[Trends in infective endocarditis in a medium-sized University Hospital in Italy: analysis of 232 cases].

The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 232 cases of infective endocarditis (IE), admitted to the Clinica delle Malattie Infettive of Perugia Italy from 1973 to 2012. The analysis was retrospective until 2004. After this year, all the consecutive IE cases were included by utilizing the same prospective observational protocol of the Italian Study on Endocarditis (SEI).

Potential anti-inflammatory effects of maraviroc in HIV-positive patients: a pilot study of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and coagulation markers.

Persistent immune activation and chronic inflammation significantly contribute to non-AIDS morbidity in HIV-infected patients. The HIV inhibitor maraviroc (MVC) targets the cellular chemokine CCR5 HIV co-receptor, which is involved in important inflammatory pathways. MVC could have significant anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects, also reducing immune activation.

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rate of hypertension in HIV-infected patients: the HIV-HY study.

Background: We aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension in an unselected human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population and to identify factors associated with hypertension prevalence, treatment, and control.

Methods: We used a multicenter, cross-sectional, nationwide study that sampled 1,182 unselected, consecutive, HIV-infected patients. Office blood pressure was accurately measured with standard procedures.

Stroke in a Patient with Tuberculous Meningitis and HIV Infection.

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a devastating disease. TBM occurs more commonly in HIV infected patients. The influence of HIV co-infection on clinical manifestations and outcome of TBM is not well defined.

Hypophosphatemic Osteomalacia Associated with Tenofovir: a Multidisciplinary Approach is Required.

Tenofovir is widely used as first-line treatment of HIV infection, although its use is sometimes complicated by a reversible proximal renal tubulopathy.We report the case of a 45-year-old woman with chronic HIV infection and personality disorder, who after 12 months of tenofovir, complained of fatigue, diffuse bone pain and gait disturbances. The elevated level of alkaline phosphatase, hypophosphatemia and inappropriate phosphaturia suggested the diagnosis of hypophosphatemic osteomalacia secondary to proximal renal tubulopathy.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus replication due to cytotoxic therapy: a five-year prospective study.

Background And Aims: In hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers receiving chemotherapy, the risk of reactivation is high, particularly if rituximab is given alone or in combination with steroids. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, prevalence, and clinical course of HBV infection in a cohort of patients with hematological malignancies receiving cytotoxic therapy as well as to propose a strategy for managing HBV reactivation.

Methods: This is a prospective observational study.