Roundtable discussion: management issues in didanosine therapy
Article Abstract:
The drug didanosine (ddI) may slow the progression of HIV disease. It is currently recommended for HIV patients with low CD4 T cell counts and for those who experience a significant decrease in CD4 T cell count despite zidovudine (ZDV) therapy for at least 12 to 16 weeks. CD4 T cells are depleted in HIV infection and are used as markers of HIV activity. It is also recommended for those who are intolerant or resistant to the anti-HIV drug ZDV or who develop an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection or cancer such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma while taking ZDV. Diarrhea and an increased risk of peripheral neuropathy have been associated with taking ddI. Also, of 1,778 patients taking ddI, 46 developed pancreatitis and 37 developed probable pancreatitis. Further studies are needed on the effectiveness of ddI alone and in combination with other anti-HIV drugs.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1993
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Prophylaxis of opportunistic infections in patients with HIV infection
Article Abstract:
Therapies for preventing the development of opportunistic infections in HIV patients can significantly enhance patient survival. Preventative therapies for HIV patients are based on the assumption that most opportunistic infections are latent infections that are reactivated as the immune system deteriorates. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) is the most common opportunistic infection among HIV patients. The drug trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is currently the drug of choice for preventing PCP. Effective preventative therapies have yet to be developed for other common opportunistic infections including toxoplasmic encephalitis, cytomegalovirus infection, Mycobacterium infection and cryptosporidiosis.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1993
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Comprehensive classification of symptoms and signs reported among 218 patients with acute HIV-1 infection
Article Abstract:
Researchers classified the symptoms of HIV infection into 8 categories: gastrointestinal tract transit disturbances, weight loss or abdominal pain, enlarged lymph nodes, muscle or joint pain, neurologic symptoms, skin conditions, oral Candida infection, and loss of appetite or throat infections.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (1999)
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1525-4135
Year: 1999
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