3040.0: Monday, October 22, 2001 - Board 8

Abstract #21588

Survival trends for persons diagnosed with AIDS in Los Angeles County, 1985-1998

Sharon Lu, MPH, Yunyin W. Hu, MPH, Zhijuan Sheng, MS, and Amy Wohl, MPH, PhD. HIV Epidemiology Program, Department of Health Services, Los Angeles County, 600 S. Commonwealth Ave., Suite 805, Los Angeles, CA 90005, (213)351-8195, slu@dhs.co.la.ca.us

Objectives: To describe survival trends and identify factors that predict survival for persons diagnosed with AIDS in Los Angeles County. Methods: The study population included all patients diagnosed with AIDS in Los Angeles County between 1985-1998 (n=38,909). Median survival time and 3-year survival rates are calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox-Proportional Hazard methods are applied to identify predictors of survival. Results: Overall, the 3-year survival rate improved from 33% in persons diagnosed with AIDS from 1985-1994 to 77% in persons diagnosed with AIDS from 1995-1997. For persons without an AIDS-defining condition and with a CD4 count under 200, the 3-year survival rate increased from 62% (1992-1994) to 86% (1995-1997). In the Cox-PH model, IDU was associated with worse survival compared to the largest risk group, MSMs (RH=1.1, 95% C.I.=[1.0,1.2], P=0.006) and heterosexual contact was associated with improved survival (RH=0.9, 95% C.I.=[0.8,1.0], P=0.02). Compared to persons diagnosed with AIDS when they were 20-29 years old (n=2,790), the 30-49 age group (RH=1.2, 95% C.I.=[1.1,1.3], p<0.001) and 50+ age group (RH=2.1, 95% C.I.=[2.0,2.3], p<0.001) had a worse survival. Persons who had at least one clinical condition at time of AIDS diagnosis had an increased risk of death (RH=3.2, 95% C.I.=[3.0,3.3], P<0.001) compared to persons without a clinical condition at time of AIDS diagnosis. Conclusions: A dramatic increase in the survival rate was observed. Risk group and opportunistic illness continue to play a major role in AIDS survival. Age at AIDS diagnosis was also a strong factor in predicting survival.

Learning Objectives: To describe survival trends and identify factors that predict survival for persons diagnosed with AIDS in Los Angeles County.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Surveillance

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA