New studies say viral burden tops CD4 as a marker of HIV disease progression
Article Abstract:
Several trials of new AIDS drugs have revealed that measuring the number of virus particles in the body may be just as important as measuring CD4 T cell counts. The total number of viral particles in the body is called the viral burden. Viral burden can be measured by the RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two studies of a new AIDS drug called delavirdine mesylate have found that a 70% drop in viral burden lasting longer than 8 weeks reduces the risk of AIDS progression or death by 55%. But HIV-infected people with low CD4 counts still have a higher incidence of AIDS or death than those with higher counts, even though both groups have the same viral burden. As for delavirdine mesylate, the drug appears to increase CD4 counts and reduce viral burden when used in combination with other AIDS drugs.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1996
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International Group Seeks to Dispel Incontinence "Taboo"
Article Abstract:
Physicians from around the world met in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in July, 1998, to attend the first International Consultation on Incontinence. They had two goals: to create a report of recommendations for managing incontinence and to upgrade incontinence from a condition to a disease. Labeling incontinence as a disease will ensure that medical schools begin teaching future doctors how to manage it. Incontinence affects an estimated 200 million people worldwide. The physicians formed 24 committees, which will review the scientific literature and publish a report in 1999.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1998
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