Wasting, in cancer and AIDS

Aotino Add Supplemenis Complementary Proteins Clinical Issues In Protein Nutrition Modifib. d Tasting Chronic Renal Failure Hyperuricemia Wasting in Cancer and AIDS References Bibliography... 

Cachexia refers to a physical wasting due to loss of muscle and fat. Cachexia is often found in end-stage cancer patients but is also caused by autoimmune disorders or by infectious diseases such as AIDS and tuberculosis. 

According to the CDC, the diagnosis of AIDS constitutes certain opportunistic infections, neoplasms, encephalopathy or wasting syndrome in the presence of HIV infection. In 1993, the CDC expanded the criteria to also include CD4+ T-cell count below 200 cells/p,l in the presence of HIV infection. The most common opportunistic infections includepneumocystis carinii pneumonia, pneumonitis, toxoplasmosis, mycobacterial disease, recurrent herpes simplex virus infection and/or cytomegalovirus infection. Kaposi s sarcoma is the most common form of cancer. HIV-related nervous system diseases include acute septic meningitis, AIDS dementia complex, subacute encephalitis, HIV encephalopathy and CNS opportunistic infections and neoplasm. 

Sesame oU solubilizes 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg dronabinol, also known as A-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, in Marinol soft gelatin capsules. Dronabinol is the principal psychoactive component of cannabis and hnds therapeutic application as an anti-emetic for treatment of the nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy or as an appetite stimulant to treat AIDS wasting syndrome. Dronabinol exists as a hydrophobic oil at ambient room temperature, and after oral administration is almost completely absorbed (90-95%). However, the bioavailability of dronabinol is only about 10-20% due to extensive hepatic hrst-pass metabolism. The dose of dronabinol is 2.5-10 mg (one capsule) twice daily. Marinol soft gelatin capsules should be stored at 8-15° C and must be protected from freezing. Marinol is available in the USA. 

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