Levels of HIV RNA are quantitatively related to prior weight loss in HIV-associated wasting
Article Abstract:
The viral load of HIV in the blood may be related to weight loss in HIV-associated wasting. Wasting is a complication of advanced HIV disease in which patients progressively lose body weight, muscle mass, and strength. Researchers examined 33 HIV-infected patients, and found that loss of weight was strongly associated with the concentration of HIV in the blood. Higher degrees of weight loss were also associated with lower CD4 white blood cell counts, indicative of more advanced HIV disease. Antiviral drug therapy to reduce viral load may be effective in treating HIV-associated wasting.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1998
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Prevalence of hepatitis G virus RNA in the sera of patients with HIV infection
Article Abstract:
Hepatitis B infection, a sexually active homosexual lifestyle, and injection drug use increase the risk of hepatitis G infection (HGV) in HIV patients. Hepatitis G virus is thought to be transmitted by the same routes as HIV. Researchers tested 157 HIV-infected patients for genetic evidence of HGV, and found that 22% were infected. Forty-nine percent of patients who tested positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were infected with HGV. Homosexuality was as likely to be associated with HGV infection as injection drug use, as both increase the risk of disease transmission.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1998
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Low dihydrotestosterone and weight loss in the AIDS wasting syndrome
Article Abstract:
Low levels of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) appear to be associated with AIDS wasting syndrome. Wasting is the loss of 10% or more of body weight, often accompanied by fatigue, diarrhea, loss of muscle mass, and depression. Researchers analyzed the sex hormone levels of 24 men with AIDS wasting syndrome. Forty-two percent had low DHT levels, and 12% had low testosterone and DHT levels. Men with depressed DHT, a precursor of testosterone, lost an average of 9 kg, compared to 6 kg among men with normal hormone levels. DHT therapy may reverse some wasting symptoms.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1998
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