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Ask the Experts about Managing Side Effects of HIV Treatment
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my previous question re taking Prednisolone. My doctor seems to think that it will raise my CD4 levels and told me that they used steriods in the old days to increase CD4 levels. Is he wrong?
Also, could you please tell me why i am at risk of TB?
And lastly, can a short course of 8 weeks of steriods effect bone density in this time?
Thanking you in advance.
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Response from Dr. Henry
The CD4 response to steroid use in my experience is variable-I more often see a decrease. There can be some bone problems (also slight increase risk for aseptic necrosis of hip) after a short course but overall risk is low (calcium + vitamin D supplements often recommended). TB risk is for reactivation in some patients who are latently infected (such as positive skin test but no history of treatment). KH
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