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PubMed2001

Bloodborne sexually transmitted infections in patients presenting for substance abuse treatment in Jamaica.

BACKGROUND: Substance use, including alcohol and illicit drugs, increases the risk for the acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted infection (STI). GOAL: To determine the prevalence of bloodborne STI including HIV, human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1, hepatitis B virus, and syphilis in residents of a detoxification and rehabilitation unit in Jamaica. STUDY DESIGN: The demographic characteristics and the results of laboratory investigations for STI in 301 substance abusers presenting during a 5-year period were reviewed. The laboratory results were compared with those of 131 blood donors. RESULTS: The substances used by participants were alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine. None of the clients was an IV drug user. Female substance abusers were at higher risk for STI. The prevalence of STI in substance abusers did not differ significantly from that in blood donors (12% versus 10%); however, the prevalence of syphilis in substance abusers was significantly higher than that in blood donors (6% versus 3%, P < 0.05). The prevalence of syphilis was dramatically increased in female substance abusers and female blood donors (30%, P < 0.001 and 13%, P < 0.05, respectively). An excess of human T-cell lymphotrophic virus type 1 was also observed in female compared with male substance abusers. Unemployment was identified also as a risk factor for sexually transmitted disease in substance abusers. CONCLUSION: The results endorsed the policy of screening detoxification clients for STI and indicate a need for gender-specific approaches to the control of substance abuse and STI in Jamaica.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

AIDS and the transition to illicit drug injection--results of a randomized trial prevention program.

Illicit drug injection is a major component of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, Europe and some developing countries. Prevention of illicit drug injection would not only reduce HIV transmission but would also reduce the other health, psychological and social problems associated with illicit drug injection. One hundred and four subjects who were using heroin intranasally ('sniffing') were recruited for a study of the transition to drug injection. Eligibility criteria included sniffing as the most frequent route of administration and no more than 60 injections in the past 2 years. All subjects received thorough basic information about AIDS, including HIV antibody test counseling. Subjects were then randomly assigned to a four-session social learning based AIDS/drug injection prevention program or a control condition. Eighty-three subjects were successfully followed at a mean time of 8.9 months. Twenty (24%) of the followed subjects reported injecting illicit drugs during the follow-up period. Drug injection during follow-up was associated with being in the control group, intensity of non-injected drug use, prior injection, and having close personal relationships with current intravenous (IV) drug users.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Knowledge of AIDS and HIV among various groups.

To date, no cure has been found for HIV/AIDS. Prevention has therefore been the immediate principal aim and a didactic approach has been given a primary role. Studies from the USA indicate that knowledge level may be dictated by membership of particular subcultural groups and the perceived relevance of HIV/AIDS to these groups. This study investigates knowledge among four groups: homosexual; single heterosexual; IV drug users; and a 'married' group. Results indicate some gaps in knowledge and a greater knowledge base among one of the high risk groups, the homosexual group.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2006

Reduction in liver-related hospital admissions and deaths in HIV-infected patients since the year 2002.

Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), complications of chronic liver disease (CLD) have emerged as one of the leading causes of hospital admission and death among HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. The impact of CLD on hospital admissions and deaths in HIV-infected patients attended at one reference HIV hospital in Madrid during the last 9 years was analysed. All clinical charts from January 1996 to December 2004 were retrospectively examined. Demographics, discharge diagnosis, complications during inhospital stay and causes of death were recorded. A total of 2527 hospital admissions in 2008 distinct HIV-infected persons were recorded. Overall, 84% were iv drug users; mean age was 37 years and the mean CD4 count was 224 cells/muL. Both mean age and CD4 count significantly increased during the study period (P < 0.01). Overall, 42% of hospitalized patients were on antiretroviral therapy. Decompensated CLD was the cause of admission and/or developed during hospitalization in 345 patients (14%). Admissions caused by decompensated CLD increased significantly from 9.1% (30/329) in 1996 to 26% (78/294) in 2002. A significant steady decline occurred since then, being 11% (29/253) in the year 2004. Similarly, inhospital liver-related deaths were 9% (5/54) in 1996, peaked to 59% (10/17) in 2001 and declined to 20% (3/15) in the year 2004. Chronic hepatitis C was responsible for admissions and/or deaths in 73.5% of CLD cases. In conclusion, the rate of liver-related hospital admissions and deaths among HIV-infected patients peaked in the year 2002 and has steadily declined since then. A slower progression to liver cirrhosis in patients on HAART, avoidance of hepatotoxic antiretroviral drugs and more frequent use of anti-HCV therapy in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients could account for this benefit.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal function in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men.

We prospectively studied adrenal function in 51 human immunodeficiency virus-positive male patients, including heterosexuals, homosexuals, and iv drug users, classified according to 1987 CDC criteria as belonging to stages II/III or IVC. Basal serum concentrations of cortisol (F), progesterone (P4) and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17 alpha-OHP4) were determined during the two stages. In stage IVC patients, the circadian rhythms of ACTH and F were assessed, and ovine CRH (oCRH) and immediate cosyntropin-stimulating tests were evaluated. Serum concentrations of hormones were analyzed in relationship to the absolute CD4 cell count in all subjects. The mean serum F concentration in stage IVC patients, the mean P4 concentration in stage II/III and IVC patients, and the mean 17 alpha-OHP4 level in stage II/III patients were significantly increased compared to control values (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001, and P < 0.002, respectively). The mean serum F concentration in stage IVC patients was significantly increased compared to that in stage II/III patients (P < 0.004), and the mean serum 17 alpha-OHP4 concentration in stage II/III patients was significantly increased compared to that in stage IVC patients (P < 0.02). In the 22 stage IVC patients, the circadian rhythms of ACTH and F were normal in all but 7 for ACTH and 5 for F, whereas oCRH test results indicated that 14 of them had reduced or blunted responses. By contrast, cosyntropin stimulation results were normal. CD4 cell counts were significantly negatively correlated with the serum F concentration (P < 0.02). In conclusion, during human immunodeficiency virus infection, the serum F concentration was negatively correlated with CD4 cell counts. Cosyntropin test results were normal, but 63% of the stage IVC men had abnormal responses to oCRH.

17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone↗
PubMed1993

IV drug use, dementia, and nursing home care for PWAs (persons with AIDS).

Despite the usual focus on daily costs, because PWAs have higher costs per day than other SNF residents, LOS and days of care are important cost indices. Data on LOS for 102 admissions and annual days of care for 90 PWAs show average 64-day LOS and 67 days of care. Regression analysis and survival analysis show dementias and IV drug use to mean longer LOS and more days of care. Higher PWA costs must be sustained over longer periods for PWAs with dementias and for IV drug users, who may claim increasing shares of the SNF care provided to PWAs.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1987

The role of substance abuse professionals in the AIDS epidemic.

The article examines the expanding role of drug abuse treatment professionals in the AIDs epidemic, including the utilization of predictive models to help focus prevention, intervention, and treatment efforts for IV drug users, who are the second largest at-risk group for HIV contagion after homosexual males, as well as adolescents. More specifically, the article addresses such issues as the needle-sharing ritual, the "teach and bleach" method of community-based outreach prevention, some of the cofactors involved in immunosuppression, the controversy surrounding drug maintenance programs and free needle distribution, safer-sex guidelines and sex education, HIV antibody testing and confidentiality. This article postulates that it is crucial for chemical dependency treatment programs to appraise themselves, on an ongoing basis, of both individual and organizational guidelines regarding AIDS and to develop AIDS and chemical dependency treatment components within their programs in order to keep drug abuse treatment itself from being compromised.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2005

Septic pulmonary embolism: presenting features and clinical course of 14 patients.

BACKGROUND: Septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) is an uncommon disorder with an insidious onset and is difficult to diagnose. STUDY OBJECTIVES: To characterize the presenting features and clinical course of patients with SPE. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary care, referral medical center. PATIENTS: Fourteen subjects with SPE diagnosed during a 6-year period between 1996 and 2002. INTERVENTIONS: None. RESULTS: The median age of these patients was 37.5 years (range, 14 to 81 years) and included five women. Presenting symptoms included fever (93%), dyspnea (36%), pleuritic chest pain (29%), cough (14%), and hemoptysis (7%). The median duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 18 days (range, 5 to 180 days). A potential source or underlying condition that predisposed to SPE was identified in all 14 patients and included Lemierre syndrome (4 patients), central venous catheter infection (3 patients), prosthetic cardiac valve (2 patients), and pacemaker infection (2 patients). Two patients had a focal extrapulmonary infection, and one patient was an IV drug user. Most common pathogens were staphylococcal species (eight patients) and fusobacterium (four patients). Chest radiographic presentation was usually nonspecific, but CT was more helpful and revealed multiple nodular opacities peripherally, often with cavitation. Transesophageal echocardiography was performed in eight patients and demonstrated infectious vegetations in four cases. Aside from antimicrobial therapy and removal of infected devices, the management of these patients included cardiac surgery (two patients), thoracoscopic surgery with decortication (one patient), and tube thoracostomy (one patient). All 14 patients recovered from their illness. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that SPE presents with variable and often nonspecific clinical and radiographic features. The diagnosis is usually suggested by the presence of a predisposing factor, febrile illness, and CT findings of multiple, nodular lung infiltrates peripherally, with or without cavitation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

MR appearances of the temporal evolution and resolution of infectious spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: We undertook this study to document the MR appearances of evolving or resolving infectious spondylitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out of all patients with infectious spondylitis who had undergone MR imaging from 1991-1993 at Boston University Hospital and Boston City Hospital Imaging Foundation. The study population consisted of 25 patients (seven females and 18 males). There was a bimodal age distribution with peaks at 34 and 59 years old (age range, 25-81 years old). The causative organism was isolated in 20. Sixteen had Staphylococcus aureus, two had mycobacterium tuberculosis, and two had gram-negative bacilli. Follow-up MR imaging was performed in 20. Nine had two studies, three had three, five had four, two had five, and one had six. The median length of follow-up was 8 weeks (range, 2-104 weeks). Follow-up MR appearances were correlated with clinical outcome. RESULTS: Early imaging revealed atypical appearances. Fourteen of 20 (70%) improved; the first sign of response to treatment was a reduction in the inflammatory soft tissue (8/14, 57%). Changes in the bones or discs concurrently progressed in six of eight patients (75%) including involvement of a new disc level in four (50%). A definitive sign of healing was a peripheral rim of high T1 signal in bone (5/14, 36%). Gadolinium enhancement persisted long after resolution of changes in the soft tissues, for up to a median of 17.5 weeks (range, 8-80 weeks). A subgroup of six IV drug users showed unique radiologic features. CONCLUSION: The early appearances of infectious spondylitis may be atypical. Resolution of soft-tissue change and fat deposition in the bone marrow are reliable signs of healing. Bone or disc changes can progress despite clinical improvement. Gadolinium enhancement can increase and persist after symptom resolution.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed1991

There's no quick fix for AIDS.

The epidemiology of AIDS reflects interactions among biological, psychological and social factors. The immune response to the infectious agent is relatively ineffectual; the course of the disease it produces is chronic. The long interval between HIV infection and the appearance of clinical disease maximizes "silent" transmission. The infection is transmitted behaviourally; that is, primarily via specific sexual acts and contaminated paraphernalia employed by IV drug users. The virus entered human populations in an era when such behaviours had become very much more prevalent in response to social change. The public health response to the epidemic was seriously compromised by the stigma attached to the persons victimized by the disease; thus, the mobilization of adequate resources was markedly delayed. Irrational fears of contamination led to proposals for mandatory population-wide screening, in utter disregard of the high false to true positive ratio in screening tests when prevalence is low. Welcome as a vaccine to prevent HIV infection would be, it is not likely to be available, if it can be produced at all, before the end of the century. Control of the epidemic demands that stigma be vigorously combated and that all groups of the population be educated about ways to minimize the likelihood of becoming infected and of transmitting the virus.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

The functioning of individuals on a drug abuse treatment waiting list.

Using structured interviews and the SCL-90R, study was made of the behaviors of 29 applicants to a residential treatment program for cocaine abuse who had been placed on the program's waiting list for periods ranging from 1 to 6 months. It was hypothesized that applicants waiting treatment for 3 months or less (N = 16) would be more likely to view themselves as treatment candidates and would show behaviors different from those waiting 4-6 months (N = 13). Being on the waiting list a longer period was associated with greater evidence of criminal justice involvement, but with few other differences. Nearly half the total sample (48.3%) reported having significantly reduced drug use in association with their applying for treatment, but most applicants (58.6%) were pessimistic about their long-term capacity to remain free of drug-related difficulty. The pattern of SCL-90R scores for all subjects suggested significant psychiatric symptoms, including depression. Nonetheless, a majority of all applicants (51.7%) reported themselves as having become less interested in entering treatment. Nearly all applicants reported high levels of encouragement for their decision to enter treatment from persons with whom they were living and about half reported encouragement from friends. Of the 23 applicants who were IV drug users, 10 (41.7%) reported knowing someone who had contracted AIDS, 87.0% reported having changed behaviors--chiefly needle sharing--to reduce the risk of infection, and 69.6% reported having obtained HIV testing. The difficulty encountered in locating a random sample of applicants suggests the problem of maintaining a useful waiting list for treatment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

HIV and the older adult taking the necessary precautions.

1. With the awareness that the population of older adults with whom nurses and other health-care workers come in contact may indeed be HIV infected, the need for universal precautions becomes imperative in all health-care settings. 2. The subpopulations of older adults in which HIV infection is most likely to be concentrated are the same as those for any other age group; ie, homosexual and bisexual men, IV drug users and their partners, people who have received blood products, and sexual partners of people who are HIV infected. 3. It is important for nurses to recognize that older adults may be manifesting the signs of symptoms of AIDS; for example, some people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease may actually have AIDS-related dementia. 4. Gerontological nurses need to be the initiators of implementing universal precautions in their health-care settings.

Aged↗
PubMed1983

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS, is an unexplained severe disturbance of the cell-mediated immune system that renders victims susceptible to a group of otherwise-rare diseases and infections, chiefly Kaposi's sarcoma and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. AIDS has been the object of intensive research since mid-1981 when the syndrome was first described by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The victims fall into four main group: homosexually-active males, IV drug users, Haitians, and hemophiliacs. The CDC has noted a doubling of AIDS cases every six months, with the current count--as of June 27, 1983--being 1,676, and the overall mortality rate 39%. The outbreak is most severe in New York City, with the remainder concentrated primarily in other major American cities. Cases have also been reported in 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. At present there are no specific diagnostic tests (diagnosis is primarily clinical), and there is still no specific treatment.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1999

[Do general practitioners want to manage chronic hepatitis C and take part in hepatitis C health networks? A national survey].

OBJECTIVES: To assess information that general practitioners had on hepatitis C and on the hepatitis C network in hospitals and private practice. METHODOLOGY: A national telephone survey of 604 general practitioners was conducted between March 18 and 23, 1998. RESULTS: Screening and management of hepatitis C was important for 89% and 97% of general practitioners. Screening was performed in relation to the relative risk (IV drug users 89%, blood transfusion before 1991 88%). General practitioners wanted more information on treatment (54%), patient counselling (42%) and the potential risks of the disease (42%). Of 604 general practitioners, 6% were involved in a hepatitis C network, while 21% were involved in another network (drug users 9%, AIDS 8%). Of the 94% general practitioners who were not part of the network, 33% were willing to join a hepatitis C network. Only 56% were aware of a hepatitis C network (press article 30%, mailing 17% or local meeting 12%). The difficulties for the involvement of general practitioners were: lack of time, topics not adapted to daily practice and geographic constraints (74%), too few patients in their practice (52%), no need (38%), the idea itself of a network and lack of information (28%). CONCLUSION: General practitioners screen patients at risk of hepatitis C. They want to be better informed about treatment, patient counselling, and the potential risks of hepatitis C. They are less involved in hepatitis C networks than in other networks (drug, AIDS). However, one third of general practitioners would like to be involved in a hepatitis C network. These results could be useful for implementing post-graduate courses and general practitioner training.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Calculation of HIV Infection Rates and Projection of the Number of Cases of AIDS in São Paulo, Brazil Using a Backcalculation Method.

Reconstruction of HIV infection rates and a projection of the number of AIDS cases in the City of São Paulo were determined using a backcalculation method. AIDS cases reported to the Centro de Vigilância Epidemiolóica, the State Surveillance Department in São Paulo were adjusted for reporting delays through 1993 using a non-parametric delay distribution. The incubation period distribution was derived from a multicenter cohort study in the United States and modelled in two stages: infection to CD4(+) 200/mm(3) and CD4(+) 200/mm(3) to AIDS diagnosis. After 1990, a factor reflecting the influence of treatment on the incubation distribution was used. Estimates were generated for the following risk cathegories: homosexual/bisexual men, heterosexuals, and IV drug users (IDU). HIV infection rates peaked at approximately 10,000 new infections annually in the mid-1980s, followed by a tendency to stabilize around 4,000 new annual infections in the early 1990s. HIV infection curves varied among risk cathegories with a decrease in infections in homosexual and bisexual men, but a continuous rise in incidence rates estimated for heterosexuals. By projecting AIDS incidence rates a slight upward trend was seen with approximately 4,600 new cases expected in 1997. It is notable that over 4,400 cases would be expected in 1997, even if no new HIV infections occurred. Backcalculation methods are expected to be useful for evaluating changes in infection and disease in various risk groups, and the effects of therapy.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Musculoskeletal manifestations in patients positive for human immunodeficiency virus: correlation with CD4 count.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between the CD4+ lymphocyte count and musculoskeletal manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. METHODS: All patients from 1991 to 1998 who were positive for HIV with osteoarticular manifestations were reviewed retrospectively. HIV positivity was confirmed by ELISA and Western blot. CD4 count was performed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: We studied 74 patients with osteoarticular manifestations. The study group comprised 61 men (82.4%) and 13 women (17.5%) with a mean age of 34.2 years (range 17-62). Fifty-two patients were iv drug users (70.3%). Septic arthritis was present in 20 cases (23.0%), soft tissue infections in 9 cases (12.2%), spondyloarthropathies in 6 cases (8.1%), lymphomas in 9 cases (12.2%), osteomyelitis in 6 (8.1%), and 24 miscellaneous cases (32.4%). The mean CD4 count was as follows: septic arthritis 164.7 cells/mm3, soft tissue involvement 127.1 cells/mm3, spondyloarthropathies 245.8 cells/mm3, lymphoma 132.8 cells/mm3, and osteomyelitis 233.6 cells/mm3. CONCLUSION: Osteoarticular manifestations in the setting of HIV infection tend to be predominantly infectious. S. aureus is the microorganism most frequently involved. Ostearticular infections always appeared when the CD4 count was < 200 and pyomyositis and lymphoma appeared when CD4 was < 150. CD4 counts may be useful predictors to determine the type of musculoskeletal manifestation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The stigmatization of AIDS in infants and children in the United States.

Many studies examining AIDS issues have detailed the policy implications of negative attitudes toward homosexuals, intravenous (IV) drug users, and the inner-city poor; however, none have specifically examined whether existing biases and prejudicial fears expressed toward HIV-infected adults also affect political responses to infants and children with AIDS. In this research, a survey was conducted among lobbyists to determine whether such prejudicial attitudes exist in the national policymaking arena when pediatric AIDS issues are considered. The data supports the hypothesis that policymakers legislate based on a prevailing moral code when considering AIDS treatment and education policies for children. Conversely, the moral codes appear to be absent from legislative considerations of other children's issues.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Infants born to HIV infected mothers.

Eighty infants born to HIV-infected mothers were studied prospectively at Children's Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand from February 1989 to June 1991. The risk factors for acquisition of HIV infection were analyzed in 33 mothers (41.25%) including a history of being sex workers and having husbands who had extramarital sexual contact (22.5% each), having other sexually transmitted diseases (20.0%) and being IV drug users (6.25%). All infants appeared clinically normal without congenital anomaly, 22.5% (18 of 80) were of low birth weight with 91.43% (64 of 70) positive for HIV-antibody at birth. On follow up 56.25% (9 of 16) seroreversed during age 6 to 15 months, whereas 5 infants who were HIV-Ab negative at birth remained Ab negative on follow up for up to 15 months. One of 49 infants who attended the follow up clinic had been suffering from recurrent diarrhea, failure to thrive and encephalopathy since 9 months old; she weighed 6.7 kg at 15 months of age and remained positive for HIV-Ab.

Age Factors↗