Objective To discuss the safety and effectiveness of heat-sensitive moxibustion for bladder dysfunction after poisonous snakebite. Method Twenty-six patients with bladder dysfunction due to poisonous snakebite were intervened by heat-sensitive moxibustion, and the changes of residual urine volume and uroflowmetry parameters were analyzed by using type-B ultrasonic scanning and uroflowmetry. Result According to the ultrasonic scanning and uroflowmetry, the residual urine volume was significantly changed after treatment in the 26 subjects (P<0.05), and the maximum urine flow rate (Qmax) was also significantly different from that before treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Heat-sensitive moxibustion can improve the residual urine volume and Qmax in bladder dysfunction after poisonous snakebite, and it’s a safe and reliable method.

BACKGROUNDAn zidovudine (AZT)-substitution regimen containing 24-week stavudine (d4T) followed by long-term AZT for HIV therapy is potential to trade off short-term AZT-related anemia and long-term risks associated with d4T in resource-limited settings. However, evidence is scarce. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of AZT-substitution regimen, aiming to find a regimen with better efficacy, less adverse events, and more affordability in resource-limited settings.

METHODSThis prospective, multicenter study enrolled 499 (190 on d4T regimen, 172 on AZT regimen, and 137 on AZT-substitution regimen) HIV-1-infected subjects who initiated combined antiretroviral therapy and attended follow-up visits over 96 weeks from 2009 to 2011. Lamivudine (3TC) and either nevirapine (NVP) or efavirenz (EFV) were the other two drugs in the antiretroviral regimens. Virologic and immunologic responses and adverse events were monitored at baseline and at weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, and 96.

RESULTSIn terms of hematological adverse effects, AZT-substitution group had similar safety profiles to d4T group and was superior to AZT group. In comparison with AZT-substitution group, AZT group was associated with higher risk of developing anemia (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for anemia ≥ grade II, 8.44, 95% CI 1.81-39.46) and neutropenia (aHR for neutropenia ≥ grade II, 1.86, 95% CI 1.19-2.93). The prevalence of lipodystrophy in d4T group was 19.5%, while that in AZT-substitution group was zero. As to antiretroviral efficacy, these three groups showed no differences.

CONCLUSIONAZT-substitution regimen provides a relatively safe and effective first-line antiretroviral strategy in resource-limited settings.

Adult ; Anti-HIV Agents ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Female ; HIV Infections ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Stavudine ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Zidovudine ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use