COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN HIV DISEASE

Author(s): Donegan, E.

Abstract: This study was designed to determine whether a standardized program of complementary therapies combined with appropriate standard medical care would have a measurable influence on the course of HIV disease when compared with data from other groups. All 10 participants began this study in 1988 with a diagnosis of asymptomatic HIV-positive. They received a 1-month orientation to the program and were then seen at 3-month intervals for follow-up data collection. Data were compared with two groups that had not been trained in the comprehensive treatment program. After 30 months, the mean CD4 cell count Of our study group declined by 4% (406 to 391). The mean red and white blood cell counts remained stable at 96% and 105% of baseline, respectively. The mean CD8 cell number rose by 28%. No mortality occurred. One opportunistic infection (pneumocystis carinii pneumonia) developed in the study group. No other significant symptoms, serious infections, or disease progression developed in the other 9 participants during the study period. At long-term follow-up 8 of the 10 study participants remained alive 7 years after beginning the study protocol. These data suggest that patients who are presented counseling on good nutrition, vitamin supplementation, stress reduction, exercising, and involving oneself in community potentially can continue to live asymptomatic lives that in quality and length exceed the lives of those HIV-positive individuals not presented such counseling.

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