Publications 2025

Audigé A, Amstutz A, Schuurmans MM, Amico P, Braun DL, Stoeckle MP, Hasse B, Hage R, Damm D, Tamm M, Mueller NJ, Günthard HF, Koller MT, Schönenberger CM, Griessbach A, Labhardt ND, Kouyos RD, Trkola A, Huber M, Kusejko K, Bucher HC, Abela IA, Briel M, Chammartin F, Speich B et al. (2025)
Low agreement and frequent invalid controls in two SARS-CoV-2 T-cell assays in people with compromised immune function
PLoS One, 20 (1), e0317965
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0317965, PubMed 39854310

Brown JA, Motaboli L, Lerotholi M, Kohler M, Haenggi K, Mokete M, Chakela MG, Kao M, Kopo M, Mokebe M, Urda L, Nsakala BL, Lukau B, Ayakaka I, Amstutz A, Ehmer J, Klicpera A, Klimkait T, Glass T, Muhairwe J, Chammartin F, Tschumi N, Labhardt ND (2025)
Cohort profile: the Viral load Cohort North-East Lesotho (VICONEL) from 2016 to 2023 - cohort description, test volumes, predictors of viraemia and the road ahead
BMJ Open, 15 (2), e085404
DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085404, PubMed 39915024

Johnson NE, Belus JM, Gerber F, Lee TT, Ayakaka I, Letsoela P, Molulela M, Chammartin F, Amstutz A, Labhardt ND (2025)
Prevalence and factors associated with dementia in Lesotho: A cross-sectional, population-based study
Alzheimers Dement, 21 (2), e14614
DOI 10.1002/alz.14614, PubMed 40000020

Mapesi H, Rohacek M, Vanobberghen F, Gupta R, Wilson HI, Lukau B, Amstutz A, Lyimo A, Muhairwe J, Senkoro E, Byakuzana T, Nkouabi J, Mbunda G, Siru J, Tarr A, Ramapepe E, Mphunyane M, Oehri J, Nemtsova V, Yan X, Bresser M, Glass TR, Paris DH, Fink G, Gingo W et al. (2025)
Treatment Strategies to Control Blood Pressure in People With Hypertension in Tanzania and Lesotho: A Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA Cardiol, 10 (4), 321-333
DOI 10.1001/jamacardio.2024.5124, PubMed 39878989

Pesonel E, Laouénan C, Guiraud L, Bourner J, Hoffmann I, Molino D, Tardivon C, Bachelet D, Mentré F, Amstutz A, Merson L, Rojek A, Cervantes Gonzalez M, Antinori A, Castagna A, Nozza S, Pourcher V, Libois A, Dunning J, Tacconelli E, Hites M, De La Calle Prieto F, Horby P, Yazdanpanah Y, Calmy A et al. (2025)
Clinical characterisation and outcomes of human clade IIb mpox virus disease - a European multicentre observational cohort study (MOSAIC)
Clin Infect Dis (in press)
DOI 10.1093/cid/ciae657, PubMed 39749987

Publications 2024

Abela IA, Chammartin F, Amstutz A, Surial B, Ballif M, Marzolini C, Aebi-Popp K, Notter J, Segeral O, Stoeckle M, Cavassini M, Bernasconi E, Günthard HF, Kouyos RD, Pasin C, Swiss HIV Cohort Study (2024)
Gender Disparities in Statin Prescriptions in People With HIV With Low/Moderate to High Cardiovascular Risk
Open Forum Infect Dis, 11 (9), ofae502
DOI 10.1093/ofid/ofae502, PubMed 39296341

Amstutz A, Chammartin F, Audigé A, Eichenberger AL, Braun DL, Amico P, Stoeckle MP, Hasse B, Papadimitriou-Olivgeris M, Manuel O, Bongard C, Schuurmans MM, Hage R, Damm D, Tamm M, Mueller NJ, Rauch A, Günthard HF, Koller MT, Schönenberger CM, Griessbach A, Labhardt ND, Kouyos RD, Trkola A, Kusejko K et al. (2024)
Antibody and T-Cell Response to Bivalent Booster SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in People With Compromised Immune Function: COVERALL-3 Study
J Infect Dis, 230 (4), e847-e859
DOI 10.1093/infdis/jiae291, PubMed 38848312

Amstutz A, Schönenberger CM, Speich B, Griessbach A, Schwenke JM, Glasstetter J, James S, Verkooijen HM, Nickolls B, Relton C, Hemkens LG, Chammartin F, Gerber F, Labhardt ND, Schandelmaier S, Briel M (2024)
Characteristics, consent patterns, and challenges of randomized trials using the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design - A scoping review
J Clin Epidemiol, 174, 111469
DOI 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111469, PubMed 39032590

Belus JM, Johnson NE, Yoon GH, Tschumi N, Lerotholi M, Falgas-Bague I, Lee TT, Letsoela P, Magidson JF, Amstutz A, Labhardt ND (2024)
SMSs as an alternative to provider-delivered care for unhealthy alcohol use: study protocol for Leseli, an open-label randomised controlled trial of mhGAP-Remote vs mhGAP-Standard in Lesotho
Trials, 25 (1), 575
DOI 10.1186/s13063-024-08411-3, PubMed 39223600

Bresser M, Erhardt RM, Shanaube K, Simwinga M, Mahlatsi PA, Belus J, Schaap A, Amstutz A, Gachie T, Glass TR, Kangololo B, 'Mota J, Floyd S, Katende B, Klinkenberg E, Ayles H, Reither K, Ruperez M (2024)
Evaluation of COVID-19 antigen rapid diagnostic tests for self-testing in Lesotho and Zambia
PLoS One, 19 (2), e0280105
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0280105, PubMed 38422077

Brown JA, Ringera IK, Luoga E, Bresser M, Mothobi B, Kabundi L, Ilunga M, Mokhele K, Isaac AB, Tsoaeli N, Mbaya T, Simba B, Mayogu K, Mabula E, Cheleboi M, Molatelle M, Kimera N, Mollel GJ, Sando D, Tschumi N, Amstutz A, Thahane L, Hlasoa MM, Kayembe BP, Muhairwe J et al. (2024)
Resistance-informed versus empirical management of viraemia in children and adolescents with HIV in Lesotho and Tanzania (GIVE MOVE trial): a multisite, open-label randomised controlled trial
Lancet Glob Health, 12 (8), e1312-e1322
DOI 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00183-9, PubMed 39030062

Fernández LG, Firima E, Gupta R, Sematle MP, Khomolishoele M, Molulela M, Bane M, Tlahali M, McCrosky S, Lee T, Chammartin F, Seelig E, Gerber F, Lejone TI, Ayakaka I, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A (2024)
Awareness, treatment, and control among adults living with arterial hypertension or diabetes mellitus in two rural districts in Lesotho
PLOS Glob Public Health, 4 (9), e0003721
DOI 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003721, PubMed 39348361

Firima E, Gonzalez L, Manthabiseng M, Bane M, Lukau B, Leigh B, Kaufmann BA, Weisser M, Amstutz A, Tromp J, Labhardt ND, Burkard T (2024)
Implementing focused echocardiography and AI-supported analysis in a population-based survey in Lesotho: implications for community-based cardiovascular disease care models
Hypertens Res, 47 (3), 708-713
DOI 10.1038/s41440-023-01559-6, PubMed 38228749

Firima E, Ntsoaki R, Lukau B, Tlahali M, Gonzalez Fernandez L, Manthabiseng M, Sematle MP, Bane M, Khomolishoele M, Ikhetheleng L, Retselisitsoe L, Gupta R, McCrosky S, Lee T, Chammartin F, Weisser M, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A (2024)
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection and treatment eligibility in Lesotho, Southern Africa: a population-based cross-sectional study with case-based follow-up
BMJ Public Health, 2 (2), e001195
DOI 10.1136/bmjph-2024-001195, PubMed 40018538

Gerber F, Gupta R, Lejone TI, Tahirsylaj T, Lee T, Sanchez-Samaniego G, Kohler M, Haldemann MI, Raeber F, Chitja M, Mathulise M, Kabi T, Mokaeane M, Maphenchane M, Molulela M, Khomolishoele M, Mota M, Masike S, Bane M, Sematle MP, Makabateng R, Mphunyane M, Phaaroe S, Basler DB, Kindler K et al. (2024)
Community-based management of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular risk factors by lay village health workers for people with controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure in rural Lesotho: joint protocol for two cluster-randomized trials within the ComBaCaL cohort study (ComBaCaL aHT Twic 1 and ComBaCaL aHT TwiC 2)
Trials, 25 (1), 365
DOI 10.1186/s13063-024-08226-2, PubMed 38845045

Gerber F, Semphere R, Lukau B, Mahlatsi P, Mtenga T, Lee T, Kohler M, Glass TR, Amstutz A, Molatelle M, MacPherson P, Marake NB, Nliwasa M, Ayakaka I, Burke R, Labhardt N (2024)
Same-day versus rapid ART initiation in HIV-positive individuals presenting with symptoms of tuberculosis: Protocol for an open-label randomized non-inferiority trial in Lesotho and Malawi
PLoS One, 19 (2), e0288944
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0288944, PubMed 38330045

Gerber F, Tahirsylaj T, Lejone TI, Lee T, Sanchez-Samaniego G, Raeber F, Masike S, Gupta R, Molulela M, Khomolishoele M, Mota M, Bane M, Sematle MP, Makabateng R, Browne JI, Wittwer J, Basler DB, Kindler K, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A (2024)
eConsent administered by Community Health Workers in a study using the Trials within Cohorts (TwiCs) design-Experiences from the Community-Based chronic Care Lesotho (ComBaCaL) project
Digit Health, 10, 20552076241288757
DOI 10.1177/20552076241288757, PubMed 39360243

González Fernández L, Firima E, Gupta R, Sematle MP, Khomolishoele M, Molulela M, Bane M, Meli R, Tlahali M, Lee T, Chammartin F, Gerber F, Lejone TI, Ayakaka I, Weisser M, Amstutz A, Labhardt ND (2024)
Prevalence and determinants of cardiovascular risk factors in Lesotho: a population-based survey
Int Health, 16 (3), 313-324
DOI 10.1093/inthealth/ihad058, PubMed 37593886

Griessbach A, Schönenberger CM, Taji Heravi A, Gloy V, Agarwal A, Hallenberger TJ, Schandelmaier S, Janiaud P, Amstutz A, Covino M, Mall D, Speich B, Briel M (2024)
Characteristics, Progression, and Output of Randomized Platform Trials: A Systematic Review
JAMA Netw Open, 7 (3), e243109
DOI 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3109, PubMed 38506807

Griessbach A, Speich B, Amstutz A, Hausheer L, Covino M, Wnfried Ramirez H, Schandelmaier S, Taji Heravi A, Treweek S, Schwenkglenks M, Briel M, MAking Randomized Trials Affordable (MARTA) Group (2024)
Resource use and costs of investigator-sponsored randomized clinical trials in Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom: a metaresearch study
J Clin Epidemiol, 176, 111536
DOI 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2024.111536, PubMed 39307405

Jackson-Perry D, Cart-Richter E, Haerry D, Ahmeti L, Bieri A, Calmy A, Ballif M, Pasin C, Notter J, Amstutz A, Swiss HIV Cohort Study Young Researchers’ Group, and the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (2024)
Patient and public involvement in HIV research: a mapping review and development of an online evidence map
J Int AIDS Soc, 27 (11), e26385
DOI 10.1002/jia2.26385, PubMed 39528422

Manyara AM, Davies P, Stewart D, Weir CJ, Young AE, Blazeby J, Butcher NJ, Bujkiewicz S, Chan AW, Dawoud D, Offringa M, Ouwens M, Hróbjartsson A, Amstutz A, Bertolaccini L, Bruno VD, Devane D, Faria CDCM, Gilbert PB, Harris R, Lassere M, Marinelli L, Markham S, Powers JH, Rezaei Y et al. (2024)
Reporting of surrogate endpoints in randomised controlled trial protocols (SPIRIT-Surrogate): extension checklist with explanation and elaboration
BMJ, 386, e078525
DOI 10.1136/bmj-2023-078525, PubMed 38981624

Manyara AM, Davies P, Stewart D, Weir CJ, Young AE, Blazeby J, Butcher NJ, Bujkiewicz S, Chan AW, Dawoud D, Offringa M, Ouwens M, Hróbjartsson A, Amstutz A, Bertolaccini L, Bruno VD, Devane D, Faria CDCM, Gilbert PB, Harris R, Lassere M, Marinelli L, Markham S, Powers JH, Rezaei Y et al. (2024)
Reporting of surrogate endpoints in randomised controlled trial reports (CONSORT-Surrogate): extension checklist with explanation and elaboration
BMJ, 386, e078524
DOI 10.1136/bmj-2023-078524, PubMed 38981645

Raeber F, Haldemann MI, Ray S, Huber J, Firima E, Fernandez LG, Amstutz A, Gerber F, Labhardt ND, Belus JM (2024)
Community-based models of care for adolescent and adult depression, suicidal behavior, anxiety, trauma, and substance use in Africa: a scoping review
Front Psychol, 15, 1241403
DOI 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1241403, PubMed 38406302

Publications 2023

Amstutz A, Speich B, Mentré F, Rueegg CS, Belhadi D, Assoumou L, Burdet C, Murthy S, Dodd LE, Wang Y, Tikkinen KAO, Ader F, Hites M, Bouscambert M, Trabaud MA, Fralick M, Lee TC, Pinto R, Barratt-Due A, Lund-Johansen F, Müller F, Nevalainen OPO, Cao B, Bonnett T, Griessbach A et al. (2023)
Effects of remdesivir in patients hospitalised with COVID-19: a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Lancet Respir Med, 11 (5), 453-464
DOI 10.1016/S2213-2600(22)00528-8, PubMed 36828006

Chammartin F, Griessbach A, Kusejko K, Audigé A, Epp S, Stoeckle MP, Eichenberger AL, Amstutz A, Schoenenberger CM, Hasse B, Braun DL, Rauch A, Trkola A, Briel M, Bucher HC, Günthard HF, Speich B, Abela IA, Swiss HIV Cohort Study (2023)
Bridging the gap: identifying factors impacting mRNA severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine booster response in people with HIV-1
AIDS, 38 (2), 217-222
DOI 10.1097/QAD.0000000000003751, PubMed 37830908

Ciani O, Manyara AM, Davies P, Stewart D, Weir CJ, Young AE, Blazeby J, Butcher NJ, Bujkiewicz S, Chan AW, Dawoud D, Offringa M, Ouwens M, Hróbjartssson A, Amstutz A, Bertolaccini L, Bruno VD, Devane D, Faria CDCM, Gilbert PB, Harris R, Lassere M, Marinelli L, Markham S, Powers JH et al. (2023)
A framework for the definition and interpretation of the use of surrogate endpoints in interventional trials
EClinicalMedicine, 65, 102283
DOI 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102283, PubMed 37877001

Firima E, Gonzalez L, Khan MA, Manthabiseng M, Sematle MP, Bane M, Khomolishoele M, Leisa I, Retselisitsoe L, Burkard T, Seelig E, Lee T, Chammartin F, Gupta R, Leigh B, Weisser M, Amstutz A, Labhardt ND (2023)
High Rates of Undiagnosed Target Organ Damage Among Adults with Elevated Blood Pressure or Diabetes Mellitus in a Community-Based Survey in Lesotho
J Epidemiol Glob Health, 13 (4), 857-869
DOI 10.1007/s44197-023-00158-5, PubMed 37883005

Firima E, Gonzalez L, Ursprung F, Robinson E, Huber J, Belus JM, Raeber F, Gupta R, Deen GF, Amstutz A, Leigh B, Weisser M, Labhardt ND (2023)
Community-based models of care for management of type 2 diabetes mellitus among non-pregnant adults in sub-Saharan Africa: A scoping review
PLoS One, 18 (11), e0278353
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0278353, PubMed 37967126

Firima E, Retselisitsoe L, Leisa I, Manthabiseng M, Sematle MP, Bane M, Khomolishoele M, Gonzalez L, Gupta R, McCrosky S, Lee T, Chammartin F, Leigh B, Weisser M, Amstutz A, Burkard T, Labhardt ND (2023)
Head-to-head comparison of the WHO STEPwise approach with immediate unattended and delayed unattended automated blood pressure measurements during household-based screening: a diagnostic accuracy study in Lesotho
EClinicalMedicine, 63, 102197
DOI 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102197, PubMed 37680951

Gerber F, Gupta R, Lejone TI, Tahirsylaj T, Lee T, Kohler M, Haldemann MI, Räber F, Chitja M, Manthabiseng M, Khomolishoele M, Mota M, Bane M, Sematle PM, Makabateng R, Mphunyane M, Phaaroe S, Basler D, Kindler K, Seelig E, Briel M, Chammartin F, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A (2023)
Community-based type 2 diabetes care by lay village health workers in rural Lesotho: protocol for a cluster-randomized trial within the ComBaCaL cohort study (ComBaCaL T2D TwiC)
Trials, 24 (1), 688
DOI 10.1186/s13063-023-07729-8, PubMed 37875943

Griessbach A, Chammartin F, Abela IA, Amico P, Stoeckle MP, Eichenberger AL, Hasse B, Braun DL, Schuurmans MM, Müller TF, Tamm M, Audigé A, Mueller NJ, Rauch A, Günthard HF, Koller MT, Trkola A, Epp S, Amstutz A, Schönenberger CM, Taji Heravi A, Kusejko K, Bucher HC, Briel M, Speich B et al. (2023)
Antibody Response After Third Vaccination With mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2: Extension of a Randomized Controlled SARS-CoV-2 Noninferiority Vaccine Trial in Patients With Different Levels of Immunosuppression (COVERALL-2)
Open Forum Infect Dis, 10 (4), ofad150
DOI 10.1093/ofid/ofad150, PubMed 37035486

Griessbach A, Chammartin F, Abela IA, Amico P, Stoeckle MP, Eichenberger AL, Hasse B, Braun DL, Schuurmans MM, Müller TF, Tamm M, Audigé A, Mueller NJ, Rauch A, Günthard HF, Koller MT, Trkola A, Epp S, Amstutz A, Schönenberger CM, Taji Heravi A, Papadimitriou-Olivgeris M, Casutt A, Manuel O, Kusejko K et al. (2023)
Antibody Response After the Third SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients and People Living With HIV (COVERALL-2)
Open Forum Infect Dis, 10 (11), ofad536
DOI 10.1093/ofid/ofad536, PubMed 38023564

Katende B, Bresser M, Kamele M, Chere L, Tlahali M, Erhardt RM, Muhairwe J, Ayakaka I, Glass TR, Ruhwald M, van Ginneken B, Murphy K, de Vos M, Amstutz A, Mareka M, Mooko SM, Reither K, González Fernández L (2023)
Impact of a multi-disease integrated screening and diagnostic model for COVID-19, TB, and HIV in Lesotho
PLOS Glob Public Health, 3 (8), e0001488
DOI 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001488, PubMed 37531333

Kopo M, Lejone TI, Tschumi N, Glass TR, Kao M, Brown JA, Seiler O, Muhairwe J, Moletsane N, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A (2023)
Effectiveness of a peer educator-coordinated preference-based differentiated service delivery model on viral suppression among young people living with HIV in Lesotho: The PEBRA cluster-randomized trial
PLoS Med, 20 (1), e1004150
DOI 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004150, PubMed 36595523

Labhardt ND, González Fernández L, Katende B, Muhairwe J, Bresser M, Amstutz A, Glass TR, Ruhwald M, Sacks JA, Escadafal C, Mareka M, Mooko SM, de Vos M, Reither K (2023)
Head-to-head comparison of nasal and nasopharyngeal sampling using SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen testing in Lesotho
PLoS One, 18 (3), e0278653
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0278653, PubMed 36862684

Seiler O, Kopo M, Kao M, Lejone TI, Tschumi N, Glass TR, Brown JA, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A (2023)
HIV Care Preferences among Young People Living with HIV in Lesotho: A Secondary Data Analysis of the PEBRA Cluster Randomized Trial
AIDS Res Treat, 2023, 8124192
DOI 10.1155/2023/8124192, PubMed 39691584

Simwinga M, Mahlatsi PA, Molale M, Witola G, Mshanga I, Katende B, Amstutz A, Reither K, Shanaube K, Motlomelo M, Bond V, Belus JM (2023)
Facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 testing in community and clinical settings: Lessons learned from Lesotho and Zambia
PLOS Glob Public Health, 3 (10), e0002430
DOI 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002430, PubMed 37874783

Publications 2022

Brown JA, Nsakala BL, Mokhele K, Rakuoane I, Muhairwe J, Glass TR, Amstutz A, Tschumi N, Belus JM, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND (2022)
Dolutegravir in real life: Self-reported mental and physical health outcomes after transitioning from efavirenz- to dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy in a prospective cohort study in Lesotho
HIV Med, 24 (2), 153-162
DOI 10.1111/hiv.13352, PubMed 35730213

Fernández LG, Firima E, Robinson E, Ursprung F, Huber J, Amstutz A, Gupta R, Gerber F, Mokhohlane J, Lejone T, Ayakaka I, Xu H, Labhardt ND (2022)
Community-based care models for arterial hypertension management in non-pregnant adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a literature scoping review and framework for designing chronic services
BMC Public Health, 22 (1), 1126
DOI 10.1186/s12889-022-13467-4, PubMed 35658850

Fernández LG, Firima E, Robinson E, Ursprung F, Huber J, Amstutz A, Gupta R, Gerber F, Mokhohlane J, Lejone T, Ayakaka I, Xu H, Labhardt ND (2022)
Correction: Community-based care models for arterial hypertension management in non-pregnant adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a literature scoping review and framework for designing chronic services
BMC Public Health, 22 (1), 1640
DOI 10.1186/s12889-022-13988-y, PubMed 36058899

Gryaznov D, von Niederhäusern B, Speich B, Kasenda B, Ojeda-Ruiz E, Blümle A, Schandelmaier S, Mertz D, Odutayo A, Tomonaga Y, Amstutz A, Pauli-Magnus C, Gloy V, Lohner S, Bischoff K, Wollmann K, Rehner L, Meerpohl JJ, Nordmann A, Klatte K, Ghosh N, Taji Heravi A, Wong J, Chow N, Hong P et al. (2022)
Reporting quality of clinical trial protocols: a repeated cross-sectional study about the Adherence to SPIrit Recommendations in Switzerland, CAnada and GErmany (ASPIRE-SCAGE)
BMJ Open, 12 (5), e053417
DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053417, PubMed 35613804

Mohloanyane T, Olivier D, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A (2022)
Recent HIV infections among newly diagnosed individuals living with HIV in rural Lesotho: Secondary data from the VIBRA cluster-randomized trial
PLoS One, 17 (11), e0277812
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0277812, PubMed 36409754

Muhairwe JA, Brown JA, Motaboli L, Nsakala BL, Lerotholi M, Amstutz A, Klimkait T, Glass TR, Labhardt ND (2022)
The Suboptimal Pediatric HIV Viral Load Cascade: Multidistrict Cohort Study Among Children Taking Antiretroviral Therapy in Lesotho, Southern Africa
Pediatr Infect Dis J, 41 (3), e75-e80
DOI 10.1097/INF.0000000000003415, PubMed 34862344

Ndongala NJ, Maepa C, Nyondo E, Amstutz A, du Reau de la Gaignonnière B (2022)
Etiology, characteristics and occurrence of heart diseases in rural Lesotho (ECHO-Lesotho): A retrospective echocardiography cohort study
PLoS One, 17 (12), e0278406
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0278406, PubMed 36520796

Scherrer R, Tschumi N, Lejone TI, Kopo M, Motaboli L, Mothobi B, Amstutz A, Deml MJ, Lerotholi M, Labhardt ND (2022)
eHealth supported multi-months dispensing of antiretroviral therapy: a mixed-methods preference assessment in rural Lesotho
Pilot Feasibility Stud, 8 (1), 61
DOI 10.1186/s40814-022-01019-x, PubMed 35277206

Speich B, Gryaznov D, Busse JW, Gloy VL, Lohner S, Klatte K, Taji Heravi A, Ghosh N, Lee H, Mansouri A, Marian IR, Saccilotto R, Nury E, Kasenda B, Ojeda-Ruiz E, Schandelmaier S, Tomonaga Y, Amstutz A, Pauli-Magnus C, Bischoff K, Wollmann K, Rehner L, Meerpohl JJ, Nordmann A, Wong J et al. (2022)
Nonregistration, discontinuation, and nonpublication of randomized trials: A repeated metaresearch analysis
PLoS Med, 19 (4), e1003980
DOI 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003980, PubMed 35476675

Tschumi N, Lerotholi M, Kopo M, Kao M, Lukau B, Nsakala B, Chejane N, Motaboli L, Lee T, Barnabas R, Shapiro AE, van Heerden A, Lejone TI, Amstutz A, Brown JA, Heitner J, Belus JM, Chammartin F, Labhardt ND (2022)
Assessment of a viral load result-triggered automated differentiated service delivery model for people taking ART in Lesotho (the VITAL study): Study protocol of a cluster-randomized trial
PLoS One, 17 (5), e0268100
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0268100, PubMed 35511950

Publications 2021

Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Kopo M, Kao M, Muhairwe J, Bresser M, Räber F, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Glass TR, Labhardt ND (2021)
Offering ART refill through community health workers versus clinic-based follow-up after home-based same-day ART initiation in rural Lesotho: The VIBRA cluster-randomized clinical trial
PLoS Med, 18 (10), e1003839
DOI 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003839, PubMed 34673765

Amstutz A, Matsela L, Lejone TI, Kopo M, Glass TR, Labhardt ND (2021)
Reaching Absent and Refusing Individuals During Home-Based HIV Testing Through Self-Testing-at What Cost?
Front Med (Lausanne), 8, 653677
DOI 10.3389/fmed.2021.653677, PubMed 34268321

Brown JA, Amstutz A, Nsakala BL, Seeburg U, Vanobberghen F, Muhairwe J, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND (2021)
Extensive drug resistance during low-level HIV viraemia while taking NNRTI-based ART supports lowering the viral load threshold for regimen switch in resource-limited settings: a pre-planned analysis from the SESOTHO trial
J Antimicrob Chemother, 76 (5), 1294-1298
DOI 10.1093/jac/dkab025, PubMed 33599270

Brown JA, Nsakala BL, Mokhele K, Rakuoane I, Muhairwe J, Urda L, Amstutz A, Tschumi N, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND (2021)
Viral suppression after transition from nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor- to dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy: A prospective cohort study in Lesotho (DO-REAL study)
HIV Med, 23 (3), 287-293
DOI 10.1111/hiv.13189, PubMed 34632682

Firima E, Gonzalez L, Huber J, Belus JM, Raeber F, Gupta R, Mokhohlane J, Mphunyane M, Amstutz A, Labhardt ND (2021)
Community-based models of care for management of type 2 diabetes mellitus among non-pregnant adults in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review protocol
F1000Res, 10, 535
DOI 10.12688/f1000research.52114.2, PubMed 35387273

Lohner S, Gryaznov D, von Niederhäusern B, Speich B, Kasenda B, Ojeda-Ruiz E, Schandelmaier S, Mertz D, Odutayo A, Tomonaga Y, Amstutz A, Pauli-Magnus C, Gloy V, Bischoff K, Wollmann K, Rehner L, Meerpohl JJ, Nordmann A, Klatte K, Ghosh N, Heravi AT, Wong J, Chow N, Hong PJ, McCord K et al. (2021)
Reporting quality of trial protocols improved for non-regulated interventions but not regulated interventions: A repeated cross-sectional study
J Clin Epidemiol, 139, 340-349
DOI 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.05.011, PubMed 34029678

Mapesi H, Gupta R, Wilson HI, Lukau B, Amstutz A, Lyimo A, Muhairwe J, Senkoro E, Byakuzana T, Mphunyane M, Bresser M, Glass TR, Lambiris M, Fink G, Gingo W, Battegay M, Paris DH, Rohacek M, Vanobberghen F, Labhardt ND, Burkard T, Weisser M (2021)
The coArtHA trial-identifying the most effective treatment strategies to control arterial hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Trials, 22 (1), 77
DOI 10.1186/s13063-021-05023-z, PubMed 33478567

Publications 2020

Amstutz A, Brown JA, Ringera I, Muhairwe J, Lejone TI, Klimkait T, Glass TR, Labhardt ND (2020)
Engagement in Care, Viral Suppression, Drug Resistance, and Reasons for Nonengagement After Home-Based Same-Day Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Lesotho: A Two-Year Follow-up of the CASCADE Trial
Clin Infect Dis, 71 (10), 2608-2614
DOI 10.1093/cid/ciz1126, PubMed 31781759

Amstutz A, Kopo M, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Kao M, Muhairwe J, Glass TR, Labhardt ND (2020)
"If it is left, it becomes easy for me to get tested": Use of oral self-tests and community health workers to maximize the potential of home-based HIV testing among adolescents in Lesotho
J Int AIDS Soc, 23 Suppl 5 (Suppl 5), e25563
DOI 10.1002/jia2.25563, PubMed 32869527

Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Bresser M, Vanobberghen F, Kopo M, Kao M, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Labhardt ND, Glass TR (2020)
Home-based oral self-testing for absent and declining individuals during a door-to-door HIV testing campaign in rural Lesotho (HOSENG): a cluster-randomised trial
Lancet HIV, 7 (11), e752-e761
DOI 10.1016/S2352-3018(20)30233-2, PubMed 33045193

Amstutz A, Nsakala BL, Cheleboi M, Lejone TI, Hobbins MA, Battegay M, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND (2020)
Low rates of active hepatitis B and C infections among adults and children living with HIV and taking antiretroviral therapy: A multicenter screening study in Lesotho
J Med Virol, 92 (12), 3857-3861
DOI 10.1002/jmv.25970, PubMed 32369206

Amstutz A, Nsakala BL, Vanobberghen F, Muhairwe J, Glass TR, Namane T, Mpholo T, Battegay M, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND (2020)
Switch to second-line versus continued first-line antiretroviral therapy for patients with low-level HIV-1 viremia: An open-label randomized controlled trial in Lesotho
PLoS Med, 17 (9), e1003325
DOI 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003325, PubMed 32936795

Brown JA, Ringera I, Luoga E, Cheleboi M, Kimera N, Muhairwe J, Kayembe BP, Molapo Hlasoa M, Kabundi L, Yav CWD, Mothobi B, Thahane L, Amstutz A, Bachmann N, Mollel GJ, Bresser M, Glass TR, Paris DH, Klimkait T, Weisser M, Labhardt ND (2020)
Genotype-Informed Versus Empiric Management Of VirEmia (GIVE MOVE): study protocol of an open-label randomised clinical trial in children and adolescents living with HIV in Lesotho and Tanzania
BMC Infect Dis, 20 (1), 773
DOI 10.1186/s12879-020-05491-9, PubMed 33076866

Gryaznov D, Odutayo A, von Niederhäusern B, Speich B, Kasenda B, Ojeda-Ruiz E, Blümle A, Schandelmaier S, Mertz D, Tomonaga Y, Amstutz A, Pauli-Magnus C, Gloy V, Bischoff K, Wollmann K, Rehner L, Lohner S, Meerpohl JJ, Nordmann A, Klatte K, Ghosh N, Heravi AT, Wong J, Chow N, Hong PJ et al. (2020)
Rationale and design of repeated cross-sectional studies to evaluate the reporting quality of trial protocols: the Adherence to SPIrit REcommendations (ASPIRE) study and associated projects
Trials, 21 (1), 896
DOI 10.1186/s13063-020-04808-y, PubMed 33115541

Lejone TI, Kopo M, Bachmann N, Brown JA, Glass TR, Muhairwe J, Matsela T, Scherrer R, Chere L, Namane T, Labhardt ND, Amstutz A (2020)
PEBRA trial - effect of a peer-educator coordinated preference-based ART service delivery model on viral suppression among adolescents and young adults living with HIV: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho
BMC Public Health, 20 (1), 425
DOI 10.1186/s12889-020-08535-6, PubMed 32228531

Publications 2019

Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Bresser M, Tediosi F, Kopo M, Kao M, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Glass TR, Labhardt ND (2019)
VIBRA trial - Effect of village-based refill of ART following home-based same-day ART initiation vs clinic-based ART refill on viral suppression among individuals living with HIV: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho
Trials, 20 (1), 522
DOI 10.1186/s13063-019-3510-5, PubMed 31439004

Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Khesa L, Muhairwe J, Nsakala BL, Tlali K, Bresser M, Vanobberghen F, Kopo M, Kao M, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Labhardt ND, Glass TR (2019)
The HOSENG trial - Effect of the provision of oral self-testing for absent and refusing individuals during a door-to-door HIV-testing campaign on testing coverage: protocol of a cluster-randomized clinical trial in rural Lesotho
Trials, 20 (1), 496
DOI 10.1186/s13063-019-3469-2, PubMed 31409421

Glass TR, Motaboli L, Nsakala B, Lerotholi M, Vanobberghen F, Amstutz A, Lejone TI, Muhairwe J, Klimkait T, Labhardt ND (2019)
The viral load monitoring cascade in a resource-limited setting: A prospective multicentre cohort study after introduction of routine viral load monitoring in rural Lesotho
PLoS One, 14 (8), e0220337
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0220337, PubMed 31461455

Labhardt ND, Ringera I, Lejone TI, Amstutz A, Klimkait T, Muhairwe J, Glass TR (2019)
Effect and cost of two successive home visits to increase HIV testing coverage: a prospective study in Lesotho, Southern Africa
BMC Public Health, 19 (1), 1441
DOI 10.1186/s12889-019-7784-z, PubMed 31676001

Speich B, Schur N, Gryaznov D, von Niederhäusern B, Hemkens LG, Schandelmaier S, Amstutz A, Kasenda B, Pauli-Magnus C, Ojeda-Ruiz E, Tomonaga Y, McCord K, Nordmann A, von Elm E, Briel M, Schwenkglenks M, a collaboration of the MARTA (MAking Randomized Trials Affordable) and ASPIRE (Adherence to Standard Protocol Items: REcommendations for interventional trials) Study Groups (2019)
Resource use, costs, and approval times for planning and preparing a randomized clinical trial before and after the implementation of the new Swiss human research legislation
PLoS One, 14 (1), e0210669
DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0210669, PubMed 30633776

Publications 2018

Amstutz A, Nsakala BL, Vanobberghen F, Muhairwe J, Glass TR, Achieng B, Sepeka M, Tlali K, Sao L, Thin K, Klimkait T, Battegay M, Labhardt ND (2018)
SESOTHO trial ("Switch Either near Suppression Or THOusand") - switch to second-line versus WHO-guided standard of care for unsuppressed patients on first-line ART with viremia below 1000 copies/mL: protocol of a multicenter, parallel-group, open-label, randomized clinical trial in Lesotho, Southern Africa
BMC Infect Dis, 18 (1), 76
DOI 10.1186/s12879-018-2979-y, PubMed 29433430

Amstutz A, Schandelmaier S, Frei R, Surina J, Agarwal A, Alturki R, von Niederhäusern B, von Elm E, Briel M, On Behalf Of The MAking Randomized Trials Affordable Marta Group (2018)
Funding characteristics of randomised clinical trials supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation: a retrospective cohort study
Swiss Med Wkly, 148, w14587
DOI 10.4414/smw.2018.14587, PubMed 29376558

Labhardt ND, Ringera I, Lejone TI, Klimkait T, Muhairwe J, Amstutz A, Glass TR (2018)
Effect of Offering Same-Day ART vs Usual Health Facility Referral During Home-Based HIV Testing on Linkage to Care and Viral Suppression Among Adults With HIV in Lesotho: The CASCADE Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA, 319 (11), 1103-1112
DOI 10.1001/jama.2018.1818, PubMed 29509839

Publications 2017

Amstutz A, Schandelmaier S, Frei R, Surina J, Agarwal A, Olu KK, Alturki R, Von Niederhäusern B, Von Elm E, Briel M (2017)
Discontinuation and non-publication of randomised clinical trials supported by the main public funding body in Switzerland: a retrospective cohort study
BMJ Open, 7 (7), e016216
DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016216, PubMed 28765131

Schandelmaier S, Tomonaga Y, Bassler D, Meerpohl JJ, von Elm E, You JJ, Bluemle A, Lamontagne F, Saccilotto R, Amstutz A, Bengough T, Stegert M, Olu KK, Tikkinen KAO, Neumann I, Carrasco-Labra A, Faulhaber M, Mulla SM, Mertz D, Akl EA, Sun X, Busse JW, Ferreira-González I, Nordmann A, Gloy V et al. (2017)
Premature Discontinuation of Pediatric Randomized Controlled Trials: A Retrospective Cohort Study
J Pediatr, 184, 209-214.e1
DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.01.071, PubMed 28410086

Publications 2016

Kasenda B, von Elm E, You JJ, Blümle A, Tomonaga Y, Saccilotto R, Amstutz A, Bengough T, Meerpohl JJ, Stegert M, Olu KK, Tikkinen KA, Neumann I, Carrasco-Labra A, Faulhaber M, Mulla SM, Mertz D, Akl EA, Bassler D, Busse JW, Ferreira-González I, Lamontagne F, Nordmann A, Gloy V, Raatz H et al. (2016)
Agreements between Industry and Academia on Publication Rights: A Retrospective Study of Protocols and Publications of Randomized Clinical Trials
PLoS Med, 13 (6), e1002046
DOI 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002046, PubMed 27352244

Schandelmaier S, von Elm E, You JJ, Blümle A, Tomonaga Y, Lamontagne F, Saccilotto R, Amstutz A, Bengough T, Meerpohl JJ, Stegert M, Olu KK, Tikkinen KA, Neumann I, Carrasco-Labra A, Faulhaber M, Mulla SM, Mertz D, Akl EA, Sun X, Bassler D, Busse JW, Ferreira-González I, Nordmann A, Gloy V et al. (2016)
Premature Discontinuation of Randomized Trials in Critical and Emergency Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Crit Care Med, 44 (1), 130-7
DOI 10.1097/CCM.0000000000001369, PubMed 26468895

Publications 2015

Rosenthal R, Kasenda B, Dell-Kuster S, von Elm E, You J, Blümle A, Tomonaga Y, Saccilotto R, Amstutz A, Bengough T, Meerpohl JJ, Stegert M, Tikkinen KA, Neumann I, Carrasco-Labra A, Faulhaber M, Mulla S, Mertz D, Akl EA, Bassler D, Busse JW, Ferreira-González I, Lamontagne F, Nordmann A, Gloy V et al. (2015)
Completion and Publication Rates of Randomized Controlled Trials in Surgery: An Empirical Study
Ann Surg, 262 (1), 68-73
DOI 10.1097/SLA.0000000000000810, PubMed 24979608

Stegert M, Kasenda B, von Elm E, You JJ, Blümle A, Tomonaga Y, Saccilotto R, Amstutz A, Bengough T, Briel M, DISCO study group (2015)
An analysis of protocols and publications suggested that most discontinuations of clinical trials were not based on preplanned interim analyses or stopping rules
J Clin Epidemiol, 69, 152-60
DOI 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2015.05.023, PubMed 26361993

Publications 2014

Kasenda B, Schandelmaier S, Sun X, von Elm E, You J, Blümle A, Tomonaga Y, Saccilotto R, Amstutz A, Bengough T, Meerpohl JJ, Stegert M, Olu KK, Tikkinen KA, Neumann I, Carrasco-Labra A, Faulhaber M, Mulla SM, Mertz D, Akl EA, Bassler D, Busse JW, Ferreira-González I, Lamontagne F, Nordmann A et al. (2014)
Subgroup analyses in randomised controlled trials: cohort study on trial protocols and journal publications
BMJ, 349, g4539
DOI 10.1136/bmj.g4539, PubMed 25030633

Kasenda B, von Elm E, You J, Blümle A, Tomonaga Y, Saccilotto R, Amstutz A, Bengough T, Meerpohl JJ, Stegert M, Tikkinen KA, Neumann I, Carrasco-Labra A, Faulhaber M, Mulla SM, Mertz D, Akl EA, Bassler D, Busse JW, Ferreira-González I, Lamontagne F, Nordmann A, Gloy V, Raatz H, Moja L et al. (2014)
Prevalence, characteristics, and publication of discontinued randomized trials
JAMA, 311 (10), 1045-51
DOI 10.1001/jama.2014.1361, PubMed 24618966

Publications 2012

Kasenda B, von Elm EB, You J, Blümle A, Tomonaga Y, Saccilotto R, Amstutz A, Bengough T, Meerpohl J, Stegert M, Tikkinen KA, Neumann I, Carrasco-Labra A, Faulhaber M, Mulla S, Mertz D, Akl EA, Bassler D, Busse JW, Ferreira-González I, Lamontagne F, Nordmann A, Rosenthal R, Schandelmaier S, Sun X et al. (2012)
Learning from failure--rationale and design for a study about discontinuation of randomized trials (DISCO study)
BMC Med Res Methodol, 12, 131
DOI 10.1186/1471-2288-12-131, PubMed 22928744