HIV AIDS

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Abstract: Rhinosinusitis affects millions of persons annually and has a marked impact on quality of life and work productivity. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is characterized by symptoms that last at least 12 weeks. The history and physical examination should include a search for underlying conditions, such as allergic or nonallergic rhinitis and nasal polyposis. An evaluation of underlying immunodeficiency is warranted in certain patients, particularly those with severe or difficult-to-treat disease or other recurrent infections. When radiologic evaluation is indicated, coronal sinus CT scanning is the procedure of choice. While antibiotics are indicated for bacte- rial rhinosinusitis, intranasal corticosteroids represent the mainstay of treatment for CRS and are particularly useful when polyp disease is present. Nasal irrigation with a saline solution can be a very beneficial adjunctive therapy. Depending on coexisting conditions, additional treatments may include antihistamines, leukotriene modifiers, and immunotherapy. (J Respir Dis. 2006;27(9):372-379)

TORONTO -- The bleak early days of the AIDS crisis, when clinicians were grabbing at straws, provided lessons for today, said researchers who reviewed the history of the epidemic -- now in its 25th year -- at the 16th International AIDS Conference here.

TORONTO -- The target of most HIV therapy is the virus itself, but researchers said here that another approach -- blocking cells' entry points and locking the virus out -- is also starting to show promise.

TORONTO -- An investigational pediatric version of a recently approved HIV drug is safe and well-tolerated at two different doses and appears to be effective, researchers said here.

TORONTO -- The transmission of drug-resistant HIV appears to be stabilizing, at least in Europe, but about 9% of newly infected HIV patients still carry a virus that carries resistance mutations to one of the three main classes of anti-retroviral medications.

TORONTO -- HIV patients are 18 times more likely than the general population to become infected with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and the rate appears to be increasing.

TORONTO -- Increased cholesterol and triglycerides in HIV-infected children being treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) can be markedly reduced by switching regimens, researchers reported here.

TORONTO -- Even in HIV-infected patients who have tried and failed several drug regimens, the goal should still be to reduce the virus to undetectable levels, according to guidelines presented here.

TORONTO -- This Special Report from Zach Wise, a contributing videographer for MedPage Today, provides a multimedia portrayal of the activities at the 16th Annual International AIDS Conference here.

GENEVA -- The notion of HIV-treatment interruption -- consigned not long ago to the ash heap of failed ideas -- should be revisited, said investigators here.

Abstract: A significant advance in CT imaging is the use of 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques. A 3D reconstruction, for example, permits a volumetric evaluation of the contours of the airways and displays areas of stricture, or narrowing, more effectively than do routine axial images. External 3D rendering, also called CT bronchography, helps reveal complex airway abnormalities and improves the detection of subtle airway stenoses. Although it is primarily an investigational tool, internal 3D rendering (virtual bronchoscopy) has several potential applications, including assessing airway stenoses, guiding transbronchial biopsy procedures, and screening for lung cancer. Multiplanar reformation imaging methods can aid in the assessment of airway stenoses, airway stents, tracheomalacia, and extrinsic airway compression. A review of multiplanar images can also aid in the planning of stent placement or surgery. (J Respir Dis. 2006;27(8):348-352)