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BACKGROUND: Non-Asian body mass index (BMI) classifications are commonly used as a risk factor for high fasting blood glucose (FBG). We investigated the incidence and factors associated with high FBG among people living with HIV in the Asia-Pacific region, using a World Health Organization BMI classification specific to Asian populations. METHODS: This study included people living with HIV enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study from 2003 to 2019, receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and without prior tuberculosis. BMI at ART initiation was categorized using Asian BMI classifications: underweight (25 kg/m2 were at increased risk of high FBG. This indicates that regular assessments should be performed in those with high BMI, irrespective of the classification used.

: Introduction: Liver disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among persons living with HIV (PLHIV). While chronic viral hepatitis has been extensively studied in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), there is limited information about the burden of metabolic disorders on liver disease in PLHIV. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of baseline data collected between October 2020 and July 2022 from the IeDEA‐Sentinel Research Network, a prospective cohort enrolling PLHIV ≥40 years on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for ≥6 months from eight clinics in Asia, Americas, and central, East, southern and West Africa. Clinical assessments, laboratory testing on fasting blood samples and liver stiffness measurement (LSM)/controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) by vibration‐controlled transient elastography were performed. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed factors associated with liver fibrosis (LSM ≥7.1 kPa) and steatosis (CAP ≥248 dB/m). Population attributable fraction (PAF) of each variable associated with significant liver fibrosis was estimated using Levin's formula. Results: Overall, 2120 PLHIV (56% female, median age 50 [interquartile range: 45−56] years) were included. The prevalence of obesity was 19%, 12% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), 29% had hypertension and 53% had dyslipidaemia. The overall prevalence of liver fibrosis and steatosis was 7.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.1−8.4) and 28.4% (95% CI 26.5−30.7), respectively, with regional variability. Male sex at birth (odds ratio [OR] 1.62, CI 1.10−2.40), overweight/obesity (OR = 2.50, 95% CI 1.69−3.75), T2DM (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.46−3.47) and prolonged exposure to didanosine (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.46−6.49) were associated with liver fibrosis. Overweight/obesity and T2DM accounted for 42% and 11% of the PAF for liver fibrosis, while HBsAg and anti‐HCV accounted for 3% and 1%, respectively. Factors associated with steatosis included overweight/obesity (OR 4.25, 95% CI 3.29−5.51), T2DM (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.47−2.88), prolonged exposure to stavudine (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.27−2.26) and dyslipidaemia (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.31−2.16). Conclusions: Metabolic disorders were significant risk factors for liver disease among PLHIV in LMICs. Early recognition of metabolic disorders risk factors might be helpful to guide clinical and lifestyle interventions. Further prospective studies are needed to determine the causative natures of these findings., INTRODUCTION With the expanded coverage of antiretroviral treatment (ART), AIDS‐related mortality among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) has substantially decreased, resulting in a growing burden of non‐AIDS comorbidities, including liver [...]

ABSTRACT HCV RNA test determines current active infection and is a requirement prior to initiating HCV treatment. We investigated trends and factors associated with post‐diagnosis HCV RNA testing rates prior to HCV treatment, and risk factors for first positive HCV RNA among people living with HIV (PLHIV) with HCV in the Asia‐Pacific region. PLHIV with positive HCV antibody and in follow‐up after 2010 were included. Patients were considered HCV‐antibody positive if they ever tested positive for HCV antibody (HCVAb). Repeated measures Poisson regression model was used to analyse factors associated with post‐diagnosis HCV RNA testing rates from positive HCVAb test. Factors associated with time to first positive HCV RNA from positive HCVAb test were analysed using Cox regression model. There were 767 HCVAb positive participants included (87% from LMICs) of whom 11% had HCV RNA tests. With 163 HCV RNA tests post positive HCVAb test, the overall testing rate was 5.05 per 100 person‐years. Factors associated with increased testing rates included later calendar years of follow‐up, HIV viral load ≥1000 copies/mL and higher income countries. Later calendar years of follow‐up, ALT >5 times its upper limit of normal, and higher income countries were associated with shorter time to first positive HCV RNA test. Testing patterns indicated that uptake was predominantly in high income countries possibly due to different strategies used to determine testing in LMICs. Expanding access to HCV RNA, such as through lower‐cost point of care assays, will be required to achieve elimination of HCV as a public health issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: AIDS-related deaths in people living with HIV/AIDS have been decreasing in number since the introduction of combination antiretroviral treatment (cART). However, data on recent causes of death in the Asia-Pacific region are limited. Hence, we analysed and compared AIDS-related and non-AIDS-related mortality in high- and low-income settings in the region. Methods: Patients from the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) and Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD) receiving cART between 1999 and 2017 were included. Causes of death verification were based on review of the standardized Cause of Death (CoDe) form designed by the D:A:D group. Cohorts were grouped as AHOD (all high-income sites), TAHOD-high (high/upper-middle income countries) and TAHOD-low (lower-middle income countries). TAHOD sites were split into high/upper-middle income and lower-middle income country settings based on World Bank classifications. Competing risk regression was used to analyse factors associated with AIDS and non-AIDS-related mortality. Results: Of 10,386 patients, 522 died; 187 from AIDS-related and 335 from non-AIDS-related causes. The overall incidence rate of deaths during follow-up was 0.28 per 100 person-years (/100 PYS) for AIDS and 0.51/100 PYS for non-AIDS. Analysis indicated that the incidence rate of non-AIDS mortality decreased from 0.78/100 PYS to 0.37/100 PYS from year groups 2003 to 2007 to 2013 to 2017 (p < 0.001). Similarly, incidence rates of AIDS-related deaths decreased from 0.51/100 PYS to 0.09/100 PYS from year groups 2003 to 2007 to 2013 to 2017 (p < 0.001). More recent years of follow-up were associated with reduced hazard for non-AIDS mortality (2008 to 2012: aSHR (adjusted sub-hazard ratio) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54 to 0.96, p = 0.027; 2013 to 2017: aSHR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.87, p = 0.004) compared to years 2003 to 2007. The AHOD cohort had almost twice the hazard of non-AIDS mortality compared to TAHOD-low (lower-middle income sites) (aSHR 1.72, 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.46, p = 0.003); there were no differences between cohorts for AIDS-related mortality (p = 0.834). Conclusion: AIDS and non-AIDS-related mortality rates have decreased over the past years in the Asia-Pacific region. There is a greater risk for non-AIDS-associated deaths in the AHOD cohort compared to lower-middle income settings in TAHOD. Keywords: cohort studies; risk factors; mortality; Asia-Pacific; low-income; high-income, 1 | INTRODUCTION Since the introduction of combination antiretroviral treatment (cART), the incidence and major causes of death among individuals with HIV infection have changed substantially [1-4]. Compared to the [...]

Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection contributes to substantial morbidity and mortality among adults living with HIV. Cascades of HCV care support monitoring of program performance, but data from Asia are limited. We assessed regional HCV coinfection and cascade outcomes among adults living with HIV in care from 2010–2020. Methods: Patients ≥18 years old with confirmed HIV infection on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at 11 clinical sites in Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam were included. HCV- and HIV-related treatment and laboratory data were collected from those with a positive HCV antibody (anti-HCV) test after January 2010. An HCV cascade was evaluated, including proportions positive for anti-HCV, tested for HCV RNA or HCV core antigen (HCVcAg), initiated on HCV treatment, and achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). Factors associated with screening uptake, treatment initiation, and treatment response were analyzed using Fine and Gray's competing risk regression model. Results: Of 24,421 patients, 9169 (38%) had an anti-HCV test, and 971 (11%) had a positive result. The proportion with positive anti-HCV was 12.1% in 2010–2014, 3.9% in 2015–2017, and 3.8% in 2018–2020. From 2010 to 2014, 34% with positive anti-HCV had subsequent HCV RNA or HCVcAg testing, 66% initiated HCV treatment, and 83% achieved SVR. From 2015 to 2017, 69% with positive anti-HCV had subsequent HCV RNA or HCVcAg testing, 59% initiated HCV treatment, and 88% achieved SVR. From 2018 to 2020, 80% had subsequent HCV RNA or HCVcAg testing, 61% initiated HCV treatment, and 96% achieved SVR. Having chronic HCV in later calendar years and in high-income countries were associated with increased screening, treatment initiation or achieving SVR. Older age, injecting drug use HIV exposure, lower CD4 and higher HIV RNA were associated with reduced HCV screening or treatment initiation. Conclusions: Our analysis identified persistent gaps in the HCV cascade of care, highlighting the need for focused efforts to strengthen chronic HCV screening, treatment initiation, and monitoring among adult PLHIV in the Asia region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver disease is a growing burden among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in resource‐limited settings. As an indicator of liver disease, risk factors of high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and cirrhosis were assessed among PLHIV in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD). Patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) with a pre‐cART ALT measurement and at least one follow‐up ALT measurement were included. Factors associated with high ALT (ALT levels > 5 times its upper limit of normal) were analyzed using repeated measure logistic regression over a 10‐year follow‐up period. Liver cirrhosis was defined as having an AST to Platelet Ratio Index score > 1.5, fibrosis‐4 score > 3.25, or a clinical diagnosis of cirrhosis. Cox regression analysis stratified by site was used to analyze factors associated with cirrhosis among those in follow‐up after 2015. Of 5182 patients, 101 patients (1.9%) had high ALT levels with hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody positive (odds ratio [OR]: 4.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.82–8.77, p < 0.001) and ever high alcohol consumption (OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.00–5.46, p = 0.050) as likely factors. Among 6318 PLHIV in the liver cirrhosis analysis, 151 (2%) developed cirrhosis (incidence rate = 0.82 per 100 person‐years). Those HCV‐antibody positive (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.54, 95% CI: 3.75–8.18, p < 0.001) and had high alcohol consumption (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.23–3.45, p = 0.006) were associated with liver cirrhosis. HCV‐antibody positive and high alcohol consumption are factors associated with high ALT. With raised ALT levels as a known factor associated with liver cirrhosis, greater efforts are required in managing ALT levels and reducing the risk of developing liver cirrhosis among those positive for HCV‐antibody and those who consume alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the prevalence and mortality of hepatitis is high in the Asia‐Pacific region, few studies are available on the diagnosis, treatment, and cure rates for viral hepatitis among people living with HIV in this area. This study aims to report the cascade of care (CoC) for hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) among people living with HIV receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: Patients enrolled in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database Low Intensity Transfer (TAHOD‐LITE) cohort, on ART, and with follow‐up data from 2010 to 2019 were included. Patients were determined as positive for HCV or HBV co‐infection if they ever tested positive for HCV antibody (anti‐HCV) or HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), respectively. Results: In total, 39% (8612/22 340) of the adult HIV cohort had undergone HBsAg testing, with 8% (672/8612) testing positive. HBV CoC demonstrated that 71% (474/672) of those with HBsAg positive results initiated treatment, 67% (318/474) of those on treatment had HBV DNA testing to evaluate treatment progression, and 18% (58/318) of those tested reached viral suppression. Of the cohort, 37% (8231/22 340) had anti‐HCV testing, of whom 10% (779/8231) tested positive. The HCV CoC showed that 68% (526/779) of those with positive anti‐HCV tests had HCV RNA tests, of whom 51% (267/526) had detectable HCV RNA. Among those with detectable HCV RNA, 65% (174/267) initiated HCV treatment. Of the 40% (69/174) who initiated HCV treatment, 90% (62/69) reached sustained virological response. Conclusion: Our findings identified less frequent testing in the healthcare system and limited access to treatment as gaps in the CoC for viral hepatitis. More routine HCV RNA and HBV DNA testing is required for patients with positive screening tests to identify those in need of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Increasing numbers of people with HIV have received prolonged antiretroviral therapy (ART). We assessed long-term immunological and survival outcomes among people with HIV from Asia (TAHOD) and Australia (AHOD)., Methods: People with HIV receiving ART for ≥10 years were included. Factors associated with CD4 counts in years 11-15 of ART were analysed using repeated measure linear regression. Survival after 10 years was analysed using competing risk regression., Results: There were 7139 people included: 4867 (68%) from TAHOD and 2272 (32%) from AHOD. Higher CD4 after 10 years were observed if the nadir CD4 in the first decade was higher (CD4 (cells/µL) 101-200: difference=35, 95%CI 18, 51; >200: difference=125, 95%CI 107, 142) compared to ≤50. The same patterns were observed in those who achieved CD4 ≥500 cells/µL which subsequently decreased to <500 (difference=225, 95%CI 213, 236); or those who achieved and maintained CD4 ≥500 cells/µL (difference=402, 95%CI 384, 420), compared to always <500 in the previous decade. Prior protease inhibitor (PI) -based regimen (difference=-17, 95%CI -33, -1) compared to no PI, and previous treatment interruptions (TI) of 14 days to 3 months and >6 months were associated with lower CD4 counts after 10 years (difference = -38, 95%CI -62, -15; and difference=-44, 95%CI -61, -27, respectively) compared to no TI. The mortality rate was 1.04 per 100 person-years. Virological failure was associated with subsequent mortality (sub-hazard ratio=1.34, 95%CI 1.04, 1.71)., Conclusions: Sustaining high CD4 levels and minimising TI has far-reaching benefits well beyond the first decade of ART., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: All authors stated that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: With integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) use associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and BMI increases associated with higher diabetes mellitus (DM) risk, this study explored the relationship between INSTI/non-INSTI regimens, BMI changes, and DM risk., Methods: RESPOND participants were included if they had CD4, HIV RNA, and ≥ 2 BMI measurements during follow up. Those with prior DM were excluded. DM was defined as a random blood glucose ≥ 11·1 mmol/L, HbA1c ≥ 6·5%/48 mmol/mol, use of antidiabetic medication, or site reported clinical diagnosis. Poisson regression assessed the association between natural log (ln) of time-updated BMI, current INSTI/non-INSTI, and their interactions, on DM risk., Results: Among 20,865 people with HIV included, most were male (74%) and White (73%). Baseline median age was 45 years (IQR 37-52), with a median BMI of 24 kg/m2 (IQR 22-26). There were 785 DM diagnoses with a crude rate of 0·73 (95%CI 0·68-0·78)/100 PYFU. Ln(BMI) was strongly associated with DM (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 16·54 per log increase, 95%CI 11·33-24·13; p<0·001). Current INSTI use associated with increased DM risk (IRR 1·58, 95%CI 1·37-1·82; p<0·001) in univariate analyses, only partially attenuated when adjusted for variables including ln(BMI) (aIRR 1·48, 95%CI 1·29-1·71; p<0·001). There was no interaction between ln(BMI), INSTI and non-INSTI use, and DM (p=0·130)., Conclusions: In RESPOND, compared with non-INSTIs, current use of INSTIs was associated with an increased DM risk, which partially attenuated when adjusted for BMI changes and other variables., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)