The Association between Yang-Deficient Constitution and Clinical Outcome of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on People Living with HIV

Abstract

Objective. To determine the association between Yang-Deficient Constitution and the clinical outcomes of HIV/AIDS patients who have initiated highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Method. A total of 197 antiretroviral-naive adults who initiated HAART between 2009 and 2011 were recruited. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire twice to assess their Yang-Deficient Constitution status before HAART. During the study, signs and symptoms and CD4 or CD8 T cell counts were recorded. Routine blood and biochemical tests were conducted. For the patients who were found to have infections, pathologic examination was performed. Statistical test of association of clinical attributes and demographic factors with Yang-Deficient Constitution was conducted. Result. Good test-retest reliability was observed for Yang-Deficient Constitution scoring. The median Yang-Deficient Constitution score of 142 eligible participants was 25. Female (score = 32.14, P < 0.05), hepatotoxicity (32.14, P < 0.1), nephrotoxicity (37.50, P < 0.1), total number of adverse events (P < 0.1), and mortality (39.29, P < 0.05) were associated with Yang-Deficient Consitution, while annual changes or nadir values of CD4 or CD8 T lymphocytes, and newly acquired infections after starting HAART were not. Mortality was also associated with total number of adverse events (P < 0.05), hepatotoxicity (P < 0.05), and nephrotoxicity (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Yang-Deficient Constitution score has a potential to be developed as a predictor for early HIV-related mortality and side effects. The interrelation and underlying mechanisms should be further investigated for evidence-based design of a more appropriate treatment strategy.

Potential Association of Body Constitution with the Prognosis of IgA Nephropathy: A Long-Time Follow-Up of 203 Cases in China

“…Same as previous report [4, 16], this study confirmed that male patients were less likely to be Yang-deficiency BC or blood-stasis BC in IgA nephropathy; this is consistent with TCM theory. In the “Yin-Yang” theory of TCM, the male is characterized by “Yang”, while the female is characterized by “Yin”.…”

“…The Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ), issued by the China association of TCM in 2009, was adopted to evaluate the participants' BC statuses [4].…”

“…Body constitution (BC), a distinct characteristic of an individual in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), can affect the progression of diseases [1, 2]. Yang-deficient BC is associated with the prognosis of diabetic nephropathy [3], Yang-deficient BC can be identified as a potential predictor of early HIV-related mortality, and side effects in patients initiated highly active antiretroviral therapy [4]. Blood-stasis BC is associated with peripheral arterial disease in patients with type 2 diabetes [5].…”

Relationship between traditional Chinese medicine constitutional types with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with breast cancer: an observational study

“…In addition, patients with breast cancer and different TCM constitutions may have different degrees of myelosuppression after chemotherapy [17]. Some studies have revealed that some constitutions may become predictive factors for death and morbidity of some diseases [18]. …”

Aining Granule Stabilizes the Decline of CD4 Cell Count in HAART-Receiving HIV/AIDS Patients Having Virologic Failure

“…Moreover, it is not known how the slowdown in CD4 T cell decline is related to the course. Bioinformatics techniques were used to explore patterns in various settings [11][12][13][14][15] and an in-depth pattern discovery shall shed light for better design of molecular experiments, drug administration and policy making.…”