What is HIV infection? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is caused by a virus that attacks the T-cells of the human immune system. This results in progressive weakening of the immune system leading to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), when the body is no longer able to fight infection effectively. HIV has no cure and …
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What are NNRTIs in antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection? Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are one of the classes of drugs that form part of the antiretroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The first NNRTI drug was introduced in 1996, and since then this drug class has been an integral part of HIV treatment. What is antiretroviral …
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What are protease inhibitors in antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection? Protease inhibitors are one of the classes of drugs in the combination of drugs used for antiretroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Protease inhibitors were first introduced in 1995 and are effective for both HIV-1 and HIV-2 infections. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) form the backbone of …
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What are integrase strand-transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) in antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection? Integrase strand-transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) are one of the latest additions to the classes of drugs used in antiretroviral therapy (ART) for human immunodeficiency (HIV) infection. The first integrase strand-transfer inhibitor came into use in 2007, as part of the ART regimen with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). …
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Ten common reasons for head itching include infectious or autoimmune disease and allergic reactions. When your head itches continuously, there may be many contributory factors. Head itching can be irritating and troublesome. Finding the cause and treating it should be a priority. Ten common reasons for head itching include infectious or autoimmune disease and allergic reactions. Which infectious diseases cause …
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What is the colon? The colon is part of the digestive system. It is also called the large intestine or large bowel. The colon is situated inside the abdominal cavity and travels down the left side of the abdomen and ends at the anus. Laparoscopic colectomy treats and prevents diseases and conditions of the colon. One of the main functions …
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What is joint aspiration (arthrocentesis)? Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) is a diagnostic procedure that involves the extraction and analysis of the synovial fluid in the joints. It is an important procedure used for diagnosing arthritis and differentiating inflammatory arthritis from noninflammatory arthritis. Joint aspiration is a relatively quick and inexpensive procedure to perform. It can be done in a clinic or …
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What is an intra-aortic balloon pump? IABP is performed when the heart isn’t getting enough blood or isn’t pumping out to the rest of the body. Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation or intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is a type of therapeutic device which helps the heart to pump more blood. The IABP consists of a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. Attached to the …
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What are knee injections? Knee injection is performed to treat the pain arising from various diseases of the knee joint. Knee injection is a procedure in which medications are injected into the knee joint to treat the pain due to various causes. There are different types of knee injections. The most common type of intra-articular knee injection is corticosteroids. Other …
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Vitiligo facts Picture of Vitiligo on Back Vitiligo facts* medically edited by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD Vitiligo is a disease in which the pigment cells of the skin, melanocytes, are destroyed in certain areas. Symptoms and signs of vitiligo include loss of skin color in the form of depigmented, or white, patches of skin in any location on the body. …
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