An Inflammatory Composite Score Predicts Mycobacterial Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in People with Advanced HIV: A Prospective International Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a common cause of morbidity among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) who initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) with severe lymphopenia. Easily accessible tools that reliably predict emergence and elucidate pathogenesis of IRIS are needed to facilitate improved clinical management. METHODS Plasma levels of biomarkers were measured before ART initiation in a large multinational cohort of ART-naive PWH with severe immunosuppression (CD4+ count <100 cells/mm3) in United States, Kenya, and Thailand. We performed a series of multiparametric analyses of inflammatory and clinical biomarkers and developed a composite score merging relevant biomarkers for use in a prediction model. RESULTS We identified a distinct baseline inflammatory profile and changes in inflammatory networks among biomarkers in participants who subsequently developed mycobacterial or viral IRIS. We also developed a composite score incorporating biomarkers associated with IRIS (interleukin-6 [IL-6], IL-10, IL-27, sCD14, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, hyaluronic acid, D-dimer, body mass index, and hemoglobin) that accurately predicted mycobacterial IRIS and death in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS Systemic inflammatory profiles in PWH with severe immunosuppression are predictive of IRIS. Composite scores for the prediction of mycobacterial IRIS and death could be useful for risk stratification in PWH and lymphopenia initiating ART. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT00286767.