PLoS Medicine (Jan 2013)

Risk factors and outcomes for late presentation for HIV-positive persons in Europe: results from the Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe Study (COHERE).

  • Amanda Mocroft,
  • Jens D Lundgren,
  • Miriam Lewis Sabin,
  • Antonella d'Arminio Monforte,
  • Norbert Brockmeyer,
  • Jordi Casabona,
  • Antonella Castagna,
  • Dominique Costagliola,
  • Francois Dabis,
  • Stéphane De Wit,
  • Gerd Fätkenheuer,
  • Hansjakob Furrer,
  • Anne M Johnson,
  • Marios K Lazanas,
  • Catherine Leport,
  • Santiago Moreno,
  • Niels Obel,
  • Frank A Post,
  • Joanne Reekie,
  • Peter Reiss,
  • Caroline Sabin,
  • Adriane Skaletz-Rorowski,
  • Ignacio Suarez-Lozano,
  • Carlo Torti,
  • Josiane Warszawski,
  • Robert Zangerle,
  • Céline Fabre-Colin,
  • Jesper Kjaer,
  • Genevieve Chene,
  • Jesper Grarup,
  • Ole Kirk,
  • Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe (COHERE) study in EuroCoord

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001510
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 9
p. e1001510

Abstract

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BackgroundFew studies have monitored late presentation (LP) of HIV infection over the European continent, including Eastern Europe. Study objectives were to explore the impact of LP on AIDS and mortality.Methods and findingsLP was defined in Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe (COHERE) as HIV diagnosis with a CD4 count ConclusionsLP has decreased over time across Europe, but remains a significant issue in the region in all HIV exposure groups. LP increased in male IDUs and female heterosexuals from Southern Europe and IDUs in Eastern Europe. LP was associated with an increased rate of AIDS/deaths, particularly in the first year after HIV diagnosis, with significant variation across Europe. Earlier and more widespread testing, timely referrals after testing positive, and improved retention in care strategies are required to further reduce the incidence of LP.