Important note: Information in this article was accurate in December 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. Continuing his commitment to reaching out to at-risk populations, Earvin "Magic" Johnson visited California Medical Facility in Vacaville, CA on Dec. 3, 2003. After a private meeting with the prison's inmate peer educators, Magic spoke to an appreciative audience of over 600 inmates, recounting his own personal journey following his diagnosis with HIV in 1991. The audience responded enthusiastically to Magic's messages concerning testing, treatment, and prevention. Earlier in the week, the prison was host to Assemblyman Mark Leno, Senator Gloria Romero, and 35 members of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. Senator Romero took the opportunity to call upon the CA DOC to evaluate the feasibility of distributing condoms to inmates.
This study presented from the Henry Dunant Hospital, Athens, Greece and Gilead Sciences showed that Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) 10 mg has demonstrated significant histological, virological, and biochemical improvement as compared to placebo (PLB) through 48 weeks of therapy in HBeAg positive and HBeAg negative patients. Study authors concluded that Adefovir for 96 weeks resulted in significant and continued reduction in HBV DNA and ALT; and additional histologic improvement beyond that seen at week 48. Discontinuation of ADV resulted in loss of HBV DNA and ALT suppression and reversion of histologic improvement. Emergence of adefovir resistance was delayed and infrequent. Adefovir has a distinct resistance profile from lamivudine.
Marcellin, Patrick et al. 54th AASLD October 2003 Poster 1156.
The aim of this study is to determine the potential for sexual transmission of HCV among monogamous heterosexual couples by identifying the factors (sexual and non-sexual) associated with anti-HCV positivity among partners, and the relatedness of virus strains among concordant couples. The prevalence of anti-HCV among sexual partners of persons with HCV was 4% (95% CI: 2.3%-5.7%) but 40% of partners had discordant types indicating lack of sexual transmission. The majority of type concordant couples lacked percutaneous risk factors for HCV, suggesting sex may be the route of transmission but phylogenetic analysis of viral strains will ultimately determine whether sexual transmission occurred.
Terrault, NA et al. 54th AASLD. October 2003 Abstract 716.
Obesity is a risk factor for the progression of fibrosis in chronic liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatitis C (HCV). The aim of this study was to investigate the longer-term effect of weight loss on liver biochemistry, serum insulin levels and quality of life in overweight patients with liver disease and the effect of subsequent weight maintenance or regain and to determine factors associated with successful weight maintenance. It was demonstrated that lifestyle interventions reduced risk factors associated with progression of liver disease, decreased abnormal liver enzymes, improved quality of life and in a proportion of patients improved histological features of liver injury. Importantly, these changes were achievable and sustainable with relatively small but persistent changes in lifestyle. Treatment of overweight should form an important component of the management of patients with chronic liver disease.
Hickman, IJ et al. 54th AASLD. October 2003 Abstract 716.
With immune function restoration made possible by HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy), a study from the University of Pittsburgh evaluated 24 HIV positive subjects with ESLD who were undergoing Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTX). In contrast to the finding of past inferior survival observed among HIV-infected transplant recipients, this study found that successful liver transplantation is possible for HIV-infected subjects, and that for HIV-infected subjects, post-OLTX survival with ART is similar to that for HIV negative subjects. Data from this study provide a scientific rationale to justify that HIV infection should no longer be considered an absolute contraindication to transplantation, which is consistent with recent transplantation arguments based on ethical considerations.
Ragni, MV et al. Journal of Infectious Diseases 188 (2003) pp. 1412-1420.
031201
HEPP2003-1204
©1997,1998,1999,2000,2001,2002, 2003. The recently formed HIV Education Prison Project (HEPP) is a medical education program that targets a growing population, inmates in correctional facilities, that has been underserved in HIV care. It is part of the Brown University AIDS Program. Permission to use and reproduce portions of this newsletter is hereby granted provided that author and publication are fully credited and both copyright and permission notice appear with reprinted material. Inquiries may be directed to heppnews@brown.edu. Website: HIV Education Prison Project.
AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. 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, 2003. 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.