October 21, 2008

Inflammation, Coagulation Tied to Non-AIDS Deaths in HIV Cases

TUESDAY, Oct. 21 (HealthDay News) -- An increased risk of death from diseases other than AIDS has possibly been tied to a therapy designed to help HIV-positive people, a new study says.

The results, stemming from an international study published in PLoS Medicine, found that patients receiving either of two methods of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV had increased risk of death from conditions such as cardiovascular complications linked to three biomarkers: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and D-dimer.

"The magnitude of the association between these biomarkers and mortality is clinically relevant and reasons for it require further study," the researchers from the University of Minnesota concluded.

The international study, carried out by the International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials, was stopped early given the non-AIDS deaths of patients in the trial.

Still, the researchers noted the relatively few deaths among participants using one ART method -- the continuous treatment which aims for viral suppression -- meant the biomarker results should be confirmed in other studies. This is because the development of therapies that reduce overactive inflammation and coagulation linked to HIV infection could end up increasing the life expectancy of those with HIV.

More information

The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about HIV and AIDS.

-- Kevin McKeever
SOURCE: PLoS Medicine, news release, Oct. 20, 2008
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