Characterization of long-term survivors of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Article Abstract:
Before 1987, less than 20 percent of patients with AIDS survived more than three years after diagnosis, with the median survival time 9 to 13 months. The length of survival was related to the initial symptom leading to the diagnosis. The characteristics of longer-term survivors of AIDS were analyzed using information from AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on a national basis. From 1978 to 1983, 4,073 patients were reported to have AIDS, and the 20 percent (821 patients) who were still alive by January 1987 were initially included in the study. After follow-up investigations, 15 percent (119) of these patients were still alive, 61 percent (475) were dead and 24 percent (186) could not be located. Therefore, a fairly large percentage of patients had not been reported to the CDC as dead. Further clinical and laboratory information was obtained from 48 of the patients who were still alive. Thirteen percent (6) tested negative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Eighty-five percent (41) had at least one laboratory test which detected the presence of HIV. Of the 41 patients that had detectable virus, 61 percent (25) had Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), 5 percent (2) had pneumonia caused by the microorganism Pneumocystis carinii and 34 percent (14) had multiple diseases associated with AIDS. Long-term survivors with KS were less likely to have other diseases, compared with patients with KS who died (31 percent compared with 51 percent). It was concluded that a small number (3 percent) of patients who were diagnosed with AIDS in 1978 to 1983 were still alive in 1987 and doing relatively well clinically. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1991
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Low and stable HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women in Shaba province, Zaire
Article Abstract:
The incidence of HIV seropositivity among pregnant women in Shaba province, Zaire appears to have remained relatively low and stable from 1989 to 1991. Among 8,725 blood donors throughout Shaba province, the incidence of HIV seropositivity was 4.6%. Of the 4,205 pregnant blood donors, 129 (3.1%) were HIV positive. No increases in the incidence of HIV infection were observed over the two years among the pregnant women or in the general population. The higher percentage of HIV infection among the general population may be explained by paid donors or donors whose relatives need blood transfusions. These donors may be at higher risk themselves for HIV infection. Results from the study also indicate that HIV has spread from urban areas to rural areas in this time period. It is not clear why the spread of HIV appears to be slower in Zaire than in other East African countries.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0894-9255
Year: 1993
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