Monika N. Daftary

Assessment and predictors of antiretroviral adherence in older HIV-infected patients.

Summary: Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HIV disease have resulted in increased survival for HIV‐infected patients. Strict adherence to antiretroviral therapy is required to obtain these benefits, however. This holds true for older patients who often are diagnosed later in their disease course and who have shorter survival periods than younger patients. Although there have been few studies of antiretroviral adherence in older HIV patients, this article reviews the literature regarding antiretroviral adherence in younger HIV‐infected adults as well as studies of medication adherence in older patients with other disease states. It then discusses the application of adherence interventions in these other populations to older HIV‐infected adults. Several methods have been used in measuring antiretroviral adherence, including electronic monitoring, self‐report, pill counts, viral load, therapeutic drug monitoring, and several other techniques. The advantages and disadvantages of these methods also are presented as well as recommendations for future adherence research in older HIV‐infected adults. Finally, this article details areas of unmet research need concerning HIV medication adherence in older adults.

Malignancies in HIV: Pre- and Post-Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

OBJECTIVES A study was conducted at a large metropolitan tertiary-care teaching hospital to investigate the incidence of cancers among HIV-infected patients over a 13-year period. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-infected patients diagnosed with cancer between January 1990 and December 2003 at a large metropolitan teaching hospital. Any HIV-infected patient who also had a confirmed diagnosis of Kaposis sarcoma, primary central nervous system lymphoma, invasive cervical cancer or non-Hodgkins lymphoma was categorized as having AIDS-defining cancer (ADC) according to the CDCs initial case definition for AIDS, while patients with other malignancies were classified as having non-ADCs. A clinical database was created consisting of HIV patients diagnosed with cancer at this teaching hospital, and data were abstracted for the current project. RESULTS A total of 203 HIV-infected patients diagnosed with cancer were identified during the study period. Ninety-three cases occurred before 1995 and 110 after 1996. The median age of patients (at cancer diagnosis) in the era before highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was 37 years and in the post-HAART era was 43 years (p<0.05). Mean CD4 count at cancer diagnosis in the pre-HAART era was 101 cells/mm3, and 183 cells/mm3 in the post-HAART period (p<0.05). Six patients had diagnoses of both ADC and NADC during the study period. Of the 197 remaining cases, 129 (65.4%) were ADCs and 68 (34.6%) were NADCs (p<0.05). The incidence of Kaposis sarcoma decreased significantly, while the incidence of lung cancer increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS Of 197 patients with a single diagnosis of either ADC or NADC, there was statistically a larger proportion of NADC cases diagnosed in the post-HAART period compared to the pre-HAART period. The number of ADC diagnoses decreased between the pre- and post-HAART period.

An evaluation of hepatitis C knowledge and correlations with health belief model constructs among African American "baby boomers".

BACKGROUND Baby boomers (people born between 1945 and 1965) are responsible for three-quarters of Hepatitis C (HCV) infections in the US; however, HCV testing is distinctly underused by them. AIM To assess the status, predictors, and correlates of HCV knowledge among African-American baby boomers (AABBs) in Washington, DC. METHODS A cross-sectional survey among persons aged 46-69 was conducted using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI). Data on HCV knowledge, socio-demographics, prior history of HCV testing, health-related characteristics, HCV vulnerability and HCV treatment perceptions were collected. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the study population. Pearson correlations were used to examine linear associations between HCV knowledge and Health Belief Model constructs related to HCV. Linear regression analysis was conducted to assess the predictors of knowledge. RESULTS Out of the 137 participants, about sixty percent (60.6%) were females, mean age 59±6.40; 44.8% had at least a college education. The average knowledge score was low (48.7%). HCV knowledge was significantly correlated with constructs of perceived severity and perceived benefits. Age (β=-0.10; p=0.003), and level of education (β=0.93, p=0.027) were significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS Overall, respondents have a low level of knowledge. The lower level of education and older age were significant predictors of inadequate HCV knowledge. Thus, HCV education among these people may be a vital component in reducing the gaps in HCV knowledge.

A descriptive report of bleeding complications secondary to warfarin therapy

Purpose This study identified factors that contributed to bleeding complications associated with warfarin therapy that were documented as adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Methods A retrospective chart review was performed using the Medical Records Departments “E” code list of anticoagulant-related ADRs. Descriptive statistics were used to identify common factors associated with bleeding complications related to warfarin use. Results Patients 60 years of age or older experienced 78% of all events; a majority (81%) of reports involved the presence of comorbid conditions such as congestive heart failure, carcinoma, or sepsis. A supratherapeutic INR was documented for 75% of patients with anticoagulant-related ADRS. Conclusions Age, comorbid conditions, and anticoagulation intensity were identified as possible factors contributing to documented ADRs associated with warfarin therapy.

Factors Associated with Prescribing Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics for Children with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Ambulatory Care Settings

Objectives: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are frequently prescribed for children with upper respiratory tract infections (URI). Excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics leads to the emergence of resistant bacteria. This study aimed to identify factors associated with prescribing broad-spectrum antibiotics among children younger than 18 years presenting with URI in outpatient settings. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey-Outpatient Departments (NHAMCS-OPD) between 2006 and 2010. Descriptive statistics of visits from children with URI were estimated. Simple and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify socio-demographic and clinical characteristics associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing. We also completed a stratified analysis by age (⩽2 vs >2). Results: A total of 4013 outpatient visits for children with URI from both NAMCS and NHAMCS-0PD data were examined. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed in 39% of the visits, accounting for an estimated 6.8 million visits annually. Multivariable analysis showed that visits in the South region (odds ratio [OR] = 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38-4.10) compared with the West region and visits with diagnoses of acute sinusitis (OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.65-4.63) and acute otitis media (OR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.32-2.74) compared with those with acute pharyngitis were associated with greater odds of broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing. Conclusions: The prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics is common for children with URI in ambulatory care settings. Diagnosis and management of URI remain a critical area for awareness campaigns promoting judicious use of antibiotics.

Predictors of hepatitis C testing intention among African American Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers (BBs) are responsible for three-quarters of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in the United States; however, HCV testing is distinctly underused by them. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of HCV testing and to evaluate predictors of HCV testing intention among African–American BBs. The study was guided by the Health Belief Model and theory of reasoned action frameworks. Of the 137 participants included in the study, 44.8% had at least a college education; 13.9% received prior to 1992 blood transfusion. Findings related to HCV testing showed that 32.1% of the participants intended to test for HCV within 6 months and 43.8% had received a previous HCV test. Significant predictors of HCV testing intention within 6 months included having a blood transfusion prior to 1992 [odds ratio (OR) = 8.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.02–33.61], perceptions of benefits (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.13–2.18), severity (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.17–1.65), and subjective norms (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12–1.79). These predictors of HCV testing intention can be used to develop future HCV testing initiatives for African–American BBs.

Effect of Patient Characteristics,Knowledge and Satisfaction with WarfarinTherapy on Willingness to Switch to aNew Oral Anticoagulant

Background: There are limited studies addressing patients willingness to switch to a new anticoagulant from warfarin. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of patient knowledge and satisfaction with warfarin therapy on willingness to switch to a new oral anticoagulation therapy in an urban clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among warfarin-treated patients attending a pharmacist-run urban anticoagulation clinic at Howard University Hospital from August 2014-February 2015. The primary outcome evaluated was willingness to switch to a new oral anticoagulant. Other variables assessed include social demographics, clinic factors, patient knowledge and satisfaction. The modified anti-clot treatment survey (ACTS), the oral anticoagulant knowledge survey (OAKS), and a validated willingness to switch survey were used to measure patient knowledge (high ≥ 75%), satisfaction (Likert scale ≥ 4) and willingness to switch (Likert scale ≥ 4), respectively. Statistical analysis was conducted using (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: A total of 100 patients on warfarin treatment were included. The majority of participants were retired/disabled (59%), mostly African American (86%), and male (55%). The mean willingness to switch score was 21.59 (out of 35). Patients were most willing to switch to an alternative agent which required less follow up (3.55 ± 1.77) and had fewer drug interactions (3.75 ± 1.67). Factors associated with willingness to switch varied based on patient preferences. The only predictor of willingness to switch was low satisfaction (p=0.002). Knowledge was not associated with willingness to switch (p=0.249). Conclusion: Patients in an anticoagulation clinic had low knowledge of their warfarin therapy, were overall satisfied with warfarin treatment, but were willing to consider using a new oral anticoagulant that was more convenient especially if low satisfaction with warfarin. Further studies should be directed toward patient preferences in determining optimal regimen.

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis in an HIV/Human T-cell Lymphotrophic Viruses I/II Coinfected Patient

Coexistence of HIV, pulmonary sarcoidosis, and human T-cell lymphotrophic viruses (HTLV) I/II has not been well reported and studied. Although the exact etiology of sarcoidosis is unknown, immunologic abnormalities have been the focus of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related sarcoidosis and it is thought to be a manifestation of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. We report the case of an African American woman with HIV and HTLV I/II coinfection who developed pulmonary sarcoidosis several months after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Despite the fact that most common etiologies of pulmonary nodules in HIV patients include mycobacterial and fungal infections, sarcoidosis should be considered in differential diagnosis. This disease may continuously rise due to the increasing number of people who are receiving antiretroviral therapy, leading to an improved immune system.

Managing mentally and physically challenged HIV patients.

Management of mentally and physically challenged patients is complex, as it can involve ethical, social, and medical issues, and adding the provision of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care further complicates management. There continues to be limited information in the literature in caring for these types of patients. We provide 2 unique HIV cases--one who is mentally challenged and the other who is blind--and how management was approached. A list of select resources to aid both providers and patients is provided.

An Update in the Management of Hepatitis B/HIV Coinfection

With growing numbers of hepatitis B virus (HBV)/ HIVcoinfected patients and the complexity of treating both diseases together, new treatment options and guidelines are available. This article reviews treatment and management options for HBV/HIV-coinfected patients.