Relationship Between Late HIV/AIDS Diagnosis and Death

Background: The late HIV/AIDS diagnosis is the risk factors of death these patients . The aim of the study is to correlate the time between diagnosis HIV/AIDS and the mortality.

Methods: This research was conducted through survey data file Specialized Assistance Service of the Cáceres, the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil, in the period 2009-2012.

Results: There were 38 deaths during the study period, being the year of occurrence: 03 (8 %) deaths in 2009, 15 (39 %) in 2010, 13 (34 %) deaths in 2011 and 07 (18 %) deaths in 2012. Of the total of 26 deaths (68 %) were male and 12 (32 %) were female. The average age was 43 years (09-65 years). The average time between diagnosis and the occurrence of death was 30 months (0-175 months) , with 17 deaths (45 %) occurred in the first 12 months, 08 (21 %) of 13 deaths 24 months , 05 (13 %) deaths 37-48 months and 08 (21 %) deaths over 49 months. Regarding the underlying cause of death mentioned on the death certificate , 45 % was related to HIV and other infections. 

Conclusions: Of deaths during the study period there was a higher occurrence in 2010 and in males. Cases studied most of the deaths occurred in the first year after diagnosis, which may suggest that the initiation of treatment was delayed. We note that in 2012 there was a significant reduction in total mortality, which may be related to early diagnosis and/or advancement in antiretroviral therapy associated with good adherence to treatment and rapid testing that facilitate access to diagnosis.