HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care最新文献

{"title":"Factors Associated with Condom Use Among HIV-Positive Adolescents in Eastern Uganda.","authors":"Benjamin Betunga, Lilian Nuwabaine, Joseph Kawuki","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S585843","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S585843","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adolescents increasingly contribute to the global HIV epidemic, and the low HIV testing rates heighten transmission risks. Condom use is crucial in preventing HIV transmission and drug-resistant strains, yet its consistency among HIV-positive adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains uncertain. This study investigates the prevalence of condom use and predictors among HIV-positive adolescents attending ART clinic in Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 among 165 HIV-positive adolescents (aged 10-19 years) at Tororo General Hospital ART clinic. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine predictors of condom use, using SPSS version 27.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Condom use prevalence was low at 10.9% among HIV-positive adolescents. On multivariable logistic regression, significant predictors of condom use included urban residence (aOR 2.67, 95% CI: 1.42-4.98), older age (15-19 years) (aOR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12-2.36), secondary education (aOR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.02-2.62), Muslim religion (aOR 3.76, 95% CI: 1.98-6.75), having three or more sexual partners (aOR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.14-3.87), being on ART for more than five years (aOR 3.73, 95% CI: 1.15-6.21), and drug use (aOR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.16-2.11). Nearly all participants (99.4%) reported lack of access to free condoms, while 75.8% had never received counseling on condom use.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Condom use among HIV-positive adolescents in Tororo district remains alarmingly suboptimal. Enhancing access to condoms, integrating targeted sexual health education, and addressing sociocultural barriers through community-based interventions are critical. Future research should explore tailored strategies to improve condom adherence in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"18 ","pages":"585843"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13138297/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anemia in HIV-Infected Children on ART in Uganda: High Risk Associations with Malaria, Opportunistic Infections, and Poor Adherence.","authors":"Christopher Lyatinga Anyelwisye, Jimmy Kata Ogwal, Simon Evarist Kadogosa, Rauben Timuzigu, Cricent Anyetaba, Robert Wagubi, Clinton Olong, Elizabeth A John, Enoch Muwanguzi, Benson Okongo","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S609192","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S609192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of anemia among HIV-positive children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at two urban clinics in Mbarara City, Southwestern Uganda.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study among 293 HIV-positive children (<18 years) attending ART clinics at Mbarara Municipal Health Center IV and Holy Innocent Children's Hospital between July and September 2025. A structured questionnaire captured sociodemographic and clinical data. Venous blood were collected for complete blood count (CBC) analysis, and stool samples were examined for intestinal parasites. Data on CD4 count and viral load were abstracted from medical records. Anemia was defined using age-specific WHO criteria. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with anemia, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of anemia was 6.14% (95% CI: 3.4% - 8.9%). Normocytic normochromic anemia was the predominant morphological type (72.2%). In the multivariate analysis, a recent episode of malaria (AOR = 9.61; 95% CI: 3.26-28.34), the presence of an opportunistic infection (AOR = 6.78; 95% CI: 1.28-35.83), and poor adherence to ART (AOR = 14.75; 95% CI: 1.31-165.65) were independently and significantly correlated with anaemia.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>While the prevalence of anemia in this cohort of HIV-infected children on ART was lower than global averages, it remains a significant clinical concern. The strong associations with malaria, opportunistic infections, and suboptimal ART adherence highlight critical areas for intervention. Targeted strategies, including integrated malaria control, enhanced prevention and management of OIs, and reinforced adherence support, are required to decrease the anaemia burden and optimize health outcomes in this at-risk population.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"18 ","pages":"609192"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13135090/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patient-Led Peer Support Groups Improve Anti-Hypertensive Drugs Access for Adults Living with HIV and Hypertension in Rural Uganda - A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Mucunguzi Atukunda, Brian Twinamatsiko, Michael Ayebare, Elizabeth Arinitwe, Aida N Kawuma, Ronald Kiguba, Joanita Nangendo, Gerald Mutungi, Fred C Semitala, Moses R Kamya, Jane Kabami","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S597371","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S597371","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>People living with HIV (PLHIV) often have poorly controlled hypertension due to medication non-adherence, primarily caused by limited access to antihypertensive drugs. Peer support groups are being explored to improve access. We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of peer support groups to improve access to anti-hypertensive drugs for PLHIV with hypertension.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>From December 2022 to April 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey and measurement of blood pressure among PLHIV in 26 health facilities to assess the accessibility of anti-hypertensive drugs in the peer support groups. The collected data was summarized using descriptive statistics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eight out of 26 health facilities formed peer support groups. Among 163 PLHIV interviewed only 64 participated in the peer support groups. Among those who participated in peer support groups, 57% reported accessing anti-hypertensive drugs through the group. The peer support groups were affordable for most participants. Around 60% found the contributions manageable, with 79% contributing $1.3 or less. Most participants expressed satisfaction in the performance of the peer support groups. And blood pressure control was higher among survey participants in peer support groups (53.1%) compared to those not in such groups (33.3%), with an overall control rate of 41.1%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of the study suggest that patient-led peer support groups are a feasible intervention to improve access to antihypertensive medications for PLHIV with Hypertension.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"18 ","pages":"597371"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13094753/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Viral Load Suppression After Intensive Adherence Counselling Among Previously Non-Suppressed Adolescents and Young People with HIV in East-Central Uganda.","authors":"David Livingstone Ejalu, Peter Simon Okello, Sean Steven Puleh, Joanita Nangendo, Jonathan Izudi, Sabrina Bakeera-Kitaka, Achilles Katamba, Anne R Katahoire, Joan N Kalyango, Adithya Cattamanchi, Fred C Semitala, Moses R Kamya","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S588885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S588885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Viral load suppression remains suboptimal among adolescents and young people living with HIV in Uganda (AYPLHIV). Although Intensive Adherence Counselling is recommended for individuals who remain virally non-suppressed while on antiretroviral therapy, its contribution to suppression among AYPLHIV is not well understood. This study aimed to determine the level of viral load suppression achieved following intensive adherence counselling among previously non-suppressed AYPLHIV in east central Uganda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a sequential explanatory mixed methods study among 580 participants aged 10-24 years receiving care at 32 health facilities. Quantitative data were abstracted covering a five-year period from 2019-2024. Suppression levels and subgroup differences were assessed using chi-square tests. A qualitative study was conducted with 12 purposively selected participants and thematic analysis were guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants had a median age of 16.4 years and a median ART duration of 4 years. Overall, out of the 580 participants, 313 (53.9%) achieved viral load suppression after counselling. Participants living more than 5 km compared to less than 5km from a health facility (p=0.003) and those counselled by counsellors rather than nurses (p<0.001) had significantly higher suppression level. Lower suppression level was observed among participants who had not disclosed their HIV status versus those who disclosed (p=0.011) and those reporting fear or stigma compared to those not reporting (p=0.010). Qualitative findings indicated that understanding the purpose and benefits of intensive adherence counselling (Capability), financial barriers and provider interactions (Opportunity), and non-disclosure (Motivation) influenced suppression outcomes among AYPLHIV.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>IAC resulted in modest improvements in VL suppression among AYPLHIV. Low retention and contextual barriers, including distance, stigma and non-disclosure, limited its effectiveness. Tailored IAC strategies addressing subgroup-specific barriers are needed to improve VL suppression.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"18 ","pages":"588885"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12967417/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147391269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alternative Administration of Antiretroviral Therapy in People with HIV Unable to Swallow: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Hilal Abdessamad, Christina Baroody, Karolina Pogorzelski, Wassim Jamaleddine, Monicah Syomiti Kitonga, Habib Omar, Seth Adu Amankrah, Kristine Allen-Brown, Dima Dandachi","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S580990","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S580990","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To review published evidence on alternative administration methods for antiretroviral therapy in patients unable to swallow tablets.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a scoping review using PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from 2011 to 2025. We included studies reporting pharmacokinetic data, clinical outcomes, or safety data on crushed, dispersed, or enterally administered antiretroviral formulations. Four independent reviewers screened 1,474 articles after duplicate removal, with 12 studies meeting selection criteria.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We identified 12 studies (8 case reports, 2 case series, 2 cohort studies) describing alternative administration of antiretrovirals. Key findings included: (1) Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide was associated with viral suppression when dissolved and administered enterally; (2) Dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine crushed via nasogastric tube was associated with viral suppression within 10 months; (3) Dolutegravir requires separation from enteral feeds containing polyvalent cations to avoid chelation and reduced absorption. (4) Most nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) could be crushed or dissolved, while non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) showed variable stability. (5) Therapeutic drug monitoring was recommended for integrase inhibitors administered enterally.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review provides evidence suggesting the use of modified ART formulations when standard oral administration is not possible. In situations where swallowing difficulties prevent the use of whole tablets, alternative methods such as crushing, or dissolving may offer a practical approach to maintain treatment continuity. Alternative administration ART, namely INSTI-based regimens and NRTIs, may help maintain viral suppression in these settings, provided that drug-specific pharmacokinetic considerations and enteral feeding interactions are addressed. Further prospective studies with therapeutic drug monitoring are needed to establish standardized protocols.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"18 ","pages":"580990"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12967047/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147379112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations of HIV RNA Viral Load, CD4 Counts, HPV Detection, and Cytology Support Co-Testing for Cervical Cancer Screening Among Women Living with HIV.","authors":"Carmen D Zorrilla, Cecilia V Olmo-Lopez, Adriana M Hernández Garayua, Jessica Ibarra, Hiram A Santiago-Rivera, Ana M Mosquera, Karen Martinez-Robles","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S553851","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S553851","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study addresses a research gap in cervical cancer screening for Women Living with HIV (WLHIV) in Puerto Rico, evaluating the associations between viral load (VL) thresholds, CD4 count, HPV detection, and the benefits of co-testing with cytology.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analyzed the HIV viral load (VL), HPV infection, CD4 counts, and cervical cytology in 354 WLHIV receiving consecutive comprehensive care, including Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Retrospective data were obtained from visits from 2018 to 2023. Consecutive visits with ThinPrep co-testing for cytology and HPV were evaluated. Only one observation per woman was included to maintain a cross-sectional dataset. HPV was detected using Hologic ThinPrep Pap Test and PCR-based genotyping.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of any HPV was 27% which correlated inversely with CD4 counts: 42.9% (≤200 cells/mm³), 35.5% (201-499 cells/mm³), and 23.2% (>500 cells/mm³) (p=0.017). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that HPV positivity was significantly associated with the likelihood of having an abnormal Pap result (OR = 6.35; 95% CI: 3.22-12.52; p < 0.001). Cytologic abnormalities were more frequent with lower CD4 counts: 32.1% (≤200 cells/mm³), 11.8% (201-499 cells/mm³), and 11.2% (>500cells/mm³) (p=0.007). HPV was detected more frequently among women with detectable VL > 201 copies/mL (35.4% vs 26.1%). Abnormal cytology occurred in 22.9% of women with VL > 201 copies/mL versus 11.4% with VL ≤ 200 copies/mL (p=0.028) and among 34.8% of women with negative HPV tests, underscoring the value of co-testing.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>WLHIV demonstrate higher HPV prevalence and abnormal cytology rates, with persistence inversely related to CD4 counts. Viral suppression correlates with lower HPV prevalence and fewer cytologic abnormalities. Co-testing identified 34.8% of WLHIV with abnormal cytology and HPV-negative results. This study supports consideration of co-testing for cervical cancer screening in WLHIV, even among those with high ART uptake. Further prospective and multi-site studies are warranted to confirm these observations and inform policy or guideline changes.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"18 ","pages":"553851"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12922960/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147272382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uptake and Timing of Viral Load Testing and Frequency of Viraemic Episodes During Pregnancy in South Africa.","authors":"Nelly Jinga, Karl-Günter Technau, Kate Clouse, Nkosinathi Blessing Ngcobo, Cornelius Nattey, Candice Hwang, Anna Grimsrud, Amy Wise, Nicola Van Dongen, Thalia Ferreira, Maanda Mudau, Mhairi Maskew","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S560792","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S560792","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Repeated monitoring of viral load (VL) among pregnant women living with HIV (WLWH) is critical in vertical transmission prevention. For women who are newly diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy, a subsequent VL is recommended three months after ART initiation, and for all women living with HIV, follow-up VL is required every six months throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Here, we describe the uptake and timing of VL testing and frequency and distribution of viraemic episodes during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We linked prospective cohort data from WLWH whose infants were born at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH) in Johannesburg, South Africa (2013-2018) to laboratory data from the National Health Laboratory Services national HIV cohort. We report the uptake and timing of VL testing, and frequency of viremia and viral suppression. We applied the log binomial regression, to explore factors associated with having at least one or more VL test. Crude relative risks (RR) and adjusted relative risks (aRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) relative risk were reported.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data from 4064 women with known dates of entry into antenatal care and delivery during the study period were analysed. Overall, less than half (46%) completed VL testing during pregnancy. Most VLs were conducted during the third trimester (67%). Only 5% (n = 100) were during the first trimester and 11% within 7 days of delivery. Three-quarters of tests during pregnancy indicated viral suppression (VL < 400 copies/mL), 7% viraemic (VL 400-1000 copies/mL), and 19% high-grade viraemia (VL > 1000 copies/mL). We found that being older (≥35) and being engaged in HIV care prior to pregnancy were significantly associated with VL testing during pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>With less than half of pregnant women living with HIV in this study having a VL measure during their pregnancy, and VL testing occurring late in pregnancy, this study highlights critical gaps in providing quality HIV care to women and prevention of vertical transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"18 ","pages":"560792"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13035699/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147595523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and Feasibility of \"Towards the Sun\": A Digital Salutogenic Intervention to Enhance Sense of Coherence and Health Outcomes Among Newly Diagnosed HIV-Positive MSM.","authors":"Mimi Zhai, Yamin Li, Jianhai Long, Yunxia Li, Xianyang Lei","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S545278","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S545278","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To develop and conduct a preliminary evaluation of a digital salutogenic intervention-\"Towards the Sun\"-aimed at enhancing sense of coherence (SOC) and improving health outcomes among newly diagnosed HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The initial intervention draft was developed using the systematic Intervention Mapping (IM) process, informed by preliminary research, literature review, and evidence-based needs assessment. Two rounds of expert panel review were then conducted to refine the draft, followed by a feasibility assessment among newly diagnosed HIV-positive MSM.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The final digital intervention consisted of a five-stage, eight-week program, focusing on stress management, resource activation, and meaning exploration to strengthen the three dimensions of SOC. After review by 8 experts, the mean importance ratings of the intervention items were all above 4 and the coefficients of variation (CV) were less than 0.20, indicating consensus. A pilot study involving 7 newly diagnosed MSM demonstrated feasibility: SOC-13 scores increased, levels of stress and depression decreased, and participants reported high satisfaction with the overall content, especially the modules on self-acceptance and resource orientation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This digital salutogenic intervention demonstrated good feasibility, user acceptance, and preliminary effectiveness among newly diagnosed HIV-positive MSM. As a strengths-based and innovative digital solution, it warrants further validation and dissemination in larger samples and randomized controlled designs.</p><p><strong>Reporting guidelines: </strong>The study followed the TIDieR (Template for Intervention Description and Replication) Checklist.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"419-431"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12766161/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145913404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness and Safety of Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in People with HIV: A Real-World Data from the Spanish BICSTaR Cohort.","authors":"Alexy Inciarte, Celia Miralles, Ana Silva-Klug, Boris Revollo, Miguel García Deltoro, Joaquín Portilla, Antonio Antela, Manuel Ángel Castaño Carracedo, Cristina De Álvaro, Johanna Ramroth, Ana González-Cordón, Josep Mallolas","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S528859","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S528859","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) is a single-tablet regimen recommended as first-line HIV treatment in international guidelines. This analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of B/F/TAF in real-world Spanish clinical practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was an analysis of the Spanish subset from the BICSTaR study in treatment-naïve (TN) and treatment-experienced (TE) people with HIV who started treatment between November 2019 and July 2021 (European study registration: EUPAS22185). The primary endpoint was virologic suppression (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL); additional endpoints included CD4 cell count changes, treatment persistence, adverse events, weight changes, and the 36-Item Short Form Survey mental and physical component summary (MCS/PCS) scores at 12 months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 249 people with HIV initiated B/F/TAF treatment (62 TN, 187 TE). At 12 months, virologic suppression was achieved by 86% of TN and 98% of TE participants, with 91% of those TE participants with baseline HIV-1 RNA ≥50 copies/µL achieving suppression. Median CD4 count increased by 296 cells/µL in TN (p<0.001) and 12 cells/µL in TE (p=0.302) participants. Persistence at 12 months was high in all participants, with 95% still on treatment. Overall, none of TN and less than 3% of TE participants discontinued B/F/TAF due to drug-related adverse events, all of which were mild or moderate. Median weight increase was 2.9 kg in TN (p<0.001) and 1.0 kg in TE (p<0.001) participants. Median MCS scores improved in the TN group (8.4-point increase, p<0.001) but not in the TE group (0.4-point increase, p=0.767), while PCS scores remained stable both among TN and TE.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These real-world findings strongly support B/F/TAF use in TN and TE people with HIV in Spain, demonstrating high 12-month persistence and effectiveness, and mental health benefits in TN participants, with minimal adverse events.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"407-418"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12719640/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145821621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Experience and Pitfalls in Using Glycyrrhizic Acid for Treating Anogenital Warts in an HIV-Infected Patient in Indonesia: A Case Report.","authors":"Ravika Khaila Arrum, Retno Hesty Maharani, Eva Krishna Sutedja, Laila Tsaqilah, Hendra Gunawan, Pati Aji Achdiat","doi":"10.2147/HIV.S558240","DOIUrl":"10.2147/HIV.S558240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anogenital warts (AGW) are a common manifestation of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, primarily caused by strains 6 and 11. According to results, mucosal HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, with risk factors including immunodeficiency, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Individuals with HIV experience a higher incidence of AGW due to impaired immune function that hinders HPV clearance. There is currently no specific antiviral therapy available for HPV, although several management options exist. However, some of these treatments may cause pain and discomfort. Glycyrrhizinic acid (GA) has demonstrated potential in managing HPV infection because of its antiviral properties and minimal side effects. Despite these promising results, GA is not yet recognized as a standard therapy for AGW. This case report describes the effectiveness of Glizigen^® (topical GA) combined with Viusid^® (oral GA) in managing genital warts in a 28-year-old homosexual male living with HIV. The patient, examined by a dermatologist at Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia, presented with perianal warts that had developed over 3 months. According to the physical examination carried out, multiple flesh-colored papules were reported, while histopathological analysis showed koilocytes, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed HPV types 6 and 11. The treatment process, carried out using topical and oral GA, was administered from August to October 2024. The improvement was reported only in smaller lesions, while larger ones persisted, leading to electrocautery scheduling. The limited response observed in this case might be influenced by the patient's low CD4+ count, which potentially affects HPV clearance. Factors such as age, number of sexual partners, circumcision status, HPV type, and anatomical location of the lesions may also have played a role.</p>","PeriodicalId":46555,"journal":{"name":"HIV AIDS-Research and Palliative Care","volume":"17 ","pages":"399-406"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12683253/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145716360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}