Search

To determine the recent trends in AIDS-defining cancers in Western Europe, we analyzed the June 2002 European Non-Aggregate AIDS Data Set. We obtained the percentage of people with AIDS aged 15 years or older (n = 125,691; males, 99,560, females, 26,131) who had cancers as the initial AIDS-defining illness in 17 European countries. Overall, from 1994 through 2001, declines were noted in the number of people with AIDS (25,324 to 8929), the proportion of people with AIDS who were homosexual/bisexuals (38.8% to 26.6%) or intravenous drug users (male, 41.7% to 34.8%; female, 50.2% to 26.4%). Among males, between 1994 and 2001, the percentage with any AIDS-defining, cancers declined (14.4% to 13.1%, p for trend = 0.091) because of a decline in Kaposi's sarcoma (KS; 10.7% to 7.9%) mostly among homosexual/bisexual men (22.7% to 18.8%) (p for trends < 0.05). Between 1994 and 2001, the percentage of males with all types of lymphomas increased (3.8% to 5.2%, p for trend = 0.012). Among females, AIDS-defining cancers increased (7.3% to 8.5%) due to increase in lymphomas (all types, 2.6% to 4.0%) (p for trend = 0.05). Cervical cancer remained the most common cancer among females, the percentage of which declined between 1994 and 2001 (2.8% to 2.0%, p for trend = 0.37) mostly among women who were 15 to 29 years old, most of whom acquired HIV heterosexually. In summary, declines were noted for the two leading AIDS-defining cancers at initial AIDS diagnosis among certain population groups. KS declined among men who had sexually transmitted HIV infection. Cervical cancer declined among young females and heterosexuals.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is an important and common AIDS-related neoplasm. AIDS-related NHL can be defined by its anatomic distribution as systemic (nodal and extra-nodal masses), primary central nervous system, and occasionally body cavity-based lymphomas (BCBL). Radiologic imaging plays an important role in differentiating the varied appearances of AIDS-related NHL, particularly regarding BCBL: patients' images demonstrate only fluid in the pleural, pericardial, and/or peritoneal spaces. Imaging of a case of BCBL is presented, including simultaneous pericardial, pleural, and peritoneal effusions.

About one percent of AIDS patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have a T-cell lymphoma rather than a B-cell lymphoma. It is not clear if AIDS patients have a higher risk of T-cell lymphoma than other people or if people who develop AIDS come from a country where T-cell lymphoma is more common than it is in other countries.

Measuring the amount of antibody against Toxoplasma gondii in blood cells can be an accurate diagnostic technique for detecting this parasite in HIV patients. The parasite often affects the brain, and this diagnostic technique can also be used to monitor the response to treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the HIV/AIDS epidemics in Australia and sub-Saharan Africa, to outline reasons for differences, and to consider implications for the Asia and Pacific region. METHODS: Comparison of key indicators of the epidemic in Australia, and Africa viewed largely through the experience of the Hlabisa health district, South Africa. RESULTS: To the end of 1997, for all Australia, the estimated cumulative number of HIV infections was approximately 19,000, whereas in Hlabisa 31,000 infections are estimated to have occurred. Compared with the low and declining incidence of HIV in Australia (80% of HIV infected people receive antiretroviral therapy whereas in Hlabisa these drugs are not available. IMPLICATIONS: It seems possible that Asia and the Pacific will experience a similar HIV/AIDS epidemic to that in Africa. Levels of HIV are already high in parts of Asia, and social conditions in pads of the region might be considered ripe for the spread of HIV. As Australia strengthens economic and political ties within the region, so should more be done to help Pacific and Asian neighbours to prevent and respond to the HIV epidemic.

Blood levels of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and white blood cells can be used to distinguish disseminated histoplasmosis from Mycobacterium avium complex in AIDS patients. This was the conclusion of a study of 90 AIDS patients.

The drug alitretinoin appears to be effective in treating a complication of AIDS called Kaposi's sarcoma, according to a study of 268 AIDS patients. This drug is a form of retinoic acid, which is effective in treating many other skin diseases.

The authors collected data on admissions of HIV-infected patients over 14 years old who were admitted to an infectious disease hospital. Of the 3,112 HIV-positive patients, they discovered a large proportion of cryptococcosis, tuberculosis, and wasting syndrome.