Early antiretroviral therapy for HIV-infected patients admitted to an intensive care unit (EARTH-ICU): A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has reduced HIV-related morbidity and mortality at all stages of infection and reduced transmission of HIV. Currently, the immediate start of HAART is recommended for all HIV patients, regardless of the CD4 count. There are several concerns, however, about starting treatment in critically ill patients.

Pneumonia in the first 2 years of life, and asthma in preschool-age children.

Background: The relationship between viral bronchiolitis in early infancy and subsequent wheezing and asthma has been well established. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to test the hypothesis that pneumonia severe enough to require hospitalization during the first 2 years of life could also be associated with asthma or asthma-like symptoms in pre-school children.

Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with parents of children who were classified as exposed (n= 36) or non-exposed (n= 84), based on whether they were hospitalized with radiologically confirmed pneumonia during the first 2 years of life.