Factors associated with the time elapsed between the initial detection of HIV-1 antibodies and a diagnosis of AIDS among patients followed in Lyons University Hospitals. CISIH Collaborators.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the factors associated with a short period between the initial detection of HIV-1 antibodies and AIDS diagnosis among patients from Lyons, France.

DESIGN AND METHOD: Prospective hospital based cohort study of patients diagnosed with AIDS in Lyons University Hospitals from 1994 to 1997. Cox regression was used to identify the variables independently associated with a short period between the first positive HIV-1 detection test and AIDS.

RESULTS

466 patients were studied, the mean period between the detection of HIV-1 antibodies and AIDS was 48 months and did not change across calendar years. Age < 46 years (hazard ratio (HR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-1.00), HIV-1 transmission by heterosexual contact (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.49-2.51), Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.28-2.17), or Kaposi's sarcoma (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06-1.90) as the first AIDS defining event, and CD4+ count < 100 x 10(3)/ml (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02-1.55) were associated with a short time interval between detection of HIV-1 antibodies and AIDS.

CONCLUSION

Educational interventions focused on heterosexuals and those aged over 45 are needed to promote the early detection of HIV infection, in the hope of reducing transmission and improving individual prognosis.