Treatment of resistant herpes simplex virus with continuous-infusion acyclovir

Article Abstract:

Many patients with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) suffer from progressive and chronic local infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV). A medication that is often effective at managing these infections is acyclovir, but prolonged use can cause HSV to become resistant to this antiviral drug. The cases of two men with AIDS are discussed; both had severe proctitis (inflammation of the rectum and anus) with ulcerations due to HSV type 2. In both patients, their herpes infections had become resistant to acyclovir following long-term oral and intravenous treatment. A new method of acyclovir administration was used; they received high-dose acyclovir sodium (1.5 to 2.0 mg/kg/hour) for six weeks. This treatment was safe and effective and was tolerated well. The medication was administered through an intravenous line called a Hickman catheter, which can be used at home. They went to the clinic weekly for examinations and tests of blood creatinine and acyclovir levels; these were done to monitor for adverse effects of the treatment. Elevated amounts of acyclovir in the blood can be toxic to the kidneys; to reduce this risk the patients received extra intravenous fluids (normal saline) to maintain adequate hydration. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Dosage and administration, Acyclovir, AIDS (Disease), Herpes simplex

---

Long-term suppression of genital herpes

Article Abstract:

Several drugs are available to treat recurring genital herpes. Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease that is caused by herpes simplex virus type 2. Following the initial infection, the virus remains in the body in a dormant state. Thus, the infection can recur even if the patient is not sexually active. A 1998 study found that the antiviral drug famciclovir was effective in reducing recurrent episodes. Acyclovir and valacyclovir can also be used for that purpose. However, patients can still shed virus in body secretions, so safe sex is still required.

Health aspects, Editorial, Famciclovir

---

Predictive value of quantitative plasma HIV RNA and CD4+ lymphocyte count in HIV-infected infants and children

Article Abstract:

CD4+ lymphocyte counts and HIV RNA blood levels appear to be fairly accurate predictors of AIDS progression in children infected with HIV. Researchers followed the prognosis of 566 HIV-infected infants and children and measured blood levels of CD4+ lymphocytes and HIV RNA every 24 weeks. The risk of disease progression increased as the blood levels of HIV RNA increased. The two-year disease progression rate was less than 5% in children with CD4+ lymphocyte counts greater than 200-500 and with viral RNA counts less than 10,000 copies per milliliter of blood.

Measurement, Development and progression, HIV (Viruses), HIV, HIV infection in children, Pediatric HIV infections, Viremia, CD4 lymphocytes, Viral load

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Clinical and biological differences between recurrent herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus infections
• Abstracts: Recurrent herpes simplex virus and the acceleration of the wasting syndrome: report of case. Doctor-patient confidentiality and the potentially HIV-positive patient
• Abstracts: Decisions about resuscitation: inequities among patients with different diseases but similar prognoses. Update in critical care
• Abstracts: An in-patient behavioural psychotherapy unit: description and audit. Deinstitutionalisation - from hospital closure to service development
• Abstracts: Knee remains achilles' heel for many athletes despite improved therapy

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.