Are there differences in disease progression and mortality among male and female HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy? A meta-analysis of observational cohorts

A. I. Abioye, A. I. Soipe, A. A. Salako, M. O. Odesanya, T. A. Okuneye, A. I. Abioye, K. A. Ismail, M. O. Omotayo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Studies examining the sex differences in morbidity and mortality among HIV/AIDS patients have yielded inconsistent results. We conducted a meta-analysis of sex differences in disease progression and mortality among HIV/AIDS patients. Medical literature databases from inception to August 2014 were searched for published observational studies assessing sex differences in immunologic and virologic response, disease progression and mortality among HIV-infected patients. Random effects meta-analyses of 115 eligible studies were conducted to obtain pooled estimates of outcomes and heterogeneity was explored in sub-group analyses. Pooled estimates showed an increased risk of progression to AIDS (relative risk [RR]=1.11,95% CI=1.02-1.21) and all-cause mortality (RR=1.23, 95% CI=1.17-1.29) among males compared to females. All-cause mortality differed by sex only in low and middle income countries. The risk of AIDS-related mortality (RR=1.03, 95% CI=0.82-1.30), immunologic failure (RR=1.19,95% CI: 0.97-1.47), virologic suppression (RR=0.98, 95% CI=0.84-1.14), virologic failure (RR=1.26, 95% CI=0.99-1.61) and the change in CD4 cell count (Weighted mean difference [WMD] = -5.15, 95% CI= -13.57 to 3.28) did not differ by sex. These findings were modified by disease severity, adherence and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy. We conclude that HIV-related disease progression and survival outcomes are poorer in males.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1468-1486
Number of pages19
JournalAids Care: Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of Aids-Hiv
Volume27
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Dec 2015

Keywords

  • antiretroviral therapy
  • CD4 cell count
  • gender
  • HIV/AIDS
  • mortality
  • viral load

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