Journal Article > ResearchAbstract Only
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2018 September 1; Volume 22 (Issue 9); 1023-1030.; DOI:10.5588/ijtld.17.0826
Snyman L, Venables E, Trivino Duran L, Mohr E, Azevedo VD, et al.
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2018 September 1; Volume 22 (Issue 9); 1023-1030.; DOI:10.5588/ijtld.17.0826
SETTING
Early interventions for patients who interrupt their treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) are rarely reported and assessed. A novel, patient-centred intervention for patients at risk of loss to follow-up (LTFU) from DR-TB treatment was implemented in Khayelitsha, South Africa, in September 2013.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the experiences and perceptions of patients, key support persons, health care workers (HCWs) and programme managers of a patient-centred model.
DESIGN
This was a qualitative study consisting of 18 in-depth interviews with patients, key support persons, HCWs, key informants and one focus group discussion with HCWs, between July and September 2017. Data were coded and thematically analysed.
RESULTS
The model was well perceived and viewed positively by patients, care providers and programme managers. 'Normalisation' and tolerance of occasional treatment interruptions, tracing, tailored management plans and peer support were perceived to be beneficial for retaining patients in care. Although the model was resource-demanding, health workers were convinced that it 'needs to be sustained,' and proposed solutions for its standardisation.
CONCLUSION
An intervention based on early tracing of patients who interrupt treatment, peer-delivered counselling and individualised management plans by a multidisciplinary team was considered a beneficial and acceptable model to support patients at risk of LTFU from DR-TB treatment.
Early interventions for patients who interrupt their treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) are rarely reported and assessed. A novel, patient-centred intervention for patients at risk of loss to follow-up (LTFU) from DR-TB treatment was implemented in Khayelitsha, South Africa, in September 2013.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the experiences and perceptions of patients, key support persons, health care workers (HCWs) and programme managers of a patient-centred model.
DESIGN
This was a qualitative study consisting of 18 in-depth interviews with patients, key support persons, HCWs, key informants and one focus group discussion with HCWs, between July and September 2017. Data were coded and thematically analysed.
RESULTS
The model was well perceived and viewed positively by patients, care providers and programme managers. 'Normalisation' and tolerance of occasional treatment interruptions, tracing, tailored management plans and peer support were perceived to be beneficial for retaining patients in care. Although the model was resource-demanding, health workers were convinced that it 'needs to be sustained,' and proposed solutions for its standardisation.
CONCLUSION
An intervention based on early tracing of patients who interrupt treatment, peer-delivered counselling and individualised management plans by a multidisciplinary team was considered a beneficial and acceptable model to support patients at risk of LTFU from DR-TB treatment.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
J Int AIDS Soc. 2022 January 25; Volume 25 (Issue 1); e25854.; DOI:10.1002/jia2.25854
Cassidy T, Cornell M, Runeyi P, Dutyulwa T, Kilani C, et al.
J Int AIDS Soc. 2022 January 25; Volume 25 (Issue 1); e25854.; DOI:10.1002/jia2.25854
INTRODUCTION
Youth living with HIV (YLWH) are less likely to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) and remain in care than older adults. It is important to identify effective strategies to address the needs of this growing population and prevent attrition from HIV care. Since 2008, two clinics have offered youth-targeted services exclusively to youth aged 12-25 in Khayelitsha, a high HIV-prevalence, low-income area in South Africa. We compared ART attrition among youth in these two clinics to youth in regular clinics in the same area.
METHODS
We conducted a propensity score matched cohort study of individuals aged 12-25 years initiating ART at eight primary care clinics in Khayelitsha between 1 January 2008 and 1 April 2018. We compared attrition, defined as death or loss to follow-up, between those attending two youth clinics and those attending general primary healthcare clinics, using Cox proportional hazards regression. Follow-up time began at ART initiation and ended at attrition, clinic transfer or dataset closure. We conducted sub-analyses of patients attending adherence clubs.
RESULTS
The distribution of age, sex and CD4 count at ART initiation was similar across Youth Clinic A (N = 1383), Youth Clinic B (N = 1299) and general clinics (N = 3056). Youth at youth clinics were more likely than those at general clinics to have initiated ART before August 2011 (Youth Clinic A: 16%, Youth Clinic B: 23% and general clinics: 11%). Youth clinics were protective against attrition: HR 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71-0.92) for Youth Clinic A and 0.85 (0.74-0.98) for Youth Clinic B, compared to general clinics. Youth Clinic A club patients had lower attrition after joining an adherence club than general clinic patients in adherence clubs (crude HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.96; adjusted HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85), while Youth Clinic B showed no effect (crude HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.48-1.45; adjusted HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.60-1.90).
CONCLUSIONS
YLWH were more likely to be retained in ART care in two different youth-targeted clinics compared to general clinics in the same area. Our findings suggest that multiple approaches to making clinics more youth-friendly can contribute to improving retention in this important group.
Youth living with HIV (YLWH) are less likely to initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) and remain in care than older adults. It is important to identify effective strategies to address the needs of this growing population and prevent attrition from HIV care. Since 2008, two clinics have offered youth-targeted services exclusively to youth aged 12-25 in Khayelitsha, a high HIV-prevalence, low-income area in South Africa. We compared ART attrition among youth in these two clinics to youth in regular clinics in the same area.
METHODS
We conducted a propensity score matched cohort study of individuals aged 12-25 years initiating ART at eight primary care clinics in Khayelitsha between 1 January 2008 and 1 April 2018. We compared attrition, defined as death or loss to follow-up, between those attending two youth clinics and those attending general primary healthcare clinics, using Cox proportional hazards regression. Follow-up time began at ART initiation and ended at attrition, clinic transfer or dataset closure. We conducted sub-analyses of patients attending adherence clubs.
RESULTS
The distribution of age, sex and CD4 count at ART initiation was similar across Youth Clinic A (N = 1383), Youth Clinic B (N = 1299) and general clinics (N = 3056). Youth at youth clinics were more likely than those at general clinics to have initiated ART before August 2011 (Youth Clinic A: 16%, Youth Clinic B: 23% and general clinics: 11%). Youth clinics were protective against attrition: HR 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71-0.92) for Youth Clinic A and 0.85 (0.74-0.98) for Youth Clinic B, compared to general clinics. Youth Clinic A club patients had lower attrition after joining an adherence club than general clinic patients in adherence clubs (crude HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32-0.96; adjusted HR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.28-0.85), while Youth Clinic B showed no effect (crude HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.48-1.45; adjusted HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.60-1.90).
CONCLUSIONS
YLWH were more likely to be retained in ART care in two different youth-targeted clinics compared to general clinics in the same area. Our findings suggest that multiple approaches to making clinics more youth-friendly can contribute to improving retention in this important group.
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Lancet Respir Med. 2020 September 1; Volume 8 (Issue 9); 844-846.; DOI:10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30311-8
Keene CM, Mohr-Holland E, Cassidy T, Scott V, Nelson AM, et al.
Lancet Respir Med. 2020 September 1; Volume 8 (Issue 9); 844-846.; DOI:10.1016/S2213-2600(20)30311-8
Journal Article > LetterFull Text
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2021 May 1; Volume 25 (Issue 5); 409-412.; DOI:10.5588/ijtld.21.0010
Mohr-Holland E, Daniels J, Douglas-Jones B, Mema N, Scott V, et al.
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2021 May 1; Volume 25 (Issue 5); 409-412.; DOI:10.5588/ijtld.21.0010
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Bull World Health Organ. 2012 June 21; Volume 90 (Issue 9); DOI:10.2471/BLT.11.099473
Coulborn RM, Panunzi I, Spijker S, Brant WE, Trivino Duran L, et al.
Bull World Health Organ. 2012 June 21; Volume 90 (Issue 9); DOI:10.2471/BLT.11.099473
Malawi has one of the world's highest rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (10.6%), and southern Malawi, where Thyolo district is located, bears the highest burden in the country (14.5%). Tuberculosis, common among HIV-infected people, requires radiologic diagnosis, yet Malawi has no radiologists in public service. This hinders rapid and accurate diagnosis and increases morbidity and mortality.
Journal Article > CommentaryFull Text
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2020 November 1; Volume 24 (Issue 11); 1134-1144.; DOI:10.5588/ijtld.20.0330
Cox V, McKenna L, Acquah R, Reuter A, Wasserman S, et al.
Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 2020 November 1; Volume 24 (Issue 11); 1134-1144.; DOI:10.5588/ijtld.20.0330
Rapid diagnostics, newer drugs, repurposed medications, and shorter regimens have radically altered the landscape for treating rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). There are multiple ongoing clinical trials aiming to build a robust evidence base to guide RR/MDR-TB treatment, and both observational studies and programmatic data have contributed to advancing the treatment field. In December 2019, the WHO issued their second ‘Rapid Communication´ related to RR-TB management. This reiterated their prior recommendation that a majority of people with RR/MDR-TB receive all-oral treatment regimens, and now allow for specific shorter duration regimens to be used programmatically as well. Many TB programs need clinical advice as they seek to roll out such regimens in their specific setting. In this Perspective, we highlight our early experiences and lessons learned from working with National TB Programs, adult and pediatric clinicians and civil society, in optimizing treatment of RR/MDR-TB, using shorter, highly-effective, oral regimens for the majority of people with RR/MDR-TB.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Int J Infect Dis. 2020 June 1; Volume 95; 459-461.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.057
Shroufi A, Govender NP, Meintjes GA, Black JM, Nel J, et al.
Int J Infect Dis. 2020 June 1; Volume 95; 459-461.; DOI:10.1016/j.ijid.2020.02.057
BACKGROUND
Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM) is estimated to cause 181,000 deaths annually; with the majority occurring in Sub Saharan Africa. Flucytosine is recommended by the World Health Organization as part of the treatment for CM. Widespread use of flucytosine could reduce mortality in hospital by as much as 40% compared to the standard of care, yet due to market failure quality assured flucytosine remains unregistered and largely inaccessible throughout Africa.
METHODS
The recently established South African flucytosine clinical access programme is an attempt to address market failure which led to a lack of public-sector access to flucytosine for cryptococcal meningitis, by making the medicine freely available to tertiary hospitals in South Africa.
RESULTS
Between November 2018 and September 2019, 327 CM patients received flucytosine through this programme, with efforts to support sustainable national scale up presently ongoing. We describe why this programme was needed, its catalytic potential, what is still required to ensure widespread access to flucytosine, and observation from this experience that may have wider relevance.
CONCLUSIONS
The South African Flucytosine Access Programme illustrates how access programmes may be one part of the solution to addressing the vicious cycle of perceived low demand, limiting manufacturer interest in specific product markets.
Cryptococcal Meningitis (CM) is estimated to cause 181,000 deaths annually; with the majority occurring in Sub Saharan Africa. Flucytosine is recommended by the World Health Organization as part of the treatment for CM. Widespread use of flucytosine could reduce mortality in hospital by as much as 40% compared to the standard of care, yet due to market failure quality assured flucytosine remains unregistered and largely inaccessible throughout Africa.
METHODS
The recently established South African flucytosine clinical access programme is an attempt to address market failure which led to a lack of public-sector access to flucytosine for cryptococcal meningitis, by making the medicine freely available to tertiary hospitals in South Africa.
RESULTS
Between November 2018 and September 2019, 327 CM patients received flucytosine through this programme, with efforts to support sustainable national scale up presently ongoing. We describe why this programme was needed, its catalytic potential, what is still required to ensure widespread access to flucytosine, and observation from this experience that may have wider relevance.
CONCLUSIONS
The South African Flucytosine Access Programme illustrates how access programmes may be one part of the solution to addressing the vicious cycle of perceived low demand, limiting manufacturer interest in specific product markets.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
PLOS One. 2018 September 14; Volume 13 (Issue 9); e0203888.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0203888
Mohr E, Snyman L, Mbakaz Z, Caldwell J, De Azevedo V, et al.
PLOS One. 2018 September 14; Volume 13 (Issue 9); e0203888.; DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0203888
BACKGROUND
Self-administered treatment (SAT), a differentiated model of care for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB), might address adherence challenges faced by patients and health care systems. This study explored patient, health-care worker (HCW) and community care worker (CCW) perspectives on a SAT pilot programme in South Africa, in which patients were given medication to take at home with the optional support of a CCW.
METHODS
We conducted a mixed-methods study from July 2016-June 2017. The quantitative component included semi-structured questionnaires with patients, HCWs and CCWs; the qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with patients enrolled in the pilot programme. Interviews were conducted in isiXhosa, translated, transcribed and manually coded.
RESULTS
Overall, 27 patients, 12 HCWs and 44 CCWs were enrolled in the quantitative component; nine patients were also interviewed. Of the 27 patients who completed semi-structured questionnaires, 22 were HIV-infected and 17 received a monthly supply of RR TB treatment. Most HCWs and CCWs (10 and 32, respectively) understood the pilot programme; approximately half (n = 14) of the patients could not correctly describe the pilot programme. Overall, 11 and 41 HCWs and CCWs reported that the pilot programme promoted treatment adherence. Additionally, 11 HCWs reported that the pilot programme relieved pressure on the clinic. Key qualitative findings highlighted the importance of a support person and how the flexibility of SAT enabled integration of treatment into their daily routines and reduced time spent in clinics. The pilot programme was also perceived to allow patients more autonomy and made it easier for them to manage side-effects.
CONCLUSION
The SAT pilot programme was acceptable from the perspective of patients, HCWs and CCWs and should be considered as a differentiated model of care for RR-TB, particularly in settings with high burdens of HIV, in order to ease management of treatment for patients and health-care providers.
Self-administered treatment (SAT), a differentiated model of care for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB), might address adherence challenges faced by patients and health care systems. This study explored patient, health-care worker (HCW) and community care worker (CCW) perspectives on a SAT pilot programme in South Africa, in which patients were given medication to take at home with the optional support of a CCW.
METHODS
We conducted a mixed-methods study from July 2016-June 2017. The quantitative component included semi-structured questionnaires with patients, HCWs and CCWs; the qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with patients enrolled in the pilot programme. Interviews were conducted in isiXhosa, translated, transcribed and manually coded.
RESULTS
Overall, 27 patients, 12 HCWs and 44 CCWs were enrolled in the quantitative component; nine patients were also interviewed. Of the 27 patients who completed semi-structured questionnaires, 22 were HIV-infected and 17 received a monthly supply of RR TB treatment. Most HCWs and CCWs (10 and 32, respectively) understood the pilot programme; approximately half (n = 14) of the patients could not correctly describe the pilot programme. Overall, 11 and 41 HCWs and CCWs reported that the pilot programme promoted treatment adherence. Additionally, 11 HCWs reported that the pilot programme relieved pressure on the clinic. Key qualitative findings highlighted the importance of a support person and how the flexibility of SAT enabled integration of treatment into their daily routines and reduced time spent in clinics. The pilot programme was also perceived to allow patients more autonomy and made it easier for them to manage side-effects.
CONCLUSION
The SAT pilot programme was acceptable from the perspective of patients, HCWs and CCWs and should be considered as a differentiated model of care for RR-TB, particularly in settings with high burdens of HIV, in order to ease management of treatment for patients and health-care providers.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
E Clinical Medicine. 2020 March 1; Volume 20; 100290.; DOI:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100290
Mohr-Holland E, Reuter A, Furin J, Garcia-Prats AJ, De Azevedo V, et al.
E Clinical Medicine. 2020 March 1; Volume 20; 100290.; DOI:10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100290
BACKGROUND
Limited data exist on the use of bedaquiline and delamanid in adolescents with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). We describe RR-TB treatment of adolescents (10-19 years) with injectable-free regimens containing these drugs in Khayelitsha, South Africa.
METHODS
This retrospective study included adolescents initiating injectable-free RR-TB treatment regimens containing bedaquiline and/or delamanid from February 2015 to June 2018. We report adverse events (AEs) of interest, sputum culture conversion (SCC), and final end-of-treatment outcomes.
FINDINGS
Twenty-two patients were included; median age at treatment initiation was 17 years (interquartile range [IQR] 15-18), and six (27%) were HIV-positive (median CD4 count 191 cells/mm3 [IQR 157-204]). Eight (36%) patients had RR-TB with fluoroquinolone resistance; ten (45%), eight (36%), and four (18%) patients received regimens containing bedaquiline, delamanid, or the combination of bedaquiline and delamanid, respectively. The median durations of exposure to bedaquiline and delamanid were 5·6 (IQR 5·5-8·4) and 9·4 (IQR 5·9-14·4) months, respectively. There were 49 AEs of interest which occurred in 17 (77%) patients. Fourteen (64%) patients had pulmonary TB with positive sputum cultures at bedaquiline and/or delamanid initiation; among these SCC at month 6 was 79%. Final end-of-treatment outcomes for the 22 adolescent were: 17 (77%) successfully treated, two (9%) lost-to-follow-up, two (9%) treatment failed, and one (5%) died
INTERPRETATION
This study found that injectable-free regimens containing bedaquiline and/or delamanid in a programmatic setting were effective and well tolerated in adolescents and should be routinely provided for RR-TB treatment in this age group as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Limited data exist on the use of bedaquiline and delamanid in adolescents with rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (RR-TB). We describe RR-TB treatment of adolescents (10-19 years) with injectable-free regimens containing these drugs in Khayelitsha, South Africa.
METHODS
This retrospective study included adolescents initiating injectable-free RR-TB treatment regimens containing bedaquiline and/or delamanid from February 2015 to June 2018. We report adverse events (AEs) of interest, sputum culture conversion (SCC), and final end-of-treatment outcomes.
FINDINGS
Twenty-two patients were included; median age at treatment initiation was 17 years (interquartile range [IQR] 15-18), and six (27%) were HIV-positive (median CD4 count 191 cells/mm3 [IQR 157-204]). Eight (36%) patients had RR-TB with fluoroquinolone resistance; ten (45%), eight (36%), and four (18%) patients received regimens containing bedaquiline, delamanid, or the combination of bedaquiline and delamanid, respectively. The median durations of exposure to bedaquiline and delamanid were 5·6 (IQR 5·5-8·4) and 9·4 (IQR 5·9-14·4) months, respectively. There were 49 AEs of interest which occurred in 17 (77%) patients. Fourteen (64%) patients had pulmonary TB with positive sputum cultures at bedaquiline and/or delamanid initiation; among these SCC at month 6 was 79%. Final end-of-treatment outcomes for the 22 adolescent were: 17 (77%) successfully treated, two (9%) lost-to-follow-up, two (9%) treatment failed, and one (5%) died
INTERPRETATION
This study found that injectable-free regimens containing bedaquiline and/or delamanid in a programmatic setting were effective and well tolerated in adolescents and should be routinely provided for RR-TB treatment in this age group as recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Journal Article > ResearchFull Text
Eur Respir J. 2018 May 3; Volume 51 (Issue 6); 1800017.; DOI:10.1183/13993003.00017-2018
Mohr E, Hughes J, Reuter A, Trivino Duran L, Ferlazzo G, et al.
Eur Respir J. 2018 May 3; Volume 51 (Issue 6); 1800017.; DOI:10.1183/13993003.00017-2018
Experience with delamanid (Dlm) is limited, particularly among HIV-positive individuals. We describe early efficacy and safety data from a programmatic setting in South Africa. This was a retrospective cohort study of patients receiving Dlm-containing treatment regimens between November 2015 and August 2017. We report 12-month interim outcomes, sputum culture conversion (SCC) by months 2 and 6, serious adverse events (SAEs) and QT intervals corrected using the Frederica formula (QTcF). Overall, 103 patients were initiated on Dlm; 79 (77%) were HIV positive. The main indication for Dlm was intolerance to second-line anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs (n=58, 56%). There were 12 months of follow-up for 46 patients; 28 (61%) had a favourable outcome (cure, treatment completion or culture negativity). Positive cultures were found for 57 patients at Dlm initiation; 16 out of 31 (52%) had SCC within 2 months and 25 out of 31 (81%) within 6 months. There were 67 SAEs reported in 29 patients (28%). There were four instances of QTcF prolongation >500 ms in two patients (2%), leading to permanent discontinuation in one case; however, no cardiac arrhythmias occurred. This large cohort of difficult-to-treat patients receiving Dlm for rifampicin-resistant TB treatment in a programmatic setting with high HIV prevalence had favourable early treatment response and tolerated treatment well. Dlm should remain available, particularly for those who cannot be treated with conventional regimens or with limited treatment options.