Monday, February 27, 2006

HIV Paper Named in "Top 10" List of Research Publications for 2005
By Julie McKeel

Gillian Sanders, PhD

According to Wohl, more than 12,000 articles on HIV care were published in 2005.

"While most of us have no trouble staying abreast of the more dramatic research news, many smaller findings that have the potential to have a big impact can easily escape the notice of many people," wrote Wohl in his year-end review introduction posted on thebodypro.com.

One year in the world of HIV research can mean that new developments in HIV care and understanding have the potential to dramatically affect the way in which caregivers do their jobs -- and, as a result, to alter the lives of the patients they serve.

In compiling the 2005 list, Wohl contacted U.S. experts working in HIV research, care, and prevention, and asked them to nominate the published research they felt had the greatest impact on their work over the past year. According to Wohl, the nominations had to demonstrate "relevance to clinical practice or importance to those combating HIV."

Although the nominations resulted in an interesting mix, Wohl's final choices are not meant to be an exhaustive list. Instead, Wohl hopes that the 2005 list will provide "the harried healthcare professional" a comprehensive sense of the most significant developments in the understanding of HIV transmission, diagnosis, complications, and treatment.

Sanders' study was included under the category of "Expanded Screening for HIV Infection Saves Money and Reduces the Spread of HIV."

STUDY SNAPSHOT

Title: Cost-effectiveness of screening for HIV in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy
By Gillian D. Sanders, et al, The New England Journal of Medicine, February 10, 2005

Design: Computer simulations of the effect of HIV testing at varying frequencies in populations with a prevalence of HIV infection that is 1% or higher.

Main Results: Expanded screening for HIV infection is cost effective when performed where the occurrence is 1% or higher. In general, population costs are higher but may be offset by prevention of secondary infections.