Table of Contents: CATIE TreatmentUpdate

Table of Contents: CATIE TreatmentUpdate - 2000

Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange
Edited by: Sean Hosein

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TreatmentUpdate 111: October - Vol. 12, No. 7

Bone marrow stimulant may boost immunity
Un stimulant de la moelle osseuse pour rehausser l'immunité: HoseinSR; The bone marrow stimulant GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) is used to increase levels of several types of white blood cells including neutrophils and lymphocytes. In lab experiments with cells, GM-CSF appears to help cells of the immune system resist attack by HIV. Results from some studies also suggest that GM-CSF may also reduce levels of that virus in people taking anti-HIV medication.
MAC prevention takes a holiday
Suspension de la prophylaxie du MAI: HoseinSR; The release of two drugs in the 1990s - azithromycin and clarithromycin - has greatly increased the chances for sustained recovery from MAC (Mycobacterium avium complex). Azithromycin (Zithromax) 1200 mg taken once weekly became an accepted prevention or prophylaxis against MAC, and a few other infections.
Treating parts of the lipodystrophy syndrome -- blood sugar problems
La lutte contre la lipodystrophie - problèmes de glycémie: HoseinSR; Some PHAs have developed changes in body shape involving loss of fat and or muscle. Still others have experienced an increase in fat. As well, there are people who develop high levels of insulin, sugar and fatty substances in their blood. Collectively, these symptoms have been lumped together and called the lipodystrophy syndrome.
Metformin for blood sugar problems
Metformine contre les problèmes de glycémie: HoseinSR; Researchers reported results from 25 HIV+ subjects (6 female, 19 male) who were in their study. Doctors randomly assigned subjects to receive metformin 500 mg twice daily or fake metformin (placebo) for three months. Most subjects were also taking a protease inhibitor-based regimen.
Metformin - caution and concerns
Metformine - inquiétudes et avertissements: HoseinSR; Subjects who enrolled in the study detailed above were carefully screened by researchers. Those people who had the following complications or issues were not allowed into the study
Calcium supplements help metformin users absorb vitamin B12
Le calcium aide les utilisateurs de la metformine à absorber de la vitamine B12: HoseinSR; Therapy with metformin can be useful in helping people manage complications of type 2 diabetes. The drug also has side effects, some of which need to be considered by HIV+ users. One such side effect is reduced absorption of vitamin B₁₂.
Can antioxidants help reduce side effects from ribavirin?
Les antioxydants allègent-ils les effets secondaires de la ribavirine?: HoseinSR; Combination therapy with ribavirin and interferon has improved the chances of recovery from hepatitis C infection compared to therapy with interferon only for some people. The dose of ribavirin used is usually between 1,000 and 1,200 mg/day.
High levels of testosterone develop in some women with body shape changes
Taux élevé de testostérone chez certaines femmes présentant des changements corporels: HoseinSR; Researchers in Boston, who conducted the study on metformin in PHAs we reported in this issue of TreatmentUpdate, have also been investigating the lipodystrophy syndrome in HIV+ women. They have found that some women with body shape changes may also have higher-than-normal levels of the hormone testosterone compared to other HIV+ women who use antiviral therapy but who do not have lipodystrophy.
A combination of testosterone and exercise for men
Combinaison de testostérone et d'activité physique chez les hommes: HoseinSR; Researchers in Boston compared the effect of weekly testosterone injections versus regular exercise versus a combination of testosterone and exercise on the build-up of muscle in men with HIV-related weight loss. Testosterone injections helped increase muscle mass, though the effect of testosterone combined with exercise was even greater. Generally there were no serious side effects, although there were changes to some hormonal levels.

TreatmentUpdate 113: December - Vol. 12, No. 9: Protease inhibitors and pregnancy — reports from the U.S.; Effect of combination therapy on pregnancy — results from Europe; Two German studies find NAC supplements helpful; How nutrient deficiencies occur; Interferon and ribavirin for hepatitis B; Maintenance therapy for TB works
TreatmentUpdate 112: November - Vol. 12, No. 8: Lopinavir - Results after one year; The benefit of HAART in older people; Large study finds hepatitis C virus infection linked to reduced benefit from anti-HIV drugs; Safety and effectiveness of interferon and ribavirin in HIV+ people co-infected with hepatitis C virus; Vitamin A and abnormal cells on the cervix; FDA issues warning about d4T and ddI during pregnancy; Severe nevirapine rash found more likely in women than men
TreatmentUpdate 111: October - Vol. 12, No. 7: Bone marrow stimulant may boost immunity; MAC prevention takes a holiday; Treating parts of the lipodystrophy syndrome -- blood sugar problems; Metformin for blood sugar problems; Metformin - caution and concerns; Calcium supplements help metformin users absorb vitamin B12; Can antioxidants help reduce side effects from ribavirin?; High levels of testosterone develop in some women with body shape changes; A combination of testosterone and exercise for men
TreatmentUpdate 110: September - Vol. 12, No. 6: Different effects of nukes in men and women; Long-term use of hydroxyurea; Indinavir - 3 years and still going strong; Lymphoma in the age of HAART; Anti-viral therapy for lymphoma; Hydroxyurea as anti-viral therapy for brain lymphomas; Will cidofovir be useful against cervical lesions?; Bone Problems may occur with hepatitis treatment
TreatmentUpdate 109: August - Vol. 12, No. 5: Side Effects; Protease inhibitors and loss of fat; Some notes on energy; Nukes and fat cell damage; Helping to repair damaged nerves; Lactic acidosis; Growth hormone helps get rid of fat; Bone problems and anti-HIV therapy; Metformin for insulin and heart problems?; Niacin for cholesterol and weight problems?
TreatmentUpdate 108: June - Vol. 12, No. 4: Does switching from protease inhibitors to nevirapine restore body shape?; GM-CSF raises CD4+ cell counts; Effect of HIV on the menstrual cycle; Large study looks for protease inhibitor side effects; Protease inhibitors, high triglycerides, hormones and bone damage; Help for protease inhibitor-associated diarrhea; HAART may affect thyroid hormone levels; Indinavir and insulin
TreatmentUpdate 107: May - Vol. 12, No. 3: Testosterone and depression in men; Interferon and ribavirin for hepatitis C; CD8+ cell infusions; CD8+ cells - from suppressors to saviours; AMD-3100 - Chemokine blocker under study; Antibiotic holidays may be OK for some
TreatmentUpdate 106: March - Vol. 12, No. 2: Early versus delayed therapy - results from Switzerland; Questions about the early and aggressive use of therapy; Rescue Therapy; Infections after HAART- who is at risk?; The risk of cervical dysplasia;
TreatmentUpdate 105: February - Vol. 12, No. 1: Trizivir - three drugs in one pill; TXU-PAP - early results; Hitting hard, hitting early - one year later; Efavirenz versus indinavir: Who really wins?; Cream reduces reappearance of cervical lesions; Study finds that HAART is OK for some people co-infected with hepatitis B and C virus
TreatmentUpdate 104: January - Vol. 11, No. 10: Immunotoxins to the rescue; Cytokines can help fight HIV; HAART as an immune booster; A placebo-controlled study of Chinese herbs; Curcumin - some issues to consider; Curcumin and the immune system; Mistletoe extract for HIV/AIDS?;
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TreatmentUpdate 111: October - Vol. 12, No. 7

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