Chart Review to Characterize Trans Women with and without HIV in Montreal and Toronto Study (MTTS)
The aim of this study was to characterize a cohort of trans women living in Toronto and Montreal with and without HIV to identify their antiretroviral (ARV) and feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) regimens.
About the Study
Why are we doing this study?
The findings from this study were primarily intended to inform a larger pharmacokinetic study investigating possible drug-drug interactions between feminizing hormone therapies (FHT) and ARVs. We also collected demographic information, their frequency of clinical visits, and outcomes of their HIV treatment and feminizing regimens to identify areas for healthcare practice change that can better support trans women's needs.
We collected sociodemographic and clinical data from trans women aged 16+ from one clinic in Montreal and six clinics in Toronto, and reviewed a total of 1,495 charts, of which 86 were trans women living with HIV.
Summary of Results
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Key Takeaways
1
Once engaged in HIV care, trans women living with HIV had excellent uptake of ART and a large majority maintained virologic suppression.
3
There was no difference in the serum estradiol levels of trans women on FHT regardless of HIV status, providing reassurance regarding concerns of negative drug-drug interactions between FHT and ARVs.​
2
In contrast to the U.S., a higher proportion of racialized TWLWH are currently using ARV. Immigration to Canada may have improved access to HIV care, therefore allowing this ARV use. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding local context and diaspora communities within the HIV care cascade.
4​
In this Canadian cohort, trans women with HIV were prescribed FHT less often than trans women with negative HIV status.​
Study Infographic Summary
