Medical News HIV May Cause Dangerous Blood ClotsNovember 3, 2008 Patients who interrupt HIV treatment have a higher risk of blood clots and other problems with blood vessels, even if they are relatively healthy, according to a recently published international study. Researchers analyzed plasma samples from an earlier study that enrolled 5,472 HIV patients for either continuous antiretroviral treatment or episodic treatment based on CD4 count. That study was halted in 2006 because patients who interrupted treatment were far more likely to die early from conditions unrelated to AIDS. James Neaton of the University of Minnesota and colleagues compared 85 patients who died early to 170 matched controls who survived. Among those who died during the study, researchers found higher levels of three biomarkers linked to inflammation: C-reactive protein, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and D-dimer. Inflammation generally is linked with cancer, many heart conditions and possibly diabetes, and other research has shown HIV affects the lining of the blood vessels and may increase blood clot risk. The researchers said it might be possible to treat this inflammation with new medications. The study, "Inflammatory and Coagulation Biomarkers and Mortality in Patients with HIV Infection," was published in Public Library of Science Medicine (2008;5(10):e203). Reuters 10.21.2008 This article was provided by CDC National Prevention Information Network. It is a part of the publication CDC HIV/Hepatitis/STD/TB Prevention News Update.
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