Conference Highlights
To hear or see many of the original important oral presentations, click here.
- Keith Henry, M.D., University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minn.
As the huge CROI 2008 conference drew to a close, we sat down with Dr. Keith Henry for an interview. What did he think were some of the highlights of the conference? Read this interview for one respected physician's perspective.
- David Wohl, M.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, N.C.
David Wohl, M.D., discusses what he thought was the highlight of CROI 2008: results from the failed STEP vaccine study, which indicate that the vaccine may have increased HIV infection rates only for uncircumcised men.
- Robert Schooley, M.D., University of California, San Diego, Calif.
Robert Schooley, M.D., discusses some study findings presented at CROI 2008 on immune-based therapies; the best time to start patients on HAART; HIV and aging; non-AIDS-related infections and malignancies; hepatitis C coinfection; and vaccine and microbicide research.
Antiretrovirals in Development
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Barry Zingman, M.D. |
CCR5 Inhibitors in Development: New Data on SCH532706 and Vicriviroc
- Targets for a New Generation of HIV Antiretrovirals
Mario Stevenson, Ph.D., previews CROI 2008 studies on cellular cofactors.
Complications of HIV/HAART
- Complications of HIV/HAART: A Summary of Key Research
In this CME/CE summary and accompanying slide set, David Wohl, M.D., delves into new research on the use of low-dose growth hormone to treat lipohypertrophy; the point at which fat loss becomes clinically evident; a potential role for chromium supplementation in lipoatrophy treatment; the association between abacavir (Ziagen) -- and, to a lesser extent, didanosine (ddI, Videx) -- and myocardial infarction risk; the impact of HIV, and HIV therapy, on inflammatory markers; and our evolving understanding of the interplay between aging and HIV.
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Lawrence Siegel, M.D., M.P.H. |
Growing Syphilis Epidemic Among HIV-Infected MSM in New York City
Lawrence Siegel, M.D., discusses his study, which found high rates of syphilis infection among HIV-infected men who have sex with men in a racially diverse clinic in the New York City neighborhood of Chelsea.
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Marta Boffito, M.D., Ph.D. |
Short-Term Ritonavir Exposure Impacts HDL, CD36 and Triglyceride Levels in Healthy Volunteers
Marta Boffito, M.D., Ph.D., discusses her study, which examines the possible role of ritonavir in increasing cardiovascular risk.
- Bone Loss Similar Among Patients Taking Lopinavir/Ritonavir or Efavirenz; Race, Baseline CD4 May Play Role
Barbara da Silva, M.D., summarizes the findings of her study, in which patients taking lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r, Kaletra) and efavirenz (EFV, Sustiva, Stocrin) did not experience different levels of bone mineral density (BMD) loss. This was not altered by simplification to lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy, which suggests that BMD loss occurs independently of the treatment regimen used.
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Common in HAART-Experienced Patients; Several HIV- and Antiretroviral-Related Factors May Play Role
An interview with Giovanni Guaraldi, M.D.
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Francisco Blanco, M.D., Ph.D |
Longer Exposure to Antiretrovirals Might Be Associated With Advanced Liver Fibrosis
Francisco Blanco, M.D., Ph.D., summarizes his study on advanced liver fibrosis in patients with longstanding use of antiretroviral therapy, and the protective effect of immune recovery.
- Vitamin D Deficiency More Common Among Perinatally HIV-Infected Children Than HIV-Uninfected Children
Richard Rutstein, M.D., discusses the impact of HIV status, ethnicity, diet and season on likelihood of vitamin D deficiency in his study of perinatally infected children.
- Abacavir, Didanosine Associated With Higher Heart Attack Risk, D:A:D Study Finds
One of the most talked-about studies presented at CROI 2008, the new D:A:D findings focus on the impact of specific antiretrovirals on heart attack risk in HIV-infected patients. Jens Lundgren, M.D., Chief Physician and Director of the Copenhagen HIV Programme, summarizes the data and discusses the ramifications of the results.
- Among Patients on Boosted-PI Regimens, Dose Staggering and Selective Non-Adherence to Ritonavir Is Relatively Common
Gerald Pierone, M.D., interviews Jonathan Shuter, M.D., regarding his study on ritonavir (RTV, Norvir) non-adherence in patients receiving atazanavir (ATV, Reyataz) + ritonavir or fosamprenavir (FPV, Lexiva, Telzir).
- HIV-Related Infections and Conditions (April 2008)
In Project Inform Perspective, from Project Inform
- Study Finds Heart Trouble With Ziagen and Videx (February 4, 2008)
From Project Inform
- Increased Risk of Myocardial Infarction Associated With Abacavir and ddI (February 4, 2008)
From HIV i-Base
- Position Statement by the D:A:D Steering Committee (February 4, 2008)
To read PDF, click here
From D:A:D Steering Committee
Elite HIV Controllers/Exposed Uninfected
- APOBEC3G/F Mutation Not Responsible for HIV Viremia Control in Most Elite HIV Suppressors
Shiv Ghandi discusses his study, which examined the potential role of the APOBEC3 protein in patients who are able to maintain full suppression of HIV viremia despite never taking antiretroviral therapy.
- Elite Controllers May Experience Higher Immune Activation Levels Than Other HIV-Infected Patients, Spurring Concerns of CD4+ Decline
In this interview with Gerald Pierone, M.D., Peter Hunt, M.D., discusses his study on the relationship between HIV-specific immune response, T-cell activation and CD4+ T-cell depletion in elite viremic controllers.
- Presence of Binding Antibodies in Genital Secretions of High-Risk, HIV-Uninfected Women Offers Possible Explanation of "HIV Immunity" Enigma
Richard Novak, M.D., speaks with Gerald Pierone, M.D., about his study of the potentially protective effect of genital mucosal secretions in high-risk HIV-uninfected women and its implications for vaccine development.
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Hans-Jurgen Stellbrink, M.D. |
No Harmless Level of Plasma Viremia in Untreated HIV Infection
Hans-Jurgen Stellbrink, M.D., speaks about his study, which analyzes whether undetectable plasma viremia in elite controllers protects against CD4+ T-cell loss.
Gender and Racial Differences in HIV/HAART
- Women and HIV -- Natural History, Prevention and Treatment: A Summary of Key Research
In this CME/CE summary and accompanying slide set, Kathryn Anastos, M.D., provides an in-depth discussion of our growing understanding of the differences between women and men in the realms of HIV pathogenesis and disease progression, antiretroviral therapy, complications and HIV prevention.
- Mortality Higher Among HIV-Infected Black Patients; Women, Blacks Spend Less Time on HAART
In this interview, Diana Lemly, M.D., discusses her study, which found disparities in antiretroviral use and survival comparing women with men, and African Americans with whites.
Hepatitis/HIV Coinfection
- Study Examines Pro-Inflammatory Responses in HIV/HCV-Coinfected Injection Drug Users
Camilla Graham, M.D., discusses her study examining immune response and pro-inflammatory marker activation in HIV/hepatitis C-coinfected heroin and methadone users.
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Roksana Karim, M.D., Ph.D. |
Higher HCV RNA Levels Associated With Greater Early T-Cell Activation and CD4+ Cell Depletion Among Antiretroviral-Naive, HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients
Roksana Karim, M.D., Ph.D., discusses her study, which examines the impact of HIV/hepatitis C coinfection on immune activation-driven CD4+ decline in women who have not yet commenced HAART.
- HIV/HCV-Coinfected Patients Appear More Likely Than HIV-Monoinfected Patients to Develop Insulin Resistance After Initiating HAART
Dr. Shikuma reviews her study, which compares metabolic changes in HIV/hepatitis C-coinfected patients initiating HAART versus HIV-monoinfected patients initiating HAART.
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Daniel Fierer, M.D. |
Rapid Liver Fibrosis Occurring More Frequently Among HIV-Infected Men Newly Coinfected With Hepatitis C
An interview with Daniel Fierer, M.D.
- Immune Reconstitution May Trigger Hepatic Flares in HIV/Hepatitis B Coinfected Patients Starting HAART
An interview with Megan Crane
- HIV/Hepatitis C Coinfection Does Not Influence CD4+ Cell Recovery in Patients on Suppressive HAART
Lars Peters, M.D., discusses his study, which counters long-established assumptions about the effect of HCV/HIV coinfection on immune recovery after patients commence antiretroviral therapy.
HIV in the Developing World
- HAART Use Enlivens Sex Lives of Rural Ugandans, but Does Not Increase Risky Behavior, Study Says
A study summary by Rebecca Bunnell, Sc.D.
- HIV Prevention in the Developing World
Expert panel previews CROI 2008 research.
HIV and Pregnancy
- Perinatally Infected Women Experience Viral Load Increase During Pregnancy and Postpartum Period
Usha Phillips, M.D., discusses her study comparing HIV-infected pregnant women who were perinatally infected versus horizontally infected. Sustained virologic suppression was rarely achieved among the perinatally infected mothers, which may have negative long-term consequences for both the mother and child.
HIV Prevention
- Unique, Statewide Program of Acute HIV Testing and Partner Outreach Finds That Many Acute Infections in North Carolina May Stem From Exposure to Chronically Infected Patients
Sandra McCoy, Ph.D., reviews her study on counseling and referral services for partners of acutely infected individuals in North Carolina.
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Frank Kirchhoff, M.D., Ph.D. |
Peptide in Human Semen May Increase Infectiousness of HIV
A study summary by Frank Kirchhoff, M.D., Ph.D.
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Michael Robertson, M.D. |
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Neal Nathanson, M.D. |
HIV Vaccine Research at a Crossroads
Susan Buchbinder, M.D., Michael Robertson, M.D., Ronald Desrosiers, Ph.D., and Neal Nathanson, M.D., discuss their studies and the challenges they face as they attempt to identify more promising approaches to developing a vaccine. These challenges include the need for more development research and an understanding of how to induce antibodies that block HIV infection across the different varieties of the virus that are being passed around the world.
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Ken Dominguez, M.D., M.P.H. |
Three Cases of HIV Transmission to Infants Through Food Pre-Chewed by HIV-Infected Caregivers
Kenneth Dominguez, M.D., M.P.H., Charles Mitchell, M.D., and Aditya Gaur, M.D., summarize their study of three cases of HIV transmission from adults to babies through pre-chewed food.
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Lisa Hirschhorn, M.D., M.P.H. |
Successful Implementation of a Clinic-Based Prevention Intervention Program for HIV-Infected Persons
Lisa Hirschhorn, M.D., M.P.H., reviews her study, which looked at implementation in 15 U.S. HIV clinics of a prevention education program for HIV-infected persons.
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Jane Hitti, M.D., M.P.H. |
Presence of Lactobacillus May Reduce HIV Concentration in Vaginal Fluid
A study summary by Jane Hitti, M.D., M.P.H.
- Surprisingly, Acyclovir for HSV-2 Treatment Fails to Curtail HIV Acquisition
Connie Celum, M.D., discusses unexpectedly disappointing results from a study examining whether the use of acyclovir to treat herpes simplex virus type-2 infection can, in turn, help reduce a person's risk of HIV acquisition.
- Expert Recommends "Prevention Cocktail" to Curb Epidemic of HIV Among U.S. Men Who Have Sex With Men
- Increase in High-Risk Behaviors Among Mexican Immigrants After Migration to U.S.
Melissa Sanchez reviews the findings of her study of Mexican immigrants to the United States, in which males especially were found to participate in more high-risk activities after migration, such as sex work, having multiple sexual partners, and having sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Researchers Develop Technique That Prevents HIV From Reproducing, Philadelphia Inquirer Reports (February 11, 2008)
In Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, from Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
- Studies Examine "Creative" Uses of Antiretrovirals Aimed at Preventing HIV Transmission, San Francisco Chronicle Reports (February 8, 2008)
In Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, from Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
- Questions and Answers: The HPTN 039 HIV Prevention/Herpes Suppression Study (February 6, 2008)
From U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
- Researchers Use Technique to Identify, Generate Molecules for Microbicide Research, Development (February 6, 2008)
In Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, from Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
- Studies Examine Reducing Risk of Vertical HIV Transmission While Breastfeeding, Effect of Herpes Treatments on Transmission (February 5, 2008)
In Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, from Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
- Researchers Examine Effect of Male Circumcision on Female Partners (February 4, 2008)
In Kaiser Daily HIV/AIDS Report, from Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
HIV Treatment Strategies
- Management of Treatment-Experienced Patients: A Summary of Key Research
In this CME/CE summary and accompanying slide set, Cal Cohen, M.D., M.S., reviews the latest data on new and developing antiretrovirals for HIV drug-resistant patients, including the CCR5 antagonists vicriviroc and maraviroc (Selzentry, Celsentri); the integrase inhibitor raltegravir (MK-0518, Isentress); the NNRTI etravirine (TMC125, Intelence); and the protease inhibitor darunavir (TMC114, Prezista).
- First-Line HIV Therapy and Treatment Strategies: A Summary of Key Research
In this CME/CE summary and accompanying slide set, David Wohl, M.D., examines studies investigating the efficacy of atazanavir (Reyataz) and maraviroc (Selzentry, Celsentri) in first-line use; a comparison between abacavir/lamivudine (Epzicom, Kivexa) and tenofovir/emtricitabine (Truvada); data from ACTG 5142 indicating that race and gender can impact treatment success; and sobering new lessons learned from the pivotal SMART study on CD4-guided HIV treatment interruptions.
- Atazanavir Noninferior to Lopinavir in Treatment-Naive HIV-Infected People
Although atazanavir (ATV, Reyataz) is not uncommonly used in first-line patients, it is not officially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for such use. In a large study presented at CROI 2008, atazanavir + ritonavir (RTV, Norvir) was compared with lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r, Kaletra). Dr. Donnie McGrath, of Bristol-Myers Squibb, summarizes the findings.
- SMART Study Final Results
Wafaa El-Sadr, M.D., previews the data.
- Stem Cells: Progress Towards "the Cure"? (April 2008)
In Project Inform Perspective, from Project Inform
- Update From CROI 2008 on Approved HIV Drugs (April 2008)
In Project Inform Perspective, from Project Inform
- Update From CROI 2008 on Experimental Drugs (April 2008)
In Project Inform Perspective, from Project Inform
- Nano Comes to HIV (April 2008)
In Project Inform Perspective, from Project Inform
Immune-Based Therapies
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Brian Porter, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H. |
Interleukin-2 Ineffective in Maintaining Baseline CD4+ Cell Count During Treatment Interruption
Brian Porter, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., speaks with Gerald Pierone, M.D., about his study of interleukin-2 use during treatment interruption versus interleukin-2 use during continuous HAART.
Pre-Conference News
Keith Henry, M.D.
David Wohl, M.D.
Lawrence Siegel, M.D., M.P.H.
Marta Boffito, M.D., Ph.D.
Barbara da Silva, M.D.
Giovanni Guaraldi, M.D.
Francisco Blanco, M.D., Ph.D
Richard Rutstein, M.D.
Jens Lundgren, M.D.
Jonathan Shuter, M.D.
Shiv Gandhi
Peter Hunt, M.D.
Richard Novak, M.D.
Hans-Jurgen Stellbrink, M.D.
Kathryn Anastos, M.D.
Diana Lemly, M.D.
Roksana Karim, M.D., Ph.D.
Megan Crane
Lars Peters, M.D.
Rebecca Bunnell, Sc.D.
Maria Wawer, M.D.
Usha Phillips, M.D.
Sandra McCoy, Ph.D.
Connie Celum, M.D.
Ronald Stall, M.D.
Melissa Sanchez
Cal Cohen, M.D., M.S.
Wafaa El-Sadr, M.D.
Brian Porter, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
