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Huynh E, Chronopoulos A, Schutz JS, Claus B, Erwemi M, Krastel H, Hattenbach L. Frosted branch angiitis as an immune recovery response in newly diagnosed acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and systemic cytomegalovirus infection. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e6895. [PMID: 36762146 PMCID: PMC9896155 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Frosted branch angiitis (FBA) is an uncommon form of severe retinal perivasculitis associated with systemic inflammatory/infectious diseases. In this report, we describe a case of FBA and macular edema as a result of immune recovery response in a patient newly diagnosed with HIV infection and cytomegalovirus viremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Huynh
- Department of OphthalmologyLudwigshafen HospitalLudwigshafen am RheinGermany
| | | | - James Scott Schutz
- Department of OphthalmologyLudwigshafen HospitalLudwigshafen am RheinGermany
| | - Bernd Claus
- Department of Internal Medicine ALudwigshafen HospitalLudwigshafen am RheinGermany
| | - Marwa Erwemi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty MannheimRuprecht‐Karls‐University HeidelbergMannheimGermany
| | - Hermann Krastel
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty MannheimRuprecht‐Karls‐University HeidelbergMannheimGermany
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Ribeiro I, Batel Marques F, Mendes D, Alves C. A Systematic Review of Economic Studies Evaluating Ophthalmic Drugs: An Analysis of the Health-state Utilities. Ophthalmic Epidemiol 2020; 27:325-338. [PMID: 32691652 DOI: 10.1080/09286586.2020.1792938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To characterize the techniques used to derive health-state utilities (HSU) in the cost-utility studies (CUS) of ophthalmic drugs. METHODS A systematic review was conducted in Pubmed/Embase until October 2019. CUS evaluating ophthalmic drugs were included. Therapeutic area, technique to derive HSU and sources of HSU were extracted. It was assessed if the HSU and the other parameters of CUS were collected from the same population. The techniques to derive HSU used in the CUS were compared to the techniques recommended by the country-specific economic evaluation guidelines. RESULTS Seventy CUS were included. Forty-three (61.4%) used direct techniques to derive HSU, 19 (27.1%) used indirect, 1 (1.4%) used direct and indirect and the remaining (n = 7; 10.0%) used other or unknown techniques. Twelve (17.1%) CUS collected the HSU and the other parameters from the same population: nine (12.9%) retrieved utility data from experimental studies, two (2.9%) from observational and one (1.4%) from other sources. Forty-eight (68.6%) CUS collected the HSU and the other parameters from different populations: eight (11.4%) retrieved utility data from experimental studies, 33 (47.1%) from observational, one (1.4%) from both experimental and observational and six (8.6%) from other sources. It was not possible to identify the population from whom data were obtained in 10 (14.3%) CUS. Eleven (15.7%) CUS followed the recommendations of guidelines, 21 (30.0%) did not follow and for 38 (54.3%), it was not possible to assess. CONCLUSION Choosing different techniques to derive HSU may result in different results, which can preclude the comparison between cost-utility studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Ribeiro
- AIBILI - Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, CHAD - Centre for Health Technology Assessment and Drug Research , Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Batel Marques
- AIBILI - Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, CHAD - Centre for Health Technology Assessment and Drug Research , Coimbra, Portugal.,Laboratory of Social Pharmacy and Public Health, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Diogo Mendes
- AIBILI - Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, CHAD - Centre for Health Technology Assessment and Drug Research , Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos Alves
- AIBILI - Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image, CHAD - Centre for Health Technology Assessment and Drug Research , Coimbra, Portugal.,Laboratory of Social Pharmacy and Public Health, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra , Coimbra, Portugal
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Simpson KN, Pei PP, Möller J, Baran RW, Dietz B, Woodward W, Migliaccio-Walle K, Caro JJ. Lopinavir/ritonavir versus darunavir plus ritonavir for HIV infection: a cost-effectiveness analysis for the United States. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2013; 31:427-444. [PMID: 23620210 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-013-0048-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ARTEMIS trial compared first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) with lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) to darunavir plus ritonavir (DRV + RTV) for HIV-1-infected subjects. In order to fully assess the implications of this study, economic modelling extrapolating over a longer term is required. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to simulate the course of HIV and its management, including the multiple factors known to be of importance in ART. METHODS A comprehensive discrete event simulation was created to represent, as realistically as possible, ART management and HIV outcomes. The model was focused on patients for whom clinicians believed that LPV/r or DRV + RTV were good options as a first regimen. Prognosis was determined by the impact of initial treatment on baseline CD4+ T-cell count and viral load, adherence, virological suppression/failure/rebound, acquired resistance mutations, and ensuing treatment changes. Inputs were taken from trial data (ARTEMIS), literature and, where necessary, stated assumptions. Clinical measures included AIDS events, side effects, time on sequential therapies, cardiovascular events, and expected life-years lost as a result of HIV infection. The model underwent face, technical and partial predictive validation. Treatment-naive individuals similar to those in the ARTEMIS trial were modelled over a lifetime, and outcomes with first-line DRV + RTV were compared with those with LPV/r, both paired with tenofovir and emtricitabine. Up to three regimen changes were permitted. Drug prices were based on wholesale acquisition cost. Outcomes were lifetime healthcare costs (in 2011 US dollars) from the US healthcare system perspective and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) (discounted at 3 % per annum). RESULTS Choice of LPV/r over DRV + RTV as initial ART resulted in nearly identical clinical outcomes, but distinctly different economic consequences. Starting with an LPV/r regimen potentially results in approximately US$25,000 discounted lifetime savings. Accumulated QALYs for LPV/r and DRV + RTV were 12.130 and 12.083, respectively (a 19-day difference). In sensitivity analyses, net monetary benefit ranged from US$12,000 to US$31,000, favouring LPV/r (base case US$27,762). CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive simulation of lifetime course of HIV in the USA indicated that using LPV/r as first-line therapy compared with DRV + RTV may result in cost savings, with similar clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kit N Simpson
- Department of Health Leadership and Management, College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, 151B Rutledge Ave., Room 412, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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Hornberger J, Holodniy M, Robertus K, Winnike M, Gibson E, Verhulst E. A Systematic Review of Cost-Utility Analyses in HIV/AIDS: Implications for Public Policy. Med Decis Making 2007; 27:789-821. [DOI: 10.1177/0272989x07306112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Objectives . To determine whether gaps exist in published cost-utility analyses as measured by their coverage of topics addressed in current HIV guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Design . A systematic review of US-based cost-effectiveness analyses of HIV/AIDS prevention and management strategies, based on original, published research. Methods . Predefined criteria were used to identify all analyses pertaining to prevention and management of HIV/AIDS; information was collected on type of strategy, patient demographics, study perspective, quality of the study, effectiveness measures, costs, and cost-effectiveness ratios. Results . One hundred and six studies were identified; 62 described strategies for averting new HIV infections, and 44 dealt with managing persons who are HIV positive. The quality of studies was generally high, but gaps were found in all studies. Especially common were omissions in reporting data abstraction methodology and discussions of direction and magnitude of potential biases. Among the 22 most highly rated papers (score of 90 or higher), only 1 was cited in the guidelines, and 3 papers reported on interventions that were superseded by newer approaches. Using a $100,000 threshold, the guidelines usually endorsed interventions found to be cost-effective. Exceptions included recommending postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for populations in which PEP is unlikely to be cost-effective and not recommending primary resistance testing in treatment-naive persons, although the intervention was reported to have a cost-effectiveness ratio of less than $50,000. Conclusions . Despite an abundant literature on the cost-utility of HIV/AIDS-targeted strategies, guidelines cite relatively few of these papers, and gaps exist regarding assessments of some strategies and special populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Hornberger
- The SPHERE Institute/Acumen, LLC, Burlingame, California, Department of Veterans Affairs, Palo Alto, California, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California,
| | - Mark Holodniy
- AIDS Research Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, Division of Infectious Diseases & Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, Veterans Health Administration, Public Health Strategic Health Care Group, Washington, DC
| | | | | | - Erin Gibson
- The SPHERE Institute/Acumen, LLC, Burlingame, California
| | - Eric Verhulst
- The SPHERE Institute/Acumen, LLC, Burlingame, California
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Kanwal F, Farid M, Martin P, Chen G, Gralnek IM, Dulai GS, Spiegel BMR. Treatment alternatives for hepatitis B cirrhosis: a cost-effectiveness analysis. Am J Gastroenterol 2006; 101:2076-89. [PMID: 16968510 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2006.00769.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients with cirrhosis are at risk for developing costly, morbid, or mortal events, and therefore need highly effective therapies. Lamivudine is effective but is limited by viral resistance. In contrast, adefovir and entecavir have lower viral resistance, but are more expensive. The most cost-effective approach is uncertain. METHODS We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of six strategies in HBV cirrhosis: (1) No HBV treatment ("do nothing"), (2) lamivudine monotherapy, (3) adefovir monotherapy, (4) lamivudine with crossover to adefovir on resistance ("adefovir salvage"), (5) entecavir monotherapy, or (6) lamivudine with crossover to entecavir on resistance ("entecavir salvage"). The primary outcome was the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. RESULTS The "do nothing" strategy was least effective yet least expensive. Compared with "do nothing," using adefovir cost an incremental US dollars 19,731. Entecavir was more effective yet more expensive than adefovir, and cost an incremental US dollars 25,626 per QALY gained versus adefovir. Selecting between entecavir versus adefovir was highly dependent on the third-party payer's "willingess-to-pay" (e.g., 45% and 60% of patients fall within budget if willing-to-pay US dollars 10K and US dollars 50K per QALY gained for entecavir, respectively). Both lamivudine monotherapy and the "salvage" strategies were not cost-effective. However, between the two salvage strategies, "adefovir salvage" was more effective and less expensive than "entecavir salvage." CONCLUSION Both entecavir and adefovir are cost-effective in patients with HBV cirrhosis. Choosing between adefovir and entecavir is highly dependent on available budgets. In patients with HBV cirrhosis with previous lamivudine resistance, "adefovir salvage" appears more effective and less expensive than "entecavir salvage."
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Affiliation(s)
- Fasiha Kanwal
- Division of Gastroenterology, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California 90073, USA
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Chong CAKY, Tomlinson G, Chodirker L, Figdor N, Uster M, Naglie G, Krahn MD. An unadjusted NNT was a moderately good predictor of health benefit. J Clin Epidemiol 2006; 59:224-33. [PMID: 16488352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2005.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2005] [Revised: 07/06/2005] [Accepted: 08/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Whether the number needed to treat (NNT) is sufficiently precise to use in clinical practice remains unclear. We compared unadjusted NNTs to quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained, a more comprehensive measures of health benefit. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING From a subset (n = 65) of a dataset of 228 cost-effectiveness analyses, we compared how well NNTs predicted clinically important QALY gains using correlation analysis, multivariable models and receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis. RESULTS NNT was inversely correlated with QALY gains (P < .001); this relationship was affected by quality of life and life-expectancy gains of treatment (P <or= .04). The NNT is a moderately accurate predictor of treatments that provide large health benefits (area under ROC 0.74-0.81). For ruling out therapies with low QALY gains (threshold <or=0.125 to <or=0.5 QALYs), an NNT >15 had a sensitivity of 82% to 100%. For ruling in therapies with high QALY gains (threshold >or=0.125 to >or=0.5 QALYs), an NNT <or=5 had a specificity of 77%. CONCLUSION Using NNT thresholds of <or=5 and >15 to rule in and out therapies with large QALY gains may provide general guidance regarding the magnitude of health benefit.
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Abstract
The ganciclovir implant is a sustained-release intraocular drug delivery system used to treat cytomegalovirus retinitis that provides a high and steady-state concentration of the drug in the vitreous cavity over a period of 7-8 months. Randomized, controlled clinical trials have demonstrated a superior efficacy of the implant compared with intravenous ganciclovir. Severe adverse events associated with the implant are uncommon, though potentially blinding. In addition, the implant provides no protection against second-eye or visceral cytomegalovirus retinitis infections. This review summarizes the clinical indications for and complications associated with the ganciclovir implant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Chang
- The Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Abstract
Health care economic analyses are becoming increasingly important in the evaluation of health care interventions, including many within ophthalmology. Encompassed with the realm of health care economic studies are cost-benefit analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-minimization analysis, and cost-utility analysis. Cost-utility analysis is the most sophisticated form of economic analysis and typically incorporates utility values. Utility values measure the preference for a health state and range from 0.0 (death) to 1.0 (perfect health). When the change in utility measures conferred by a health care intervention is multiplied by the duration of the benefit, the number of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained from the intervention is ascertained. This methodology incorporates both the improvement in quality of life and/or length of life, or the value, occurring as a result of the intervention. This improvement in value can then be amalgamated with discounted costs to yield expenditures per quality-adjusted life-year ($/QALY) gained. $/QALY gained is a measure that allows a comparison of the patient-perceived value of virtually all health care interventions for the dollars expended. A review of the literature on health care economic analyses, with particular emphasis on cost-utility analysis, is included in the present review. It is anticipated that cost-utility analysis will play a major role in health care within the coming decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Brown
- The Center for Value-Based Medicine, Suite 210, 1107 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA 19031, USA
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Hughes DA, Bagust A, Haycox A, Walley T. The impact of non-compliance on the cost-effectiveness of pharmaceuticals: a review of the literature. HEALTH ECONOMICS 2001; 10:601-615. [PMID: 11747044 DOI: 10.1002/hec.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Non-compliance with drug therapies not only limits their effectiveness, but in some instances, is associated with grave clinical sequelae and substantial economic burden. It is important, therefore, to consider non-compliance in economic evaluations. A review of pharmacoeconomic evaluations, which have applied sensitivity analysis to non-compliance rates, was undertaken to evaluate the impact of non-compliance on the cost-effectiveness of different drug therapies. Although 22 evaluations satisfied the inclusion criteria, additional information was obtained from the authors of most studies, as the published details were inadequate. The majority of evaluations assumed altered effectiveness owing to reduced compliance in the absence of supportive clinical evidence. Because of the disparity in the nature of the outcomes, the measures of non-compliance and the time horizon of the studies evaluated, it was not possible to compare the magnitude of the impact of non-compliance among different drug-disease combinations. However, it was evident that non-compliance always results in a reduction in efficacy, but its impact on costs varied substantially. The importance of incorporating measures of compliance is highlighted, as failing to account for 'real world' compliance rates in pharmacoeconomic evaluations may lead to selection of sub-optimal treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Hughes
- Prescribing Research Group, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK.
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Paltiel AD, Goldie SJ, Losina E, Weinstein MC, Seage GR, Kimmel AD, Zhang H, Freedberg KA. Preevaluation of clinical trial data: the case of preemptive cytomegalovirus therapy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus. Clin Infect Dis 2001; 32:783-93. [PMID: 11229847 DOI: 10.1086/319223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2000] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a mathematical simulation model to anticipate outcomes from an upcoming trial of targeted, preemptive cytomegalovirus (CMV) therapy in high-risk, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients identified by means of CMV polymerase chain reaction screening. We estimated the costs and consequences of CMV prophylaxis in patients with CD4(+) counts < or =100 cells/microL under various assumptions regarding disease progression, complication rates, drug effects, and costs. Without CMV preemptive therapy, lifetime costs average $44,600 with expected duration of survival of 19.16 quality-adjusted life-months and 213 CMV cases per 1000 patients. Targeted preemptive therapy with orally administered valganciclovir increases costs and duration of survival to $46,900 and 19.63 quality-adjusted life-months, respectively. CMV cases decrease to 174 per 1000 patients. The cost per quality-adjusted life-year gained is $59,000. This result compares favorably with other strategies in end-stage HIV disease but hinges on valganciclovir cost and efficacy assumptions and the absence of minimally effective salvage antiretroviral therapy for HIV. The upcoming trial should resolve the clinical uncertainty surrounding some of these assumptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Paltiel
- Dept. of Epidemiology and Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA.
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Kempen JH, Frick KD, Jabs DA. Incremental cost effectiveness of prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus disease in patients with AIDS. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2001; 19:1199-1208. [PMID: 11772155 DOI: 10.2165/00019053-200119120-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease, an opportunistic complication in patients with AIDS, causes substantial morbidity and has high treatment costs. Although prevention of this disease is highly desirable, incremental cost-effectiveness estimates for proposed prophylactic strategies in the era prior to the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were unfavourable relative to other specific antimicrobial prophylactic strategies in patients with AIDS. With the availability of HAART, several inputs upon which previous estimates of the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for anti-CMV prophylaxis were based probably changed substantially. To assess the incremental cost effectiveness of prophylaxis in the HAART era, data are needed on visual outcomes and utility for patients with CMV retinitis and AIDS, on better strategies for identifying subpopulations at high risk for CMV disease and on the prophylactic efficacy of valganciclovir. Cost-effectiveness analysis could potentially contribute by exploring thresholds of population risk, prophylactic effectiveness, and drug pricing in order to identify conditions under which prophylaxis for CMV disease in patients with AIDS could potentially become cost effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Kempen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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Hoshino Y, Nagata Y, Taguchi H, Masunaga A, Fujino Y, Mochizuki M, Nakamura T, Iwamoto A. Role of the cytomegalovirus (CMV)-antigenemia assay as a predictive and follow-up detection tool for CMV disease in AIDS patients. Microbiol Immunol 2000; 43:959-65. [PMID: 10585142 DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.1999.tb03356.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Forty-two patients were evaluated to determine the value of the CMV antigenemia (CMV-Ag) test as a follow-up marker as well as a prediction marker of CMV disease. Twenty patients were positive for at least one positive CMV-Ag assay and 9 of them developed CMV retinitis. With the threshold value (10 positive cells), sensitivity was 56% and specificity was 94%. The CMV-Ag assay, with the threshold value, produced high specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value but relatively poor sensitivity. Eight patients experienced CMV disease relapse a total of 16 times. At relapse, 8 of the 16 times showed negative for CMV-Ag assay; 7 underwent systemic maintenance while 1 underwent local maintenance. It is inferred that the CMV-Ag test is a poor follow-up marker to detect the relapse of CMV disease, particularly in patients undergoing systemic maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Hoshino
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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Grzywacz M, Deayton J, Bowen E, Wilson P, Emery V, Johnson M, Griffiths P. Response of asymptomatic cytomegalovirus viraemia to oral ganciclovir 3 g/day or 6 g/day in HIV-infected patients. J Med Virol 1999. [DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9071(199911)59:3<323::aid-jmv11>3.0.co;2-p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
The acceptance of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among patients and health care providers has had a dramatic impact on the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of many opportunistic infections associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Previously intractable opportunistic infections and syndromes are now far less common. In addition, effective antibiotic prophylactic therapies have had a profound impact on the risk of patients developing particular infections and on the incidence of these infections overall. Most notable among these are Pneumocystis carinii, disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis. Nevertheless, infections continue to cause significant morbidity and mortality among patients who are infected with HIV. The role of HAART in many clinical situations is unquestioned. Compelling data from clinical trials support the use of these therapies during pregnancy to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV. HAART is also recommended for health care workers who have had a "significant" exposure to the blood of an HIV-infected patient. Both of these situations are discussed in detail in this article. In addition, although more controversial, increasing evidence supports the use of HAART during the acute HIV seroconversion syndrome. An "immune reconstitution syndrome" has been newly described for patients in the early phases of treatment with HAART who develop tuberculosis, M avium complex, and cytomegalovirus disease. Accumulating data support the use of hydroxyurea, an agent with a long history in the field of myeloproliferative disorders, for the treatment of HIV. Newer agents, particularly abacavir and adefovir dipivoxil, are available through expanded access protocols, and their roles are being defined and clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Horowitz
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, USA
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