 |
|
UT Southwestern researchers refocus studies on patients with HIV, hepatitis
October 12, 2006As HIV patients live longer thanks to advanced therapies, researchers are looking for better ways to treat accompanying maladies such as hepatitis that traditionally were not emphasized.
"People are living longer with HIV now, but then we see people developing complications from liver disease due to hepatitis," said Dr. Mamta Jain, assistant professor of internal medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. "Before we had effective HIV therapy, there was no interest in treating hepatitis C because the thought was the patient would die of AIDS. Well, they're not dying of AIDS, so we are making an effort to try to treat more patients for hepatitis C."
Other diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular cancers, progress faster in co-infected HIV and hepatitis patients. As a result, health-care providers are trying to intervene as early as possible, said Dr. Jain, who specializes in infectious diseases.
Dr. Jain oversees a co-infection clinic at Parkland Memorial Hospital where patients are evaluated for hepatitis and HIV and can participate in clinical trials. Generally, co-infection rates range from 10 percent to 33 percent of HIV patients. Rates run at about 25 percent at the clinic in Parkland, which is the teaching hospital for UT Southwestern.
UT Southwestern has several ongoing clinical trials for which doctors are recruiting potential patients. The latest study involves whether giving hepatitis C, or HCV, medications early on during HIV disease speeds recovery or improves hepatitis therapies.
"We are trying to determine whether we can improve the response to hepatitis treatment with interferon and ribavirin therapy in co-infected patients if we give them these HIV medications early on," Dr. Jain said. "It may change how we treat hepatitis C or it may change how we treat HIV because it may suggest that we treat HIV earlier."
Some HIV therapies designed to slow the HIV infection can also slow the spread of the hepatitis B virus, or HBV.
Dr. Jain recently completed a study showing little difference between treating HIV/HBV co-infected patients with a single drug as compared to giving two drugs that are used for both conditions - lamivudine and tenofovir.
But the research also hinted at possible evidence that the strain, or genotype, of the hepatitis B virus infecting a patient may indicate which therapies will work better on that individual. The genotype is the genetic code of the virus, and there are eight different genotypes of HBV. The most common genotype in the United States is genotype A, which the study noted responded better to therapy.
"Patients infected with non-A genotypes didn't seem to respond as well to therapy," Dr. Jain said.
Further studies will be needed to determine whether genotype truly is a reliable indicator, she said.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dr. Jain oversees a co-infection clinic at Parkland Memorial Hospital where patients are evaluated for hepatitis and HIV and can participate in clinical trials. Generally, co-infection rates range from 10 percent to 33 percent of HIV patients. Rates run at about 25 percent at the clinic in Parkland, which is the teaching hospital for UT Southwestern.
UT Southwestern has several ongoing clinical trials for which doctors are recruiting potential patients. The latest study involves whether giving hepatitis C, or HCV, medications early on during HIV disease speeds recovery or improves hepatitis therapies.
"We are trying to determine whether we can improve the response to hepatitis treatment with interferon and ribavirin therapy in co-infected patients if we give them these HIV medications early on," Dr. Jain said. "It may change how we treat hepatitis C or it may change how we treat HIV because it may suggest that we treat HIV earlier."
Some HIV therapies designed to slow the HIV infection can also slow the spread of the hepatitis B virus, or HBV.
Dr. Jain recently completed a study showing little difference between treating HIV/HBV co-infected patients with a single drug as compared to giving two drugs that are used for both conditions - lamivudine and tenofovir.
But the research also hinted at possible evidence that the strain, or genotype, of the hepatitis B virus infecting a patient may indicate which therapies will work better on that individual. The genotype is the genetic code of the virus, and there are eight different genotypes of HBV. The most common genotype in the United States is genotype A, which the study noted responded better to therapy.
"Patients infected with non-A genotypes didn't seem to respond as well to therapy," Dr. Jain said.
Further studies will be needed to determine whether genotype truly is a reliable indicator, she said.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Hepatitis Current Events and Hepatitis News RSSToward explaining why hepatitis B hits men harder than women
Scientists in China are reporting discovery of unusual liver proteins, found only in males, that may help explain the long-standing mystery of why the hepatitis B virus (HBV) sexually discriminates -- hitting men harder than women.
Largest-ever database for liver proteins may lead to treatments for hepatitis
Scientists at a group of 11 research centers in China are reporting for the first time assembly of the largest-ever collection of data about the proteins produced by genes in a single human organ.
Mount Sinai finds those with more difficult to treat forms of HCV are half as likely to get treated
A new study by Mount Sinai researchers has for the first time found that patients with more difficult to treat forms of hepatitis C are half as likely to initiate treatment for the disease, when compared to patients with hepatitis C that is easier to treat.
Extending treatment after liver transplant may benefit patients with hepatitis C recurrence
Extending hepatitis C treatment for liver transplant patients beyond current practice results in high rates of clearance of the hepatitis C virus from the blood, as well as a low rate of relapse, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study.
Hepatitis B does not increase risk for pancreatic cancer
A Henry Ford Hospital study found that hepatitis B does not increase the risk for pancreatic cancer - and that only age is a contributing factor.
Governor recognizes stem cell research at Einstein
Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University hosted a roundtable discussion on stem cell research with New York Governor David A. Paterson today.
Liver cells grown from patients' skin cells
Scientists at The Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee have successfully produced liver cells from patients' skin cells opening the possibility of treating a wide range of diseases that affect liver function.
Injury and hazards in home health care nursing are a growing concern
Patients continue to enter home healthcare ''sicker and quicker," often with complex health problems that may require extensive nursing care.
Medication effective for acute liver failure in early stages of disease
The antidote for acute liver failure caused by acetaminophen poisoning also can treat acute liver failure due to most other causes if given before severe injury occurs, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers and their colleagues at 21 other institutions have found.
New aging studies improving vaccine efficacy for the elderly
A new study from the Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake, New York, demonstrates that immune system cells important for both pathogen resistance and vaccine efficacy live longer in older animals but because of this longevity acquire functional defects.
More Hepatitis Current Events and Hepatitis News Articles
 |
Dr. Melissa Palmer's Guide To Hepatitis and Liver Disease by Melissa Palmer (Author) In the United States alone, more than four million people are infected with the hepatitis C virus, and chronic liver disease is the twelfth leading cause of death. In this revised and updated edition of her groundbreaking 2000 book, renowned hepatologist Dr. Melissa Palmer discusses all facets of liver disease, from symptoms and tests to treatment options and lifestyle changes. In addition, this comprehensive handbook reveals cutting-edge research on the dangers of hepatitis C, one of the world's fasting-growing microbial threats. |
 |
Living With Hepatitis C For Dummies by Nina L. Paul (Author), Gina Pollichino (Foreword) A comprehensive, empathetic guide for anyone suffering from this serious liver disease Approximately 4 million Americans and 170 million people worldwide suffer from hepatitis C, a viral liver disease that is treatable but not curable. It accounts for more than 40 percent of U.S. liver disease deaths–about 8,000 to 10,000 people annually–and is the most common reason for liver transplantation. This compassionate guide explains how hepatitis C affects the liver and the body and provides solid advice on today’s treatment options–from drugs (and their side effects) to transplants and alternative therapies–as well as tips on dealing with the emotional and financial burdens the disease brings with it. Nina L Paul, PhD (New York, NY) earned her doctorate in infectious... |
 |
HEPATITIS GIANT MICROBE by Giant Microbes HAV is spread primarily by unsanitary food and water ? HBV is transmitted in bodily fluids and can cause chronic liver disease ? HCV is perhaps the most dangerous: no vaccine is available ? HDV occurs only in the presence of HBV ? HEV is relatively mild and non-chronic ? HFV and HGV are newly identified; their connection with liver disease is debated |
 |
Understanding Hepatitis C Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Hepatitis C is a blood born disease affecting over 5 million Americans. Dangerously, most people infected aren't even aware they've contracted it. On this program, Infectious Disease Specialists discuss the latest scientific & clinical data including treatment options and their side effects. We visit with real people who for years were unaware they were carrying the virus, found out, sought proper treatment and now live virus free. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Home Access Hepatitis C Check 1 ea by Home Access At-Home Telemedicine Test Service for Hepatitis C*. Confidentia |
|
Aids & Hepatitis Digest by Ccm International Ltd Provides information to Air Force comptroller personell relating to mission accomplishment, to assist them in solving problems and improving efficiency of operation and to communicate new developments and techniques | |
 |
The Hepatitis C Help Book, Revised Edition: A Groundbreaking Treatment Program Combining Western and Eastern Medicine for Maximum Wellness and Healing by Misha Ruth Cohen O.M.D. L. Ac. (Author), Robert Gish (Author), Kalia Doner (Author) A fully updated and revised edition of an important health guide, including the latest information on optimum interferon protocol. Hepatitis C has been called "the emergent and preeminent public-health problem of the twenty-first century--surpassing HIV." It has also been dubbed "The Shadow Epidemic," because it is one of the most clandestine of viruses and infects healthy people who have no idea they are being attacked by something they can't even detect. Now, the two experts on Hepatitis C who teamed up to write the first comprehensive guide to orthodox and alternative treatment options have revised and fully updated the book to include recent findings in the field. Along with programs for self-care, nutritional and fitness plans and a comprehensive Western and Chinese medical... |
 |
Balanceuticals Blood Circulator Dietary Supplement Capsules, 500 mg, 60-Count Bottle by Balanceuticals Dietary Supplement. 100% Natural. Made under Supervision by China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Made of medicinal rhubarb, prepared rehmannia root, common peony root, peach seed, bitter apricot seed, licorice root, scute, dun fly, gadfly, leech, June beetle, this time-honored formula is used in Chinese medicine to promote micro-circulation, increase blood flow to heart muscles, open and clear arteries, inhibit intestinal adhesion, soothe the liver, remove stasis and maintain healthy blood circulation and regular menses. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
 |
Understanding Hepatitis Anatomical Chart Laminated (In Stock)-9992PL1.5 by Anatomical Chart Company Defines viral hepatitis and the types of hepatic viruses that cause this disease: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, and recently discovered viruses G and TTV (Transfusion Transmitted Virus). Talks about modes of tranmission and illustrated the complications of hepatitis. Illustrates the anatomy of the liver, pancreas and surrounding structures, including veins and arteries. Shows 3 liver biopsies: normal, mild hepatitis and moderate. Lists the signs and symptoms which progress by stages. |
 |
Hepatitis C Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Hepatitis C Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Hepatitis C Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Hepatitis C Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |