“[The objective is to] develop guidelines for selection of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) among people with HIV/AIDS. … The literature was systematically reviewed to assess the global burden of relevant comorbid entities, to determine the number of patients who potentially utilize AEDs and antiretroviral agents (ARVs), and to address AED-ARV interactions. … AED-ARV administration may be indicated in up to 55% of people taking ARVs. Patients receiving phenytoin may require a lopinavir/ritonavir dosage increase of ∼50% to maintain unchanged serum concentrations (Level C). Patients receiving valproic acid may require a zidovudine dosage reduction to maintain unchanged serum zidovudine concentrations (Level C). Coadministration of valproic acid and efavirenz may not require efavirenz dosage adjustment (Level C). Patients receiving ritonavir/atazanavir may require a lamotrigine dosage increase of ∼50% to maintain unchanged lamotrigine serum concentrations (Level C). Coadministration of raltegravir/atazanavir and lamotrigine may not require lamotrigine dosage adjustment (Level C). Coadministration of raltegravir and midazolam may not require midazolam dosage adjustment (Level C). Patients may be counseled that it is unclear whether dosage adjustment is necessary when other AEDs and ARVs are combined (Level U). It may be important to avoid enzyme-inducing AEDs in people on ARV regimens that include protease inhibitors or nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, as pharmacokinetic interactions may result in virologic failure, which has clinical implications for disease progression and development of ARV resistance. If such regimens are required for seizure control, patients may be monitored through pharmacokinetic assessments to ensure efficacy of the ARV regimen (Level C).”

More information is available:

• PubMed: Study abstract
• MedlinePlus: News article

NIAID has issued five new requests for applications (RFAs) to establish leadership groups for clinical research networks focused on distinct areas of HIV/AIDS research. Specifically, the leadership groups will have overall responsibility for developing, implementing, and adapting clinical research agendas to address NIAID's HIV/AIDS scientific priorities in the following areas:

• HIV/AIDS and HIV-associated Infections in Pediatric and Maternal Populations
• Integrated Strategies to Prevent HIV Infection
• Microbicides to Prevent HIV Infection
• Therapeutics for HIV/AIDS and HIV-associated Infections in Adults
• Vaccines to Prevent HIV Infection

Applications will be accepted until September 28, 2012. For more information, visit the Restructuring the NIAID Clinical Trials Networks webpage.

February 7, 2012, marks the 12^th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day that serves to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in the African-American community. According to the 2009 HIV Surveillance Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. In the 40 states with confidential name-based HIV reporting, African Americans accounted for 52% of all diagnoses of HIV infection in 2009 and for 44% of people living with AIDS in 2008.

For information and resources about HIV/AIDS and African Americans, visit the AIDSinfo webpage highlighting National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day [en español].

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) recently released Atlas, an interactive tool that allows people to access the surveillance data collected by NCHHSTP and create detailed reports, maps, tables, charts, and graphs.

Currently, the Atlas includes NCHHSTP surveillance data for HIV, AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and primary and secondary syphilis. Tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis surveillance data will be added to the Atlas over the coming year.

The Atlas will help community leaders, public health professionals, policymakers, and health care providers understand the geographic patterns and data trends of these diseases.

The infoSIDA mobile site now has a new domain name (http://m.infosida.nih.gov/)! The new name mirrors the distinct Web address created for infoSIDA (http://infosida.nih.gov/) as part of the recent AIDSinfo and infoSIDA redesign efforts.

The infoSIDA mobile site offers the same Spanish-language features that are available on infoSIDA. Features include educational materials, webpages on annual HIV/AIDS awareness days, a clinical trials search tool, and links to HIV-related health topics.

Ordering hard copies of select AIDSinfo and infoSIDA publications is easier than ever! Simply visit the AIDSinfo Order Publications page or infoSIDA Order Publications page and choose the publications you would like to receive.

Single copies of the following publications are available:

• AIDSinfo Brochure
• Glossary of HIV/AIDS-Related Terms 
• “Drugs That Fight HIV” Poster

If you would like to order more than one copy of these publications, please contact the AIDSinfo Reference Service by phone (800-448-0440), e-mail (ContactUs@aidsinfo.nih.gov), or Live Chat.