Prevalence of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae and average time to diagnosis among persons living with HIV (meta-analysis and meta-regression)

Abstract

Objectives. The aims of this meta-analysis were to assess: the prevalence of Post-Acute COVID-19 sequelae (PACS) in persons living with HIV (PLWH); average time to diagnosis; and meta-regress for possible moderators of PACS.
Data extraction: A standard search strategy was used in PubMed, then modified according to each specific database for relevant results.
Data synthesis: Information on HIV relative to, and time until PACS was obtained. Random-effects model was the effect measure with Rank Correlation and Egger's tests ascertaining publication bias.
Results: PACS was 43.1% (95% CI 20.5% to 68.9%) in PLWH. The average time to PACS was 4 months at 64% (P < 0.0000). Asthenia was associated with PACS in PLWH at 18 % [0.176 (95% CI 0.067, 0.385) (P = 0.008) and Americas recording highest PACS prevalence (82%).
Conclusion: Generally, the review demonstrates sufficient evidence of PACS increased risk in PLWH featuring with asthenia clinical syndrome. It is recommended to monitor early signs and symptoms of PACS in PLWH and possibly, address weakness that may be advanced in this sub-population.