Reduction in Hospitalisation for Cytomegalovirus Disease in HIV-Infected Patients Before and After the Introduction of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe trends in hospital admissions by HIV-infected patients for cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in Australia in the eight year period from 1993 (before highly active antiretroviral therapy) to 2001 (widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy). Study Design: Using data from the National Hospital Morbidity Database (NHMD) complied by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), we examined the rates of hospital admissions for CMV in HIV-infected patients, by year, sex, age group, length of stay and number of diagnoses. Results: Between 1993 and 2001, 21,846 patients were admitted with both HIV infection and CMV disease. 30.2% (6610/21846) of the HIV infected patients admitted to hospital were principally diagnosed with CMV disease. By 2000- 2001, the rate of hospital admissions was only 45cases per 1000 HIV-infected population. Conclusion: Dramatic decreases in the number of hospitalizations for CMV disease in HIV-infected patients have occurred over the eight-year study period in Australia, which may be related to the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy.