A randomized controlled trial of single-class maintenance therapy with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine after standard triple antiretroviral induction therapy: final 96-week results from the FREE study.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to test the antiviral efficacy of a triple nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) regimen, with potential beneficial metabolic effects, as maintenance therapy after induction with dual NRTIs and a boosted protease inhibitor (PI).

Methods: An open-label, noninferiority study was carried out. Antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve patients with CD4 count ≤ 350 cells/μL and HIV-1 RNA >30000 copies/mL (n=207) were treated with zidovudine/lamivudine and lopinavir/ritonavir.

Abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine maintenance after standard induction in antiretroviral therapy-naïve patients: FREE randomized trial interim results.

Maintenance with a triple nucleoside reverse transcriptase Inhibitor (NRTI) regimen after successful induction with a dual NRTI/protease inhibitor (PI) combination may be advantageous, because of low pill burden, favorable lipids, and less drug interactions. This strategy to become free of PI-related problems without losing viral efficacy has not been formally tested. We performed a randomized, open-label, multicenter, 96-week comparative study in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve patients with CD4 View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Prophylactic gastrostomy placement and early tube feeding may limit loss of weight during chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer, a preliminary study.

Objectives: Most patients with advanced head and neck cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy need tube feeding for at least some weeks. For these periods gastrostomy tubes have advantages over nasogastric tubes. Tube feeding may start earlier and thus loss of weight may be limited if the gastrostomy tube already is in place.

Adherence to HAART therapy measured by electronic monitoring in newly diagnosed HIV patients in Botswana.

Aims: This pilot study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of electronic adherence monitoring of antiretroviral medications in HIV patients who recently started Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART) in Francistown, Botswana and to compare this with self-reporting.

Methods: Dosing histories were compiled electronically using Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) monitors to evaluate adherence to prescribed therapies. Thirty patients enrolled in the antiretroviral treatment program were monitored over 6 weeks.