Longitudinal management and outcomes of acute coronary syndrome in persons living with HIV infection

Persons living with HIV (PLWH) have increased cardiovascular mortality, which may in part be due to differences in the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The purpose of this study was to compare the in-hospital and post-discharge management and outcomes of ACS among persons with and without HIV.

This was a retrospective cohort study using data from Symphony Health, a data warehouse. All patients admitted between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016 with ACS were identified by International Classification of Diseases billing codes. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine in-hospital, 30-day and 12-month event rates between groups. A total of 1 125 126 individuals were included, 6612 (0.59%) with HIV. Persons living with HIV were younger (57.4 ± 10.5 vs. 67.4 ± 12.9 years, P< 0.0001) and had more medical comorbidities. Acute coronary syndrome type did not differ significantly with HIV status. Persons living with HIV were less likely to undergo coronary angiography (35.2% vs. 37.2%, adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.83–0.92, P < 0.0001), and those with both HIV and STEMI underwent fewer drug-eluting stents (60.1% vs. 68.5%, adjusted OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.96, P = 0.016). Persons living with HIV had higher adjusted rates of inpatient mortality (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.15–1.44; P < 0.0001), 30-day readmission (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09–1.27; P < 0.0001) and 12-month mortality (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.22–1.44; P < 0.0001). Twelve months following discharge, PLWH filled cardiac medications at lower rates.

In a contemporary cohort of persons hospitalized for ACS, PLWH received less guideline-supported interventional and medical therapies and had worse clinical outcomes. Strategies to optimize care are warranted in this unique population.