title: Idiopathic esophageal ulceration in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.
abstract: Esophageal disease is a common and important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The etiology of HIV-related esophageal ulceration varies. After all known etiologies are excluded, a subgroup of patients remains with esophageal ulceration known as idiopathic esophageal ulceration (IEU). Establishing a diagnosis of IEU is critical and precludes unnecessary treatment with antiviral, antifungal, or antibiotic agents. A review of the current literature indicates that there are no prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind trials on the specific treatment of IEU. Several preliminary reports suggest that corticosteroids and thalidomide may be effective. The incidence and natural history of IEU are incompletely known. It is important to establish that any potential therapeutic agents employed to treat IEU do not increase viral replication or provide viral protection. There is a need for well-designed, placebo-controlled, prospective studies to assess the risks and benefits of corticosteroids, thalidomide, and other agents in the treatment of idiopathic esophageal ulceration.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Division/Department of Medicine, LMDNJ-New Jersey, Medical School 07103, USA.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Vega
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bollu
authors.forename: E Z
authors.initials: EZ
authors.lastname: Dajani
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Trotman
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D014456:Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones