Objective: To characterize the clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics of persons with HIV (PWH) presenting with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HIV RNA escape.Design: Retrospective case review of PWH presenting with symptomatic CSF HIV RNA escape at seven tertiary HIV clinical sites in the United Kingdom and Italy.Method: PWH with symptomatic CSF HIV RNA escape episodes were identified and data obtained from medical records. CSF HIV RNA escape was defined as quantifiable CSF HIV RNA in unquantifiable plasma HIV RNA or CSF HIV RNA greater than plasma HIV RNA in cases where plasma HIV RNA was quantifiable. The onset of clinical symptoms was classified as acute (<2 weeks-6 months), or chronic (>6 months) and differences in presentation in those with CSF HIV RNA below and above 1000 copies/ ml determined. Results:We identified 106 PWH with CSF HIV RNA escape (65 male); 68 (64%) PWH had acute presentations and 38 (36%) had chronic presentations. Cognitive decline (n ¼ 54; 50.9%), confusion (n ¼ 20; 18.9%) and headache (n ¼ 28; 26.4%) were the most common presentations, with cognitive decline being more common in PWH who presented chronically compared with PWH who presented acutely (73.7% vs. 35.3%, P ¼ 0.0002). Sixty PWH had CSF HIV RNA at least 1000 copies/ml and presented more frequently with confusion (n ¼ 15/60; 25.0%) compared with PWH with CSF HIV RNA less than 1000 copies/ml at presentation (n ¼ 5/46; 10.9%; P ¼ 0.03).
Purpose of Review Cognitive impairment leading to disability is increasingly seen in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). Rehabilitation can alleviate the effects of cognitive impairment upon function. The aim of this paper is to discuss the strategies that have been used in cognitive and neurologic rehabilitation in PLWH. Recent Findings Studies examining pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies were analysed. Medical management of HIV and co-morbidities should be optimised. Non-pharmacological strategies, including nerve stimulation techniques, exercise-based interventions, and paper and computer-based cognitive rehabilitation, have some evidence supporting their use in PLWH either as stand-alone interventions or as part of a multidisciplinary approach. Summary Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological rehabilitation strategies have been used with PLWH. More intervention trials are needed to assess cognitive and neurological rehabilitation strategies and further evaluate their potential benefit in PLWH.
The older population has a high mortality with COVID-19 and this cohort often presents atypically with infection. This study compares presenting complaints and observations of older patients with COVID-19 against the established case definition to determine whether the case definition should be broadened to better identify SARS-CoV-2 infection in this age group.This retrospective observational study analysed the presenting complaints and observations of people aged 70 years and over who were admitted to a district general hospital with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from March to May 2020.Out of 225 patients, only 11.5% presented with the trio of cough, fever and breathlessness; 30.2% did not present with any of these symptoms (p<0.001). The most frequent atypical complaints were delirium (25%), general malaise (20%) and falls (19%). Only 32.4% recorded a temperature ≥37.6°C on admission while 20.4% were hypothermic with a temperature <36.4°C (p=0.0003).A significant proportion of older patients with COVID-19 presented with non-specific symptoms and observations. The high proportion of falls and delirium emphasises the need for early geriatrician input, awareness of COVID-19 as a differential for confusion in older patients and to include falls in the case definition for COVID-19 in the older population.
ObjectivesOur objectives were to investigate the characteristics of people living with HIV who presented with new or recurrent symptoms in the context of re‐emergence of cerebrospinal fluid HIV RNA escape after antiretroviral therapy (ART) modification (termed relapse of CSF HIV RNA escape).MethodsPeople living with HIV‐1 with known CSF HIV RNA escape were identified, with clinical and laboratory data obtained from records in a tertiary centre. CSF HIV RNA escape was defined as quantifiable CSF HIV RNA in the presence of unquantifiable plasma HIV‐RNA or CSF HIV RNA greater than plasma HIV RNA in cases where plasma HIV‐RNA was quantifiable. Relapse was defined as a re‐emergence of CSF HIV RNA escape with new symptoms after ART therapy intensification post‐initial CSF HIV RNA escape.ResultsAmong 40 people living with HIV who presented with neurosymptomatic CSF HIV RNA, eight (20%) presented with a relapse of CSF HIV RNA escape. Symptoms on relapse included confusion (n = 2), cognitive decline (n = 2), cerebellar dysfunction (n = 2) and worsening of pre‐existing seizures (n = 1). Prior to their relapse, three people underwent drug therapy modification, with two people stopping raltegravir intensification, and one person switched from tenofovir alafenamide, emtricitabine and raltegravir for a new regimen.ConclusionsPeople with a relapse of CSF HIV RNA escape within this cohort presented with varied symptoms similar to their initial CSF HIV RNA escape. Clinicians should be vigilant of relapse of symptoms, particularly when simplifying ART regimens in people with CSF HIV RNA escape.
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