The Efficiency of the Fight Against HIV, in Constanta, from the Perspective of Neurological Complications

Abstract

Abstract In order to control and end the AIDS epidemic, we all need to hit the 0-0-0 target. That means 0 HIV infections, 0 mortality caused by AIDS and 0 discrimination. We performed a retrospective observational analytical study on 166 HIV positive patients with a neurological complication, diagnosed between June 2012 and June 2020, in Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital of Constanta. We collected data from the observational charts that revealed if the patient was known with HIV infection at the time of the neurological complication diagnosis, information about the treatment (how many treatment regimens, classes of antiretroviral drugs, CNS Penetration-Effectiveness Rank), treatment compliance. The patients were divided into two groups: first group “opportunistic infections (OI)” and second group “other neurological conditions (ONC)”. 16 patients (9,6%) have the neurological condition as first manifestation of HIV infection. Opportunistic infections, correlated with a poor immunological status continue to have a high percentage (46,98%) of neurological complications, being associated with a poor treatment compliance (p<0,001). Integrase inhibitors were associated, in this study, more with opportunistic infections and less with other neurological conditions (OR=2,885; 95% IC), this finding needs further research. Long term survivors have problems with treatment compliance manifesting treatment fatigue, even if they have treatment regimens with good CNS penetrability. Poor compliance is associated with high risk of opportunistic infections and opportunistic infections have a higher mortality than other neurological complications. Our task for the future is to find ways to improve treatment adherence in order for HIV patients to have a better and longer life.