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Lymphadenopathy

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Q#1: Chronic Lymphadenopathy

Do you have any information on chronic lymphadenopathy?

A: Ken Stringer responds:

The consensus of The Virtual Faculty is that there are not any proven nutritional strategies to deal specifically with lymphadenopathy. But note Charlie Smigelski's, Chester Myers', and Cade Fields-Gardner's responses below for a little history, some suggestions on possible supplementation, and a referral to a more medically based website.

Charlie Smigelski, RD responds:

Chronic lymphadenopathy is the condition of swollen lymph glands. It was a very common early sign of an immune system in trouble, and its presence was labelled ARC in the old days.

Karl Folkers, a Texas researcher, used 100 mg a day of Co Enzyme Q10 to very successfully treat lymphadenopathy, in the days before AZT therapy started. CoQ10 is a fuel boost for immune (and heart) cells.

If a person is on antiviral therapy now, it is a little less clear why they have lymphadenopathy, except that perhaps their anti-HIV therapy is not doing real well for them. At any rate, I would still suggest a 6 week trial of 100mg a day CoQ10 treatment. If there's no change in that amount of time, then there's no sense in continuing at this dose. 30-50 mg a day of CoQ10 is still immune-supportive, and many people take that as part of their anti-oxidant and general immune-supportive supplement regime.

Purchase it at a buyers club too. It is quite pricey at regular retail outlets. Trader Joe's charges $42 for what the Boston Buyer's Club (617 266-2223) charges $22 for.

Chester Myers, PhD, MS responds:

This is not directly a nutritionally related issue. However, I think baseline vitamin/mineral supplementation with a good quality multivitamin with minerals, and monthly B12 shots should be part of the "good diet" regimen that includes fruits and vegetables to get the antioxidants that are in them. Beyond this would require more information.

Cade Fields-Gardner, MS, RD/LD responds:

Lymphadenopathy is a problem with lymph glands and would be considered a "nutrition" question only if one thinks of everything as nutritional. I suggest the questioner check out a medical site such as www.healthcg.com/hiv to get a truly medical answer.

Q#2: Lymphadenopathy & Lipitor

Can lymphadenopathy be caused by taking Lipitor?"

A: Charlie Smigelski, RD responds:

In looking up adverse responses to the drug Lipitor, lymphadenopathy is listed as a known event under the Heme and Lymphatic System section. I have not seen it, but it exists. In HIV, use of other drugs may also be causing it, especially Hydroxyurea.

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