[Translated article] Digital health for promoting adherence to antiretroviral treatment in patients with HIV/AIDS: A meta-review.

INTRODUCTION: Digital health or "e-health" is a set of applications based on information and communication technologies (ICTs) that can be used to promote self-care and medication adherence in patients with chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to carry out a review of systematic reviews (meta-review) on efficacy studies of e-health interventions to promote adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with HIV/AIDS. METHODOLOGY: A review of systematic reviews ("meta-review") was performed using the Medline-PubMed database on efficacy studies of e-health components to promote adherence to ART, in patients with HIV/AIDS, proposing a structured search strategy (PICO question). A selection process for systematic reviews was conducted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, the corresponding data were extracted, and the analysis was accomplished in descriptive tables. RESULTS: A total of 29 systematic reviews were identified, from which 11 were selected. These reviews comprised 55 RCTs with different e-health interventions and enrolled a total of 15,311 HIV/AIDS patients. Studies included a total of 66 comparisons (experimental group vs. control group) in indirect adherence measurements based on different measurement techniques (36 statistically significant); 21 comparisons of viral load (VL) measurements (10 statistically significant); and 8 comparisons of CD4+ cell count measurements (3 statistically significant). m-Health was the most studied component followed by the telephone call and e-learning. CONCLUSION: Evidence was found that supports that some e-health interventions are effective in promoting adherence to ART and improving health outcomes in patients with HIV/AIDS, although it is identified that more studies are needed for more robust evidence.

Guía clínica para la atención integral en salud de las personas con VIH / Clinical guide for comprehensive health care for people with HIV

La presente guía clínica se constituye en la actualización de la Guía clínica de atención integral en salud de las personas con VIH, de diciembre de 2014, la cual se hace necesaria para contribuir a los objetivos del Plan Estratégico Nacional Multisectorial (PENM) cuya misión es la de conducir acciones en la repuesta nacional al VIH y las ITS, garantizando el acceso a la atención de las personas con VIH e ITS con estándares internacionales, previniendo nuevas infecciones; propiciando un entorno de respeto a los derechos humanos, equidad de género y la diversidad sexual, encaminada hacia la eliminación del VIH en El Salvador, reducción de nuevas infecciones de VIH, reducción de muertes relacionadas a sida y eliminación de la transmisión materno infantil. En el presente documento se incluyen las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), sobre nuevos medicamentos antirretrovirales en tratamientos de primera, segunda y tercera línea, en todas las poblaciones incluidas, embarazadas y mujeres en edad fértil; se presentan diferentes esquemas de tratamiento, con el propósito de mejorar la calidad en la atención de la persona con VIH

This clinical guide is an update of the Clinical Guide for Comprehensive Health Care for People with HIV, dated December 2014, which is necessary to contribute to the objectives of the National Multisector Strategic Plan (PENM), whose mission is that of leading actions in the national response to HIV and STIs, guaranteeing access to care for people with HIV and STIs with international standards, preventing new infections; promoting an environment of respect for human rights, gender equality and sexual diversity, aimed at eliminating HIV in El Salvador, reducing new HIV infections, reducing AIDS-related deaths and eliminating mother-to-child transmission. This document includes the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on new antiretroviral drugs in first, second and third line treatments, in all populations included, pregnant women and women of childbearing age; Different treatment schemes are presented, with the purpose of improving the quality of care for people with HIV.

Lineamientos técnicos para la búsqueda de contactos VIH e ITS / Technical guidelines for searching for HIV and STI contacts

Los presentes lineamientos son el resultado de un proceso de análisis, elaboración y consulta en el cual se tomó en cuenta información sobre los diferentes métodos de notificación asistida, y los pasos que deben llevarse a cabo, partiendo de las consideraciones realizadas por la OMS y el trabajo de diversos organismos de cooperación, los que se adaptaron a la realidad nacional. Estos Lineamientos contienen los principios rectores propuestos por la OMS, los métodos de notificación asistida de parejas o contactos sexuales, etapas de la implementación de la notificación asistida, herramientas utilizadas, forma de priorizar a las personas en mayor riesgo, además un sistema de monitoreo y evaluación del proceso de trabajo

These guidelines are the result of a process of analysis, development and consultation in which information on the different methods of assisted notification was taken into account, and the steps that must be carried out, based on the considerations made by the WHO and the work of various cooperation organizations, which adapted to the national reality. These Guidelines contain the guiding principles proposed by the WHO, the methods of assisted notification of partners or sexual contacts, stages of the implementation of assisted notification, tools used, how to prioritize people at highest risk, as well as a monitoring system and work process evaluation

Plan de monitoreo y evaluación del PENM VIH e ITS de El Salvador 2022-2026 / Monitoring and evaluation plan of the PENM HIV and STIs of El Salvador 2022-2026

Este documento prioriza 32 indicadores del Plan Estratégico Nacional Multisectorial de VIH e ITS 2022-2026, a los cuales se dará vigilancia y evaluación durante el período. El Salvador ha priorizado sus acciones enfocadas en poblaciones clave, personas con VIH, para este quinquenio, se ha enfocado en estrategias de prevención, diagnóstico, atención profundizando el enfoque en el alcance de las metas

This document prioritizes 32 indicators of the National Multisector Strategic Plan for HIV and STIs 2022-2026, which will be monitored and evaluated during the period. El Salvador has prioritized its actions focused on key populations, people with HIV, for this five-year period, it has focused on prevention, diagnosis, and care strategies, deepening the focus on achieving the goals

Estrategia de información, educación y comunicación en el abordaje de las ITS y VIH / Information, education and communication strategy in addressing STIs and HIV

El Ministerio de Salud, promueve el ejercicio del derecho humano a la salud, por lo anterior es importante redimensionar la Estrategia nacional de información, educación y comunicación para el cambio de comportamiento (IEC/CC), con el objetivo de que el personal de salud disponga de procesos sistemáticos para la promoción de la salud con enfoque de las determinantes sociales de la salud y comportamientos saludables que pudieran ser adaptados y adoptados según el perfil epidemiológico local, las prioridades de salud y los recursos humanos, materiales y financieros disponibles. Con base a lo anterior la Unidad de programa de ITS/VIH/sida, incorpora el abordaje de ITS/VIH a la Estrategia nacional de IEC/CC del MINSAL, dirigida hacia poblaciones de mayor vulnerabilidad, definidas en este documento como audiencia primaria siendo estas: adolescentes, trabajadores(as) sexuales, poblaciones clave, personas con capacidades especiales, personas privadas de libertad, población móvil y población de uniformados, con el fin de mejorar la salud en correspondencia a las estrategias planteadas

The Ministry of Health promotes the exercise of the human right to health, therefore it is important to resize the National Information, Education and Communication Strategy for Behavior Change (IEC/CC), with the objective that health personnel have systematic processes for health promotion with a focus on the social determinants of health and healthy behaviors that could be adapted and adopted according to the local epidemiological profile, health priorities and available human, material and financial resources. Based on the above, the STI/HIV/AIDS Program Unit incorporates the STI/HIV approach into the National IEC/CC Strategy of the MINSAL, aimed at the most vulnerable populations, defined in this document as the primary audience, these being : adolescents, sex workers, key populations, people with special abilities, people deprived of liberty, mobile population and uniformed population, in order to improve health in accordance with the proposed strategies

Manual para la formación de consejeros en ITS VIH / Manual for the training of counselors in STIs HIV

El presente manual se constituye en una herramienta metodológica para el abordaje de la consejería y contribuir al logro del reto 95-95-95 marcado por la ONU para luchar contra el Sida para el 2030, durante la Conferencia Mundial del Sida 2020, en donde se estableció que el 95% de las personas que viven con el VIH conozcan su estado serológico con respecto al virus; que un 95% de los que conocen dicho estado tengan acceso a tratamiento; y que un 95% de las personas en tratamiento contra el VIH tengan la carga viral suprimida, por lo tanto, el presente manual deberá ser utilizado para todo proceso de capacitación y acreditación en consejería para VIH en todas las instituciones del Sistema Nacional Integrado de Salud y organizaciones de la sociedad civil.

This manual constitutes a methodological tool for approaching counseling and contributing to the achievement of the 95-95-95 challenge set by the UN to fight AIDS by 2030, during the 2020 World AIDS Conference, where established that 95% of people living with HIV know their serological status with respect to the virus; that 95% of those who know this condition have access to treatment; and that 95% of people undergoing HIV treatment have a suppressed viral load, therefore, this manual should be used for all training and accreditation processes in HIV counseling in all institutions of the National Integrated Health System. and civil society organizations

Lineamientos técnicos para la ejecución de pruebas para ITS y VIH en laboratorios clínicos y bancos de sangre / Technical guidelines for performing tests for STIs and HIV in clinical laboratories and blood banks

La presente guía clínica se constituye en la actualización de la Guía clínica de atención integral en salud de las personas con VIH, de diciembre de 2014, la cual se hace necesaria para contribuir a los objetivos del Plan Estratégico Nacional Multisectorial (PENM) cuya misión es la de conducir acciones en la repuesta nacional al VIH y las ITS, garantizando el acceso a la atención de las personas con VIH e ITS con estándares internacionales, previniendo nuevas infecciones; propiciando un entorno de respeto a los derechos humanos, equidad de género y la diversidad sexual, encaminada hacia la eliminación del VIH en El Salvador, reducción de nuevas infecciones de VIH, reducción de muertes relacionadas a sida y eliminación de la transmisión materno infantil. Se incluyen las recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), sobre nuevos medicamentos antirretrovirales en tratamientos de primera, segunda y tercera línea, en todas las poblaciones incluidas, embarazadas y mujeres en edad fértil; se presentan diferentes esquemas de tratamiento, con el propósito de mejorar la calidad en la atención de la persona con VIH

This clinical guide is an update of the Clinical Guide for Comprehensive Health Care for People with HIV, dated December 2014, which is necessary to contribute to the objectives of the National Multisector Strategic Plan (PENM), whose mission is that of leading actions in the national response to HIV and STIs, guaranteeing access to care for people with HIV and STIs with international standards, preventing new infections; promoting an environment of respect for human rights, gender equality and sexual diversity, aimed at eliminating HIV in El Salvador, reducing new HIV infections, reducing AIDS-related deaths and eliminating mother-to-child transmission. The recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on new antiretroviral drugs in first, second- and third-line treatments are included, in all populations included, pregnant women and women of childbearing age; Different treatment schemes are presented, with the purpose of improving the quality of care for people with HIV

Lineamientos técnicos de consejería en ITS/VIH / Technical guidelines for STI/HIV counseling

La consejería es reconocida a nivel mundial como una estrategia importante que contribuye a la educación y prevención de riesgos contra la infección por ITS/VIH, se reconoce que no basta con transmitir el conocimiento de manera mecánica, sino que es necesario sensibilizar y dialogar con las personas que acuden a los servicios de salud, sobre la importancia del autocuidado, contribuyendo a la toma de decisiones de cada usuario para que mejoren su calidad de vida. A través de los presentes lineamientos se pretende unificar y fortalecer los procedimientos en el área de consejería

Counseling is recognized worldwide as an important strategy that contributes to education and risk prevention against STI/HIV infection. It is recognized that it is not enough to transmit knowledge mechanically, but it is necessary to raise awareness and dialogue with people who go to health services, about the importance of self-care, contributing to the decision-making of each user to improve their quality of life. Through these guidelines it is intended to unify and strengthen the procedures in the area of counseling

Lineamientos técnicos para la prevención del VIH en las poblaciones móviles / Technical guidelines for HIV prevention in populations mobiles

En la actualidad, se reconoce que las poblaciones móviles son más vulnerables al riesgo para contraer el VIH con respecto a las poblaciones que no se desplazan; las poblaciones móviles pueden contraer el VIH durante su desplazamiento y llevar la infección de vuelta al hogar, con frecuencia incluso sin saberlo. Asimismo, afrontan obstáculos por su estado migratorio, por las barreras del idioma, el acceso al diagnóstico, la atención y el apoyo al conocer su estado serológico. Teniendo en cuenta la cantidad de poblaciones móviles que transitan en El Salvador, existe la necesidad de contar con lineamientos que aborden las vulnerabilidades concretas de esas personas ante la infección por VIH. Esas respuestas son decisivas para la eficacia de los esfuerzos regionales e internacionales para luchar contra la enfermedad y lograr el control de la pandemia por parte del Programa Nacional de ITS/VIH-sida, que junto a otras instituciones trabajan la respuesta nacional, en los componentes de migración y de movilidad demográfica

Currently, it is recognized that mobile populations are more vulnerable to the risk of contracting HIV compared to non-mobile populations; Mobile populations can contract HIV while on the move and bring the infection back home, often without knowing it. Likewise, they face obstacles due to their immigration status, language barriers, access to diagnosis, care and support when knowing their serological status. Taking into account the number of mobile populations that move through El Salvador, there is a need to have guidelines that address the specific vulnerabilities of these people to HIV infection. These responses are decisive for the effectiveness of regional and international efforts to fight the disease and achieve control of the pandemic by the National STI/HIV-AIDS Program, which together with other institutions work on the national response, in the components migration and demographic mobility

Concordance between two models of stratification for patients living with HIV infection to providing pharmaceutical care. / [Artículo traducido] Concordancia entre 2 modelos de estratificación de pacientes que viven con el VIH para la prestación de atención farmacéutica.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of agreement of two differents stratification models for pharmaceutical care to people living with HIV. METHODS: This was a single-centre observational prospective cohort study of patients with regular follow-up in pharmaceutical care consultations according to the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity methodology, conducted between January 1st and March 31th, 2023. Patients received the pharmacotherapeutic interventions applied routinely to ambulatory care patients according to this model. As part of the usual clinical practice, the presence or absence of the variables that apply to both stratification models were collected. The scores obtained and the corresponding stratification level were collected for each patient according to both stratification models published (ST-2017 and ST-2022). To analyze the reliability between the measurements of two numerical score models of the stratification level with both tools, their degree of concordance was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Likewise, reliability was also evaluated from a qualitative perspective by means of Cohen's Kappa coefficient. Additionally, the existence of correlation between the scores of the two models was assessed by calculating Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Of the total of 758 patients being followed in the cohort, finally, 233 patients were enrolled. The distribution of patients for each stratification model was: ST-2017: 59.7% level-3, 25.3% level-2 and 15.0% level-1, while for ST-2022: 60.9% level-3, 26.6% level-2 and 12.4% level-1. It was observed that the reclassification was symmetrical (p=0.317). The qualitative analysis of the agreement between the models showed a good Cohen's kappa value, (K=0.66). A value of 0.563 was found as the intraclass correlation coefficient. Finally, the correlation analysis between the quantitative scores of the two models yielded a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.86. CONCLUSIONS: The concordance between the two models was good, which confirms that the multidimensional adaptation and simplification of the model were correct and that its use can be extended in routine clinical practice.

Impact of specialized training for emergency department nurses screening or undetected HIV infection: the "Urgències VIHgila" project experience. / Impacto de una formación específica y generalizada de los profesionales de enfermería en el despistaje en urgencias de infección oculta por VIH: experiencia del proyecto "Urgències VIHgila".

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of specialized training for nurses on selective screening for undetected HIV infection in the emergency department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The intervention group was comprised of 6 emergency departments that had been participating in a screening program (the "Urgències VIHgila" project) for at least 3 months. Nurses on all shifts attended training sessions that emphasized understanding the circumstances that should lead to suspicion of unidentified HIV infection and the need to order serology. Two studies were carried out: 1) a quasi-experimental pre-post study to compare the number of orders for HIV serology in each time period and measures of sensitivity, and 2) a case-control study to compare the changes made in the 6 hospitals where specialized training was provided (cases) vs 6 control hospitals in the HIV screening program where no training was given. RESULTS: A total of 280 HIV serologies were ordered for the 81015 patients (0.3%) attended during the period before training; 331 serologies were ordered for the 79620 patients in the period after training (0.4%). The relative increase in serologies was 20.3% (95% CI, 2.9% to 34.5%; P = .022). The relative increase in measures of sensitivity ranged between 19% and 39%, consistent with the main comparison. Serologies in the control group decreased between periods, from 0.9% to 0.8%, indicating a relative decrease of 15.7% (95% CI, -25.1% to -6.2%; P = .001). The absolute number of patients tested in the training group was 0.2% higher in the training hospitals (95% CI, 0.11% to 0.31%; P .001) than in the control hospitals. CONCLUSION: Training nurses to screen for undetected HIV infection in the emergency department increased the number of patients tested, according to the pre-post and case-control comparisons.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto de una formación específica para enfermería en el servicio urgencias (SU) sobre el despistaje selectivo de infección por VIH oculta. METODO: Participaron 6 SU adheridos al programa "Urgències VIHgila" con un mínimo de 3 meses y se realizaron sesiones formativas para los diferentes turnos. Las sesiones enfatizaban en qué circunstancias debía sospecharse infección oculta VIH y la necesidad de solicitar serología. Se realizaron dos estudios: 1) cuasiexperimental pre/post, que comparó la tasa de solicitudes VIH entre ambos periodos, con diversos análisis de sensibilidad; 2) caso-control, que comparó el cambio entre periodos de los 6 SU con formación (caso) con el cambio en otros 6 SU que no tuvieron formación (control). RESULTADOS: Se realizaron serologías de VIH a 280 de los 81.015 pacientes atendidos durante el periodo preintervención (0,3%) y a 331 de los 79.620 del periodo posintervención (0,4%). El incremento relativo fue del 20,3% (IC 95% de +2,9% a +34,5%; p = 0,022). Los análisis de sensibilidad mostraron incrementos relativos congruentes con el análisis principal (entre 19% y 39%). En el grupo control hubo descenso de solicitudes entre periodos, del 0,9% al 0,8% (descenso relativo del 15,7%, IC 95% de ­25,1% a­6,2%; p = 0,001). El grupo caso, en relación con el grupo control, tuvo un incremento absoluto de 0,2% (IC 95% de +0,11 a +0,31%, p 0,001) de pacientes testados. CONCLUSIONES: La formación de enfermería para despistaje de la infección VIH oculta en urgencias incrementa el número de pacientes investigados, tanto comparado con el periodo previo a la formación como comparado con SU sin formación específica para enfermería.

Real-life application of a stratification model for HIV care.

INTRODUCTION: HIV infection has become a chronic disease with a good long-term prognosis, necessitating a change in the care model. For this study, we applied a proposal for an Optimal Care Model (OCM) for people with HIV (PHIV), which includes tools for assessing patient complexity and their classification into profiles to optimize care provision. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study. Adult PHIV treated at the Tropical Medicine consultations at Ramón y Cajal Hospital from January 1 to June 30, 2023, were included. The complexity calculation and the stratification into profiles for each patient were done according to the OCM. RESULTS: Ninety-four participants were included, 76.6% cisgender men, with a median age of 41 years (range 23-76). Latin America and Africa were the main regions of origin (72.4%). 98% had an undetectable HIV viral load. The degree of complexity was 78.7% low, 11.7% medium, 1% high, and 8.5% extreme. The predominant profile was blue (64.9%), followed by lilac (11.7%), purple (6.3%), and green (4.3%). 7.4% were unclassifiable, of whom 57.2% had high/extreme complexity. Among the unclassifiable, mental health problems were the most common. CONCLUSIONS: The OCM tools for People Living with HIV (PLWH) allow for the classification and stratification of most patients in a consultation with a non-standard population. Patients who did not fit into the pre-established profiles presented high complexity. Creating a profile focused on mental health or mixed profiles could facilitate the classification of more patients.

[Translated article] Real-world persistence with dolutegravir/lamivudine versus bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir-alafenamide among persons with HIV.

OBJETIVES: The main objective was to compare the persistence between dolutegravir/lamivudine (DTG/3TC) and bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir-alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) and to analyze reasons for discontinuation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, non-interventional, descriptive, and longitudinal study. All human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients over 18 years treated with DTG/3TC or BIC/FTC/TAF in our center were included. Persistence after first year was compared using the χ2 test. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-eight patients were included. 99.5% versus 90.99% of patients were persistent after the first year for DTG/3TC and BIC/FTC/TAF respectively (p=.001). Persistence with DGT/3TC was 1237 days (IC95% 1216-1258) and persistence with BIC/FTC/TAF was 986 days [(IC95% 950-1021); p<.001]. The difference was remained after adjusting for covariates with the cox regression model [HR=8.2 (IC95% 1.03-64.9), p=.047]. The main reasons for discontinuation for BIC/FTC/TAF were toxicity/tolerability. CONCLUSION: In our study, patients have a high persistence. Patients on DTG/3TC treatment are more persistent compared to BIC/FTC/TAF, although BIC/FTC/TAF have worse baseline characteristics. The main reason for discontinuation of BIC/FTC/TAF is tolerability/toxicity.

Identificación del alelo HLA B*57: 01 en una población militar, de Lima-Perú / Identification of the allele HLA B*57: 01 in a military population, from Lima-Peru

El alelo HLA B*57:01 es un marcador genético asociado con la hipersensibilidad al fármaco anti-retroviral abacavir (ABC) y su frecuencia en la población peruana todavía es desconocida. El objetivo fue identificar el alelo HLA B*57:01 en una población militar de Lima, Perú. Se reclutaron 43 personas viviendo con VIH (PVV) quienes aceptaron participar a través de un consentimiento informado. La detección del alelo HLA B*57:01 se realizó mediante RPC en tiempo real (RT-PCR). Asimismo, se determinó la carga viral (CV), el recuento de linfocitos CD4 y la genotipificación del VIH. Se identificaron dos casos positivos al alelo HLA B*57:01 (4,7%). Además, uno de ellos presentó múltiples mutaciones de resistencia a los anti-retrovirales (ARV), incluyendo ABC. Se demostró por primera vez en el Perú la presencia del alelo HLA B*57:01.

The HLA B*57:01 allele is a genetic marker associated with hypersensitivity to the antiretroviral Abacavir (ABC) and its frequency in the Peruvian population is still unknown. The objective was to identify the HLA B*57:01 allele in a military population from Lima, Peru. Forty three people living with HIV (PLWH) were recruited, who agreed to participate through informed consent. Detection of the HLA B*57:01 allele was performed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Likewise, viral load (VL), CD4 lymphocyte count and HIV genotyping were determined. Two cases positive for the HLA B*57:01 allele (4.7%) were identified. In addition, one of them had multiple resistance mutations to antiretrovirals (ARVs), including ABC. The presence of the HLA B*57:01 allele was demonstrated for the first time in Peru.

Situación epidemiológica de VIH a nivel global y nacional: Puesta al día / Epidemiological situation of HIV at global and national level: update

INTRODUCCIÓN: En las cuatro décadas de la epidemia por VIH, se han observado avances notables que han contribuido a una disminución progresiva en la incidencia de nuevas infecciones y en la mortalidad a nivel mundial. Sin embargo, no ha ocurrido lo mismo en Latinoamérica y en Chile. OBJETIVO: Esta revisión tiene como objetivo conocer la epidemiología actual a nivel global, latinoamericano y chileno. METODOLOGÍA: Se analizaron los informes epidemiológicos oficiales de infección por VIH emitidos por organismos nacionales e internacionales, más los estudios epidemiológicos nacionales. RESULTADOS: Se estima que 39 millones de personas viven con VIH en el mundo; no obstante, la mortalidad y la incidencia de nuevos casos han disminuido de forma notoria durante las últimas dos décadas, asociado a una expansión en al acceso a terapia antirretroviral en forma global. A diferencia del resto del mundo, América Latina presenta una tendencia de alza en las nuevas infecciones y Chile registra un aumento de 35% en nuevos casos durante los últimos 10 años, coincidiendo con un aumento en los flujos de migrantes que ha afectado a la región. Algunas estrategias preventivas como la profilaxis pre exposición se han implementa-do a un ritmo lento, tanto a nivel mundial, como latinoamericano. CONCLUSIONES: La epidemiología del VIH presenta características propias regionales y nacionales. En particular en Chile, diversos factores incluyendo déficit en políticas públicas de prevención y los recientes flujos migratorios han modelado nuestra actual epidemia. El desafío presente debe contemplar los esfuerzos multisectoriales para lograr los objetivos de ONUSIDA en esta década.

BACKGROUND: Over the course of the last four decades of global HIV epidemic, significant improvements have contributed to gradually reduce the frequency of new infections and global mortality rates. However, in Latin America particularly in Chile, new infections continue increasing. AIM: This review aims to comprehend the_epidemiology today on a worldwide, Latin American, and Chilean scale. METHODS: National epidemiology studies and official HIV reports from international and national organizations were reviewed. RESULTS: It is estimated that 39 million people live with HIV worldwide; however, mortality and the incidence of new cases have decreased markedly over the last two decades, associated with an expansion in access to antiretroviral therapy globally. In contrast to the rest of the world, Latin America shows an upward trend in new infections, with Chile registering a 35% increase in new cases over the last 10 years, coinciding with an increase in migratory flows that has occurred throughout the region. Some preventive strategies, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, have been implemented at a slow pace, both globally and in Latin America. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of HIV has regional and national characteristics. Specifically in Chile, several factors, including deficits in public prevention policies and recent migratory flows, have shaped our current epidemic. The present challenge must contemplate multisectoral efforts to achieve the UNAIDS objectives during this decade.

Orientaciones para el manejo ambulatorio de adultos que viven con VIH en Chile / Guidelines for the primary care of adult people living with HIV in Chile

El enfrentamiento de las personas que viven con VIH es amplio y requiere dedicación en múltiples dimensiones, más allá de la terapia antirretroviral. Estas recomendaciones abordan el manejo desde el diagnóstico, primera visita, seguimiento, manejo de comorbilidades infecciosas y no infecciosas, tamizaje de neoplasias, profilaxis antimicrobiana y vacunas, entre otras.

Management of people living with HIV is broad and multiple dimensions must be considered, beyond antiretroviral therapy. These recommendations include management from diagnosis, first visit, patient follow-up, infectious and non-infectious comorbidities, malignancies screening, antimicrobial and immunizations prophylaxis, among others.

Resistencia antibiótica y aspectos clínicos de Neisseria gonorrhoeae anorrectal en un hospital de CABA, Argentina / Antimicrobial resistance and clinical aspects in anorectal Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a hospital in CABA, Argentina

La infección por Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) es considerada de alta prioridad en salud pública, por su capacidad para desarrollar resistencia a la mayoría de los antibióticos empleados para tratarla. La presentación anorrectal suele ser asintomática y frecuente en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). En Argentina, se recomienda terapia antibiótica dual (ceftriaxona+azitromicina/doxiciclina) como primera línea empírica. Este estudio observacional y retrospectivo se realizó para evaluar el porcentaje de positividad de NG anorrectal, el perfil de sensibilidad a penicilina, tetraciclina, ciprofloxacina, ceftriaxona, cefixima y azitromicina, así como los aspectos clínicos-epidemiológicos de los pacientes atendidos entre 20/10/2015 y 20/03/2020 en consultorios coloproctológicos de un hospital público. Se detectaron 55/436 hisopados rectales positivos para NG (13%). El 95% era HSH y 71%, VIH+. En 18/55 NG fue la única infección. Las co-infecciones más frecuentes: HPV (38%) y C. trachomatis (35%). La sensibilidad a cefalosporinas de espectro extendido (CEE) y a azitromicina fueron 100% y 98%, respectivamente. Se observó la emergencia local de los primeros cinco aislamientos de NG anorrectal con sensibilidad reducida (SR) a CEE, el primer aislamiento con categoría no-sensible a azitromicina y otro con SR a azitromicina concomitantemente con SR a CEE. Aunque el uso de terapia empírica dual sigue siendo adecuado para nuestra institución, se observó la emergencia de aislamientos con SR y NS a las drogas de primera línea, evidenciando la importancia de la vigilancia epidemiológica a nivel local para definir los tratamientos empíricos.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infection is considered a high public health priority because of its ability to develop resistance to most of the antibiotics used to treat it.The anorectal presentation is generally asymptomatic and frequent in men who have sex with men (MSM). In Argentina, dual therapy (ceftriaxone+azithromycin/doxycycline) is recommended as first line empiric therapy.This observational and retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the percentage of anorectal NG positivity, the susceptibility profile to penicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, cefixime and azithromycin, as well as the clinical-epidemiological aspects of patients attended between 20/10/2015 and 20/03/2020 in coloproctology of a public hospital.We detected 55/436 positive rectal swabs for NG (13%). 95% were MSM and 71% were PLHIV. In 18/55 NG was the only infection. The most frequent co-infections: HPV (38%) and C. trachomatis (35%).Susceptibility to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs) and azithromycin was 100% and 98%, respectively. Local emergence of the first five anorectal NG isolates with decreased susceptibility (DS) to ESCs, the first isolate with nonsusceptible category to azithromycin and another with DS to azithromycin concomitantly with DS to ESCs were observed.Although the use of dual empirical therapy continues to be adequate for our institution, the emergence of isolates with DS and NS to first-line drugs was observed, evidencing the importance of epidemiological surveillance at the local level to define empirical treatments

Digital health to promote adherence to antiretroviral treatment in patients with HIV/AIDS: Meta review. / Salud digital para promover la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en pacientes con VIH/sida: metarevisión.

INTRODUCTION: Digital health or "e-Health" is a set of applications based on Information and Communication Technologies that can be used to promote self-care and medication adherence in patients with chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to carry out a review of systematic reviews (meta-review) on efficacy studies of e-Health interventions to promote adherence to antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV/AIDS. METHOD: A review of systematic reviews ("meta-review") was performed using the Medline-PubMed database on efficacy studies of e-Health components to promote adherence to antirretroviral therapy, in patients with HIV/AIDS, proposing a structured search strategy (PICO question). A selection process for systematic reviews was conducted based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, the corresponding data were extracted, and the analysis was accomplished in descriptive tables. RESULTS: A total of 29 systematic reviews were identified, from which 11 were selected. These reviews comprised 55 randomized controlled therapies with different e-Health interventions and enrolled a total of 15,311 HIV/AIDS patients. Studies included a total of 66 comparisons (experimental group vs. control group) in indirect adherence measurements based on different measurement techniques (36 statistically significant); 21 comparisons of viral load measurements (10 statistically significant); and 8 comparisons of CD4+ cell count measurements (3 statistically significant). m-Health was the most studied component followed by the telephone call and e-Learning. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence was found that supports that some e-Health interventions are effective in promoting adherence to antirretroviral therapy and improving health outcomes in patients with HIV/AIDS, although it is identified that more studies are needed for more robust evidence.

Cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of people over 65 years of age living with HIV.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to describe and analyze the characteristics of aged people who are living with HIV (APHIV) and evaluate their association on the comorbidities they currently have. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of APHIV under active follow-up at the Infectious Diseases Unit of the University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed, along with their association with the development of comorbidities in this population. A correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were performed for this purpose. RESULTS: Eighty-five APHIV, 65 males and 20 females, with an average age of 69 years (IQR 8) and a duration of living with HIV of 17 years (SD 7), were studied. 41% of them had their initial diagnosis with AIDS. The most common comorbidities are hypertension and dyslipidemia in 55% and 52%, respectively. 40% of APHIV take at least 5 medications. 35% have received more than 5 lines of antiretroviral treatment. At the time of analysis, all APHIV have an undetectable viral load. No significant association was observed between the number of comorbidities and various characteristics of APHIV; however, a weak correlation was noted among age, the cumulative number of antiretroviral treatments received throughout their lives, and the number of comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis highlights the substantial burden of comorbidities and polypharmacy experienced by APHIV. Further studies are needed to better understand the characteristics and variables influencing their development.

Analysis of antiretroviral therapy interruption in people living with HIV during the 2010-2021 Period. / [Artículo traducido] Análisis de la interrupción de la terapia antirretroviral en personas que viven con VIH/sida durante el periodo 2010­2021.

OBJECTIVE: In the context of the advancement of antiretroviral therapy and, as the characteristics of people living with HIV progress toward an aging population, understanding the causes of treatment interruption becomes crucial. The aim of the study was to determine the change in reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation for 12 years. Secondarily, compare annual antiretroviral regimen discontinuation rate and factors associated. METHODS: We conducted an analysis using data from people living with HIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy and discontinued it for any reason. The study included people with HIV infection who visited an outpatient hospital pharmacy clinic from January 2010 to December 2021. Two periods were differentiated for the analysis: 2010-2015 and 2016-2021. The reasons for antiretroviral treatment discontinuation followed classification described by Swiss cohort. In the context of this study, it is pertinent to note that the term 'interruption' will be consistently used in this article to refer to the act of switching or stopping antiretroviral treatment. To examine factors associated with antiretroviral therapy discontinuation, we utilized Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional models. RESULTS: We included 789 people living with HIV, predominantly male (81,5%). The main reason for discontinuation was clinical decision (50.2%) followed by adverse effects (37.9%). Focusing on clinical decision, we observed a trend change that went from antiretroviral treatment simplification regimen (56.1%) in the first part of the period analyzed to the therapeutic optimization (53.6%) in the second half. Furthermore, factors that were statistically significantly associated with antiretroviral treatment discontinuation were people with HIV ≥50 years (HR 1.60; 95%CI 1.25-2.04), post-discontinuation single-tablet regimen (HR 1.49; 95%CI 1.06-2.11) and antiretroviral drug classes. CONCLUSIONS: Over the 12 years there has been a change in the main cause of antiretroviral treatment discontinuation, currently therapeutic optimization being the main reason. Integrase inhibitors-based regimens and singletablet regimen strategies were less likely to be discontinued than others antiretroviral drug classes, allowing for better clinical management due to the efficacy profile, especially in people living with HIV ≥50 years with comorbidities.