Deep immune cell phenotyping and induced immune cell responses at admission stratified by BMI in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: An observational multicenter cohort pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Overweight and obesity are linked to increased hospitalization and mortality in COVID-19 patients. This study aimed to characterize induced immune responses and deep immune cell profiles stratified by BMI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: This observational multicenter cohort pilot study included 122 adult patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 in Denmark, stratified by BMI (normal weight, overweight, obese). Inflammation was assessed using TruCulture® and immune cell profiles by flow cytometry with a customized antibody panel (DuraClone®). Patients with obesity had a more pro-inflammatory phenotype with increased TNF-α, IL-8, IL-17, and IL-10 levels post-T cell stimulation, and altered B cell profiles. Patients with obesity showed higher concentrations of naïve, transitional, and non-isotype switched memory B cells, and plasmablasts compared to normal weight patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity in hospitalized COVID-19 patients may correlate with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, anti-inflammatory IL-10, and increased B cell subset activation, highlighting the need for further studies.

Neoehrlichiosis associated with ocrelizumab in a patient with multiple sclerosis: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of neoehrlichiosis, an emerging opportunistic tick-borne infection, in a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) treated with ocrelizumab. METHODS: This is a case study. RESULTS: Our patient developed clinical infection over several months while on ocrelizumab and was ultimately diagnosed with neoehrlichiosis, caused by the bacteria Neoehrlichia mikurensis. Resolution of symptoms began within a few days after the initiation of antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSION: We describe the first probable case of ocrelizumab-associated neoehrlichiosis in a patient with MS. Clinicians should be aware of this potentially debilitating and life-threatening infection in patients receiving CD20-depleting therapy.

Pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and nitric oxide after COVID-19: A prospective cohort study (the SECURe study).

Many patients exhibit persistently reduced pulmonary diffusing capacity after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, dual test gas diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and nitric oxide (DL,CO,NO) metrics and their relationship to disease severity and physical performance were examined in patients who previously had COVID-19. An initial cohort of 148 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 of all severities between March 2020 and March 2021 had a DL,CO,NO measurement performed using the single-breath method at 5.7 months follow-up. All patients with at least one abnormal DL,CO,NO metric (n = 87) were revaluated at 12.5 months follow-up. The DL,CO,NO was used to provide the pulmonary diffusing capacity for nitric oxide (DL,NO), the pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DL,CO,5s), the alveolar-capillary membrane diffusing capacity and the pulmonary capillary blood volume. At both 5.7 and 12.5 months, physical performance was assessed using a 30 s sit-to-stand test and the 6 min walk test. Approximately 60% of patients exhibited a severity-dependent decline in at least one DL,CO,NO metric at 5.7 months follow-up. At 12.5 months, both DL,NO and DL,CO,5s had returned towards normal but still remained abnormal in two-thirds of the patients. Concurrently, improvements in physical performance were observed, but with no apparent relationship to any DL,CO,NO metric. The severity-dependent decline in DL,NO and DL,CO observed at 5.7 months after COVID-19 appears to be reduced consistently at 12.5 months follow-up in the majority of patients, despite marked improvements in physical performance.

Peripheral facial palsy in children: Serum Borrelia antibodies may reduce the need for lumbar puncture.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the causes of acute peripheral facial palsy (PFP) in Danish children and to explore whether neuroborreliosis-related PFP could be diagnosed without lumbar puncture using clinical symptoms and serum Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) antibodies. METHODS: This retrospective population-based cohort study included children undergoing lumbar puncture for PFP between 2019 and 2023 in Denmark's Capital Region. Diagnostic performance measures for neuroborreliosis-related PFP were compared between serum Bb IgG alone and clinical risk scores combining Bb IgG with clinical parameters. RESULTS: Of the 326 patients with PFP, 137 (42%) were diagnosed with neuroborreliosis and 151 (46%) had Bell's palsy. Positive predictive value for serum Bb IgG alone was 88% (95% CI 79-93) and negative predictive value was 83% (95% CI 75-88). The positive predictive value of a risk score with seven additional parameters was 90% (95% CI 81-95) and negative predictive value 87% (95% CI 80-92). CONCLUSION: The positive predictive value of serum Bb IgG alone was high in our setting, where nearly half of children with PFP had neuroborreliosis. In high endemic settings, lumbar punctures may be reduced by (i) treating all children with PFP with doxycycline or (ii) treating Bb IgG positive children and performing lumbar puncture in seronegative children.

Use of intensive care, intracranial pressure monitoring, and external ventricular drainage devises in patients with bacterial meningitis, a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial meningitis can cause a life-threatening increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). ICP-targeted treatment including an ICP monitoring device and external ventricular drainage (EVD) may improve outcomes but is also associated with the risk of complications. The frequency of use and complications related to ICP monitoring devices and EVDs among patients with bacterial meningitis remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the use of ICP monitoring devices and EVDs in patients with bacterial meningitis including frequency of increased ICP, drainage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and complications associated with the insertion of ICP monitoring and external ventricular drain (EVD) in patients with bacterial meningitis. METHOD: In a single-center prospective cohort study (2017-2021), we examined the frequency of use and complications of ICP-monitoring devices and EVDs in adult patients with bacterial meningitis. RESULTS: We identified 108 patients with bacterial meningitis admitted during the study period. Of these, 60 were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and 47 received an intracranial device (only ICP monitoring device N = 16; EVD N = 31). An ICP > 20 mmHg was observed in 8 patients at insertion, and in 21 patients (44%) at any time in the ICU. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was drained in 24 cases (51%). Severe complications (intracranial hemorrhage) related to the device occurred in two patients, but one had a relative contraindication to receiving a device. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the patients with bacterial meningitis needed intensive care and 47 had an intracranial device inserted. While some had conservatively correctable ICP, the majority needed CSF drainage. However, two patients experienced serious adverse events related to the device, potentially contributing to death. Our study highlights that the incremental value of ICP measurement and EVD in managing of bacterial meningitis requires further research.

Questioning risk compensation: pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men, capital region of Denmark, 2019 to 2022.

BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) effectively prevents HIV, but its association with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has raised concerns about risk compensation, potentially impacting the expansion of PrEP programmes.AimWe examined the relationship between PrEP and the incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis.MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, we compared STI rates before and after PrEP initiation among users in the capital region of Denmark (2019-2022), calculating incidence rate ratios adjusted for age and testing frequency (aIRR). To pinpoint when increases began, we plotted weekly STI rates, adjusting the timeline to correspond with PrEP initiation.ResultsThe study included 1,326 PrEP users with a median age of 35 years. The STI incidence rate per 100,000 person-years rose from 35.3 before to 81.2 after PrEP start, with an aIRR of 1.35 (95% CI: 1.18-1.56). Notably, this increase preceded PrEP initiation by 10-20 weeks. Specific aIRR for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis were 1.23 (95% CI: 1.03-1.48), 1.24 (95% CI: 1.04-1.47) and 1.15 (95% CI: 0.76-1.72), respectively. In subanalyses for anatomical sites aIRR was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.01-1.56) for rectal chlamydia and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.45-0.96) for genital gonorrhoea.ConclusionWe found a 35% increase in STI incidence associated with PrEP use. It started before PrEP initiation, challenging the assumption that PrEP leads to risk compensation. Instead, the data suggest that individuals seek PrEP during periods of heightened sexual risk-taking. Consequently, PrEP programmes should include sexual health consultations, STI testing, treatment and prevention strategies to prevent HIV and improve sexual health.

Risk of Depression in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Nationwide Population-based Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with depression. However, previous studies have not addressed familial factors. METHODS: Nationwide, population-based, matched cohort study of people with HIV (PWH) in Denmark between 1995 and 2021 who were matched on sex and date of birth with a comparison cohort randomly selected from the Danish population. Family-related factors were examined by inclusion of siblings of those in the cohorts. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) for depression, receipt of antidepressants, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and suicide, as well as the yearly proportions of study cohorts with psychiatric hospital contact due to depression and receipt of antidepressants from 10 years before to 10 years after study inclusion. RESULTS: We included 5943 PWH and 59 430 comparison cohort members. Median age was 38 years, and 25% were women. We observed an increased risk of depression, receipt of antidepressants, ECT, and suicide among PWH in the 2 first years of observation (HR, 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-4.4), HR, 3.0 (95% CI: 2.7-3.4), HR, 2.8 (95% CI: .9-8.6), and HR, 10.7 (95% CI: 5.2-22.2), thereafter the risk subsided but remained increased. The proportions of PWH with psychiatric hospital contact due to depression and receipt of antidepressants were increased prior to and especially after HIV diagnosis. Risk of all outcomes was substantially lower among siblings of PWH than among PWH (HR for receipt of antidepressants, 1.1; 95% CI: 1.0-1.2). CONCLUSIONS: PWH have an increased risk of depression. Family-related factors are unlikely to explain this risk.

Incidence of Childbirth, Pregnancy, Spontaneous Abortion, and Induced Abortion Among Women With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in a Nationwide Matched Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive health in women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (WWH) has improved in recent decades. We aimed to investigate incidences of childbirth, pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and induced abortion among WWH in a nationwide, population-based, matched cohort study. METHODS: We included all WWH aged 20-40 years treated at an HIV healthcare center in Denmark from 1995 to 2021 and a matched comparison cohort of women from the general population (WGP). We calculated incidence rates per 1000 person-years and used Poisson regression to calculate adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) of childbirth, pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, and induced abortion stratified according to calendar periods (1995-2001, 2002-2008, and 2009-2021). RESULTS: We included 1288 WWH and 12 880 WGP; 46% of WWH were of African origin, compared with 1% of WGP. Compared with WGP, WWH had a decreased incidence of childbirth (aIRR, 0.6 [95% confidence interval, .6-.7]), no difference in the incidence of pregnancy (0.9 [.8-1.0]) or spontaneous abortion (0.9 [.8-1.0]), but an increased incidence of induced abortion (1.9 [1.6-2.1]) from 1995 to 2021. The aIRRs for childbirth, pregnancy, and spontaneous abortion increased from 1995-2000 to 2009-2021, while the aIRR for induced abortion remained increased across all time periods for WWH. CONCLUSIONS: From 1995 to 2008, the incidences of childbirth, pregnancy, and spontaneous abortion were decreased among WWH compared with WGP. From 2009 to 2021, the incidence of childbirth, pregnancy, and spontaneous abortion no longer differed among WWH compared with WGP. The incidence of induced abortions remains increased compared with WGP.

Neoehrlichia mikurensis-An emerging opportunistic tick-borne infection in immunosuppressed patients.

BACKGROUND: Neoehrlichia mikurensis (N. mikurensis) is a newly discovered tick-borne pathogen that can inflict life-threatening illness in immunocompromised patients. N. mikurensis infection is only detectable by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based methodologies. We describe three distinct clinical manifestations of N. mikurensis infection (neoehrlichiosis) in Danish patients receiving B-lymphocyte-depleting therapy, rituximab, for underlying hematological, rheumatological, or neurological disorders. All three patients went through a protracted pre-diagnostic period. METHODS: N. mikurensis DNA was detected and confirmed using two methods. Blood was tested by specific real-time PCR targeting the groEL gene and by 16S and 18S profiling followed by sequencing. Bone marrow was analyzed by 16S and 18S profiling. RESULTS: N. mikurensis was detected in blood samples in all three cases and in bone marrow from one of the three. The severity of the symptoms ranged from prolonged fever lasting more than 6 months to life-threatening hyperinflammation in the form of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). Interestingly, all patients presented with splenomegaly and two with hepatomegaly. After starting doxycycline therapy, symptoms were relieved within a few days, and biochemistry and organomegaly quickly normalized. CONCLUSION: We present three Danish patients recognized by the same clinician over a period of 6 months, strongly suggesting that many cases are going unrecognized. Second, we describe the first case of N. mikurensis-induced HLH and emphasize the potential severity of undetected neoehrlichiosis.

Potential drug-drug interactions between antiretroviral drugs and comedications, including dietary supplements, among people living with HIV: A clinical survey.

OBJECTIVE: Age-related comorbidities, polypharmacy and thereby the risk of potential drug-drug interactions (PDDIs) among people living with HIV (PLWH) have increased over the years. We estimated the prevalence of comedications, including dietary supplements, and evaluated PDDIs among PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Denmark in an outpatient setting. METHODS: Information on prescription medication, over-the-counter medication and dietary supplements was obtained from adult PLWH receiving ART attending two outpatient clinics in Denmark. The PDDIs were identified using the University of Liverpool's drug interaction database. Associations between PDDIs and relevant variables were compared using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 337 PLWH receiving ART with a median age of 53 years (interquartile range: 45-61) were included; 77% were male and 96% had a HIV-RNA viral load < 50 copies/mL. Twenty-six per cent of participants received five or more comedications and 56% consumed dietary supplements. Co-administration of drugs requiring dose adjustment or monitoring was identified in the medication lists of 52% of participants, and 4.5% were on drugs that should not be co-administered. Male sex [odds ratio (OR) = 1.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-3.4], being on a protease inhibitor (OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.9-9.7), receiving five or more comedications (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.5-7.2), taking over-the-counter medications (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.3) and dietary supplements (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2-3.3) were independent predictors of PDDIs. CONCLUSION: Potential drug-drug interactions were common among our study population Our study confirms that polypharmacy and being on a protease inhibitor-based regimen increase the risk of PDDIs considerably and highlights the importance of questioning PLWH about dietary supplement intake.

Plasma neurofilament light significantly decreases following treatment in Lyme neuroborreliosis and is not associated with persistent symptoms.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Currently there is an unmet need for a highly standardized blood biomarker test to monitor treatment response in Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). Differentiating between active or past infection is challenged by the relatively high frequency of persistent symptoms after the end of antibiotic treatment (estimated 15%-20%), the variable clinical course and the long-lasting Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies. The aim was therefore to evaluate plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL) as a marker for disease activity in LNB. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort of definite LNB (N = 36) with blood samples and clinical evaluation including Glasgow Outcome Score at treatment initiation and 3 and 6 months' follow-up. Consecutive plasma was retrospectively analysed for the content of neurofilament light chain by Quanterix® kits (Simoa® NF-light Kit). RESULTS: Plasma neurofilament light chain significantly decreased between treatment initiation and the 3-month follow-up (median 83 pg/ml vs. median 14 pg/ml (25 pairs), p < 0.0001). No significant change was observed between 3 and 6 months' follow-up (median 14 pg/ml vs. median 12 pg/ml (21 pairs), p = 0.33). At treatment initiation 90% had pNfL above the age-defined reference compared to only 23% and 7% respectively at 3 and 6 months' follow-up. Decreases in pNfL were mirrored by increasing Glasgow Outcome Score. Reporting persistent symptoms at the 6-month follow-up was not associated with pNfL (relative change from reference or actual values) at baseline or at 6 months' follow-up. CONCLUSION: Plasma neurofilament light chain decreases following antibiotic treatment in LNB and is not associated with reporting persistent symptoms. It was therefore speculated that it may prove useful as a treatment response biomarker in LNB.

Experience with sotrovimab treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in Denmark.

AIMS: To evaluate the experience with use of sotrovimab following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in high-risk groups. METHODS: In a nationwide, population-based cohort study, we identified all individuals treated with sotrovimab (N = 2933) and stratified them by 4 high-risk groups: (A) malignant haematological disease, (B) solid organ transplantation, (C) anti-CD20 therapy ≤1 year and (D) other risks. Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios for hospitalization, death and associated prognostic factors. RESULTS: Of 2933 sotrovimab-treated individuals, 83% belonged to high-risk groups (37.6% haematological malignancy, 27.4% solid organ transplantation and 17.5% treatment with anti-CD20 ≤1 year). Only 17.8% had other risks (11.8% were pregnant, 10.7% primary immunodeficiency, 21.2% other malignancy, 4.3% received anti-CD20 >1 year and 52.0% other/unknown causes). Within 90 days of infusion, 30.2% were hospitalized and 5.3% died. The main prognostic factors were the predefined high-risk groups, mainly malignant haematological disease and age ≥65 years. Number of COVID-19 vaccines (≥3) was associated with a decreased risk of hospitalization. The Delta but not the Omicron BA.2 variant was associated with a higher risk of death compared to the BA.1 variant. CONCLUSION: More than 90% of the patients treated with sotrovimab belonged to the very high-risk groups as described in the Danish guidelines. Sotrovimab-treated individuals remained at a high risk of hospitalization and death which was strongly associated with the underlying immunocompromised state and age. Having received >3 COVID-19 vaccines was association with decreased risk of death and hospitalization.

Neoehrlichia mikurensis in Danish immunocompromised patients: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The tick-borne bacterium, Neoehrlichia mikurensis (N. mikurensis) can cause severe febrile illness and thromboembolic complications in immunocompromised individuals. We investigated the presence of N. mikurensis DNA in retrospectively collected plasma from a well-characterized cohort of Danish immunocompromised patients. METHODS: Plasma samples from 239 patients with immune dysfunction related to hematological or rheumatological disease or due to immunosuppressive therapy, were retrieved from a transdisciplinary biobank (PERSIMUNE) at Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark. Serving as immunocompetent controls, plasma samples from 192 blood donors were included. All samples were collected between 2015 and 2019. Real-time PCR targeting the groEL gene was used to detect N. mikurensis DNA. Sequencing was used for confirmation. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato IgG antibodies were detected by ELISA as a proxy of tick exposure. Prevalence was compared using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Neoehrlichia mikurensis DNA was detected in 3/239 (1.3%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.3 - 3.6%) patients, all of whom primarily had a hematological disease. Follow-up samples of these patients were negative. N. mikurensis DNA was not detected in any of the blood donor samples. IgG antibodies against B. burgdorferi s.l. were detected with similar prevalence in immunocompromised patients and blood donors, i.e., 18/239 (7.5%, 95% CI: 4.8-11.5%) and 11/192 (5.7%, 95%: CI 3.2-10.0%). CONCLUSION: In this study, patients with N. mikurensis were not identified by clinical indication and N. mikurensis may therefore be underdiagnosed in Danish patients. Further investigations are needed to explore the clinical significance and implications of this infection.

Oral and Anal Carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae Among Sexually Active Men With HIV Who Have Sex With Men.

People with HIV are at increased risk of pneumococcal disease. We investigate oral and anal carriage rates of Streptococcus pneumoniae by molecular methods among 82 men with HIV who have sex with men (MSM). A questionnaire, oral wash, and anal swab samples were obtained at baseline and 12 months. Oral carriage rates were 32.9% (27/82) at baseline and 41.7% (30/72) at follow-up. Anal carriage rates were 2.4% (2/82) at baseline and 2.9% (2/70) at follow-up. Genogroup 24 was predominant. Results suggest high oral carriage rates of S. pneumoniae among MSM living with HIV. A minority were anal carriers.

Characteristics and Long-term Prognosis of Danish Patients With Varicella Zoster Virus Detected in Cerebrospinal Fluid Compared With the Background Population.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for, and long-term outcomes following, detection of varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are unknown. METHODS: We performed a nationwide population-based cohort study of all Danish residents who had VZV DNA detected in the CSF by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) between 1 January 1997 and 1 March 2016 (VZV cohort; n = 517) and an age- and sex- matched comparison cohort from the general Danish population (n = 9823). We examined potential risk factors and mortality, neurologic morbidity, psychiatric morbidity, redemptiom of prescriptions for nervous system medicine prescribed for the nervous system, and social outcomes. RESULTS: Prior hospital admission, redemption of immunosuppressive medicine, comorbidity, and immunosuppressive conditions were associated with detection of VZV DNA in the CSF. Mortality was increased in the VZV cohort, especially during the first year of observation and among patients with encephalitis. Patients in the VZV cohort had an increased risk of dementia and epilepsy. The redemption of antiepileptics and antidepressants was increased in the VZV cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Immunosuppression and comorbidity are associated with increased risk of detection of VZV DNA in the CSF and the condition is associated with increased mortality and neurological morbidity.

Pulmonary Arterial Enlargement in Well-Treated Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary artery enlargement is a marker of pulmonary hypertension. We aimed to determine the proportion with pulmonary artery enlargement among well-treated persons with human immunodeficiency virus HIV (PWH) and uninfected controls. METHODS: PWH with a chest computed tomography were included from the ongoing Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection (COCOMO) study. Age and sex-matched uninfected controls were recruited from the Copenhagen General Population Study. Pulmonary artery enlargement was defined as a ratio of >1 between the diameter of the main pulmonary artery (at the level of its bifurcation) and the diameter of the ascending aorta. RESULTS: In total, 900 PWH were included, and 44 (5%) had a pulmonary artery-aorta ratio (PA:A) >1. After adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index, obesity (adjusted odds ratio, 4.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.76-10.65; P = .001) and injection drug use (IDU) (4.90; 1.00-18.46; P = .03) were associated with higher odds of having a PA:A >1, and pulmonary indices and smoking status were not. HIV seropositivity was borderline associated with a PA:A >1 (adjusted odds ratio, 1.89; 95% confidence interval, .92-3.85; P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: A PA:A >1 was common in PWH. Obesity and IDU were independently associated with this finding and HIV serostatus was borderline associated with it, but HIV-related factors were not. Increased awareness may be appropriate in obese PWH and those with IDU.

Abdominal Adipose Tissue Is Associated With Alterations in Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolism and Markers of Systemic Inflammation in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

BACKGROUND: While both adipose tissue accumulation and tryptophan metabolism alterations are features of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, their interplay is unclear. We investigated associations between abdominal adipose tissue, alterations in kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism, and systemic inflammation in people with HIV (PWH). METHODS: Eight hundred sixty-four PWH and 75 uninfected controls were included. Plasma samples were collected and analyzed for kynurenine metabolites, neopterin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and lipids. Regression models were used to test associations in PWH. RESULTS: PWH had higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio than uninfected individuals (P < .001). In PWH, increase in waist-to-hip ratio was associated with higher kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio (P = .009) and quinolinic-to-kynurenic acid ratio (P = .006) and lower kynurenic acid concentration (P = .019). Quinolinic-to-kynurenic acid ratio was associated with higher hs-CRP (P < .001) and neopterin concentrations (P < .001), while kynurenic acid was associated with lower hs-CRP (P = .025) and neopterin concentrations (P = .034). CONCLUSIONS: In PWH, increase in abdominal adipose tissue was associated with increased quinolinic-to-kynurenic acid ratio, suggesting activation of proinflammatory pathway of kynurenine metabolism, with reduction of anti-inflammatory molecules and increase in systemic inflammation. Our results suggest dysregulation of kynurenine metabolism associated with abdominal fat accumulation to be a potential source of inflammation in HIV infection.

Persistent COVID-19 in an Immunocompromised Patient Temporarily Responsive to Two Courses of Remdesivir Therapy.

The antiviral drug remdesivir has been shown clinically effective for treatment of COVID-19. We here demonstrate suppressive but not curative effect of remdesivir in an immunocompromised patient. A man in his fifties treated with chemoimmunotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia experienced a 9-week course of COVID-19 with high fever and severe viral pneumonia. During two 10-day courses of remdesivir starting 24 and 45 days after fever onset, pneumonia and spiking fevers remitted, but relapsed after discontinuation. Kinetics of temperature, C-reactive protein, and lymphocyte counts mirrored the remitting/relapsing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Combination therapy or longer treatment duration may be needed in immunocompromised patients.

Soluble Markers of Interleukin 1 Activation as Predictors of First-Time Myocardial Infarction in HIV-Infected Individuals.

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (PWH) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), compared with the general population. In a nested case-control study of 55 PWH with first-time myocardial infarction (MI; cases) and 182 PWH with no CVD (controls), we measured soluble markers of interleukin 1 (IL-1) activation at 4 different time points before the case's MI. Cases had higher levels of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) at all time points leading up to first-time MI, and higher levels of IL-1Ra were associated with an approximately 1.5-fold increased risk of MI, supporting the rationale to target IL-1 activation to reduce cardiovascular risk in PWH.

Pericardial Adipose Tissue Volume Is Independently Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Status and Prior Use of Stavudine, Didanosine, or Indinavir.

BACKGROUND: Increased pericardial adipose tissue is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease. We aimed to determine whether human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status was independently associated with larger pericardial adipose tissue volume and to explore possible HIV-specific risk factors. METHODS: Persons with HIV (PWH) were recruited from the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection (COCOMO) Study and matched 1:1 on age and sex to uninfected controls. Pericardial adipose tissue volume was measured using cardiac computed tomography. RESULTS: A total of 587 PWH and 587 controls were included. Median age was 52 years, and 88% were male. Human immunodeficiency virus status was independently associated with 17 mL (95% confidence interval [CI], 10-23; P < .001) larger pericardial adipose tissue volume. Larger pericardial adipose tissue volume was associated with low CD4+ nadir and prior use of stavudine, didanosine, and indinavir. Among PWH without thymidine analogue or didanosine exposure, time since initiating combination antiretroviral treatment (per 5-year use) was associated with l6 mL (95% CI, -6 to -25; P = .002) lower pericardial adipose tissue volume. CONCLUSIONS: Human immunodeficiency virus status was independently associated with larger pericardial adipose tissue volume. Severe immunodeficiency, stavudine, didanosine, and indinavir were associated with larger pericardial adipose tissue volume. Persons with HIV with prior exposure to these drugs may constitute a distinct cardiovascular risk population.