First HAART in HIV-infected patients with high viral load: value of HIV RNA levels at 12 weeks to predict virologic outcome.

The aim of this study is to identify the role of incomplete suppression during the first months of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) to predict virologic failure in patients with high levels of HIV replication. In a retrospective, longitudinal, and multicenter study, response to HAART was assessed in treatment-naive adults with HIV RNA >100 000 copies/mL, and factors predicting failure were analyzed through regression analyses. A total of 118 patients were included.

Profile of patients triply infected with HIV and the hepatitis B and C viruses in the HAART era.

HIV-HCV-HBV-coinfected patients were assessed to characterize the viral interactions in the setting of HIV coinfection and in the HAART era. All positive anti-HCV antibody and HBs antigen-positive HIV-infected patients were identified at five HIV clinics. Antihepatitis delta (HDV) antibody, serum HIV RNA, HCV RNA, and HBV DNA quantification and genotype determinations were performed.

Neuraminidase inhibitors in patients with underlying airways disease.

Influenza virus infection accounts for significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures among persons worldwide. Approximately 20,000 to 40,000 people in the US die each year as a result of influenza. Individuals most susceptible to adverse outcomes include the elderly and those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, renal failure, malignancy, or immunosuppression.

Phase II placebo-controlled trial of fozivudine tidoxil for HIV infection: pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and efficacy.

Fozivudine tidoxil (FZD) is a thioether lipid-zidovudine (ZDV) conjugate with anti-HIV activity demonstrated in vitro and in pilot phase I studies. To assess its safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics, we conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of FZD monotherapy in 72 HIV-infected patients who had not previously received antiretroviral therapy. In each dosage group (200 mg daily, 400 mg daily, 200 mg twice daily, 800 mg daily, 400 mg twice daily, and 600 mg twice daily), 12 patients were randomized to receive in a 10:2 ratio either FZD or a placebo for 4 weeks.