Biomedical subjects

Anna Esteve

Publications and source records attributed to Anna Esteve.

8 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2007

Risk factors for human Herpesvirus 8 infection and AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma among men who have sex with men in a European multicentre study.

We aimed to identify risk factors for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) among HIV-positive patients and behaviors associated with human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection, as well as to assess KS incidence and mortality rates longitudinally. To fulfill the first objective, a European case-control study was designed in the early 1990s (each KS case was matched to 2 controls with another AIDS indicative disease). After the discovery of HHV-8, serology testing enabled us to assess risk factors for KS development among HHV-8 and HIV-1 coinfected men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as risk factors for HHV-8 infection. HHV-8 seroprevalence was determined using a latent immunofluorescence assay. Relevant information was obtained by means of a questionnaire and medical charts review. Assessment of risk factors for KS development and HHV-8 infection was performed using conditional and unconditional logistic regression models, respectively. A low CD4 count was the only significant risk factor for KS. HHV-8 infection was most strongly linked to the number of life-time sex partners, and multiple body fluids such as saliva and semen are quite likely involved in sexual transmission. Longitudinal follow up showed a significant protective role for highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) both on KS development and mortality of KS patients. Although more conclusive data from cohort studies are needed to better define specific transmission mechanisms for HHV-8, our results contribute to explain why KS incidence is higher among MSM, and the decreasing KS incidence trend observed in countries with universal access to HAART.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2006

[Survival changes among AIDS cases in Catalonia, Spain (1981-2001)].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to assess survival changes among AIDS patients in Catalonia. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We analyzed AIDS cases older than 13 years notified in the Catalonian AIDS Registry from January 1981 to December 2001. Sex, age, transmission category, AIDS-defining disease and diagnostic period were included. The survival cumulative risk was computed for each diagnostic period with Kaplan-Meier methods. RESULTS: During the study period 13,485 AIDS cases were reported. Median survival time was 0.9 years for 1981-1987, 1.7 for 1988-1993 and 2.4 years for 1994-August 1996. The survival time of 75% of patients diagnosed in September 1996-1997 and 1998-2001 was 1.57 and 2.02 years, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed a higher risk among intravenous drug users (hazard ratio = 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.33) than in homo/bisexual men. When we compared heterosexual and homo/bisexual groups, we found that the result was not significant (hazard ratio = 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-1.08). The analysis stratified by AIDS-defining disease showed a decrease in the risk of death in most illnesses. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the increase in survival in AIDS cases related to highly active antirretroviral therapy (HAART).

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2006

Factors associated with unprotected sexual intercourse with steady male, casual male, and female partners among men who have sex with men in Barcelona, Spain.

To increase understanding of the HIV epidemic among MSM in Barcelona, anonymous questionnaires were completed by 640 MSM recruited in the city in 2002. The prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with casual male partners in the prior 12 months was higher among self-reported HIV-positive men (confirmed through saliva testing) than among men who were HIV-negative or of unknown serostatus (35% vs. 20%, p < .01). The prevalence of UAI with steady male partners was substantially lower among HIV-positive men than other men (28% vs. 60%, p < .01). In multivariate analyses, UAI with casual partners was more likely among HIV-positive individuals; those who used drugs before sex; perceived less acceptance of their sexual orientation by family, friends, or coworkers; and were less concerned about HIV prevention because of antiretroviral therapy (ART). UAI with steady partners was more likely among HIV-negative men with seroconcordant partners, those living with a partner, and men less concerned about HIV prevention because of ART. Findings indicate a need for prevention programs targeting HIV-positive MSM in Barcelona. Attention to substance use and attitudes about HIV prevention are needed for MSM in general.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

[Clinical-epidemiological characteristics and antiretroviral treatment trends in a cohort of HIV infected patients. The PISCIS Project].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to describe the process of implementation of the PISCIS cohort, and to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics and trends of antiretroviral treatment (ART) among patients enrolled from 1998 through 2003. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective cohort study of HIV-infected patients aged > or = 16 years newly attended in 10 Catalonian hospitals and one Balearic Islands hospital. Analysis were done using the Mantel's chi2 test for trend. RESULTS: A total of 5,968 patients (mean age 39 yrs; 75% men) were recruited with a mean follow-up of 26.4 months (13,130 person-years). A total of 2,763 patients were newly diagnosed and among these, the most frequent transmission route was the heterosexual one (43%), followed by homosexual (31%). We observed an increasing trend in the proportion of persons < 35 years and immigrants. Among newly diagnosed, 43% had < 200 CD4 T cells/microl in the nearest determination from HIV diagnosis. In the year 2003, 83% of patients were on ART. A decrease of the protease inhibitor-based regimen (from 85% in 1998 to 25% in 2003; p < 0.001) and an increase of nucleoside and non-nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors-containing regimens were observed over time among naive patients who started ART with three or more drugs. CONCLUSIONS: HIV infected patients' cohorts are feasible in our setting and are an important tool in clinical and public health. The heterosexual route of transmission was the most frequent among newly diagnosed patients. The diagnosis delay is high and, on the other hand, ARV regimens have been changing according to the recommended guidelines.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Comparison of the avidity index method and the serologic testing algorithm for recent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion, two methods using a single serum sample for identification of recent HIV infections.

A study was designed to compare an avidity index method to the serologic testing algorithm for recent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion (STARHS) for the detection of recent HIV infection. One hundred sixty HIV-positive sera were tested. Both techniques performed similarly in identifying recent infections, although STARHS tended to misclassify more individuals that had long-standing infection as being recently infected.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2004

Amino acid residue at position 13 in HLA-DR beta chain plays a critical role in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS patients.

BACKGROUND: In 1994 human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) was identified as the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Moreover, the crucial role of HLA molecules in determining susceptibility to several infections was recognized. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of HLA-DRB1 polymorphism in KS susceptibility among HHV-8 infected AIDS patients. DESIGN: A matched case-control study was designed to identify possible biological and environmental risk factors for HIV associated KS. Cases were defined as any AIDS patient with a clinical diagnosis of KS and controls as any AIDS patient with an indicative disease other than KS or with CD4 cells counts < 200 x 10 cells/l, diagnosed at +/- 4 months after case diagnosis. Each case was matched with two controls by sex, age and transmission category. METHODS: HHV-8 serostatus was determined by immunofluorescence assay for the latency associated antigen encoded by Orf73, ELISA for Orf73 and ELISA for the lytic antigen Orf65. DRB1 typing was carried out with a commercially available PCR-sequence specific primer assay. RESULTS: Comparison of marker frequencies in HHV-8 infected AIDS patients with or without KS showed a positive association between KS and HLA-DRB1 alleles containing phenylalanine at position 13 [odds ratio (OR), 2.24; P = 0.016]. A negative association was observed when the residue at the same position was glycine (OR, 0.16; P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: These observations suggest a possible role for HLA-DRB1 in the development of KS in HHV-8 infected individuals with HIV co-infection. Progression to KS in HHV-8 infected AIDS patients may also depend on host factors controlling the immune response.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed2003

[Non-occupational post-exposure HIV prophylaxis. Knowledge and practices among physicians and groups with risk behavior].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although occupational post-exposure HIV prophylaxis is widely admitted and used, the non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (NONOPEP) is controversial. Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission, experimental studies in animal models and retrospective studies in health workers, along with biological plausibility, would justify the use of NONOPEP in certain circumstances. Our objectives were: 1) To review the existence of recommendations; 2) To describe the attitudes, knowledge and practices of the professionals involved in the attention of non-occupational exposures to HIV; 3) To describe the attitudes and knowledge on such a prophylaxis by people with risk behaviours (homosexual men and intravenous drug users (IDU)); and 4) To describe the NONOPEP-related responses of telephone services of public attention on AIDS. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Descriptive study by means of a survey of each defined target population between September 1999 and July 2000, using self-administered questionnaires and personal interviews. Structured and simulated interviews were used to survey the telephone services. RESULTS: To date, no official recommendations exist. 84% (97/116) of consulted doctors have taken care of some of non-occupational accidental exposure to HIV over the last six months. 77% (75/97) have prescribed NONOPEP, and 76% of doctors prescribing NONOPEP (57/75) have used the 1998 CDC recommendations for occupational exposures. Most frequent observed cases were related to needle sticks in the street and preservative breakage. The assessment of certain risk factors and therapeutic performance in cases of intermediate risk showed discrepancies among doctors. 41% (103/252) among homosexuals and 2% (3/160) among IDU on treatment know the NONOPEP. 15% (15/98) and 98% (70/118) respectively would take less prevention to avoid HIV infection if they took the NONOPEP. It was mentioned the possibility of NONOPEP in 20% (12/59) of calls to the information telephone services on AIDS. CONCLUSIONS: HIV risk accidents susceptible of NONOPEP are relatively frequent. Without forgetting the greater importance of primary prevention, it is advisable to reach and agreement on homogeneous recommendations. It is also advisable to draw up a surveillance system to evaluate the application and eventually the effectiveness of these recommendations.

HIV Infections↗

PubMed2003

Levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and neurological worsening in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Mechanisms involved in stroke progression are incompletely understood. Ischemic brain injury is characterized by acute local inflammatory response mediated by cytokines. Anti-inflammatory cytokines act in a feedback loop to inhibit continued proinflammatory cytokine production. We assessed the implication of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-4 in deteriorating ischemic stroke. METHODS: Two hundred thirty-one patients with ischemic stroke within the first 24 hours from onset were included. Neurological worsening was defined when the Canadian Stroke Scale score fell at least 1 point during the first 48 hours after admission. Anti-inflammatory cytokines were determined in plasma obtained on admission. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients (35.9%) worsened within the first 48 hours after stroke onset. Significantly lower concentrations of IL-10 were found in patients with neurological worsening (P<0.05), but IL-4 levels were similar in patients with or without deterioration. Lower plasma concentrations of IL-10 (<6 pg/mL) were associated with clinical worsening on multivariate analysis (odds ratio=3.1, 95% CI=1.1 to 8.9) independently of hyperthermia, hyperglycemia, or neurological condition on admission. Further analysis disclosed that early worsening was independently associated with lower IL-10 plasma levels in patients with subcortical infarcts or lacunar stroke but not in patients with cortical lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 is associated with the early clinical course of patients with acute ischemic stroke, especially in patients with small vessel disease or subcortical infarctions.

Acute Disease↗