Physical, psychological and biochemical recovery from anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism: a scoping review.

Hypogonadism can result following anabolic steroid abuse. The duration and degree of recovery from anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism (ASIH) is immensely variable, and there is a paucity of prospective controlled data characterising the trajectory of natural recovery following cessation. This poses difficulties for users trying to stop androgen abuse, and clinicians wanting to assist them. The objective of this paper was to synthesise evidence on the physical, psychological and biochemical patterns of ASIH recovery. We present the pathophysiology of ASIH through a literature review of hypothalamic-pituitary-testosterone axis recovery in supraphysiological testosterone exposure. This is followed by a scoping review of relevant observational and interventional studies published on PubMed and finally, a conclusion that is an easy reference for clinicians helping patients that are recovering from AAS abuse. Results indicate that ASIH recovery depends on age and degree of androgen abuse, with physical changes like testicular atrophy expected to have near full recovery over months to years; spermatogenesis expected to achieve full recovery over months to years; libido returning to baseline over several months (typically less potent than during AAS use); and recovery from gynaecomastia being unlikely. For psychological recovery, data are insufficient and conflicting, indicating a transient withdrawal period which may be followed by persisting longer-term milder symptoms. For biochemical recovery, near complete recovery of testosterone is seen over months, and complete gonadotropin recovery is expected over 3-6 months. Further prospective studies are indicated to more closely describe patterns of recovery.

Impact of harm reduction practice on the use of non-prescribed performance and image-enhancing drugs: The PUSH! Audit.

METHOD: The PUSH! Audit was a cross-sectional study performed from May 2019 to May 2021. With each audit submitted, general practitioners (GPs) were asked about the impact of their engagement with their patients. RESULTS: In all, 144 audit responses were collected, with 81.6% of audits showing a change in behaviour. The changes noted were better monitoring (71.3%), treatment of adverse effects (64.4%), modified use (44.4%) and stopped use (12.2%). DISCUSSION: This study asking GPs about outcomes with each of their patients using non-prescribed PIEDs has shown significant changes in behaviour. There has been no previous work done to evaluate the potential impact of such engagement. The findings of this exploratory study of the PUSH! Audit suggest harm reduction for people who use non-prescribed PIEDs when engaged with GP clinics.

Successful expanded clinic network collaboration and patient tracing for retention in HIV care.

BACKGROUND: There are more than 7,800 people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Victoria, Australia. Crucial in maximising the individual and population level benefits from antiretroviral therapy (ART) is understanding how to achieve patient retention in care and the factors that drive it. This study was an expansion of a 2015 assessment of HIV-care retention in Victoria, which sought out to determine whether the inclusion of a broader range of HIV-healthcare sites would yield more accurate estimates of retention in HIV-care. We aimed to improve our understanding of HIV-care retention in Victoria, Australia, identify people living with HIV (PLHIV) with unknown outcomes, and attempt to re-engage PLHIV in care. METHODS: A network of 15 HIV-care sites was established in Victoria, Australia across diverse care settings which ranged from low-caseload rural sites to high-caseload metropolitan GP clinics and hospitals. Individuals who had an HIV viral load (VL) performed in both calendar years of 2016 and 2017 were classified as retained in care. Individuals with a VL test in 2016 but not in 2017 were considered to potentially have unknown outcomes as they may have been receiving care elsewhere, have disengaged from care or died. For this group, an intervention of cross-referencing partially de-identified data between healthcare sites, and contact tracing individuals who still had unknown outcomes was performed. RESULTS: For 5223 individuals considered to be retained in care across 15 healthcare sites in the study period, 49 had unconfirmed transfers of care to an alternative provider and 79 had unknown outcomes. After the intervention, the number of unconfirmed care transfers was reduced to 17 and unknown outcomes reduced to 51. These changes were largely attributed to people being reclassified as confirmed transfers of care. Retention in care estimates that did not include the patient outcome of confirmed transfer of care ranged from 76.2 to 95.8% and did not alter with the intervention. However, retention in care estimates which considered confirmed transfers and those that re-entered care at a new site as retained in care significantly increased across five of the sites with estimates ranging from 80.9 to 98.3% pre-intervention to 83.3-100% post-intervention. Individuals whose outcomes remained unknown post-intervention were more often men who have sex with men (MSM) when compared to other categories (person who injects drugs (PWID), combined PWID/MSM, men who identify as heterosexual or unknown) (74.5% vs. 53.5%, [p = 0.06]) and receiving ART at their last HIV-care visit (84.3% vs. 67.8% [p = 0.09]). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed high retention in HIV-care and low numbers of people disengaged from HIV-care in Victoria. This was demonstrated across a larger number of sites with varying models of care than a prior assessment in 2015. These data align with national and state targets aiming for 95% of PLHIV retained in HIV-care.

Management of human immunodeficiency virus in older people.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of older (aged ≥50 years) people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) within the HIV-positive population is increasing. Many comorbidities associated with ageing are observed more frequently and/or occur at an earlier age among PLHIV, compared with people who are uninfected. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article is to improve the confidence of treating physicians who have limited HIV experience in providing care for the increasingly elderly HIV population by presenting a contemporary clinical picture of older PLHIV and discussing the key evidence-based principles of management, with reference to data in the Australian setting where applicable. DISCUSSION: Older PLHIV, in particular those with complex comorbidities, are likely to benefit from comprehensive multidisciplinary medical and psychosocial support as they age. Physicians are well placed to diagnose and treat HIV as early as possible in older people and ensure counselling to prevent secondary transmission of HIV.

Incidence, Clearance, and Persistence of Anal Human Papillomavirus in Men Who Have Sex With Men Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Implications for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men living with human immunodeficiency virus have a high risk of anal cancer. We estimate the likely benefit of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among participants of the Anal Cancer Examination study. METHODS: Anal swabs were collected for the detection and genotyping of anal HPV DNA by linear array (Roche Diagnostics) in this 2-year multicenter prospective cohort. We calculated the proportion of men, stratified by age, without detectable vaccine type-specific DNA. RESULTS: Overall, 255 men, with a median age of 50 years (interquartile range, 44-56 years) contributed 488.9 person-years of follow-up. After 2 years of follow-up, 149 (58%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 52-65) had at least 1 high-risk HPV (HRHPV), and 71 (28%, 95% CI, 22-34) had HPV types 16/18 detected. Assuming that DNA-negative men would receive vaccine protection, vaccination at baseline could potentially prevent HRHPV infection in 10.2% of men (95% CI, 6.8-14.6, 26 of 255) 2 years later from incident HRHPV covered by the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccine, and 29.4% of men (95% CI, 23.9-35.4, 75/255) from incident HRHPV covered by the nonavalent vaccine. CONCLUSION: Though there is high prevalence of anal HPV in men who have sex with men living with human immunodeficiency virus, there was also a high incidence of HRHPV vaccine types in the 2-year follow-up, indicating potential for prevention if these men were not previously infected with HPV vaccine types and were vaccinated at their baseline visit.

Incorporating digital anorectal examinations for anal cancer screening into routine HIV care for men who have sex with men living with HIV: a prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV have a high risk of anal cancer, which is often detected at late stages, when morbidity and mortality are high. The objective of this study was to describe the feasibility and challenges to incorporating regular digital anorectal examination (DARE) into routine HIV care for MSM living with HIV, from the perspective of patients, physicians and the health service. METHODS: In 2014, we recruited 327 MSM living with HIV, aged 35 and above from one major sexual health centre (n = 187), two high HIV caseload general practices (n = 118) and one tertiary hospital (n = 22) in Melbourne, Australia. Men were followed up for two years and DARE was recommended at baseline, year 1 and year 2. Data were collected regarding patient and physician experience, and health service use. An ordered logit model was used to assess the relationship between sociodemographic factors and the number of DAREs performed. RESULTS: Mean age of men was 51 (SD ± 9) years, 69% were Australian born, 32% current smokers, and mean CD4 was 630 (SD ± 265) cells per mm3 , with no significant differences between clinical sites. Overall, 232 (71%) men received all three DAREs, 71 (22%) received two DAREs, and 24 (7%) had one DARE. Adverse outcomes were rarely reported: anal pain (1.2% of total DAREs), bleeding (0.8%) and not feeling in control of their body during the examination (1.6%). Of 862 DAREs performed, 33 (3.8%) examinations resulted in a referral to a colorectal surgeon. One Stage 1 anal cancer was detected. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of an early anal cancer detection programme into routine HIV clinical care for MSM living with HIV showed high patient acceptability, uncommon adverse outcomes and specialist referral patterns similar to other cancer screening programmes.

Baseline findings from the Anal Cancer Examination (ACE) study: screening using digital ano-rectal examination in HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVE: Cytological screening for anal cancer precursors is not always possible. We investigated digital ano-rectal examination (DARE) as a means of early anal cancer detection in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: We recruited 327 HIV-positive MSM aged 35 and over from clinics with HIV physicians in Melbourne, Australia, to receive an annual DARE. We analyzed baseline data from patient questionnaires regarding general, anal and sexual health, adverse effects from the anal examination, cancer worry, and quality of life. RESULTS: The majority of men (82%, 95% CI:78-87) felt relaxed during the DARE, 1% (95% CI:0-3) complained of pain, and 1% (95% CI:0-4) reported bleeding after the examination. Nearly all men (99%, 95% CI:96-100) were willing to continue with an annual DARE. Quality of life was unaffected with utility scores of 0.76 before examination vs. 0.77 two weeks after examination, (p = 0.41). An anal abnormality was detected in 86 men (27%, 95% CI:22-31), with one anal cancer identified. The specialist referral rate following DARE was 5% (95% CI:3-8). Recruitment rates were significantly associated with the clinic setting (sexual health centre 78%, general practice 13%, hospital 14%, p = 0.002) and specialty (sexual health physician 67%, general practitioner 20%, infectious disease physician 14%, p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Annual DARE to detect anal cancer in HIV-positive MSM was acceptable for patients, with minimal side effects. Strategies to increase HIV physician's patient recruitment would be needed if DARE were to be implemented in anal cancer screening.

Anal HPV detection in men who have sex with men living with HIV who report no recent anal sexual behaviours: baseline analysis of the Anal Cancer Examination (ACE) study.

OBJECTIVES: Men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV are at high risk of infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of anal cancer. We assess whether anal HPV DNA detection is related to recent anal sexual activity, what types of anal sexual activity or the persistence of HPV genotypes. METHODS: We analysed anal swabs taken at the baseline of a 2-year prospective anal cancer screening study of MSM living with HIV from four HIV clinics in Melbourne, Australia. Anal HPV detection was stratified by age and anal sexual behaviours. RESULTS: 281 anal swabs were included in the analysis. The majority (80%, 95% CI 75 to 84) of men were positive for any HPV; 59% (95% CI 53 to 65) were positive for high-risk HPV (hr-HPV) genotypes; and 31% (95% CI 26 to 36) men were positive for HPV 16 and/or 18 with no significant differences according to age groups (p>0.261). In men who reported no receptive anal sexual activity in the last six months (22%), hr-HPV was found in 53% (95% CI 41 to 65) for no anal sexual activity versus. 60% (95% CI 54 to 67) for anal sexual activity (p=0.320). HPV 16 and/or 18 was found in 26% (95% CI 16 to 38) for no anal sexual activity versus. 32% (95% CI 27 to 39) for anal sexual activity (p=0.320). CONCLUSIONS: Anal HPV in MSM living with HIV is detected in the majority of men throughout all age groups. Anal HPV detection remains high even in men reporting no anal sexual activity in the preceding six months.

Clinic Network Collaboration and Patient Tracing to Maximize Retention in HIV Care.

BACKGROUND: Understanding retention and loss to follow up in HIV care, in particular the number of people with unknown outcomes, is critical to maximise the benefits of antiretroviral therapy. Individual-level data are not available for these outcomes in Australia, which has an HIV epidemic predominantly focused amongst men who have sex with men. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A network of the 6 main HIV clinical care sites was established in the state of Victoria, Australia. Individuals who had accessed care at these sites between February 2011 and June 2013 as assessed by HIV viral load testing but not accessed care between June 2013 and February 2014 were considered individuals with potentially unknown outcomes. For this group an intervention combining cross-referencing of clinical data between sites and phone tracing individuals with unknown outcomes was performed. 4966 people were in care in the network and before the intervention estimates of retention ranged from 85.9%-95.8% and the proportion with unknown outcomes ranged from 1.3-5.5%. After the intervention retention increased to 91.4-98.8% and unknown outcomes decreased to 0.1-2.4% (p<.01 for all sites for both outcomes). Most common reasons for disengagement from care were being too busy to attend or feeling well. For those with unknown outcomes prior to the intervention documented active psychiatric illness at last visit was associated with not re-entering care (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The network demonstrated low numbers of people with unknown outcomes and high levels of retention in care. Increased levels of retention in care and reductions in unknown outcomes identified after the intervention largely reflected confirmation of clinic transfers while a smaller number were successfully re-engaged in care. Factors associated with disengagement from care were identified. Systems to monitor patient retention, care transfer and minimize disengagement will maximise individual and population-level outcomes for populations with HIV.

Exposing the gaps in awareness, knowledge and estimation of risk for anal cancer in men who have sex with men living with HIV: a cross-sectional survey in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of anal cancer is significantly higher in men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV when compared to the general population. We aimed to assess their awareness, knowledge and perceived level of personal risk for anal cancer to help inform educational strategies targeting this group. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 327 HIV positive MSM in Melbourne, Australia, attending clinical settings (a sexual health centre, tertiary hospital HIV outpatients and high HIV caseload general practices) completed a written questionnaire in 2013/14. Poor knowledge was defined as those who had never heard of anal cancer, or scored 5 or less out of 10 in knowledge questions amongst those who reported ever hearing about anal cancer. Underestimation of risk was defined as considering themselves as having the same or lower risk for anal cancer compared to the general population. RESULTS: Of 72% (95% confidence interval (CI): 67-77) who had heard of anal cancer, 47% (95% CI: 41-53) could not identify any risk factors for anal cancer. Of total men surveyed, 51% (95% CI: 46-57) underestimated their risk for anal cancer. Multivariate analysis showed that men who underestimated their risk were older (OR 1.04 (per year increase in age), 95% CI: 1.01-1.07), had poor anal cancer knowledge (OR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.21-3.51), and more likely to have ever had an anal examination (OR 2.41, 95% CI: 1.18-4.93). They were less likely to consult a physician if they had an anal abnormality (OR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.31-0.96), to have had receptive anal sex (OR 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.59) or speak English at home (OR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.09-0.90). CONCLUSIONS: This survey of MSM living with HIV demonstrated limited awareness, knowledge level and estimation of risk for anal cancer. Further educational and public health initiatives are urgently needed to improve knowledge and understanding of anal cancer risk in MSM living with HIV.

Rapid HIV testing increases the rate of HIV detection in men who have sex with men: using rapid HIV testing in a primary care clinic.

Rapid HIV testing was approved in Australia in December 2012. Data was collected to describe the early experience of using rapid testing in Australia but as the information was collected, the authors noted that there appeared to be a high rate of HIV diagnoses amongst rapid testers. Further analysis confirmed this impression, when the rate was compared to a baseline rate of HIV diagnoses over the 32 months before the rapid testing started (4.1% vs 1.3%).

A randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study to determine the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of an HPV-16 therapeutic vaccine in HIV-positive participants with oncogenic HPV infection of the anus.

OBJECTIVE: Study aimed to assess safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of novel therapeutic HPV-16 E6E7 ISCOMATRIX vaccine for treatment of human papilloma virus (HPV)-related anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected men who have sex with men with moderate immunosuppression. DESIGN: Randomized, multicenter, blinded, placebo-controlled, dose-escalating study investigating 3 different doses of vaccine and different dose schedule. Primary objective to determine safety and tolerability, including clinical status, maintenance of virological control, and CD4 cell count for more than 252 days. RESULTS: Thirty-five men who have sex with men enrolled; median age 47 years; current CD4 count 627 cells per milliliter; nadir CD4 count 154 cells per milliliter; 94% current antiretrovirals; 100% high-risk HPV types; 69% abnormal anal cytology; and 34% anal intraepithelial neoplasia 1-3 on high-resolution anoscopy. No dose-limiting toxicities or serious adverse events in HPV-16 vaccine recipients. Most HPV-16 vaccine recipients reported moderate/severe short-term injection site reactions and systemic reactions including headache, myalgia, and fatigue. CD4 cell counts remained stable. Five participants had transiently detectable viral loads. Ninety-six percent of vaccine recipients had at least a 4-fold increase in HPV-16 antibody from prevaccination levels. Seventy-one percent had at least a 3-fold increase in interferon-gamma responses to E6E7 peptides. CONCLUSIONS: The novel therapeutic HPV-16 E6E7 ISCOMATRIX vaccine seemed safe and reasonably well tolerated. The therapeutic vaccine induces strong and durable antibody responses and moderate interferon-gamma levels that fell to prevaccination levels by week 24.