Cardiovascular manifestations of people living with HIV/AIDS: Report from a hot spot in eastern India

ObjectiveTo study the profile and characteristics of cardiovascular abnormalities among patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) at a tertiary care hospital in India. The association of cardiovascular abnormalities with the CD4 count and disease stages, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification, was also analyzed.MethodsA total of 200 patients with HIV/AIDS were compared with 50 healthy controls. All patients underwent blood investigations, chest X-ray, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 38.66 ± 9.22 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.25:1. Echocardiographic abnormalities were found in 52% of the patients and 12% of the controls, with the most common abnormality being left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Echocardiographic abnormalities were markedly more common in patients with a CD4 count of <200/μL. The advanced stage of the disease, according to the WHO classification, was also associated with an increased incidence of echocardiographic abnormalities.ConclusionsCardiovascular abnormalities in the form of electrocardiogram and ECHO findings were present in 54.5% and 52% of patients, respectively. Echocardiographic findings showed significant correlation with CD4 count and WHO disease stage.     

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome and the factors associated: A cross sectional study at a tertiary care center in Hyderabad,south-eastern India

Background and aimsMetabolic syndrome (MetS) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two interrelated but distinct endocrine problems with several health consequences secondary to insulin resistance. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS in women with PCOS.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study carried out from May 2017 to October 2017 at the gynecology outpatient clinic of a tertiary care private hospital in Hyderabad, India. Eligible women diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria were enrolled. The primary outcome was the prevalence of MetS diagnosed by the modified NCEP ATP III criteria.ResultsThe study comprised 382 patients with a mean age of 26.8 ± 5.3 years. MetS was present in 147 (38.5%) women with PCOS. The most frequently observed individual components of MetS were increased waist circumference and decreased HDL cholesterol. When predictors for MetS were analyzed by multivariate regression, BMI (aOR 1.14; 1.06–1.23; p ≪0.001) and age (aOR 1.12; 1.06–1.17; p ≪0.001) were significantly associated with MetS; however, the effect size was modest.ConclusionA high prevalence of MetS was observed in women with PCOS at this tertiary center in Hyderabad, with abdominal obesity and low HDL cholesterol as predominant components. We believe that universal screening of all PCOS women is a reasonable option.     

Dropout from care among HIV-infected patients enrolled in care at a tertiary HIV care center in Chennai,India

Long-term follow-up of persons infected with HIV infection is essential to optimize clinical outcomes. However, limited data exist on the rates of dropout (DO) from HIV care and factors associated with DO especially from resource-limited settings. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the data available at YRGCARE, a private HIV care provider in south India that has registered over 15,000 HIV-infected persons since its inception in 1993. We included 7995 patients who registered for care between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2009. A dropout was defined as a person who registered for care during this period and had not been seen in the clinic for >1 year. Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with DO from clinical care. The median age of the patients registered for care was 34 years; 66% were male and 83% were married. The overall DO rate was 38.1 per 100 person-years – the majority of the DOs occurred within 6 months from registration. In multivariate analyses, patients who were enrolled in clinical studies/projects entitling them to free medications and retention staff (Odds Ratio [OR]: 0.65) or were on antiretroviral therapy (ART; OR: 0.37) or had a CD4 > 350 at the last visit (OR: 0.20) were significantly less likely to DO from clinical care. We observed a high rate of DO from clinical care at this tertiary HIV clinic in Chennai, India. Making ART available free of charge in the private sector and providing incentives/benefits for attending clinic visits as is routinely done in clinical trials might help improve retention.     

HIV/AIDS and family support systems: A situation analysis of people living with HIV/AIDS in Lagos State

Current statistics about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Nigeria do not reveal the broader social and economic impacts of the disease on the family. The study therefore primarily aimed to address the socio-economic effects of HIV infection on individuals and their families. The study was carried out in Lagos State. In-depth interviews were employed to collect information from 188 people living with HIV/AIDS through support groups in the state, while four focus group discussions were conducted to elicit information from people affected by AIDS about the socio-economic impacts of HIV/AIDS on families in Nigeria. From the survey, among people living with HIV/AIDS, 66% of females and males were in the age group 21–40 years, while 10% were older people above 60 years of age. Findings revealed that as HIV/AIDS strikes at parents, grand parents are assuming responsibility for bringing up the children of the infected persons and the orphans of those killed by the virus. It was striking that some of the older caregivers could not meet the requirement of these children. They are often forced to work more than they would have, or borrow in order to cope with the needs of these extra mouths. Some of the infected people have sold their properties to enable them to cope with the economic effects of the virus, while their children have had to drop out of school, since they could not afford the school fees and other related expenses. It was suggested that PLWHA should be economically empowered with adequate medical treatment, in order to reduce the impact of the disease on the family.     

Spectrum of opportunistic and other parasites among HIV/AIDS patients attending a tertiary care hospital

ObjectiveTo determine the spectrum of opportunistic as well as non-opportunistic parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients.MethodsA total of 250 HIV sero-positive individuals are included in study. Among them, 76 clinical cases of diarrhea and 8 clinically suspected cases of toxoplasmosis were identified. Fresh stool samples were collected in a suitable container on three consecutive days and processed immediately for identification of oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum, Isospora belli and Cyclospora. Blood sample was collected from suspected cases of toxoplasmosis and tested for antitoxoplasma immunoglobulin M antibodies using immunoComb Toxo IgM test. Estimation of CD4 counts was also done by flow cytometry from these patients.ResultsThe opportunistic parasites identified in total HIV sero-positive patients were Cryptosporidium spp. (20.8%) and Isospora belli (0.8%). While the non-opportunistic parasite identified were Entamoeba histolytica (4%), Giardia intestinalis (1.6%) and Hymenolepis nana (0.8%). Toxoplasmosis was identified in 2.4% HIV sero-positive patients.ConclusionsIncreasing prevalence of parasitic infections in HIV/AIDS patients suggests that simple steps such as drinking safe water, maintaining high level of environmental and personal hygiene and avoiding contact with contaminated soil are necessary to prevent the occurrence of these diseases in AIDS patients     

艾滋病病毒感染者和艾滋病患者综合关怀支持模式的研究进展

对艾滋病患者的关怀与支持已成为艾滋病防治的重要内容,该文分析艾滋病关怀工作目前的开展状况和存在的问题,并提出全社会、多学科综合关怀、支持的模式和建议。     

Correlates of metabolic syndrome in patients with depression: A study from north-western India

Background and AimsMetabolic syndrome (MS) is found to be prevalent in patients with mental illness including depression. Data is sparse on the role of lifestyle factors on MS in depression.MethodsThis study was aimed to assess correlates of MS in patients with depression. Methodology: Three hundred eighty-two patients with depressive disorders were assessed for the prevalence of MS by using modified National Cholesterol Education Program- Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria (NCEP ATP-III). Their illness severity, functionality, physical activity and nutritional habits were also assessed.ConclusionsMajority of patients with depression (82.2%) were drug naive. One-fourth of the patients had metabolic syndrome (27.7%). Additionally, other 59% of patients had one or two metabolic abnormalities and one-third of patients were obese. Lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol level was the most common abnormality (65%), while abnormal blood pressure was the least common abnormality (18%). Significant correlates of MS were greater age, and age at onset of depression, greater illness duration, lesser physical activity and lower nutritional score.ConclusionNearly one-fourth of patients with depression had MS; another three-fifth of patients had one or two metabolic abnormalities. MS was more commonly seen with sedentary lifestyle and poor nutritional habits. It calls for comprehensive assessment and timely management of cardiovascular risk factors as well as lifestyle factors in depression.     

Overweight,the major determinant of metabolic syndrome among industrial workers in Kerala,India: Results of a cross-sectional study

AimTo determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) among industrial workers in Kerala, India.Materials and methodsWe measured fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure among 2287 industrial workers (mean age 46 years, men 70%) from selected industries of two southern most Kerala districts using standard protocol in 2009. MS was defined according to international diabetes federation (IDF), Adult Treatment Panel (ATP-III) and American Heart Association(AHA)/National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) criteria (Harmonization). Age-standardized prevalence of MS was assessed for men and women. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to find the associated factors of MS.ResultsAge-standardized prevalence of MS was 14% (men 14%, women 15%), 19% (men 19%, women 21%) and 27% (men 30%, women 21%) as per IDF, ATP-III and Harmonization criteria respectively. Overweight adults were nine times (OR 9.41, 95% CI 7.34–12.06), twelve times (OR 11.80 CI 9.38–14.84), and four times (OR 3.56, CI 2.94–4.29) more likely to have MS compared to their counterparts according to IDF, ATP-III and Harmonization criteria respectively. Older adults and current alcohol users were more likely to have MS compared to their counterparts. Women were more likely to have MS as per IDF and ATP-III criteria.ConclusionsMS prevalence was high among Industrial workers who generally have good access to health care. Overweight and other predictors of MS need to be addressed to reduce MS prevalence in this population.     

Clinical features vary by the aetiology of meningitis in HIV seropositive patients: A four-year study from a tertiary hospital in India

Meningitis is a serious infection of the nervous system associated with high mortality in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) seropositive individuals. Asian clinical studies describing meningitis in people living with HIV are scarce. We describe the clinical features of meningitis in 116 HIV seropositive patients from a tertiary hospital in India as a cross-sectional observational study. The mean age of the patients in our study was 35 ± 9 years with 70.6% of them being men. Eighty-five percent of the patients had an altered sensorium during the illness. Tuberculous meningitis [82.6%] was the most common cause. Clinical features varied by aetiology. Cranial nerve deficits [40%] were common in Cryptococcal meningitis. Hydrocephalus [3%], infarcts [15.9%] and IntraCranial Space Occupying Lesions (ICSOLs) [39.1%] were common in tuberculous meningitis.     

"差序格局"视野下的HIV感染者及病人自我表露研究

目的 从"差序格局"的视角分析艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染者/病人身份表露问题.方法 2009年7-8月在广西地区与HIV感染者/病人进行深度访谈.结果 研究发现,HIV感染者/病人的自我表露对象呈差序格局展开:包括配偶、父母、亲戚、同事与朋友等;表露原因包括为获取来自家庭成员、亲属、社区及政府的社会支持和情感支持等;表露...     

179例HIV／AIDS病人肝脏损害的临床研究

目的探讨艾滋病病毒（HIV）感染者／艾滋病（AIDS）病人的肝脏功能损害情况及其影响因素。方法回顾分析179例HIV／AIDS病人临床资料,根据肝脏功能损害程度,分为肝功能正常组、肝功能轻度损害组、中度损害组、重度损害组,比较各组间相关情况。结果肝功能损害组使用肝毒性药物、合并HBV和／或HCV感染的比例均高于肝功能正常组,两者比较差异有显著的统计学意义（P值分别为0．039、0．030、0．003）。中重度肝功能损害组使用肝毒性药物的比例高于轻度损害组,两者比较差异有显著的统计学意义（P=0．037）。结论HIv／AIDS病人肝脏损害发生率高,而男性、使用肝损害药物、合并HBV和／或HCV是HIV／AIDS病人发生肝脏损害的危险因素。     

HIV/AIDS患者并发贫血的临床研究

目的　了解艾滋病病毒 /艾滋病 (HIV/AIDS)患者贫血并发情况 ,探讨贫血程度对判定HIV/AIDS患者病情进展的意义。方法　对未经治疗的HIV/AIDS患者检测免疫功能指标 (CD+ 4 T细胞 )和全血细胞计数。遵循美国疾病控制与预防中心 (CDC) 1993年诊断标准 ,对 94例HIV/AIDS患者按病情阶段分为A、B、C组。对血红蛋白浓度 (HGB)和病情阶段及CD+ 4 T细胞之间的关系进行统计学分析。结果　 94例HIV/AIDS患者中有 37例并发贫血 ,在A、B、C组贫血的发生率分别为 5 6 %、2 4 1%、6 1 7% ,贫血发生率在 3组间差异有非常显著的统计学意义 (χ2 =2 1 2 6 3,P <0 0 0 1)。 37例贫血患者的HGB在 3组间差异有显著的统计学意义 (F =4 978,P =0 0 13)。对 94例AIDS患者的CD+ 4 T细胞与HGB进行曲线拟合分析 ,发现二者之间存在曲线相关 (P <0 0 0 1) ,曲线回归方程为HGB =2 3 2 4 6×ln(CD+ 4 )。结论　AIDS患者贫血的发生率较高 ,贫血的发生率及严重程度随着病情的进展而发展。HGB随着免疫功能的衰减而下降。贫血的程度对AIDS患者的病情评判有重要意义     

Met and unmet palliative care needs of people living with HIV/AIDS in Rwanda

The rising number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) worldwide has made health care professionals and policy makers search for accessible health care that will meet the needs of people who are suffering from the disease and enhance their quality of life (QoL). This study investigated met and unmet palliative care needs of PLWHA in selected areas in Rwanda. The study sample included 306 participants: PLWHA, health care professionals and coordinators of HIV/AIDS units. Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used. The data were analysed separately and then triangulated. In the findings, over 50% of PLWHA had symptoms related to HIV/AIDS most of the time, with the most common symptom being pain. Participation in activities of daily living was significantly associated with the health status of PLWHA (p<0.001). The most common perceived palliative care needs of PLWHA were medical needs, psychosocial needs and the need for financial assistance (77%); home-based care (47%); nutritional support (44%); and pain relief and management of other symptoms (43%). Most PLWHA indicated these palliative care needs were unmet, in particular the need for pain relief, symptom management, financial assistance and nutritional support. Over 50% of health care professionals reported they were not trained in palliative care. They indicated that inadequate policy and resources were the main obstacles to the provision of optimal palliative care. Addressing unmet palliative care needs would enhance the QoL of PLWHA. In addition, developing policy related to the provision of palliative care and building the capacity of health care providers is essential for the provision of adequate palliative care services in Rwanda.     

重庆市HIV 感染者和AIDS病人生存质量和医疗需求调查分析

目的了解艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染者和艾滋病(AIDS)病人的生存状况、求医行为和医疗需求,为制定相关的救治救助政策提供可靠的依据。方法对HIV感染者和AIDS病人进行面对面的问卷调查,资料用SPSS12.0统计分析。结果调查的122例HIV感染者和AIDS病人以经静脉吸毒感染为主,其次是性接触和血源感染。感染HIV后经济收入和生活水平都明显下降,感染HIV后失去主要的经济来源和巨额的医疗费用是导致生活水平下降的主要原因,而医疗费用主要由自己承担(除抗病毒治疗药物和CD4检测费用外)。他们的生存质量评分均在50分左右。结论HIV感染者和AIDS病人因感染HIV经济收入明显减少,医疗需求明显增加,生活水平明显下降,生活质量差。     

Epidemiological profile,management and outcomes of patients with acute coronary syndrome: Single centre experience from a tertiary care hospital in North India

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in India. Our aim is to study the clinical, epidemiological profile and in-hospital outcomes of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome.MethodsWe did a prospective single center observational study of the 1203 patients presenting with ACS to a tertiary referral center in North India over a period of one year (July 2018–June 2019).ResultsThe mean age of study population was 58.4 ± 12.5 years. STEMI and NSTE-ACS accounted for 69.9% and 31.1% respectively. 62.1% of our patients were from rural background. The median time to hospital admission was 600 min for STEMI patients, thrombolysis was performed in 52% of cases. Cardiogenic shock at presentation was noted in 18%. Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention were done in 1062 (88.3%) and 733 (60.9%) patients respectively. The overall in-hospital mortality was 7.6%. STEMI patients had higher mortality than NSTE-ACS (8.9% vs 4.5% p < 0.001). Female gender (OR?3.306 C.I. 1.87–5.845), severe MR (OR?4.65, C.I.?1.187–18.18), acute kidney injury (AKI) at admission (OR-5.15, C.I.?2.5–10.63), higher Killip class (class III/IV) (OR?3.378,C.I.?1.292–8.849), AF (OR?3.25, C.I.?1,18–8.92), complete heart block (CHB) (OR?4.44,C.I.?2.09–9.43) and right bundle branch block (RBBB) (OR?2.86, C.I.?1.2–6.8) were significant predictors of in hospital mortality.ConclusionsOur study represents the predominance of STEMI as the initial ACS presentation with a considerable delay in first medical contact and higher prevalence of cardiogenic shock (CS). STEMI patients had higher mortality. Female sex, severe MR, AKI, higher Killips class, AF, CHB, RBBB being predictors of high in-hospital mortality in ACS patients.     

安徽省临泉县艾滋病社区关爱体系调查研究

目的了解皖北农村地区艾滋病病毒(HIV)感染者/艾滋病(AIDS)病人及其亲属的生活质量和社会支持现状,分析其相关的影响因素。同时了解当地各阶层健康居民关于艾滋病的相关知识、态度、行为(KAP)。方法通过典型抽样法对85名HIV感染者和病人及65名HIV感染者和病人家属进行调查,经分层抽样方法对519名社会各阶层健康居民进行调查。结果不同性别、不同文化程度的HIV感染者和病人及其家属生活质量评分差异有显著的统计学意义(P<0.05);不同乡镇的HIV感染者和病人社会支持评分差异有显著的统计学意义(P<0.05)。负性生活事件是影响HIV感染者和病人及其家属社会支持的不利因素,而好的邻里关系、烦恼诉说是影响HIV感染者和病人生活质量的有利因素。KAP调查中,有76.3%的人没有帮助过艾滋病患者,11.3%的人不愿意长期援助艾滋病患者,42.4%的人则看情况。结论诸多因素在不同层面影响皖北农村地区HIV感染者和病人及其亲属的生活质量和社会支持,我国农村现有的艾滋病社区关爱、社会支持工作还亟需加大力度。     

Metabolic syndrome and its related biochemical derangements in breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy: A study from a tertiary care oncology centre from Puducherry,South India

Background and aimsComparison of the existence of metabolic syndrome, its components and their related biochemical complications between newly diagnosed and treated breast cancer patients.MethodsForty newly diagnosed untreated breast cancer patients and forty breast cancer patients who had received 7 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy were recruited as group 1 and group 2 respectively. Height, weight, blood pressure, hormonal status, and tumor size were noted. The fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were estimated in AU 5811 Beckman coulter Clinical chemistry analyzer. Fasting insulin was estimated using Beckman Coulter access immunoassay system (UnicelDxI600). HbA1c assay was carried out in HPLC based ion exchange chromatography (Tosoh automated glycohemoglobin analyzer G8. Homeostasis Model Assessment 2-IR (HOMA 2-IR), HOMA-% B and HOMA-% S were calculated using an online calculator HOMA CALCULATOR [Oxford University]. Serum hsCRP and MDA were estimated by ELISA. FRAP assay was carried out manually to measure antioxidant status.ResultsThe existence of metabolic syndrome as well as type 2 diabetes was higher in the treated group when compared to the untreated patients. However, there were no significant differences in the indices of glucose homeostasis, low grade inflammation, oxidative stress and individual components of metabolic syndrome between the two groups. The triple negative patients were more prone to develop metabolic syndrome when compared to the triple positive patients.ConclusionSuitable therapeutic approaches may be planned out to address the metabolic syndrome and its related complications among breast cancer patients especially during the course of treatment.     

代谢综合征与糖尿病及糖尿病前期人群糖尿病视网膜病变的相关性分析

目的 研究糖尿病与糖尿病前期人群代谢综合征(MS)与糖尿病视网膜病变(DR)的相关性.方法 在北京市昌平区进行了一项有关慢性疾病和危险因素的健康调查,其中2551人完成了病史采集、体格检查、血脂、血糖等生化指标的测定和眼底检查.将受试对象分为DR组和无DR组(NDR组),将NDR组按HbA1c水平与DR组1∶1进行匹配(NDR组及DR组各74例),进行病例对照研究.进一步将受试对象分为MS组(105例)和无MS组(NMS组,43例),而后进行两组罹患DR的比较分析.结果 DR组和NDR组各项临床和生化指标差异均无统计学意义.然而,罹患DR患者的比例按照符合MS组分个数的增加而呈线性增加(x2=9.938,P=0.037).MS组合并DR的比例明显高于无MS组(x2 =5.540,P=0.019).调整了年龄、性别、腰围、收缩压、总胆固醇、HbA1c和糖尿病病程后,MS是DR的一个独立危险因素(OR =2.948,95％ CI:1.134～7.664,P=0.027).结论 在糖尿病及糖尿病前期人群中,MS与DR明显相关.即使在血糖控制水平一致的情况下,MS仍是DR的独立危险因素.