Emergency rooms often yield inferior results compared to infusion centers for individuals suffering from acute pain episodes and sickle cell disease.

In a significant development, researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have published a study that sheds light on the changing mortality rates among adults living with HIV. The study, which used data from the National Center for Health Statistics, compared 5-year all-cause mortality between adults entering HIV clinical care and a matched subset of the U.S. population.

The study found that the difference in mortality between people with HIV and the general population decreased over time, from an initial 11.1% to a current 2.7%. This decrease in mortality was observed across all demographic subgroups studied, but was more pronounced among non-Hispanic Black people than non-Hispanic White people.

The decrease in mortality among persons with HIV is likely due to several factors. These include advances in care and treatment, new guidelines indicating earlier treatment, greater engagement in care, higher levels of viral suppression, earlier linking of persons with HIV to care, and evolving patient characteristics in the cohort over time.

Understanding these differences in mortality between persons entering HIV care and the matched U.S. population is critical to monitor opportunities to improve care. The study's corresponding author, Jessie K. Edwards, PhD, can be reached at [email protected] for further information. Media contacts for the study can also be reached at [email protected].

The findings of this study underscore the progress made in the fight against HIV and the importance of continued investment in research and care for those living with the disease. As we move forward, it will be essential to build upon these advances and ensure that all individuals have access to the care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.