Patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) who have been able to suppress the virus while receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) experience intermittent episodes of detectable viremia (presence of the HIV virus in the bloodstream), which are also known as "blips." These blips may raise concerns about drug resistance, lead to costly repeat testing, and sometimes result in changes in medications. A new preliminary communication published in the February 16 issue of
JAMA, a theme issue on medical applications of biotechnology, finds most blips in the study population appear to be random variations rather than clinically significant elevations in viremia.
Richard E. Nettles, M.D., from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, and colleagues investigated the nature and clinical significance of blips by assessing the HIV-1 RNA (ribonucleic acid) levels of 10 patients every 2 to 3 days over 3 to 4 months between June 19, 2003 and February 9, 2004.
"With the intensive sampling, blips were detected in 9 of 10 patients," the researchers report. "There was no association between blips and demographic, treatment, or HIV-associated clinical factors. Furthermore, blips were unrelated to intercurrent illnesses, vaccination, or decreases in antiretroviral drug concentrations. Blips were marginally associated with self-reported nonadherence." The researchers add that most importantly, an ultrasensitive method for detecting drug resistance showed no new resistance mutations before, during, or shortly after blips in the study patients.
'"/>
Contact: David March
410-955-1534
JAMA and Archives Journals
15-Feb-2005
Page: 1 Related medicine news :1.
People only slightly more likely to die after episodes of stagnant air2.
Overactive bladder episodes completely controlled in 40 percent of elderly patients treated with once-a-day Oxybutynin3.
Small increases or blips in HIV levels do not signal mutations leading to drug-resistant HIV4.
Major review of subway systems suggests potential for significant health and safety hazards5.
Being overweight has a significant effect on a childs quality of life6.
Evidence indicates cancer patients unable to intentionally postpone death for significant events7.
Moving admitted ER patients into inpatient beds faster could significantly increase hospital revenue8.
Gastrointestinal disorders are associated significantly with sleepless nights9.
Landmark survey reveals asthma in children remains significantly out of control in the United States10.
Virtual colonoscopy shows significant promise as colorectal cancer screening option11.
Data suggest ADDERALL XR significantly improved simulated driving in young adults with ADHD