HIV medicine
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Liver stiffness regression after successful Hepatitis C treatment is independent of HIV coinfection.
The aim of the study was to assess the regression of liver stiffness after successful direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfection and HCV/-HIV coinfection. In addition, we aimed to identify factors associated with liver stiffness regression. ⋯ Regression of liver stiffness after successful DAA treatment did not differ in patients with HCV monoinfection and those with HCV/HIV coinfection. Half of all patients achieved a significant (≥ 30%) regression. Prior treatment for HCV was a negative predictor for this endpoint, while a higher baseline TE value was positively associated with regression.
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The aim of this work was to review current treatment options and propose alternatives for immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in HIV-infected individuals with cryptococcal meningitis (CM) (termed 'HIV-CM IRIS'). As a consequence of the immunocompromised state of these individuals, the initial immune response to CM is predominantly type 2 T helper (Th2) /Th17 rather than Th1, leading to inefficient fungal clearance at the time of antiretroviral initiation, and a subsequent overexaggeration of the Th1 response and life-threatening IRIS development. ⋯ Although the side effects and limitations of thalidomide must be considered, it is currently being successfully used in infectious disease settings and warrants mainstream application as a therapeutic option for treatment of IRIS in HIV-infected patients with CM.
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People living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk of asymptomatic neurosyphilis; thus, it has been common practice to perform a lumbar puncture (LP) in all PLWH presenting with syphilis regardless of stage, signs or symptoms. However, this practice varies widely among clinicians. Our objective was to elucidate the number of LPs required to diagnose a single case of asymptomatic neurosyphilis. ⋯ This large number of potentially unnecessary LPs, along with heterogeneity of presentation, and the never-nil risk of asymptomatic neurosyphilis should be incorporated into clinical decision-making. The majority of PLWH presenting with a serological diagnosis of syphilis, but no neurological signs or symptoms, do not necessarily require an LP for an evaluation of asymptomatic neurosyphilis.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Switching to coformulated rilpivirine (RPV), emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir alafenamide from either RPV, FTC and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or efavirenz, FTC and TDF: 96-week results from two randomized clinical trials.
The single-tablet regimen rilpivirine, emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide (RPV/FTC/TAF) for treatment of HIV-1-infected adults was approved based on bioequivalence. We assessed the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of switching to RPV/FTC/TAF from either RPV/FTC/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or efavirenz (EFV)/FTC/TDF. ⋯ Switching to RPV/FTC/TAF from RPV/FTC/TDF or EFV/FTC/TDF was safe and effective and improved bone mineral density and renal biomarkers up to 96 weeks with no cases of treatment-emergent resistance.
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Retention of subjects in HIV treatment programmes is crucial for the success of treatment. We evaluated retention/loss to follow-up (LTFU) in subjects receiving established care in Malawi. ⋯ Educated, urbanized HIV-infected adults living far from programme centres are at high risk of LTFU, particularly if there is no maternal figure in the household. These variables must be taken into consideration when developing retention strategies.