Reduction in the weight, gained due to dolutegravir, following switch to bictegravir.

Background: HIV-infected individuals can live with the virus for decades, and the physicians have to review the long-term health implications of weight gain as they would for any other patient. Although the integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) class of drugs are one of the most popular regimens used for rapid reduction and maintenance in HIV cases, the weight gain resulting from their use is concerning. The use of dolutegravir (DTG) an INSTI is observed to have a weight gain in people living with HIV.

Real-World, Non-Interventional, Observational Study of Hydroxyzine Hydrochloride in Chronic Pruritus: a Prospective, Non-Comparative Study.

Introduction: Although hydroxyzine is widely used for symptom relief in pruritus, its clinical safety and efficacy data in the Indian setting are scarce. We conducted a study to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of hydroxyzine in the management of Indian patients with chronic pruritus in a real-world setting.

Methods: This was a prospective, observational, patient-reported outcomes (PRO) study in patients with chronic pruritus due to dermatological causes treated with hydroxyzine as per the clinician's discretion for a period of up to 12 weeks.

Lymphoma in HIV patients: Varied presentations.

Although lymphomas have been reported in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, it has rarely been reported from the Indian subcontinent. We present three human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients (two adults and one child) who had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - plasmablastic variety, Hodgkin's lymphoma - nodular sclerosis type II and B cell lymphoma, respectively.

Physician estimate of antiretroviral adherence in India: poor correlation with patient self-report and viral load.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is critical in maintaining viral suppression and minimizing resistance in HIV-infected patients. We compared physician estimates of their patients' ART adherence with participant's self-reported adherence to determine patient-provider agreement and identify correlates of discordance in three private clinics in Mumbai, India. Between December 2004 and April 2005, 277 persons receiving ART at three private clinics in Mumbai, India, were interviewed regarding adherence to ART using the Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group questionnaire.

One-, two-, and three-class resistance among HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral therapy in private care clinics: Mumbai, India.

HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy (ART) in India are not all adequately virally suppressed. We analyzed ARV drug resistance in adults receiving ART in three private clinics in Mumbai, India. HIV viral load was measured in 200 patients with the Roche AMPLICOR HIV-1 Monitor Test, v1.

Efficacy and tolerability of sertaconazole nitrate 2% cream vs. miconazole in patients with cutaneous dermatophytosis.

Sertaconazole is a new antifungal agent. To compare the efficacy and tolerability of sertaconazole and miconazole cream in cutaneous dermatophytosis, this prospective, randomized, multicentric comparative, phase 4 study was undertaken in 260 patients with cutaneous dermatophytosis after approvals from Institutional Ethics Committees. Patients were assigned to sertaconazole cream (2%) or miconazole cream (2%) topically twice daily for 2 weeks after obtaining informed consent.

HIV-2 amino acid substitutions in Gag and Env proteins occurring simultaneously with viral load upsurge in a drug-naïve patient.

It has been reported that the peptides of human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) most frequently recognized by cytotoxic T lymphocytes are firstly in Gag and secondly in Env proteins. In the present case study, we attempted to observe amino acid substitutions in Gag and Env proteins and related parameters possibly associated with an increase in HIV-2 load. A sudden, eightfold, increase in HIV-2 load occurred in a drug-naïve patient with human leukocyte antigen-B*5801 during the last phase of a longitudinal observation period from months 29 to 40.

Aloe vera: a short review.

Aloe vera is a natural product that is now a day frequently used in the field of cosmetology. Though there are various indications for its use, controlled trials are needed to determine its real efficacy. The aloe vera plant, its properties, mechanism of action and clinical uses are briefly reviewed in this article.

A clinical and mycological study of onychomycosis in HIV infection.

Background: Onychomycosis is one of the early manifestations of HIV infection with a prevalence of 15-40%. Multiple nail involvement, isolation of both common and rare species and resistance to treatment are the characteristics of onychomycosis in HIV.

Aim: To study the epidemiology, clinical manifestations of onychomycosis in HIV-infected individuals and to identify the various causative fungi microbiologically.

Evaluation of the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Tacrolimus ointment in Indian patients of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis: a multicentric, open label, phase III study.

Aim Of Study: Tacrolimus, a topical immunomodulator, has been introduced as a new treatment for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Tacrolimus ointment in patients of atopic dermatitis in an Indian setting.

Methods: The present study was a prospective, open, multicentric, Phase III trial.

An open study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tazarotene gel (0.1%) in acne vulgaris.

Background: Tazarotene is a new third generation topical acetylenic retinoid. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tazarotene gel (0.1%) in Indian patients of acne vulgaris.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and virologic suppression among HIV-infected persons receiving care in private clinics in Mumbai, India.

Background: Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and correlates of adherence and virologic suppression among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons receiving ART in private, outpatient clinics in India is unknown.

Methods: Between December 2004 and April 2005, persons receiving ART at 3 private clinics in Mumbai, India, were interviewed regarding HIV care and adherence to ART. Physicians also completed a survey for each participant.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected adults attending private and public clinics in India.

India has approximately 5.2 million persons infected with HIV. Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) is being widely introduced in public clinics, many HIV-infected persons still seek care via the private sector.

Improving adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV infection into a treatable, chronic condition. However, the need to continue treatment for decades rather than years, calls for a long-term perspective of ART. Adherence to the regimen is essential for successful treatment and sustained viral control.