Severe morbidity after antiretroviral (ART) initiation: active surveillance in HIV care programs, the IeDEA West Africa collaboration.

Background: The causes of severe morbidity in health facilities implementing Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) programmes are poorly documented in sub-Saharan Africa. We aimed to describe severe morbidity among HIV-infected patients after ART initiation, based on data from an active surveillance system established within a network of specialized care facilities in West African cities.

Methods: Within the International epidemiological Database to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA)--West Africa collaboration, we conducted a prospective, multicenter data collection that involved two facilities in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire and one in Cotonou, Benin.

Increasing rate of TAMs and etravirine resistance in HIV-1-infected adults between 12 and 24 months of treatment: the VOLTART cohort study in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa.

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, most HIV-infected patients receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) without virological monitoring. Longitudinal data on secondary resistance are rare.

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of HIV-1-infected adults initiating ART in 3 clinics using computerized monitoring systems.

Medication possession ratio: predicting and decreasing loss to follow-up in antiretroviral treatment programs in Côte d'Ivoire.

Background: In antiretroviral therapy (ART) programs, decreasing loss to follow up (LTFU) is a major priority.

Methods: We conducted a prospective study in Abidjan. Adults who started ART between June 2005 and May 2008 and were still in care 6 months later had monthly visits, biannual CD4 counts, computerized data collection and home visits (routine follow-up).

Association between medication possession ratio, virologic failure and drug resistance in HIV-1-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy in Côte d'Ivoire.

Background: Adherence is a strong determinant of viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART) but measuring it is challenging. Medication delivery can be measured accurately in settings with computerized prescription databases. We studied the association between medication possession ratio (MPR), virologic suppression, and resistance to ART in Côte d'Ivoire.