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HIV and Brain/Blood barrier

Posted: May 30, 2006

QUESTION:

Do you have any informaton about the blood/brain barrier with HIV. What happens when HIV infects the brain ansd are there specific meds that inhibit/stop this process?


  

RESPONSE FROM:   

    HIV does pass the blood brain barrier and can be found in the CSF and brain. Different HIV meds do get into the CSF to varying degrees. Theoretically, drugs that penetrate the blood brain barrier may be able to reduce the brain's role as a sanctuary for HIV. However, there have not been much data to support a problem with drugs that are less able to get into the CSF. Likewise, studies are mixed regarding the use of HIV meds that achieve good concentrations in the CSF for the treatment of HIV related dementia.

    I would generally not factor CSF concentration of an HIV med into my treatment decision making unless there was an HIV related CNS problem present.

    DW




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