Posts tagged HIV
Kidney Transplants Also at Risk for HIV Infection in HIV-Positive Patients
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
Kidney Transplants at Risk for HIV Infection for HIV Patients
A large percentage of patients that are HIV positive will at some point deal with kidney damage or failure. It is for this reason that at least 1000 kidney transplants are needed for HIV-positive patients. HIV infection can target kidney functions, and at times, the transplant is rejected or also becomes infected with the virus. For the most part, a transplant in an HIV-positive patient is successful, but the percentage of those rejected is higher than for those who aren’t HIV positive. One medical institute decided to look into why this was this case.
From 2006 to 2011 a study was conducted on 19 patients who were both HIV positive and had kidney transplants. The findings were dramatic, as 68 percent of the transplants became infected with HIV. The number came as a surprise because some of the patients had little to no viral load evident in their blood. Those with undetectable levels of the virus were of particular interest: Even with no trace of infection—thanks to regular antiretroviral treatment—the HIV made its way into the new organ. Next, researchers found one of two types of infection in the kidney. The first one involved podocyte cells and other tubular cells, which each manifesting differently. In particular, podocyte cells in the kidneys, which are the cells involved in the process of filtering the blood, were a target for the HIV. Kidney dysfunction is one of the clinical signs of this type of infection, while the other kind of infection is more inconspicuous.
During the trial, a new way to identify kidney infection was developed. The process involved examining patients’ urine. This made it easier for participants to be tested. The results of this study will hopefully bring about ways to reduce organ rejection and infection, and improve the overall results of kidney transplants in HIV patients.
HIV Directly Linked to Heart Disease
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
HIV and Heart Disease
HIV and heart disease seem to go hand in hand. It’s very common for an HIV-positive person to present with some form of cardiac disease. Just why this is and how it happens, however, has remained somewhat of a mystery. In order to help clarify why this is so, a study was conducted to see if HIV and the heart were actually related or if it was all just coincidental.
One theory as to why heart diseases such as hypertension and HIV are commonly seen together is that HIV tends to trigger an inflammatory response. This adversely affects the vascular system when it becomes a chronic issue. In order to gauge the factors that contribute to this, a study followed 65 HIV-positive patients. All participants had shortness of breath to some degree, and each was given an echocardiogram to determine his or her cardiac functions. After the tests and other risk factors were taken into consideration, it was noted that nearly half of the participants had some form of cardiac dysfunction or disease.
A review of the findings revealed some interesting pieces of information. Gender, age and whether or not AIDS was present had little to no effect on the level of cardiac dysfunction a patient had. The variable that seemed the most conclusive involved the amount of viral load in the blood. Patients with a high viral load were those with the most progressive level of heart disease. Those who had limited or undetectable traces of infection fared much better. The latter presented with no disease, or with heart disease that was just at the beginning stages.
Conclusive evidence exists that HIV, especially one presenting a high viral load in the blood, is directly related to the presence of heart disease. Armed with this knowledge, the medical community can, therefore, screen patients with HIV for heart disease and use viral load as an indicator for the probability of the development of cardiac dysfunction.
HIV Patients Benefit Greatly From Taking Vitamin Supplements
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in Experimental Treatment
Vitamin Supplements to Help HIV Patients
Taking vitamin supplements is part of a daily routine for many. However, when it comes to the immune system and HIV, they may also play a crucial role. Scientists have conducted long-term studies that show a marked improvement in the immune response of those with early signs of the virus.
There are certain nutrients imperative to the functioning of a healthy immune system. When that immune system is compromised such as by disease, those vitamins become even more vital. Research has indicated that a deficiency in the micronutrients that aid the immune system can be harmful. A deficiency in several nutrients could normally be found in patients who had yet to experience HIV symptoms, with the most significant deficiencies being those of selenium and vitamins B, E and C.
A study in Botswana followed over 800 HIV patients over the period of a couple years. The participants were divided into three main groups: A placebo group, one group that received all the nutrients in supplement form as mentioned above and finally one group on just a few select vitamins. All patients received this care prior to the start of antiretroviral therapy.
The results yielded showed the supplements to be beneficial. For one, blood tests remained at respectable levels; another benefit was the slowing down of the progression of the disease process. With a fortified immune system, symptoms manifested at a slower rate than without the supplements. Even though the study was conducted on patients in the very early stages of HIV, there was still a lower morbidity rate among those taking the vitamins and selenium. With this being an early treatment option that is both accessible and affordable, researchers are hopeful: This is one type of therapy that can be implemented quickly and which reduces the financial burden of treatment, especially in some poorer regions.
New HIV Strain Shown to Be More Aggressive Than Previously Known Types
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
New HIV Strain Leads to Faster Disease Progression
Newfound information has been found that certain forms of HIV is showing to be more aggressive than older, previously known strains. HIV has been around for quite some time, but new forms of the disease are coming to light. Currently there are about 60 known strains of the virus, with specific virus strains prevalent throughout certain regions. Each geographical location hosts about two strains of HIV. However, it is possible for a person infected with one strain to be infected with a different type as well. When this happens, a recombined form can appear.
These recombinant forms have the medical world on high alert. After recent studies, scientists have noticed a growing trend of more aggressive forms of HIV taking place. Globalization in the form of immigration has also played a role in taking strains of the virus out of one area and moving into other areas, introducing new strains to each other. The recombinant forms of these viruses have been the focus of current research.
The strain recombinant A3/02 is the combined strain of two forms of HIV common in West Africa. However, when closely observed and studied, the mutant virus proved itself more destructive than its predecessors. Researchers noticed a faster progression towards the development of AIDS as well, taking only five years for the disease to manifest. This is much faster than previously seen with older strains. Scientists fear that with the passage of time, and more recombinant forms coming into existence, the more we will see a change in the way HIV functions and reacts. This is especially the case when it comes to treatment, since these new types are more resistant to certain therapies.
More follow up is needed to completely understand the dynamic nature of these new HIV strains. Further study will help researchers discover what types of recombinant forms already exist and how to deal with these changes.
HIV and Parenting
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
With advances in modern medicine and therapies, babies who have had HIV passed on to them from their parents are surviving into young adulthood. This is a big step forward, indeed; not too long ago, HIV would have claimed their lives well before they reached their teens.
While this is good news and shows definite progress in the battle against the virus, there are several social implications. Researchers interviewed young adults aged 18-23 who had perinatally-acquired HIV (or PAH). What they found was a natural desire to have a family and raise children of their own. Certain issues regarding such choices, however, make these types of decisions difficult. Therefore, these young people are looking for answers as to how to go about planning their futures.
Each person interviewed expressed the desire to have children. While this was what they wanted, concerns over how to tell their partners about HIV, and eventually their children, posed a dilemma. They wanted families of their own but were unsure as to how to go about it. Especially weighing on them was the risk of transmitting HIV to their children. Most were worried about the long-term effects on their relationships, both with potential partners and their children.
Another area of consideration researchers took into account was cultural background. For example, certain African cultures place importance on having children, and those with PAH naturally want their own families and are also pressured socially to do so. In light of this, researchers see an urgent need for education, emphasizing information on communication and making filial and relationship decisions.
The medical advances against HIV have given many people a chance at a normal life and bright future. Along with this, though, comes a new set of issues. Finding a way to impart important information on making good life decisions is what researchers and physicians are hoping to look into.
