Posts tagged living with HIV
HIV and Heart Disease
9 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
HIV and Heart Disease
A recent study, underscoring the link between HIV and heart disease, has provided interesting findings. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the US, with men having a slightly greater risk of developing the condition than women. However, people who have an even greater risk of developing heart disease are those who are infected with HIV. The link between HIV and heart disease is especially pronounced, in regard to plaque buildup in the arteries and actual heart attacks. Moreover, just like heart disease in the general population, men who are infected with HIV have a higher risk of heart disease than women.
Hundreds of HIV infected men, and a control group not infected with the virus, were studied. Background information was also taken into consideration, such as smoking and lifestyle. Advanced scanning techniques were used to gather images of the participants’ arteries, particularly the coronary arteries. These images were used to determine if plaque or a stenosis had developed. Researchers found that those who were HIV-positive had a higher rate of both of these conditions. When it came to non-calcified plaque, those with HIV showed higher rates and greater build-up. This can be dangerous, as this type of plaque buildup can rupture or break free. When this happens, it can cause a blockage in a vessel or even a heart attack. Those who had later stages of HIV, and who were also taking antiretroviral medications, had the most cases of heart disease as well as the most severe cases.
Exactly why HIV and heart disease present together and so often is not yet known. Researchers fully intend to keep investigating. However, now that it is clear what types of disease manifest themselves in men who test positive for HIV, physicians can keep a close eye on their vascular system in order to catch early signs of heart disease.
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.
HIV Patients Fare Better Visiting Just One Clinic
10 years ago
“Continual and consistent therapy is better”—this is according to a recent study conducted on HIV patients and the clinics they visited. While most can appreciate why this is so, especially when it comes to the complexities involved in antiretroviral therapy (or ART), the importance of continuity of care is even more pronounced in these cases.
Patients and clinics were followed for a period of time to analyze the quality of care given and the compliance of HIV patients. It was found that most patients who visited different clinics received care that was, at times, less than adequate. Most of the time, care was inconsistent and patient follow-through was poor. This could be seen in higher viral loads in HIV patients who visited numerous clinics when compared to those who went to just one.
Those who were more likely to frequent various clinics were younger women normally in their first year of treatment. This practice of going to different clinics could be in part due to fear of social stigma, needing to seek treatment for diseases other than HIV, or other reasons. This trend worries researchers and clinicians alike—the quality of care and overall health of those HIV patients is at stake. The results of the study are now beneficial, meaning the system can now be altered to ensure that care is continuous and consistent. Making changes in order for clinics to provide better care means less ART errors and a lessening of viral load in new patients. Patient follow-through is likely to increase when they receive a measure of consistency, especially when it comes to complicated ART regimens.
As far as social effects are concerned, researchers are eager for a change in how clinics play into HIV treatment. If patients are not receiving, taking and following up with therapies and drug treatments, the risks of complications and transmission increases. Physicians hope that by making the system more efficient, these risks can be reduced.
Effective Prevention for HIV in Women
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in Experimental Treatment
The sad facts point to a rise in the number of women who are infected with HIV. When compared to men, the percentage is remarkably higher. Even with modern treatment and certain preventative measures and therapies, the number of female victims is climbing. The problem lies in the economic state that many patients find themselves in, and certain cultural differences can also inhibit the use of certain therapies and prevention. Many patients stop or are inconsistent with their treatment as a result.
A recent development could help slow the progress of the virus by preventing spread of infection. With this information in mind, researchers are thrilled with the effectiveness of an intravaginal ring that contains an antiretroviral pharmaceutical. In tests that have been conducted in primates, the success rate was 100% in preventing transmission of the virus.
Besides its success in the lab, there are other advantages that researchers are hoping will prove beneficial. For example, the ring can last up to 30 days. There is a lesser amount of the drug in the ring than would be needed if taken orally in pill form. This helps to reduce cost and hassle, a great benefit to the majority of women needing treatment. The amount of antiretroviral drug that it administers increases, rather than decreases, over that period of time. This is due to the type of polymer used to make the ring. It expands in fluid, thus administering the drug in adequate levels while inside the patient.
Human trials are underway and researchers and physicians are hopeful. In time, adding other drugs, such as those used in the prevention of STDs and even contraceptives is a possibility. This would further widen the ring’s appeal and encourage consistent usage. For now, researchers await the human trials with high expectations.
