Growth hormone deficiency and human immunodeficiency virus.

Treatment with highly active antiretroviral drugs (HAART) is associated with several endocrine and metabolic comorbidities. Pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion seems to be altered in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and about one-third of patients have biochemical GH deficiency (GHD). We undertake a historical review of the functioning of the GH/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) axis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and provide an overview of the main changes of the GH/IGF-1 axis occurring today in patients with HIV.

Low levels of physical activity in Sudanese individuals with some features of metabolic syndrome: Population based study.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of physical activity among Sudanese population.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study composed of 323 participants from Khartoum state, Sudan. Data collected using pretested designed questionnaire based on previously validated Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.

The relationship between diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy in Sudanese adult with diabetes: population based study.

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy is responsible for nearly third of the world cases of end stage renal disease; it becomes a major public health problem with social and economic burden. The aim of this study is to explore if there is an association between retinopathy and nephropathy.

Material And Methods: In a cross sectional hospital based study a total of 316 individuals with diabetes were recruited from Makkah eye complex retina clinic.

Emphysema Distribution and Diffusion Capacity Predict Emphysema Progression in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema are common amongst patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We sought to determine the clinical factors that are associated with emphysema progression in HIV.

Methods: 345 HIV-infected patients enrolled in an outpatient HIV metabolic clinic with ≥2 chest computed tomography scans made up the study cohort.

Impact of polypharmacy on antiretroviral prescription in people living with HIV.

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between polypharmacy and ART, delivered as conventional multi-tablet three-drug regimens, single-tablet regimens or less-drug regimens (simplified mono or dual regimens).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of electronic data from the prospective Modena HIV Metabolic Clinic Cohort Study. We included the last clinical observation for each patient from January 2006 to December 2015.

Pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion is partially rescued in HIV-infected patients with GH deficiency (GHD) compared to hypopituitary patients.

Biochemical growth hormone deficiency is prevalent among human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, but if this condition is clinically relevant remains challenging. The aim is to prospectively compare the growth hormone deficiency/insulin-like growth factor-1 status of 71 human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with impaired growth hormone response to growth hormone releasing hormone + Arginine with that of 65 hypopituitary patients affected by a true growth hormone deficiency secondary to pituitary disease. The main outcomes were: basal serum growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, growth hormone peak and area under the curve after growth hormone response to growth hormone releasing hormone + Arginine test, body mass index, waist and hip circumference, and body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.

Lung and Heart Diseases Are Better Predicted by Pack-Years than by Smoking Status or Duration of Smoking Cessation in HIV Patients.

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the relationship of pack-years smoking and time since smoking cessation with risk of lung and heart disease.

Methods: We investigated the history of lung and heart disease in 903 HIV-infected patients who had undergone thoracic computed tomography (CT) imaging stratified by smoking history. Multimorbidity lung and heart disease (MLHD) was defined as the presence of ≥ 2 clinical or subclinical lung abnormalities and at least one heart abnormality.

Increased mortality after a first myocardial infarction in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients; a nested cohort study.

Aims: HIV infection may be associated with an increased recurrence rate of myocardial infarction. Our aim was to determine whether HIV infection is a risk factor for worse outcomes in patients with coronaray artery disease.

Methods: We compared data aggregated from two ongoing cohorts: (i) the Acute Myocardial Infarction in Switzerland (AMIS) registry, which includes patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and (ii) the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS), a prospective registry of HIV-positive (HIV+) patients.

The effects of dietary intervention on HIV dyslipidaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Efficacy of dietary intervention for treatment and prevention of HIV-related lipid disturbances has not been well established.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases supplemented with manual searches and conference abstracts, without language restriction. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with blood lipid outcomes, involving dietary intervention or supplementation for the treatment or prevention of adult HIV dyslipidaemia, versus no or other intervention were included.

Long-term efficacy and safety of polyacrylamide hydrogel injection in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-related facial lipoatrophy: a 5-year follow-up.

Background: Facial lipoatrophy, a human immunodeficiency virus-related wasting of the facial soft tissues, can compromise patients' quality of life. Injection of different materials in the cheeks can improve this condition. Concern regarding potential long-term complications of nonbiodegradable fillers remains.

Comparison of three different interventions for the correction of HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy: a prospective study.

Objective: To compare autologous fat transfer (AFT), injections of reabsorbable [polylactic acid (PLA)] and non-reabsorbable [polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG)] filler materials for the treatment of HIV-related facial lipoatrophy.

Design And Methods: Eligible individuals with enough residual subcutaneous fat in the abdomen or in the dorso-cervical region were offered AFT surgery. Other individuals were blindly assigned to two different surgical teams, who administered a set of PLA or PAAG injections every 4 weeks.