Evaluation of Immunologic and Virologic Function in Reincarcerated Patients Living With HIV or AIDS

Despite receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART) while incarcerated, formerly incarcerated individuals living with HIV may experience numerous barriers to follow-up HIV care and continuation of ART once released from prison. The goal of this retrospective electronic medical chart review was to determine virologic and immunologic function of individuals living with HIV who were reincarcerated within the Illinois Department of Corrections. Of 200 patients reincarcerated during the study period, 167 met inclusion criteria. The rate of participants who were on ART and virologically suppressed decreased from 73% at time of release to 49.7% at time of reincarceration (p < .01). Of the 57 individuals who did not engage in follow-up, 39% were virologically suppressed at time of reincarceration. Despite virologic suppression while incarcerated, increased linkage, engagement, and retention in medical care upon release from prison is essential in maintaining virologic suppression.