The causes of death of HIV-Infected subjects in Lomonosov district of the Leningrad region, Russia, in 1999–2011

Abstract

Aim – to analyze causes of death of HIV infected subjects died in Lomonosov District of the Leningrad Region, Russia, in 1999-2011. 

Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis of 118 autopsy results of all HIV-infected patients who died in hospitals of Lomonosov district of the Leningrad region, as well as those delivered to the autopsy department from homes or streets in 1999–2011. 

Results. Males were 76%, the middle age – 32,1±4,3 years. The HIV-infection was the cause of death in 53 subjects (49%). Tuberculosis was the major postmortem diagnosis in this group of patients (85%). Due to other diseases or have died a violent death 29 (27%) and 27 (24%) individuals correspondingly. From 62 patients deceased in hospitals 18% subjects died at first day of staying at hospitals, and 42% during first three days.
Antiretroviral treatment was prescribed to 9 patients. All of the were nonadherent to treatment and follow-up. Other study subjects were nonadherent to follow-up or never on follow-up. 

Conclusion. In almost half of subjects the death was due to progression of HIV-disease. All HIV-infected patients had poor adherence to follow-up and/or antiretroviral treatment. The results confirm the critical importance of timely and early detection of HIV-infected persons, regular follow-up and improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy among HIVinfected patients.