(47) Assessment of Incidence, Pattern and Risk Factors Associated with Opportunistic Infections Among HIV Seropositive Patients

Friday, August 26, 2022

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CEST

Location: Hall C

Publication Number: 378

Presenting Author(s)

Balaji Sathyanarayana Gupta, MPharm
– JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Co-Author(s)

Alan James
– Dept.Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, India, Karnataka, India
Ramesh Madhan, PhD
– Professor, JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysore, India

Background: Opportunistic Infections (OIs) are the major cause of morbidity and mortality among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected patients which greatly impact their health and quality of life. Global evidence shows that pattern of OIs may vary from place to place.

Objectives: To determine the incidence and pattern of various OIs, the risk factors associated with OIs and also to identify and assess the Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) attributed to drugs used for the management of OIs.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted for a period of 8 months in HIV specialty care center of southern India. All patients admitted to hospital were reviewed and patients who met the study criteria were enrolled. All the required data were obtained from medical records and also by interviewing patients and their bystanders. The incidence of various OIs was determined and the risk factors were assessed by using Chi Square test. ADRs were monitored, assessed using WHO probability scale and Naranjo’s algorithm and reported.

Results: A total of 353 patients were admitted to the hospital during the study period, of which 177 (50.14%) were having opportunistic infections. Male patients were more in the study population (64.40%) & majority of the patients (44.63%) were in the age group of 40-49 years. The mean age of the study population was 41±9 years and the mean body weight was 48±9 kg. The majority of the patients were belonging to stage 4 (74.57%) HIV and were having CD4 count of less than 200 cells/μl (61.01%). Tuberculosis (TB) (50.84%) was found to be the most common OI, followed by Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) (18.64%) and Candidiasis (18.64%). Out of 47 ADRs observed, 28 (59.57%) were attributed to ART drugs while 19 (40.42%) were attributed to drugs used for the management of OIs. Among ADRs associated with drugs for the management of OIs, Hepatitis (63.15%) was the most common, followed by Rash (21.05%). 72.34% ADRs were probable and 80.85% ADRs were moderate in terms of severity.

Conclusions: TB was found to be the most common OI in our study. OIs remain a challenge in patients receiving ART in resource-limited settings. Therefore, it is essential to intensify the management of OIs despite of ART use.