OrganizedWisdom Health - HIV

Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction

Crdelucas — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:44:07 GMT

Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a test used to detect the H1N1 virus. It is also used to detect HIV, measles, mumps, and other RNA viruses. In April 2009, the FDA approved the use of the RT-PCR test to detect swine flu.

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Scientists Decode HIV Genome

Crdelucas — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 03:28:28 GMT

A team led by Dr. Kevin Weeks at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced a breakthrough in decoding the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genome. Previously, only twenty percent of the HIV genome was characterized. This finding may pave the way for further research in changing the current ribonucleic acid (RNA) strands in the development of new drugs to treat HIV.

Fast Facts:

The findings were released in the August 2009 issue of the journal Nature.
HIV genome is large and contains two strands of approximately 10,000 nucleotides.
Approximately 39.4 million individuals worldwide have been diagnosed with HIV.

Visit http://organizedwisdom.com/Scientists_Decode_HIV_Genome

Bronchiectasis Signs and Symptoms

Mindy6197 — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:30:08 GMT

The most common signs and symptoms associated with bronchiectasis include chest pain, shortness of breath, clubbing (thickening of the flesh under the toenails and fingernails), daily production of large amounts of sputum, and coughing which may last for months or years. More serious symptoms may include coughing up blood (with or without mucus) and fatigue. Children with bronchiectasis may also lose weight or suffer from delayed growth.

Fast Facts:

Patients who develop severe cases of bronchiectasis may develop respiratory failure, atelectasis, and heart failure.
Bronchiectasis is most commonly seen in children; however, the condition can affect patients of all ages.
Bronchiectasis can be diagnosed through a physical examination, x-ray, CT scan, and pulmonary function tests.

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Rilpivirine Overdose

Crdelucas — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:23:21 GMT

A Rilpivirine overdose can occur if more than the prescribed amounts of medication are ingested. Currently, no clinical information is available on the side effects of taking too much Rilpivirine. A prolongation of the QTc interval increased at higher doses of this medication. It is a second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used to treat HIV.

Fast Facts:

Rilpivirine is the brand name for the drug TMC278.
Rilpivirine has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HIV treatment.
This medication is being used in combination with protease inhibitors (PIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).

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Rilpivirine and Pregnancy

Crdelucas — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:20:31 GMT

During clinical trials, Rilpivirine has shown no teratogenic effects. It is a second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used to treat HIV. Currently, it is still unknown whether this medication will affect fetal development. Consult a health care professional prior to administration.

Fast Facts:

Rilpivirine is the brand name for the drug TMC278.
It is unknown whether Rilpivirine passes into the breast milk. Mothers who are diagnosed with HIV should refrain from breastfeeding to prevent passing infection to the nursing infant.
Rilpivirine has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for HIV treatment.
Trials are estimated to be completed in January 2011.

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Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura

TaraSal — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:12:55 GMT

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) is a rare blood disorder. It causes blood clots to develop in small blood vessels throughout the body. This condition is often genetic; however, it can also be caused by bone marrow transplantation, cancer, chemotherapy, HIV infection, hormone replacement therapy and estrogens, and medications such as ticlopidine, clopidogrel, and cyclosporine A.

Fast Facts:

Fortunately, TTP is a rare condition.
Initial signs and symptoms may include nonspecific complaints like fever, fatigue, joint pain, confusion, jaundice, and easy bruising or bleeding.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura generally comes on quickly and can last for months.
If left untreated, it can be fatal or cause brain damage or stroke.
Treatment for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura involves plasma therapy to remove the abnormal antibody from the blood and replace the missing enzyme.

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Morphine Uses

Mindy6197 — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 01:43:57 GMT

Morphine is most commonly prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain associated with myocardial infarction, trauma, sickle-cell disease, surgical procedures, back pain, kidney stones, and certain cancers. It may also be used to treat severe coughing, dyspnea, and chronic diarrhea in patients with AIDS. Morphine is sold under several brand names such as Roxanol, Avinza, and Oramorph SR.

Fast Facts:

Morphine was first marketed in 1817.
Some common side effects associated with the use of morphine include constipation, insomnia, and dizziness.
Morphine is available as a controlled release tablet, sustained release tablet, and injection forms.

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Peginterferon Alfa-2a

Sanbear — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:19:54 GMT

Peginterferon alfa-2a is a synthetic (man made) version of interferon, a protein that helps the body fight viruses. It is used to treat patients infected with hepatitis B and C. It is sometimes used in patients who have liver disease. Peginterferon alfa-2a is also used with people who have HIV and are clinically stable.

Fast Facts:

Common side effects include: upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, heartburn, dry mouth, hair loss, sweating, dizziness, weight loss and diarrhea.
It is very important that all medical testing and physician's visits be kept while using this medication.
Peginterferon alfa-2a is sold under brand name Pegasys

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Glucophage Uses

Sanbear — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:18:41 GMT

Glucophage is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in those 10 years and older. Off label uses include the treatment of gestational diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and HIV lipodystrophy. Glucophage is less likely to cause low blood sugar than most diabetes medications.

Fast Facts:

Glucophage is the brand name for the drug metformin.
Glucophage side effects may include diarrhea, headache, nausea, and heartburn.
Glucophage may interact with certain decongestants, calcium channel blockers, and estrogen.

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Rilpivirine Side Effects

Tbingel — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:24:17 GMT

The most common Rilpivirine side effects are nausea, and vertigo. Less common Rilpivirine side effects include difficulty with concentration, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, and rash. Higher doses of Rilpivirine were found to disturb the heart’s rhythm, a syndrome called QT-prolongation.

Fast Facts:

Seek immediate medical attention if the side effects become life threatening.
The low dose (25mg) in development is being studied to help those who have a heart rhythm side effect.
Rilpivirine is an experimental non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) under development in the treatment of HIV.
Rilpivirine is the brand name for the drug TMC278.

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