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Biomedical subjects

M D Mileno

Publications and source records attributed to M D Mileno.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

Factitious HIV syndrome in young women.

Factitious HIV infection has been observed at our center in women presenting with a false history of HIV/AIDS. In a 2-year period, 4 women presented for HIV-related care, indicating they were HIV-seropositive, while repeated serologic testing revealed no evidence of HIV infection. In all cases, the women were either quite angry or appeared surprised when told that they did not have HIV infection. A common denominator in all 4 women was a history of prolonged sexual, physical, or emotional abuse. Three of the 4 had been to other physicians, changing doctors as soon as the absence of HIV infection was established. Appropriate psychiatric support is an important aspect in care of these women, although it may not be accepted. All presentations of HIV infection should be confirmed either by identifying hard-copy data of HIV test results or by retesting all patients before evaluation and treatment of presumed HIV-related illnesses.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Changes in body habitus and serum lipid abnormalities in HIV-positive women on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Twenty-one women (propositi) who expressed serious concerns about changes in body habitus during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were evaluated by thorough physical examination, anthropometric measurements, and serum lipid and endocrine assays. The same evaluations were carried out in a comparison group of 21 women who received HAART but did not complain of changes in habitus. No significant demographic differences were found between the propositi and the comparison group, nor were there significant differences in CD4 count or plasma viral load (PVL) between the two groups. Lipid analyses were also performed on plasma obtained prior to HAART from 12 of the women. The frequency of changes reported by the 21 propositi were increase in abdominal size (90%), increase in breast size (71%), weight gain of >5 kg (43%), peripheral fat wasting (43%), buttock fat wasting (38%) and development of cervicodorsal fat pad (19%). A subset of patients in the comparison group experienced increase in abdominal size (29%) and weight gain >5 kg (19%), but none experienced clinically detectable peripheral or buttock fat wasting, increased breast size, or development of cervicodorsal fat pads. Mean waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratios (WHR), body fat, and body mass index (BMI) were above the desirable range for women in both propositi and the comparison group. Levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol associated with increased cardiovascular risk were found in 48%, 62%, 45%, and 33%. respectively, of the propositi, with similar findings in the comparison group. Fasting insulin levels were elevated in 4 propositi and 6 of the comparison group; mean insulin levels were within the normal range for both groups. In the comparison of lipids for the subset of patients before and after HAART therapy, HAART was associated with significant increases in total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and HDL cholesterol. Changes in body habitus caused by redistribution of fat occur commonly in women receiving HAART. Serum lipid abnormalities also are common during HAART and appear to be as frequent in women who do not experience clinically apparent body fat redistribution as in those who do. The observed changes in body fat distribution and in serum lipid levels are alterations that have been strongly correlated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Therefore, an understanding of the basis of these phenomena, and the risks with which they may be associated in this population, will be important for therapeutic decision making in women with HIV disease.

Adipose Tissue↗

Persistent parvovirus B19 related anemia of seven years' duration in an HIV-infected patient: complete remission associated with highly active antiretroviral therapy.

A human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individual was first diagnosed with red blood cell aplasia due to B19 parvovirus infection in late 1989. Over the subsequent seven-year period, he received a total of 119 units of red blood cells (RBCs) and intravenous immunoglobulin every 2-3 weeks. In 1996 combination antiretroviral treatment with a protease inhibitor was initiated. He received four more units during the following two months and then required no more transfusions for the subsequent 24 months of follow-up. His CD4 count progressively increased and DNA polymerase chain reaction for parvovirus B19 became undetectable. Aggressive antiretroviral treatment may effectively diminish transfusion requirements among HIV-infected individuals with pure RBC aplasia resulting from parvovirus B19 infection.

Adult↗

Use of cerebrospinal fluid shunt for the management of elevated intracranial pressure in a patient with active AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis.

Persistently elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is one of the most accurate predictors of a poor prognosis in patients with AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis. We present a severe case of persistent cryptococcal meningitis in a patient with advanced AIDS, complicated by elevation of ICP. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed that successfully lowered the ICP and alleviated the associated symptoms. The elevated ICP secondary to AIDS-related cryptococcal meningitis should be treated aggressively. Despite the risk of shunt complications, cerebrospinal fluid shunts can be considered in these patients if they do not respond to other treatment.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

The compromised traveler.

Compromised travelers represent a diverse and challenging group of individuals. They include HIV-infected patients who are at risk for potentially adverse reactions to immunizations, and new exposures to enteric water-borne opportunistic pathogens associated with chronic infections. Such travelers may encounter unfamiliar opportunistic fungi and classical tropical infections, such as leishmaniasis, whose pathogenesis can be enhanced by the presence of prior HIV infection. Other immunocompromised groups include those who are functionally or anatomically asplenic, and patients who are iatrogenically immunosuppressed from medications utilized for solid organ transplantation, chemotherapy, or treatment of malignancies. This population of travelers also includes those with diabetes mellitus who may require adjustments in their dosing, administration, and possibly even the types of insulin used on their trips. These patients are also at greater risk for acquisition of tuberculosis, severe community-acquired pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and pyomyositis. Older travelers present both the infectious disease and travel medicine specialist with issues such events, malignancy-related infections, myocardial infarction, and other forms of cardiopulmonary compromise, which the authors address in this article.

Aged↗

Interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, and soluble interleukin-1 receptor type II secretion in chronic fatigue syndrome.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that affects women in disproportionate numbers, and that is often exacerbated in the premenstrual period and following physical exertion. The signs and symptoms, which include fatigue, myalgia, and low-grade fever, are similar to those experienced by patients infused with cytokines such as interleukin-1. The present study was carried out to test the hypotheses that (1) cellular secretion of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), and soluble interleukin-1 receptor type II (IL-1sRII) is abnormal in female CFS patients compared to age- and activity-matched controls; (2) that these abnormalities may be evident only at certain times in the menstrual cycle; and (3) that physical exertion (stepping up and down on a platform for 15 min) may accentuate differences between these groups. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy women, but not CFS patients, exhibited significant menstrual cycle-related differences in IL-1 beta secretion that were related to estradiol and progesterone levels (R2 = 0.65, P < 0.01). IL-1Ra secretion for CFS patients was twofold higher than controls during the follicular phase (P = 0.023), but luteal-phase levels were similar between groups. In both phases of the menstrual cycle, IL-1sRII release was significantly higher for CFS patients compared to controls (P = 0.002). The only changes that might be attributable to exertion occurred in the control subjects during the follicular phase, who exhibited an increase in IL-1 beta secretion 48 hr after the stress (P = 0.020). These results suggest that an abnormality exists in IL-1 beta secretion in CFS patients that may be related to altered sensitivity to estradiol and progesterone. Furthermore, the increased release of IL-1Ra and sIL-1RII by cells from CFS patients is consistent with the hypothesis that CFS is associated with chronic, low-level activation of the immune system.

Adult↗

Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among North American women.

Women constitute the fastest growing segment of adults with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), representing 18% of all cases in the United States in 1994. Heterosexual transmission is now the dominant route by which women are infected. Recent reports indicate that although certain manifestations may be different in women than in men, the rate of clinical progression is similar when they receive comparable medical treatment. Antiretroviral therapy is equally as effective in women as in men. As in men, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is the most frequent AIDS-defining diagnosis in women. Candida esophagitis and ulcers secondary to herpes simplex virus are more common in women. Kaposi's sarcoma is rare. The prevalence of humanpapilloma virus infection and cervical neoplasia is increased in HIV-seropositive women. Vaginitis due to candida, trichomonas, and bacterial vaginosis are common findings among human immunodeficiency virus seropositive women. The clinical course and response to therapy in certain sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis and herpes) may be altered. The use of zidovudine during pregnancy and delivery has been associated with a 67.5% reduction in vertical transmission.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Update of HIV and AIDS in North America.

The second wave of the HIV epidemic, which increasingly affects injection drug users, women, and minorities, necessitates the development of primary care HIV services so that these individuals may benefit from new therapies. The ability to dramatically decrease vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child with antiretroviral therapy is encouraging. Better understanding of HIV pathogenesis, disease progression, antiviral therapy, and opportunistic infection prophylaxis are leading to more effective therapy and prevention. Clinical trials are ongoing to assess the efficacy of protease inhibitors in combination with nucleoside analog antiretroviral therapy to provide long term viral suppression and alter the natural history of HIV. Prophylaxis of pneumocystis, toxoplasma, MAC, TB, and invasive fungal infections is cost effective and leads to improved quality of life.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Coagulation of whole blood stimulates interleukin-1 beta gene expression.

To study interleukin (IL)-1 beta gene expression, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used on 25-microL whole blood samples from 11 healthy subjects. Coagulated and unclotted whole blood was compared. There was no evidence of IL-1 beta gene expression in any time zero samples (i.e., whole blood from which mRNA was immediately extracted) from 11 subjects, whereas a 388-bp band representing IL-1 beta mRNA was detected in all coagulated samples. No mRNA for IL-1 beta was detected in EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood, although in these samples the addition of lipopolysaccharide as a positive control induced the expression of IL-1 beta. In time course studies on samples allowed to clot, mRNA for IL-1 beta was detectable after 30 min. These findings demonstrate that IL-1 beta gene expression is not present in circulating cells of healthy subjects and that coagulation is a stimulus for IL-1 beta gene expression. This may be a mechanism by which thrombosis produces inflammation and fever.

Adult↗

Recombinant human interferon sensitizes resistant myeloid leukemic cells to induction of terminal differentiation.

Recombinant human leukocyte interferon (IFN-alpha A) inhibits growth of the human promyelocytic leukemic cell line HL-60 without inducing these cells to differentiate terminally. When IFN-alpha A is combined with agents capable of inducing differentiation in HL-60 cells, such as 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA), cis or trans retinoic acid (RA) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), growth suppression and induction of differentiation are dramatically increased. By growing HL-60 cells in increasing concentrations of TPA, RA, or DMSO, a series of sublines have been developed which are resistant to the usual growth inhibition and induction of differentiation seen when wild type HL-60 cells are exposed to these agents. Treatment of these resistant HL-60 cells with the combination of IFN-alpha A and the appropriate inducer results, however, in a synergistic suppression in cell growth and a concomitant induction of terminal differentiation. The ability of interferon to interact synergistically with agents which promote leukemic cell maturation may represents a novel means of reducing resistant leukemic cell populations.

Cell Differentiation↗

Pulmonary invasive aspergillosis in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus: report of two cases.

Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have an increased frequency of invasive aspergillosis. We report two cases of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients infected with HIV. Patients had less than 10 CD4 (helper cell) cells/mm3 (2/2), presented with fever (2/2), dyspnea (1/2), and abnormal chest radiograph (2/2). Diagnosis was established by transbronchial biopsy (1/2) and autopsy (1/2). Patients died in spite of treatment with intravenous deoxycholate amphotericin B. Prognosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis among patients infected with HIV remains dismal, even with aggressive antifungal treatment.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗