Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis in adults, including pregnant women, with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Co-trimoxazole prophylaxis is used to reduce morbidity and mortality in people with HIV. We systematically reviewed three topics related to co-trimoxazole prophylaxis to update WHO guidelines: initiation, discontinuation, and dose.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, WHO Global Index Medicus, and clinical trial registries in November, 2013, for randomised controlled trials and observational studies including co-trimoxazole prophylaxis and a comparator group.

Adoption of national recommendations related to use of antiretroviral therapy before and shortly following the launch of the 2013 WHO consolidated guidelines.

Objective: To determine the status of key national policies on the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) at the time of the launch of the 2013 WHO consolidated guidelines as well as to track early progress towards adoption of these recommendations following dissemination.

Design: Descriptive analysis of global data on baseline ART policies as of June 2013 and early intentions to adopt the 2013 WHO for use of antiretroviral drugs guidelines as of November 2013.

Methods: Compilation of existing global reports on key HIV policies, review of national guidelines, data collection through annual drug procurement surveys and through guidelines dissemination meetings in each of the six WHO regions.

Changing mortality profile among HIV-infected patients in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: shifting from AIDS to non-AIDS related conditions in the HAART era.

Introduction: We describe temporal trends in the mortality rates and factors associated with AIDS and non-AIDS related mortality at the Evandro Chagas Clinical Research Institute (IPEC), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ).

Methods: Adult patients enrolling from 1986 through 2009 with a minimum follow up of 60 days were included. Vital status was exhaustively checked using patients' medical charts, through active contact with individuals and family members and by linkage with the Rio de Janeiro Mortality database using a previously validated algorithm.

Trends in retention on antiretroviral therapy in national programs in low-income and middle-income countries.

Objectives: To document regional and global trends for patients retained on antiretroviral therapy (ART) 12-48 months after treatment initiation, in low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods: Data reported by national programs to WHO/UNICEF/UNAIDS in 2008 were aggregated to produce regional and global estimates. The proportion of patients on ART at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months is derived from cohort monitoring systems in ART dispensing facilities.

Antiretroviral treatment in resource-poor settings: the Brazilian experience.

The Brazilian HIV/AIDS drug policy has been highly debated and even criticized, particularly at the time of its implementation by the Government in early 90s. However, after more than a decade of action, the success of the Brazilian response to HIV is evident and recognized worldwide, lying upon a concerted early governmental response, a strong and effective participation of the civil society, a multisectoral mobilization, a balanced prevention and treatment approach and the advocacy of human rights in all strategies, particularly with the policy of wide access to antiretroviral drugs. This policy made highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) universally available since 1996, with logistic and criteria distribution based on regularly updated national guidelines.