A prospective evaluation of the feasibility and utility of additional tools to obtain information from recently diagnosed HIV infected patients.

Question Under Study: Can additional information be obtained from recently HIV diagnosed individuals?

Methods: A 1-year prospective Swiss study, including all newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients. Information on circumstances of HIV infection was collected through physician- and patient questionnaires and patient interviews. Information on timing of infection was linked with an HIV-antibody avidity assay.

Assessment of recent HIV-1 infection by a line immunoassay for HIV-1/2 confirmation.

Background: Knowledge of the number of recent HIV infections is important for epidemiologic surveillance. Over the past decade approaches have been developed to estimate this number by testing HIV-seropositive specimens with assays that discriminate the lower concentration and avidity of HIV antibodies in early infection. We have investigated whether this "recency" information can also be gained from an HIV confirmatory assay.

The role of compartment penetration in PI-monotherapy: the Atazanavir-Ritonavir Monomaintenance (ATARITMO) Trial.

Objectives: To limit exposure to anti-HIV drugs and minimize risk of long-term side effects, studies have looked at the possibility of simplified maintenance strategies. Ritonavir-boosted protease-inhibitor (PI)-monotherapies are an attractive alternative, but limited compartmental penetration of PI remains a concern.

Design: Non-comparative 24-week pilot study.

The effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in preventing progressive radiographic joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based study.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 3 therapeutic strategies in preventing progressive joint damage, in a population-based cohort. The 3 strategies were infliximab with concomitant disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), etanercept with concomitant DMARDs, and etanercept alone.

Methods: We used sequential radiographs to assess all patients who were treated with infliximab or etanercept for >10 months.

Rheumatologists' opinions on the feasibility of a measurement feedback system in rheumatoid arthritis and the influence of motivation.

Objective: To assess rheumatologists' opinions about the feasibility of a measurement feedback system in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to analyse if motivational aspects play a role in assessing the value of the system and in determining the extent to which it is used.

Methods: A survey sample (n=105) was randomly selected from participants of a measurement feedback system. A survey questionnaire assessed opinions on system outcome, structures and processes, motivation and overall satisfaction.