Long-Term Follow-Up of Persons Living with Perinatally Acquired HIV Infection at a Large HIV Treatment Clinic in Trinidad

Data on persons with perinatally acquired HIV infection in the Caribbean are limited; thus, a chart review was conducted among these clients at an adult HIV treatment clinic in Trinidad over the period January 01, 2011-June 30, 2023. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were extracted and analyzed using RStudio version 2021.09.0. Fifty-four study participants were followed up, age range 18-29 years, and there were 27 (50%) males. Eighteen participants (33.3%) were institutionalized until the age of 18 years, while 36 (66.7%) lived with caregivers/relatives and attended outpatient pediatric clinic. The transition from the sheltered environment of pediatric care to the adult HIV clinic was turbulent for some participants as they experienced HIV-related stigma, which may result in poor HIV outcomes. At the initial clinic visit, 28 (51.9%) study participants were virally suppressed (HIV viral load <1,000 copies/mL), which included 12 (66.7%) of 18 who were institutionalized as compared to 16 (44.4%) of 38 who lived with caregivers/relatives (p = 0.387). Data from their last clinic visit showed 31 (57.4%) participants were virally suppressed; 13 (24.1%) were lost to follow-up from care, and there were 6 (11.1%) deaths; 29 (53.7%) were on antiretroviral therapy single-tablet regimens (STRs) and 25 (46.3%) on complex multiple-tablet regimens (MTRs). Institutionalized clients and those on STRs were more likely to be virally suppressed than those living with relatives (p = 0.043) and those on MTR (p < 0.001), respectively. Reported deaths were higher among clients who lived with caregivers/relatives and those on MTR. Participants of younger age were less likely to achieve viral suppression (p = 0.02). Comprehensive programs that include STRs, the engagement of caregivers/relatives and health workers, life skills, and enhanced psychosocial interventions for youths living with perinatally acquired HIV are important to support the transition to adult care and reduce the complex challenges of living with a stigmatizing disease.