Updated Guidelines Highlight Primary Care Needs of Those Living With HIVAugust 14, 2009Updated Guidelines Highlight Primary Care Needs of Those Living With HIV Arlington, Va.-With HIV patients living longer thanks to advances in treatment, the primary care needs of those living with HIV have never been more important. Updated, evidence-based guidelines from the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) are designed to help providers manage the care of those living with this complex chronic infection. "While improvements in antiretroviral therapy have improved the prognosis for many HIV patients, data from recent studies suggest those living with HIV are at higher risk for developing common health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, or cancer," said Judith A. Aberg, MD, FIDSA, lead author of the new guidelines, which appear in the Sept. 1 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases and are available online. "Now more than ever, it's imperative that HIV care providers be aware of the primary care needs of their patients, and that includes routine screening for these kinds of conditions." Developed by an expert panel, the updated, evidence-based guidelines outline recommended screening tests for common health problems in the context of HIV infection. Information about recommended immunizations, along with dose and regimen details, is provided as well. Last updated in 2004, the guidelines also emphasize the importance of patients adhering to a comprehensive program of care rather than focusing solely on a medication regimen. "For people living with HIV, it's not just about adherence to medication, it's also about adherence to care," said Dr. Aberg, director of virology at New York University School of Medicine and Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City. "These patients must have access to a range of services to help them stay engaged in their medical care and should receive the regular monitoring and medical attention this chronic infection demands." This approach complements a model of care-the medical home-that emphasizes a comprehensive, personalized, patient-centered approach coordinated by a team of health providers with specific roles. "Many HIV programs are effectively using the medical home model today to manage the complex needs of HIV patients," said Michael S. Saag, MD, FIDSA, HIVMA chair-elect. "This successful track record offers a valuable lesson, not only for HIV care but for all patients, as lawmakers finalize health care reforms." Infectious Diseases Society of America |
|||||||||||||||||||||
| Related HIV Current Events and HIV News Articles Many pregnant women avoid HIV screening in Africa 'Prevention is the best cure' is a common expression, but what happens if preventative measures are not used? A large proportion of pregnant Ugandan women are going out of their way not to be HIV tested, increasing the risk of mother-to-child transmission. An atomic-level look at an HIV accomplice Since the discovery in 2007 that a component of human semen called SEVI boosts infectivity of the virus that causes AIDS, researchers have been trying to learn more about SEVI and how it works, in hopes of thwarting its infection-promoting activity. New findings suggest strategy to help generate HIV-neutralizing antibodies New discoveries about anti-HIV antibodies may bring researchers a step closer to creating an effective HIV vaccine, according to a new paper co-authored by scientists at the Vaccine Research Center of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. Research calls for better assessment of tests for tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria A rapid and accurate diagnosis is the first step towards treatment in the fight against infectious disease. No-entry zones for AIDS virus The AIDS virus inserts its genetic material into the genome of the infected cell. Scientists of the German Cancer Research Center have now shown for the first time that the virus almost entirely spares particular sites in the human genetic material in this process. This finding may be useful for developing new, specific AIDS drugs. Hoping for a fluorescent basket case Although recent advances have raised hopes that a protective vaccine can be developed, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a major public health problem. Scientists explain binding action of 2 key HIV antibodies; could lead to new vaccine design A very close and detailed study of how the most robust antibodies work to block the HIV virus as it seeks entry into healthy cells has revealed a new direction for researchers hoping to design an effective vaccine. U.S. and European Experts Applaud Creation of New Transatlantic Task Force on Global Antibiotic Resistance Threat Experts on both sides of the Atlantic applaud President Barack Obama and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, representing the European Union (EU) Presidency, for establishing a transatlantic task force to address antibiotic resistance, an urgent and growing problem that threatens patient safety and public health worldwide. 1930s drug slows tumor growth Drugs sometimes have beneficial side effects. A glaucoma treatment causes luscious eyelashes. A blood pressure drug also aids those with a rare genetic disease. Indiana U. at APHA: Studies about why men and women use lubricants during sex An Indiana University study involving 2,453 women ages 18 to 68 found that lubricant use during sexual activity alone or with a partner contributed to higher ratings of pleasurable and satisfying sex. More HIV Current Events and HIV News Articles |
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||