Important note: Information in this article was accurate in June 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
AIDS-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma: AIDS-associated KS prognostic index predicts mortality at initial diagnosis
AIDSWEEKLY Plus; Monday, June 26, 2006
Staff Medical Writers
"AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma remains common in individuals with HIV-1 infection in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We developed a simple model for predicting mortality on the basis of clinical characteristics present at the time of diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma," scientists in England report.
According to J. Stebbing and colleagues at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital in London, "Of 5873 individuals with HIV-1 infection, 326 (6%) developed Kaposi's sarcoma; for 262 (80%) this was their first AIDS-defining illness.
"We did univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to identify covariates predictive of overall survival and validated our model with an independent data set of 446 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma."
"In the primary model, we developed a prognostic score from 0 to 15 starting at 10. Having Kaposi's sarcoma as the AIDS-defining illness (-3 points) and increasing CD4 count (-1 point for every complete 100 cells per mm3) improved prognosis; age of 50 years or older (2 points) and having another AIDS-associated illness at the same time (3 points) conveyed a poorer prognosis.
"In individuals with prognostic scores of 0, 5, 10, and 15, probability of survival at 1-year was 0.993, 0.967, 0.834, and 0.378, and at 5 years was 0.984, 0.918, 0.631, and 0.084, respectively," researchers reported.
The authors continued, "Increasing prognostic score by 1 increased 1-year death hazard ratio by 40% (95% CI 28-53%; bootstrapped hazard ratio 1.39, 1.25-1.51). The index had concordance of 76.8% (71.7-82.3)."
"We identified four prognostic factors that can be used to obtain an accurate prognostic index at diagnosis of AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma. This index is widely applicable and can be used to guide therapeutic options," Stebbing concluded.
Stebbing and colleagues published their study in Lancet (A prognostic index for AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Lancet. 2006 May 6;367(9521):1495-502).
For additional information, contact J. Stebbing, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Dept. Oncology, London SW10 9NH, England.
The publisher's contact information for the journal Lancet is: Lancet Ltd., 84 Theobalds Rd., London WC1X 8RR, England.
Keywords: London, England, AIDS-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma, Prognostic Index, Mortality Prediction, Therapeutic Options, CD4 T Cell Count.
This article was prepared by AIDS Weekly editors from staff and other reports.
Reference
Stebbing J, Sanitt A, Nelson M, et al., “A prognostic index for AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy”, Lancet. 2006 May 6;367(9521):1495-502.
PubMED Related articles Search
2006-06-26
AW060610
Copyright © 2006 - Charles Henderson, Publisher. All rights Reserved. Permission to reproduce granted to AEGIS by Charles W. Henderson. Authorization to reproduce for personal use granted granted by C. W. Henderson, Publisher, provided that the fee of US$4.50 per copy, per page is paid directly to the Copyright Clearance Center, 27 Congress Street, Salem, Massachusetts 01970, USA. Published by Charles Henderson, Publisher. Editorial & Publishing Office: P.O. Box 5528, Atlanta, GA 30307-0528 / Telephone: (800) 633-4931; Subscription Office: P.O. Box 830409, Birmingham, AL 35283-0409 / FAX: (205) 995-1588 http://www.newsrx.net
AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright © 1980,2006. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.