(ATDN) Survival Time

(ATDN) Survival Time

Treatment Review No. 12; June 1994

Clinical trials of experimental drugs for AIDS usually measure whether or not a drug increases survival time. There is a lot of discussion about what drugs or treatments, including nutritional supplements, keep people alive longer. What helps some people who are HIV+ stay relatively healthy for many years? A lot of research is being done to find this out. There is some evidence that the number of T8 cells, not the number of T4 cells, is the most important factor. Some people say that reducing stress increases survival time, although this is a very hard thing to measure. Not having enough food to eat is stressful. Not eating enough food to meet the body's everyday needs will definitely decrease survival time.

Two San Francisco studies started in 1983 show that the prevention and treatment of PCP increases survival time in people with AIDS. This study supports what clinicians have been saying for years. PCP is a serious disease that can kill, but there are ways to both treat and prevent it. PCP is still the major cause of death of people with AIDS.

The drugs approved to treat PCP are Bactrim or Septra, dapsone, pentamidine, atovaquone, and trimetrexate with leucovorin.

Any doctor can prescribe drugs to prevent and treat PCP. These drugs are usually covered by Medicaid, state and city drug assistance programs, and private insurance. If you need help in finding a program that will cover drugs to treat or prevent PCP, or would like to know about the effectiveness or possible side effects of any of these drugs give The Network a call.

940601
ATR01203

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeard in 1994. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

Copyright © 1994 - AIDS Treatment Data Network. If you want to copy, reproduce or excerpt this information, please give us a call at (800) 734-7104. This helps up to keep track of where and how this information is being used. You can also Email us at network@atdn.org http://206.179.124.69/network/index.html

This information is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
©1994. AEGIS.