To evaluate differences in immunological and virological status of Ukrainian refugees living with HIV who presented to healthcare services during different phases of the conflict.
Approach:
Cohort Comparison: Two cohorts of PLWH were compared based on their presentation dates to an outpatient HIV clinic: cohort 1 (early phase of war) and cohort 2 (later phase of war).
Data Collection: Demographic and clinical data were collected through standardized medical history interviews and routine clinical records.
Statistical Analysis: Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism software, with appropriate tests for continuous and categorical variables.
Key Findings:
Cohort 1 included 46 individuals, predominantly female (89%), with a median age of 41 years. Modes of HIV transmission included heterosexual contact as the most common.
Cohort 2 included 40 individuals, with 75% female and a median age of 45 years. Modes of HIV transmission also varied, with heterosexual contact being the most common.
Interpretation:
PLWH presenting later in the conflict may exhibit different clinical characteristics compared to those who sought care earlier.
Limitations:
The study is retrospective and based on routinely collected clinical data.
Limited data on PLWH who migrated at later stages of the conflict.
Conclusion:
The findings suggest that the clinical profiles of PLWH from Ukraine may differ based on the timing of their displacement and presentation to care.
by Gerrit Ahrenstorf, Alexandra Dopfer-Jablonka, Christine Knuth, Theresa Graalmann, Thea Thiele, Luca Wolf, Rene Abu Isneineh, Felix C. Ringshausen, Hortense Slevogt, Torsten Witte, Georg M. N. Behrens
