Trending News: Despite Increase in HIV-1/HIV-2 Differentiation Test, Rate of HIV-2 Low in United States

In a meta-analysis comparison of biologics and oral treatments for patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, results suggest that brodalumab, guselkumab, ixekizumab, and risankizumab-rzaa were associated with the highest response rates in both short- and longer-term therapy, according to The American Journal of Managed Care. Researchers synthesized data from multiple studies in order to perform a meta-analysis of available biologics and oral treatments for plaque psoriasis. In the absence of head-to-head randomized clinical trials for potential therapies, this study provides what researchers believe to be a comprehensive assessment of the comparative short- and long-term efficacy among several novel treatments.

A recent analysis of more than 6500 patients from 6 sites across the United States demonstrates a potential link between a patient having asthma and their risk for developing atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to HCP Live. Results of the study indicate patients with persistent asthma could have a 1.5 greater risk of developing AFib later in life compared with individuals without asthma. The awareness of the link indicates a need for providers to help patients focus on primary prevention methods.

Use of the HIV-1/HIV-2 differentiation test has increased since the CDC began recommending it in 2014, but the number of confirmed cases of HIV-2 has remained low, according to Contagion Live. A recent CDC report highlighting trends in the use of the test between 2010 and 2017 has found that less than 0.03% of all HIV infections identified in the United States were HIV-2 during this time period. The study authors said that the findings indicate a need to review the HIV diagnostic testing algorithm to determine whether it should be updated and amended.