ABSTRACT
Acute human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is characterized by high levels of immune activation. Immunomodulation with cyclosporine combined with antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the setting of acute and early HIV-1 infection has been reported to result in enhanced immune reconstitution. Fifty-four individuals with acute and early infection were randomized to receive ART with 4 weeks of cyclosporine versus ART alone. In 48 subjects who completed the study, there were no significant differences between treatment arms in levels of proviral DNA or CD4(+) T cell counts. Adjunctive therapy with cyclosporine in this setting does not provide apparent virologic or immunologic benefit.
Subject(s)
Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use , Cyclosporine/therapeutic use , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use , Adult , Anti-HIV Agents/administration & dosage , Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active , CD4 Lymphocyte Count , Cyclosporine/administration & dosage , Drug Therapy, Combination , Female , HIV-1/drug effects , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage , Male , Viral Load/drug effectsABSTRACT
Value conflicts can be a source of ethical stress for social workers in health care settings. That stress, unless mediated by the availability of ethical resource services, can lead to social workers' dissatisfaction with their positions and careers, and possibly result in needed professionals leaving the field. This study explored social workers' experiences in dealing with ethical issues in health care settings. Findings showed the inter-relationship between selected individual and organizational factors and overall ethical stress, the ability to take moral actions, the impact of ethical stress on job satisfaction, and the intent to leave position.
Subject(s)
Health Services Administration/ethics , Job Satisfaction , Morals , Social Work/ethics , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Occupational Health , Organizational Culture , Social Work/organization & administration , Socioeconomic Factors , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
We have seen many advances in treatment modalities for patients infected with HIV. Trying to improve the immune system of our patients is one of them. An interesting treatment being investigated for this purpose is the use of interleukin-2. Interleukin-2 has been used in many clinical trials and is being used in ongoing trials. The successes/limitations of these trials have given us much information. Is immune reconstitution aided by the use of interleukin-2?