Abstract

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients are admitted to intensive care units (ICU) due to various diseases, whether or not related to HIV. The characteristics of HIV-positive patients who were followed up in ICUs have also changed over the years. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the demographic data, laboratory findings, indication for admission, and mortality rate of HIV-positive patients admitted to ICU.

Method: The data of HIV-positive patients admitted to the ICU of University of Health Sciences Turkey, İstanbul Training and Research Hospital between January 2012 and January 2024 were retrospectively examined in this study. Patients >18 years of age who were detected to be anti-HIV positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before admission to ICU or during follow-up in ICU and who had Western Blot confirmation were included. Demographic characteristics of the patients, the reason for admission, comorbidities, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score, and laboratory findings were recorded through the hospital information system.

Results: Sixty-two patients with HIV admitted to the ICU were included in the study. Forty-five (72.5%) patients were male and 17 (27.4%) were female. 85.4% of patients required mechanical ventilation. Mortality was 69.3%. In non-survivors, the platelet and lymphocyte counts were statistically significantly lower than survivors (p=0.01). The duration of mechanical ventilation was shorter in survivors (p=0.01). CD4 T lymphocyte counts were statistically significantly lower in non-survivors (p=0.01). There was no relationship between HIV RNA level and mortality (p=0.06). The presence of viral hepatitis was associated with mortality (p=0.01).

Conclusion: More patients with HIV are admitted to ICUs. In our study, the platelet, lymphocyte, and CD4 T lymphocyte counts were lower in non-survivors than in survivors at ICU admission. Duration of mechanical ventilation and presence of viral hepatitis were associated with mortality. These parameters can be used as mortality indicators upon admission to the ICU.