Electrolytes and cholesterol were at normal levels. Further testing ruled out Cushing's syndrome. But the Atlanta patient was not an alcoholic. His viral load was too low to assay, and he has continued on his regimen without any worsening of the fatty growth. The Forum for Collaborative HIV Research has proposed conducting controlled prospective studies to shed light on which of these abnormalities, if any, are due to protease inhibitor use and why.
Several investigations are in development.
It will consider changes in weight and weight distribution, along with the background medical and family history of participants. The second study will follow a group of people on antiviral therapy and collect data over time on triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, testosterone, cortisol, insulin and other factors as well as body fat composition. Other studies are needed to evaluate the pathogenesis of arteriosclerotic heart disease. According to a representative from Merck, the company plans to have greater communications with clinics and patients regarding these unusual conditions. A site on the World Wide Web may be established to answer questions, as with other cases of unexpected side effects.