BackgroundAs antiretroviral therapy efficacy improves, HIV is gradually being recognized more as a chronic disease within the aging HIV-infected population. While these individuals are surviving into old age, they may, however, be experiencing “accelerated aging” with greater declines in physical function than that observed among comparably matched individuals free of HIV. This decline is not well understood and it remains unclear if physical decline correlates with the degree of immunosuppression based on CD4 lymphocyte nadir.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study of accelerated aging in the older HIV-infected population on antiretroviral therapy (ART), physical performance evaluations were completed on a cohort of 107 HIV-infected subjects, age 50 years or older (with no HIV-1 RNA >200 copies/mL in the prior 12 months), and compared to reference ranges for age- and gender-matched HIV-uninfected persons. Physical performance testing consisted of four validated assessments: the 2.4-meter walk, 30-second chair stand, grip strength and 6-minute walk test.ResultsWhen compared to age- and gender-matched HIV-uninfected reference controls, older HIV-infected persons had diminished physical function. No correlation was found between physical function and degree of immunosuppression as determined by pre-ART CD4 nadir.ConclusionsDespite improved survival, HIV–infected adults on suppressive ART have diminished physical function compared to HIV-uninfected persons. The degree of HIV-associated immunosuppression does not correlate with the observed degree of physical function decline in older HIV-infected persons, suggesting the decline is mediated by other mechanisms.
Key Points
Question
What is the ability of a host gene expression test to accurately discriminate bacterial from viral infection among patients with acute respiratory illness?
Findings
In this diagnostic study involving analysis of 616 children and adults with febrile acute respiratory illness of 7 or fewer days’ duration, the host response bacterial/viral test had up to 90% sensitivity, 82% specificity, and 98% negative predictive value for bacterial infection, which was significantly better than procalcitonin measurement.
Meaning
The study’s findings suggest that an accurate point-of-need host response test with high negative predictive value may identify patients unlikely to have bacterial infection, offering a better antibiotic stewardship strategy than is currently available.
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