Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
Pivot Concepts:   Target Concepts:
Query: UMLS:C0019693 (HIV)
 170,526 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Several questions on viral load and co-infection problems are answered by an HIV-positive doctor. The areas addressed include why a person can still transmit HIV even though their viral load has dropped to undetectable levels; the effectiveness of the decision-making process for changing therapies; and treatment difficulties and treatment options for persons co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C.
STEP Perspect 1998
PMID:Ask Dr. Jeff. 1136 41

The Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) test is being used to follow wasting syndrome in patients with HIV infection because of its ability to determine how much muscle and fat a person has in their body. Because muscle mass is essential to supporting the immune system, suppressing viral replication, and avoiding opportunistic infections, it is important to track any changes. The test is painless and involves an electrode attached to one foot and a hand whereby an electrical current is passed through the body and its speed is measured. The faster the passage, the more muscle is present. Results of the test include a fluid assessment, body cell mass, fat mass, and a cellular health measure.
STEP Perspect 1998
PMID:Muscle madness. 1136 42

Little research has been done on the interaction of various anti-HIV drugs and birth control pills. Contraceptive levels decrease with the introduction of some protease inhibitors such as Norvir (ritonavir) or Viracept (nelfinavir). Studies suggest that if a woman is taking both antiretroviral drugs and birth control pills she should discuss increasing the birth control dosage and/or using other means of preventing pregnancy with her doctor.
STEP Perspect 1998
PMID:Pregnant pause. 1136 43

People with HIV and AIDS need to monitor their diet and nutrition, especially considering the elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels that can accompany protease inhibitor therapy. It is suggested that cholesterol and triglyceride levels be checked every 6 months by a doctor. Suggested levels for cholesterol and triglycerides are listed. Rather than skipping meals to lose weight, people are urged to modify their eating habits and food choices and to increase exercise. Guidelines for diet, exercise, and the use of dietary supplements are included. If weight loss needs to be avoided, despite high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a dietician can help construct a proper menu, or a physician can prescribe medication to help lower these levels while maintaining a normal diet. Suggestions for lifestyle and nutritional changes to prevent protease paunch are outlined. Contact information is provided.
STEP Perspect 1998
PMID:Weighty matters. 1136 24

Acupuncture is being used by many people with HIV and AIDS to bolster their ability to heal themselves. Acupuncture works on physical, emotional, and mental factors concurrently. Several symptoms of HIV have been reported as treatable with acupuncture. The concept behind acupuncture is to use small needles to stimulate specific points on the body. The five elements of nature are listed, along with how they relate to the human body. These elements are brought into equilibrium by an acupuncturist. Individuals report that they are calmer and re-energized as a result of acupuncture treatment.
STEP Perspect 1998
PMID:Acupuncture. 1136 25

People with HIV have a difficult time sustaining muscle mass, which can result in decreased energy and a higher chance of developing AIDS-related illnesses. Creatine, a substance in the body which helps to develop lean muscle mass and strength, is depleted with normal movement and exercise and can be replenished through diet and dietary supplements. Studies have shown that individuals who take creatine monohydrate supplements can experience increased strength and weight and decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Some side effects were evident when creatine monohydrate was taken longer than 3 months. Additional tests are needed to evaluate the specific effects of creatine in a HIV-positive population, however, no reports thus far show it to be unsafe for people with HIV. Individuals should discuss the use of creatine with their physicians, and consider administering it in cycles. Consideration should be given to kidney function, which can be affected by additional creatine intake.
STEP Perspect 1998
PMID:Muscle up. 1136 28

Presentations at the 12th World AIDS Conference underscored the value of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in managing HIV. One of the main issues was not whether to use HAART, but when to begin using it. Data presented from several studies showed that a group of latently infected CD4 cells is continually present in the lymph nodes, despite long courses of treatment with HAART. Incidences of side effects such as lipodystrophy, diabetes, and high blood fat levels have been reported by many studies, although a specific connection of these side effects to protease inhibitors has not been established. Also presented were studies comparing different treatment regimens. Deciding which treatment regimen is most appropriate should be made individually, based on a strategy of progressive steps with an experienced physician. Drugs which are currently set for approval by the Food and Drug Administration were also discussed, as were newer drugs that are now being tested. In addition, drug resistance was addressed. The two tests that can indicate if there may be drug resistance are called genotype testing and phenotype testing.
STEP Perspect 1998
PMID:STEP's 12th World AIDS Conference report. 1136 29

A brief explanation of the basics of the body's immunological response to HIV infection is provided. In addition, summaries of some reports given at the 6th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) are discussed. Topics addressed at the conference include long-term non-progressors (LTNPs) and primary infection and viral failure and viral fitness. Therapies that boost the immune system or stimulate HIV-specific immunity were the focus of several presentations at the conference.
STEP Perspect 1999
PMID:Controlling HIV. 1136 45

Common lab tests ordered for patients with HIV and the possible causes of abnormal test results are described. Causes include anti-HIV drugs and infections. Tests include complete blood count (CBC), liver and kidney function tests, and muscle tests. In addition, tests that measure the levels of electrolytes, blood lipids, and HIV RNA (viral load) are also described. Patients are advised to consult their health care provider regarding their own normal values from test results.
STEP Perspect 1999
PMID:The lowdown on lab tests. 1136 46

In 1998, Washington State passed a law, Initiative 692 (I-692), that gives individuals who are charged with possession of marijuana for medical purposes a possible affirmative defense. The law lets these individuals provide a note from their doctor or a copy of their medical records stating they have a condition that may benefit from the use of marijuana. I-692 does not legalize the medical use of marijuana and does not affect Federal law, which makes obtaining, possessing, and growing marijuana illegal. The Washington law limits the amount of marijuana a patient can possess to a 60-day supply and defines the conditions for which medical marijuana may be used. These conditions include HIV, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy.
STEP Perspect 1999
PMID:Medical marijuana: legal considerations. 1136 51


<< Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next >>