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Biomedical subjects

J R Arribas

Publications and source records attributed to J R Arribas.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Abnormalities in the bone mineral metabolism in HIV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate bone mineral metabolism in HIV infected and asymptomatic patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) containing protease inhibitors (PI) and naïve patients. METHODS: We studied 30 asymptomatic HIV infected male patients, 13 in the naive group and 17 in the IP group, both without differences in demographics characteristics. We excluded women and patients with any known factor associated to osteopenia. We did a nutritional questionnaire, a DEXA scan in lumbar spine and femur, a study of CD4 lymphocytes, viral load and an analysis of bone formation and resorption markers in all patients. We compared vitamin D and PTH levels with a control group of healthy male volunteers age-pareated. For the statistical analysis we used the SPSS program. RESULTS: Osteopenia was present in 17/30 (57%), 8/13 (61.5%) in the naïve group and 9/17 (53%) in the PI group (not significant differences). We found a vitamin D deficiency in 86% of patients, with mean serum levels that was found to be significantly lower than those from a healthy control group (p=0.04). Testosterone level was significantly related to bone mineral density in lumbar spine (p</=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: HIV may be an individual risk factor in bone disorders, requiring calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Adult↗

Single (B or C), dual (BC or BD) and triple (BCD) viral hepatitis in HIV-infected patients in Madrid, Spain.

INTRODUCTION: There are very limited data about the prevalence of multiple hepatitis virus infections in HIV infected individuals. In HIV uninfected individuals with triple BCD hepatitis, hepatitis D virus (HDV) appears to be the dominant virus. However, in HIV infected patients with triple hepatitis it is not known if HDV replication inhibits hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. METHODS: We calculated the prevalence of single (B or C), dual (BC) and triple (BCD) hepatitis in 423 HIV-infected patients with positive HCV serum antibodies and/or positive serum HBsAg. In patients with multiple infections we performed an evaluation of serum markers of HBV, HCV and HDV replication. RESULTS: The prevalence of multiple hepatitis was 4.7% (95% confidence interval, 2.7-6.7%). Multiple hepatitis occurred only among patients who acquired HIV through injection drug use. The most common multiple hepatitis was triple BCD. Patients with hepatitis BC and past or chronic hepatitis D were significantly more likely to have cirrhosis and a negative serum HBeAg and HCV PCR than patients with single hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Patients with chronic hepatitis D showed uniform suppression of HBV and HCV replication markers. CONCLUSIONS: In our geographic area approximately 5% of HIV infected patients with hepatitis suffer multiple hepatitis virus infection. In patients with triple hepatitis BCD virus infection, HDV appears to be the dominant virus causing inhibition of both HBV and HCV replication.

Adult↗

Comparison between sequence analysis and a line probe assay for testing genotypic resistance of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 to antiretroviral drugs.

The purpose of this study was to compare a line probe assay (LiPA) with sequence analysis for the detection of mutations conferring resistance to nucleoside and non-nucleoside inhibitors in human immunodeficiency reverse transcriptase and protease inhibitors. The limitations for interpreting LiPA make it unacceptable for routine clinical practice.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Consensus conference on chronic viral hepatitis and HIV infection: updated Spanish recommendations.

Chronic hepatitis B and C represent a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients worldwide. New treatment options against both hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses have prompted us to update previous recommendations for the management of coinfected individuals. Fifteen topics (nine related to HCV, five to HBV and one to both viruses) were selected for this purpose. A panel of Spanish experts in the field was invited to review these areas and propose specific recommendations, which were scored according to the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) grading system. These guidelines represent a comprehensive and updated overview on the management of hepatitis B and C in HIV-infected patients.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

Efavirenz: enhancing the gold standard.

Efavirenz, the potent, once-daily non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, has been successfully used since 1996 and is still a cornerstone of antiretroviral therapy for use in treatment-naïve, treatment-experienced and difficult-to-treat patients. The efficacy of efavirenz in these patient groups has been established in many clinical and cohort studies. Furthermore, efavirenz is now available as a single 600 mg tablet, providing a simplified therapy and decreased pill burden, which may lead to improved adherence and treatment outcomes. Efavirenz has a well-characterized tolerability profile, the more notable side effects being mainly short-term and non-life-threatening, such as central nervous system disturbances and rash.

Alkynes↗

Drug resistance in patients experiencing early virological failure under a triple combination including indinavir.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the pattern of drug resistance mutations selected in HIV-1-infected patients failing a first line triple combination therapy including indinavir. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Plasma samples from 87 patients collected at the time of the first virological rebound (> 50 HIV-RNA copies/ml) were examined for the presence of drug-resistant genotypes. RESULTS: The mean level of plasma viraemia at rebound was 7824 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml in 73 subjects with good compliance, whereas it was 359,460 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml in 14 patients who admitted to poor adherence. Genetic sequence analysis yielded results for 51 (70%) of the patients having good adherence. More than half of them (26/51, 51%) carried primary mutations associated with resistance to nucleoside analogues. In contrast, primary protease inhibitor resistance mutations were recognized less frequently (14/51, 27%; P < 0.05). Moreover, in 23 (45%) patients there was no evidence of drug-resistant viruses at all. The most frequent drug-resistant genotypes in the reverse transcriptase gene were at codons 184 (n = 19), 215 (n = 14) and 41 (n = 8), whereas for the protease they were at codons 46 (n = 10), 82 (n = 9) and 90 (n = 7). No resistance genotypes were found among non-compliant patients. CONCLUSION: The overall rate of drug-resistant HIV genotypes was 38% (28/73) in patients with good adherence and who were experiencing a first virological failure under a triple combination regimen including indinavir; resistance to nucleoside analogues was more frequent than resistance to indinavir. Therefore, treatment intensification in those patients without resistance, or a selective substitution of nucleosides in those with resistance limited to these compounds, might be justified.

Adult↗

Tuberculous radiculomyelitis complicating tuberculous meningitis: case report and review.

Tuberculous radiculomyelitis (TBRM) is a complication of tuberculous meningitis (TBM), which has been reported rarely in the modern medical literature. We describe a case of TBRM that developed in an human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient, despite prompt antituberculous treatment. To our knowledge, this is the second case of TBRM reported in an HIV-infected patient. We also review 74 previously reported cases of TBRM. TBRM develops at various periods after TBM, even in adequately treated patients after sterilization of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The most common symptoms are subacute paraparesis, radicular pain, bladder disturbance, and subsequent paralysis. CSF evaluation usually shows an active inflammatory response with a very high protein level. MRI and CT scan are critical for diagnosis, revealing loculation and obliteration of the subarachnoid space along with linear intradural enhancement. As in other forms of paradoxical reactions to antituberculous treatment, there is evidence that steroid treatment might have a beneficial effect.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Impact of protease inhibitor therapy on HIV-related oropharyngeal candidiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between antiretroviral therapy and changes in prevalence and amount of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) and skin test reactivity for delayed type hypersensitivity. DESIGN: Observational cohort. SETTING: University-based public hospital AIDS clinic. PATIENTS: Adults with advanced HIV infection who had been taking nucleoside transcriptase inhibitor drugs but had not taken a protease inhibitor and who started antiretroviral treatment with ritonavir. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: OPC lesions score, oral candidal colonization, oral candidal quantification, skin test reactivity for delayed type hypersensitivity (purified protein derivative, candidal and streptokinase antigens), plasma HIV RNA and CD4 cell count at weeks 8, 16 and 48 weeks. RESULTS: In the 99 patients who entered the study, there was a significant reduction in the HIV plasma RNA (mean log decrease from baseline at 48 weeks 0.88) and a significant increase in CD4 cell counts (mean CD4 cell increase from baseline at 48 weeks 128 x 10(6) cells/l). Only 17% of patients had < 200 copies/ml HIV RNA at 48 weeks. There were significant decreases in the prevalence of OPC lesions (31% at baseline to 1% at 48 weeks; P < 0.001), and in oral candidal loads [2226 to 811 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml; P = 0.0171]. The percentage of patients with at least one positive skin test increased significantly (6 to 28%; P < 0.05). Patients whose CD4 lymphocyte count was > 200 x 10(6) cells/l at 48 weeks had significantly lower oral candidal loads and were more likely to have a positive skin test than patients whose CD4 cell count was < 200 x 10(6) cells/l. CONCLUSION: In patients with advanced HIV infection, antiretroviral treatment including a protease inhibitor has a positive impact in the natural history of OPC. This positive impact appears to be correlated with a better immunological function and occurs despite continuous HIV replication.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

[Influence of a day care hospital on the incidence of hospital admission of AIDS patients].

BACKGROUND: Day care units have become an usual way of medical care for AIDS patients. However, their influence on the incidence of hospital admissions has not been evaluated. METHODS: Observational and longitudinal study of a cohort of 308 patients with aids diagnosed between 1990 and 1994 and followed-up to June 1996. The incidence of hospital admissions according to the hospital of follow-up (with or without day care unit) was analyzed. A multivariate analysis of the number of hospital admissions was performed using regression model adjusted to a distribution of Poisson. RESULTS: After AIDS diagnosis, the incidence of hospital admissions was 108 per 100 patient-years of follow up (21 days as inpatient per patient-year). Those patients controlled in the hospital with day care unit have less hospital admissions (relative risk after adjusting by CD4+ cells count and type of diagnostic disease: 0.64; CI95% 0.55-0.76), and less days as inpatient through their follow-up (11 to 31 days less). There was no difference in survival among patients followed in both hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: A day care unit decrease the incidence of hospital admissions in aids patients. This positive impact is more evident in patients with lesser CD4+ cell counts.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Successful treatment of aphthous ulcerations in AIDS patients using topical granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

Oral recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU) is a well-recognized complication in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. RAU can be progressive and destructive, causing dysphagia and secondary malnutrition. The aetiology of RAU remains unknown, and its response to available treatments is often unsatisfactory. We describe three patients with advanced AIDS who suffered from extensive RAU which failed to respond to several treatments, including topical viscous lidocaine and topical and systemic glucocorticoids. Owing to difficulties in using thalidomide (two patients had neurological conditions which precluded thalidomide use), all three patients were treated with an oral solution containing recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF, 400 microg in 5% glucose 200 mL). From the first application, all three patients showed significant improvement of their lesions and amelioration of pain, and they were completely cured in a few days. No adverse effects were recorded. The patients did not show relapses of RAU over a prolonged follow-up. Controlled trials are warranted in order to establish the role of GM-CSF as a valid, alternative option for aphthous ulcerations of the mouth in AIDS patients in whom corticosteroids or thalidomide are not suitable.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Diagnostic utility of a multiplex herpesvirus PCR assay performed with cerebrospinal fluid from human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with neurological disorders.

We used a multiplex nested-PCR assay for the simultaneous detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of five human herpesviruses (HVs) (cytomegalovirus [CMV], Epstein-Barr virus [EBV], varicella-zoster virus [VZV], herpes simplex virus [HSV], and human herpesvirus 6 [HHV-6]) in a clinical evaluation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with neurological disorders. This method, which has the advantages of being rapid and economical, would be of particular interest for the diagnosis of neurological syndromes caused by more than one HV. We studied 251 CSF samples from 219 patients. HV DNA was demonstrated in 93 (37%) of the CSF samples (34% of the patients). CMV was the HV most frequently detected in our patients (25%), while EBV, VZV, HSV, and HHV-6 DNAs were present in significantly fewer cases (7, 4, 3, and 1%, respectively). When results were compared with the final etiological diagnoses of the patients, the multiplex HV PCR showed high specificity for the diagnosis of CMV and VZV neurological diseases and for cerebral lymphoma (0.95, 0.97, and 0.99, respectively). The sensitivity of the assay was high for CMV disease (0.87), was low for cerebral lymphoma (0.33), and was not evaluable for VZV disease due to the small number of patients with this diagnosis. Nevertheless, detection of VZV DNA had possible diagnostic value in four of the nine cases, and EBV DNA amplification always predicted the diagnosis of cerebral lymphoma in patients with cerebral masses. Detection of HSV DNA was frequently associated with CMV amplification and fatal encephalitis. HHV-6 was not considered to have a pathogenetic role in the three cases in which it was detected. This multiplex HV PCR assay is a specific and clinically useful method for the evaluation of HIV-infected patients with neurological disorders related to HV.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Benefit of switching from a protease inhibitor (PI) to nevirapine in PI-experienced patients suffering acquired HIV-related lipodystrophy syndrome (AHL): interim analysis at 3 months of follow-up.

This multicentre, randomized, open-label, prospective trial is evaluating the effects of switching treatment from a protease inhibitor (PI)-containing regimen to one containing the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor nevirapine in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with durable viral suppression but suffering from lipodystrophy. Objectives of this ongoing study are to evaluate the effects of this switch on changes in body shape and metabolic abnormalities associated with acquired HIV-related lipodystrophy syndrome (AHL), as well as on maintenance of viral suppression and immunological and psychological effects. Preliminary data involving 57 patients with 3 months of follow-up show an initial improvement of AHL in two regions, the face and arms. There is also a tendency toward improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels and improved quality of life among patients receiving the nevirapine-containing regimen. Maintenance of viral suppression was equivalent in both treatment groups. Additional data with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.

Adult↗