Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: A Multicenter BUHASDER Study

Introduction

The advent of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has markedly improved the survival and quality of life of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Nevertheless, the rapid restoration of immune function following ART initiation can precipitate immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), a condition that may lead to clinical deterioration. This study aimed to characterize the clinical features, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes of patients with HIV infection who developed IRIS. Materials and Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included 13 centers. Data from 31 patients with HIV infection diagnosed with immune IRIS were collected from electronic medical records and analyzed. Demographic characteristics, immunologic and virologic status at ART initiation, IRIS type, associated opportunistic infections, treatment strategies, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. In addition, the clinical and laboratory characteristics of survivors (n = 26) and non-survivors (n = 5) were compared. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.