Theo Smart
Latest by Theo Smart

Varenicline (Chantix) Helps HIV-Positive Individuals Quit Smoking but Overall Success Rates Low
The use of varenicline (Chantix) appears to be relatively safe in people living with HIV, and when combined with counseling, could significantly increase the number who are able to quit smoking, according to a CROI 2015 study.

Tenofovir Alafenamide (TAF) Gentler on the Bones and Kidneys
The new formulation of tenofovir, tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), was associated with less harm to bones and kidneys than the older formulation, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, Viread).

Fat Gains After Starting HIV Treatment Associated With High Viral Loads
Having a high viral load when starting treatment was most consistently associated with body composition changes after starting antiretroviral therapy.

With Trans-Pacific Partnership Looming, Over Half on HIV Meds in Vietnam Could Lose Access
One of the first studies to calculate how the draft trade agreement could affect people with HIV in resource-constrained settings notes that "similar price impacts can be expected for other countries participating in the [TPP], though these are less ...

Cardiovascular Complications in Patients Living With HIV
Virginia Triant, M.D., M.P.H., provided an in-depth overview on what is now known about the context and pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in people living with HIV -- as the understanding of these complications has evolved considerably in rec...

Prevention and Management of HIV-Associated Cardiovascular Disease
"Our understanding of mechanisms of HIV-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) has not yet translated into tailored clinical interventions," says Virginia Triant, M.D., M.P.H., who provided strategies for healthcare providers to integrate the preven...

Uncertainty About PrEP Persists Among Physicians in the United States
A large proportion of physicians in the U.S. still don't know how they feel about the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), according to a study presented at IDWeek 2014. The study concluded that programs should be developed to train providers pri...

What Do HIV Doctors Tell Their Patients About Prevention?
In HIV care, focusing on patient health is always a good thing, but some newly diagnosed patients often worry about infecting others, highlighting a need to discuss prevention as well. We asked some of the leading HIV clinicians what they tell their pa…

What Does 2015 Hold in Store for HIV Research?
While current HIV treatment allows patients to live long, healthy lives, there are still concerns over tolerability, adherence, quality of life, as well as prevention. Therefore, we asked some of the leading HIV experts what research they’re most looki…

What 2014 Development Has the Biggest Impact on HIV Care?
Each year we see new developments in HIV that improve the lives of those living with the disease and make it easier for providers to care for patients. We asked some of the leading experts what development this year they thought would have the biggest …