate of HIV coinfection, makes it very likely that the morbidity and mortality produced by serious liver disease secondary to this infection will increase considerably in the coming years. A group of Spanish experts with experience in patients who are inmates has been invited to establish a series of recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in Spanish prisons.

[Expert recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in the prison setting]. / Recomendaciones de expertos sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hepatitis C crónica en el medio penitenciario.

The prevalence of HCV infection in Spanish prisons is very high (38.5%). The characteristics of the infected patients, particularly the high rate of HIV coinfection, makes it very likely that the morbidity and mortality produced by serious liver disease secondary to this infection will increase considerably in the coming years. A group of Spanish experts with experience in patients who are inmates has been invited to establish a series of recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in Spanish prisons.

Recomendaciones de expertos sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hepatitis C crónica en el medio penitenciario / Expert recommendations on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C in prisons

Las características de los pacientes infectados, especialmente la elevada coinfección con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), hacen probable que la morbilidad y mortalidad producida por enfermedad hepática grave secundaria a esta infección aumente de forma considerable en los próximos años. Un grupo de expertos multidisciplinar con experiencia con pacientes internados en prisiones españolas ha sido invitado a establecer una serie de recomendaciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hepatitis C en las prisiones españolas

The prevalence of HCV infection in Spanish prisons is very high (38.5%). The characteristics of the infected patients, particularly the high rate of HIV coinfection, makes it very likely that the morbidity and mortality produced by serious liver disease secondary to this infection will increase considerably in the coming years. A group of Spanish experts with experience in patients who are inmates has been invited to establish a series of recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in Spanish prisons

Recomendaciones de expertos sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hepatitis C crónica en el medio penitenciario / Expert recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in the prison setting

La prevalencia de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) en las prisiones españolas es muy elevada (38,5%). Las características de los pacientes infectados, especialmente la elevada coinfección con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), hacen probable que la morbilidad y mortalidad producida por enfermedad hepática grave secundaria a esta infección aumente de forma considerable en los próximos años. Un grupo de expertos multidisciplinar con experiencia con pacientes internados en prisiones españolas ha sido invitado a establecer una serie de recomendaciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hepatitis C en las prisiones españolas (AU)

The prevalence of HCV infection in Spanish prisons is very high (38.5%). The characteristics of the infected patients, particularly the high rate of HIV coinfection, makes it very likely that the morbidity and mortality produced by serious liver disease secondary to this infection will increase considerably in the coming years. A group of Spanish experts with experience in patients who are inmates has been invited to establish a series of recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in Spanish prisons (AU)