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[Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and AIDS. Response to cytarabine]
M J Hervas Laguna1, J A Nieto Rodríguez, M P Geijo Martínez
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Virgen de la Luz., Cuenca.
Abstract:
PML affects 4% of patients with AIDS and there is no effective treatment. Five cases of PML-AIDS have been described, showing clinical and radiological improvement after treatment with C-ara. We describe the case of a 33-year-old woman, addict to heroin, her clinical record including VIH infection, pneumonia by P. carinii, milliary tuberculosis, infection by virus B and C and treatment with AZT and tuberculostatics since January, 1992. In May, she began to develop a cerebellar syndrome. Images obtained with nuclear magnetic resonance were typical of PML. Subsequently, treatment with C-ara (2 mg/kg/day IV during 5 days each 4-6 weeks) was begun. From the third month of treatment on, the patient showed a clinical improvement and as of the sixth month, the affected areas of white substance were reduced in size. In addition, CD4 improved. Although in this patient a positive effect was observed after treatment with C-area, it should be verified in a controlled clinical trial.
Insights
Cytarabine (C-ara) shows promise in treating Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) in AIDS patients. This case study details a patient experiencing clinical and radiological improvement with C-ara, suggesting its potential efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare, opportunistic infection affecting 4% of AIDS patients.
- Currently, no effective treatments exist for PML, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
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