Presence of Autoimmune Antibody in Chikungunya Infection

Chikungunya infection has recently re-emerged as an important arthropod-borne disease in Thailand. Recently, Southern Thailand was identified as a potentially endemic area for the chikungunya virus. Here, we report a case of severe musculoskeletal complication, presenting with muscle weakness and swelling of the limbs. During the investigation to exclude autoimmune muscular inflammation, high titers of antinuclear antibody were detected. This is the report of autoimmunity detection associated with an arbovirus infection. The symptoms can mimic autoimmune polymyositis disease, and the condition requires close monitoring before deciding to embark upon prolonged specific treatment with immunomodulators

Challenges in Providing Treatment and Care for Viral Hepatitis among Individuals Co-Infected with HIV in Resource-Limited Settings

Hepatitis B and C infections are prevalent among HIV-infected individuals with different epidemiologic profiles, modes of transmission, natural histories, and treatments. Southeast Asian countries are classified as “highly prevalent zones,” with a rate of hepatitis B and C coinfection in people living with HIV/AIDS of approximately 3.2–11%. Majority of hepatitis B coinfection is of genotype C. Most of the patients infected with hepatitis C in Thailand have genotype 3 which is significantly related to intravenous drug use whereas, in Vietnam, it is genotype 6. The options for antiretroviral drugs are limited and rely on global funds and research facilities. Only HBV treatment is available for free through the national health scheme. Screening tests for HBV and HCV prior to commencing antiretroviral treatment are low. Insufficient concern on hepatitis-virus-related liver malignancy and long-term hepatic morbidities is noted. Cost-effective HCV treatment can be incorporated into the national health program for those who need it by utilizing data obtained from clinical research studies. For example, patients infected with HCV genotype 2/3 with a certain IL-28B polymorphism can be treated with a shorter course of interferon and ribavirin which can also help reduce costs

Anaphylaxis and Biphasic Phase in Thailand: 4-year Observation

Background: Anaphylaxis, a severe systemic allergic reaction, can be fatal. However, its prevalence has been underestimated especially in biphasic phase, due to a lack of case awareness. This study aimed to determine the rate of anaphylaxis, describe clinical manifestations and management, and identify the causative agents and risk factors of biphasic anaphylactic reaction. Methods: An observational study was conducted at the Emergency Department of Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand, during the period 2004–2008. Results: Of total 208 cases of anaphylaxis identified, the median age was 20.67 years; 52.9% were male. The anaphylaxis rate was 49 per 100,000 patient-years. No fatal case was found; 58.7% had a history of atopy, and 38.5% had experienced a previous allergic reaction, of whom 8.8% had had a previous anaphylactic reaction. The causative allergens were identified in 82.2% of cases; food allergy was most common. Urticaria was the most common presentation (87%). Among 6.3% of the patients who developed biphasic reaction, a significantly longer time from onset of symptoms to administration of epinephrine was detected, with a median of 240 minutes for those with biphasic anaphylaxis, versus 70 minutes for those without (p = 0.002). The median times from onset to hospital arrival and the arrival to administration of epinephrine were also significantly longer in the biphasic group than the non-biphasic patients (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). In multivariable regression models, the time intervals from onset and hospital arrival to administration of epinephrine continued to predict biphasic phase occurrence (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Anaphylaxis predominantly occurs among children and young adults. Delayed administration of epinephrine was associated with the occurrence of biphasic anaphylaxis

Efficacy and safety of a once-daily single-tablet regimen of tenofovir, lamivudine, and efavirenz assessed at 144 weeks among antiretroviral-naïve and experienced HIV-1-infected Thai adults

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of a new single-tablet regimen (STR) of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) 300 mg, lamivudine (3TC) 300 mg, and efavirenz (EFV) 600 mg in HIV-infected Thai patients. Methods: This was a prospective study performed for 144 weeks among 51 treatment-naïve patients and 49 experienced patients on separate tablets of TDF, 3TC, and EFV with HIV RNA<50 copies/ml. CD4, HIV RNA, liver and renal function, and lipid profiles were assessed at baseline, weeks 12, 24, and 48, and then every 24 weeks. Results: The median baseline CD4 cell count was 512 cells/μl for treatment-experienced patients and 230 cells/μl for treatment-naïve patients. Median baseline log10 HIV-1 RNA for treatment-naïve subjects was 4.9 copies/ml. From the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the proportion of subjects with HIV RNA <50 copies/ml at week 48, 96, and 144 was 95%, 94%, and 94%, respectively, for antiretroviral-experienced patients and 88%, 90%, and 80%, respectively, for antiretroviral-naïve patients. One virological failure at week 12 had primary drug resistance of K70R, T69D, V75L. Three serious adverse events occurred (tension headache, infective endocarditis, and cervical dysplasia) and another three discontinued the study drug due to EFV intolerance. Conclusions: This generic STR TDF/3TC/EFV is effective and well-tolerated. These findings lend support to the use of this generic STR as first-line antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of acetazolamide for the treatment of elevated intracranial pressure in cryptococcal meningitis

We conducted a trial of oral acetazolamide for the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis in 22 Thai adults with headache and an opening cerebrospinal fluid pressure of greater than or equal to200 mm H(2)0. The trial was terminated prematurely because patients who received acetazolamide developed significantly lower venous bicarbonate levels and higher chloride levels and had more-frequent serious adverse events than did subjects who received placebo