HIV & Pancreas Infections

Human immunodeficiency virus is a life-threatening condition that leads to many different types of health problems for sufferers. A study presented at the 41st Annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy found that pancreatitis abnormalities are becoming a new concern for HIV patients.

HIV Medication

• Certain medication used to fight HIV can be toxic to the pancreas and cause infection as well as inflammation. These medications include: ddI (Videx EC), ddC (Hivid), 3TC (alone in Epivir and in the combination drugs Combivir and Trizivir), d4T (Zerit), hydroxyurea (Hydrea) and the sulfa antibiotic Septra/Bactrim.

Opportunistic Disease

• HIV greatly damages the immune system, leaving it susceptible to various diseases and infections, such as pancreatic infection. These diseases are called opportunistic diseases, as they use the fact that the immune system is comprised as an opportunity to flourish.

Pancreatitis

• When pancreatic infection occurs, especially in those with HIV, the pancreas can become inflamed. This inflammatory condition is known as pancreatitis, and if left untreated can become fatal.

Symptoms

• Pancreatic infection and inflammation can lead to vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Shooting pain is usually felt just above the belly button, straight through to the back.

Treatments

• Pancreatitis is generally treated through good hydration and rest. A temporary fast may be prescribed in order to keep the pancreas from digesting food, allowing it to rest. If the pancreatic problem is due to HIV medication, change or cessation in medication may be necessary.