Lipid-lowering diets in patients taking pravastatin, a new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor: compliance and adequacy

Article Abstract:

It has been widely reported that diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol increase the risk of developing heart disease, and that lowering blood cholesterol and fat levels can reduce the risk of heart disease. The first step in treating patients with hyperlipidemia (high blood levels of fats) involves a modified diet that restricts the intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. If this form of diet therapy fails, special drugs, lipid-lowering agents, may be required to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Studies have been performed to evaluate the effectiveness of modified diets used in combination with lipid-lowering drugs in treating patients with hyperlipidemia. However, none of these studies has examined the nutritional adequacy of this form of treatment. This is important because the modified diets restrict the consumption of red meat, which contains vitamins B-6, B-12, iron, and zinc. Therefore, a study was performed to evaluate the nutritional status of 272 men and women with hyperlipidemia who had been following a modified diet for one year and were receiving pravastatin (a drug that inhibits synthesis of cholesterol in the liver). When the subjects' daily records of dietary intake were evaluated for nutrient content, it was found that greater than 40 percent of the women were getting less than two thirds of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamins B-6 and D, folic acid, zinc and calcium. The men had low dietary intakes of folic acid and zinc. It is concluded that patients with hyperlipidemia will comply with modified diets, even while they are taking lipid-lowering drugs, but that special attention should be paid to ensure proper daily intake of vitamins and minerals. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Drug therapy, Low-cholesterol diet, Low cholesterol diet, Diet therapy, Hyperlipidemia, Hypercholesterolemia, Pravastatin

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Introduction

Article Abstract:

The Second National AIDS Malignancy Conference was held in April, 1998 and was sponsored by theNational Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health. The principal focus was on malignancies related to immune deficiency, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma, both of which are present in higher numbers in immunosuppresed people. The impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) was discussed, and attention paid to recognition of human papillomavirus as an agent in certain malignancies. Specifics were also pulled today and put in context of the scientific community.

Statistical Data Included, Evaluation, Conferences, meetings and seminars, Papillomaviruses, Papillomavirus, United States. National Institutes of Health, Cancer, Highly active antiretroviral therapy, United States. National Cancer Institute

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Acute and long-term effects of AIDS and injection drug use on gonadal function

Article Abstract:

Both AIDS and drug abuse can adversely affect the sexual organs and suppress the production of sexual hormones. This in turn can cause weight loss, decreased muscle mass and bone density, and depression, as well as sexual disorders.

Sexual disorders, Causes of, Drug abuse, Hypogonadism

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