Factors associated with severity of COVID-19 disease in a multicenter cohort of people with HIV in the United States, March-December 2020

Abstract

Background: Understanding the spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease in people with HIV (PWH) is critical to provide clinical guidance and implement risk-reduction strategies.

Objective: To characterize COVID-19 in PWH in the United States and identify predictors of disease severity.

Design: Observational cohort study.

Setting: Geographically diverse clinical sites in the CFAR Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS).

Participants: Adults receiving HIV care through December 31, 2020.

Measurements: COVID-19 cases and severity (hospitalization, intensive care, death).

Results: Of 16,056 PWH in care, 649 were diagnosed with COVID-19 between March-December 2020. Case fatality was 2%; 106 (16.3%) were hospitalized and 12 died. PWH with current CD4 count <350 cells/mm ³ (aRR 2.68; 95%CI 1.93-3.71; P<.001) or lowest recorded CD4 count <200 (aRR 1.67; 95%CI 1.18-2.36; P<.005) had greater risk of hospitalization. HIV viral load suppression and antiretroviral therapy (ART) status were not associated with hospitalization, although the majority of PWH were suppressed (86%). Black PWH were 51% more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to other racial/ethnic groups (aRR 1.51; 95%CI 1.04-2.19, P=.03). Chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and increased cardiovascular and hepatic fibrosis risk scores were associated with higher risk of hospitalization. PWH who were older, not on ART, with current CD4 <350, diabetes, and CKD were overrepresented amongst PWH who required intubation or died.

Limitations: Unable to compare directly to persons without HIV; underestimate of total COVID-19 cases.

Conclusions: PWH with CD4 <350 cells/mm ³ , low CD4/CD8 ratio, and history of CD4 <200, have a clear excess risk of severe COVID-19, after accounting for comorbidities also associated with severe outcomes. PWH with these risk factors should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination, early treatment, and monitored closely for worsening illness.