Effect of Sofosbuvir-Based Hepatitis C Virus Therapy on Kidney Function in Patients with CKD.

Background And Objectives: Hepatitis C virus infection is common in patients with CKD and leads to accelerated progression to ESRD. Sofosbuvir is a potent direct-acting antiviral therapy against hepatitis C virus; however, there are concerns about its safety in patients with CKD. The objective of our study was to determine the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir in patients with CKD.

Short and long-term effects of telaprevir on kidney function in patients with hepatitis C virus infection: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Recent reports suggest that telaprevir, a protease inhibitor used to treat hepatitis C infection, is associated with decline in kidney function during therapy, particularly in patients with baseline renal impairment.

Methods: Patients treated with telaprevir in a single healthcare network were retrospectively reviewed. Kidney function was determined at baseline, during therapy, and twelve weeks and twelve months after telaprevir discontinuation.

High frequency of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction after local corticosteroid injection in HIV-infected patients on protease inhibitor therapy.

Background: The frequency of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction among HIV-infected patients receiving steroid injections has not been reported, and the risk factors for this adverse event are poorly characterized.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from HIV-infected patients in the Partners HealthCare system (Boston, MA) who received corticosteroid injection(s) between 2002 and 2011. Chart review focused on HIV status, antiretroviral therapy [eg, protease inhibitors (PI)], steroid injection(s), and adrenal axis dysfunction (eg, adrenal insufficiency and/or Cushing syndrome).

Randomized controlled trial of a personalized cellular phone reminder system to enhance adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) represents one of the strongest predictors of progression to AIDS, yet it is difficult for most patients to sustain high levels of adherence. This study compares the efficacy of a personalized cell phone reminder system (ARemind) in enhancing adherence to ART versus a beeper. Twenty-three HIV-infected subjects on ART with self-reported adherence less than 85% were randomized to a cellular phone (CP) or beeper (BP).

Successful bosentan and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based therapy in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which can be a complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, is characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure and peripheral vascular resistance, subsequently leading to right heart failure. In HIV-infected patients, the management of PAH is challenging given the potential drug interactions between PAH-specific vasodilators and antiretroviral drugs. We describe a 51-year-old female with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-associated PAH.