1997 to 2015 saw increase in HIV viral suppression rates

(HealthDay)—From 1997 to 2015 there was a considerable increase in HIV viral suppression rates among people living with HIV (PLWH), according to a study published online Aug. 21 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Robin M. Nance, from the University of Washington in Seattle, and colleagues examined viral suppression trends among PLWH in a longitudinal observational cohort study. Annual viral suppression rates were determined from 1997 to 2015. The correlations between viral suppression or continuous viral load (VL) levels with demographic factors, substance use, adherence, and integrase strand transfer inhibitor (ISTI) use were examined.

The researchers found that based on all tests of 31,930 PLWH, viral suppression increased from 32 percent in 1997 to 86 percent in 2015. Being older and using an ISTI-based regimen correlated with lower odds of having a detectable VL, in adjusted analyses (odds ratio, 0.76 per decade and 0.54, respectively), while black race correlated with higher odds (odds ratio, 1.68) (all P < 0.001). The patterns were similar with continuous VL levels, with analyses limited to 2010 to 2015, and after adjustment for adherence, substance use, or depression.

"HIV viral suppression rates have improved dramatically across the United States, which is likely partially attributable to improved antiretroviral therapy, including ISTI-based regimens," the authors write.

Several authors disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

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