Utilization of absolute monocyte counts to predict cardiovascular events in people living with HIV

Objectives Cardiovascular risk is increased in people living with HIV (PLWH). In HIV‐uninfected populations, total absolute monocyte count (AMC) has been shown to be predictive of future cardiovascular events (CVEs). We sought to determine whether AMC predicts CVEs in PLWH independent of established and HIV‐related cardiovascular risk factors. Methods We identified all PLWH within the Partners HIV Cohort without factors that could confound the monocyte count. CVE was defined as fatal or non‐fatal acute myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke. Baseline‐measured AMC was defined as the average of all outpatient AMC counts a year before and after the baseline date. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the association of baseline AMC with CVEs. Results Our cohort consisted of 1980 patients, with median follow‐up of 10.9 years and 182 CVEs. Mean (± SD) age was 41.9 ± 9.3 years; 73.0% were male. Mean CD4 count was 506.3 ± 307.1 cells/µL, 48% had HIV viral load (VL)